Orange speaks out with new voice

In between sulking with Nokia and billing customers for imaginary debts, Orange UK has changed the voice used for its menus and automated systems, opting for something a little more matey and a little less BBC.

While other operators test femtocells, broadcast video, or prepare to do battle with the imminent iPhone, Orange has re-recorded all its voice prompts with something "designed to be friendly and engaging". Apparently, "the new Voice of Orange reflects social trends and preferences towards a more informal tone of voice".

Orange said customers were polled on a range of accents, tones, and voices before "Ruth" was selected. Orange won't confirm who supplied the voice, but our information is that it was actor Ruth Gibson, who apparently supplies a range of accents.

After sticking with the old voice for 13 years there's little harm in making a change, though one has to wonder at the list of priorities in the Orange HQ these days. ®