Windows 10: Is a license needed from Microsoft to use the Microsoft Sabina voice or other voices WAV...

Martin Vieyra · Feb 20, 2023

Is a license needed from Microsoft to use the Microsoft Sabina voice or other voices WAV, MP3 etc. file recordings in commercial products? For example recording the audio via SAPI 5 to a WAV or MP3 file?Thanks.

:)

Brink · Feb 20, 2023

Microsoft bringing cloud powered voices to Microsoft Edge Insiders

Beginning with the most recent Dev and Canary channel releases, preview builds of Microsoft Edge now include support for 24 cloud powered text to speech voices across 21 different locales. One place where these will start to show up is in Read Aloud, a feature from the current (EdgeHTML-based) version of Microsoft Edge that gives people the option to have websites read to them by the browser.

A common theme that we heard from Read Aloud feedback in the current version of Microsoft Edge was that the default speaking voices sounded robotic and unnatural. People also told us how time consuming it was to install different language packs so that they could read text in other languages. We have made this experience better with the arrival of cloud powered speaking voicesin the preview builds of Microsoft Edge.

What are cloud powered voices?

Powered by Microsoft Cognitive Services, these new voices come in two different styles and can be distinguished from other voices you may have installed on your computer by the fact that they have “Microsoft <voiceName> Online” in their names:

Neural voices – Powered by deep neural networks, these voices are the most natural sounding voices available today.

Standard voices – These voices are the standard online voices offered by Microsoft Cognitive Services. Voices with “24kbps” in their title will sound clearer compared to other standard voices due to their improved audio bitrate.

Using cloud powered voices

The easiest way to try out the new array of cloud-powered voices is to use the Read Aloud feature. To do this, navigate to a website, select some text, right click it, and select “Read aloud selection”. This will start Read Aloud and will also open the Read Aloud menu bar which lets you pick different voices and adjust reading speed by clicking on the “Voice options” button:

It’s also worth noting that these voices have been exposed to developers through the JavaScript SpeechSynthesis API. This means that any web-based text to speech application can leverage them to create more configurable and human sounding experiences in the new version of Microsoft Edge!

Let us know what you think

Which voice is your favorite? Do you have any other suggestions for how we could make this experience even better? If you have any feedback for us, please send it our way using the “smiley face” in the top right corner of the browser.

We’re excited to hear what you think!

– Scott Low, Program Manager, Microsoft Edge HTML Platform
Click to expand...

Source: Bringing cloud powered voices to Microsoft Edge Insiders - Microsoft Edge Blog

See also: Microsoft Edge Insider preview builds are now ready for you to try

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) View on Twiiter
Click to expand...

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) View on Twiiter
Click to expand...

Brink · Feb 20, 2023

Microsoft bringing cloud powered voices to Microsoft Edge Insiders

Beginning with the most recent Dev and Canary channel releases, preview builds of Microsoft Edge now include support for 24 cloud powered text to speech voices across 21 different locales. One place where these will start to show up is in Read Aloud, a feature from the current (EdgeHTML-based) version of Microsoft Edge that gives people the option to have websites read to them by the browser.

A common theme that we heard from Read Aloud feedback in the current version of Microsoft Edge was that the default speaking voices sounded robotic and unnatural. People also told us how time consuming it was to install different language packs so that they could read text in other languages. We have made this experience better with the arrival of cloud powered speaking voicesin the preview builds of Microsoft Edge.

What are cloud powered voices?

Powered by Microsoft Cognitive Services, these new voices come in two different styles and can be distinguished from other voices you may have installed on your computer by the fact that they have “Microsoft <voiceName> Online” in their names:

Neural voices – Powered by deep neural networks, these voices are the most natural sounding voices available today.

Standard voices – These voices are the standard online voices offered by Microsoft Cognitive Services. Voices with “24kbps” in their title will sound clearer compared to other standard voices due to their improved audio bitrate.

Using cloud powered voices

The easiest way to try out the new array of cloud-powered voices is to use the Read Aloud feature. To do this, navigate to a website, select some text, right click it, and select “Read aloud selection”. This will start Read Aloud and will also open the Read Aloud menu bar which lets you pick different voices and adjust reading speed by clicking on the “Voice options” button:

It’s also worth noting that these voices have been exposed to developers through the JavaScript SpeechSynthesis API. This means that any web-based text to speech application can leverage them to create more configurable and human sounding experiences in the new version of Microsoft Edge!

Let us know what you think

Which voice is your favorite? Do you have any other suggestions for how we could make this experience even better? If you have any feedback for us, please send it our way using the “smiley face” in the top right corner of the browser.

We’re excited to hear what you think!

– Scott Low, Program Manager, Microsoft Edge HTML Platform
Click to expand...

Source: Bringing cloud powered voices to Microsoft Edge Insiders - Microsoft Edge Blog

See also: Microsoft Edge Insider preview builds are now ready for you to try

Tweet

— Twitter API (@User) View on Twiiter[/quote]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) View on Twiiter
Click to expand...

Brink · Feb 20, 2023

Google Voice now available to make and receive calls in Gmail

Quick launch summary

Google Voice is now available in Gmail when using Chrome or Firefox browsers on your computer. This allows you to make and receive calls without switching tabs. Google Voice in Gmail looks similar to the call panel in the Voice web application, allowing you to answer calls, make new outbound calls, and easily transfer calls.

In addition, you can now transfer calls using the Google Voice mobile and web apps. In a few simple steps, you can send a call to the appropriate person, whether that’s an intelligently-suggested contact, searching in your directory or a manually entered phone number.

Call transferring is available in Voice on Android, iOS, and the web.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.

End users: These features will be available to Voice customers by default. Visit the Help Center to learn more about transferring calls or using Google Voice in Gmail.

Rollout pace

Google Voice call transfer

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on May 19, 2020

Google Voice in Gmail

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on June 3, 2020

Availability

Available to all G Suite customers with Google Voice licenses

Resources

Google Help: Transfer a call

Google Help: Use Voice in Gmail

Roadmap

These features were listed as an upcoming G Suite release.

Click to expand...

Source: G Suite Updates Blog: Google Voice Improvements: Use in Gmail and transfer calls

Windows 10: Is a license needed from Microsoft to use the Microsoft Sabina voice or other voices WAV...

Is a license needed from Microsoft to use the Microsoft Sabina voice or other voices WAV...

Is a license needed from Microsoft to use the Microsoft Sabina voice or other voices WAV...

Is a license needed from Microsoft to use the Microsoft Sabina voice or other voices WAV...

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