Web to speech available on any browser
Those with limited eyesight have had problems trying to work within the web framework. Specialized software was required and the user was typically stuck paying for a copy of Windows along with the software to speak the text on a web page. The power of web browsers have increased dramatically over the last few years to the point that it is now possible to have a web-to-speech system built into a web application. The program created by Jeffrey Bingham, a Ph.D. candidate from the University of Washington. The software is open source and is supported through a grant by the National Science Foundation.
Because this is a web application, it can run on heavily locked own systems like public libraries or businesses with no changes or modifications to the browser. All the host computer needs is a working sound card that is available to be accessed by a web browser. The system works with Windows, Linux and OSX. This is a major breakthrough for the disabled as they can now use any kiosk type system just as an able bodied person and gain the same information without paying any extra or forcing the browser owner to install a plug in.
The latest batch of browsers have brought us many Web 2.0 applications including off line email, word processing, spreadsheets, and other applications that run neatly in the browser. Pundits have been saying that Web 2.0 will make it possible for us to do most of the standard tasks required of us in business without ever leaving the browser. No need to install applications or plug ins that may create security issues and headaches for your IT folks. Now these web apps give you standard functionality along with disk space and the ability to perform workgroup functions. Word processing documents can be edited by several people at once who interact with instant messenger applets so they don’t even have to use valuable telephone minutes.
As more programs become available as web apps, it is going to put stress on manufacturers of older programs that only run on Windows. Open source programs like this web to speech app allow anyone to use it as often as they want with no licensing issues. This is big news to businesses who spend a large amount of money every year to Microsoft and others so they can use their programs for another year. If companies can work within Linux and other open source programs and web apps then these large software companies will indeed have to rethink their business model which requires everyone to pay to play.
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