My current company Techugo- a top mobile app development company, has robust working structure, which gives the equal and fair chance to every employee to go and grab the chance of being a face of the company in front of the client, so it was my day, when I had been given this opportunity, which I accepted with a grinning smile. Although I am very extrovert by nature, but it was a Fri evening and we had a video conference with our overseas client, being new to the organization, it was but obvious for me to get all the butterflies of the world to come and get accumulated in my tiny stomach and I was feeling to throw up due to nervousness, but had to remain calm and quiet and pose as relaxed as possible. The only question from my CTO Preeti Singh, “Gunjan , all ready?”, brought me into the frame of the Monalisa portrait made by Leonardo DA Vinci. I can laugh at my situation now when I am writing, but a month ago this situation was gruesome for me and I wanted to remain invisible…Well the meeting started and I was introduced to our client, my name ‘Gunjan Manral’ is not as tough to pronounce or maybe this was a mere thought of mine only, since our client repeated my name as ‘Gooojan Menrahl’, although he was told again but he couldn’t attain the correct pronunciation, so in order not to annoy him further, we decided to let the meeting move on, no prize for guessing for the next few days I was tried with my patience, since my colleagues kept on calling my name with the same pronunciation.
This all is quite much obvious when an Asian name is usually being pronounced by native English speakers, but when your name is also pronounced as “Gooojan” by Google Assistant, then you feel little helpless to curb the antics of your friends. A machine is expected to work according to your desire, but unfortunately, the advancement of technology has reached the extreme, but yet in mobile technology, a most common problem faced among all voice assistant is they sound unnatural and the pronunciation of names are almost suicidal. But Google has come up with a solution to fix the issue of mispronunciation of your name through two different techniques…quite a reliever isn’t it…yes, and especially for me, it is…so let’s know those two different ways to escape you from being mortified in front of your friends and colleagues.
Way 1 : Your Nickname
As a child, you are called with different and lovely diminutives, which sound so ecstatic and cute during the childhood, but sooner you cross that stage, such names are not always sooth down your ears. I too have a nickname, and fortunately very cute still, so without divulging the name, I would like to talk about the process. With Google assistant you can set your nickname (if you still like it) to be used, it is easier for the technology to grab the shortened form of your name, you can follow the process:
- Open the Google Home app on Android or iOS
- Click on More settings
- Click on Personal Info
- Click Nickname
- Enter your nickname
- Tap Play to test out the pronunciation
Now, all the time Google Assistant would address you by name, either through Google Home or Assistant on Pixel phones, but it will be that short and cute name filled by you.
Way 2: Phonetic Pronunciation
If you are not willing to pick your nickname, then there is one other way for you, that is Phonetic Spelling of your name. Phonetic chart sound more like a V&A practice made in the call center, but it is not, rather it would help the Google to understand your name through the phonetic spelling and it would never be wrong. Let’s learn how to do it:
- In the above-mentioned menu option
- Click on the option to spell out how your name
- Click the radio button to the left of Spell it out.
- Here type the phonetic spelling of your name, using English alphabets only
- Click the blue Play button to test it
You must add spaces to break up the syllable and carry out the exact functioning of the syllable stress, like for my name, I would spell it: Goon-Jan.
This technology was earlier available with Cortana on Windows and Siri on Mac, but with Google, you can imply this technique in two different ways, as per your convenience. Google indeed has brought relief to many like me, who want to keep their name to be pronounced clearly. On the other hand, I am an Android app developerwith Techugo, worth to mention, if you want your Android app development concept to get the wings of reality then Techugo is the right destination for you.
At Techugo, we take pride in developing the mobile apps for the leading brands to startups and our mobile app development team has the expertise to create a unique variety of mobile app solution for your business needs, which would help you to showcase your idea, goal, and dream in the most informative and engaging way. Our team of top mobile app designers is here to help assist you with every step of your mobile app development strategy. We consult, brainstorm, manage the project, design, develop, test, launch, and market apps in the best possible way.
You can get in touch with our team to discuss further your concept to bring into reality. The discussion would help you to gain a better insight of your app requirement.
You can reach us at:
sales@techugo.com
Skype: aks141
Skype: ankit.techugo
Skype: aks141
Skype: ankit.techugo
Source: http://www.techugo.com/blog/teach-va-to-google/
