google speech services

28 September 2022

Listen to our major Text to Speech upgrades for 64 bit devices.

Posted by  Rakesh Iyer, Staff Software Engineer and  Leland Rechis, Group Product Manager

We are upgrading the Speech Services by Google speech engine in a big way, providing clearer, more natural voices. All 421 voices in 67 languages have been upgraded with a new voice model and synthesizer.

If you already use TTS and the Speech Services by Google engine, there is nothing to do – everything will happen behind the scenes as your users will have automatically downloaded the latest update. We’ve seen a significant side by side quality increase with this change, particularly in respects to clarity and naturalness.

With this upgrade we will also be changing the default voice in en-US to one that is built using fresher speaker data, which alongside our new stack, results in a drastic improvement. If your users have not selected a system voice, and you rely on system defaults, they will hear a slightly different speaker. You can hear the difference below

Speaker change and upgrade for EN-US

Speaker upgrades in a few other languages

This update will be rolling out to all 64 bit Android devices via the Google Play Store over the next few weeks as a part of the Speech Services by Google apk. If you are concerned your users have not updated this yet, you can check for the minimum version code ,210390644 on the package com.google.android.tts.

If you haven't used TTS in your projects yet, or haven’t given your users the ability to choose a voice within your app, it's fairly straightforward, and easy to experiment with. We’ve included some sample code to get you started. 

Here’s an example of how to set up voice synthesis, get a list of voices, and set a specific voice. We finally send a simple utterance to the synthesizer.

Google developers blog

Speech-to-text apps: Microsoft vs Google - which is the best for dictation?

We’ll help you find the best speech to text software

Speech-to-text software has come a long way in recent years. Much of the gains in speed and accuracy are thanks to improvements in artificial intelligence, which undergirds these apps.

So, it should come as little surprise that two of the biggest names in AI— Microsoft and Google —are also major players in developing voice to text apps. Microsoft Azure Speech Service and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text are leading platforms for voice typing, transcription, and productivity .

But when push comes to shove and you have to choose one of these platforms over the other, which is better? In this guide, we’ll compare the Microsoft and Google speech-to-text apps to help you decide.

Microsoft Azure Speech Service and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text overlap if you need basic audio transcription. But for more advanced voice dictation applications , the two platforms have different strengths. 

Google’s software stands out for its multi-language support. Speech-to-Text is capable of transcribing audio in any of 120 languages to text. By comparison, Microsoft’s speech to text software only supports 29 languages at this time. Google’s platform will even automatically detect the language of the recording and will recognize proper nouns so that you don’t have to worry about formatting and capitalization later on.

Microsoft Azure Speech Service is more feature-rich when it comes to getting your transcription exactly right. You can feed the software a custom speech model to help you improve accuracy for a single speaker or for speakers with a regional accent. Or, Speech Service supports acoustic models that you can use to cancel out noise in your recordings. This is especially helpful if you frequently experience audio noise in a conference room or over a headset.

Speech Service’s API also enables you to code real-time feedback. So, if the software is having trouble recognizing words, it could prompt the speaker to talk more slowly or clearly to achieve better results.

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Both Microsoft and Googles’ platforms automatically detect when there are multiple speakers in a recording. So, you can easily use either of these speech-to-text apps for transcribing meetings and conference calls.

Performance

For straightforward audio transcription, Microsoft Azure Speech Service tends to perform better than Google Cloud Speech-to-Text. The difference is that Microsoft’s software uses AI to make sure that what it’s transcribing makes linguistic sense. Since this software can accept custom speech models, it also handles accents, lisps, and other speech impediments significantly better than Google’s Speech-to-Text platform.

Google largely sticks to recognizing words based on their audio signatures and stringing them together. This means that when the software is struggling with audio quality or interpreting an accent, the transcription quality can suffer quite a bit.

All that said, getting better results from Microsoft’s software is dependent on using high-quality speech and acoustic models. If you skip this step, you may find that the two platforms are much more comparable in their accuracy when transcribing difficult recordings. Feeding Speech Service poor models can also hurt your transcription and leave you with a less accurate result.

We found that the two apps are also very comparable when it comes to recognizing multiple speakers. This feature isn’t always perfectly accurate if you have two people with a similar tone and a less than crisp recording. But most of the time, both Speech Service and Speech-to-Text were each able to differentiate speakers on a conference call within the transcribed text.

Google Cloud Speech-to-Text doesn’t come with much support by default. You’ll find some basic troubleshooting tips online, but otherwise Google directs you to ask the community for help on Stack Overflow or Slack. You can purchase a support plan from Google if you need to talk to a tech. Options start at $100 per user per month.

Microsoft offers more online documentation for its Speech Service software, including how-to videos and example code for the platform API. But, you’ll also need to pay extra if you want support from Microsoft techs. Email-only support plans start at $29 per user per month, while phone support plans start at $100 per user per month.

Pricing and plans

On its face, Microsoft Azure Speech Service is significantly cheaper than Google Cloud Speech-to-Text. Microsoft offers five hours of free transcription per month and then charges $1 per hour of audio after that. Google provides just one hour of free transcription, after which the service costs $1.44 per hour of audio.

That said, pricing with either of these services can be complex. Google offers a 30% discount if you allow the company to log your audio data on its servers. In that case, Speech-to-Text is slightly cheaper than Microsoft’s Speech Service. At the same time, Google charges $2.16 per hour if you want to use the ‘Enhanced’ speech model. Microsoft raises its price to $1.40 per hour of audio if you supply custom speech or acoustics models.

For most cases in which you need to transcribe speech-to-text, we recommend Microsoft Azure Speech Service. It’s significantly cheaper than Google Cloud Speech-to-Text if you have many hours of audio. We also found that it can be much more accurate if you take the time to supply custom speech and acoustics models with your recordings.

That said, Microsoft’s language support is very limited compared to Google’s. So, if you want one app that can handle recordings in nearly any language, Google Cloud Speech-to-Text may be the better option.

• We feature the best text-to-speech software .

Michael Graw is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Bellingham, Washington. His interests span a wide range from business technology to finance to creative media, with a focus on new technology and emerging trends. Michael's work has been published in TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Business Insider, Fast Company, Salon, and Harvard Business Review. 

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How to Use Google's Text-to-Speech Feature on Android

Search the Settings app for Select to Speak to read text aloud with Google's TTS feature

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• How to Use Select to Speak
• Managing the Options
• Translating Text
• Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know

• Open the Settings app and go to Accessibility > Select to Speak .
• Tap the toggle to turn it on, then tap Allow or OK to confirm permissions.
• Open any app, tap the Select to Speak shortcut, then tap an item to read it aloud. Tap Stop to end playback.

This article explains how to use the Google text-to-speech feature on Android so that you can have texts read out loud. It includes information on managing the language and voice used for reading text aloud. Instructions apply to Android 7 and up.

How to Use Google Text-to-Speech on Android

Several accessibility features are built into Android. If you want to hear text read aloud to you, use Select to Speak.

Swipe down from the top of the phone, then tap the gear icon to open the Settings app.

Tap Accessibility .

Tap Select to Speak .

If you don't see Select to Speak , tap Installed services to find it.

Tap the Select to Speak toggle switch to turn it on. On some phones, this is called Select to Speak shortcut .

Tap Allow or OK to confirm the permissions your phone needs to turn on this feature.

Open any app and tap the Select to Speak icon from the side of the screen.

Tap the Play icon to have your phone read everything on the screen, starting at the top. If you only want some text read aloud, trigger Select to Speak by tapping the floating icon, then tap the text.

Tap the left arrow next to the Play button to see more playback options.

Tap Stop to end playback.

Use TalkBack on your Android if you want spoken feedback as you use your device.

How to Manage Android Text-to-Speech Voices and Options

Android gives you some control over the language and voice used to read text aloud via Select to Speak. It's easy to change the language, accent, pitch, or speed of the synthesized text voice.

Go to Settings > General management > Language and input . Or on some devices, Settings > Languages .

Tap Text-to-speech or Text-to-speech output .

In the menu that appears, adjust the Speech rate and Pitch until it sounds the way you want.

To change the language, tap Language , then choose the language you want to hear when text is read aloud.

Use Select to Speak With Google Lens to Translate Written Words

Another way you can use this text-to-speech functionality is while translating languages. Google Lens is great for this. Just point the camera at some text you don't understand and it'll be translated into your language. Select to Speak can then read that aloud.

To turn off text-to-speech, go to Settings > Accessibility > Select to Speak and tap the toggle switch to turn it Off .

The Android text-to-speech feature works in the Google Docs app, but on a computer, you must download the Screen Reader extension for Chrome . Then, go to Tools > Accessibility settings > Turn on Screen Reader Support > OK , highlight the text, and select Accessibility > Speak > Speak selection .

To use voice typing in Google Docs , place your cursor in the document where you want to begin typing, then select Tools > Voice Typing . Alternatively, you can also use a keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + S or Command + Shift + S .

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Using the Speech-to-Text API with Node.js

1. overview.

Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API enables developers to convert audio to text in 120 languages and variants, by applying powerful neural network models in an easy to use API.

In this codelab, you will focus on using the Speech-to-Text API with Node.js. You will learn how to send an audio file in English and other languages to the Cloud Speech-to-Text API for transcription.

What you'll learn

• How to enable the Speech-to-Text API
• How to Authenticate API requests
• How to install the Google Cloud client library for Node.js
• How to transcribe audio files in English
• How to transcribe audio files with word timestamps
• How to transcribe audio files in different languages

What you'll need

• A Google Cloud Platform Project
• A Browser, such Chrome or Firefox
• Familiarity using Javascript/Node.js

How will you use this tutorial?

How would you rate your experience with node.js, how would you rate your experience with using google cloud platform services, 2. setup and requirements, self-paced environment setup.

• Sign in to Cloud Console and create a new project or reuse an existing one. (If you don't already have a Gmail or G Suite account, you must create one .)

Remember the project ID, a unique name across all Google Cloud projects (the name above has already been taken and will not work for you, sorry!). It will be referred to later in this codelab as PROJECT_ID .

• Next, you'll need to enable billing in Cloud Console in order to use Google Cloud resources.

Running through this codelab shouldn't cost much, if anything at all. Be sure to to follow any instructions in the "Cleaning up" section which advises you how to shut down resources so you don't incur billing beyond this tutorial. New users of Google Cloud are eligible for the $300USD Free Trial program.

Start Cloud Shell

While Google Cloud can be operated remotely from your laptop, in this codelab you will be using Google Cloud Shell , a command line environment running in the Cloud.

Activate Cloud Shell

If you've never started Cloud Shell before, you'll be presented with an intermediate screen (below the fold) describing what it is. If that's the case, click Continue (and you won't ever see it again). Here's what that one-time screen looks like:

It should only take a few moments to provision and connect to Cloud Shell.

This virtual machine is loaded with all the development tools you'll need. It offers a persistent 5GB home directory and runs in Google Cloud, greatly enhancing network performance and authentication. Much, if not all, of your work in this codelab can be done with simply a browser or your Chromebook.

Once connected to Cloud Shell, you should see that you are already authenticated and that the project is already set to your project ID.

• Run the following command in Cloud Shell to confirm that you are authenticated:

Command output

If it is not, you can set it with this command:

3. Enable the Speech-to-Text API

Before you can begin using the Speech-to-Text API, you must enable the API. You can enable the API by using the following command in the Cloud Shell:

4. Authenticate API requests

In order to make requests to the Speech-to-Text API, you need to use a Service Account . A Service Account belongs to your project and it is used by the Google Client Node.js library to make Speech-to-Text API requests. Like any other user account, a service account is represented by an email address. In this section, you will use the Cloud SDK to create a service account and then create credentials you will need to authenticate as the service account.

First, set an environment variable with your PROJECT_ID which you will use throughout this codelab, if you are using Cloud Shell this will be set for you:

Next, create a new service account to access the Speech-to-Text API by using:

Next, create credentials that your Node.js code will use to login as your new service account. Create these credentials and save it as a JSON file ~/key.json by using the following command:

Finally, set the GOOGLE_APPLICATION_CREDENTIALS environment variable, which is used by the Speech-to-Text API Node.js library, covered in the next step, to find your credentials. The environment variable should be set to the full path of the credentials JSON file you created, by using:

You can read more about authenticating the Speech-to-Text API .

5. Install the Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API client library for Node.js

First, create a project that you will use to run this Speech-to-Text API lab, initialize a new Node.js package in a folder of your choice:

NPM asks several questions about the project configuration, such as name and version. For each question, press ENTER to accept the default values. The default entry point is a file named index.js .

Next, install the Google Cloud Speech library to the project:

For more instructions on how to set up a Node.js development for Google Cloud please see the Setup Guide .

Now, you're ready to use Speech-to-Text API!

6. Transcribe Audio Files

In this section, you will transcribe a pre-recorded audio file in English. The audio file is available on Google Cloud Storage.

Navigate to the index.js file inside the and replace the code with the following:

Take a minute or two to study the code and see it is used to transcribe an audio file*.*

The Encoding parameter tells the API which type of audio encoding you're using for the audio file. Flac is the encoding type for .raw files (see the doc for encoding type for more details).

In the RecognitionAudio object, you can pass the API either the uri of our audio file in Cloud Storage or the local file path for the audio file. Here, we're using a Cloud Storage uri.

Run the program:

You should see the following output:

7. Transcribe with word timestamps

Speech-to-Text can detect time offset (timestamp) for the transcribed audio. Time offsets show the beginning and end of each spoken word in the supplied audio. A time offset value represents the amount of time that has elapsed from the beginning of the audio, in increments of 100ms.

Take a minute or two to study the code and see it is used to transcribe an audio file with word timestamps*.* The EnableWordTimeOffsets parameter tells the API to enable time offsets (see the doc for more details).

Run your program again:

8. Transcribe different languages

Speech-to-Text API supports transcription in over 100 languages! You can find a list of supported languages here .

In this section, you will transcribe a pre-recorded audio file in French. The audio file is available on Google Cloud Storage.

Run your program again and you should see the following output:

This is a sentence from a popular French children's tale .

For the full list of supported languages and language codes, see the documentation here .

9. Congratulations!

You learned how to use the Speech-to-Text API using Node.js to perform different kinds of transcription on audio files!

To avoid incurring charges to your Google Cloud Platform account for the resources used in this quickstart:

• Go to the Cloud Platform Console .
• Select the project you want to shut down, then click ‘Delete' at the top: this schedules the project for deletion.
• Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API: https://cloud.google.com/speech-to-text/docs
• Node.js on Google Cloud Platform: https://cloud.google.com/nodejs/
• Google Cloud Node.js client: https://googlecloudplatform.github.io/google-cloud-node/

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License.

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License , and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License . For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies . Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

How to use Google’s free transcription tools

You may, however, be better off paying for a third-party app.

By Barbara Krasnoff , a reviews editor who manages how-tos. She’s worked as an editor and writer for almost 40 years. Previously, she was a senior reviews editor for Computerworld.

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If you’re in an important videoconferencing session and you are getting an infodump that you know you won’t remember, it can be very useful to have a transcription of that session. Video and audio recordings are all well and good, but a text version of your meeting can be a lot easier to search if you’re looking for that one specific bit of data inside of an hour’s worth of conversation.

There are a number of third-party apps out there that provide AI transcribing for recorded audio, such as Rev and Otter.ai . They also offer extra features, such as the ability to simultaneously listen to the audio and watch for places that need correction or to integrate directly with other apps such as Zoom. However, these are subscription services with fees. If free is what you’re looking for, then there are a couple of workarounds that may help — although they do have certain limitations.

Google Docs voice typing

Even longtime users of Google Docs may not be aware of its voice typing tool, which converts speech into text. This can be very handy if you have trouble typing or just find speaking faster or easier than typing. It can also be used as a transcription tool for any video or audio recording you may have. You can even run it during a live videoconference to transcribe the conversation as it happens.

To use voice typing as a transcription tool:

• Open a new Google Doc
• Select Tools > Voice typing
• If the language you’re using is not shown, click on the link above the microphone icon and choose your language
• When you’re ready to start recording, click on the microphone icon. It will turn bright red and begin transcribing. Note: be careful to click on the microphone icon after you start the audio you want to transcribe. Why? I’ll explain.

Once you’ve started the transcription feature, you cannot leave the Google Docs page, or the feature will automatically shut off. For example, if you’re transcribing a Zoom meeting, and you take a moment to click into your email, you are going to lose everything after that point until you go back to your document and click the microphone again.

In addition, the resulting transcription is — well, to be charitable, less than perfect. If people are speaking clearly, the Google Docs transcription feature does a reasonable job, but any mumbles, asides, or less-than-clear speech can be completely lost. In addition, forget commas, periods, and other niceties — if you want a fully grammatically correct document, you’ll have to fill those in later.

There is, however, an alternative.

Google Live Transcribe

Google’s Live Transcribe is an Android app that transcribes audio to your phone’s screen live as it “hears” it. The app is extraordinarily simple: you install it, load it, and it immediately begins transcribing. Originally built as an accessibility tool for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Transcribe will save a transcription for three days. If you want to keep the text for longer than that, you simply copy and paste it into a document.

To test these transcription apps, I ran each while playing a YouTube video of The Verge ’s Dieter Bohn offering his take on the Pixel 4A . As you can see from the screenshots below, while neither will take any prizes for accuracy, Live Transcribe handled the audio feed reasonably better than Docs did. (Although I have to admit that I found the repeated mentions of the “pixel for a” from both apps rather funny.)

(Incidentally, I also tried using Gmail’s voice-to-text mode on my mobile phone to get a transcription, but the app kept choking on me about 20 seconds in.)

The verdict? If you only need a transcription of a meeting occasionally and don’t mind a number of errors and only a few periods, commas, and the like, then either might work for you, although I’d lean toward Live Transcribe. Otherwise, check out the third-party transcription services. They may not be free, but they’re more accurate, which very well may be worth it.

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How-To Geek

How to turn off google assistant speech output on your phone.

If you don't want Google Assistant to always recite responses out loud, you can turn off speech output on Android devices.

Google Assistant can do many things, but it can't intelligently adjust its volume. If you ask a question, it will blurt out the answer, sometimes louder than you want. Avoid those awkward moments by turning off speech output on Android smartphones.

If you don't want Google Assistant to recite its response out loud (but also don't want to turn Google Assistant off ), you can simply use the keyboard to enter a command. Google knows that if you're not using your voice, it probably shouldn't speak out loud either.

Related: How to Change Google Assistant to Typing Instead of Voice By Default

However, keyboard input is kind of clunky, and you shouldn't have to sacrifice the convenience of voice input just because you prefer visual responses. We'll show you how to turn off speech output on your phone or tablet.

This feature is only available on Android devices. It's not available on the iPhone, iPad, or Google Assistant smart speakers and displays.

To begin, open the Google Assistant app by saying "Okay, Google" or by swiping in from the bottom-left or -right corner.

Tap the Snapshot icon in the bottom-left corner. The UI may look slightly different depending on your device.

Next, if you haven't done so already, sign in to your Google account. Tap your profile icon to open the Assistant's Settings menu.

You'll now see a long list of things you can do with Google Assistant. The one we're looking for is " Assistant Voice. "

There's a section at the very bottom called "Speech Output." Select the listed device to choose how conversational the responses will be.

There are three options to choose from. "Full" will read out pretty much every response. "Brief" won't read out certain things, such as weather forecasts. To turn off all speech output, select "None."

The "unless hands-free" option means that Google Assistant will still recite responses out loud if you initiate the exchange in a hands-free way. Google assumes that in these situations, you may not be able to look at the screen.

That's all there is to it. As long as you launch Google Assistant with some form of physical input on your Android smartphone or tablet, the response will only be shown on the screen.

Related: How to Change the Google Assistant's Voice

Speechify vs Google Speech Services: the ultimate comparison

Table of Contents

If you’re new to the TTS app world, you may be surprised to learn that there are several app formats and program options. We will compare Speechify to Google Speech Services to determine which option is best.

Using a text-to-speech (TTS) app can be a smart way to get the information that you need in less time, or to help you boost your learning and comprehension. Many people who are auditory learners find that using a TTS app helps them boost their productivity and confidence in retaining new knowledge.

If you’re new to the TTS app world, you may be surprised to learn that there are several app formats and program options (Speechify, Speech Services by Google, Amazon Polly , Voice Dream Reader , and more) that can help you translate your text information and web pages into easy-to-listen-to audio files. Here, we’ll take a look at the differences between the TTS app Speechify and Speech Services by Google, helping you to decide which option is the best text-to-speech app for your needs.

What are the differences between Speechify and Speech Services by Google?

Speechify is an app that is able to translate many types of files into audio files, including HTML files, web pages, Microsoft Word docs, PDFs , and more. Speech Services by Google doesn’t read uploaded documents, rather, it reads the information on the screen of a phone into a language selected by a user.

While Speech Services by Google can be a good fit for occasionally reading websites or audiobooks out loud, many users who utilize text-to-speech apps find that Speechify is a better fit for their needs, as it can translate a larger number of types of documents to read text aloud , and has the ability to sync files across multiple devices.

Comparing features and functionality of Speechify and Google speech services

Both Speechify and Google Speech Services have many features in common. However, there are some key differences between the two. Speechify provides a more personalized and customizable experience, allowing users to create custom commands and workflows. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, offers more language support and is integrated with Google’s suite of products like Google Docs and Google Translate.

Another difference between Speechify and Google Speech Services is the level of accuracy in speech recognition. Speechify uses advanced algorithms to accurately transcribe speech, even in noisy environments. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, may struggle with accuracy in noisy environments and with accents or dialects that are not commonly used.

Additionally, Speechify offers a unique feature called “Read it Later,” which allows users to save articles and documents to be read aloud at a later time. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty reading or who prefer to listen to content while on the go. Google Speech Services does not currently offer a similar feature.

Comparing the cost and accessibility of Speechify and Google speech services

Speechify offers a range of pricing plans, starting from a free version with limited functionality, all the way up to an enterprise plan. However, the higher-tiered plans can be expensive, costing up to $100 per month. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, are mostly free to use, with unlimited usage for personal users. However, to access the service, you need to have a Google account. So, in terms of cost and accessibility, Google Speech Services provide a more budget-friendly option for speech recognition services.

It is important to note, however, that while Google Speech Services may be more budget-friendly, Speechify offers additional features that may be worth the investment for certain users. For example, Speechify offers a wider range of languages and accents for speech recognition, as well as the ability to save and export transcriptions. Additionally, Speechify’s higher-tiered plans offer more advanced features such as automatic summarization and integration with other apps. Therefore, it is important to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing between these two speech recognition services.

Reviewing the performance of Speechify and Google speech services

When it comes to performance, both Speechify and Google Speech Services offer amazingly fast and accurate speech recognition. However, Speechify has a slight edge over Google Speech Services when it comes to accuracy. This is because Speechify allows users to train its algorithms to recognize their voices better. Users can train the service to recognize their voice better, which leads to a higher level of accuracy. Google Speech Services, on the other hand, rely on Google’s Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities to deliver accurate speech recognition. Nonetheless, Google Speech Services come close in terms of accuracy and provide a more natural language processing experience.

Dissecting the versatility of Speechify and Google speech services

The versatility of Speechify and Google Speech Services comes from the wide range of devices and platforms they can run on. Speechify works well on iOS and macOS, while Google Speech Services are compatible with Android and Windows-powered devices. Additionally, Speechify offers integration with smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, while Google Speech Services provide integration with the Google ecosystem of apps and services.

Another advantage of Speechify is its ability to support multiple languages. It can recognize and transcribe speech in over 30 languages, making it a valuable tool for individuals who speak multiple languages or work in multilingual environments. On the other hand, Google Speech Services offer real-time transcription and translation, which can be useful for international business meetings or conferences.

Furthermore, both Speechify and Google Speech Services have accessibility features that make them useful for individuals with disabilities. Speechify has a dyslexia font and color scheme that can help individuals with dyslexia read more easily, while Google Speech Services have a live captioning feature that can help individuals with hearing impairments follow along with spoken content.

Speechify summary

Speechify is an easy-to-use text to speech app that provides users with natural-sounding AI voices to help them get the information they need in a more convenient, simple way than having to spend hours reading or hunched over a computer.

Speechify offers natural-sounding voices, as it uses a deep database of voice units that allow the app to create voices similar to human speech. This natural reader can make it easy for users to focus on the information they’re working to learn, rather than focusing on a robotic voice or inflection and pronunciation changes that make it hard to stay on track.

Speech Services by Google summary

Speech Services by Google reads any web page to its user. Android phones typically come with the option to enable Speech Services already selected.

Speech Services works in many languages, from Arabic to Vietnamese. Many users enjoy using Speech Services to hear websites read aloud, as the voices provided by Speech Services are natural-sounding.

Speechify details

Speechify offers text to speech services for iOS devices (including Mac computers), Android devices, and can be installed on PCs and Google Chromebooks using a Chrome Extension . Users love that their Speechify library automatically syncs across their devices, making it easy for them to get the audio files they need whether they’re at home, at work, or on the go.

Speechify is popular with users for a number of reasons. Busy professionals love that they’re able to get more done in less time by listening to reports, emails, and documents while they’re working on other things (or stuck on a long commute). Students love that they’re able to scan photos of their textbooks and have it read aloud to them, or listen to research studies and websites online, so they can get the information they need in less time. Many people with learning disabilities (like dyslexia and ADHD ) benefit from Speechify’s services, as it can help speed up the time that it takes to retain information typically only available through written text files.

People who are learning new languages also find Speechify helpful, as the app is able to create audio files in many different languages. Whether you want to upload text in English, Portuguese, German, French, Spanish, or another language, Speechify has you covered. When you upload a document or other text file in the language that you’re working to learn, Speechify will create an audio file in the written language. Many language learners find that listening to audio of their new language makes it easier to create an immersive learning experience, resulting in higher retention and faster learning.

Speech Services by Google details

Speech Services by Google is a simple aspect of Android devices, and many users find that it makes life easier. Instead of spending time reading information on apps or spending time reading an article on a website, users are able to simply enable Speech Services and have the information read aloud.

Speech Services by Google uses a WaveNet to generate speech. This software was created by DeepMind, a company in the UK. The company was acquired by Google in 2014. WaveNet uses a different type of text to speech technology than Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa . People tend to prefer the audio produced by WaveNet to audio produced by other technologies.

Speechify videos

If you’re new to Speechify, you’ll want to take a look at their YouTube channel to help you get all the tutorials you need to get the most out of the app. Whether you’re using Speechify to manage learning disabilities or to boost productivity, watching a few quick tutorials will make it simple for you to get the hang of the TTS app’s functionality.

Ready to get started with the Speechify app for the first time? Whether you’re doing the free version trial or you’re ready to go all in, your first step is downloading the app from Google Play on Android or the App Store on iOS systems.  Learn how to get Speechify on your devices here .

Want to convert a PDF from your iCloud drive using Speechify? Uploading is easy.  Check out this quick video for a how-to guide .

If you use Dropbox instead of iCloud, it’s still just as easy to add PDF files to your Speechify library, so the app can convert them into audio.  Watch this video to learn how it’s done .

Getting an error message while using your Speechify TTS app? Don’t stress–there’s an easy fix that will have you up and running with your favorite text to speech reader in no time.  Learn more about Speechify error messages here .

Is there something better than Speechify?

When it comes to finding the right text to speech app to meet your accessibility needs, boost your reading speed, and let you listen to different audio files in different languages, there’s nothing on the market that’s better than Speechify. With the ability to sync your library across multiple devices, provide you with the natural-sounding voices you need to stay focused, and customizable options to create a unique text-to-speech software experience, Speechify is your go-to source for all of your voiceover , epub, and transcription needs.

How much does Speechify cost monthly?

Speechify offers a free text to audio trial. After the free trial, users pay $7.99 per month to continue accessing the high-quality service. Many users find that the boost in productivity they get from using the app to listen to their text files is well worth the trade off of paying $7.99 per month.

Should I use Speechify?

If you’re not already using Speechify, you’re missing out. Speechify allows you to take any text file and convert it to audio. Whether you’re working with Microsoft Word docs, PDF files, Google Drive docs, websites, emails, articles, or scanned images, Speechify allows you to get the information you need on the go, no matter what platform you’re using (the app and website work on Mac, iOS, Android, Microsoft, and Google Chrome devices). Many users also love that Speechify automatically syncs user libraries across multiple devices. This means that it’s simple for users to begin listening to a file at work and pick up right where they left off when they get home.

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Tyler Weitzman

Tyler Weitzman is the Co-Founder, Head of Artificial Intelligence & President at Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews. Weitzman is a graduate of Stanford University, where he received a BS in mathematics and a MS in Computer Science in the Artificial Intelligence track. He has been selected by Inc. Magazine as a Top 50 Entrepreneur, and he has been featured in Business Insider, TechCrunch, LifeHacker, CBS, among other publications. Weitzman’s Masters degree research focused on artificial intelligence and text-to-speech, where his final paper was titled: “CloneBot: Personalized Dialogue-Response Predictions.”

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EU publishes election security guidance for social media giants and others in scope of DSA

The European Union published draft election security guidelines Tuesday aimed at the around two dozen (larger) platforms with more than 45 million+ regional monthly active users who are regulated under the Digital Services Act (DSA) and — consequently — have a legal duty to mitigate systemic risks such as political deepfakes while safeguarding fundamental rights like freedom of expression and privacy.

In-scope platforms include the likes of Facebook, Google Search, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube and X.

The Commission has named elections as one of a handful of priority areas for its enforcement of the DSA on very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs). This subset of DSA-regulated companies are required to identify and mitigate systemic risks, such as information manipulation targeting democratic processes in the region, in addition to complying with the full online governance regime.

Per the EU’s election security guidance, the bloc expects regulated tech giants to up their game on protecting democratic votes and deploy capable content moderation resources in the multiple official languages spoken across the bloc — ensuring they have enough staff on hand to respond effectively to risks arising from the flow of information on their platforms and act on reports by third-party fact-checkers — with the risk of big fines for dropping the ball.

This will require platforms to pull off a precision balancing act on political content moderation — not lagging on their ability to distinguish between, for example, political satire, which should remain online as protected free speech, and malicious political disinformation, whose creators could be hoping to influence voters and skew elections.

In the latter case, the content falls under the DSA categorization of systemic risk that platforms are expected to swiftly spot and mitigate. The EU standard here requires that they put in place “reasonable, proportionate, and effective” mitigation measures for risks related to electoral processes, as well as respecting other relevant provisions of the wide-ranging content moderation and governance regulation.

The Commission has been working on the election guidelines at pace, launching a consultation on a draft version just last month . The sense of urgency in Brussels flows from upcoming European Parliament elections in June. Officials have said they will stress-test platforms’ preparedness next month. So the EU doesn’t appear ready to leave platforms’ compliance to chance, even with a hard law in place that means tech giants are risking big fines if they fail to meet Commission expectations this time around.

User controls for algorithmic feeds

Key among the EU’s election guidance aimed at mainstream social media firms and other major platforms are that they should give their users a meaningful choice over algorithmic and AI-powered recommender systems — so they are able to exert some control over the kind of content they see.

“Recommender systems can play a significant role in shaping the information landscape and public opinion,” the guidance notes. “To mitigate the risk that such systems may pose in relation to electoral processes, [platform] providers … should consider: (i.) Ensuring that recommender systems are designed and adjusted in a way that gives users meaningful choices and controls over their feeds, with due regard to media diversity and pluralism.”

Platforms’ recommender systems should also have measures to downrank disinformation targeted at elections, based on what the guidance couches as “clear and transparent methods,” such as deceptive content that’s been fact-checked as false and/or posts coming from accounts repeatedly found to spread disinformation.

Platforms must also deploy mitigations to avoid the risk of their recommender systems spreading generative AI-based disinformation (aka political deepfakes). They should also be proactively assessing their recommender engines for risks related to electoral processes and rolling out updates to shrink risks. The EU also recommends transparency around the design and functioning of AI-driven feeds and urges platforms to engage in adversarial testing, red-teaming, etc., to amp up their ability to spot and quash risks.

On GenAI the EU’s advice also urges watermarking of synthetic media — while noting the limits of technical feasibility here.

EU dials up scrutiny of major platforms over GenAI risks ahead of elections

Recommended mitigating measures and best practices for larger platforms in the 25 pages of draft guidance published today also lay out an expectation that platforms will dial up internal resourcing to focus on specific election threats, such as around upcoming election events, and putting in place processes for sharing relevant information and risk analysis.

Resourcing should have local expertise

The guidance emphasizes the need for analysis on “local context-specific risks,” in addition to member state specific/national and regional information gathering to feed the work of entities responsible for the design and calibration of risk mitigation measures. And for “adequate content moderation resources,” with local language capacity and knowledge of the national and/or regional contexts and specificities — a long-running gripe of the EU when it comes to platforms’ efforts to shrink disinformation risks.

Another recommendation is for them to reinforce internal processes and resources around each election event by setting up “a dedicated, clearly identifiable internal team” ahead of the electoral period — with resourcing proportionate to the risks identified for the election in question.

The EU guidance also explicitly recommends hiring staffers with local expertise, including language knowledge. Platforms have often sought to repurpose a centralized resource — without always seeking out dedicated local expertise.

“The team should cover all relevant expertise including in areas such as content moderation, fact-checking, threat disruption, hybrid threats, cybersecurity, disinformation and FIMI [foreign information manipulation and interference], fundamental rights and public participation and cooperate with relevant external experts, for example with the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) hubs and independent factchecking organisations,” the EU also writes.

The guidance allows for platforms to potentially ramp up resourcing around particular election events and de-mobilize teams once a vote is over.

It notes that the periods when extra risk mitigation measures may be needed are likely to vary, depending on the level of risks and any specific EU member state rules around elections (which can vary). But the Commission recommends that platforms have mitigations deployed and up and running at least one to six months before an electoral period, and continue at least one month after the elections.

Unsurprisingly, the greatest intensity for mitigations is expected in the period prior to the date of elections, to address risks like disinformation targeting voting procedures.

Hate speech in the frame

The EU is generally advising platforms to draw on other existing guidelines, including the Code of Practice on Disinformation and Code of Conduct on Countering Hate Speech , to identify best practices for mitigation measures. But it stipulates they must ensure users are provided with access to official information on electoral processes, such as banners, links and pop-ups designed to steer users to authoritative info sources for elections.

“When mitigating systemic risks for electoral integrity, the Commission recommends that due regard is also given to the impact of measures to tackle illegal content such as public incitement to violence and hatred to the extent that such illegal content may inhibit or silence voices in the democratic debate, in particular those representing vulnerable groups or minorities,” the Commission writes.

“For example, forms of racism, or gendered disinformation and gender-based violence online including in the context of violent extremist or terrorist ideology or FIMI targeting the LGBTIQ+ community can undermine open, democratic dialogue and debate, and further increase social division and polarization. In this respect, the Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online can be used as inspiration when considering appropriate action.”

It also recommends they run media literacy campaigns and deploy measures aimed at providing users with more contextual info — such as fact-checking labels; prompts and nudges; clear indications of official accounts; clear and non-deceptive labeling of accounts run by member states, third countries and entities controlled or financed by third countries; tools and info to help users assess the trustworthiness of information sources; tools to assess provenance; and establish processes to counter misuse of any of these procedures and tools — which reads like a list of stuff Elon Musk has dismantled since taking over Twitter (now X).

Notably, Musk has also been accused of letting hate speech flourish on the platform on his watch. And at the time of writing, X remains under investigation by the EU for a range of suspected DSA breaches, including in relation to content moderation requirements.

Transparency to amp up accountability

On political advertising, the guidance points platforms to incoming transparency rules in this area — advising they prepare for the legally binding regulation by taking steps to align themselves with the requirements now. (For example, by clearly labeling political ads, providing information on the sponsor behind these paid political messages, maintaining a public repository of political ads, and having systems in place to verify the identity of political advertisers.)

Elsewhere, the guidance also sets out how to deal with election risks related to influencers.

Platforms should also have systems in place enabling them to demonetize disinformation, per the guidance, and are urged to provide “stable and reliable” data access to third parties undertaking scrutiny and research of election risks. Data access for studying election risks should also be provided for free , the advice stipulates.

More generally the guidance encourages platforms to cooperate with oversight bodies, civil society experts and each other when it comes to sharing information about election security risks — urging them to establish comms channels for tips and risk reporting during elections.

For handling high-risk incidents, the advice recommends platforms establish an internal incident response mechanism that involves senior leadership and maps other relevant stakeholders within the organization to drive accountability around their election event responses and avoid the risk of buck passing.

Post-election, the EU suggests platforms conduct and publish a review of how they fared, factoring in third-party assessments (i.e., rather than just seeking to mark their own homework, as they have historically preferred, trying to put a PR gloss atop ongoing platform manipulated risks).

The election security guidelines aren’t mandatory, as such, but if platforms opt for another approach than what’s being recommended for tackling threats in this area, they have to be able to demonstrate their alternative approach meets the bloc’s standard, per the Commission.

If they fail to do that, they’re risking being found in breach of the DSA, which allows for penalties of up to 6% of global annual turnover for confirmed violations. So there’s an incentive for platforms to get with the bloc’s program on ramping up resources to address political disinformation and other info risks to elections as a way to shrink their regulatory risk. But they will still need to execute on the advice.

Further specific recommendations for the upcoming European Parliament elections, which will run June 6–9, are also set out in the EU guidance.

On a technical note, the election security guidelines remain in draft at this stage. But the Commission said formal adoption is expected in April once all language versions of the guidance are available.

EU’s draft election security guidelines for tech giants take aim at political deepfakes

Speech-to-Text

Speech-to-text technologies allow students to convert their speech into text. These technologies are particularly useful for those with mobility impairments and other disabilities which make it difficult to type or write without the use of an assistive device.

Apple Voice Control

To activate Voice Control on a MacBook, you will need to follow the following steps:

• Choose Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
• Click Accessibility.
• In Accessibility settings, click Voice Control.
• Turn on Voice Control. If you are turning on Voice Control for the first time, your Mac might complete a one-time download from Apple.

Once Voice Control is enabled, users can dictate speech and use other commands which enable hands free control of an Apple device.

Voice Control recognizes the names of many apps, labels, controls, and other onscreen items, so you can navigate by combining those names with certain commands. Here are some examples:

• Open Pages: “Open Pages.” Then create a new document: “Click New Document.” Then choose one of the letter templates: “Click Letter. Click Classic Letter.” Then save your document: “Save document.”
• Start a new message in Mail: “Click New Message.” Then address it: “John Appleseed.”
• Restart your Mac: “Click Apple menu. Click Restart” (or use the number overlay and say “Click 8”).

For further information about using Apple Voice Control, please visit Apple Support .

Microsoft 365 Dictation

Microsoft 365 Dictation allows users to convert their speech into text. All you need is a microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a Microsoft 365 license (which you may obtain from Yale ITS ).

To enable the Dictation feature in Word, OneNote, and Powerpoint , simply follow these steps:

• Open a new or existing document and go to Home > Dictate.
• Wait for the Dictate button to turn on and start listening.
• Start speaking to see text appear on the screen.
• Tip: On the Mac, you can also start dictation with the keyboard shortcut: ⌥ (Option) + F1.
• Tip: The Auto Punctuation option in Settings (gear icon) allows Word to detect punctuation in certain languages such that you won’t need to explicitly say each punctuation mark.

For further information about how to use this function, please refer to Microsoft’s manual for Using Dictate in Microsoft 365 , which includes voice commands for adding punctuation, formatting, and more.

Google Documents Voice Typing

Google Voice Typing is a fast and effortless way to dictate text. This feature is inbuilt in Google Docs and Slides and can be activated by following these steps:

• Check that your microphone works.
• Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser.
• Click Tools > Voice typing. A microphone box appears.
• When you are ready to speak, click the microphone.
• Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace. Punctuation will be automatically added (or you can explicitly say them). As long as the microphone icon is red, what you say will be transcribed.
• When you are done, click the microphone again.
• Tip: When speaking multiple sentences in one go, Google will automatically add spaces after the periods and before the start of a new sentence. However, if you dictate sentences separately, the spaces will have to be added manually.

For further information about using Google’s Voice Dictation software, including how to explicitly add punctuation marks, please refer to Google Documents Editors Help .

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With Google Messages, you can customize your experience, ensure private conversations, and enjoy the latest AI features.

Express yourself in every chat.

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Customize your experience with different colors, emojis and themes, and add extra effects to every conversation.

Snap and share your own customized emoji.

Quickly and easily turn your favorite images into emoji you can share within your chats.

Everything you need. Built right in.

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Save your chats from spammers.

Keep your messages secure with high-quality privacy controls, spam protection, and RCS- enabled data encryption.

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What you want to say, powered by Google AI.

Turn your fave photos into reactions, set the vibe of your chats, try out the latest Google AI, and more.

Connectivity

Keep the conversation going across your devices.

Switch from your phone to your tablet to your smart watch during the same conversation without any interruption.

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Text it like you talk it.

Message with your own personality and voice by creating emojis, picking chat colors, and making animated effects pop.

Text smarter, not harder.

Get suggested replies, helpful reminders and nudges, and enjoy automatic noise cancellation.

Try Google Messages. Keep what matters.

Keep your data, contacts and chats, and enjoy seamless texting with friends and family, regardless of their device.

Get the answers you need.

How do i download google messages.

Android users: To download Google Messages, simply go to the Google Play Store.

What is RCS?

RCS stands for "Rich Communication Services" and is the modern messaging technology standard. RCS offers an upgraded messaging experience by adding features like high-quality photos and videos, typing indicators, and read receipts. RCS capabilities go beyond traditional SMS (Short Message Service).

How can I sign up for beta testing?

To sign up for beta testing, you must first have Google Messages installed. Once that has been completed, go to the Google Messages page of the Google Play Store, and select "Join" or "Become a beta tester" at the bottom of the page.

*Please note that beta testing availability may vary based on your region.

Does Google Messages support end-to-end encryption?

For conversations between Google Messages users, end-to-end encryption is now enabled on your Android phone by default.

More questions? Check our Help Center.

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React BIGGER.

Bring your messages to life with vibrant animations that will transform your words into dazzling visual displays.

Currently in beta. Only on Android.

It’s no longer about blue vs green..

Customize the color of the text bubble and background for every chat and give each conversation its own unique look.

Reactions all your own.

Infuse each message with a burst of visual effects, including animated emojis that appear around the bubbles.

Only on Android.

Bring your voice texts to life..

When sending a voice text, you can also choose a visual effect to express your mood.

React in whole new ways.

Create a new reaction right within the chat window. Just pick an image from your camera roll.

From camera roll to custom emoji.

Just like magic, the subject of the picture is highlighted and automatically turned into a reaction.

Every chat deserves a custom reaction.

Make all of your chats even more you by creating as many personalized reactions as you want.

Bounce the bots.

Google Messages automatically filters out spam and phishing messages, so you never even have to see them.

Enjoy your privacy.

With RCS enabled, your chats are protected by end-to-end encryption. So you can share whatever you need to.

The perfect text, every time.

Choosing from a range of styles, let Magic Compose turn your text into something totally fun and unexpected.

Turn pics into perfect reactions.

Chat across multiple devices..

Never miss a conversation with seamless integration across all your Android devices.

React dynamically.

Infuse each message with a burst of visual effects, including animated emoji that work across devices and OS.

Get the most out of your video calls

When texting isn’t enough and things go from “ok” to “OMG.” you can download Google Meet for all of your video call needs.

More you in every chat.

Customize the backgrounds and bubbles of your conversations, and give each contact a different theme.

Add gestures to every conversation.

React with a simple 👍, and watch as magic unfolds with an animated trio of hands dancing around the message.

Add more of you to every message with screen effects that pop up whenever you use specific keywords.

Never miss a message again.

These helpful reminders ensure you don't forget to respond to messages that need your attention.

Say it, then send it.

No matter what you’re doing, Voice Transcription helps you communicate when you can’t type, or don't want to.

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Supported voices and languages

Text-to-Speech provides the following voices. The list includes Neural2 , Studio , Standard, and WaveNet voices. Studio, Neural2 and WaveNet voices are higher quality voices with different pricing ; in the list, they have the voice type 'Neural2', 'Studio' or 'WaveNet'.

To use these voices to create synthetic speech, see how to create synthetic voice audio .

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Desperate Vladimir Putin plunges 22 million Russians into darkness in bitter -22C winter

Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered rolling energy blackouts across Moscow as temperatures reach - 22C.

The blackouts are said to cover the entire metropolitan area of Russia's which has a total population of around 22 million.

The order issued states that electricity is "not to exceed 12 hours per day" with the blackouts in place from January 14 through March 31 2024, according to Ukraine commentator Igor Sushko.

Sushko posted on X: "The entire Moscow metropolitan area, population 22 million, will have rolling blackouts of electricity "not to exceed 12 hours per day" from January 14 through March 31, 2024. - announced by the fascist state."

READ MORE: WW3 fears explode as Putin ally warns Poland is 'next' target on Putin's hitlist

Click here to follow Daily Express US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest US, showbiz, and sports news.

It comes after a heating main ruptured at the Klimovsk Specialised Ammunition Plant in Podolsk, about 30 miles south of central Moscow, on January 4.

As a result, tens of thousands of Russians are said to be without heat in their homes in the Moscow region due to subzero temperatures.

According to a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and circulated on various social media platforms, the affected areas include cities such as Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov, Naro-Fominsk, and Podolsk.

Residents in Moscow, specifically Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky, and Selyatino, are also experiencing power outages, according to other Russian media reports.

Power outages have been reported in St. Petersburg, Rostov, Volgograd, Voronezh, and Primorsky.

Meanwhile, a huge fire tore through a large warehouse used by Russia's largest online retailer south of St Petersburg on Saturday morning.

The blaze covered an area of 70,000 square meters, with 50,000 square meters of the Wildberries warehouse collapsing, according to Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry. No casualties were reported.

Videos posted to social media appeared to show employees running down fire escapes and fleeing the scene. A video shot from a passenger jet flying nearby showed flames totally engulfing the warehouse, sending huge plumes of smoke into the sky.