I have not updated my blog in forever. I apologize to those who used to visit it quite frequently. I am currently rebuilding it would like to have the new version up next month (July 2008) with lots of fresh content.

Use My Content

  • You are free to use my content as long as you link back to this site and follow the rules of my Creative Commons License.
  • Creative Commons License

My Delicious Account

Listen to Article Function a Very Interesting Feature

Posted On: June 1st, 2007 | Published Under: Web Development

While surfing the IHT (International Herald Tribune) I noticed that every article had a listen to article function. At first I ignored it thinking that I could read faster than it could speak. After 10 minutes I caved in and tried it out and now I must say, I am hooked.

Example

In the day in age that book sales are stagnating and declining, and sales of books on tape continue to rise, is this new feature surprising? Would you rather read a 1200 word, 3 page, New York Times article or sit back, relax, and have a pleasant voice read the article to you?

Now that I look back over the progression and growth of online news, I can’t believe it has taken this long to come up with such an obvious feature. Sure, screen readers have existed for quite a while, but these are primarily a tool for the blind or vision impaired.

The advantages of this concept are that it is found directly in the article, plays using a simple flash player, and is available on demand without any extra effort from the user. No programs, no fuss. With the advancement of these voice bots in their ability to read more naturally, it isn’t painful anymore to sit and listen to them speak. Its actually relatively normal in pitch, speed, and pronunciation.

I would have to say that of all the sites I visit, the article tools found on IHT are some of the most intelligent and helpful anywhere. Translation, 3 col layout, text size, and sharing links in one simple, easy to find, and fast configuration.

I would not be surprised if more news sites start picking up on this technology.

Popularity: 42% [?]

Tell Everyone About This: Digg | Reddit | Del.icio.us

One Response to “Listen to Article Function a Very Interesting Feature”

  1. adnan Says:

    very good

Leave a Reply