Apple’s iOS 17 is introducing innovative Accessibility features, including Personal Voice and Live Speech, designed to empower users to create and securely store a digital representation of their voice for text-based communication. These features cater to a wide range of users, from those with health conditions impacting speech to anyone interested in preserving their unique voice for the future. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up Personal Voice on your iPhone running the iOS 17 beta.
What is Personal Voice? Personal Voice allows users to create a digital version of their voice within approximately an hour, a significant improvement over the weeks typically required for traditional voice banking services. Whether you have health conditions like ALS or simply wish to safeguard your voice, Personal Voice offers a valuable solution.
Setting Up Personal Voice on iPhone with iOS 17:
- Access Settings: On your iPhone running the iOS 17 beta, open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Accessibility: Swipe down within the Settings app and tap on “Accessibility.”
- Choose Personal Voice: Scroll down again and, under the “Speech” section, select “Personal Voice.”
- Initiate Voice Creation: Tap “Create a Personal Voice” to begin the process.
- Follow Prompts: Ensure you’re in a quiet environment, and hold your iPhone approximately 6 inches away from your mouth. Speak naturally as you follow the prompts.
- Recording Progress: You can stop and resume the process at any time. Your progress is saved, allowing you to complete the setup in chunks that suit your schedule.
- Optimize Processing: If you encounter issues with processing, try using a wired cable for charging instead of wireless charging. This can help ensure the completion of the feature.
Personalizing Your Voice:
- Select a Name: You have the option to name your personalized voice or use the default one.
- Sound Check: Perform a sound check to ensure optimal voice recording quality.
- Recording Phrases: As you start recording, the process will guide you through various phrases.
- Save Progress: Tap “Done” in the top left corner to save your progress and return later if needed. You can also navigate back to previous phrases using the back arrow.
Live Speech Feature:
After creating your Personal Voice, you can enable the Live Speech feature under Settings > Accessibility using a triple-click shortcut. Live Speech allows you to type-to-speak in apps such as FaceTime, Phone, and third-party applications that support assistive communication.
With the introduction of iOS 17, Apple is making strides in enhancing accessibility and user experience. The Personal Voice feature empowers individuals with diverse needs to communicate effectively using their digital voice replicas. By following the outlined steps, you can set up your Personal Voice and take advantage of the Live Speech functionality, ensuring a more inclusive and personalized interaction with your iPhone. As the beta version of iOS 17 showcases these advancements, users can look forward to a more accessible and customizable digital experience with their Apple devices.
