When using voice-activated devices like Google Home, the perception that someone's voice sounds like it's coming out of a can or has a robotic quality can be attributed to a few factors:
Audio Compression: To transmit voice data efficiently over the internet, voice-activated devices often employ audio compression techniques. These techniques reduce the file size of the audio data, but they can also affect the quality of the sound. Compression algorithms can sometimes result in a loss of clarity, making the voice sound distorted or unnatural.
Bandwidth and Internet Connection: The quality of the voice transmission can be influenced by the available bandwidth and the strength of the internet connection. If the internet connection is slow or unstable, it can cause delays or data loss, leading to a degradation in audio quality.
Microphone and Speaker Quality: The quality of the microphone and speaker built into the voice-activated device can also impact how the voice sounds. Cheaper or lower-quality devices may not capture or reproduce sound as accurately, resulting in a tinny or muffled effect.
Acoustic Environment: The environment in which the voice-activated device is placed can contribute to the perception of sound quality. If the device is located in a room with hard surfaces that reflect sound, it can create echoes or reverberation, further affecting the clarity of the voice.
While Google Home and similar devices strive to provide high-quality voice interactions, there are inherent limitations in the technology that can result in the perception of voices sounding unnatural or "can-like." Manufacturers continually work to improve the audio quality of these devices, but it's worth noting that some of these limitations are inherent to the current technology used for voice transmission and reproduction.