Local TTS Reader - Chrome Extension

A sleek Chrome extension that converts webpage text to speech using a local OpenAI-compatible TTS server. Features include voice selection, speed control, and the ability to save audio files.

Features

• 🎯 Read selected text or entire webpage
• 🎭 Multiple voice options compatible with OpenAI voice mappings
• ⚡ Adjustable playback speed (0.25x to 4.0x)
• 💾 Option to save audio for download
• ⏯️ Play/Pause/Stop/Seek controls
• 🎨 Clean, modern interface
• 🔧 Configurable server URL
• 🌐 Works with Tailscale/local network TTS servers

Installation

1. Clone this repository:

git clone https://github.com/phildougherty/local_tts_reader.git

2. Load the extension in Chrome:
   • Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions/
   • Enable "Developer mode" in the top right
   • Click "Load unpacked"
   • Select the cloned repository folder

Usage

1. Click the extension icon in your Chrome toolbar

2. Configure your settings:

   • Select your preferred voice
   • Adjust the playback speed using the slider
   • Check "Save audio for download" if you want to download the audio
   • Enter your local TTS server URL

3. On any webpage:

   • Select specific text to read just that portion
   • Or don't select anything to read the entire page
   • Click play to start TTS
   • Use pause/stop controls as needed
   • Download the audio if recording was enabled

Voice Options

The extension supports the following voices:

• Adam (Alloy) - am_adam
• Nicole (Ash) - af_nicole
• Emma (Coral) - bf_emma
• Bella (Echo) - af_bella
• Sarah (Fable) - af_sarah
• George (Onyx) - bm_george
• Isabella (Nova) - bf_isabella
• Michael (Sage) - am_michael
• Sky (Shimmer) - af_sky

Server Requirements

Your local TTS server should:

• Be OpenAI API compatible
• Accept POST requests to /v1/audio/speech
• Accept JSON payload in the format: \json { "model": "tts-1", "voice": "af_bella", "input": "text to speak", "speed": 1.0 } \\
• Return audio data (mp3/wav)

Default server URL: http://localhost:8000/v1/audio/speech

Development

The extension consists of three main files:

• manifest.json: Extension configuration
• popup.html: UI layout and styles
• popup.js: Core functionality and event handlers

To modify the extension:

1. Make your changes
2. Reload the extension in chrome://extensions/
3. Click the refresh icon on the extension card

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/AmazingFeature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some AmazingFeature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/AmazingFeature)
5. Open a Pull Request

License

Distributed under the MIT