Fonix Speech has released updates to its two principal speech software development kits (SDK). Both DECtalk text-to-speech (TTS) and VoiceIn Standard Edition automatic speech recognition (ASR) support Linux, and have gained new features and support for other major operating systems, according to the company.

DECtalk text-to-speech — “classic” voices re-released

Fonix claims that DECtalk is the smallest footprint, full-featured, multi-language TTS in the industry. The new version 4.6.3 re-releases “classic” DECtalk TTS voices, the company says. Fonix senior vice president Walt Nawrocki said, “Fonix DECtalk 4.6.3 allows developers to provide user access to the new, improved synthesis TTS voices, as well as the nine classic DECtalk voices circa 1993, including 'Perfect Paul'.”

The package now supports Italian in addition to US and UK English, French, German, and both Castilian and Latin American Spanish. The naturalness and intelligibility of German and Spanish have been improved, according to Fonix.

VoiceIn automatic speech recognition goes multi-channel

VoiceIn Standard Edition (SE) 4.0.1 is based on the company's proprietary neural network-based technology. It provides accurate speaker-independent ASR in noisy environments, according to Fonix. The new version now supports multiple channels in a wider array of operating systems and development platforms, and also adds Italian language support.

The multi-channel feature allows developers to create applications that run “more concurrent channels on a single platform than competitive offerings,” according to Fonix, thereby reducing the number of speech servers required for a given application. Additionally, the new release adds support for programming in VB.NET.

Both packages support Linux, as well as the full range of Windows and Windows Embedded operating systems, QNX, and Symbian. Supported processors include ARM 7/9, Intel XScale, TI OMAP, MIPS, Freescale PowerPC 5200, and Renesas SH3/4.

 
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