Python Text to Speech in Macintosh

Question

Are there any libraries in Python that does or allows Text To Speech Conversion using Mac Lion\'s built in text to speech engine? I did google but most are windows based. I

Answer 1

If you are targeting Mac OS X as your platform - PyObjC and NSSpeechSynthesizer is your best bet.

Here is a quick example for you

#!/usr/bin/env python

from  AppKit import NSSpeechSynthesizer
import time
import sys


if len(sys.argv) < 2:
   text = raw_input('type text to speak> ')
else:
   text = sys.argv[1]

nssp = NSSpeechSynthesizer

ve = nssp.alloc().init()

for voice in nssp.availableVoices():
   ve.setVoice_(voice)
   print voice
   ve.startSpeakingString_(text)

   while not ve.isSpeaking():
      time.sleep(0.1)

   while ve.isSpeaking():
      time.sleep(0.1)

Please note that AppKit module is part of PyObjC bridge and should be already installed on your Mac. No need to install it if you are using OS provided python (/usr/bin/python)