First Thai speaking computer for

First Thai speaking computer for the Blind.

The world's first Thai speaking computer was not designed by IBM
or Microsoft, or even the most well-known company in Thailand, Shinawatra for that matter, as you might be excused for thinking. The history of this amazing hand-held device called Aria, which speaks in a smooth synthesized Thai voice reads like a novel.
Mr. Pecharat Techavachara was the first Thai blind who learned how to use computer. He has been aware of its usefulness. But only a hand full of Thai blind who know English well can benefit from it.
He kept looking for some one who might want to help him develop a Thai speaking computer for years! At last,He met Mr. Milan Hudecek, owner of Robotron Ltd. In Melbourne, Australia who had a keen interest in his project. It was financed by Thai governmental organizations, private institutions, and the Australian government. Finally the first Thai Aria was proudly presented to
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirinhorn, the Aria took one year to develop, which
is considered a record in the field of speech synthesis technology.

The synthesized Thai voice sounds robotic but pleasant and clear enough to understand. But that is not all that is so impressive about the Aria: The Aria was developed entirely for
the purpose of serving the blind. The Aria computer is the size of a video cassette. It features
a special seven-key "Braille" keyboard which is familiar to the blind.
This keyboard works like a shorthand, making it possible to write
Thai letters, including entire clusters of Thai characters, using
combinations of these seven keys.

There are numerous in-built functions such as word processor, calendar,
calculator, diary and telephone directory. Simply put, this is a very
impressive personal organizer, a kind of a Palm Pilot for the blind.
The Aria was designed to be an electronic friend, a personal secretary
for a blind person. All the inbuilt functions are designed with a blind user in mind.
The Aria was designed to overcome the handicap of blindness
and make it possible for a blind person to integrate with the sighted world.

If you have any questions please contact fepb@internet.ksc.net.th

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