Kurzweil 3000 is a text-to-speech (TTS) software developed by Kurzweil Educational Systems (KES), a Cambium Learning group. It is designed to assist individuals with reading difficulties by converting text into speech. However, if you find that Kurzweil no longer meets your needs or if you wish to explore alternative options, it is essential to understand how to cancel your Kurzweil subscription. In this article, we will guide you through the cancellation process and also provide information on Kurzweil’s features, pricing, and alternatives.
What is Kurzweil?
Kurzweil 3000 is a powerful educational assistance software that helps individuals with reading challenges access written content. Some features include:
- Text to Speech AI Reading Voices to read digital text documents.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and scanning options for reading image file and scanned document file formats.
- Access to Go-to Dictionaries when in reading mode.
- Reading bookmarks for open documents to resume reading.
- Look up functions to search for specific words on text files.
- Word prediction allows users to easily delete or erase unnecessary words or fillers.
- Compatibility with many keyboard shortcuts including usage of ctrl, alt, down arrow, right arrow, up arrow, and press enter. These quickly become shorthands for the save buttons, read buttons, next page, previous page, new scan, new file, etc.
Kurzweil 3000 finds applications in various domains, including education, accessibility, and productivity. Here are some common use cases:
- Education: Kurzweil 3000 assists students with reading disabilities, learning differences, or visual impairments by providing auditory support and reading accommodations. It can be used for test taking, check spelling, reading textbooks, assignments, and other educational materials.
- Accessibility: Individuals with visual impairments can benefit from Kurzweil 3000’s text-to-speech functionality, enabling them to access and engage with written content effortlessly.
- Productivity: Professionals can use Kurzweil 3000 to convert documents, articles, and web pages into speech, allowing for multitasking and efficient information consumption.
What Are Text-to-Speech AI Voices?
Text-to-speech AI voices are computer-generated voices that simulate human speech. Kurzweil 3000 offers a wide range of high-quality AI voices, allowing users to choose voices that suit their preferences and needs. These voices are designed to sound natural and users can customize voices in terms of speed, pitch, and other parameters.
Kurzweil 3000 Pricing & Plans
Kurzweil 3000 offers several pricing plans tailored to different user requirements. The pricing structure includes options for individual users, multiple users, and school-wide subscriptions. Here’s an overview of the available plans:
- Free Trials. Before committing to a subscription or if it’s your first time with the platform, you can take advantage of Kurzweil’s free trial period. This allows you to explore the software and its features to determine if it meets your needs.
- Individual users (~$500/year) Kurzweil offers subscription plans that cater to personal use cases. These plans typically include access to the software and related features for a specified period.
- 10 Users (~$2,000/year). If you require Kurzweil for a small group or organization, the 10-user plan allows up to ten users to utilize the software simultaneously.
- 30 Users (~$3,000/year). For larger groups or institutions, the 30-user plan provides access for up to thirty users concurrently.
- School-Wide Subscription (~$4,000/year). Kurzweil also offers school-wide subscriptions, providing access to multiple users across an educational institution. These plans are tailored to meet the needs of schools, colleges, and universities.
Other factors may affect the price, as discounts can apply to multi-year subscriptions and to institutions with more user accounts. Standalone subscriptions may be more expensive.
Currently, the application is available on most operating systems including Kurzweil 3000 Windows and iOS. Additionally, users can download the application from KurzweilEdu on any browser including Firefox and Chrome.
How to Cancel a Kurzweil Subscription
Admittedly, all the functionalities on Kurzweil 3000 toolbars might make it difficult to navigate at first. However, cancelling your subscription can easily be accessed through their file menus:
- Move your cursor to the Kurzweil 3000 application on your Windows computer and open it.
- Click on the bookmark to open the Kurzweil 3000 webpage.
- On the webpage, navigate to the “Account” or “Subscription” section.
- Locate the cancellation or unsubscribe option and follow the provided instructions.
- Confirm the cancellation and ensure you receive confirmation of the cancellation process.
However, since the web licenses are purchased on a yearly basis, your subscription will naturally end at the end of the year.
Kurzweil Alternatives
If you are considering alternatives to Kurzweil, one notable option is Speechify. Here’s an overview of Speechify:
Speechify
Speechify is a TTS software designed to enhance reading experiences and improve productivity. It offers various features to convert text into speech and supports users with reading difficulties. Some notable features of Speechify include:
- Natural-sounding AI voices with customizable settings.
- Integration with popular platforms and applications like Google Drive and Microsoft Word.
- Writing tools such as spell check, word prediction, and synonyms.
- Web browser integration for reading web pages and online content.
- Annotation capabilities, including sticky notes and text notes.
- Access to an extensive universal library of digital content.
- Adjustable reading speed to suit individual preferences.
- Lock features to minimize distractions during reading sessions.
Conclusion
Kurzweil 3000 is a powerful text-to-speech software that supports individuals with reading difficulties. However, if you decide to cancel your Kurzweil subscription, make sure to follow the provided steps to ensure a smooth cancellation process. Additionally, consider exploring alternatives such as Speechify, which offers similar functionality and features. Whether you choose Kurzweil or its alternatives, these tools can significantly enhance reading experiences and make written content more accessible to all.
FAQs
How long is the Kurzweil 3000 free trial?
The duration of the Kurzweil 3000 free trial may vary is 30 days. To know the parameters of a free trial subscription, users can check the help menu of the platform or check online help pages.
What is the difference between Kurzweil 1000 and 3000?
Kurzweil 1000 and Kurzweil 3000 are two different versions of Kurzweil’s text-to-speech software. Kurzweil 1000 is primarily designed for individuals with visual impairments, providing advanced accessibility features. Kurzweil 3000, on the other hand, focuses on supporting individuals with reading difficulties by converting text into speech and offering various reading accommodations.
What is Kurzweil’s phone number?
To obtain Kurzweil’s phone number or any other specific contact information, visit the official Kurzweil Educational Systems website. They should have their contact details listed on their support or contact page.
