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January 22, 2010

CommPower Chooses AT&T Natural Voices Text-To-Speech from Wizzard Software



By Raju Shanbhag, TMCnet Contributor


Text-to-speech technology has many advantages to not only the private companies, but also to government agencies.
 
With the help of this technology, government agencies can deliver important messages even to illiterate listeners. Recently, Wizzard Software and Communications and Power Engineering Inc. (CommPower) reportedly signed a long-term agreement for Wizzard to provide AT&T Natural Voices text-to-speech to be the new voice of the NOAA/NWS Weather and Warning Services.

 
Text-to-speech technology takes text and produces artificial, machine-made speech. TTS has been around for many years, though only in the past few years has synthesized speech reached a high level of naturalness.
 
The new agreement will pave the way for the development of a nationwide dissemination system that delivers around-the-clock weather, all-hazards and other emergency information.
 
The Program will enhance the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic (News - Alert) and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service that provides weather forecasts, watches, warnings and other emergency messages to the public and emergency managers
 
“AT&T (News - Alert) Natural Voices is an award-winning text-to-speech engine that converts text into voice for a wide variety of applications,” said Juergen Schroeter, Executive Director of Speech Algorithms and Engines Research, AT&T Labs. “It enables the next generation of consumer products, business devices, games, and automated voice response systems by providing a natural component of human interaction, a speaking voice with crystal clarity.”
 
Wizzard will be licensing and deploying AT&T Natural Voices around the world for a variety of applications. The company believes that the text-to speech technology is important in a nationwide public alert system.
 
Recently, the company announced text-messaging donations to aid Haiti earthquake victims.
 
According to AT&T officials, wireless customers of the company can send $10 donations to the Red Cross International Relief Fund by sending a text message from their mobile device. Standard text messaging rates may apply. A customer has to simply type the word HAITI and send it to 90999. A confirmation message will arrive within a few minutes.
 

Raju Shanbhag is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Raju’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Marisa Torrieri


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