AI, AI-900, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Microsoft Certification, Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Describe Capabilities of the Azure AI Speech Service (AI-900 Exam Prep)

Where This Fits in the Exam

  • Exam: AI-900 – Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
  • Domain: Describe features of Natural Language Processing (NLP) workloads on Azure (15–20%)
  • Sub-area: Identify Azure tools and services for NLP workloads

For AI-900, Microsoft expects you to understand what the Azure AI Speech service does, when to use it, and how it differs from other AI services — not how to code it.

What Is the Azure AI Speech Service?

The Azure AI Speech service is a cloud-based service that enables applications to process spoken language. It allows systems to:

  • Convert speech into text
  • Convert text into natural-sounding speech
  • Translate spoken language
  • Recognize speakers and voices

It is part of Azure AI Services and focuses on audio and voice-based NLP workloads.

Core Capabilities of Azure AI Speech

1. Speech to Text

Speech to Text converts spoken audio into written text.

Key features:

  • Real-time transcription
  • Batch transcription of audio files
  • Support for multiple languages
  • Automatic punctuation and formatting

Common use cases:

  • Transcribing meetings or calls
  • Voice-controlled applications
  • Call center analytics
  • Accessibility tools (captions and subtitles)

📌 AI-900 exam tip:
If the question mentions converting spoken words into text, the answer is Azure AI Speech (Speech to Text).

2. Text to Speech

Text to Speech converts written text into natural-sounding spoken audio.

Key features:

  • Neural voices that sound human-like
  • Multiple languages and accents
  • Adjustable pitch, speed, and tone
  • Support for voice styles (e.g., cheerful, calm)

Common use cases:

  • Voice assistants
  • Read-aloud applications
  • Accessibility for visually impaired users
  • Automated announcements

📌 AI-900 exam tip:
If the scenario describes reading text out loud, think Text to Speech.

3. Speech Translation

Speech Translation converts spoken language into another language, either as text or synthesized speech.

Key features:

  • Real-time speech translation
  • Multi-language support
  • Can output translated speech or text

Common use cases:

  • Multilingual meetings
  • Travel and tourism apps
  • International customer support

📌 AI-900 exam tip:
Speech translation handles spoken language, while Azure Translator handles written text.

4. Speaker Recognition

Speaker Recognition identifies or verifies who is speaking based on their voice.

Capabilities include:

  • Speaker verification (confirming identity)
  • Speaker identification (determining who is speaking)

Common use cases:

  • Secure voice authentication
  • Call center speaker tracking
  • Personalized voice experiences

📌 AI-900 note:
You only need to understand what it does, not how voice models are trained.

5. Speech-to-Speech Scenarios

By combining Speech to Text, Translation, and Text to Speech, Azure AI Speech supports end-to-end voice experiences, such as:

  • Speaking in one language and hearing a response in another
  • Voice-based chatbots
  • Smart devices and assistants

How Azure AI Speech Differs from Other Azure AI Services

ServicePrimary Purpose
Azure AI SpeechSpoken language (audio)
Azure AI LanguageWritten text analysis
Azure TranslatorText translation
Azure AI VisionImages and video

📌 Exam pattern to watch for:
Microsoft often tests whether you can choose the right service based on the input type (audio vs text vs image).

Typical AI-900 Scenarios Involving Azure AI Speech

You should choose Azure AI Speech when a scenario involves:

  • Audio recordings
  • Live speech
  • Voice input or output
  • Real-time transcription
  • Spoken translation

Key Takeaways for the AI-900 Exam

  • Azure AI Speech focuses on spoken language, not written text
  • Core capabilities:
    • Speech to Text
    • Text to Speech
    • Speech Translation
    • Speaker Recognition
  • Exam questions are scenario-based, not technical
  • If the question mentions audio, voice, or speech, Azure AI Speech is usually the answer

Go to the Practice Exam Questions for this topic.

Go to the AI-900 Exam Prep Hub main page.

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