TITLE
    PlainTalk and MacinTalk: Differences and When to Use
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
16328
9/20/94
9/17/97

TOPIC

    This article describes Speech Recognition and Text-to-Speech found in PlainTalk, MacinTalk 2, and MacinTalk Pro and their differences and when to use them.

    The latest English Text-to-Speech software package features a new "smart installer" that automatically determines which speech resources are right for your computer. It will automatically install the correct files for your computer when you perform the Easy Install.


DISCUSSION

    PlainTalk

    PlainTalk provides the Quadra 840AV, Centris/Quadra 660AV, and all Power Macintosh systems* seamless integration of Speech Recognition and Text To Speech technologies.

    Speech Recognition

    The Speech Recognition component of PlainTalk is based on the Casper technology. It is a continuous-speech system that is independent of the person speaking.

    Speech Recognition enables a whole new user experience whereby you can streamline operations by simply invoking commands or complex macros by speaking them.

    Text to Speech

    Text to Speech component of PlainTalk gives an AV computer the ability of reading text based information and synthesizing speech using the computer's speaker.

    Multiple voices at various sound quality levels are supported. This enables new capabilities such as audible proof reading or in combination with the telephony capabilities that GeoPort provides to listen to your email messages from remote locations.

    Writing Speech Commands

    Writing speech commands is accomplished through these methods:

    • AppleEvent enabled applications commands are written using AppleScript.
    • Non-AppleEvent enabled applications will use a new version of QuickKeys from CE Software that support spoken Commands.

    Version Table

    The following table provides information on what version of PlainTalk works with various versions of the Mac O/S and computer models:

    Version          O/S Version   Macintosh Computer

    -------------    -----------   ------------------------------------
    PlainTalk 1.4.1    7.5         All Power Macintosh computers
    (excluding the 8-bit 5200 series*)
    with a PlainTalk microphone.

    PlainTalk 1.3      7.5         Quadra 660AV and 840AV, All Power
    Macintosh computers (excluding the
    8-bit 5200 series*) with a PlainTalk

    microphone.

    PlainTalk 1.2      7.1.2       All Power Macintosh computers,
    (excluding the 8-bit 5200 series*) with
    a PlainTalk microphone.

    PlainTalk 1.2      7.1, 7.1.1  Quadra 660AV and 840AV.

    * Early versions of the Macintosh 5200/75 LC had 8-bit sound input. Use the search string '5200 and 8-bit and 16-bit' to locate the TIL article "Power Macintosh 5200/75 LC: 8-bit or 16-bit Sound?" for help determining whether your computer has 8-bit or 16-bit sound in.

    MacinTalk

    MacinTalk software enables any Macintosh to provide Text to Speech capabilities for applications that support Text to Speech. SimpleText is an example of an application that supports Text to Speech.

    There are two options available Ð MacinTalk 2 or MacinTalk Pro Ð when installing Text to Speech software:


    MacinTalk 2

    MacinTalk 2 is well suited for low-end computing environments where available memory is low and CPU bandwidth is limited. Minimum configuration is System 6.0.7 running on a Macintosh Plus.

    To use MacinTalk 2 you need these files:

    *╩Speech Manager (1.4)
    *╩MacinTalk 2 (1.4)
    *╩MacinTalk 2 Voices (1.4)
    *╩SimpleText (1.1)

    MacinTalk 3

    MacinTalk 3 is well suited for mid-range computing environments. Minimum configuration is System 7 running on a 68030 processor running at 33Mhz or any 68040 or PowerPC processor.

    To use MacinTalk 3 you need these files:

    *╩Speech Manager (1.4)
    *╩MacinTalk 3 (1.4)
    *╩MacinTalk 3 Voices (1.4)
    *╩SimpleText (1.1)

    MacinTalk Pro

    MacinTalk Pro requires System 7 or greater. It is intended for 68040 or PowerPC processor equipped computers only. To use MacinTalk Pro you need these files:

    * Speech Manager (1.4)
    *╩MacinTalk Pro (1.4)
    *╩SimpleText (1.1)

    In addition, you need at least one of the voices from the Voices folder (not the MacInTalk2 Voices file). There are "High Quality" and "Small" versions of Agnes, Bruce, and Victoria. "High Quality" means that there is very little compression on the voice file resulting in high audio fidelity but larger size. "Small" means high compression on the voice file resulting in small voice footprint but lower audio fidelity.



    These articles can help you locate the PlainTalk software mentioned here:

    * " Where To Find Apple Software Updates "
    Lists online services for "free" Apple software updates.

    * "Obtaining Apple Product Support in the USA"
    Lists 800 numbers and online services for software updates, Apple
    support information, and a subset of the Apple Tech. Info. Library.


Document Information
Product Area: Apple Software
Category: PlainTalk
Sub Category: General Topics

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