Google has enlisted Appen, a third-party linguistic research company, to collect a database of accent samples that will ultimately improve the accent-recognition software used in the company's voice-recognition systems.
Google's voice-recognition system is powerful for people with neutral accents, but many people throughout North America and Europe have speech styles that stray from the "network newscaster" diction. To improve this blind spot in the accent-recognition software, Appen has gone to where real people use the internet, such as the subreddits of giant online forum Reddit. On these subreddits, such as /r/WorkOnline (a freelance work forum,) Appen offers small sums for users from various regions to record 2,000 3-5 second phrases. Phrases include Google-specific terms like "OK, Google" or "Hey Google," as well as more general search terms like "How to make birthday cake."
Accent-Recognition Software Crowdsourcing
Companies are Turning to Reddit to Get Accent Samples
Trend Themes
1. Accent-recognition Software - New opportunities for improving accent-recognition software by collecting accent samples from diverse regions and speech styles.
2. Crowdsourcing - Utilizing crowdsourcing platforms like Reddit to gather real people's accent samples for training voice-recognition systems.
3. Linguistic Research - Collaborating with third-party linguistic research companies to collect and analyze accent data for voice-recognition technology enhancement.
Industry Implications
1. Artificial Intelligence - Enhancing voice-recognition systems through accent-recognition software, enabling more accurate and precise voice interactions in various applications.
2. Market Research - Leveraging linguistic research companies to gain insights into diverse speech styles and regional accents for targeted marketing and product development.
3. Freelancing Platforms - Creating opportunities for freelancers to earn income by recording accent samples on platforms like Reddit, contributing to the improvement of voice-recognition technology.