>>The Dallas Morning News: Technology
>>
>>Device will boost Web's accessibility
>>
>>12/07/2000
>>
>> From Staff Reports
>>
>>A year ago, a small Miami company unveiled an innovation that allowed radio
>>shows carried via the Internet to be heard from nearby FM radios.
>>
>>Though the Radio Webcaster hasn't made much noise at retail, Inhouse Radio
>>Networks president Mike Calvo is now beating the drums about an upcoming
>>product that addresses a longtime passion.
>>
>>Freedom Box reads aloud text on Web pages, including links. The user
>>navigates by responding vocally to options. Someone with severe vision
>>problems, for instance, could play games, use e-mail, shop or hear radio.
>>
>>Mr. Calvo, himself blind, says it opens up a "whole new realm" for people
>>whose physical impairments hinder their use of computers or the Web.
>>
>>Although launch isn't expected until spring, visitors to www.freedombox.cc
>>can hear a demonstration.
>>
>>The demo's synthetic voice, to be replaced eventually by a recorded human
>>voice, asks for visitors' account and telephone numbers. They then can
>>select
>>from a menu at the Freedom Box's Web page, from music and weather to news
>>and police scanners.
>>
>>The product will come in two configurations. The first is a $799 stand-alone
>>set-top device with software for accessing the special Web page and for
>>voice-controlled
>>browsing. The second is a $149 add-on for Windows 98 and ME computers with
>>USB connections. Both will have wireless remotes and require a subscription
>>to the Web site.
>>
>>Mr. Calvo expects the visually and physically disabled to benefit more once
>>advertisers realize that they can reach the millions of people who "don't
>>sit
>>watching television all day."
>>
>>"Disabled people like Domino's Pizza, too," he says.


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