Like the world needs another Web browser. But wait, this one is different. It talks, and it's designed for millions who have been locked out of cyberspace.
pwWebSpeak has caused a stir among sight-impaired people, for whom the Web is a new and rich source of information, but who are grappling with how to use a mouse to click on images they can't see.
As a blind person working with adaptive technology, I'm used to having to learn new ways to crack a nut (or break Windows). Registering with HotWired using Netscape and one of the packages that try to make Windows speech-friendly is like threading a needle - with boxing gloves on. But with pwWebSpeak it's a breeze, even with all the images HotWired forgot to label, which leaves pwWebSpeak saying: "Image without caption, image without caption ..." Happily, it even reads articles without labeled graphics.
pwWebSpeak provides good clear menus for those with enough sight to see the magnified visuals. For a totally blind person, a few simple keystrokes give access to all the flexible and powerful navigation functions. This makes it easy to find your way around the most complicated hypertext, gets you quickly to what you're looking for, and reads it clearly, spelling words out if necessary. Forms and tables, which are notoriously tricky with other speech packages, are presented sequentially and logically. pwWebSpeak supports a wide range of speech synthesizers used by sight-impaired people, as well as two software-only speech engines driving SoundBlaster.
This innovative package proves its worth for anyone needing speech access to intranet systems or to the wider Web - not just the sight-impaired, but those with other reading difficulties, including foreign language students. It opens up new opportunities for employment, study, and leisure. And with future plans for support of voice-driven command, pwWebSpeak is just getting started.
pwWebSpeak: US$250 (consumer), $125 (nonprofit and educational). The Productivity Works Inc.: +1 (609) 984 8044, fax +1 (609) 984 8048, on the Web at www.prodworks.com.
STREET CRED
Mmmm, DigiliciousSee Hear
