Can you put your voice in Google Maps?
Google Maps first launched in 2005 as a web mapping service developed by Google. Over the years, Google Maps has evolved into a robust navigation and mapping platform available across devices and operating systems. One of the signature features of Google Maps is its voice navigation system.
The voice navigation in Google Maps provides turn-by-turn directions and other instructions in a natural, human-sounding voice. This allows users to navigate easily without having to look at the screen. The default voice in Google Maps is provided by the Google Text-to-Speech engine, although Google also offers other male and female voice options.
In addition to navigation, Google Maps voice features allow users to control the app hands-free using voice commands. Users can search for places, get directions, call businesses, control media playback, and more just by speaking. This makes Google Maps much safer and convenient to use while driving.
Voice Navigation
Google Maps provides turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation to help users get accurate directions while driving, walking, biking, or taking public transit. When using navigation mode in the Google Maps app, users will hear spoken directions and alerts to guide them along the chosen route.
Voice navigation is enabled by default in Google Maps. As the user approaches each turn, Google Maps will read out instructions like “In 500 feet, turn left onto Main Street.” This makes it easy to follow directions without needing to look at the screen or read the map while driving. The voice guidance includes street names, directions to turn, when to exit highways, and warnings about upcoming hazards like construction zones.
Users can choose between a male or female voice for navigation directions in the Google Maps settings on Android and iOS devices. There are also options to adjust the voice’s speaking speed and volume. Voice navigation works offline too, so directions can still be heard even without an internet connection. Overall, voice navigation makes navigating unfamiliar routes simpler and safer by delivering clear, timely audio instructions.
Source: Google Support thread on voice navigation issues
Contributing Voice Directions
Google allows Local Guides program members to record their own voice for voice navigation directions in Google Maps. The Local Guides program is free to join and rewards contributors with perks like early access to new Google features. Members can earn points by writing reviews, uploading photos, adding business information, and fixing incorrect map data [1].
Once a user reaches Level 3 Local Guide, they unlock the ability to record custom voice navigation packs for Google Maps on Android and iOS. Google provides scripts for users to read aloud, then uploads the recordings to create a personalized voice navigation experience. However, the feature is currently only available in English. Local Guides must record over 1,000 voice samples to create a complete voice pack [2].
Contributing voice directions to Google Maps helps improve the navigation experience for users. It allows for diversity in the available voices and accents. The custom voice packs also add a personal touch, with the option to record a friend or family member’s voice.
Custom Voice Packs
One fun feature Google Maps offers is the ability to download celebrity voice packs to use for navigation directions. Users can choose from a variety of famous voices like John Legend, Cookie Monster from Sesame Street, and actor Issa Rae 1. These special voice packs help add some personality and entertainment to the navigation experience.
To access the celebrity voice packs in Google Maps, open the app settings and tap on “Navigation settings.” Under “Voice selection,” you’ll find the option to download additional voices 2. The voice packs are free to download and use. Once downloaded, you can set the celebrity voice as your preferred navigation voice.
The celebrity voice packs are limited time offerings that Google occasionally rolls out. Some users have figured out workarounds to create custom voice packs using text-to-speech services, but this involves a more complex process 3. For most users, downloading the official celebrity packs is the easiest way to spice up Google Maps voice navigation.
Voice Commands
Google Maps offers a variety of voice commands to control navigation and get information hands-free while driving. Users can activate voice control by saying “OK Google” or tapping the microphone icon.
Some of the most useful Google Maps voice commands include:
- “Navigate to [location]” – Starts turn-by-turn navigation to a destination
- “Take me home” – Navigates to your set home address
- “Show me restaurants nearby” – Finds restaurants close to your current location
- “Avoid tolls” – Optimize directions to avoid toll roads
- “What’s my ETA?” – Provides estimated arrival time to your set destination
- “Play music” – Starts playing music through synced apps like Spotify
Voice commands can help drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Google is continuously expanding the list of supported voice commands. Users can say “What can I say?” to bring up a full list of Google Maps voice actions.
Source: Try these new Google Maps voice commands on your next road trip
Your Own Voice
While Google Maps offers voice navigation and voice commands powered by the Google Assistant, users cannot actually record their own custom voice directions for Google Maps at this time.
The Google Assistant voice is synthesized, so even though users can select between different voice options like male or female voices, none of them are recordings of real people’s voices.
Some users wonder if they can somehow add their own voice or a celebrity’s voice to Google Maps for navigation directions. However, this is not possible with the current Google Maps app.
While you can’t change the navigation voice, Google does allow adding your own voice for voice typing and some voice commands through Voice Match. But this won’t extend to turn-by-turn directions.
So in summary, Google Maps navigation does not support custom voice packs recorded by users at this time. The technology relies on synthesized speech from the Google Assistant.
Privacy Considerations
There are legitimate privacy concerns around Google Maps and other apps recording your voice without explicit permission. As reported in this article, some users have found Google Maps saving voice recordings without notification. Google claims this is unintentional and provides settings to disable it, but it still raises questions around privacy and consent.
Some steps you can take to protect your privacy include: turning off audio history in your Google account settings, preventing Google Assistant from saving audio recordings, and being cautious about activating voice features in apps like Google Maps. While voice technology provides useful functionality, it’s important to be aware of the privacy risks and make use of available settings to disable recording if desired.
Accessibility
Google Maps provides various voice features to aid accessibility for the visually impaired. One helpful feature is detailed voice guidance, which gives turn-by-turn directions and describes intersections, building shapes, and traffic information (Google Blog). This can help visually impaired users navigate unfamiliar routes with more confidence and ease.
Google Maps also has voice command capabilities to enable hands-free navigation. Users can say commands like “navigate home” or ask questions like “where is the nearest coffee shop?” to get voice-guided directions (Google Support). This allows visually impaired users to get the information they need without physically interacting with the device.
Additionally, Google Maps offers customizable voice options, so users can choose a voice that works best for them. The voices are designed to be clear and easy to understand. Users can also adjust the speaking rate and volume (Google Support). These voice personalization settings aim to enhance accessibility and user experience.
The Future
There is speculation that Google may add even more voice capabilities to Maps in the future. Some possible features Google could implement include:
According to 9to5google, Google may allow users to set custom wake words, so you could say “Hey Google Maps” instead of “Okay Google.” This would help differentiate Maps voice commands from Google Assistant commands.
Google may also let users record custom voice directions in their own voice per Android Police. Currently users are limited to selecting between the default male and female voices.
Android Police speculates that real-time translation could be added, so Maps could speak directions in another language. This would be useful for navigating in foreign countries.
In the future, Maps may even integrate with other in-car systems allowing users to control music, temperature, and more through Maps voice commands alone.
Conclusion
Google Maps’ voice navigation features allow users to both hear and contribute to directions with natural, human-like voices. While Google started with its own computer-generated voices, it has expanded to allow user-uploaded voices and third party voice packs for navigation. Users can even record their own voice to personalize directions in Google Maps.
Voice navigation makes getting from point A to point B easier and more engaging. It allows users to focus on the road while listening to spoken directions. Contributed voices add diversity and representation. The ability to use your own voice can make directions feel more customized and familiar.
However, there are some privacy tradeoffs of sharing your voice data. Google claims voice data is anonymized, but users may still have concerns. Accessibility is also improved with quality voice navigation for those unable to look at a screen.
As voice technology continues advancing, we can expect even more realistic and natural voice navigation. The future may bring personal assistant voices and integration with in-vehicle systems. For now, explore the options to speak and hear personalized directions with your own voice in Google Maps.