Since Apple introduced Siri to iPhone and iPad users, several companies have followed its lead and produced either similar software for their devices or are working to develop one for their own unique products. Amazon already offers text-to-speech on the Kindle Fire slates’ through “Explore by Touch” and “Voice Guide” but is now looking to enhance its voice system. The company made an announcement on January 24 stating it is buying text-to-speech software company, Ivona for an undisclosed amount.
Amazon’s spokesperson, Dave Limp, stated that “We look forward to building great products to deliver world-class voice solutions to customers around the world.” The press release from the company states that from now on, Ivona will continue to innovate and produce its voice systems within Amazon.
Ivona is not a new company for Amazon and the text-to-speech translation system from the company has been equipped in Kindle Fire tablets. Besides this the powerful multi-lingual speech system also got the highest score in a scientific contest Blizzard Challenger that gauges how “real” a computer-generated voice is.
It is quite clear that Amazon wants to boost its digital speech services, which it offers to customers through Kindle Fire tablets, so the electronic commerce corporation can compete against big tech companies like Samsung’s S voice and Apple’s Siri. But Amazon is not alone in this race to improve the digital voice system. Apple is also working on similar lines and has hired a former research executive from Amazon during the last year to enhance Siri.
Source: FastCompany, Reuters
Photo: News
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