Hi All, Thought you would want to know about the stuff below. Pete << SEND A COPY OF THIS TO A FRIEND! IBM launches talking web browser for the blind Plans to offer Home Page Reader in additional languages announced On February 3, IBM announced the availability of a new talking web browser that opens the doors of the World Wide Web for blind and visually impaired computer users. The new software, called Home Page Reader for Windows, provides Internet access by speaking aloud the information found on a Web site. The new software, available in U.S. English, joins the original Japanese version of the product. IBM also announced that it intends to translate Home Page Reader into other languages this year. IBM reached out to blind people from around the country to test and review the new English version of Home Page Reader while in development. The original Japanese version was developed with the help of Chieko Asakawa, a blind researcher from IBM's Tokyo Research Laboratory. More than 850,000 individuals in the United States are blind, according to the National Federation of the Blind. Bringing Internet access to the blind Home Page Reader uses IBM's ViaVoice Outloud U.S. English text-to-speech technology, and Netscape Navigator to speak Web-based information in a complete, clear and easy-to-understand format. The product recognizes HTML tags, the programming language used to design Web pages, to accurately translate text, tables, graphic descriptions, text in column format and data fields, allowing blind users to obtain the same information as sighted users. Home Page Reader uses a simple keypad that allows blind users to interact with their computer and easily navigate the Internet. A fast-forward function allows users to skim Web pages to locate information quickly. Additionally, the software offers an integrated electronic mail feature that allows a user to send messages via e-mail. Pricing and availability Priced at $149, Home Page Reader is available immediately in the United States. Additional user licenses can be purchased at $129 each. To order Home Page Reader from IBM, customers can call 1-800-426-7630. For more information, visit the IBM Special Needs Systems Web site or call 1-800-426-4832. From <A HREF="www.ilusa.com">ilusa</A> http://www.ilusa.com