Not so much smart as competent, SmartRead reads back text using standard Microsoft speech engines. It supports English and Chinese and lets you save text in audio files to play back when driving or jogging. Unfortunately, it only supports WAV files, so you may need a third-party conversion utility to save clips in compressed formats. The unattractive and inconvenient interface requires you to copy and paste text into the program window to have it read. Given its interface issues and modest functionality, we don't see SmartRead trumping its freeware competition.
What’s new in version 0.80
Version 0.80 adds MP3, and SWF(flash) file conversion.
able to fill a screen with VERY large letters (for seniors)
Able to hear Microsoft Annie, a good, free voice, plus others
Able to paste in just about any PDF, WORD, etc. text
Works with Dragon Naturally Speaking installed (unlike HAL)
Hi-lites sentences for easy follow on a screen
Works with Vista and Windows 7 easily
VERY easy to use
Cons
It doesn't appear that you can add any of the tru-voice, or AT&T natural voices.
Summary
I compared it with many voice programs; except for the lack of tru-voice adding ability, it pretty much beat the free, and the costly.
It's very useful.
monpatcha
Pros
It's very good program and very easy to use and install.
Cons
some english word is not clear. it did not work after installed in some computer. The new version of WINWORD cannot read.
Summary
Do no't work No voice
dpraisharma
Pros
Tried several times but voice not found
Cons
Not any star to this program
Summary
No thaks not required
vinayakvinod
Pros
its good it really works for what it said
Cons
please try to add more human sounding voices if its possible.
Summary
Smart read
sukumar14
Pros
Surprising that its s/w compatibility is good except for one reason that at time of installation it will ask for permission several times and a location to extract files twice !! Its so simple and contains all; that is required to a user. Plus, its free !!! It has an option to download additional voices which may not work on new o/s.
Cons
Its development is in initial stage. After installation, sam, mike and mary like voices may not work on new o/s.
Summary
tried it twice, no dice
maidensolo
Pros
Nothing; never worked;
Cons
Upon troubleshooting and attempted repair, details devulged that voices and voice engines were dumped upon instillation. I am running XP on my PC.
Summary
It is easy to use with simple instructions to guide users.
khoomingyew
Pros
It can read text in English and Chinese.
Cons
It can only read in American English. It would be better if it can also read in British English. Reading Chinese text can only be read by a male voice. It woud be nice if it can read articles directly without the need to transfer passages to the space provided.
Summary
A wonderful product .
kevincyk
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Summary
I think its kind of good and free
Rune guy
Pros
Its free and great! It helps my read news paper, story, novel and techers speech at all its good.
Cons
Kind of slow...
Summary
This product is wonderful!Very very thanks to its creators!!
Have your text read out loud with this text-to-speech software.SmartRead can translate text to speech (TTS technology ) to read out clearly. It is very easy to use, needn't have any speech knowledge, check the article for you, read long text, have very obvious advantages. Repair function, can repair when engine has some problem, especially to XP users. Supports Windows Vista. Version 0.80 adds MP3, and SWF(flash) file conversion.