How to set up your ElevenLabs voice in Predictable

Setting up your ElevenLabs voice in Predictable is quick and easy - it should take you less than a minute! To start, you'll need an ElevenLabs account, where you can either create custom voices or use pre-made ones available for download.

Step 1: Get Your ElevenLabs API Key

Log into your ElevenLabs account and head to the My Account section in the bottom left corner. From there, you'll find an option for API keys. Clicking on this will open a modal where you can create a new API key. Name it whatever you like and click Create API Key. Remember to copy the key, as it will only be shown once.

Step 2: Connect ElevenLabs to Predictable

Next, open Predictable and go to Settings > Speech, then select ElevenLabs. (If you don’t see this option, make sure you have the latest version of Predictable installed.) Paste in your API key from ElevenLabs and click Connect My Voices. Your ElevenLabs voices should now appear under My Online Voices, ready to be used in Predictable.

Using ElevenLabs voices offline in Predictable

ElevenLabs voices work online, meaning an internet connection is required to generate new speech. However, Predictable has features to enhance offline use:

1. Stored Phrases: Once you've spoken a phrase using ElevenLabs, it will be stored, allowing you to play it back later without an internet connection and with reduced latency.

2. Pre-download Phrases: You can pre-download all the phrases in your Grid by navigating to ElevenLabs settings within Predictable. This saves the phrases using the currently selected voice for offline use. Be mindful that this could use a large portion of your ElevenLabs quota, depending on the size of your Grid.

   
   

This setup allows you to use your custom voices effectively in Predictable, both online and offline.

Alternative methods in Predictable

What is switch scanning access?

Switch access scanning is an indirect selection method, as opposed to direct touch. 

Who is it for?

People with complex physical difficulties may be dependent on technology to manage their life or to communicate. Switch scanning access is for people who cannot use their hands to progress and select items on the screen. Some gestures like swiping, scrolling, (double) tapping or targeting a key to select can represent, for them, a barrier. How does it work? There are two main actions that are made instinctively while navigating on a device: progressing and selecting. On computers, for instance, both actions are initiated by the mouse. With Predictable, people can use two switches at a time: one to progress or scan the items appearing on the screen, and the other one to make a selection of the highlighted item. If you don’t have the ability to use 2 switches at the same time, you can set the scan on automatic mode and adjust the speed and number of scan cycles. Another alternative method relying on scanning method: Touch anywhere: The screen automatically scans the items on the screen and once a button is highlighted, users tap anywhere on the screen to make a selection.

See more on how to use switch access with Predictable: