ElevenLabs Expands Global Reach of AI-Powered Reader App with 32-Language Support

ElevenLabs, the innovative startup behind advanced AI-powered tools for creating and editing synthetic voices, has announced the global availability of its Reader app. Initially launched in June in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, the app is now accessible worldwide with support for 32 languages, marking a significant expansion in its reach and functionality.

A Global Solution for Text-to-Speech Needs

The Reader app by ElevenLabs offers users the ability to upload various text-based content, such as articles, PDF documents, and e-books, and convert it into spoken word across multiple languages and voices. This feature is particularly valuable for users looking to consume content in different languages or for those with accessibility needs. The app's newly expanded language support includes Portuguese, Spanish, French, Hindi, German, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, Italian, Tamil, and Swedish, among others.

An AI-Powered Tool with Vast Capabilities

Founded as a startup focused on AI-driven voice technology, ElevenLabs has rapidly gained recognition for its sophisticated tools, culminating in a recent $80 million funding round that propelled it to unicorn status. Backed by prominent investors like Andreessen Horowitz, ElevenLabs has provided its technology for a variety of use cases, including dubbing and text-to-speech (TTS) features. The company's API powers voice interactions in products like the Rabbit r1 robot and AI-enhanced search engines like Perplexity, as well as audio platforms such as Pocket FM and Kuku FM. The Reader app represents ElevenLabs' first direct-to-consumer offering, and it is rapidly becoming a notable player in the TTS market.

Enhanced Voice Library and Actor Collaborations

With the global rollout, ElevenLabs has also significantly expanded its library of voices. The app now includes hundreds of new voices tailored for different languages, ensuring that users can select a voice that best suits their content and language preferences. Last month, ElevenLabs took a bold step by licensing the voices of iconic actors such as Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier. These voices, now available within the Reader app, add a unique and nostalgic dimension to the TTS experience.

Powered by Turbo v2.5: Faster and More Reliable

The extended language capabilities of the Reader app are made possible by ElevenLabs' advanced Turbo v2.5 model. Released last month, Turbo v2.5 is designed to reduce the latency of text-to-speech conversion, ensuring that the spoken output is not only faster but also of higher quality. This improvement is critical as it enhances the user experience, making the Reader app more efficient and reliable for real-time use.

Competing in a Growing Market

As ElevenLabs continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it faces competition from other prominent players in the text-to-speech market. Speechify, for example, offers a suite of features that include document scanning for text, integration with popular platforms like Gmail and Canvas, and the ability for users to clone their own voices for personalized TTS. Additionally, Mozilla-owned Pocket and The New York Times' Audm-based audio app provide users with similar content-listening services.

Future Plans and Features

ElevenLabs has plans to further enhance the Reader app with new features aimed at improving user experience. These upcoming features include offline support, which will allow users to listen to content without an internet connection, and the ability to share audio snippets directly from the app. Such features are expected to make the app even more versatile and appealing to a broader audience.

Conclusion

ElevenLabs' global expansion of its Reader app marks a significant milestone in the company's journey to revolutionize the way we interact with text and voice. With support for 32 languages, an expanded library of voices, and the power of the Turbo v2.5 model, the Reader app is poised to become a leading tool in the text-to-speech market. As the app continues to evolve, it promises to offer users an even richer, more personalized experience in the world of AI-powered voice technology.