Automated text-to-speech conversion, such as driving mode voice memo

At least one non-transitory, computer-readable medium, carrying instructions, which when executed by at least one data processor, implements instructions for operating an electronic device, the instructions comprising:

• monitoring the electronic device to identify a triggering event that triggers a certain mode of operation of the electronic device,
• wherein the triggering event includes a determination that the electronic device is proximate to a vehicle associated with the electronic device;
• transitioning, the electronic device into a driving mode of operation in response to the triggering event,
• wherein the driving mode of operation of the electronic device causes the electronic device to convert message-based communications received by the electronic device into voice memos;
• receiving one or more text messages via a wireless network in communication with the electronic device;
• accessing a set of conversion rules associated with converting message-based communications during the driving mode of operation of the electronic device,
• wherein the conversion rules identify a first time period during the driving mode of operation within which text messages are to be converted to voice memos and identify a second time period during the driving mode of operation within which text messages are not to be converted to voice memos;
• determining, based on the accessed conversion rules, to convert at least one of the received one or more text messages into a voice memo because the at least one of the received one or more text messages was received within the first time period during the driving mode of operation;
• and
• causing the voice memo to be output via a speaker of the electronic device or a speaker of the vehicle associated with the electronic device.

An apparatus, comprising:

• at least one hardware processor;
• at least one speaker coupled to the processor;
• and
• at least one data storage device, coupled to the at least one processor, and storing instructions to be executed by the at least one processor, wherein the instructions comprise;
• monitoring the apparatus to identify a triggering event that triggers a certain mode of operation of the apparatus,
• wherein the triggering event includes a determination that the apparatus is proximate to a vehicle associated with the apparatus;
• transitioning, the apparatus into a driving mode of operation in response to the triggering event,
• wherein the driving mode of operation of the apparatus causes the apparatus to convert message-based communications received by the apparatus into voice memos;
• receiving one or more text messages via a wireless network in communication with the apparatus;
• accessing a set of conversion rules associated with converting message-based communications during the driving mode of operation of the apparatus,
• wherein the conversion rules identify a first time period during the driving mode of operation within which text messages are to be converted to voice memos and identify a second time period during the driving mode of operation within which text messages are not to be converted to voice memos;
• determining, based on the accessed conversion rules, to convert at least one of the received one or more text messages into a voice memo because the at least one of the received one or more text messages was received within the first time period during the driving mode of operation;
• and
• causing the voice memo to be output via the speaker of the apparatus or a speaker of the vehicle associated with the apparatus.