From the MAKE: Flickr pool
The VoiceShield from Spikenzie Labs incorporates an audio record/playback chip (ISD4003) and amplifier into an Arduino add-on device -
It uses a unique, yet very user friendly, way to access different sound bytes so it is easy to build a “talking” device. It can work with words, complete sentences, or sound effects. With the VS your Arduino can also build phrases “on the fly” that sound a little like an automated telephone operator, for example; “you” “entered” “one” “two” “three” “press” “pound” “if” “that” “is” “correct”.
This could be a lot of fun for robots and RSS reader projects just for starters – VoiceShield
The winbond chips have a notorious history of being discontinued without proper warning. I have done 2 designs with 2 different chips and Both chips were discontinued right after I finished testing the designs. Yes, they are relatively easy to use, but it would be better to get a cheap micro with an external memory chip then to use a winbond chip.