Can you add custom voice packs to Google Maps?

ByJael Lawler

Google Maps is an extremely popular navigation and mapping app that provides turn-by-turn driving, walking, cycling, and public transit directions. It uses a default synthetic female voice for instructions when navigating. However, some users may want to customize the navigation voice in Google Maps by downloading a custom voice pack.

Custom voice packs are additional voices that can be used instead of the standard Google Maps voice. They allow you to choose between different languages, accents, genders, tones, and speaking styles for instructions. Using a familiar or amusing voice for navigation can enhance the navigation experience.

Benefits of Custom Voice Packs

There are several benefits to using a custom voice pack for Google Maps. Three key benefits include:

1. More Personal/Fun
Having a custom voice pack allows you to personalize your Google Maps experience. You can install a friend’s voice or even a celebrity’s voice to make your Google Maps navigation more enjoyable. It adds a fun element to an otherwise mundane driving activity. For example, one popular custom voice pack people install is Darth Vader from Star Wars (computerworld.com).

2. Accessibility for Vision Impaired
Custom voice packs allow people who are visually impaired to use a voice they are familiar with on Google Maps. Instead of relying entirely on the built-in Google Maps voices, they can use the voice of a family member or caretaker which can instill confidence and comfort. They can even install voices in other languages to improve accessibility for individuals who speak English as a second language.

3. Support a Language Not Offered by Default
Google Maps only offers a handful of languages for its built-in voice packs. Having a custom voice pack allows you to install voices in additional languages not offered by default in Google Maps. This makes the navigation and voice assistance available to more people in their native languages (reddit.com).

How Google Maps Voice Works

Google Maps uses text-to-speech (TTS) technology to read aloud street names, directions, and other map content. According to Google Cloud, TTS converts language into human-like speech using deep learning models. The standard voice in Google Maps is computer-generated and lacks natural cadence. Custom voice packs can override this default voice.

As explained on the Google Cloud Text-to-Speech docs, voice packs use parametric speech synthesis to mimic human voices. They are more natural sounding while still protecting user privacy by not recording real people. Google makes its TTS capabilities available to developers through the Google Cloud Platform.

Finding Custom Voice Packs

There are a few good sources online to find pre-made custom voice packs for Google Maps. One popular option is checking on Reddit, where users sometimes post download links in relevant subreddits like r/GoogleMaps. You can also find people sharing voice packs on Android forums and message boards.

If you want to make your own custom voice pack, there are some tools available as well. An application called Voicebot allows you to record your own voice and export it as a navigation voice pack that works with Google Maps. There are also some tutorials online for creating voice packs using open source text-to-speech software.

Overall, while Google Maps doesn’t natively support adding new voices, there are options in the Android enthusiast community for customizing the navigation guidance with unique voice packs.

Installing a Custom Voice Pack

To install a custom voice pack in Google Maps, you will need the voice audio files in the proper format. Google Maps uses MP3 audio files for its voice guidance. So any custom voice pack will need to contain MP3 files for each navigation prompt used by Maps.

According to this Reddit post, Google Maps looks in a specific folder for these MP3 files. To load a custom voice pack:

  1. Obtain the MP3 audio files for your chosen voice pack.
  2. Connect your Android device to your computer.
  3. Navigate to the “Internal shared storage/TTS/com.google.android.apps.maps/voices/” folder.
  4. Copy the MP3 files from the voice pack into this folder.

Once the files are copied over, disconnect your device and open the Google Maps app. Go to Settings > Navigation Settings > Voice selection and you should now see your custom voice pack available.

Select the custom voice and it will now be used for navigation prompts and instructions. Note that you may need to experiment with file naming conventions to get Google Maps to properly recognize all of the custom audio files.

Using a Custom Voice

Once you’ve downloaded and installed a custom voice pack for Google Maps on your Android device, there are just a few simple steps to activate it for use:

  1. Open the Google Maps app
  2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner
  3. Go to Settings > Navigation settings
  4. Under ‘Voice selection’, choose your newly installed custom voice

To ensure the best experience with your new voice, make sure to download a high-quality voice pack and install it properly. Some tips:

  • Test the voice by listening to samples before downloading
  • Follow installation instructions carefully
  • Choose a voice that is clear and easy to understand
  • Try a few different options to find your favorite

Have fun making Google Maps navigation talk like your favorite celebrity or fictional character! Just be sure to listen carefully so you don’t miss a turn.

Limitations

There are some key limitations to using custom voice packs in Google Maps. According to this article, while Google Maps offers different built-in voices based on region or language, it does not officially support installing third-party custom voices.

Custom voice packs may not work properly across all platforms and devices. For example, getting a custom voice pack working on an iPhone can be challenging compared to Android. Additionally, some Google Maps features that rely on the default voice may not function as expected with a custom voice pack.

So while it is possible to install custom voices, the experience is not guaranteed to be seamless across devices. Key functionality could be lost, such as voice-guided navigation. So use custom voices with the caveat that Google Maps is optimized for the default built-in voices.

Troubleshooting

If you’re experiencing issues with your custom voice pack in Google Maps, like audio dropouts or the voice not working at all, here are some things you can try:

Privacy Concerns

When using custom voice packs in Google Maps, some users may have privacy concerns regarding how their voice data is handled. According to an article on CNET, Google devices do record various kinds of audio data:

“Google is recording you. Here’s how to purge those voice recordings and protect your privacy.” (source)

However, Google does allow users to manage these recordings. As stated in their support documentation:

“Turn voice and audio activity on or off · On your Android phone or tablet, open your device’s Settings app and then Google and then Manage your Google account.” (source)

So while Google does collect voice data for various purposes, they do provide settings to control this collection. Users can turn off voice & audio collection entirely, or delete past recordings. Overall, users have options to manage privacy, but should be aware that using custom voice packs does involve sending voice data to Google.

Conclusion

Installing a custom voice pack to Google Maps can allow you to change the spoken directions with a voice that suits your personal preferences. Some key benefits of using a custom voice include choosing a voice that is clearly comprehensible to you, finding audio you find more pleasant to listen to, and even getting directions spoken in a different language. The process involves finding or creating a navigation file or “voice pack”, downloading it, and placing the file in the proper Google Maps folder on your device. Once configured correctly, Google Maps will then use the custom voice for turn-by-turn directions instead of the default options.

Customizing the spoken directions from Google Maps takes a bit of file management but allows an extra degree of personalization in the map app. Users who install a voice they like may pay closer attention and more enjoy the navigation experience. With some file management and research, you can replace the default options with a language, accent, clarity, or personality you prefer.

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