Talking computer software is a type of program that is able to provide output information for a user in the form of audible, spoken words. These programs can be utilized for a number of reasons, including text-to-talk programs that allow a user to type in words and hear them repeated as spoken voice. There are also desktop and computer control programs that can create an interactive experience for users through spoken input and output. Talking computer software is often utilized to make computer use easier and more effective for those who may have special needs, including people with limited eyesight.
Regardless of the purpose of a particular talking computer software program, the function of such software is often the same. These programs are developed with a wealth of voice information, usually pre-recorded words and sounds, which can be assembled by the computer as a string of words or sentences for audio output. This database of voice information is then used by the program to generate speech. Some types of talking computer software are able to generate speech more organically, through computerized voices that do not strictly sound like people but are able to generate a certain amount of inflection and speech variation.
One of the most common uses of talking computer software is in the development of text-to-talk programs that are able to generate audio output based on user input. This type of program allows someone to type words into a dialogue box or other input region, which are then spoken aloud by the computer program. Someone who is mute or otherwise limited vocally, for example, can use this program to type out text that is spoken by the computer. Other talking computer software can be used by individuals who are blind or have visual impairments, to have information on websites or other computer applications spoken aloud.
There are also developments being made in talking computer software to create more interactive forms of software applications. A talking desktop program, for example, can be used to turn a computer into a virtual assistant with spoken and oratory interfaces. Speech recognition software can be used with this type of talking computer software to allow someone to talk to a program in order to activate different processes, and the program can then talk back in response. This type of software is still being developed, but the potential is there for far more interactive and complete user experiences with software and hardware.