ReadPlease 2003 for Windows

Name: ReadPlease 2003
Rating: 4 (62 reviews)
Author: ReadPlease Corporation

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Key Details of ReadPlease 2003

Have your computer read to you.
Last updated on December 5, 2024
There have been 7 updates
Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffDecember 5, 2024

While we applaud this text-to-speech application for being freeware, it has too many shortcomings to put it on a recommended list. ReadPlease 2003 uses Microsoft speech engines to read the text you choose. Yet, to do so, you must cut and paste a body of text into the program's main window, a step we found cumbersome. Customization features are very limited. You can choose only from four voices; there is no option to adjust voice pitch, speed, or even pronunciation. Another handy feature we would like to see is the option to skip ahead in text while reading. ReadPlease 2003 isn't able to record files for later listening, either. Despite its freeware status, ReadPlease 2003 doesn't stand up to similar available reader programs.

In 2024, text-to-speech (TTS) technologies have advanced significantly, making applications like ReadPlease 2003 appear even more outdated. For instance, many modern TTS tools now integrate machine learning algorithms to provide more natural-sounding voices, improved pronunciation, and even the ability to interpret contextual cues. An excellent example of this is NaturalReader, which stands out as a comprehensive alternative to ReadPlease 2003.

NaturalReader, available in free and paid versions, offers a vastly superior user experience. Unlike ReadPlease 2003, it supports the direct upload of multiple file formats, such as PDFs, Word documents, and even web pages, eliminating the need for cumbersome copy-pasting. Moreover, NaturalReader allows users to adjust pitch, speed, and voice types, offering a more tailored listening experience. Advanced features, such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), enable users to convert scanned images into readable text, a capability absent in ReadPlease 2003.

Another major difference is the ability to export audio files. NaturalReader enables users to save their readings as MP3 files, allowing for offline playback—an essential feature for students and professionals on the go. This functionality significantly enhances usability compared to ReadPlease 2003, which does not support file export.

Bottom Line

Finally, ReadPlease 2003 lacks accessibility features that modern apps now consider standard. For example, NaturalReader includes dyslexia-friendly settings such as highlighted text synchronized with speech, helping users follow along visually. These features make it more inclusive and practical for diverse audiences.

While both applications offer free versions, the contrast in features and usability is stark. ReadPlease 2003's outdated interface and limited functionality might suit users with basic needs. However, for those seeking a modern, versatile TTS tool, NaturalReader is the more compelling choice.

What’s new in version 2003

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