Google Integrating Speech Synthesiser Into Its Products

Google has joined forces with renowned accessibility firm Tobii Dynavox. This is the same firm that was used in creating speech synthesis and eye-tracking devices for the tech giants snap core line of tablets and mobile apps.

What Google aims to achieve is the ease of use and access for people who struggle with disabilities. For example, people who have trouble speaking can now use an integrated assistant to control home appliances and other smart home products.

The touchscreen devices will let owners customise a screen of icons that can produce words and vocal snippets, allowing people with developmental disabilities or motor function impairments to communicate either through touching the icons or by using only their eyes.

“Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to do what they once did or never thought possible. It includes the possibility to communicate, control your surrounding environment and receive the same access to education and information as anyone else,” said Tobii Dynavox CEO Fredrik Ruben in a statement.

The speech synthesis devices will issue the commands directly to the Google device, ensuring the smart speaker or display can carry out the request for turning on lights in a room or queueing up a playlist on Spotify.