Apple just released the sixth beta version of iOS 14.5 that
includes an update to Siri. There are now two new Siri voices in English and a
new setup selection option to let people choose their preferred Siri voice instead
of defaulting to a female voice.
The purpose of two Siri voices in English is to add more diversity to speech sound and pattern of the AI. “This is a continuation of Apple's long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and products and services that are designed to better reflect the diversity of the world we live in,” explained Apple.
In the "Siri & Search" setting option, there
are now four "American" voice options that users can choose from. The
label of "Accent" has been changed to "Variety," while the "Gender"
selection no longer exists.
Apple’s Siri handles 25 billion requests on over 500M
voices and is capable of supporting 21 languages in 36 countries. The AI has also
been improved in Ireland, Russia, and Italy with the latest beta.
