Apple recently previewed the upcoming accessibility updates in iOS 17, highlighting two groundbreaking features Apple iOS 17 Personal Voice and Live Speech. These features aim to enhance communication for individuals who are unable to speak or at risk of losing their ability to speak due to conditions like ALS. The first beta of iOS 17 is now available, allowing users to try out the Personal Voice feature.
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iOS 17 Live Speech
Live Speech is a transformative feature available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It enables users to type what they want to say and have it spoken out loud during phone and FaceTime calls, as well as in-person conversations. Additionally, users can save commonly used phrases to quickly participate in lively discussions with family, friends, and colleagues. Live Speech has been designed to support millions of people worldwide who are unable to speak or have experienced a gradual loss of speech over time.
iOS 17 Personal Voice
Building on the Live Speech feature, Apple introduces Personal Voice, a powerful tool specifically designed for individuals at risk of losing their ability to speak, such as those diagnosed with ALS. Personal Voice empowers users to create and save a synthetic voice that closely resembles their own. To accomplish this, users are prompted to read a randomized set of text prompts, recording 15 minutes of audio on their iPhone or iPad. Leveraging on-device machine learning, the device then generates a voice that sounds like the user.
Integration with Live Speech and Real-Life Usage
The Personal Voice feature seamlessly integrates with Live Speech, enabling users to utilize their own synthetic voice during FaceTime calls and in-person conversations. This integration allows individuals with ALS or similar conditions to maintain a more personal and familiar mode of communication, even as their ability to speak diminishes. The combination of Live Speech and Personal Voice offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing communication and social interactions.
Testimonials and Positive Impact
Philip Green, a board member and ALS advocate at the Team Gleason nonprofit, has personally experienced significant changes to his voice since being diagnosed with ALS in 2018. Green praises Apple’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of being able to communicate with loved ones. He highlights the immense difference it makes to convey love and emotions in a voice that sounds like the individual. Green commends Apple’s groundbreaking Personal Voice feature, as it allows users to create their synthetic voice directly on their iPhone within just 15 minutes.
Availability and Other Accessibility Features
Apple plans to roll out these new accessibility features with the release of iOS 17 later this year. In addition to Live Speech and Personal Voice, Apple has also announced several other accessibility updates aimed at improving inclusivity and empowering individuals with diverse needs.
