pronounce
Latest
Google Lens can now help you pronounce the words it translates
New Lens features help you pronounce foreign words and learn more about complex subjects.
Siri can learn how to pronounce your name in iOS 7
I've become a big Siri fan lately. After not quite getting the service when I first bought my iPhone, I've started using it to send a text without typing, grab quick driving directions and check the weather forecast. I just wish Siri loved me as much as I love her: Whenever she says my name, she always tells me, "Mike, scram!" My name is actually pronounced as "Sh-," like "Shramm," but Siri's never asked otherwise. Fortunately, in iOS 7, that won't be the case. The latest version of Siri, currently in beta and arriving with the rest of the new iOS this fall, will allow you to tell Siri when she's mispronouncing something, and even correct her pronunciation, or choose from a few different options. A 9to5Mac reader spotted the feature in the beta, and you can see the interface above. It's currently possible to correct Siri's pronunciation with phonetic spelling, but this way seems much, much easier. It'll be nice to have Siri call me by my name in the right way. This is just one of the new tricks she's picked up in iOS 7, too: Apple has also promised a clearer voice (that can be male if you so choose), more sources for content and new functions like returning calls for you, controlling the new iTunes Radio service and more. We can't wait to see and hear it.
How to pronounce ASUS (video)
A-suh-ss? Ah-sue-ss? As-ses? Nope, all wrong. We've been informed by ASUS that its head honcho has recently set a new rule in an attempt to rid our frustration, so what used to be "Ah-seuss" is now "A-seuss" (or "Eh-SUS" according to Taiwanese phonetics, as pictured). The logic behind this? Apparently it's a direct chop from the pronunciation of "pegasus" -- the origin of the company's name -- which ironically seems to favor the former diction. Anyhow, let's not confuse ourselves any further and just study this lovely lady's video demo after the break.
Run over by the Succubus
Ah, to be young again. Arawn of L2Lock pointed out this poor kid on the forums, who got caught by his parents checking out the "you know what" of the Warlock Succubus pet, "and then it made this sound like uhh uhh uuhhhhh whiip whippp" ("I think warlocks will know what I mean"), and now the poor guy's banned from playing WoW.Oh, the post itself is so funny, I don't even know what to add. I haven't heard of it happening in a long time, but way back when the game first came out I remember hearing about kids who rolled female Night Elves just to watch them dance, and I think all of us who played Tomb Raider know exactly what this kid is up to. Yes, I mean you-- Lara Croft didn't have to stand facing the corner for five minutes just so the camera could zoom in that one time. And even Blizzard knows what's going on here.Still, this seems like a good kid (if nothing else, the experience has gotten him interested in correct pronunciation). You might try telling your parents you're rerolling something like an Orc, buddy-- the uglier the better. Otherwise, wait a few years, and all will become clear. The entire post preserved after the jump.
