Kurzweil Educational Systems®, Inc., innovator of reading technology for individuals with visual or learning disabilities, today announced Kurzweil 1000� Version 8, the premier reading software for people who are blind or visually impaired. The latest version contains many significant new features, including new natural sounding text to speech voices; enhanced ways to access local files; online magazine search and retrieval capability; and additional support for transferring documents to portable devices.
"Having control of what one reads and when you read it is a liberating experience," said Mary Otten, long time customer of Kurzweil Educational. "The new version of Kurzweil 1000 makes it even easier to access information when you want it, as well as make reading materials portable with the new support for BookCourier. Kurzweil Educational has always been a leader in the area of information access for the blind, and this new version and the many new features, especially the new synthetic speech options, makes life and reading all the more enjoyable."
"Kurzweil 1000 is among the first accessibility products to give users with visual impairments the benefits of the new advancements in Text-to-Speech technology," said Yoon Kim, CEO of NeoSpeech. "We're thrilled to be working with Kurzweil Educational to provide state-of-the-art speech technology, including human sounding voices and customization features. These advances will enhance the reading comprehension and enjoyment of users, while strengthening and differentiating the Kurzweil 1000 product offering."
Some of the significant new features and enhancements in Kurzweil 1000 Version 8 include:
Kurzweil 1000 Version 8 retails for $995 and is available immediately. Through December 15, 2003, Kurzweil Educational Systems is offering a discount of $100 off the cost of any new full product purchase of Kurzweil 1000 Version 8. This discount cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.
Customers of Kurzweil 1000 are eligible for free upgrades for one year from the original date of product purchase. For customers who purchased the product more than one year ago, upgrades are $95.
Kurzweil 1000 helps people with visual impairments to access virtually any printed or electronic publication by making text audible. The product also provides an array of accessible tools for searching, indexing, outlining, annotating, embossing, creating documents or audio files. Kurzweil 1000 enables online access to books and magazines, educational tools that promote more active reading and home office productivity. Kurzweil Educational has designed the product so that it is easy to use for beginners, yet powerful and flexible enough for advanced users.
Kurzweil Educational Systems, founded in 1996, is the industry leader and innovator of scanning, reading and writing solutions for people with learning disabilities, and people who are blind or visually impaired. Ray Kurzweil, a co-founder of the original company, invented computer-based reading machine technology 25 years ago to provide access to printed text for the blind. With a pioneering history in developing assistive technology, the company has received worldwide recognition for enabling people with disabilities to lead more independent lives through improved reading and writing abilities. For more company or product information, visit www.kurzweiledu.com.
Collaborative Insight, Inc.
Hepzi Fonseca
617-520-9107
fonseca@collaborative.com
Paula Charest
617-520-9135
charest@collaborative.com
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