Talking Web Browser for the Blind NowAvailable from IBM
February 3, 1999 09:04 AM
SOMERS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1999--
Plans to Offer Home Page Reader in Additional Languages Announced
IBM today announced the availability of a new talking web browser that opens the doors of the World Wide Web for blind and visually impaired computer users.
The new software, called Home Page Reader(a) for Windows(b), provides Internet access by speaking aloud the information found on a Web site. The new software, available in U.S. English, joins the original Japanese version of the product. IBM also announced that it intends to translate Home Page Reader into other languages this year.
IBM reached out to blind people from around the country to test and review the new English version of Home Page Reader while in development. The original Japanese version was developed with the help of Chieko Asakawa, a blind researcher from IBM's Tokyo Research Laboratory.
More than 850,000 individuals in the United States are blind, according to the National Federation of the Blind.
"More and more people are joining the Internet revolution," said Chuck King, product manager, IBM Special Needs Systems. "But until recently, access to the Internet was extremely limited for blind adults and children. Home Page Reader is closing the information gap between sighted and blind computer users at home and at work. Now, more people nationwide can benefit from the wealth of information available on the Internet."
Bringing Internet Access to the Blind
Home Page Reader uses IBM's ViaVoice(a) Outloud U.S. English text-to-speech technology, and Netscape Navigator(b) to speak Web-based information in a complete, clear and easy-to-understand format. The product recognizes HTML tags, the programming language used to design Web pages, to accurately translate text, tables, graphic descriptions, text in column format and data fields, allowing blind users to obtain the same information as sighted users.
Home Page Reader uses a simple keypad that allows blind users to interact with their computer and easily navigate the Internet. A fast-forward function allows users to skim Web pages to locate information quickly. Additionally, the software offers an integrated electronic mail feature that allows a user to send messages via e-mail.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $149, Home Page Reader is available immediately in the United States. Additional user licenses can be purchased at $129 each. To order Home Page Reader from IBM, customers can call 1-800-426-7630.
Home Page Reader software runs on Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT. System memory requirements include 32MB RAM for Windows 95 and Windows 98, and 64MB RAM for Windows NT. Also required is 7MB of hard disk space and an additional 10MB if installing Netscape Navigator (which is provided with Home Page Reader), and quad speed CD-ROM drive. Minimum system processor requirements are 150MHz Pentium with MMX or equivalent. For more information, contact IBM Special Needs Systems at 800-426-4832 or via the Internet at ibm.com
About IBM Software
IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. IBM software offers the widest range of applications, middleware and operating systems for all types of computing platforms, allowing customers to take full advantage of the new era of e-business. The fastest way to get more information about IBM software is through the IBM software home page at software.ibm.com.
(a) Indicates trademark of registered trademark of International
Business Machines Corporation. (b) All product and brand names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
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