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baileylo

Why don't GPS units have better speech software?

I don't feel like I'm asking too much. Maybe they could hard code the names of the top 50 US cities. I'm tired of hearing "Take 101 North to San Frahnsisca"; San Francisco is a major city!
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dave

dave

Hah, yeah, it's just using normal text to speech algorithms. As roberto says, it probably takes up a ridiculous amount of time and space to try to properly record and encode names. Plus, it wouldn't be easy to roll out voice updates every time new streets and neighborhoods are added.

But it is jarring to drive around San Francisco and hear a GPS properly pronouncing some names and then just mangling others.

e.g., "Turn left onto DU-BO-CHEY Street in 200 feet." You're wondering what the heck is a "dubochey" and then realize the GPS means Duboce. Okay!
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roberto

roberto

I think it is because it is actually reading the words, rather than using labels that are pre-stored in the device. Probably saves memory space?
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