Apple on Tuesday introduced a new feature called Personal Voice that will allow iPhones or iPads to read text in a synthesized voice that mimics that of the device's owner.
The Cupertino company explains that, in order to develop this function, the owner of the device will have to 'train' his smartphone or tablet. In this way, the owners of the device will have to read a series of texts displayed on the screen for 15 minutes. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will do the rest and the device will be ready to mimic the voice of its owner - or the person chosen to read the texts and give voice to the device.
The technology giant highlights the usefulness of this technology for people with any type of speech problem or who are at risk of losing their voice for any reason. The device's new voice will read the owner's instructions to communicate with family and friends as if it were the owner himself. Once again, privacy concerns arise, although Apple claims that its technology "guarantees user privacy".
"At Apple, we have always believed that the best technology is technology built for everyone," said Tim Cook, Apple CEO. "Today, we're thrilled to share incredible new features that build on our long history of making technology accessible, so everyone has the opportunity to create, communicate and do what they love."
In this regard, Apple assures that this innovation is part of its work in collaboration with community groups of users with disabilities. "Accessibility is part of everything we do at Apple," said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. "These innovative features have been designed with input from members of the disability communities in mind at every step of the process, to support a diverse set of users and help people connect in new ways."
