Tech The life-changing benefits of Apple's Personal Voice and Live Speech Transformational features for those at risk of losing their voice Published December 26, 2024 6:00am EST close The life-changing benefits of Apples Personal Voice and Live Speech Create a synthesized voice that sounds just like you. Imagine losing the ability to speak and communicate with your loved ones. It sounds scary, right? What if you could preserve your unique voice and continue expressing yourself, even when speaking becomes challenging?Apple's Personal Voice and Live Speech features are groundbreaking accessibility tools designed to do exactly that. These innovative technologies allow you to create a synthesized voice that sounds just like you, giving individuals at risk of losing their speech a powerful way to maintain their personal communication style.Whether you're dealing with a progressive medical condition, recovering from an injury, or simply want a backup communication method, Personal Voice and Live Speech offer an incredible solution. Live Speech and Personal Voice features on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How does Personal Voice work?Personal Voice lets you create a digital version of your own voice by recording a series of phrases. Here's how it works:Personalized voice synthesis: Record your voice using your iPhone, iPad or Mac.Privacy-focused: Voices are encrypted and stored securely on your device.Compatibility: Works across Apple devices running iOS 17, iPadOS 17 or macOS Sonoma or later. Personal Voice feature on iPhone. Setting up Personal VoicePersonal Voice allows you to create a synthesized voice that sounds like your own. But first, ensure you have a compatible device running iOS 17, iPadOS 17 or macOS Sonoma or later. Choose a quiet room with minimal echo or background noise. You can pause and resume the recording session as needed. Now, here's how to set it up:On iPhone or iPad:Open theSettings app.Go toAccessibility.ClickPersonal Voice.Tap "Create a Personal Voice."Authenticate usingFace ID, Touch ID or yourdevice passcode. Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)ClickContinue.Click therecord button at the bottom of the screen.Follow theon-screen instructions, which require you to"Read the Phrase" on the screen to record 150 randomly chosen phrases.It will tell you once you are done recording. Then clickContinue. Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)On Mac:Go toApple menu. Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)ClickSystem Settings.Then, selectAccessibility.ClickPersonal Voiceon the left of the screen.Then, click"Create a Personal Voice." Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Authenticate usingTouch ID, or yourdevice passcode.Then tapContinue, and thenContinue again. Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)ClickContinue one more time.Click "Continue with Default Phrases."Click therecord button at the bottom of the screen to check the sound quality.Then tapDone. Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Follow theon-screen instructions, which require you to"Read the Phrase" on the screen to record 150 randomly chosen phrases. In this example, you'd say, "Does he know how to speak Spanish?"Make sure it's set toContinuous recording so that you can go from reading one phrase to the next without stopping.It will tell you once you are done recording. Then clickContinue.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Steps to set up Personal Voice feature on Mac. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Note:The device will generate your personal voice after you complete the 150-phrase recording process, which typically takes a few hours to days to fully process. It will process your speech securely on your device overnight while it is charging and connected to Wi-Fi. You can create multiple voices on each device, and the voice generation occurs only when your device is locked and charging.Using Live SpeechLive Speech allows you to type what you want to say and have it spoken aloud using your Personal Voice or other system voices. Here's how to set it up and use Live Speech:On iPhone/iPad:ClickSettings.TapAccessibility.ClickLive Speech.Toggle onLive Speech. Steps to use Live Speech on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)On Mac:TapApple menu.ClickSystem Settings.Select Accessibility.ClickLive Speech. Steps to use Live Speech on Mac. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)On Apple Watch:Go to theSettings app.TapAccessibility.ClickLive Speech.Toggle onLive Speech.Then scroll down andselect a voice to use, including your created Personal Voice, if available.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Steps to use Live Speech on Apple Watch. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to use Live SpeechOn iPhone/iPad:Triple-click the side or top button.Tap"Live Speech."Typeyour message.Tap "Send" to have it spoken aloud.On Mac:Click theType to Speak text field in the Live Speech window.Typeyour message.Tap the play button to have it spoken aloud.On Apple Watch:Triple-click the Digital Crown.TapLive SpeechTap where it says"Type to Speak."Type your messageusing the letters below it.Tap "Send" to have it spoken aloud.Kurt's key takeawaysPersonal Voice and Live Speech provide a means of communication for those who may lose their ability to speak and offer a deeply personal touch by allowing users to maintain their own voice. The ability to use these features across multiple Apple devices ensures continuity and accessibility in various situations, from phone calls to in-person conversations. It's important to note that Apple has designed these features with privacy and security in mind. Personal Voice data is encrypted and stored securely on the device, and when shared across devices, it uses end-to-end encryption in iCloud.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPCan you share a personal experience where advanced accessibility tools made a significant difference in your or someone elses life? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.