Acapela to Voice-Enable BoardMessenger

Waag Society, an Amsterdam-based knowledge institute operating on advanced culture and technology, has selected Acapela multilingual tones to voice enable BoardMessenger, the communication software for mentally challenged people.

BoardMessenger enables five to 10 people to send each other messages using text-to-speech technology, symbol technology, writing, drawing and webcam aids, pictures and symbols. All features are integrated in an interface that is accessible to almost any person, in a closed and secured network. The use of BoardMessenger ranges from educational purposes to enjoyment activities. It can be used for agenda or calendar purposes to increase autonomy and to help communicate more easily, on both sides of a conversation.

To support the user with speech in all situations, Acapela text-to-speech voice-enables the interface by turning any text, writing, symbol or function into a natural sounding voice. It enhances communication by transmitting the written information in smooth, pleasant and highly intelligible voices. To make sure users feel comfortable with the TTS voice, high quality tones and choice of voices closely shape to user needs. “The quality level of the text-to-speech engine for BoardMessenger is one of the essential keys to success. Acapela High Quality text to speech was the only one that lived up to our expectations, out of a total of four TTS engines,” said Robbert Woltering, director of Waag Labs.

Using cutting edge solutions to help improve the quality of life for mentally challenged users, the BoardMessenger speaks US-English, UK-English, French, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Spanish, Italian and Dutch. The product is available in these areas through Mayer-Johnson of San Diego, USA. It can be ordered by catalogue order, download and country distributors.

Source: Waag Society