Pedius provides a mobile app that enables deaf and hard‑of‑hearing users to make and receive phone calls by converting typed text to synthetic speech and transcribing incoming speech to real‑time text. The platform uses cloud‑based text‑to‑speech and automatic speech recognition with secure VoIP/PSTN routing, end‑to‑end encryption, GDPR‑compliant data handling, customizable voice profiles, and free access to partnered public‑service numbers.
Funding
$1.5M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing individuals are unable to initiate or receive standard telephone calls without relying on a third‑party interpreter, which compromises privacy, adds cost, and creates barriers to timely communication.
Solution
Pedius delivers a mobile application that converts typed messages into synthetic speech for outbound calls and transcribes inbound speech into real‑time text, allowing users to conduct phone conversations independently. The platform leverages cloud‑based text‑to‑speech synthesis and automatic speech recognition (ASR) engines optimized for low latency on consumer smartphones. Calls are routed through secure VoIP/PSTN gateways, preserving the native telephone experience while keeping all data encrypted in transit and at rest. Users can access call logs, transcripts, and customizable voice profiles through an intuitive dashboard, and the service complies with GDPR and other privacy regulations. Partner integrations enable free dialing to select public‑service numbers, further expanding accessibility without additional fees.
Target Audience
The primary users are deaf and hard‑of‑hearing individuals seeking independent telephone communication, as well as organizations (schools, NGOs, advocacy groups) that support this community.
Features
- Real‑time text‑to‑speech engine with selectable synthetic voice models and optional user‑recorded voice profiles
- Sub‑second automatic speech recognition delivering live transcription of the remote party’s speech
- Secure VoIP and PSTN bridging via carrier APIs, with end‑to‑end encryption and GDPR‑compliant data handling
- Integrated dialer UI and contact management that syncs with the device’s address book
- Offline fallback mode using pre‑downloaded voice packs for areas with limited connectivity
- Free access to partnered public‑service numbers (e.g., emergency, government hotlines)
- High‑contrast UI with haptic feedback and customizable font sizes to meet broader accessibility standards