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Voices that foster connection and belonging

You can now use high quality AI generated ElevenLabs voices in Grid, helping you to express yourself in a way that feels more natural and personal. This update expands the range and quality of voice options available, offering even greater personalisation for AAC users.

Our voices shape the way we connect with others, express emotions, and build relationships. For AAC users, having a personalised voice isn’t just about speech – it’s about maintaining a sense of self, fostering deeper connections, and engaging meaningfully with loved ones. A familiar and natural-sounding voice helps bridge the gap between communication and emotional expression, making interactions more authentic and personal.

By integrating powerful AI voice services like ElevenLabs, Grid provides users with greater choice and authenticity when communicating.

Preview a selection of ElevenLabs voices below:

Phil (UK):

Julia (UK):

 

Melanie (USA)

 

Marvin (Germany):

With ElevenLabs, users can create their own AI voice and use it directly in Grid (available on Windows and iPad). Voices are available for online use, offering high-quality, natural-sounding speech that enhances self-expression and connection.

There are 32 ElevenLabs languages. Most of these languages are also supported in Grid.

 

The hardest part of living with MND has been losing my speech. I felt like I’d lost my identity. When Dougal asked if I had any recordings of my voice before MND, I sent him a video where I say one line with people talking in the background. I wasn’t hopeful at all, but ElevenLabs isolated that one line and created my voice. I’m so happy to have my identity back thanks to Smartbox and ElevenLabs.
Sarah, Eye gaze artist and Grid user

How to get an AI voice

ElevenLabs voices are available for free for all Grid users over the age of 18.

Follow the steps below to get your voice:

  • Apply for your ElevenLabs code using the link below
  • Create your voice using ElevenLabs
  • Input your ElevenLabs API key in Grid’s settings

Additionally, we can provide a free ElevenLabs voice for AAC professionals to demo with a 12-month Pro License, helping more clinicians test and demonstrate the quality of AI generated voices.

Explore more detailed guidance on using ElevenLabs voices in Grid.

Simon
With the integration of AI voice services in Grid, AAC users will have greater flexibility and choice in how they communicate. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can find a voice that feels right for them, enabling more natural and personal self-expression.
Simon, CTO at Smartbox

 

Join the AI features webinar

The new ElevenLabs voices are part of a wider AI update to Grid software that also includes the new Fix tool.

Learn more about both of these features in our live webinar on 25 June.

  • An introduction to our new AI features
  • The impact Fix can have on reducing cognitive load for alternative access Text users
  • Your voice, your identity – a refresher on the impact of personalised voices  
  • Feedback from our team of AAC user testers
  • How to try these features yourself

 

At ElevenLabs, we drive social good through AI audio. Our Impact Program partners with nonprofits to provide free licenses for projects in accessibility, education, and culture. We aim to enable 1 million voices to communicate and learn without barriers. If your nonprofit could benefit from AI audio, we’d love to hear from you. We aim to create a world where every voice makes a difference. Our Impact Program continues to grow, with more options for AAC users to access an ElevenLabs voice coming soon.
Sophia Noel, Partnerships at ElevenLabs

FAQs

What are ElevenLabs voices?
ElevenLabs voices are created online using powerful AI, to create authentic, human-sounding digital voices. Voices can be created by cloning audio or using a voice design engine to create a personalised voice with text prompts.

If you only have a low-quality audio clip that you want to use, ElevenLabs can connect you with volunteers to help improve the quality of the clip. 

What is the AI voice integration in Grid?
The AI voice integration allows AAC users to use ElevenLabs voices within Grid 3 and Grid for iPad. This gives users more voice options, that sound natural, high-quality, and individual.

Is the new AI voice integration free in Grid?
Yes, these voices are free for any Grid user over the age of 18.
You just have to apply for a code using this form.

Why are ElevenLabs voices only available to people over the age of 18?
ElevenLabs current Terms of Service set out that you must be over 18 years of age to register for an ElevenLabs voice but this is being reviewed so it may change in the future.

Are voices available globally?
Yes! please select your location when you apply for your voice.

Will my ElevenLabs voice work offline?
No, ElevenLabs voices require an internet connection. However, your default Grid voice will still be available when offline.

Can AAC professionals try ElevenLabs voices?
Yes! We are offering a 12-month Pro License for AAC professionals to demo ElevenLabs voices and explore their benefits. This is available for Speech and Language Pathologists/Therapists, Occupational Therapists, AAC/AT Specialists, and Educators.

How does Smartbox ensure AI is used ethically?
At Smartbox, we believe AI should empower, not replace, human expression. Our products and services are designed to improve the experience for AAC users while respecting individuality and control over how you communicate. Our AI Principles guide how we use AI to improve our products, systems, and services, to create a positive impact for AAC users, ensuring we act ethically.

Will my data be used to train AI models when using an AI voice in Grid?
Some providers of online AI voices may use your data to train their AI models, which helps improve the accuracy and quality of their voices over time. However, many of these services offer the option to opt out of data collection for training purposes.

Before using an AI voice service, we recommend reviewing the provider’s policies to understand how your data may be used when you create an account. If you prefer not to have your data used for training, look for the option to opt-out when using a third-party service. Offline voices in Grid do not use any user data to train AI models, so there is no requirement to opt-out.

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