New IBM Talking Web Browser Brings the Voice of the World Wide Web to the Blind
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Minneapolis (October 21, 1998) – At the Closing the Gap conference, IBM today unveiled a talking Web browser that opens the doors of the World Wide Web with spoken Internet access to blind and visually impaired computer users. The new software, called Home Page Reader(a) for Windows(b), offers these computer users a comprehensive tool to access the Internet by reading aloud the information found on a Web site. Coinciding with National Disabilities Month, Home Page Reader will be demonstrated at the Closing the Gap conference in Minneapolis.
Home Page Reader is an easy-to-use Web browser offering even novice computer users a simple and effective way to navigate the Internet. Home Page Reader was originally developed at IBM’s Tokyo Research Laboratory. The product was developed with a unique understanding of the needs of the blind and visually impaired computer user — Chieko Asakawa, a blind researcher at IBM’s Tokyo Research Laboratory, played a key role in the early development of the software.
“We began this project with one clear objective — to minimize the information gap between the sighted and the blind,” said Ms. Asakawa. “Now, with this new software release, more people than ever will benefit from the wealth of information available on the Internet. Using IBM’s exclusive fast-forward skim reading feature, the blind can obtain information from the Web as quickly as the sighted.”
Originally developed in Japanese, Home Page Reader will now become available in English. The software uses IBM’s ViaVoice(a) OutLoud U.S. English text-to-speech technology, and Netscape Navigator(b) to speak Web-based information in a complete, clear and easy-to-understand format.
“The Internet has become an indispensable tool for sharing knowledge in today’s world,” said Chuck King, product manager, IBM Special Needs Systems. “Home Page Reader allows people who are blind or visually impaired to participate in the Internet revolution and have access to the information they need. IBM has a strong commitment to develop software for people who have disabilities, and Home Page Reader is the newest addition to our family of products that make the computer more accessible and friendly to people with special needs.”
Making the Internet Accessible
Home Page Reader recognizes HTML tags, the programming language used to design Web pages, to accurately translate text, tables, graphic descriptions, text in column format and data fields, allowing blind users to obtain the same information as sighted users. The software uses a simple 10-key numeric keypad interface that allows blind users to interact with their computer and easily navigate the Internet. Home Page Reader uses a male voice to read text and a female voice to read links, so users can distinguish Web page information when it is spoken. In addition, a fast-forward function allows users to skim Web pages to locate information quickly.
Home Page Reader provides access to spoken on-line help information, includinginformation on how to use the numeric keypad. Home Page Reader also provides a convenient and simple method for saving and organizing Web page bookmarks. Additionally, the software offers an integrated electronic mail feature that expands user’s communications with family, friends and business associates via e-mail messages.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $149, Home Page Reader will be available in the United States beginning January 1999. Additional user licenses can be purchased at $129 each. Home Page Reader software runs on Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT. System memory requirements include 32MB RAM for Windows 95 and Windows 98, and 64MB RAM for Windows NT. Also required is 7MB of hard disk space and an additional 10MB if installing Netscape Navigator. Minimum system processor requirements are a 150MHz Pentium with MMX or equivalent. For more information, contact IBM Special Needs Systems at 800-426-4832 or via the Internet at http://www.ibm.com/sns.
Source: IBM