Mac OS: Create audio file from text
From text to spoken file: With the Mac, you can easily create an audio file from your written manuscript. The free tool Toau is particularly suitable for this.
Toau - convert texts to audio files
Siri has long been the first reliable speech output among Apple users. In combination with Toau, you now have the option of carrying your essays on the iPod Shuffle and playing them to others.
- Download Toau from the official website.
- Open the program. You can now either write a text in the free field or copy an existing one.
- Press the Play button to have the text read out to you first. If you are satisfied, go to the "Share" symbol to the right of the play and stop button. A new window opens in which you can select the name, file format and location of the new audio file.
- It is even easier: Select any text, then click the right mouse button. Under "Services" click on the option "Add to iTunes as a spoken title". The section is thus easily added to your music library.
Mac OS: These voices exist
If you like a bit of variety, you don't always have to be satisfied with the pre-installed voice in Mac OS: German users can choose from three different voices. Apple now supports a total of 20 different language packs. You can manage these in the system settings.
- Go to "Language" in the system settings and then select "Speech".
- Usually the speaker "Anna" is pre-installed on MacBooks. To get Yannik and Steffi as well, check these two and press "Ok". With a click on "Playback" you can preview voice samples. Note: The size of the language packs is approx. 520MB.
- Back in the "Language" submenu, you can now select your favorite speaker and set the reading speed.
Android users don't have to give up on voice output: there are now also some alternatives to Siri in the Play Store that breathe a little life into your smartphone.