Side-by-side comparison of features, reviews, pricing and more
Category: Text-to-Speech (TTS) Software
Industries: Software Development
Home Annual License (U.S. Only) $95/year
Student Annual License (U.S. Only) $90/year
Home License $1000
Professional License $1285
90-Day Timed License $250
Category: Text-to-Speech (TTS) Software
Industries: Software Development
$29 to $199 per month
Speechify is the #1 audio reader in the world. Get through books, docs, articles, PDFs, email – anything
you read – faster.
“Speechify is absolutely brilliant. Growing up with dyslexia this would have made a big difference. I’m so glad to have it today.“
Sir Richard Branson
JAWS is my eyes. I’ve been using JAWS since 2001, and it has helped me wonders, right through my educational period at college up till now in my professional life as a computer instructor to blind learners…”
Salman Khalid – Lahore, Pakistanis a computer screen reader for Microsoft Windows that enables blind and visually impaired people to read the screen using a refreshable Braille display or text-to-speech output. The Blind and Low Vision Group at Freedom Scientific creates JAWS. A study of screen reader users conducted between May and June 2021 by WebAIM, a provider of web accessibility services, revealed that JAWS was the most widely used screen reader globally, with 53.7% of respondents using it as their primary screen reader and 70.0% using it frequently .[1] Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 as well as every iteration of Windows Server since Windows Server 2008 are supported by JAWS. The software is available in two versions: the Home edition for private use and the Professional edition for usage in business settings. Standard, the previous name for the Home edition, was only compatible with personal Windows operating systems. Prior to JAWS 16, Standard was also available in a free DOS version. The user can utilize programs without the default Windows controls and programs that weren't created with accessibility in mind thanks to the JAWS Scripting Language. With JAWS, you can use keyboard shortcuts and verbal feedback to operate all of the main Windows operating system features. The majority of applications maintain these shortcuts as consistently as they can, however because to the extremely large number of functions required to efficiently operate current computer software, end users must memorize numerous unique keystrokes. The user has virtually complete control over virtually every aspect of JAWS, including all keystrokes and variables like reading speed, the level of granularity needed to read punctuation, and tips. Additionally, JAWS has a scripting language that may be used to automate procedures and change the behavior of the application in more intricate ways .[7] When a browser is active in the forefront, the software activates a special mode made just for web browsers. When navigating a website, JAWS initially announces the page's title and the number of links. The control key can be used to pause speech, the up/down arrow keys are used to traverse through lines, and the tab key is used to switch between links and controls. The next or previous element of a certain type, such as text boxes or check boxes, can be reached by pressing a specific letter on the keyboard[8]. JAWS can similarly access headings in Word and PDF documents .[9] It has been noted that the JAWS feature set and configurability are "complicated," and it is advised that users, such as site designers undertaking accessibility testing, receive training to prevent drawing incorrect conclusions from such testing.
Amazing opportunities This is one of the most amazing tools available to blind and low vision people. I use this app almost daily here in Los Angeles where I live. It is so incredibly helpful on so many levels and allows such a greater sense of freedom and autonomy. I use it for all different things ranging from asking the color of an item of clothing to a detailed description of a picture to taking selfies to assistance creating profiles etc. I’ve also used it when I became discombobulated in a shopping mall by myself and I was able to get assistance to successfully locate the escalators. I also use it for beauty related things, nail polish, make up, finding similar dupe items online etc. I am sure that Ira will continue to get even better and better as we move forward. I would love to see Ira be available outside the United States, even if it was just for US citizens so that there could be options to use the app when people do have to live outside the United States because of work related travel, vacation or being married to someone who is stationed internationally and so on.
zara royceAira is a service that helps visually impaired individuals to live independently. In doing so, we — through the latest, personalized assistive technology and approaches — serve as visual interpreters and navigators for blind and low-vision people. Here is a detailed description of how the Aira platform works: Smart glass technology: The blind user puts on a Smart glass that has a camera, network connectivity and a rich set of sensors, such as Google Glass and taps on a button. An “Uber” style routing will connect the user to an available trained Agent to help the user with his or her request. Aira Agents are certified and trained: Agents are specially selected and trained through a 4-step process (described below). Agents are either from the user’s friends and family circle, or from our Aira Agent Team. The user will always interact with Agents whom they feel comfortable with and have trained/worked with in the past. Agent selection and training is a four-step process: — -Agents are selected by a pre-screening process that is similar to tests of a 911 operator. — -Every Agent is trained by experienced Aira team members on the use of the Agent Dashboard and go through various emergency protocols. — -The Agent is also introduced to “Aira Phraseology,” which will help him or her deliver timely, clear and concise information while taking into consideration the user’s surroundings. — -In addition, Agents go through a certification process after undergoing a thorough background check and signing confidentiality agreements. The Agent has a sophisticated Agent Dashboard which has the following data feeds: — -The current view from the user’s Google Glass User’s current location. — -Current traffic conditions, points of interest, government warnings, etc. — -Personal data gathered from the users — such as medical history, emergency contacts, things that they enjoy doing, places they like visiting, and names and contact information of family members and personal assistants. — -Facial recognition that will enable the user to identify individuals around him or her. Agent-User interaction: Agents are first paired with users to get acquainted with users’ needs by working with them on simpler tasks under supervision. This provides an opportunity for both the Agent and blind user to get to know each other and develop a compatible relationship. Once the user builds trust and becomes comfortable with the guidance received, the Agent will transition to guiding them independently with their tasks. User safety is paramount: — -Our platform, electronic equipment, system protocols, Agent training and user acclimatization are designed to put user safety as our top priority. All the transactions via Aira platform are secured confidential. — -The system has automatic algorithms to assess potential dangers. For example, the system is constantly monitoring for sound, video input, and sensor feed. As new safety systems and wearable devices become available, Aira’s platform is built to incorporate them and remain at the leading edge of safety. — -Aira has mechanisms to handle contingent situations, such as device or technical failure. Agents will be able to make calls on behalf of the user, request taxi service from reliable service providers to take the blind user home safely, or follow a specific user’s contingency plan. — -Even when network coverage is lost, Aira continues to store the user’s location locally on the wearable device. Once the network connection is regained, their location history is updated on the server, enabling the Agent to pinpoint the user’s current location. — -Aira’s platform is also capable of solving latency issues (slow network) for when there is limited network bandwidth, such as in crowded or remote areas. Environmental adaptation: In order to provide precise and accurate guidance in a noisy area, the majority of communications between the Aira Agent and the user can be done via pre-set tones and clicks. Latency adaptation (aka Slow 4G LTE Network): The Aira team has worked diligently to reduce time effects due to network delays. New algorithms being developed will optimize the quality of video streaming and reduce network delay to 1–2 seconds (depending on network reception in the area). Extensibility: — -Aira will be able to leverage indoor locations, based on systems such as iBeacon and Google Indoor Maps in the future when the technologies mature. — -Aira was built using its API platform, which will be open to external developers, allowing them to expand it to most of the industry’s wearable technologies. This means Aira, as a system, can incorporate information from other wearables, cameras, proximity sensors, infrared canes and other sensors to provide a complete solution for users. — -Aira has access to next generation Artificial Intelligence algorithms and advanced object and pattern recognition technologies. Market research and experiments: — -Aira has conducted experiments at FFB Dining in the Dark 2014, Vision Walk 2014, LA Tech talk, CSUN 2015 and Braille Institute. — -There have been 50+ blind user experiments, 200 blind user in-depth interviews, and 5 sessions for Agents and training. — -There are 100+ beta users signed up for trials in summer 2015. — -There are 8 formal focus groups with Mobility and Orientation specialists, assistive tech experts, and rehab advisors.
"I began using JAWS with version 3.1 or 3.3 while still at AT&T Bell Laboratories. JAWS and my career advanced together as I progressed across increasing responsibilities in a 28-year career in the telecommunications industry, then to my current role for the past 8 years as President and CEO of The Seeing Eye. As my career advanced, so did technology, going from Windows 95 to 98 to XP and finally to Windows 7. During that time, JAWS moved from 3.3 to today's JAWS 16. JAWS has always been an important part of my professional success. It's been a great trip, and it isn't over yet."
- Jim Kutsch- President and CEO of The Seeing Eye
"I'm visually impaired from birth, and could see a little and use my eye (only one) to September 2002, when my eye breaks down. My first contact with JAWS was in 1996, when I started to use Windows 95. My first JAWS was version 2.0, not translated into Swedish. I get interested about how to translate it into Swedish. So I was one of the first translators of JAWS here in Sweden. Since 2005, I work here in Sweden with translating Freedom Scientific products. I often say that translating and using JAWS is not a work, it is a way to live. Today, I cannot think how to live without using JAWS." Håkan, Sweden"I'm visually impaired from birth, and could see a little and use my eye (only one) to September 2002, when my eye breaks down. My first contact with JAWS was in 1996, when I started to use Windows 95. My first JAWS was version 2.0, not translated into Swedish. I get interested about how to translate it into Swedish. So I was one of the first translators of JAWS here in Sweden. Since 2005, I work here in Sweden with translating Freedom Scientific products. I often say that translating and using JAWS is not a work, it is a way to live. Today, I cannot think how to live without using JAWS."
- Håkan, Sweden
"I started using JAWS with Windows 3.1. I'm not sure of the version...it is all a blur! I was the voice of several JAWS tutorials including JAWS and Excel, JAWS and WordPerfect, and the first audio training material for the PAC Mate. When I do conference presentations I still have people come up to me and tell me that they learned how to use the PAC Mate with my "voice." I write books and how-to guides on accessible PDF, Word, and PowerPoint. I depend on JAWS to be able to continue doing this. As a Microsoft MVP for Word, I also test the limits of the new versions of Office as they become available. I often tell people I live on the bleeding edge of technology. I can't believe I've been using JAWS for so long!"
- Karen
Great service but has a long way to go on certain things I love using this app during COVID-19 but if you use the five minutes l like doing work emails it takes time to get the team viewer up and running and then you have to speak to the agent and to see if they can type as fast as you’re speaking so you do not go over the five minutes and have to call back to back and I do agree with one of the other reviewer’s that they need to make special Time events like if you want to cook something or take a walk or need help with a longer task if they made the subscription mode like this I wold pay for it . Guest accounts need to have a usage meter to know how many minutes you use because I am trying to lower my usage of this app
- kal2123
Connectivity issues and camera angles can be problematic I’ve noted at times, it will say speaker on and no one will be there to respond indicating they are seeing what is on our camera! When we do connect with people, however, the feedback has been great! We’ve gotten help with lots of different things such as labels and packaging of foods, team viewer with a computer, looking up items on the Internet which in some cases may be difficult for us to navigate with our technology! I am totally blind, and Ira has been a great help since both Brian and I are both totally blind and we both live alone. We only have a housekeeper coming in once a week! Thank you.
- Brian.albriton
Love this app!!! if you're blind or visually impaired, this app is a must-have. I have used it for everything from identifying things in my kitchen to taking pictures of my family and friends. The agents are very professional and never rude. The app is also great for navigating in unfamiliar places. The only problem I have ever had with it is that sometimes it doesn't stay connected, and at first I had a problem with the sticker shock. But really, it is worth every penny you pay for it. I may finally be able to label all the clothes in my closet now. So please, if you're blind, get this app. You will eventually find that you won't know how you lived without it. It is truly a game-changer.
- Blind blues mama
Pros |
---|
Easy to use with Daisy formatted basic training |
Save time with Skim Reading and Text Analyzer |
Surf the net with web browsing keystrokes |
Cons |
---|
Higher Price compare to other competitors |
Limited to Windows only |
Pros |
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Connect to an Aira Agent in under 10 seconds |
Achieve enhanced efficiency for completing tasks with access to visual information |
Sign up as a Guest to use the service in specific Aira Access locations such as partner airports or venues |
Cons |
---|
Expensive compare to its competitor |
The Hardware |
Speechify is one of the most popular audio tools in the world. Our Google Chrome extension, web app, iOS app, and Android app help anyone listen to content at any speed they want. You can also listen to content in over 30 different voices or languages.
How can Speechify turn anything into an audiobook?
Speechify provides anyone with an audio play button that they can add on top of their content to turn it into an audiobook. With the Speechify app on iOS and Android, anyone can take this information on the go.
Learn more about text to speech online, for iOS, Mac, Android, and Chrome Extension.
Get through books, docs, articles, PDFs, email – anything you read – faster.
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