# Local Text-to-Speech for Claude Code and Codex Give voice to your AI assistants with Kokoro. - **Source:** [Hacker News: Show HN](https://news.ycombinator.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/beda15ed-2eb4-46c1-8356-34002583f258 ## What is Aloud? Aloud is a tool that reads Claude Code and Codex AI assistant responses aloud on macOS. This Python-based solution uses the Kokoro library for local text-to-speech conversion. After installation, assistant responses can be automatically vocalized. ## How It Works The system requires Homebrew and Python 3.11/3.12. After installation, it downloads Kokoro model files and stores them in local cache. All processing happens locally ensuring data privacy. Users can listen to short summaries automatically and full responses with shortcuts. ## Installation Process Aloud installs via pipx and configures various system settings. During installation, it creates configuration files, starts launchd service, and adds Hammerspoon shortcuts. Users need to grant accessibility permissions in macOS System Preferences. ## Usage Scenarios Aloud is activated in Claude Code and Codex sessions with 'aloud on' command. Shortcuts allow listening to full responses or stopping playback. Each session is tracked separately and can be controlled from command line. ## Technical Details The system maintains configuration files, cache and logs under ~/Library. It uses Kokoro speech engine, espeak-ng for phonemization, and Hammerspoon for shortcut management. Developers can modify voice, speed and retention settings via config.json. ## Why It Matters Aloud makes AI assistant interactions more accessible. Its local operation ensures data privacy while the open-source license offers flexibility to developers. Such tools have potential to make AI experiences more inclusive and versatile. ## Sources covering this story - https://github.com/softcane/aloud — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._