Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, and Realtime Audio

Audio applications may transcribe speech, synthesize speech, classify sounds, or support low-latency conversational voice. Decide whether the product needs batch transcription, streaming partial transcripts, turn detection, interruption handling, or bidirectional audio. Audio codecs, sample rates, chunk boundaries, and session protocols must match the provider's requirements.

Build for noisy input, accents, language switching, and transcription uncertainty. For voice actions, do not treat transcription as proof of intent for a high-impact operation; confirm important details and enforce the same authorization as text interactions. Provide accessible text alternatives and clear recording indicators.

Audio application stages

Microphone -> permission + capture -> audio transport
          -> transcription / realtime model
          -> intent + policy check
          -> response text / synthesized speech
          -> playback + interruption handling

💡 The correct architecture depends on latency requirements. A batch pipeline is simpler; realtime voice needs session lifecycle, cancellation, partial results, and interruption management.

Key Takeaways

Match audio transport to latency requirements.
Design for transcription uncertainty and interruptions.
Use consistent authorization across modalities.

Knowledge Check

Why should a high-impact voice action require the same authorization checks as a text action?

Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, and Realtime Audio

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