Speech Synthesis | Assisted Disability

A Review of TextAloud 3 by Nextup Technologies

TextAloud 3 is computer software to assist people that vision or reading disabilities. Nextup Technologies, a company whose focus is on technology and applications for the internet, manufactures the product. TextAloud 3 is a product that surpasses other text to speech products.

TextAloud 3 has multiple uses. The assistance software program can be used to read documents in Word, PDF and web pages. Use the TextAloud 3 to read aloud email, eBooks and other materials.

Features

The program by Nextup Technologies is superior to other read aloud programs. Text is converted to spoken words that can be saved on a computer, Mp3s and other portable audio devices like the blackberry or iPhone. You may be wondering, what is a blackberry phone or an iPhone? These mobile devices are the most popular and capable mobile devices on the market to date. The TextAloud 3 software comes with Premium AT&T Natural Voices, a program with realistic human speech tones. The software is fully Windows compatible and comes with plug-ins for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox browsers.

The new TextAloud 3 have added new features and improved old ones. A new control center gives you the ability to customize the volume, pitch and voice settings while listening. Create multiple Hotkeys using your own unique characteristics. The newer drag and drop function can be used for files and text.

Product Details

The TextAloud 3 is available on CD-Rom for Windows based programs. A minimum of 64MB RAM is required and 10MB Disk space.

Usage

The computer voice speaker by Nextup Technologies is a good fit for many types of consumers. Those with frequent eye strain problems can use this software for reading emails and other tasks. Persons with vision problems can use it for ease of computer usage. The spell check and reading function will benefit those with reading disabilities.

Summary

TextAloud 3 is an improved text reader program with many user friendly options. Users can personalize voice attributes and Hotkey functions. Realistic AT&T Natural Voices provides human voiced speech that sounds authentic. This product can be used for persons with various disabilities.

Assistive Technology Supporting People With Disabilities

: Image via Wikipedia

Traditionally people with disabilities have had to lean on others for assistance with housing, meal preparation, bathing and other activities of daily living. Today, many people with disabilities are living independently and performing these activities all by themselves. This trend is due to the creation of assistive technology for those that they are disabled. Assistive technology can be defined as the tools that are used by people with disabilities that enable them to complete their tasks of daily living in a functional and easy way.

A few examples of assistive technological devices are telephones with the telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), computer programs with text-to-speech software for reading and spelling and sip and puff device for an electric wheelchair.

The TDD telephone converts typed characters into certain tones that may be sent over telephone lines. Another type of this service involves an operator reading what a deaf person types and hearing person says, and then converts the text/verbal words accordingly. TDD communications is also used on televisions for many regular sitcoms, game shows and sporting events.

Text-to-speech software programs are great for those with visual impairments, dyslexia or dysphagia. These programs can take words that the computer user speaks and convert it into typed text on the screen. The program can also take written text and read it aloud to the computer user. These types of devices make it possible for many disabled people to attend college, trade school or find gainful employment.

A sit and puff device for an electric wheelchair can allow a catastrophically disabled person to successfully navigate their own wheelchair. The device uses the inhalations and exhalations of the wheelchair user to go forward, backward, turn and go faster or slower. This makes it much easier for both the disabled person and their caregiver to leave the home and enter the community for medical appointments, recreation and special outings.

A Review of TextAloud 3 by Nextup Technologies

Assistive Technology Supporting People With Disabilities

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