Voice search isn’t just for Siri, Android, or Cortana anymore—big tech has been leveraging it for years. Now, with the maturing Web Speech API, you can add this cutting-edge feature to your Joomla site! Imagine your users effortlessly searching your content with just their voice—simple, fast, and modern.
How It Works
Adding voice search to your Joomla site is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how this extension brings the magic of voice to your users:
- Install and Activate
- Download the extension [link: 90] and install it through Joomla’s extension manager. Once activated, it’s ready to roll—no complicated setup required.
- Automatic Integration
- The extension instantly hooks into Joomla’s com_finder search fields. Want it elsewhere? Just add a CSS selector to target your custom input fields. It’s plug-and-play with flexibility built in.
- Speak and Search
- On supported browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc.), a green microphone icon appears next to the search box. Users click it, speak their query—like “Why does my cat ignore me?”—and the SpeechRecognition API transcribes it into text. Hit search, and voilà—results appear!
- Smart Compatibility
- If the browser supports it and your site runs HTTPS, the mic shows up. No support? No clutter—it stays hidden. Plus, you can customize the button’s look (icons, classes, text) to match your vibe.
It’s that simple. From setup to screaming at your phone, voice search is live in minutes—modernizing your site and delighting your users.
Why Voice Search?
With Chrome leading the pack (used by over 50% of web visitors) and solid support in Safari and Edge, this extension lets you tap into a huge audience. If your visitors use a compatible browser, they’ll spot a green microphone icon next to your search box—ready to listen.
v5.0.0
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Browser Compatibility
- Chrome: Full support (v25+)
- Chrome Android: Full support (v64+)
- Safari: Fully compatible
- Edge: Works great
- Firefox: Not supported (yet!)
- Opera: Compatibility unclear—testing hasn’t been successful
- Samsung Internet: Supported (v4+)
Most Chromium-based browsers do NOT support voice search, because that would require the browser manufacturer pay Google for access to their transcription API. This means browsers like Brave and Chromium report SpeechRecognition API compatibility, but don't really have it.
Selective Visibility
Browsers that are capable will see the button - browsers that aren't won't see it.
HTTPS is required, so if you're not running SSL certificates on your site, voice search won't appear.
Seamless Joomla Integration
This extension slots right into Joomla’s default search components:
- com_finder fields
- Additional fields defined by query selector
Want it somewhere else? You can easily configure it to target other input fields using CSS selectors—no coding required.
Features
- Automatically enhances Joomla’s built-in search fields
- Flexible configuration for custom input fields via CSS selectors
- Flexible customization for the record and recording states - button classes, icons, text visibility - all configurable.
- Simple setup, big impact
Video
Download the latest version and bring voice search to your site!
Download the Plugin
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does this extension do?
It adds voice search to your Joomla site, letting users search your content by speaking instead of typing, using the SpeechRecognition API.
Which browsers support this extension?
It works fully in Chrome (v25+), Chrome Android (v64+), Safari, Edge, and Samsung Internet (v4+). Firefox doesn’t support it yet, and Opera’s compatibility is unclear.
Why doesn’t it work in Brave or other Chromium-based browsers?
Most Chromium-based browsers (like Brave) don’t fully support the SpeechRecognition API because it requires Google’s transcription service, which is a subscription service (except on Chrome).
Do I need HTTPS for this to work?
Yes, the SpeechRecognition API only functions on sites with SSL certificates (HTTPS). If your site isn’t secure, the voice search won’t activate.
Will users see the microphone if their browser isn’t compatible?
No, the microphone icon only appears in supported browsers. Incompatible browsers hide it automatically.
What Joomla components does it integrate with?
It works out of the box with com_finder search fields and can be configured for additional fields using CSS selectors.
Can I use it with custom search fields?
Yes! You can target any input field by defining CSS selectors in the extension’s settings—no coding needed.
Can I customize how the voice search button looks?
Absolutely. You can tweak button classes, icons, text visibility, and recording states to match your site’s style.
Does it work on mobile devices?
Yes, it’s fully supported on Chrome Android (v64+) and Samsung Internet (v4+), plus Safari and Edge on mobile where applicable.
What happens if a user yells something silly like “Why does my cat ignore me”?
They’ll still get search results (if your site has answers about aloof cats)! The extension handles any voice input it can transcribe.
How do I install it?
Download the latest version from the link provided, then install it via Joomla’s extension manager. Check the documentation for setup details.
What if I find a bug?
Use the “Report a Bug” link to let us know. We’re here to help!
Is there a demo or video?
If your browser supports SpeechRecognition, the search field at the top of the page should have a green microphone button on it.
