Question 1

1. How do I install the SA voices on my computer?

Accepted Answer

Click on the image to access this PDF. If you need any further assistance, please call us for support: Tel 0860 888 121.

Question 2

2. What computer systems will the voices work with?

Accepted Answer

The SA voices are compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10 and 11 (32 + 64-bit) only.
 
Voices for Android devices were available to purchase on the Google Play Store, however due to updates in the Android OS, our voices are no longer compatible. Development is underway to rectify this.
 
There is an SDK and API for integration with other applications.

Question 3

3. Do I need other software on my computer for the voice to work?

Accepted Answer

The Windows version of the voices will work with any Microsoft Speech Application Programming Interface 5 (SAPI 5) compliant software. Software like screen readers, reading support software, Narrator etc can all access the voices.

Question 4

4. I’m being asked for a license code, where do I get that?"

Accepted Answer

After the free 7-day trial has expired, you will need to purchase a license code from Inclusive Solutions (please visit our online shop or email info@inclusivesolutions.co.za to buy a licence code).

Question 5

5. Can I install the voice on one computer only?

Accepted Answer

A single user licence will allow installation on up to 2 personal devices. Multi-user licences are limited to the total number of licences purchased (for example, a 5-user licence can only be installed on 5 computers). Annual subscription licenses are also available.

Question 6

6. What about if I want to install the voices on multiple computers?

Accepted Answer

A discounted price is offered multi-user licences. Please see our online shop for license options or contact us to discuss your requirements.

Question 7

7. I want to use the voice in my own software development, how can I do this?"

Accepted Answer

Please contact us to discuss your requirements – we can work with you to provide a bespoke solution that meets your needs.

Question 8

8. What is the file size of the download?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the voice you choose, the download is approx. 14-19mb.

Question 9

9. What are the minimum tech. specs? (Processor and RAM requirements)?

Accepted Answer

1 GHz processor with 256MB of RAM, 32-bit and 64-bit x86 Architecture, 50 MB hard disk space per voice.

Question 10

10. What is the sampling rate in kHz of the voices?

Accepted Answer

Qfrency is a multilingual Text-to-Speech system which provides both cloud based Application Programming Interfaces (API), which is this online service, as well as a Software Development Kit (SDK) for synthesizing text into speech in all 11 official South African languages. At the moment the service only provides a synchronous HTTP Representational State Transfer (REST) interface and does not support the Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML), but that will change soon.

16 bits per sample, / 16000 Hz 1 channel (mono), PCM (pulse-code modulation) (Standard Voices)
22050 Hz (Premium Voices - under development)

Question 11

11. Do the SA voices respond to speed, pitch and stop controls?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, speed, pitch and stop controls are all supported from v1.2.0 onwards.

Question 12

12. Where can I find the voice in Windows 10 settings?

Accepted Answer

SA voices can be found in Settings>Ease of Access>Narrator.

Question 13

13. How do I uninstall an SA voice from my computer?

Accepted Answer

SA voices can be uninstalled by going to Start>Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs. On Windows 10, go to Settings>System>Apps & features. Select the Qfrency voice you wish to remove, click ‘Uninstall’ and follow the prompts.

Question 14

14. I've found a bug in one of the voices. How can I report it?

Accepted Answer

Please email us with details of the issue at support@inclusivesolutons.co.za and we will work with the developers to resolve the issue ASAP.

Question 15

15. How do I listen to / test the voices once I’ve installed them?

Accepted Answer

The voices are not currently provided with a graphical user interface (GUI) which directly allows you to listen to synthesised speech. You will need some other software application to  'call' the voices to be used. 
 
If your software allows you to select an alternative voice in its speech setting, once installed, the SA voices should appear in the available list of voices within your software.
 
In Windows, this may be the Narrator accessibility tool. Other screen reading software includes JAWS for visual impairment; Grid 3 for AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) and ClaroRead for dyslexia and reading support.
 
For Android voices, these are installed globally on your device, so any app which accesses the voices installed on your tablet/phone, should be able to utilise the SA voices. Go to your Android device's general / speech settings and select the voice there after you have purchased it.

South African Text-To-SpeechVoices

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I install the SA voices on my computer?