Apple has yet to make a big splash with Generative AI. But that doesn’t mean Apple isn’t innovating with Gen AI or introducing it into their product lines. Like most things Apple, it’s subtle.
With iOS 17, Apple introduced Personal Voice - a way to use your own voice (or someone else’s) as a voice in various speech features. With a little bit of setup, you’ll be AMAZED at how brilliantly this works and how it can unlock special meaning (at least it did for me!).
Apple launched Siri as their voice AI personality in
October 2011 - 12 years ago today! That distinct voice become a key part of the Apple brand and software ecosystem across the entire product line - from Mac to iPad to iPhone to Apple Watch. Siri is also the default interface in Apple HomePod!
I met Susan Bennett - the voice of Siri - in 2016 in LA. It was uncanny how well they captured her voice and turned it into Siri. Imagine doing that with AI and technology from 12+ years ago!!
Susan Bennett - the voice of Siri - at the Digital Summit in Los Angeles. April 2016
Now in 2023, we have advanced multiple generations of AI from when Apple first built Siri. Generative AI models and capabilities are enabling a whole new world of use cases that we didn’t dream were possible. And it seems like we’re just getting started (though we’ve been in slow motion for decades)!
When Apple announced iOS 17 in September 2023, Personal Voice wasn’t major news. In fact, it’s not even a prominent feature and you’d be hard pressed to find it even. If you are on a newer generation iPhone , iPad or Mac, you’re in luck!
Personal Voice is an Accessibility feature that uses machine learning to create a synthesized version of your voice. You “train” personal voice with 150 samples of your speech (about 15 minutes) and leave your locked and charged overnight to allow it to process your voice samples into the new synthetic voice. By morning, you’ll be able to use it to do magical things.
I tried it with my son’s voice, not mine. Two reasons why I chose his voice: