New Software Can Convert Writing to Speech

A computer software program that can convert the written word into speech was developed for the first time in Korea.
Korea Telecom announced on January 19 that it developed a conversion program for personal computers. If personal computer users type in words, the software converts them to speech, complete with intonation.
It can be installed on any computer which has a micro-processor higher than a 486. A source at Korea Telecom said, 'This software can express every Korean word so it will be very useful in diversified fields such as educational materials for the blind, information broadcasting, and voice message systems.'
He continued, 'Similar software has already been developed in the U.S. and Japan but this is the first time in Korea.'
Korea Telecom has spent 180 million won and two years of research for its development and plans to sell the software for two to three million won per copy.