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The Sixth Developer Beta for iOS 14.5 went live earlier today and comes with some great features: two new real-sounding American Siri voices and an updated Drum Tool for iPhone 11 users. Watch our hands-on video walkthrough for more details and be sure to subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube for more video content.
What’s new in iOS 14.5 beta 6?
As we get closer and closer to iOS 14.5 RC, Apple has continued to add remarkable new features to what could be the last significant release in the iOS 14 lifecycle.
Two new American accent voices Siri
In iOS 14.5 beta 6, Siri receives a major update – adding two new American Siri voices – a male and a female – to the mix. In previous versions of iOS, there were only two voices available for the American accent. These updated voices are not only making their way to iPhones running the iOS 14.5 beta, but I’ve also been able to test the iPad, Apple Watch, and even the HomePod beta with the new voice additions.
Video: iOS 14.5 Beta 6 Changes and Features
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With the updated voices, iOS 14.5 beta 6 will no longer automatically default to the female voice. During the initial setup of iOS, users are prompted to choose a preferred voice for Siri. For those who are updating OTA to iOS 14.5 beta 6, you will find the option to choose between the new voices via Settings → Siri and Search → Siri Voice.
the Variety (titled Accent in previous versions of iOS) will display the different accents available for the language you’ve set up Siri for, while the Voice The header allows you to choose between the voices available in that language / variety. As before, choosing a new voice will download the new voice on demand, directly from the Siri & Voice preferences panel.
As mentioned by TechCrunch:
Both new voices use source talent recordings which are then played back through Apple’s Neural text-to-speech engine, allowing the voices to flow more organically through phrases that are actually generated on the fly.
I like the new voices and I think they sound realistic. The inflections, tones and rhythm are more real than before, delivering a unique sound that will appeal to a wider variety of preferences. Voices still have a ways to go in terms of naturalness, as demonstrated by asking Siri to ‘tell me a story’. In addition to US English updates, iOS 14.5 beta 6 also provides Neural text-to-speech engine upgrades for Siri voices in Ireland, Italy, and Russian.
An update for iPhone battery health settings is also newly introduced in iOS 14.5 beta 6. The update brings a new battery recalibration tool to the table of iPhone users. The updated toolkit is only available to iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max users at this time, but it makes sense to think that more availability will come with time. .
The problem with imprecise battery calibration
The new tool does exactly what it says, allowing users to recalibrate their iPhone’s internal battery when performance falls short of expectations. Apple even created a brand new support article on its website, publicly available from this article, explaining the details of the battery calibration methodology.
The battery calibration tool addresses two main areas: reporting on maximum battery capacity and peak performance capacity. By addressing these areas, Apple hopes to address inaccurate battery health estimates affecting a subset of users. While Apple notes that inaccurate battery reports do not necessarily reflect an actual battery health issue, the bug could result in unexpected battery drain behavior or, in a smaller number of cases, battery capacity. reduced peak performance.
This new battery calibration process will occur during normal charge cycles and, as Apple notes in its support documentation, can take a few weeks. The end result of the battery calibration process is that the maximum capacity and peak performance measurements will be updated to be accurately reflected in Settings → Battery → Battery Status. If the recalibration fails, Apple suggests taking the iPhone to an Apple store or other authorized service provider for a battery replacement.
The taking of 9to5mac
iOS 14.5 was already shaping up to be a big version before these two new features appeared. With upgrades to the Music app, Apple Watch’s new unlock feature, additional emoji characters, and more, this latest iPhone update seems to be sending iOS 14 with a bang.
What do you think of the new changes and features in iOS 14.5 beta 6? Make your comments heard in the comments.
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