The State of Text-to-Speech Technology for Blind Users: A Call for Innovation
Despite advanced text-to-speech (TTS) features thriving in mainstream technology, blind users still depend on outdated systems, highlighting a significant gap in inclusivity. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stagnation in Technology: The favored voice among blind users, Eloquence, hasn’t been updated since 2003, leading to compatibility issues and security risks.
- Language Limitations: TTS systems often cater to sighted preferences. Non-English speaking blind users face inadequate solutions, pulling from 1995-era design decisions.
- Modern AI Challenges: AI-based TTS models like Supertonic and Kitten TTS are fast but struggle with accuracy, speed, and control, failing to meet the unique needs of blind users.
The future requires innovation tailored to the blind community’s needs. Are you ready to advocate for a tech landscape that prioritizes inclusivity in TTS?
👉 Let’s connect and share solutions! #AI #Accessibility #TextToSpeech #Inclusion
