The Golos Joomla plugin transforms written content into natural-sounding speech using advanced text-to-speech technology. With a simple “Speak It” button, visitors can listen to any text selection on your Joomla website, creating an accessible audio experience that mimics human conversation.
Advanced Speech Synthesis Technology
Golos leverages Google Cloud Text-to-Speech with cutting-edge neural network technology to produce remarkably human-like voices. The system utilizes:
- DeepMind’s WaveNet – AI-powered speech synthesis that reduces the gap with human performance by 70%
- Neural network models trained on thousands of hours of human speech
- Machine learning algorithms that continuously improve voice quality
Global Voice Selection for Multilingual Websites
With over 200 voices across 30+ languages and regional variants, Golos ensures your content speaks to international audiences authentically. The plugin supports:
Major Language Families
- Indo-European: English (US/UK/Australian/Indian), Spanish, French, German, Russian, Hindi
- Sino-Tibetan: Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese (Yue)
- Semitic: Arabic, Hebrew
- Dravidian: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam
Regional Dialects and Variants
The plugin recognizes subtle linguistic differences, offering:
- European vs. Brazilian Portuguese
- Canadian vs. Metropolitan French
- Taiwanese vs. Mainland Mandarin
- US vs. Castilian Spanish
Customizable Audio Experience
Golos provides granular control over speech output with professional audio engineering features:
Voice Modulation Controls
- Speaking rate: Adjust from 0.25x (slow) to 4x (fast) normal speed
- Pitch variation: Modify up to ±20 semitones from default
- Volume gain: Boost by +16dB or reduce to -96dB
SSML (Speech Synthesis Markup Language) Support
Enhance pronunciation and delivery with:
- Controlled pauses (from milliseconds to seconds)
- Number/date formatting instructions
- Phonetic pronunciation guides
- Emphasis markers for key phrases
Seamless Joomla Integration
The plugin works effortlessly with all Joomla installations (3.9+) and offers:
Technical Compatibility
- Lightweight 8.5KB footprint with optimized JavaScript
- No jQuery dependency for faster loading
- PHP 5.6+ support (recommended PHP 7+)
- W3C valid HTML output
Design Flexibility
- Responsive design for all devices
- RTL (right-to-left) language support
- Customizable color schemes
- Template-agnostic implementation
Pricing Structure and Free Tier
Google’s Text-to-Speech API offers generous free usage limits:
| Voice Type | Free Monthly Characters | Paid Rate (per million characters) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Voices | 4,000,000 | $4.00 |
| WaveNet Premium Voices | 1,000,000 | $16.00 |
Implementation Best Practices
Maximize Golos effectiveness with these professional tips:
Accessibility Optimization
- Place audio controls near content headings
- Offer voice selection for multilingual users
- Use SSML to clarify complex terms
Performance Considerations
- Monitor character usage in Google Cloud Console
- Cache frequently accessed audio content
- Balance WaveNet quality with standard voices for cost efficiency
Support and Maintenance
The plugin package includes:
- 6 months of technical support from 42Theme
- Regular updates for new languages and features
- Comprehensive documentation with installation guides
- Bug fixes and compatibility patches
For optimal performance, ensure your hosting environment meets the PHP 5.6+ requirement, with PHP 7+ recommended for best results. The plugin maintains backward compatibility while supporting the latest Joomla 4.x framework.
