Technology

AI-NARRATED AUDIOBOOKS: A NEW FRONTIER IN READING

You can’t watch the news lately without hearing about AI, artificial intelligence. The world of literature has been using various forms of artificial intelligence for years. Grammar and spell checkers use AI, as do stores when they recommend other books you might like. While we’ve had text-to-speech, technology, for sometime, in recent months, the quality has grown to a point that it’s not always easy to distinguish between synthesized voice, and a human one. While human narrators might be cringing at the thought, no AI voice will ever replace the magic a human voice actor can create. Instead, AI narrators fill a gap human narrators can’t provide by bringing the written word to the ear by necessity or for convenience. As a result, AI-narrated books are gaining popularity among readers and online bookstores, transforming the way we consume literature.

WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?

AI-narrated audiobooks have been around as long as Siri, but they’ve recently gained impressive momentum. AI voice quality has become so expressive that it’s not always easy to distinguish between human and AI narrators. As readers continue to respond positively, publishers will meet their needs with more audiobooks in less time and at a lower cost.

HOW ARE READERS RESPONDING?

Like many innovations (think ebooks), AI-narrated audiobooks have been met with mixed reactions from readers. Some are hesitant to embrace the new trend, preferring human narrators, while others have welcomed it, citing convenience and affordability. With busy schedules, many readers find it challenging to read physical books, and audiobooks provide a solution, making it possible to read while performing other activities.

WHERE CAN I FIND THESE AI-NARRATED AUDIOBOOKS

Online bookstores have also embraced AI-narrated audiobooks, making them more accessible to readers. Google, Apple, and Kobo all carry AI narrated audiobooks, along with many other online audiobook stores.

IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?

AI-narrated audiobooks are transforming the literary world, expanding the reader choices. As the quality of narration improves, readers will be able to read more books than ever before. Publishers are embracing the trend. As readers continue to accept AI-narrated audiobooks, their availability will increase, providing a more convenient and affordable way to consume literature.