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New York-based Internet company WeMedia.com has developed a 'talking browser' to make surfing the Internet easier for people with disabilities.
The new browser works by replacing traditional browser technology normally used for surfing the Internet. It has larger buttons and keystroke commands to enable easier navigation. The browser also 'speaks' the text selected within it. Users are able to control the appearance of the Web site by converting pages to text only for easier access. The colour of the screen can also be adjusted to make viewing easier for the visually impaired.
The first version of the browser is currently available on a worldwide basis, and the company hopes it will be gain success in Europe.
"We are developing a translation device to go along with the browser, as we have already had downloads from countries in Europe. We have already received interest from Germany in creating a German version of it, so we hope that other European countries will show a similar interest," Colleen Dermody, spokesperson for WeMedia told ElectricNews.Net.
The browser is available to download for free at www.wemedia.com. It is compatible with PCs, and Windows 95, 98, 98 SE, ME, 2000 and NT platforms. However the browser is not compatible with Mac.
"It is our firm belief that no one should be shut out from communications in any format, so we are doing what we can to increase access to technology for disabled people. We hope that parents, siblings, friends and teachers will help us spread the word about the product. We look forward to getting feedback on how future versions of this browser can be improved," Cary Fields, president and CEO of WeMedia said.
WeMedia Inc. was established in 1997, and covers issues important to people with disabilities. In 1999 the company launched its second media property, www.wemedia.com, which is an on-line resource providing targeted information, products and services. It also concentrates on news, sports, accessible and assistive technologies from a disability perspective.
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