The additional cost of an IVONA reader is approximately $75. If you are new to using a screen reader and are having difficulties understanding the speech output of Microsoft Anna, investing in a higher-quality IVONA reader is well worth considering. AdaptiveVoice lists the text-to-speech readers by IVONA on its website as other optional voices to add. Microsoft Anna will sometimes mispronounce common words (for example, the word "header" is pronounced as "heater").
IVONA READER VIDE OUTPUT WINDOWS
Microsoft Anna is the voice used with Windows Vista and Windows 7. When you launch CDesk, it searches your system for the available SAPI voices on your computer. This extra-large pointer size is a valuable feature, since one of the most frequent complaints for people with low vision using the computer is the inability to locate and track the mouse pointer. A very large white pointer is used as the default mouse pointer throughout the CDesk applications. The size of the menu items can't be modified, but the text size within specific applications can be effectively increased or decreased by pressing F12 and F11, respectively. The main user interface, along with all available menus and some essential shortcut keyes located in the top-right corner of the screen, use very large white letters. While white-on-black is an effective and commonly preferred color scheme, it would be nice to have the option to adjust the interface display for those who have a different preference. The high-contrast, white-on-black CDesk color scheme can't be modified. If technical issues can't be resolved over the phone, AdaptiveVoice technical support is able to remotely access CDesk on your computer in order to problem-solve any issues.Ĭaption: Screen shot of CDesk User Interface Color Scheme and Magnification Features within CDesk
The Help option can be accessed at any point within CDesk by pressing Alt + H.
IVONA READER VIDE OUTPUT SERIES
The Help option within CDesk consists of a series of text files and videos that provide detailed information on the use of specific applications. During the installation process, the CDesk user is encouraged to call the AdaptiveVoice technical support number if any difficulties arise with the program. Documentation and HelpĪdaptiveVoice provides an installation video and an overview video on its homepage. You can elect to have CDesk launch at startup, and you can always press Ctrl + Shift + C at any time to launch CDesk. After installation, a high-contrast icon is placed on the desktop and the program is added to the Start menu for easy access.
IVONA READER VIDE OUTPUT DOWNLOAD
After you download the program, the installation wizard provides both screen magnification and speech output. The CDesk interface uses a high-contrast color scheme, with white text on a black background. Installing CDeskĬDesk can be downloaded as a 15-day trial, or purchased directly from the AdaptiveVoice website. CDesk COMPASS, developed by the California-based company AdaptiveVoice, is a low-cost ($395) screen reading and magnification solution for Windows that includes 14 applications designed specifically to help people who are blind or low-vision complete common computer tasks. In the last few years, a number of assistive technology solutions have emerged that focus on the needs of an ever-growing and diverse population, including senior citizens and war veterans, who are blind or visually impaired.
If you use any type of assistive technology, or work with anyone who does, you may already be familiar with the more common speech and magnification programs- like JAWS, MAGic, and ZoomText-that have been on the market for several years.