Cyrano Communicator Easy to Carry On-the-Go

For people dependent on assistive speech, the Pocket PC (Microsoft Windows based PDAs) comes as a blessing. Their mobility will no longer be restricted by the large, limited-function communication boards or big, heavy laptop computers. Replacing these heavyweights is a carry anywhere, highly powerful, wireless and Bluetooth-equipped Pocket PC that weighs a mere six ounces.

One of the new AAC devices based in a Pocket PC, the Cyrano Communicator comes with some exciting new features. Using the built-in camera, a user can easily build multi-level photo menus for speech.

There are four options are available for text input:

• Transcriber - The most natural of the four input methods. The program translates the words written on the screen in any combination of cursive and block letters into letters in the text box. The transcriber method is fast and easy to use, but not very accurate. This method is suitable for people with neat handwriting. However, the prediction of the computer gets better with use as it masters the person’s writing style.
• Keyboard Input - A conventional keyboard displayed on the screen that is accurate and easy to master despite the keys being small and the method being slow.
• Block Recognizer – A method similar to the interface used on Palm machines. Short keystrokes, called “graffiti” style of writing, produce letters in this method.
• A Bluetooth keyboard can be connected, making it easy to get thoughts in and out. Additionally, an abbreviation utility called Cyrano Shorthand makes it easy to build complex messages out of three- and four-letter combinations.

Five voice personalities are included in Cyrano: two American men, a British man, a British woman and an American woman. The system comes fully loaded with software for about $1200 USD. Besides the Bluetooth keyboard, options include SD Memory cards and a waterproof tough-case (built originally for surveyors) available for just $100 USD.

Source: Cyrano