Show HN: I built a free text-to-speech plugin for WordPress (wordpress.org)

A new plugin called Speechable has been launched for WordPress, offering a free, AI-powered text-to-speech service that converts written content into natural-sounding audio. Utilizing the open-source Piper TTS (Text-to-Speech) neural engine, Speechable operates directly in the browser without needing third-party APIs or lengthy downloads, which makes it lightweight and efficient. Notably, it supports 12 languages and includes features like accurate word highlighting during playback, customizable audio players, and various voice presets, all designed to enhance user engagement and accessibility. The significance of Speechable lies in its potential to bridge accessibility gaps and create interactive content experiences for a diverse audience, including bloggers, educators, and visually impaired users. Its reliance on browser-based processing ensures user privacy, as content is not transmitted to external servers. Furthermore, the integration of Hugging Face's Whisper for word-level timestamps allows for precise synchronization, enhancing the overall quality of audio playback. With these features, Speechable represents a valuable addition to the AI/ML community, demonstrating how open-source technologies can enrich digital content accessibility without imposing costs on users.