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As part of the current version of iOS 14.5 beta 6, Apple is making several notable changes to Siri. The company says Siri will no longer default to a female voice starting with iOS 14.5, and is adding two more voice options to choose from. The changes also apply to HomePod.
As first reported by TechCrunch, Apple says this change is part of its continued commitment to diversity:
“We’re excited to introduce two new Siri voices for English speakers and the ability for Siri users to select the voice they want when setting up their device,” a statement from Apple read. “This is a continuation of Apple’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and products and services designed to better reflect the diversity of the world we live in.”
The report explains that the new voices use “source talent recordings which are then performed through Apple’s Neural text-to-speech engine.” This allows voices to “flow more organically” even when phrases are generated on the fly. New voices are available in English speaking countries.
This means that starting with iOS 14.5, users will be prompted to choose a voice assistant for themselves for the first time. We are always updating our devices and will let you know when we have had a chance to try this.
Additionally, iOS 14.5 beta 6 also brings improvements to Siri voices in Ireland, Russia and Italy, upgrading them to Neural Text-to-Speech. This means that 38 voices are now using this new technology. “Siri now processes 25 billion requests on more than 500 million devices and supports 21 languages in 36 countries,” the report says.
If you notice any changes in the iOS 14.5 beta or other new releases from Apple today, let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @ 9to5Mac. Stay tuned for our full handy coverage with new releases here at 9to5Mac today.
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