Incomplete eBook Speaking Ability Devices
Jack Kemp
A while back, I posted an article here about eBook readers for blind peoples, namely devices which could speak in a clear voice that was somewhat human as the machine read text. I have learned a bit more about the latest methods available, but what I write here is incomplete and not worthy of being called a full article because of major gaps in my not testing the equipment and software involved and not interviewing technical experts - or being one. However, there are facts here that will be new to some people who know a blind student and/or veteran and thus some value can had from reading this piece written in a conversational tone, essentially a long email. Even my just telling readers the formal name of such a capability, Text-to-Speech, can help people in inquiring further into this issue.
First I want to mention software that will read a text file such as in Microsoft Word or ordinary text or Adobe pdf file formats. It can even read a text file and copy it to an MP3 file that can be played on an iPod or burned onto a CD or even played on a fancy cell phone like a Blackberry. And a free version can be downloaded at this website below onto one's desktop or laptop computer. Various IBM-compatible tablet devices may have this speaking capability built in or may be able to use some add-on application that enable Text-to-Voice reading by the machine. I personally have never used this software so I can't vouch for it, but this information on Text-to-Speech software.
Here are some details on one of the software application programs:
http://www.nch.com.au/verbose/index.html?gclid=CKS__87-2a0CFYPc4AodXH3QlQ
DESCRIPTION
Verbose Text to Speech Software
Converts text to voice or saves as mp3
Verbose is an easy and convenient text to speech converter that can read aloud or save spoken text to mp3 files.
Reads any text on your computer out loud
Convert text to mp3 and save to listen to later
Installs and ready to read text in just minutes
With Verbose text reading software, you can have Verbose read the current text on your screen out loud with the simple press of a button by setting up system-wide hotkeys.
Alternatively, use Verbose text to voice software to save your text documents or emails to mp3 audio files for your mobile phone, iPod or mp3 player, so you can listen to them on the go.
END OF QUOTE
When I last wrote about this, the only off-the-shelf ebook reader that had full capacities was the Apple iPad. In a somewhat casual search this week for a device that would read to me, a regularly sighted person who wanted to save time, I found out that:
The new Amazon Kindle Fire ebook reader, the high end color model, could actually read the many books (but not every book) that were text-to-speech enabled. It says on the Amazon website in each book's description which ones can be read in a speaking voice. There may also be a version of software with this Kindle capacity of text-to-speech that can be downloaded onto a desktop or laptop computer Nook eBook reader. This includes hundreds of thousands of books that have no copyright that can be downloaded for free. Once again, I have never used this on my equipment and only have a generalized sense of what's available. Downloading a second Nook eBook reader at home would cause me technical problems that I don't want to deal with at this time - and I have personally decided against buying an Amazon Kindle Fire ebook reader.
Yet here is some more information - a rambling, informative discussion that some tech support person found for me, a discussion on a website:
http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?topic=49543.0;wap2
I know I made the comment that the Kindle for PC app with the Accessibility plugin was neutered, but after further investigation and experimentation, I have learned that it is fully accessible to a reading disabled person. The thing that is most amazing of all is that TTS disabled books will read on it with Samantha or Tom just like they do on the physical Kindle ereaders. Also, when you click on the Go to Kindle Store button, the browser opens up and the screen reader on the computer tells the reading disabled person what is on the Kindle Store page. So let's do a comparison and see how the two stack up.
Kindle 3 w WIFI only - v - a netbook w WIFI.
You can download books when connected to a wireless network.
You can shop the Kindle Store and surf the web.
You can access your home and archived items pages.
You can read TTS enabled and disabled Kindle books.
You can send documents to your Kindle 3 or Kindle for PC app.
You can read for a 2 weeks to a month with both the Kindles and the Netbook with the wireless turned off. This is where the Netbook takes a big hit, but there is no reason if you are not using the display and turn down or off the backlight, that you shouldn't get almost twice or twice the battery life. So the physical Kindles win this one.
Physical Kindles are instant on whereas the Netbook has to be booted up before you can read with it. The physical Kindles win this round.
Both products have password protection is you decide to use it.
Both products allow a user to create collections. I'm going to say a tentative NO on this one because I don't think the Kindle apps have this capability.
Magazines, newspapers, and blogs, are I think only available on the Physical Kindles, so they win this one.
If I didn't mention this already, the netbook is going to get better battery life than any of the Kindles with TTS turned on, so the netbook wins this one.
Kindle Klassic, Kindle 2 w 3G, Kindle DX & DXG w 3G, and Kindle 3 w 3G and WIFI - v - a Netbook w WIFI and 3G on board.
You can download books when connected to a 3G & a wireless network when using the Kindle 3 or a Netbook w 3G access.
You can shop the Kindle Store and surf the web w 3G and WIFI access. This beats out all Kindles with the exception of the Kindle 3G/WIFI.
You can access your home and archived items pages.
You can read TTS enabled and disabled Kindle books. Since reading disabled Kindle or Kindle for PC app users are relying on a screen reader, it ends up being a draw.
You can send documents to you Kindle 3 or Kindle for PC app. On the Netbook, this is actually easier because you don't have to connect the physical Kindle ereader.
You can read for a 2 weeks to a month with both the Kindles and the Netbook with the wireless turned off. This is where the Netbook takes a big hit, but there is no reason if you are not using the display and turn down or off the backlight, that you shouldn't get almost twice or twice the battery life. So the physical Kindles win this one.
Physical Kindles are instant on whereas the Netbook has to be booted up before you can read with it. The physical Kindles win this round.
Both products have password protection is you decide to use it.
Both products allow a user to create collections. I'm going to say a tentative NO on this one because I don't think the Kindle apps have this capability.
Magazines, newspapers, and blogs, are I think only available on the Physical Kindles, so they win this one.
If I didn't mention this already, the netbook is going to get better battery life than any of the Kindles with TTS turned on, so the netbook wins this one.
So do the rest of you see this comparison as being accurate? Also, is there something I have left out? If this comparison is accurate, then the reading disabled community has gained a lot with the Kindle for PC plugin. And I get to eat crow and need to apologize to Scott Turow, the authors guild, and the publishers if there were involved in the process of making this plugin happen.
Gene
I guess I'm at a loss on why the accessibility features really matter at all anymore on the Kindle 3 or the Kindle for apps since the publishers and the author's guild have effectively neutered them by having the ability to disable TTS at will. I tried the newly updated Kindle for PC app released in the last day or so, and learned that if the TTS is disabled in a book the TTS feature in the app won't work, so basically nothing was gained from Amazon's hard work and effort to support Kindle 3 and Kindle for app owners with reading disabilities. I emailed back and fourth with Scott Turow, the president of the author's guild, over several days and basically got the pat answer that being able to read with TTS and reading visually entitle him, the other authors, and the publishers to be paid twice for the same book. I suggested using an installed, non transferable, key system to re-enable the TTS of the Kindle if a Kindle owner with a reading disability proves they have a reading disability. This is being done with talking books and other services for people with reading disabilities now. He said they have looked into it, but I don't believe him for one moment. In the end, it comes down to pure selfishness, greed, and laziness on his part and on the part of the publishers. It is much easier to tell me they have looked into it and are stuck rather than actually applying some mental energy to solve the problem, which once solved could be a win win for the people who are reading disabled, the authors of the guild, and the publishers. I'm sure there are many Scott Turow fans out there, but I'm hoping everyone who buys his books would see how his attitude represents and genuine lack of foresight, decency, and respect for people with reading disabilities. He doesn't deserve my business and won't get it ever. And I'm asking that Scott Turow fans consider boycotting his catalog of books and other content he produces. Maybe while he's watching his sales and income drop, he will go back to this issue and take a second and hard look at trying to do the right thing and fix this problem so people with reading disabilities can in one more way be a part of the same world we all live in. Anyway, the announcement is below. Check it out. - Gene
Introducing Free Kindle Software with Accessibility Features
Sent By:
"Amazon.com" On: Jan 01/19/11 1:38 AM
Dear blind-interest@amazon.com subscriber,
Amazon.com is releasing a new version of Kindle for PC that adds accessibility features designed for blind and low-vision customers.
Kindle for PC with Accessibility Plugin is a free, downloadable application for your Windows PC. It provides the following accessibility features: text-to-speech reading with adjustable voice settings, voice-guided menu navigation, large font sizes, high contrast reading mode, keyboard navigation, and accessible shortcuts.
With this software, for the first time ever, the entire collection of English language books in the Kindle Store can be read aloud. With over 750,000 English language titles, Amazon offers the largest selection of accessible ebooks. In order to use the text-to-speech feature, an external screen reader program must be installed and running on the Windows PC.
The free download is available at www.amazon.com/kindle/accessibility.
We welcome your feedback at kindle-PC-accessibility-feedback@amazon.com.
Sincerely,
The Kindle Team
© 2011 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Amazon, the Amazon a logo, the AmazonKindle logo, Kindle, and Whispersync are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Amazon.com, 410 Terry Avenue, North, Seattle, WA 98109. Reference: 18358260
Jeff Tompkins:
I haven't had my Kindle software neutered, but if it starts exhibiting bad behavior (especially toward dinner guests) I guess I'll have to get it done.
kb7uen Gene:
Well if it does happen, it would probably be on a Wednesday.
Gene
NightReader:
Some people won't do the right thing until they have to do the right thing.
Someone needs to sue the publishers who turn off TTS and make them pay a few hundred million dollars. Then, maybe they won't think forcing blind people to buy more expensive forms of media is so much fun.
kb7uen Gene:
Well, for people with reading disabilities, it really doesn't result in a greater cost because of the availability of talking books and shared scanned books, which are free for people who qualify for the services. Unfortunately, there are some blind people out there who make good money and still wouldn't go out and buy a book or music if their lives depended on it because they are so used to getting so many things for free. It really doesn't register with these few people that the authors and musicians created those works and are entitled to be paid for their intellectual property.
Do I use the services of Bookshare.org, Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, and National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped? The answer is yes and they have made a big difference in my quality of life.
END OF QUOTE
The Barnes & Nobles Nook ebook reader only had text-to-speech capabilities for children's books: a quick look at their adult books showed none enabled for Text-to-Voice and a discussion with a Best Buy saleswoman said this was the situation. That hardly constitutes more than anecdotal evidence, but I'm not going to do an extensive search of all machinery available on the market today. The Nook is steadily loosing out in sales to the Amazon Kindle becoming the major ebook from a book seller, from rumors that I hear and I believe that is true in my opinion. I have not investigated any upgrades to the Sony ebook reader.
A while back, I posted an article here about eBook readers for blind peoples, namely devices which could speak in a clear voice that was somewhat human as the machine read text. I have learned a bit more about the latest methods available, but what I write here is incomplete and not worthy of being called a full article because of major gaps in my not testing the equipment and software involved and not interviewing technical experts - or being one. However, there are facts here that will be new to some people who know a blind student and/or veteran and thus some value can had from reading this piece written in a conversational tone, essentially a long email. Even my just telling readers the formal name of such a capability, Text-to-Speech, can help people in inquiring further into this issue.
First I want to mention software that will read a text file such as in Microsoft Word or ordinary text or Adobe pdf file formats. It can even read a text file and copy it to an MP3 file that can be played on an iPod or burned onto a CD or even played on a fancy cell phone like a Blackberry. And a free version can be downloaded at this website below onto one's desktop or laptop computer. Various IBM-compatible tablet devices may have this speaking capability built in or may be able to use some add-on application that enable Text-to-Voice reading by the machine. I personally have never used this software so I can't vouch for it, but this information on Text-to-Speech software.
Here are some details on one of the software application programs:
http://www.nch.com.au/verbose/index.html?gclid=CKS__87-2a0CFYPc4AodXH3QlQ
DESCRIPTION
Verbose Text to Speech Software
Converts text to voice or saves as mp3
Verbose is an easy and convenient text to speech converter that can read aloud or save spoken text to mp3 files.
Reads any text on your computer out loud
Convert text to mp3 and save to listen to later
Installs and ready to read text in just minutes
With Verbose text reading software, you can have Verbose read the current text on your screen out loud with the simple press of a button by setting up system-wide hotkeys.
Alternatively, use Verbose text to voice software to save your text documents or emails to mp3 audio files for your mobile phone, iPod or mp3 player, so you can listen to them on the go.
END OF QUOTE
When I last wrote about this, the only off-the-shelf ebook reader that had full capacities was the Apple iPad. In a somewhat casual search this week for a device that would read to me, a regularly sighted person who wanted to save time, I found out that:
The new Amazon Kindle Fire ebook reader, the high end color model, could actually read the many books (but not every book) that were text-to-speech enabled. It says on the Amazon website in each book's description which ones can be read in a speaking voice. There may also be a version of software with this Kindle capacity of text-to-speech that can be downloaded onto a desktop or laptop computer Nook eBook reader. This includes hundreds of thousands of books that have no copyright that can be downloaded for free. Once again, I have never used this on my equipment and only have a generalized sense of what's available. Downloading a second Nook eBook reader at home would cause me technical problems that I don't want to deal with at this time - and I have personally decided against buying an Amazon Kindle Fire ebook reader.
Yet here is some more information - a rambling, informative discussion that some tech support person found for me, a discussion on a website:
http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php?topic=49543.0;wap2
I know I made the comment that the Kindle for PC app with the Accessibility plugin was neutered, but after further investigation and experimentation, I have learned that it is fully accessible to a reading disabled person. The thing that is most amazing of all is that TTS disabled books will read on it with Samantha or Tom just like they do on the physical Kindle ereaders. Also, when you click on the Go to Kindle Store button, the browser opens up and the screen reader on the computer tells the reading disabled person what is on the Kindle Store page. So let's do a comparison and see how the two stack up.
Kindle 3 w WIFI only - v - a netbook w WIFI.
You can download books when connected to a wireless network.
You can shop the Kindle Store and surf the web.
You can access your home and archived items pages.
You can read TTS enabled and disabled Kindle books.
You can send documents to your Kindle 3 or Kindle for PC app.
You can read for a 2 weeks to a month with both the Kindles and the Netbook with the wireless turned off. This is where the Netbook takes a big hit, but there is no reason if you are not using the display and turn down or off the backlight, that you shouldn't get almost twice or twice the battery life. So the physical Kindles win this one.
Physical Kindles are instant on whereas the Netbook has to be booted up before you can read with it. The physical Kindles win this round.
Both products have password protection is you decide to use it.
Both products allow a user to create collections. I'm going to say a tentative NO on this one because I don't think the Kindle apps have this capability.
Magazines, newspapers, and blogs, are I think only available on the Physical Kindles, so they win this one.
If I didn't mention this already, the netbook is going to get better battery life than any of the Kindles with TTS turned on, so the netbook wins this one.
Kindle Klassic, Kindle 2 w 3G, Kindle DX & DXG w 3G, and Kindle 3 w 3G and WIFI - v - a Netbook w WIFI and 3G on board.
You can download books when connected to a 3G & a wireless network when using the Kindle 3 or a Netbook w 3G access.
You can shop the Kindle Store and surf the web w 3G and WIFI access. This beats out all Kindles with the exception of the Kindle 3G/WIFI.
You can access your home and archived items pages.
You can read TTS enabled and disabled Kindle books. Since reading disabled Kindle or Kindle for PC app users are relying on a screen reader, it ends up being a draw.
You can send documents to you Kindle 3 or Kindle for PC app. On the Netbook, this is actually easier because you don't have to connect the physical Kindle ereader.
You can read for a 2 weeks to a month with both the Kindles and the Netbook with the wireless turned off. This is where the Netbook takes a big hit, but there is no reason if you are not using the display and turn down or off the backlight, that you shouldn't get almost twice or twice the battery life. So the physical Kindles win this one.
Physical Kindles are instant on whereas the Netbook has to be booted up before you can read with it. The physical Kindles win this round.
Both products have password protection is you decide to use it.
Both products allow a user to create collections. I'm going to say a tentative NO on this one because I don't think the Kindle apps have this capability.
Magazines, newspapers, and blogs, are I think only available on the Physical Kindles, so they win this one.
If I didn't mention this already, the netbook is going to get better battery life than any of the Kindles with TTS turned on, so the netbook wins this one.
So do the rest of you see this comparison as being accurate? Also, is there something I have left out? If this comparison is accurate, then the reading disabled community has gained a lot with the Kindle for PC plugin. And I get to eat crow and need to apologize to Scott Turow, the authors guild, and the publishers if there were involved in the process of making this plugin happen.
Gene
I guess I'm at a loss on why the accessibility features really matter at all anymore on the Kindle 3 or the Kindle for apps since the publishers and the author's guild have effectively neutered them by having the ability to disable TTS at will. I tried the newly updated Kindle for PC app released in the last day or so, and learned that if the TTS is disabled in a book the TTS feature in the app won't work, so basically nothing was gained from Amazon's hard work and effort to support Kindle 3 and Kindle for app owners with reading disabilities. I emailed back and fourth with Scott Turow, the president of the author's guild, over several days and basically got the pat answer that being able to read with TTS and reading visually entitle him, the other authors, and the publishers to be paid twice for the same book. I suggested using an installed, non transferable, key system to re-enable the TTS of the Kindle if a Kindle owner with a reading disability proves they have a reading disability. This is being done with talking books and other services for people with reading disabilities now. He said they have looked into it, but I don't believe him for one moment. In the end, it comes down to pure selfishness, greed, and laziness on his part and on the part of the publishers. It is much easier to tell me they have looked into it and are stuck rather than actually applying some mental energy to solve the problem, which once solved could be a win win for the people who are reading disabled, the authors of the guild, and the publishers. I'm sure there are many Scott Turow fans out there, but I'm hoping everyone who buys his books would see how his attitude represents and genuine lack of foresight, decency, and respect for people with reading disabilities. He doesn't deserve my business and won't get it ever. And I'm asking that Scott Turow fans consider boycotting his catalog of books and other content he produces. Maybe while he's watching his sales and income drop, he will go back to this issue and take a second and hard look at trying to do the right thing and fix this problem so people with reading disabilities can in one more way be a part of the same world we all live in. Anyway, the announcement is below. Check it out. - Gene
Introducing Free Kindle Software with Accessibility Features
Sent By:
"Amazon.com"
Dear blind-interest@amazon.com subscriber,
Amazon.com is releasing a new version of Kindle for PC that adds accessibility features designed for blind and low-vision customers.
Kindle for PC with Accessibility Plugin is a free, downloadable application for your Windows PC. It provides the following accessibility features: text-to-speech reading with adjustable voice settings, voice-guided menu navigation, large font sizes, high contrast reading mode, keyboard navigation, and accessible shortcuts.
With this software, for the first time ever, the entire collection of English language books in the Kindle Store can be read aloud. With over 750,000 English language titles, Amazon offers the largest selection of accessible ebooks. In order to use the text-to-speech feature, an external screen reader program must be installed and running on the Windows PC.
The free download is available at www.amazon.com/kindle/accessibility.
We welcome your feedback at kindle-PC-accessibility-feedback@amazon.com.
Sincerely,
The Kindle Team
© 2011 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Amazon, the Amazon a logo, the AmazonKindle logo, Kindle, and Whispersync are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Amazon.com, 410 Terry Avenue, North, Seattle, WA 98109. Reference: 18358260
Jeff Tompkins:
I haven't had my Kindle software neutered, but if it starts exhibiting bad behavior (especially toward dinner guests) I guess I'll have to get it done.
kb7uen Gene:
Well if it does happen, it would probably be on a Wednesday.
Gene
NightReader:
Some people won't do the right thing until they have to do the right thing.
Someone needs to sue the publishers who turn off TTS and make them pay a few hundred million dollars. Then, maybe they won't think forcing blind people to buy more expensive forms of media is so much fun.
kb7uen Gene:
Well, for people with reading disabilities, it really doesn't result in a greater cost because of the availability of talking books and shared scanned books, which are free for people who qualify for the services. Unfortunately, there are some blind people out there who make good money and still wouldn't go out and buy a book or music if their lives depended on it because they are so used to getting so many things for free. It really doesn't register with these few people that the authors and musicians created those works and are entitled to be paid for their intellectual property.
Do I use the services of Bookshare.org, Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, and National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped? The answer is yes and they have made a big difference in my quality of life.
END OF QUOTE
The Barnes & Nobles Nook ebook reader only had text-to-speech capabilities for children's books: a quick look at their adult books showed none enabled for Text-to-Voice and a discussion with a Best Buy saleswoman said this was the situation. That hardly constitutes more than anecdotal evidence, but I'm not going to do an extensive search of all machinery available on the market today. The Nook is steadily loosing out in sales to the Amazon Kindle becoming the major ebook from a book seller, from rumors that I hear and I believe that is true in my opinion. I have not investigated any upgrades to the Sony ebook reader.
posted by Timothy Birdnow | 4:27 AM
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