MoSS: Unfolding Playful Imaginaries of Synthetic Voice Design through a Modular Smart Speaker

In this paper we introduce the experimental prototype MoSS (Modular Smart Speaker). MoSS is a modular speech synthesis smart speaker system, and a feature-rich and capable platform that resembles and functions as an intelligent smart speaker, while featuring extended functions for advanced audio processing. MoSS is composed byanumberofsoftwareandhardwarecomponents, allowing people to customize, modify and modulate its synthetic voice in real-time. Through playfully combining the different tools and parameters, MoSS facilitates an investigation of human/machine interaction with voice controlled smart home objects, with a focus on the exploration of sound and voice synthesis. We present the process leading the creation of MoSS, how it works and the preliminary results from using the device to inspire novel vocal imaginaries in synthetic voice design.