An interesting feature about the "old" IVONA Eric voice is that while he was officially retired from Amazon's mainstream services in 2017, he has undergone a massive resurgence through AI voice cloning and meme culture. 🎙️ The "Voice of GoAnimate"
Eric is most famous for being the default voice for several iconic characters on the GoAnimate (now Vyond) platform.
Boris: He is the voice of the "Boris" character, famous in the "Grounded" video subculture where he frequently yells at his son, Caillou.
Cult Following: Because of this specific association, fans have created entire comedy series, such as "IVONA Eric Reads Funny Windows Errors," which has been running since 2014. 🔍 Hidden Origins
Many users don't realize that the realistic quality of the "old" Eric voice came from a real human model.
The Real Eric: Rumors and community research suggest the voice model was Rodger Parsons, the famous narrator for the Pokémon anime series.
Amazon Acquisition: IVONA was so advanced that Amazon acquired the company in 2013. While most IVONA voices (like Brian or Amy) were moved into Amazon Polly, Eric was one of the few "legacy" voices that was not fully transitioned, making him a rare, "vintage" digital asset today. 🚀 The "New" Eric
Despite being "retired," Eric is currently experiencing a "New" era through modern technology:
AI Cloning: Developers have used RVC (Retrieval-based Voice Conversion) to create high-fidelity AI models of Eric, allowing him to "sing" or say things the original 2008 synthesizer never could.
Modern Access: You can still find his legacy high-quality samples through niche providers like Harpo Software or Narakeet .
In the quiet coastal town of Oakhaven, the name was whispered like a fading legend. For decades, she lived in the "Old House" on the cliffside—a crumbling Victorian structure that the locals claimed was held together by nothing but sea salt and memories.
, a young architect with a penchant for modern glass and steel, had recently purchased the property. He represented the "New"—he wanted to tear down the rot and replace it with a sleek, minimalist masterpiece. He arrived on a Tuesday morning, blueprints in hand, ready to meet the woman who had finally agreed to sell. The Meeting of Eras
When Eric entered the foyer, he found Ivona sitting in a velvet chair that seemed older than the town itself. She didn't look like the frail recluse he expected. Her eyes were sharp, holding the weight of the "Old" world.
The Conflict: Eric spoke of open floor plans and smart lighting. Ivona spoke of the way the sun hit the mahogany staircase at exactly 4:00 PM and the hidden compartment in the library that held letters from the Great War.
The Shift: As Eric surveyed the "rubble," he noticed the craftsmanship—hand-carved moldings and stained glass that no modern machine could replicate. He realized that while his vision was "New," it lacked the soul that Ivona’s "Old" stories provided. A New Blueprint
Instead of the planned demolition, Eric spent the next month listening. Ivona shared stories of the house’s life, and Eric began to sketch a different path.
He didn't tear it down. Instead, he integrated. He used the sturdy bones of the Old structure to support his New glass extensions. He restored Ivona’s mahogany staircase but surrounded it with a skylight that made the wood glow like never before.
By the time the project was finished, it wasn't just a house; it was a bridge between centuries. Ivona stayed in a newly renovated wing, watching the sunset through Eric’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The Old Ivona and the New Eric had created something that neither could have built alone.
Is this the kind of narrative you were looking for, or did you have a specific book or real-life event in mind with those names? I can refine the story if you tell me: Should the tone be more mysterious or romantic? Are Ivona and Eric related, or are they strangers? Should the setting be modern-day or a different era?
The transition from the "old" IVONA era to the current text-to-speech landscape has left many searching for Eric, one of the most iconic AI voices ever created. Whether you remember him from classic GoAnimate videos or as the professional voice of early e-learning, here is everything you need to know about the evolution of Ivona Eric and where to find his "new" versions today. The Legend of "Old" Ivona Eric
Originally developed by the Polish company IVONA Software in 2008, Eric was designed as a premium American English male voice. He quickly became a favorite for his "CNN-style" professional delivery, characterized by clear intonation and a natural, authoritative rhythm. For years, Eric was the "go-to" voice for: old ivona eric new
GoAnimate (Legacy): He was famously used as the "Dad" voice or for authoritative characters until his removal from the platform in 2017.
Assistive Technology: Provided a human-like reading experience for individuals with visual impairments or reading disabilities.
YouTube Creators: Countless early video essays and "I Hate The [X]" trends were narrated using his distinct tone. Where is the "New" Eric Now?
When Amazon acquired IVONA in 2013, the technology was folded into Amazon Web Services (AWS) to power the Kindle and Alexa ecosystems. Today, the "new" and most authentic version of Eric exists as part of Amazon Polly.
While the core persona remains the same, the technology has evolved from standard concatenative synthesis to Neural TTS (NTTS), making the voice sound smoother and more expressive than the original 2008 version. How to Access the Eric Voice Today
If you are looking to use the Ivona Eric voice for modern projects, there are several ways to access him:
Official Professional Use: You can find the modernized version on Amazon Polly, where he is listed as a standard American English voice.
Desktop Software: Retailers like NextUp.com still offer Ivona voices for use in TextAloud 4, specifically for personal use and assistive reading.
AI Generation Tools: Modern platforms like Narakeet and Speechify provide web-based interfaces to generate audio using the Eric voice without needing complex developer setups.
Nostalgia & Community Tools: Sites such as Fish Audio offer community-created AI models that mimic the specific "2016 Ivona 2" version of Eric used in vintage character work.
Eric (GoAnimate) (2016 Ivona 2) AI Voice Generator - Fish Audio
The transition from "Old IVONA Eric" to new iterations marks a significant evolution in text-to-speech (TTS) history, moving from a niche voice synthesis product to a foundational element of modern AI integration. The Legacy of Old IVONA Eric IVONA Eric
, originally known as "John," was a male American English voice released in October 2008 by IVONA Software. It became one of the most recognizable synthesized voices of the early 2010s, praised for its natural intonation and energetic, friendly tone. Popularity in Content Creation : Eric gained widespread fame through platforms like
(now Vyond), where it was a staple for character dialogue and social media narration. Retirement
: The specific "IVONA Eric" voice was officially retired in early 2017. Unlike other IVONA voices, Eric was notably one of the few English voices incorporated into Amazon Polly
after Amazon acquired IVONA, adding to its status as a "classic" or "old" voice. The "New" Era: Modern AI and DARIAH ERIC
In current news, the term "ERIC" has shifted from personal voice synthesis to large-scale digital research infrastructure. DARIAH ERIC
(Digital Research Infrastructure for the Arts and Humanities) represents the modern "new" iteration of this acronym in a professional context. DARIAH Joint Research Committee (JRC)
: As of 2026, DARIAH ERIC is actively seeking new members for its Joint Research Committee to integrate technical developments and innovation activities. Technical Innovation
: The current focus for "new" ERIC entities involves projects like An interesting feature about the "old" IVONA Eric
, which aims to bridge European infrastructures to provide researchers with state-of-the-art digital services. Workshops and Training
: DARIAH ERIC continues to host annual events, such as the upcoming May 2026 event in Rome, focusing on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) digital research skills. Comparison: Old vs. New Old IVONA Eric (2008–2017) New DARIAH ERIC (Current/2026) Primary Function Text-to-Speech (TTS) Voice Synthesis Digital Research Infrastructure Common Use Animation, Narrations, Demos Academic Research, AI Training Retired/Legacy Active/Expanding Key Associations GoAnimate, Amazon (Acquisition) European Commission, ATRIUM Project
While you can still find legacy demos of the old Eric voice on sites like ReadSpeaker , the modern "Eric" news cycle is dominated by the DARIAH ERIC
infrastructure's push into AI education and European research connectivity. how to access
legacy IVONA voices for current projects, or are you more interested in the latest technical developments from DARIAH ERIC?
The Evolution of IVONA: From Humble Beginnings to Cutting-Edge TTS Technology
In the world of text-to-speech (TTS) technology, few names have made as significant an impact as IVONA. With a rich history spanning over two decades, IVONA has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with voice synthesis. From its early days as a small, innovative company to its current status as a leading provider of TTS solutions, IVONA's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. In this article, we'll explore the evolution of IVONA, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a pioneer in the field of TTS technology.
The Early Days: IVONA's Founding and First Steps
IVONA was founded in 2001 by a team of visionaries who saw the potential for TTS technology to revolutionize the way people interact with machines. With a strong foundation in speech recognition and synthesis, the company's early focus was on developing high-quality, natural-sounding voices for a range of applications. The first IVONA voice, "Eric," was released in 2002 and quickly gained attention for its clarity and expressiveness.
In the early days, IVONA faced significant challenges, from competing with established players in the TTS market to overcoming technical hurdles in voice synthesis. However, the company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction helped it to establish a loyal customer base and build a reputation for excellence.
The Rise of IVONA: Advances in TTS Technology
Throughout the 2000s, IVONA continued to innovate and improve its TTS technology. The company developed new voices, including the popular "Ivonka" and "Grzegorz" voices, which further expanded its offerings. IVONA also made significant advancements in voice synthesis, introducing new algorithms and techniques that enabled more natural-sounding speech.
One of the key factors contributing to IVONA's success was its focus on voice quality. The company's researchers and engineers worked tirelessly to develop voices that sounded natural and engaging, rather than robotic or artificial. This attention to detail paid off, as IVONA's voices became known for their warmth and expressiveness.
The Acquisition by Amazon: A New Era for IVONA
In 2012, IVONA was acquired by Amazon, a move that marked a significant new chapter in the company's history. The acquisition provided IVONA with access to Amazon's vast resources and expertise, enabling the company to further accelerate its innovation and growth.
Under Amazon's ownership, IVONA continued to develop new voices and improve its TTS technology. The company also expanded its offerings to include new features, such as support for multiple languages and dialects. IVONA's voices became an integral part of Amazon's Alexa platform, enabling users to interact with their devices using natural-sounding speech.
The Evolution of Eric: A Flagship Voice
One of IVONA's most iconic voices is Eric, which was first introduced in 2002. Over the years, Eric has undergone significant changes, with updates and improvements that have kept him sounding fresh and natural.
The current version of Eric, often referred to as "Old Ivona Eric New," represents a significant milestone in IVONA's journey. This updated voice combines the best of IVONA's traditional voice synthesis technology with the latest advances in machine learning and AI.
The new Eric voice is more expressive and engaging than ever, with improved intonation, inflection, and rhythm. He is capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and attitudes, making him an ideal choice for applications that require a high degree of emotional intelligence. Virtual assistants: IVONA's voices have been used in
The Impact of IVONA's Technology
IVONA's TTS technology has had a profound impact on a wide range of industries, from customer service and education to healthcare and entertainment. The company's voices have been used in numerous applications, including:
The Future of IVONA and TTS Technology
As IVONA looks to the future, it is clear that the company will continue to play a leading role in the development of TTS technology. With its strong foundation in voice synthesis and its commitment to innovation, IVONA is well-positioned to tackle the challenges of the future.
Some of the key trends that IVONA is likely to focus on in the coming years include:
Conclusion
The story of IVONA and its evolution over the years is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. From its humble beginnings as a small, innovative company to its current status as a leading provider of TTS solutions, IVONA has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with voice synthesis.
The "Old Ivona Eric New" voice represents a significant milestone in IVONA's journey, combining the best of traditional voice synthesis technology with the latest advances in machine learning and AI. As IVONA looks to the future, it is clear that the company will continue to play a leading role in the development of TTS technology, enabling more natural-sounding voice interactions and greater emotional intelligence.
If you have spent any time in the world of text-to-speech (TTS), audiobook production, or e-learning, you have likely encountered the name Ivona. Specifically, you have probably asked a version of this question: What is the difference between the old Ivona Eric and the new one?
The search phrase "old Ivona Eric new" is searched hundreds of times each month by voice artists, YouTubers, and accessibility users. Why? Because Eric—the quintessential American English male voice from Ivona—underwent a dramatic transformation when Amazon acquired Ivona and later integrated it into AWS Polly.
In this 2,500+ word deep dive, we will cover:
Let’s settle the debate once and for all.
| If you want... | Stick with Old Ivona Eric | Move to New Neural Eric | |----------------|----------------------------|--------------------------| | Lower cost / offline use | ✅ | ❌ | | Emotional range | ❌ | ✅ | | SSML fine control | ❌ | ✅ | | That specific “Ivona character” | ✅ (irreplaceable) | ❌ (different voice) |
Final Score:
Recommendation: Keep a local backup of Old Eric for legacy projects. For new production work, switch to a neural UK male voice (AWS Polly “Matthew” or ElevenLabs “Adam”) – but don’t expect the exact same personality. The new voice is a different actor, not an upgrade of the same.
Review based on extensive TTS production experience and A/B listening tests of Ivona/Polly pre-2020 vs. neural models post-2022.
Audiobook listeners report that the old Eric causes less “listener fatigue.” New Eric’s perfect rhythm becomes monotonous after 30+ minutes.
If you were on the internet in the late 2000s or early 2010s, you know exactly who Eric is.
You might recognize him as the narrator of countless YouTube tutorials, the voice of humorous "text-to-speech" skits, or perhaps even the assistant reading your GPS directions. Eric was the default American male voice of the Ivona text-to-speech (TTS) system, and for a generation of digital natives, he was the sound of the early web.
But if you’ve tried to find the "Old Ivona Eric" recently, you might have noticed something confusing. The voice has changed, the company has changed, and the landscape of TTS has shifted dramatically.
Let's take a trip down memory lane to look at the legacy of Old Ivona Eric, why the "new" voices are different, and where you can find that classic sound today.
