JAWS- job Access With Speech vs Speakonia

is 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.

Regardless of their skill level, the typical user can use Speakonia very easily. In a technological sense, the graphical user interface is comparable to Notepad. The text-to-speech voice of their choice will read anything the user types into the box that resembles a play button once they click it. The user can switch the voice at any moment by selecting a different voice from the drop-down box under the Speech Properties that is titled Voice. With the sliders beneath the drop-down menu, the user can additionally alter the voice's volume and pace. Several languages can be put alongside it. Interface The menu bar, toolbar, text box, and "Speech Properties" Box are the four basic components of the Speakonia user interface. The Menu Bar is mostly used for storing and exporting files, as well as for software registration. It is not the program's primary focus. Shortcuts for saving features are available on the toolbar, along with buttons for starting, pausing, and stopping the voice reading of text that has been entered into the text box. You will spend the majority of your time in the software in the Text Box. To make the voice say something, just write it into the text box. Last but not least, Speakonia's most useful feature is the Speech Properties window. You may swiftly switch between voices, alter the voice's pitch and volume, as well as its speaking speed. The useful "Lexicon" feature in this window also enables you to amend a word's pronunciation if the voice pronounces it incorrectly. Speakonia's Speech Properties window. Voices of Microsoft Speakonia comes with at least 11 voices by default. Installing a second bundle of voices titled simply: Microsoft voices Mary, Sam, and Mike will significantly raise this number. The Microsoft voices as well as a variety of other voices will be available for you to use after the download is finished (RoboSoft 1-6, whispers, etc.). creating a.WAV export The spoken text can be exported from Speakonia as.WAV audio files. You need to register with Speakonia in order to export a file as a.WAV audio file. One only needs to provide their name and email address to register. Once enrolled, you will then have access to all of Speakonia's services after receiving a code through email. Anyone who wants to use the voices in their YouTube videos must register. Trivia The Lernout & Hauspie TruVoice voices were really modified to create Speakonia's default adult voices. They too have had new names. There are no markers for pitch, speed, or volume to show levels of each. A Registry Editor is the sole method. The Microsoft Voices that come with Windows XP have different voice patterns from those in Speakonia. Instead, it resembles Microsoft Sam for Windows 2000. Although Speakonia is no longer supported, CFS-Technologies still offers the program for download on its website. (Also accessible via CNET's download page) Windows RT is not compatible with Speakonia. Every TTS Voice's test voice starts with the words "This is a test for Speakonia." The following registration key is required in order to utilize Speakonia to its fullest extent: Name: Unrestricted Permit Email: [email protected] Reg. Identifier: SPK-174101-172083 References The Mediafire links might not function. Use the Google Drive links if it doesn't work. http://www.cfs-technologies.com/home/ is the download link. id=1.4 Pieboy6000 has supplied links to Mediafire. Speakonia: Where can I find MediaFire? 21142f5uq5u4ket Sam, Mike, Mary, and RoboSoft voices from Microsoft: http://www.mediafire.com? e4hkxgt5jbsxu72 The Speakonia website no longer offers the ability to download the additional voices, such as British voices. But you can download them from here thanks to Ducky. There are additional links for the voices (including more voices than were previously provided) here or here.