BrowseAloud (PC)
BrowseAloud (PC) reads website content aloud in a human-sounding voice at no cost to the website visitor and zero implementation for the website owner.
PC users download a small application (13mb) from the BrowseAloud website. This one-off download can be personalised to suit the individual needs of the user and works on all BrowseAloud enabled websites. For the website owner, no changes are required to their website so implementation is fast and painless.
Toolbar Functionality of BrowseAloud (PC)
BrowseAloud (PC) has many features to assist those with dyslexia, literacy difficulties, mild visual impairments and where English is a second language when browsing the web from a PC. BrowseAloud (PC) features and options are accessed from an easy-to-use, floating toolbar. The toolbar is keyboard accessible and the text description of each button can be read aloud.
Toolbar Features Include:
- Play by 'Hover Highlighting'
- Play by 'Text Selection'
- Translator
- Dictionary
- Screen Masking
- MP3 Maker
- Options Panel
Play by 'Hover Highlighting'
BrowseAloud (PC) provides an intuitive interface with Hover Highlighting. Text is read out loud with synchronous highlighting by simply moving the mouse over it. This audio-visual reinforcement has been proven to increase word recognition and improve reading. Hover Highlighting is also useful for people with physical disabilities who are dependent on alternative pointing devices, as they simply need to point and read.
Play by 'Text Selection'
As an alternative to Hover Highlighting, users can select specific text to hear it read aloud. Again, the text is being read out using synchronous dual-colour highlighting.
Translator
BrowseAloud (PC) provides both written and spoken, word-for-word, translations between each of five languages: English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. Reading the translated words aloud in the corresponding languages improves word recognition, pronunciation and comprehension.
Dictionary
BrowseAloud (PC) provides a talking dictionary to enable users to check the meanings of words that are not known, from an extensive database of words and definitions. Webmasters can also add words and definitions to this dictionary for their own website. This is particularly useful for acronyms.
Screen Mask
BrowseAloud (PC) can alter the appearance of a screen by adding a colour filter to the whole screen with a letterbox reading window or with an 'electronic ruler'. The website visitor can select from a palette of colours. This masking feature benefits those with certain visual impairments and learning difficulties.
MP3 Maker
BrowseAloud (PC) gives website visitors the ability to select any text from a web page and convert it into an MP3 file. It can then be saved and listened to at a later time, at home or on the move. Webmasters are also given the facility to create MP3 files that can be hosted and streamed directly from a website.
Options Panel
BrowseAloud (PC) is ready to use immediately after download. BrowseAloud (PC) also has a number of options available to adapt the software to suit individual user preferences. This includes choosing from a number of high quality voices, changing the font style and size of the text being read aloud, changing the colours used when highlighting and modifying the pronunciation of words. BrowseAloud (PC) remembers the settings chosen, so that modifications only need to be done once.
Language Options
BrowseAloud (PC) has a choice of 17 high quality voices, covering ten international languages. They include:
English, Dutch, Flemish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish and Welsh.
Recommended Browsers for BrowseAloud (PC)
- Internet Explorer 9, 8 or 7
- Firefox 4 or above
