I don’t see what you’re saying
One of the problems for some would-be speech output users is that most speech output strategies require tricky or intense use of the keyboard, mouse, or both; this can be a particular problem for seniors. Some German researchers have come up with a pretty cool solution involving use of facial recognition technology: just close your eyes, and Microsoft Word reads back the “current” sentence (presumably the one where the cursor is located). Ein guter Start; we’d love to see additional features, such as the ability to blink slowly to have the speech output move to and read the next line.
ACM Digital Library: Spoken words: activating text-to-speech through eye closure (summary)
Talking GPS unit never says “Get lost!”
This GPS unit from NavStar Technologies has no screen — it only talks. So it’s perfect for people who can’t use a screen, including those who would be distracted by a screen. Plugs into a cigarette lighter or battery adapter.
Light conversation
Holy talking light switch covers, Batman! Yes, that’s right: record your 20 second message and this gadget will repeat it whenever one of the switches is turned on or off. Probably intended to hold “Turn me off when you leave”, it might just as well hold “Go back to your room”. Too bad it doesn’t say different things for “on” and “off”, but as a memory aid or simple communication device, $13 is pretty cheap.
Talking e-book reader
An inventor in Iran has come up with a laptop-sized talking e-book reader–point to any word in the e-book using the included stylus to get a pronunciation and definition, similar to the Readingpen. It’s also supposed to describe graphics, although this specifics of this capabilities aren’t clear, and the use of a stylus makes this unit blind-unfriendly anyway. Useful for people with learning disabilities and beginning readers, though. Available somewhere 2008.
Magnum Opus
For those of you who prefer penguins to bunnies, the Linux-based, felt-covered Tux Droid will become your new best friend. Place him in any room, and he’ll provide alerts on email, breaking news, RSS feeds, and what have you, via various gymnastics or text to speech. He doubles as a VoIP phone, alarm, and simple environmental control unit. Who wouldn’t want one?
PC or not PC
The long-awaited trend is already happening in Japan: far fewer people are using “old-fashioned” computers, preferring instead to use products that combine some or all aspects of computer use with other functions, such as smart phones. Will there be concerted, consistent thought given to accessible peripherals? Best case, there could be design revolutions spurred by confluence between the needs of people with disabilities who, say, can’t use teensy or virtual buttons…and the needs of people “without” disabilities who can’t use them either.
Go, voice, go
Voice on the Go is a new service that uses speech input and output to provide hands- and vision-free access to users’ email, datebook, etc. Designed for drivers, but we recently talked to the developers and they’re wonderfully aware of the accessibility potential.