What Happened
Speko, a YC S26 startup, launched an OpenRouter‑style platform for voice AI. The service bundles leading speech‑to‑text, text‑to‑speech, and voice‑model APIs behind a single REST endpoint. Developers can point their apps to Speko’s router and let it route requests to the most suitable voice model, choosing by cost, latency, or language support.
The launch includes a public beta with free credits for experimentation and a dashboard that shows usage, pricing, and model performance. Speko mirrors OpenRouter’s success for text models but targets the unmet need for voice‑centric AI services.
Why This Matters for Builders
- Simplified Integration: Call one endpoint instead of multiple SDKs. Development time drops and version‑mismatch risks shrink.
- Dynamic Model Selection: The router switches automatically between high‑accuracy, high‑latency models and cheaper, faster ones based on live metrics. Call‑center bots, real‑time transcription, and similar workflows gain instantly.
- Vendor Lock‑In Reduction: Teams can try new voice models without rewriting code. When a cheaper option appears, the router incorporates it with minimal changes.
- Cost Predictability: A unified billing view lets ops teams forecast expenses and set budget alerts, preventing unexpected spikes that could break SLAs.
- Compliance & Localization: The router handles multiple languages and configurable data‑retention policies. Regulated industries can route sensitive requests to compliant endpoints.
FAQ
Q: Can I use Speko’s OpenRouter in existing n8n workflows?
A: Yes. The router offers a standard HTTP API, so you can add an HTTP node in n8n that forwards your request and processes the JSON response.
Q: How does Speko handle latency for real‑time applications?
A: The router uses a latency‑based routing strategy that prioritizes low‑latency models for time‑critical tasks, keeping user experiences smooth.
Q: Is the platform free for production use?
A: Speko provides a free tier for experimentation. Production workloads incur charges based on usage. Pricing details are on their website, and the dashboard shows real‑time cost monitoring.
Originally published on Automations Cookbook.
