Why did GPS systems change from a computer voice to a human voice?

I am looking for any statistics or articles on what happened when GPS systems incorporated a human sounding voice. Did sales increase? I am researching the importance of voice tone and i thought GPS might be a good example.

♥Red Panda♥2010-03-11T09:57:23Z

Favorite Answer

Some of the reasons I have heard were:

1. Easier to understand

2. Less intimidating

Much like how many GPS systems have a female voice option; people feel less intimidated by a female voice.

Weird huh? It's amazing what we learn about humans over time.

Mr. Smartypants2010-03-11T09:59:07Z

For systems that repeat a certain number of set phrases, a human voice works better because it's easier to understand. An actual human voice can be recorded digitally and stored in a ROM chip, and this is simpler than a voice synthesizer (I was going to say it's cheaper but they probably cost about the same).

A voice ROM can only repeat certain words and phrases that were recorded into it, so it has a smaller vocabulary. A voice synthesizer can say -anything-, but GPS's don't need that much vocabulary, just simple directions like 'turn left', 'turn right' ,etc.

Anonymous2010-03-11T10:44:40Z

Im assuming sales did increase otherwise it wouldnt have been done. Everything in business is done on the basis of profit

warshaw2017-01-16T22:17:18Z

Simulating sounds of organic international (to attraction to it) or different each and every day sounds. And what approximately speaking in tongues? in view that its non secular i do no longer think of it falls in any of your different categories.

Captain Reynolds2010-03-11T09:56:45Z

what would you rather hear?