AssistiveWare introduced Convenienceware--TextParrot 1.0 (Universal) is First Application

"ConvenienceWare" is a new family of innovative and affordable products from AssistiveWare that makes the advanced technologies developed by AssistiveWare available in cool and convenient applications that can make the life of Mac users easier.

The first product is TextParrot 1.0 (Universal), a multilingual speech solution for Mac OS X that allows users to listen to their documents with naturally sounding voices in a language of choice. It also allows users to create their own personal podcasts or audio books by exporting to iPod-ready iTunes tracks. Or, users can just use it to speak selected text in a handy reader window with play, fast forward and rewind functionality. It even allows users to listen to text by just pointing the cursor at the text and sit back and relax while TextParrot reads the text under the cursor.

TextParrot was developed in collaboration with the Acapela Group and includes their naturally sounding, high quality voices in one or two languages of choice. Voices are currently available for the following languages: US English, UK English, French, German, Italian, Danish, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian, and Swedish. Other languages will be made available in the coming months. Note that these special ConvenienceWare voices will not work in other applications.Suggested retail pricing excluding VAT (for download only): SRP is

Monolingual licenses:

Single User US$/Euro 39.95
Household (3 Macs) US$/Euro 79.90

Bilingual licenses:

Single User US$/Euro 59.95
Household (3 Macs) US$/Euro 119.90

Initially the software will be available for download only. A CD version is expected later at a slightly higher price. Teachers visiting the AssistiveWare booth (SN17) at BETT 2007 in January can get a 10% discount. [Bill Fox]