Devices

Screen Reading Software

A screen reading program will read text on the screen and output it as speech via a speech synthesiser or sound card. Modern screen readers have been developed to interpret graphical user interfaces.

Screen reading software can be purchased separately or bought bundled together with the speech synthesiser and other hardware. You are advised to check with vendors for compatibility before purchasing the hardware and/or software.

Table comparing products and prices

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Ai Squared
PO Box 669, Manchester Center, Vermont 05255, USA.
Tel: +1 802 362 3612
Fax: +1 802 362 1670
Email: info@aisquared.com
Web: www.aisquared.com

ZoomText Magnifier / Reader
Integrated magnification and screen reading for vision impaired computer users. With new 'xFont' and NeoSpeech technology, ZoomText Magnifier/Reader allows you to see and hear your computer with perfect clarity.
Price: $595.00 (new product); $199.00 (upgrade)
Last updated: 06/07/2006

Artic Technologies
1000 John R. Road, Ste. #108, Troy, Michigan 48083-4317, USA.
Tel: +1 248 588 7370 Ext. 11
Fax: +1 248 588 2650
Email: info@artictech.com
Web: www.artictech.com

WinVision 97
Screen reading program for Windows 95, Windows 98 and Microsoft Office 97, including Internet Explorer. Supports all Artic Synthesizers and a variety of other software and hardware synthesizers. It has automatic column reading, key remapping and context sensitive HELP along with web page handling (just like a word processing document without reformatting the page). Keys for controlling screen reads, speech and quiet zones, punctuation and controls for cursor moves, icons, tables, shortcuts, menus, window, buttons and boxes. Create a Dictionary or install Braille display support.
Last updated: 15/12/2006

BAUM Retec AG
Schloss Langenzell, D-69257 Wiesenbach, Germany.
Tel: +49 6223 49090
Fax: + 49 6223 490999
Email: info@baum.de
Web: www.baum.de

Virgo4
Virgo4 enables blind and visually impaired users to have access to the text information presented on the screen using three different media. Information can be read on a braille display; listened to via a speech synthesizer or the magnifying module Galileo which has been incorporated into Virgo4 to display the information on the screen using the size and colours which meet the user's personal requirements. Virgo4 is able to combine all three components. Compatible with most Braille displays, Internet Explorer 5, Windows NT, 2000 and XP.
Last updated: 15/12/2006

Biolink Computer R & D Ltd
4770 Glenwood Avenue, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7R 4G8, Canada.
Tel: +1 604 984 4099
Fax: +1 604 985 7114
Email: sales@biolink.bc.ca
Web: www.biolink.bc.ca

Protalk32
Protalk32 operates in two different modes: Application mode, which is used for text and data input, and Protalk32 mode, which lets you use the keyboard to move the Protalk cursor (just like the mouse cursor) around windows. For ease of use, all features are automated. Instant messaging is now made easy, chat online without having to search for incoming answers. Protalk32 provides support for MSN messenger. Protalk32 besides the built in Microsoft sapi version 5 speech synthesiser also supports Braille, or a combination of both. Protalk32 offers a variety of display and readout options. At the touch of a key, it can read: Characters, words, sentences, paragraphs, columns, and tables. The contents of the Clipboard, marked blocks of text, messages and dialog Boxes. Status lines, menu bars, line indentation, the type and size of a font, and text color. Requires Windows 2000/2003/XP.
Price: US$595.00
Last updated: 15/12/2006

CAST Inc
40 Harvard Mills Square, Suite 3 Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880-3233, USA.
Tel: +1 781 245 2212
Email: cast@cast.org
Web: www.cast.org

AspireREADER v.4
The new AspireREADER™ 4.0 is an enhanced version of the CAST eReader 3.0 that helps struggling students improve reading and learning outcomes by providing access to digital talking books, webpages, and word processing through synchronized visual, auditory, and tracking feature functions.
AspireREADER™ 4.0 is a Section 508 compliant software reader and provides a user-friendly experience for students and readers of all ages, while providing special features and navigation controls for individuals wiht sensory and cognitive disabilities. Available for Windows only. (The Macintosh version is under development.). Requires: WIndows 98, 2000, ME, or XP and Internet Explorer 6.
Price: $229.00
Last updated: 15/12/2006

Choice Technology (UK) Ltd.
7 The Rookery, Orton Wistow, Peterborough PE2 6YT, UK.
Tel: +44 1733 234441
Fax: +44 1733 370391
Email: info@screenreader.co.uk
Web: www.screenreader.co.uk

DUAL Screen Reader and Magnifier
Speaks text on the computer screen and echoes the keystrokes when typing. Easily adjustable speed, volume and pitch of various voice choices. Magnifys the screen up to 16 times with options for inverting colours and smoothing fonts. Can alternate between having speech, magnification or both. System requirements: 800MHz processor and 128MB RAM running Windows XP, 2000 or NT4.
Price: £155.00
Last updated: 20/06/2006

LookOUT
LookOUT is a speech output screen reader. Features include: Will speak what is typed; Read out documents; Read menus, icons and dialog boxes; Tell the user where they are in the system; Read emails and web pages; Speak contextual help information. Preferences include: Speed, pitch and volume options; Male and female voice options; A novice verbose mode for beginners; On-screen navigational tones. System requirements: At least 350 MHz and 64MB RAM; Any sound card or video card; Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or NT with Service Pack 6.
Price: £105.00; £80.00 (version 2 for Windows 98 or ME)
Last updated: 20/06/2006

SpeakOUT
SpeakOUT delivers speech output for those with learning difficulties, dyslexia or when learning a new language. The operator points the mouse and hears a spoken version of what is on the screen or what is being typed. The synthetic voice is Scansoft RealSpeak. The product is not suitable for totally blind users. Compatible with Windows XP, NT4 or 2000. Not suitable for earlier versions of Windows.
Price: £80.00
Last updated: 20/06/2006

WordRead
WordRead delivers speech output from computer text. The operator places the mouse at the beginning of the text to be listened too, presses play and hears a spoken version of what is on the screen. Available in 15 languages. Compatible with Windows 98, ME, XP and 2000.
Price: £60.00
Last updated: 20/06/2006

Cloudworld Ltd
Cloudworld Ltd, Thames Bank, Chiswick Mall, London W4 2PR, UK.
Contact person: John Nissen
Tel: +44 20 8742 3170
Fax: +44 20 8742 0202
Email: info@cloudworld.co.uk
Web: www.cloudworld.co.uk

WordAloud
WordAloud is a user-friendly system that helps people read text from a computer file or web page. WordAloud can be controlled using the keyboard or the mouse. It displays text, one word at a time, in large characters on the screen, while simultaneously speaking the word with a speech synthesiser. Users can play the text continuously, pause and step backward or forward by word, sentence, paragraph or section, much like using a tape recorder or CD player. In addition, the display colours, text font, speech synthesiser and reading speed can be configured to suit individual users. WordAloud runs on Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP. WordAloud can be used by people with a wide variety of special needs, including visual impairment, dyslexia, RSI and attention deficit disorder.
Price: £29.95 + VAT Single-user; £119.80 + VAT Site licence; US$44.95 Single-user; US$179.80 Site licence
Last updated: 05/05/2006

CodeFactory, S.L.
Rambla d'Egara, 148, 2-2, 08221 Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain .
Tel: +34 93 733 70 66
Fax: +34 93 789 30 51
Email: info@codefactory.es
Web: www.codefactory.es

Mobile Speak
Mobile Speak is a screen reader solution for mobile phones that allows access to most of the functionality of the device. Works with a wide range of text-to-speech technologies, including Fonix, Acapela and Loquendo. Available in over 20 languages. Provides several verbosity levels for a better user experience. Additional voices and languages can be plugged in. Supports the Optelec EasyLink Braille keyboard. Mobile Speak allows a free trial license so that you can freely test the software with no restrictions for one month. Mobile Speak is designed to work with the Symbian operating system and is carrier-independent. Supported phones are: Nokia 3230, Nokia 3650, Nokia 3660, Nokia 6260, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6620, Nokia 6630, Nokia 6670, Nokia 6680, Nokia 6681, Nokia 6682, Nokia 7610, Nokia 7650, Nokia N70, Nokia N90, Nokia N-Gage, Nokia N-Gage QD, Samsung SGH-D720, Siemens SX-1, Panasonic X700, Panasonic X701.
Last updated: 23/10/2006

Mobile Speak Pocket
A full-fledged screen reader that provides innovative access to mobile devices powered by the Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone editions of the Windows Mobile® operating system. Allowing navigation of the interface and use of applications on mainstream personal digital assistants (PDAs) and PDA phone hybrid devices. Moreover, Mobile Speak Pocket provides: Flexibility to choose and upgrade to any mainstream Smartphone device meeting the system requirements. Several Text-to-Speech voices to choose from over 15 supported languages, allowing multiple TTS engines to be installed on the same device and easily selected anytime. Drivers for different Braille devices such as Braille displays, keyboards with or without refreshable Braille lines, and Haptic Braille printers. A full-screen Magnifier plug-in that both enlarges and enhances visibility of screen text and icons. Opportunity to install and use third-party applications such as Audible® Player, GS Player, Resco File Explorer, and Pocket Skype among others. Multiple input methods through MSP software input panels, as well as integrated and external QWERTY keyboards. Frequently used commands assigned to virtual buttons accessible to the blind through the touch screen. A logically structured command layout that is easy to learn and remember. Support for an advanced scripting language, LUA, to make more applications accessible. A comprehensive on-board help system for learning commands and available functions. Mobile Speak Pocket has been tested with a number of Pocket PC devices including HP iPAQs, Dell Axims, the Fujitsu Siemens Pocket LOOX, and HTC/Qtek devices. For a complete list of supported Pocket PCs, please refer to the website.
Last updated: 23/10/2006

Mobile Speak Smartphone
Mobile Speak SmartPhone (MSS) allows you to: Manage your call lists. Select and edit phone profiles. Track your schedule and contacts. Send and receive SMS and email. Browse the internet. Play different media files. Record voice notes. Change all device settings. Synchronize data with the PC via ActiveSync. Connect to other devices such asmobile phones, PDAs, and laptops to share data. Run third-party applications to enhance the functionality of the SmartPhone. In order to successfully use Mobile Speak SmartPhone, the following specifications are required: Operating system - Windows Mobile 5.0 SmartPhone edition and later versions. Memory - At least 32 MB RAM, and 2 to 20 MB of storage memory depending on the text-to-speech engine used. An external storage card compatible with your device is strongly recommended. Built-in Bluetooth - A Bluetooth-compliant device is required to run Mobile Speak Pocket. This will also allow you to use Bluetooth-enabled external keyboards, headsets, and other accessories. Connectivity to a Windows PC with ActiveSync - The device should be able to connect via USB or Bluetooth to a Windows 2000 or Windows XP computer with the latest version of Microsoft ActiveSync correctly installed. Mobile Speak SmartPhone has been tested with a number of devices including those from Microsoft partner High Tech Computer Corporation, Motorola, and i-Mate. For a complete list of supported SmartPhones, please refer to the website.
Last updated: 23/10/2006

Dolphin Computer Access Ltd
Technology House, Blackpole Estate West, Worcester WR3 8TJ, UK.
Tel: +44 1905 754577
Fax: +44 1905 754559
Email: info@dolphinuk.co.uk
Web: www.YourDolphin.com

Hal (version 7.03)
Hal is a software screen reader that works by reading the screen interactively and communicating through a speech synthesiser or a refreshable Braille display. Key features include: Hal talks as you type, announcing words or characters so you can check what you write. A single key allows you to read an entire document, email or web page. Fast and accurate multilingual Braille output for text at your fingertips, (Grade 1 & 2 computer or literary Braille supported). Access complex websites with ease by choosing to list links, headings or frames. Read image labels, font styles, Windows menus and icons for easy navigation.
Price: From £595.00
Last updated: 06/09/2007

Smart Hal
Smart Hal enables your mobile phone to speak to you, so when it rings, Smart Hal will tell you who is calling. If the battery or signal strength is low, Smart Hal will let you know. And it will give you voicemail alerts, tell you about missed calls and speak out numbers as you dial. Smart Hal also opens up the wonderful world of text messaging. What's more, you'll find that some of the coolest new handsets are Windows Mobile Smartphones – and are available free of charge when you upgrade or take out a new contract. So, take control of your mobile with Smart Hal – and enjoy the fun, freedom and ease of staying in touch on a phone that talks to you.
Price: £175.00
Last updated: 11/05/2007

Supernova
Supernova offers magnification, speech and Braille support, giving people with visual impairment the freedom to access Windows in the way that suits them best. Key features include: Supernova includes magnification, speech and Braille output to cater for all types of visual impairments. A combined screen reader and magnifier helps to reduce eye strain by allowing users to increase magnification or add speech during the day as eyes become tired. Supernova includes a full screen magnifier with features such as variable magnification, multiple screen management styles and a variety of colour replacement options to overcome partial sight impairments. It also includes a full screen reader for people who are blind, which can cope with text and Braille input together with speech and Braille output. Compatible with Windows 98, ME, NT v 4.0, 2000 and XP.
Price: £835.00 (standard edition); £1195.00 (professional edition)
Last updated: 06/09/2007

EconoNet International Inc
11404 Lakeview Drive, Coral Spring, Florida 33071, USA.
Email: ammirata@econointl.com
Web: www.econointl.com

Simply Talker 98
Screen access for Windows 95, Windows 98 and WindowsMe Millenium. This screen reader has a Smart-Tracking feature that reads with a human-like voice what the user is doing on the screen. It allows access to the WIndows 95/98 desktop and provides ample support for 32 bit applications using Microsoft's Active Accessibility API. Simply Talker 98 includes a US English software speech synthesiser, which works through the user's existing sound card. A hardware synthesiser can also be used. Requires: 486 or better IBM compatible, 16 MB RAM, Windows 95 or 98, and a 16 bit sound card or an SSIL/SAPI compliant synthesiser. An international version is also available.
Price: $50.00
Last updated: 15/12/2006

Simply Talker 2000
Screen access for Windows 95, Windows 98, WindowsMe Millenium, Windows NT4 (SP6) and Windows 2000. Features are as above, in addition: provides additional support for devices that use the SAM interface for speech synthesis. Simply Talker 2000 will work under Windows 95 only if it is installed after installing Internet Explorer 4.01 or later.
Price: $100.00
Last updated: 15/12/2006

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