Thai Screenreader Magic Eye Released

PPA Innovation released their first Thai screenreader, called Ta Tip (Magic Eye). Ta Tip is a screenreader software based on text-to-speech technology to convert text on the computer screen into voice. The software is offered for free for all users that need it in Thailand.

Puttipan Ponyanun, the managing director of PPA Innovation, began the development to open a new opportunity for the visually impaired to get in touch with new technology. “We developed the software to allow the visually impaired to use computers like other people. We hope that this will encourage them to enter the information-technology age as we believe that this will offer them better opportunities and more flexibility,” he said.
 
“Instead of seeing, the visually impaired can now listen to the computer as it talks to them. Sounds from the computer will be a key navigator to help them use programs with no limitations,” said the Puttipan.
 
The technology has been used by people with a visual impairment around the world for years, but most screen-reader software is in English. Puttipan said Ta Tip is the first Thai screen-reader software that could help blind people eliminate the language barrier. Running on Windows 98 and above, the software can read all Thai text accurately so the visually impaired can write Word documents, read electronic mail, or work with many programs easily.
 
During the development, Puttipan also received funding support from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to complete the software. He said that the software is now being distributed to Thai users who need it for free.
 
Puttipan said that the development of software like Ta Tip bridges the digital divide while offering a chance to the visually impaired to step into a knowledge-based society where they can amass a wealth of information and knowledge and improve the quality of their lives.
 
Source: The Nation (Thailand)