Google's TTS Enables Seamless Language Switching

Author

Ryan Howard
May 20, 2025

🔊 Soundcheck

  • Google's TTS now switches languages seamlessly.

  • Shopify introduces AI agents to enhance online shopping.

  • DoorDash halts AI voice-ordering pilot after challenges.

  • SAG-AFTRA sues Epic over AI's Darth Vader voice.

Read time: 4 minutes

🔥 Hot Mic

Big moves, deep dives, and standout stories.

Google has introduced a significant update to its text-to-speech (TTS) technology, allowing for seamless language switching within a single sentence. This advancement enables more natural and fluid multilingual interactions, crucial for global voice-based applications.

The new TTS system can recognize and adapt to multiple languages on the fly, eliminating the need for manual language selection. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who frequently switch between languages, enhancing accessibility and user experience.

In addition to language switching, the updated TTS offers more human-like expression, including the ability to modulate tone and even whisper, making interactions more engaging and lifelike.

This development is expected to have a significant impact on various applications, from virtual assistants to language learning tools, by providing more natural and intuitive multilingual support.

Key Points:
• Google's TTS now supports seamless language switching mid-sentence.
• The system automatically recognizes and adapts to multiple languages.
• Enhanced human-like expressions include tone modulation and whispering.
• Improves accessibility and user experience in global voice applications.

Takeaway: Google's latest TTS update marks a major leap in multilingual voice technology, offering seamless language transitions and more natural interactions, thereby enhancing global communication and accessibility.

Shopify has introduced AI-powered shopping agents designed to enhance the online shopping experience for both retailers and consumers. These agents aim to provide real-time assistance, answering customer inquiries and offering personalized product recommendations.

The integration of conversational AI into Shopify's platform signifies a significant advancement in e-commerce, enabling retailers to offer more interactive and responsive customer service. This move aligns with the growing trend of incorporating AI to streamline operations and improve user engagement.

By leveraging these AI agents, Shopify merchants can anticipate and address customer needs more efficiently, potentially leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. The technology also allows for 24/7 support, catering to the demands of a global customer base.

This development reflects Shopify's commitment to innovation and its focus on empowering retailers with cutting-edge tools to compete in the evolving digital marketplace.

Key Points:
• Shopify launches AI-powered shopping agents for retailers.
• Agents provide real-time assistance and product recommendations.
• Enhances customer service and engagement on e-commerce sites.
• Reflects Shopify's commitment to innovation in digital commerce.

Takeaway: Shopify's introduction of AI shopping agents marks a significant step in enhancing online retail experiences, offering retailers advanced tools to improve customer engagement and streamline operations.

DoorDash has decided to end its AI-powered voice-ordering pilot program, which was designed to assist restaurants in handling phone orders. This move comes after the company faced significant challenges in deploying the technology effectively.

The pilot, launched in August 2023, aimed to streamline the ordering process by using AI to take customer calls and process orders. Despite initial enthusiasm, the system encountered operational difficulties that led to its discontinuation.

This development highlights the complexities of integrating AI into the food service industry, where human interaction and nuanced customer service play crucial roles. DoorDash's experience underscores the need for careful consideration when implementing AI solutions in such settings.

Key Points:
• DoorDash ends AI voice-ordering pilot due to challenges.
• Pilot launched in August 2023 to assist with phone orders.
• Operational difficulties led to discontinuation of the system.
• Highlights complexities of AI integration in food service.

Takeaway: The discontinuation of DoorDash's AI voice-ordering pilot underscores the challenges of implementing AI in the food service industry, emphasizing the importance of balancing technological innovation with effective customer service.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Llama Productions, a subsidiary of Epic Games. The union alleges that the company used artificial intelligence to recreate Darth Vader's voice in Fortnite without prior consultation. (apnews.com)

SAG-AFTRA claims that Llama Productions made unilateral changes to employment terms by replacing unionized voice actors with AI-generated voices, violating the union's right to negotiate. This legal action is part of a broader dispute over AI's role in the entertainment industry. (apnews.com)

The union emphasizes the importance of protecting members' rights over their digital replicas and insists on negotiating terms for technologies that replicate human performances. Epic Games has not yet responded to the allegations. (apnews.com)

Key Points:
• SAG-AFTRA files charge against Epic Games' subsidiary.
• AI used to replicate Darth Vader's voice in Fortnite.
• Union alleges violation of employment terms and negotiation rights.
• Epic Games has not yet responded to the allegations.

Takeaway: The lawsuit underscores the growing tension between labor unions and entertainment companies over the use of AI to replicate performers' voices, highlighting the need for clear agreements and protections in the evolving digital landscape.

🎙️ Mic Drop

What else is making noise in voice AI.

  • HQ unveils AI-powered voice booking for corporate ground travel, letting users book rides via conversational assistant. (prnewswire.com)

  • FBI warns of AI voice cloning scams targeting officials in advanced phishing/vishing attacks, raising enterprise cyber-risk concerns. (rudebaguette.com)

  • HAPP secures $50K to scale voice AI capable of handling 87% of inbound B2B calls, eyeing broader pre-seed round. (odessa-journal.com)

  • Switch 2 GameChat adds live subtitles and text-to-speech, boosting accessibility and voice communication for gamers. (techradar.com)

  • boost.ai partners with Ciklum to offer compliant, rapid conversational AI solutions, targeting enterprise clients at scale. (prnewswire.co.uk)

  • ConvoZen.AI chosen by Indian government for citizen helpline analysis, gets grant and LLM initiative prospects. (businesstoday.in)

  • Union files complaint against Epic Games for using AI vocal replica of Darth Vader, intensifying AI and labor disputes. (games.mxdwn.com)

  • Auribus launches a DAW-integrated AI voice platform with licensed singer voices, centering on ethical compensation for creators. (mixonline.com)

  • Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat will support accessibility by adding live subtitles and text-to-speech conversion. (wccftech.com)

  • Examines AI voice hijacking threats and offers actionable security tips for businesses to counter deepfake scams. (helpnetsecurity.com)

  • SAG-AFTRA files NLRB complaint over Epic Games’ AI Darth Vader voice casting in Fortnite. (pcgamesinsider.biz)

  • The AI-generated Darth Vader voice in Fortnite prompts union complaint over lack of negotiation and actor consent. (hypebeast.com)

  • Nintendo Switch 2's Game Chat reportedly adds live subtitling and text-to-speech for more accessible in-game communication. (gamesindustry.biz)

  • Union alleges unfair practices by Llama Productions for not negotiating AI use of James Earl Jones' voice in Fortnite. (jedinews.com)