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There are many text-to-speech software products on the market these days. But, when it comes to value, it’s hard to beat TextAloud MP3. NextUp.com has designed a product that converts digital text to audio and further enhances it with portability potential. It’s a product that will increase the appeal of text-to-speech for people who lack the time or ability to read. If these flexible features aren’t enough to get your attention, consider the price. It’s just $24.95 (US) to purchase TextAloud MP3 via download, or you can get it on CD with the optional premium AT&T Natural Voices for a total of $51.90 (US) including shipping. At these prices, TextAloud MP3 is one of the most cost-effective and useful utilities you can purchase.
TextAloud MP3 can be purchased on-line at www.nextup.com. Consumers who want to learn more about this software before making a decision can download a free fully functional 20 day trial from the company’s web site.
If you’re not already familiar with text-to-speech software, it’s exactly what it says it is. This is software that speech enables a computer allowing a computer user to hear text read by one of a selection of synthesized voices.
For an individual who wants the freedom to utilize information from a computer while in another environment, TextAloud MP3 provides the technology to accomplish that. As well as providing text screen reading functionality, this software also allows the user to save text as WAV or MP3 files which can be used on portable devices such as CD and MP3 players.
TextAloud MP3 can provide a computer user with audio support while at the computer or away from it. This versatility is what makes it a remarkable product with expansive applications. TextAloud MP3 provides new accessibility options for computer users who are visually impaired or print disabled. Others who have difficulty reading from a computer screen due to a lack of time or desire can also benefit from this software.
TextAloud MP3 could easily be employed in a work or educational setting to assist people who have limited ability to access print resources. Students with reading difficulties or those who need auditory support in order to grasp their course content could benefit from the availability of this product. Especially at the high school level where many students already have their own MP3 and CD players, TextAloud MP3 makes it possible to convert these student-owned technologies into personal assistive devices.
I tested TextAloud MP3’s potential for audio-based learning by selecting a sample of public domain literature from the web site www.literature.org. I located a chapter from a Tarzan novel and copied the complete chapter to the TextAloud MP3 text screen. I elected to save the chapter as a WAV file on my hard drive. Then I inserted a CD-RW disk in my CD drive and transferred the Tarzan WAV file to the disk. When I put this disk in my son’s CD player I was able to enjoy listening to Chapter One of Tarzan as read by "Peter," the default voice on TextAloud MP3.
TextAloud MP3 gives students and teachers a new tool for creating audio resources from electronic text that may originate on the Internet or elsewhere. By using a flatbed scanner with optical character recognition (OCR) software, educators and students can convert books and study sheets to digital format and save them as WAV or MP3 files with the use of TextAloud MP3. Of course, there are variable jurisdictional copyright laws, which must be observed when reproducing materials in alternative format. Nevertheless, this combination of new technologies offers valuable learning alternatives for struggling students. TextAloud MP3 expands the functional value of an MP3 player as an individual can now use it to listen to academic or recreational literature as well as music. Check the NextUp.com website for recommended MP3 players.
It takes a little time to become comfortable using any new technology. TextAloud MP3 provides access to a QuickStart Guide and a very useful Help file. I recommend reviewing both of these resources in order to become acquainted with the TextAloud MP3 toolbar, features and options for configuring the software to function as you wish. An on-line tutorial is available at www.nextup.com/TextAloud/tutorial.html. Free
and fast technical support is also included via email.
TextAloud MP3 has received recognition from technology reviewers for ZDNet, CNET, TUCOWS and PC World. The New York Times named TextAloud MP3 "the undisputed winner" in a three way comparison of top text-to-speech applications. CNN Headline news also featured TextAloud MP3 in recent segments. It’s a product that’s easy to get excited about once you’ve seen and heard what it can do. To find out more about TextAloud MP3 and other products developed by NextUp.com, visit their web site at www.nextup.com.
Copyright © Janet Hopkins, 2002, may only be used or duplicated with permission.
Janet Hopkins is an educator and RESNA certified Assistive Technology Practitioner. Janet is the moderator of the Assistive Technology Canada Listserv, a discussion group to support educators and members of the public who want to share information about special needs technology.
Assistive Tech Educational Consulting
2265 MacIntyre Place
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V1S 1H7
Canada
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Assistive Tech Educational Consulting
Email: at_consulting@canada.com
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