Speech Recognition & Synthesis for Android

Speech Recognition & Synthesis is a system-level utility by Google LLC that provides speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities for Android devices. The app acts as a shared engine that other applications can call upon to convert spoken words into text or to read text aloud. Its main role is to make voice interaction and spoken feedback available across a wide range of third-party and first-party software.

The speech-to-text side supports features like voice search in mapping apps, on-device transcription in recorder apps, real-time caller transcription, and voice-based device control through accessibility tools. Dictation in keyboard apps and voice search in media or language learning apps also depend on this component. The text-to-speech side lets apps such as ebook readers, translation tools, and screen readers produce spoken output, which is especially useful for users who rely on audio feedback.

According to the provided data, the application was released on October 10, 2013, and received an update on September 29, 2026. The latest version listed in the version history is 996.0.100.79.22, dated February 16, 2024. The update note mentions a new name, “Speech Recognition and Synthesis from Google,” and highlights that the app now empowers applications with speech-to-text functionality in addition to text-to-speech. The package requires only the Microphone permission and is rated for everyone.

Key features

• Speech-to-text conversion for dictation, voice search, and accessibility tools
• Text-to-speech output that reads on-screen content aloud
• Integration with navigation, translation, and transcription apps
• On-device transcription support for compatible recorder apps
• Real-time voice input for call screen and voice access features
• Configurable as the default assist app and TTS engine
• No ads or in-app purchases

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file.
2. When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the Install unknown apps setting.
3. Open the downloaded APK file; the package is about 15 MB.
4. Tap Install and wait for the process to finish.
5. Open the app and set it as the default voice input or text-to-speech engine in system settings if needed.
6. This version requires Android 8.0 or higher.

Latest changes

The latest update renames the app to "Speech Recognition and Synthesis from Google." Beyond the new name, the release notes state that the app now covers both text-to-speech and speech-to-text, so other applications can turn spoken words into text as well as read screen content aloud. The notes point to the "About this app" section for details. The app requires Android 8.0 or later, measures about 15 MB, and was last updated on September 29, 2026.

This utility is suited for users who frequently dictate messages or search by voice, for people who depend on accessibility features like TalkBack or Voice Access, and for anyone who wants spoken translations or read-aloud content on their device.

After installation, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Default apps > Assist App and select this engine as your preferred voice input to ensure voice features work consistently across apps.

For users who rely on voice input or spoken output across multiple apps, this package is a dependable system component. Its broad compatibility and regular updates make it a sensible default, even though some devices may already ship with a similar version preinstalled.