| Version | 12.8.0 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | RWF Talking Software |
| Release date | Jul 15, 2014 |
| Date added | Jul 15, 2014 |
| Os requirements | Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows, Windows 2000, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP |
| Requirements | None |
| Total downloads | 423,593 |
| Downloads per week | 9 |
| Price | Free to try |
Description
Talking Dictionary is a speech enabled 250,000 word English dictionary and thesaurus. Like all the talking software products on this site, Talking Dictionary has been designed for use by the non sighted person. All of the controls are easily remembered keyboard shortcuts and it is a very fast and easy program to use. Talking Dictionary is designed to be used as a stand alone program. What this means is that you do not need any kind of screen reading software or anything else to use this program.
Review
We applaud the idea behind this text-to-speech lexicon for the visually impaired. We just wish it were a bit more polished. Talking Dictionary combines the free Wordnet thesaurus with the free Microsoft speech engine. Unfortunately, the Microsoft speech engine stumbles over difficult words, and even at its best can be hard to understand. The interface is admirably simple, though. You type a word to call up its definition, and then use function keys to navigate within the entry. Unfortunately, the program settings can t be accessed this way. Moreover, Talking Dictionary doesn't even display the help file, let alone read it out loud. We also thought the trial version's five-letter limit on entries was too restrictive. And $28.88 is pretty steep for such a modest program, especially one built out of free parts. Talking Dictionary works adequately, but it's not an ideal companion for the visually impaired.
