ALERT: TextAloud Software Free Today Only

Posted by Tom Colvin

December 20, 2007

Some of you know from previous alerts that I follow GiveAway of the Day, a website [with daily email newsletter] that somehow coaxes software developers into giving their software away entirely free — for ONE DAY. Today’s software is the text-to-speech software TextAloud. It is available FREE today only, just go HERE.

I’m passing this alert along because I personally have been using this software for about three years and find it useful. While I certainly don’t use it on a daily basis, I do use it several times a month to read back to me longish blog essays and news features from sources such as the New York Times. But more often I use it to read books I’ve downloaded from Project Gutenburg. Anyone with challenged sight will find it particularly useful. Many other users like the software’s ability to convert and burn the TextAloud output to portable mp3 players for listening while jogging. Others use it to read stories to their children, perhaps even using a child’s voice.

The software is built on top of the basic Microsoft text-to-speech engine, adding much more convenient control to the facility. The major complaint about this program is that for best use one really should buy “premium” voices, such as those from AT&T Natural Voices or Capstral, which cost from $25-35 each. The basic Microsoft voices will drive you nuts after a while, but some of the premium voices are surprisingly good. Over the years, I’ve bought four such voices, which gives me enough variety. Voices are available from the TextAloud website.

Those of you who like trying out new software may wish to subscribe to the GiveAway of the Day email newsletter. You should also know that one active user often puts up instant 15-Minute Reviews of the day’s offering, giving it a quick test drive and quick feedback to other regulars at the GiveAway site. It’s an amazing duo. The review site provides a list [if you look for it] of past reviews, giving you a good idea of the free software offered over past months. And here’s the review of TextAloud.

I have absolutely no connection with these sites, other than routinely taking advantage of several free offers each month.

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