Allora
by Jabbla
Say it clearly with this easy-to-use keyboard based text-to-speech communicator
Allora is a portable speech generating device which converts text-to-speech. Speech is high quality Australian RealSpeak male or female voice. Access is via the keyboard or switch/scanning. Built-in environmental control is available as an option.
Features
- Natural-sounding Australian RealSpeak Voices
Generating messages on the Allora is simple. Text is typed using the keyboard, and this appears in the 40 character display. The text is spoken when the Enter key is pressed, or after each word if ‘wordecho’ is activated.Listen to a sample of the Australian RealSpeak female voice
Listen to a sample of the Australian RealSpeak male voice - Powerful Word Prediction
The Allora’s advanced text-to-speech capabilities are further enhanced by an intelligent word prediction system. A character keyed in will generate a predicted list of words that begin with that character. Prediction options appear in the second line of the display. Allora predicts the next word according to its knowledge of word pairs. This can reduce keystrokes by approximately 50%. Words can be added to and removed from the internal dictionary (around 25,000 words). The minimal word length can be set so prediction will not commence until after words of this length. Prediction can be turned off if preferred. - Digitised Sound
In addition to synthesised speech, the Allora can store and play digitised sounds as Pre-Programmed Messages (see below). These digitised sounds can be used to attract attention, animate a conversation, for playback of a human voice or as a WAV or MP3 player. Someone with a progressive motor neurone disease might record their voice while they can still verbalise and then have the Allora use these recordings to “speak” with their voice when they can no longer verbalise. - Pre-programmed Messages and Abbreviation Expansion
Communication speed may also be enhanced by the use of pre-programmed messages and abbreviations. One hundred and eleven (111) messages can be stored under key sequences of Function Fn plus another key or Shift plus another key. Each message can have a maximum of 1000 characters.Abbreviations can also be stored, for example ASAP = as soon as possible.
- Waterproof Keyboard
The keyboard is waterproof and has raised normal sized keys with white key labels on a black background. The tactile keys are easy to push. A keyguard is available. This is secured to the top of the unit using four screws. - Scanning
The Allora has built-in scanning – no extra display required, so there is no extra weight to lug around. The row-column alphabet also takes advantage of word prediction.Scanning can be activated in the settings menu. A scan matrix is displayed, line-by-line in the top right of the display. As soon as a standard switch is plugged in, scanning will begin automatically. Scan speed, switch acceptance time and post selection delay can be adjusted.
- Display and Clock
The LCD display consists of 2 lines with 40 characters each. The first line is used to write the message. The second line displays the word prediction list. The Scanning keyboard appears on the right hand side of the display.The Allora has an in-built real time clock. You can decide whether you want to read or read and hear the time and or date when this function is selected.
- Environmental Control
The Allora can be supplied with a built-in GEWA environmental control unit. This allows the user to operate television, DVD and other appliances using the Allora. - USB connection
The Allora can be connected to a PC using the supplied cable and Allora Tools software. This can be used to upgrade to new firmware versions, to program and link messages, sounds or music with key sequences, to define abbreviations or manipulate wav or mp3 files in the Allora memory.
The standard Allora is supplied with:
- AC Charger
- User Manual
- Allora Tools software CD for Windows and USB cable
- Carry bag
Specifications
| Overall size | 260 × 165 × 40-60 mm |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Display | LCD 2 lines, 40 characters |
| Power | Internal rechargeable battery pack, automatic power down after specified period of time, stand-by mode, battery indicator, full charge = 5 hours, 1 full day of average use |
| Keyboard adjustments | Acceptance time (how long key must be held before acceptance as selection), post selection delay (tremor delay) |
| Speech output options | High quality natural sounding Australian RealSpeak. Voice can be set to male or female, speech rate can be changed, volume can be varied, word echo can be turned on or off |
| Scanning options | Built-in using frequency of use matrix, of 9 lines of 6 characters. One line is displayed at a time. |
| Word prediction | 25,000 word dictionary, add/remove words, word-pair prediction, minimum word length adjustable, prediction can be disabled |
| Automatic punctuation options | Automatic capitals after punctuation, automatic space after a word |
| Stored messages | 111 messages can be stored under Function plus another key |
| Internal real time clock | Speak or read date and time |
| USB connection | 1 port for connection to Windows PC |
| Speakers | Integrated high quality amplified speakers |
| Integrated Environmental Control | Optional GEWA environmental control technology |
Equipment Trial
This product is available for trial through Spectronics’ Equipment Trial Scheme.
Please click here for more information about this scheme and for equipment trial forms.
View/Download
- Allora User Manual V1.0.1.1 – (pdf 1.2 MB)
Allora is targeted at the following age ranges:
- All Ages
Allora is designed to foster development in the areas of:
- Communication
Prices
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