CLEMMONS, NC (PRWEB) May 25, 2016
Rapid City, South Dakota resident Terrie Rich hasn't allowed voice impairment to inhibit her pursuit of her Bible studies. To assist her in fully taking part in class discussions despite her voice loss, Terrie now turns to NextUp.com PC software applications TextAloud and NextUp Talker, which use natural-sounding Text to Speech voices so that she can be heard.
After losing her voice due to years of illness, vocal cord scarring and recurring polyps, Terrie uses TextAloud and NextUp Talker to overcome her voicelessness. "I tried other speech augmentation devices and they were far too limiting for me," she comments. "I just wanted to be able to type what I needed to say. Using TextAloud and NextUp Talker to do that allowed me to convey my thoughts in my own words, and both programs are very user-friendly, too."
TextAloud is the leading Text to Speech software for the Windows PC that turns almost any text into natural-sounding computer speech. TextAloud also easily exports text to spoken audio files, which can be listened to anywhere on most portable devices. NextUp Talker, meanwhile, is a separate Text to Speech program specifically designed for people who have temporarily or permanently lost their voice. With convenient shortcuts to enter commonly-used sentences and phrases, NextUp Talker can enable someone using a Windows PC to regain an important part of their life by easily communicating in spoken voice once again.
As a retired teacher now attending Bible classes, Terrie uses TextAloud (with the Acapela™ optional premium voice "Heather") to share with the class. "With TextAloud, I'm able to participate in discussions by having Heather read my prepared answers out loud," she comments. "You can also toggle between several articles at one time, and use it to speak out anything you wish to share from the Internet." She loves the realistic voices and also appreciates being able to control voice speed and pauses, elements that allow her to vary her speech. "They make it sound very natural," she adds, "and I can even switch voices."
Meanwhile, NextUp Talker helps Terrie to participate in discussion groups when she wishes to take part more spontaneously, with something that isn't pre-written. "NextUp Talker also offers shortcuts so I don't have to type-out the phrases I use most frequently. I don't feel like I am using a 'computer voice' at all." Terrie can even use NextUp Talker on road trips in order to interact and visit with the others in the car. "I use the 'aux' port in the car so that my voice comes out through the radio. This way, I can type and chat while looking out the window. NextUp Talker even has a log, so you can keep track of what you are saying."
Terrie is enthusiastic about the versatility and usefulness of TextAloud and NextUp Talker, especially that she is able to use simple, everyday technology -- a small laptop computer -- along with Text to Speech software to accomplish any voice tasks required. She also uses the TextAloud iOS app on her iPhone, and when using NextUp Talker to interact with larger groups, Terrie supplements her laptop speakers with a USB speaker, for greater impact.
"Before I had this software I was at a loss. I thought I would never be able to navigate conversations again. So I would highly recommend both TextAloud and NextUp Talker to anyone who can type out what they wish to say," she comments. "They opened up a whole new world for me. For anyone who loves to talk and can no longer do so, these programs have been a blessing. Having a 'voice' has made a phenomenal impact on my formerly silent life. I remember how desperate I felt, as someone who wasn't part of 'the conversation,' but NextUp's software has allowed me to join in."
About TextAloud:
TextAloud is the leading Text to Speech software for the Windows PC that turns almost any text into natural-sounding computer speech and also exports text to spoken audio files for listening anywhere on most portable devices. Priced from $29.95 at http://www.nextup.com, the software is compatible with Windows® XP through Windows 10, and is prized by students, writers, dyslexics, commuters, and people from all walks of life.
TextAloud enables anyone to experience their reading by listening, and has been featured in The New York Times, PC Magazine, Voice Technology Magazine, on CNN, and more. TextAloud is also a former da Vinci award® nominee for its uses as a valuable assistive technology. Get the latest news on TextAloud at http://www.facebook.com/textaloud and also discover helpful video tutorials on NextUp.com's YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/nextupcom).
About NextUp Talker:
NextUp Talker is priced at just $99.95, and is compatible with Windows® XP through Windows 10. The program is available for fast, safe and secure purchase via http://www.nextup.com/talker. NextUp Talker comes with a pair of male and female premium voices for the most natural-sounding computer speech anywhere.
Evaluation copies of TextAloud and NextUp Talker are available for the media upon request. For more information on NextUp Talker or TextAloud, or for a rich assortment of additional featured users and case studies involving a variety of writers, firefighters, lawyers, editors, teachers, actors, students, entrepreneurs, doctors, truck drivers, musicians, and more, please contact publicist Angela Mitchell at (904) 982-8043 or via Admitchell(at)nextup(dot)com.
All companies and products referenced in this press release are the trademarks of their respective owners.
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