flite

Flite is a small, fast, and lightweight command line tool for speech synthesis. It is designed to convert text into spoken words using a variety of voices and languages. Developed by Carnegie Mellon University, Flite uses the Festival speech synthesis system as its underlying engine.

Flite supports multiple platforms including Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it highly portable. It can be easily integrated into various applications to add text-to-speech functionality. The tool can be accessed through the command line interface, allowing users to input text and generate corresponding speech output.

One of the key features of Flite is its support for different voices and languages. It offers a range of high-quality voices that can be selected based on accents, gender, and age. These voices enable the generation of natural and intelligible speech.

Flite provides extensive customization options, allowing users to control various aspects of speech synthesis such as pitch, volume, and speed. It also supports audio output in different formats, including WAV and MP3, providing flexibility for integration into different workflows.

The tool is highly efficient and has low resource requirements. It can process text quickly and generate speech output in real-time. This efficiency makes it suitable for applications with real-time or near-real-time requirements.

Flite's modular architecture makes it highly extensible. It supports plug-ins that can enhance its functionality or add new features. Additionally, it offers an API for developers to integrate Flite into their own applications.

The project is open-source, available under the Apache License, which means it can be used, modified, and distributed freely. The open-source nature encourages community contributions and improvements, ensuring the tool stays up-to-date and relevant.

Flite has been widely used in various domains, including assistive technology, voice assistants, robotics, and telecommunication. Its compact size, simplicity, and portability make it suitable for resource-constrained environments or embedded systems.

As a command line tool, Flite offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface for generating synthesized speech. It is a versatile and reliable solution for converting text into spoken audio, providing a valuable asset for developers and users alike.