Texthelp launches BrowseAloud Plus 1.2

ANTRIM, U.K. - July 2, 2013 - PRLog -- New features include MP3 Maker, Text Magnifier, Screen Mask, New 'Expressive' Voices (43 in total), Improved PDF Reading, Improved Secure Site Reading, Improved Panel and an Extended Toolbar.

BrowseAloud Plus is one of the latest speech applications from Texthelp that requires no download and works with all major browsers and operating systems across Smartphones, Tablets, Macs and PCs. This 'zero download' solution delivers instant high quality speech and reading support to assist those with print disabilities, mild visual impairments, cognitive disorders and those with English as a second language, when browsing the web.

It extends the reach of BrowseAloud to all major mobile devices by reading website content out aloud in a high quality human-sounding voice with synchronous highlighting in a contrasting colour. This allows users to identify what text is being read aloud and navigate within and between web pages.

What's New
BrowseAloud strives to continually develop its service to help customers make their online presence available to as many people as possible, regardless of age, reading ability, language, or disability. Improvements in this recent update to BrowseAloud Plus include:

Talking Text Magnification – BrowseAloud Plus can magnify the text as it is read aloud. The magnified text is displayed with synchronous highlighting in a single line at the top of the screen, which scrolls from right to left as the text is being read aloud.

MP3 Maker – Convert text to an MP3 file with our new MP3 Maker. The text can then be saved and listened to at a later time, at home or on the move.

Screen Mask – Block distractions on your screen with our new Screen Mask. A semi-opaque black mask extends across your screen leaving a letterbox reading window clear.

19 New voices and 10 Upgraded Voices – These new and upgraded 'expressive' voices will transform your online reading experience. The expressive speech gives the voice personality for the most natural and engaging user experience possible. BrowseAloud Plus now supports 43 voices.

Improved PDF Reading – Our Online PDF Reader has been updated to enhance user experience. The embedded toolbar has been replaced with the BrowseAloud Plus toolbar as on every web page.

Improved Secure Site Reading – To use BrowseAloud Plus on a secure web page, end users must first agree to a notification message. A play button has been added to this message allowing end users to hear the text before continuing.

Improved Panel – The BrowseAloud Panel now displays the word 'Listen'.

Extended Toolbar – To facilitate new functionality, the BrowseAloud Plus toolbar has been extended. New buttons have been added for the MP3 Maker, Talking Text Magnification and the Screen Mask. To benefit those browsing the web using a small device, the toolbar has not expanded, instead, the buttons are now scrollable.

David Robinson, BrowseAloud General Manager, said "We are thrilled to announce the release of BrowseAloud Plus 1.2. It is fantastic to be able to include additional features such as a Talking Text Magnifier, MP3 Maker, Screen Masking and new Expressive Voices for our customers."

"This update is by no means the last for BrowseAloud Plus. Our end users and customers are at the centre of what we do, and we are always looking at new ways to address their needs. There will be many more exciting developments to come in the future."

BrowseAloud Plus provides instant high quality speech on all devices and browsers at no cost and with no download to website users. Get it now from www.browsealoud.com/GetBrowseAloud (http://browsealoud.com/page.asp?pg_id=80004).

For more information about BrowseAloud, contact:
Keri McWilliams, Marketing Co-ordinator
T: +44(0)28 9442 8105
E: k.mcwilliams@browsealoud.com
W: www.browsealoud.com (http://browsealoud.com/page.asp?pg_id=80002)

BrowseAloud:

BrowseAloud is the world leading reading support solution from Texthelp, which is designed to improve access to online information for those with cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia, literacy difficulties, mild visual impairments or where English or French is a second language. With a selection of 43 high‐quality voices covering a range of languages and a number of unique features, BrowseAloud is quickly being adopted as the product of choice worldwide.

Texthelp was formally incorporated in 1996 and specialize in the design of assistive software solutions to support those struggling to read and write. The company is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Adobe Solutions Network Developer, Apple Business Partner, HP Business Partner and is ISO 9001:2008 accredited. For the past twelve consecutive years, Texthelp has been a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award winning company.