Show Notes
Show notes (Technically Working, Episode 146) This week starts with a dramatic voice demo and turns into a practical conversation about TTS quality, accessibility, and the friction that slows down real work.
In this episode, we talk about:
More expressive on-device voices (and why “emotion” in TTS can be impressive but unpredictable)
Why some AI voices drift over long reads (like losing low end after a few thousand characters)
The practical fix: chunking text around 3,000 characters at sentence or paragraph boundaries
The jarring side of expressive TTS: when the tone suddenly shifts mid-training
Mac code editor accessibility and workflow:
VS Code feeling clunky with VoiceOver navigation
Nova being close, but still having VoiceOver quirks (like wrapped-line re-reading)
Missing the flexibility and simplicity of TextMate
A quick audio reality check: room reverb, mic position, and loud breathing in the mic
Why it’s worth listening back sometimes, even if you usually don’t
“Personal intelligence” assistants: Gemini connecting deeper with Gmail, Calendar, Photos, and Drive, and what that could enable
Stream Deck Plus on sale (knobs!) and the bigger question: is the software accessible enough?
Capture friction and follow-up problems:
Getting ideas out of your head fast
Using automation to sort notes into reminders, drafts, and follow-ups
Why the Apple Watch action button might help reduce steps
PLAUD recording devices: improved hardware button design, but app accessibility still matters
Local processing ideas: Raspberry Pi options for local transcription and LLM workflows
Listener feedback: Squarespace questions and a quick look at support options (tip jar vs Buy Me a Coffee)
Feedback and contact: [email protected]
Support the show: Visit technicallyworking.show and click “Support Us” to leave a one-time tip or set up a recurring amount.
Mastodon: @[email protected] @[email protected] @[email protected]
Support Technically Working by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/technically-working
Find out more at https://technically-working.pinecast.co
Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/technically-working/1396d590-a7dc-4a88-8455-1b3da1991eb2
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-431b7d for 40% off for 4 months, and support Technically Working.
More from Technically Working
Would you trust AI to buy an anniversary gift for your spouse? Michael did, and the results might surprise you.
Michael has been experimenting with Meta Muse, and what caught his attention is not just how it answers questions, but how it can actually go do things.