New Learning Selects IBM ViaVoice TTS for Multimedia Authoring Tool

New Learning (NeLe)  has licensed the IBM ViaVoice speech engine to use in Ani…Paint, a children's multimedia authoring tool. Located in Switzerland, Ani…Paint is used as an instructional device in many school systems throughout the country.  Some cities, including Zurich and Lucerne, are using Ani…Paint in every school.  NeLe also distributes the program throughout Western Europe.

"NeLe was searching for an affordable and intelligible speech engine that could be easily integrated into our product," said Hugo Neuhaus-Gétaz, psychologist, teacher, and president of NeLe. "Wizzard's offering of IBM ViaVoice was the perfect choice."

Used primarily by and for children with disabilities, Ani…Paint affords teachers the ability to build computer-based lessons that enable children to tell a story with drawings and texts. The addition of IBM ViaVoice allows the stories to be read aloud.

Ani...Paint can create multi-sensory stories and lessons, from cause and effect to building curriculum knowledge. The exclusive Drawmation feature lets teachers and students combine text, sounds, graphics and speech with the flexibility to create an effective lesson or story that matches students' learning styles, levels and interests.  Ani…Paint also offers voice and sound effects features, as well as media mixing abilities.

Available for Windows operating systems, Ani...Paint is offered with French, Italian and German TTS capabilities.  Within the next three months, the latest version of Ani…Paint will be available in English.