ReadTextFiles is a simple program I wrote to try out the Speech Manager which was recently released by Apple. It lets you have the computer read text files for you. This is possible thanks to Apple's new Speech Manager.
Requirements:
System 7.0 or later.
Apple Speech Manager.
MacinTalk 2 or MacinTalk Pro.
Speech Manager and MacinTalk can be obtained from different FTP-sites.
You will definitely find it on Apple's FTP-site (ftp.apple.com).
stdTTS extension for the speech settings dialog. It can be found on the Apple FTP-site.
How to use:
Once you have installed the Speech Manager, you can simply drop text files (pure TEXT and TeachText documents) on the SpeakTextFiles icon or double click on the icon to select a file to speak. To pause speech, press and hold "P", press "C" to continue. Pressing "S" stops current speech.
1st time user:
If you start the program for the first time and haven't got the stdTTS extension installed you might get an speech manager error. This is because the program is pre-configured for use with the standard Male voice. There is a simple fix for this, just start the program with the command key down.
Version 1.0.0 notes:
Disclaimer:
This program was put together in no-time so it probably contains bugs. If I get enough response I might put together a more solid and functional program which would have the possibility to change voice, pitch, volume and speed of the speech along with better background implementation. This program is completely free, but it would be fun to hear from you if you have any comments about the program or the world in general (see below for address).
Version 1.0.1 notes:
By pressing the command key while a textfile is loaded brings up the speech settings dialog. This only works if you have the stdTTS extension installed. All the changes you do in the dialog are saved. SpeakTextFiles can now work in the background.
About the author
I'm 23 years old and I'm currently studying computer science at the University of Lund, Sweden. I'm very interested in programming and I especially like the Mac because of all the fun and easy to use stuff that Apple releases (like QuickTime and Speech Manager etc.). If you are interested in getting in touch with me, here is my address:
Rune Lindman
Slöjdgatan 11
227 36 Lund
Sweden
E-Mail on Internet: dat93rli@ludat.lth.se
Version history:
1.0.0 8 sept 1993
The first public release.
1.0.1 25 sept 1993
Added support for standard voice dialog for selecting voices and adjusting pitch and rate etc. Fixed the background processing, it can now speak in the background although high quality voices takes a lot of processing power. Fixed some bugs.