Latest news with #TTS
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tax on windfall profits of sugar millers being mulled
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel headed by Member National Assembly Atif Khan, is likely to propose a tax on the windfall profits of sugar millers—similar to the levy imposed on banks—in light of the recent surge in sugar prices. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce during a recent meeting chaired by Jawed Hanif Khan, criticized the sugar industry as a 'mafia' and decided to identify the 'hidden' beneficiaries. The committee subsequently constituted a special multi-party panel to investigate the causes behind the sugar price spike, the circumstances surrounding sugar exports and imports, and the cyclical patterns of the industry over the years. The panel includes Atif Khan (Convener), Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Shahida Rehmani, Tahira Aurangzeb, with Farhan Chishti as a special invitee. Pakistan tenders to buy 100,000 metric tons of sugar, traders say Retail sugar prices are currently hovering around Rs 200/kg. Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, stated that some mills are not adhering to the agreement with the government regarding the ex-mill price. According to the agreement—available with Business Recorder—the maximum ex-mill price was fixed at Rs 165/kg effective July 15, 2025, with a permissible monthly increase of Rs 2/kg until October 1, 2025. This sets the ex-mill prices at: (i) July 15 – Rs 165/kg ;( ii) August 15 – Rs 167/kg ;( iii) September 15 – Rs 169/kg; and (iv) October 15 – Rs 171/kg The agreement also stipulates that provincial governments will enforce retail prices as per law and policy. Insiders from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research argue that the Rs 2/kg monthly carry cost—originally based on a 25% interest rate—which is no longer justified now that the rate has dropped to 11%. They claim the actual carrying cost is closer to Rs 1/kg and that even this estimate has been exaggerated by the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA). The agreement further outlines that corporate consumers must procure sugar directly from mills, with pricing to be mutually agreed. The federal government will only permit the export of sugar stocks exceeding 7 million metric tons (MMT)—including carryover and 2025-26 production—30 days after the end of the 2025-26 crushing season. Final decisions regarding available stock will be made by a four-member committee comprising representatives from the federal and provincial governments, as well as two PSMA members, using FBR's Track & Trace System (TTS) data as the baseline. Sources indicate that both the Finance and Commerce Ministries were hesitant to support sugar exports, fearing domestic price escalation. They allege that major sugar groups that held stocks through the end of last year made substantial profits from exports. The PSMA had previously assured the government that sugar prices would not exceed Rs 140/kg. However, instead of offering to create a buffer stock for price stability, millers were reportedly lured by the export opportunity—given the expectation that local prices would rise, international prices being Rs 30-40/kg higher; and no sales tax liability on exports. As prices now soar past all reasonable limits, the government is considering sugar imports—triggering a national controversy and renewed criticism of PSMA's influence and manipulation. Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, who had earlier opposed sugar export, aligned with the stance of a committee led by Musaddiq Malik, is reportedly facing criticism within Cabinet meetings. In a recent Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) session, he is said to have reprimanded the PSMA, expressing frustration over the steep price hike. To address growing public pressure, the newly formed NA panel led by Atif Khan is considering a windfall tax on sugar mill profits, similar to the one imposed on banks. The proposal aims to curb the alleged manipulations of the PSMA, which has historically lobbied for favourable export policies while allegedly providing misleading data. During the previous government as well, the sugar industry came under scrutiny for benefiting from export-induced price hikes. Larger groups, with greater holding capacity, were again the primary beneficiaries. 'Taxing windfall profits will support the national exchequer and send a strong message to the industry not to exploit the public,' said an official from the Ministry of National Food Security. Meanwhile, the government's efforts to stabilise prices have yielded little success. A previous tender floated by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) for the import of 50,000 tons of sugar failed to attract bids. TCP has now floated a fresh tender for 100,000 tons. Officials from the Commerce Ministry say they are proceeding cautiously, given the sensitivity of the issue. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
From Page to Voice: How Text-to-Speech Is Transforming Digital Communication
The ways we create and consume information have shifted drastically in the digital age. Text-based communication has long been dominant, but audio is rising fast. Not just in entertainment, but across work, education, accessibility, and everyday life. As we face growing volumes of content and shrinking attention spans, there is one quiet revolution making things more efficient, inclusive, and user-friendly: text-to-speech. In its simplest form, text to speech is the automated process of converting written language into spoken words using artificial intelligence. It is not just a convenience tool anymore; it is becoming essential across a range of settings. One platform enabling this shift is Speaktor, which provides an AI-powered online tool for converting digital text into lifelike audio. It offers users a streamlined, browser-based way to access voice generation without needing complex software. This technology now serves as a bridge between static content and dynamic experiences. Whether it's students listening to study material, professionals reviewing reports on the go, or multilingual teams adapting internal documentation, TTS is becoming a crucial utility. Platforms like Speaktor simplify this process by removing the need for recording equipment and allowing users to generate spoken content in seconds. That efficiency is what makes it such a game-changer in both casual and professional settings. We are drowning in content. Blogs, reports, articles, eBooks, training manuals, the average internet user encounters thousands of words a day. But reading is not always efficient, especially when multitasking or dealing with visual fatigue. Text to speech solves this by making content consumable without a screen and without interruption. Industries are adopting TTS for everything from corporate training and compliance to podcast summaries and internal communication. The appeal lies in how fast and scalable it is. Audio files can be generated in minutes, made accessible on any device, and translated for global audiences. With tools like Speaktor, a software-as-a-service platform designed to turn digital text into speech using cloud infrastructure, businesses and educators can adapt content without overhauling their workflows. This makes it an ideal solution for fast-paced, resource-conscious environments. One of the most powerful impacts of TTS is its role in accessibility. For users with visual impairments, dyslexia, or cognitive differences, having content read aloud is essential. But accessibility today also means meeting people where they are, whether at the gym, on the train, cooking dinner, or managing screen fatigue after hours of digital exposure. TTS enables flexibility. It is how information keeps flowing, even when screens are off. And it is becoming expected. Educational institutions now rely on voice-based formats to accommodate diverse learners. Corporates use audio summaries for time-strapped teams. Government services turn to TTS to make public-facing content more inclusive. These shifts are what make platforms like Speaktor valuable. Not because they are loud or flashy, but because they quietly solve a universal need. As digital consumption evolves, users expect more than just one format. Articles now appear as blog posts, videos, infographics, and increasingly, as audio clips. This shift toward multimodal content is not just about preference, but about reach. TTS enables content creators to present information in a format that's accessible on the move, accommodating users who prefer to listen rather than read. Audio complements visual content. It provides a break from screens while still keeping users engaged. With TTS, a single article or document can become a podcast-like experience. This is especially useful for educators, marketers, and publishers who want to meet their audience in varied contexts- during commutes, workouts, or while performing other tasks. In education, TTS allows students to engage with textbooks and study guides through auditory learning. It supports those who struggle with traditional reading and helps others retain more through audio repetition. For content creators, TTS adds an additional format to blogs, newsletters, or tutorials. This expands reach without multiplying production costs or needing a full studio setup. In the workplace, voice-enabled documents are transforming how professionals consume information. Reports, proposals, and presentations are no longer limited to PDF viewers or email threads. They can be listened to in the car, on a walk, or during low-focus work. This kind of flexible consumption is why TTS is gaining traction across departments , from HR and training to marketing and project management. The early days of robotic, synthetic voices are over. Today's TTS engines use machine learning and neural voice modeling to mimic human tone, inflection, and rhythm. This makes the audio not only understandable, but also listenable for extended periods – a must for education, content marketing, or formal documentation. Pacing, emotion, and pronunciation can be adjusted to fit the context. From casual to corporate, voices can be tuned to sound more appropriate for different purposes. This has elevated TTS from a basic tool to a creative asset. When listeners forget they are hearing a machine, the experience becomes seamless. That is when it starts to replace traditional voiceover workflows entirely. Another powerful use case is language learning. TTS gives learners an auditory reference for pronunciation, rhythm, and sentence structure. Hearing a word used in context improves retention and reduces the cognitive load of studying grammar in isolation. Learners can repeat, slow down, and loop content -creating a customizable listening environment that suits different proficiency levels. Platforms like Speaktor support multilingual capabilities, allowing learners to switch between languages and voices. By turning written lessons or vocabulary lists into audio, learners are exposed to spoken rhythm and real-world phrasing, which are often missing in textbook-only instruction. It's a subtle yet powerful upgrade to traditional language study methods. As voice interfaces expand from smart speakers and wearables to embedded systems in vehicles and devices – TTS will continue to grow. It is already found in e-learning platforms, customer support systems, internal dashboards, and public kiosks. Soon, the expectation will not be whether content can be heard, but whether it should be. Voice has always been our most natural form of communication. Bringing it back into the digital world, not as a gimmick but as a practical utility, is what makes TTS such a transformative force. And with tools like Speaktor, which offers a streamlined, cloud-powered solution for generating spoken versions of written material, what was once static on screen can now speak – clearly, naturally, and on demand. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Geeky Gadgets
09-07-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Kyutai STT & TTS : A Perfect Local AI Voice & Speech Solution
What if your voice technology could deliver real-time accuracy, natural-sounding synthesis, and unparalleled customization—all while keeping your data secure and offline? In an era where voice solutions are increasingly cloud-dependent, Kyutai's STT (Speech-to-Text) and TTS (Text-to-Speech) models stand out by offering a local-first approach. Imagine a healthcare provider transcribing sensitive patient conversations instantly or a game developer creating unique, lifelike character voices—all without compromising privacy or performance. Kyutai's innovative tools promise to transform how businesses and developers approach voice technology, blending innovative capabilities with ethical safeguards. Sam Witteveen explores how Kyutai's voice cloning and voice blending features unlock creative possibilities, from crafting personalized virtual assistants to enhancing multimedia content. You'll discover why their models' optimization for local deployment makes them a fantastic option for industries prioritizing data privacy, low latency, and offline functionality. Whether you're a developer seeking reliability or a business aiming to elevate user experiences, Kyutai's solutions offer a glimpse into the future of voice technology. Could this be the perfect balance of innovation and responsibility? Let's unpack the possibilities. Kyutai's Advanced AI Voice Models Speech-to-Text (STT): Accuracy Meets Real-Time Performance Kyutai's STT model is engineered to deliver precise and reliable transcription in English and French, making it an ideal choice for real-time applications. Whether you are developing transcription software or integrating voice commands into systems, this model ensures low-latency performance and dependable accuracy. Its strength lies in its training on a vast dataset of 2.5 million hours of labeled speech, allowing it to handle diverse accents, speech patterns, and environments effectively. However, achieving optimal results requires hardware capable of supporting the model's computational demands, making it essential to evaluate your system's specifications before deployment. Text-to-Speech (TTS): Natural and Versatile Voice Generation The TTS model offers natural-sounding voice synthesis powered by a 1.6-billion parameter architecture. Supporting both English and French, it provides multiple voice options, allowing developers to tailor outputs for various applications. A key feature is its voice cloning capability, which can replicate a voice's tone and intonation from just a 10-second sample. To ensure ethical use, this feature relies on pre-trained voice embeddings rather than user-generated samples. Additionally, the model includes voice blending, allowing users to combine characteristics from multiple voices to create unique outputs. These features make the TTS model highly versatile for applications such as virtual assistants, content creation, and personalized user experiences. Kyutai STT & TTS Local AI Voice Solution Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in AI voice technology by exploring our other resources and articles. Voice Cloning and Blending: Expanding Creative Possibilities Kyutai's voice cloning technology uses pre-made embeddings to replicate voice characteristics with precision. While this approach limits customization, it ensures controlled and ethical use of the technology. Voice blending further enhances flexibility by allowing users to merge attributes from different voices, producing creative or functional results tailored to specific needs. These capabilities are particularly valuable for applications such as: Virtual assistants that require unique and natural-sounding voices. Personalized user experiences in customer service or interactive systems. Content creation, including audiobooks, podcasts, and multimedia projects. By combining cloning and blending, developers can explore new possibilities in creating engaging and dynamic voice outputs. Technical Foundation and Current Limitations Kyutai's models are built on a robust technical foundation, trained on a vast dataset labeled using Whisper Media. This ensures high-quality outputs in both supported languages. The inclusion of pre-made voice embeddings assists experimentation, while tools for voice manipulation and blending add versatility. However, the models currently support only English and French, with no fine-tuning options for additional languages. This limitation may restrict their applicability in multilingual environments, particularly for global applications requiring broader language support. Expanding language compatibility could significantly enhance the models' utility across diverse industries and regions. Optimized for Local Deployment A standout feature of Kyutai's models is their optimization for local deployment, requiring only moderately capable hardware. This makes them suitable for scenarios where data privacy, low latency, and offline functionality are critical. By prioritizing a local-first approach, Kyutai ensures that sensitive data remains secure while maintaining fast processing speeds. For developers and businesses focused on privacy and performance, these models provide a practical and efficient solution. This approach is particularly beneficial for industries such as healthcare, finance, and education, where secure and reliable voice technology is essential. Future Potential and Broader Applications Kyutai's models hold significant potential for future expansion. The integration of these voice technologies with advanced language models could enable the development of sophisticated local chat systems, enhancing interactivity and personalization. The anticipated MLX version promises broader compatibility and improved deployment options, signaling continued advancements in the field. These developments could unlock new opportunities in industries such as: Customer service, where personalized and responsive voice systems can improve user satisfaction. Entertainment, including gaming and virtual reality, where immersive voice interactions are key. Education, allowing interactive learning tools and accessible content for diverse audiences. As these technologies evolve, they are poised to redefine how voice solutions are implemented across various sectors. Media Credit: Sam Witteveen Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Preceptis Medical Appoints Dave Carey as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Phase of Strategic Growth
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Preceptis Medical, Inc., a commercial-stage medical technology company transforming pediatric ENT care, today announced the appointment of Dave Carey as Chief Executive Officer. Carey assumes leadership as the company accelerates toward full market release of its flagship product, the Hummingbird ® Tympanostomy Tube System (TTS). 'We are thrilled to welcome Dave Carey to Preceptis,' said John Seaberg, Chairman of the Board at Preceptis Medical. 'His deep industry expertise, strategic vision, and dedication to improving patient care make him the ideal leader to guide our next phase of growth.' As CEO, Carey will oversee the continued expansion of the Hummingbird TTS System in the U.S., which enables in-office pediatric ear tube placement without the need for general anesthesia. The device has already demonstrated significant clinical, economic, and patient satisfaction benefits in the company's limited market release. 'I'm honored to join the Preceptis Medical team at such an important moment,' said Dave Carey. 'Hummingbird represents a true shift in how we approach pediatric ear tube procedures, and I look forward to partnering with our talented team and surgeon community to bring this solution to more families nationwide.' Preceptis Medical's Hummingbird system enables in-office ear tube placement for young children without the need for general anesthesia, representing a safer, more cost-effective, and family-centered approach to care. For more information, visit
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
New 2025 Tax Reform Locks In Key Deductions For Traders
OBBBA Trader Tax Update: Final July 4 Bill Secures Key Provisions for Traders and Investors The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (OBBBA), passed in early July, delivers sweeping tax reform for 2025 and beyond. For traders, investors, and pass-through businesses, the final bill locks in popular Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions while making permanent or extending critical tax breaks. But OBBBA isn't just about tax cuts — it's also a balancing act. As lawmakers prioritize business relief, future trade-offs may emerge in the form of reduced social safety net spending. Let's walk through what matters most tax-wise in the final version of the bill. Several key tax benefits are now permanent for traders eligible for trader tax status (TTS) business expense treatment, and electing Section 475 MTM ordinary trading gains and losses. TTS is a designation for traders whose activity qualifies them as a business under IRS rules. A major win: the SALT deduction cap increases to $40,000 for 2025, with a phase-out for modified AGI above $500,000. That amount rises modestly through 2029 before returning to $10,000 in 2030. However, it's still disallowed for AMT purposes. Meanwhile, the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) workaround remains fully intact—including for Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTBs) like TTS trading entities. That means TTS traders in high-tax states (NY, CA, NJ, CT, etc.) can continue using entity-level SALT payments to reduce federal taxable income for regular tax and AMT. Beyond trader-specific provisions, OBBBA introduces broader relief: The final 2025 tax bill shores up TCJA-era provisions that benefit TTS traders, investors, and entrepreneurs. With Section 475, QBI, PTET, and bonus depreciation secured, TTS traders can plan ahead with greater clarity. But not all taxpayers will benefit equally—and future policy debates may address how to fund these changes long term. Related Posts from Robert A. Green, CPA Sources: Senate OBBBA text; IRS QBI FAQ; RSM US; Gibson Dunn; Yeo & Yeo; KBKG; Forbes (Kelly Phillips Erb, July 2025). Robert A. Green, CPA, is CEO of and author of Green's 2025 Trader Tax Guide. He specializes in tax strategies for traders, investment funds, and self-employed professionals.
