Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the impact and attachment people can have to certain voices in GPS systems and the online protest that led to bringing back a popular voice.
- The story showcases how an Australian musician embraced her voice's popularity in GPS units, rebranded herself as the GPS girl, and started making a positive impact on people's lives.
Deep dives
The Voice Behind GPS Systems
Karen Jacobson and Yaroslav Yuskovich both became famous for their voices in GPS systems. Karen's voice became a source of frustration and comfort for users, while Yaroslav's voice gained popularity in Poland. Both recorded their voices for modest pay and didn't expect them to be used in such widespread ways. Karen's voice ended up in GPS units, elevators, movie theaters, and even Siri on iPhones. Yaroslav's voice became the Polish voice for Google Maps. However, both eventually faced being replaced by text-to-speech voices. Yaroslav's voice was actually replaced temporarily, but due to overwhelming user backlash, Google brought it back. This story highlights the attachment people can have to certain voices and the impact they can have on users' lives.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
