"Web Talker"
Did you know that you can now get a browser that will read out loud what is on any web page?
• • • Web Talkster - Order the CD-ROM or download the program by paying the registration fee of $19.95.
The download takes about 30 minutes or less on broadband, and puts a little icon on your desktop from which you can use it.
The browsers work just like a normal browser, taking you to any web page you type in. They also have a search box which brings up results from Google search engine.
An animated figure (which you can hide) says 'Hello', and will read out loud any part of the page that you select - by dragging your cursor over it while the left hand button is held down. It can also read the entire page, if you wish. The voice can be adjusted for volume, pitch, etc.
If you are tired, and would like to have a web page read out to you, or if you cannot face reading through a lengthy article, these browsers are highly recommended.
John Bradford.
Direct Learning.
Feedback about Speech Recognition Programs.
You mentioned the talking browser, which is very nice to inform you audience of this application. However, you mention "feeling lazy". As a person with severe dyslexia, I'm not the least bit lazy, but find using reading programs on my computer are the only way I can stay up to date on news, science articles, technology news. Finally being able to read large volumes on the computer has changed my life immensely. Too often dyslexic individuals have been called "lazy" or "stupid". I recommend staying away from such terms.
You might mention to your audience, TextAloud from www.nextup.com. They have a reading program for $40 (US) with the ATTNatural voices. This is a tremendous improvement. I love using the ATTNatural voices. Their program also generates an mp3 file if people want to create their own audio books. Also the new scanning software versions from ScanSoft (OmniPage Pro) and FineReader 6.0 are so flawless that any book can be scanned and turned into and audio book! If I have had these programs available to me when I was in school, I would have two Ph.D.s instead of just one.
I also use ViaVoice on my Machintosh. It saves me a tremendous headache in constantly thinking about spelling. I'm switching to a PC with Dragon Naturally Speaking 6.0. I highly recommend this option for all dyslexic individuals who work on computers.
J. R. N., Michigan.