Talking Alarms 1.0b3 =================== README file. (c) 1997 Chris Mason http://ros.res.cmu.edu/newton/ What is it? ---------- Talking Alarms uses Apple's Macintalk for Newton to speak the text of alarms on your Newton MessagePad (or Emate, I suppose) with 2.X OS. It allows you to get a spoken reminder in addition to the chime which normally plays. The TalkingAlarms package adds a preference slip to your Newton. In it you can set the voice, rate, and pitch which is used to speak the alarms. You can turn on and off the speaking feature. You may also choose to use the system volume setting when speaking. A button allows you to test the settings. TalkingAlarms is beta software. It has only been tested on an MP2k (not upgraded, yet), and then only briefly. TalkingAlarms is "email ware." If you use it, drop me an email and tell me what you like and don't like about it. I'll notify you of future releases. Troubleshooting -------------- Q) I don't have Macintalk for Newton. Where can I get it? A) Good question. I don't have an answer. I found it out there on the Internet, and I'll bet its still out there somewhere. I can't send it to you. Don't ask. I don't want Apple's lawyers calling me. If you don't have Macintalk, don't bother installing TalkingAlarms. Although it shouldn't crash when Macintalk isn't installed (at least it didn't when I tried it), this hasn't been thoroughly tested, and it sure as hell won't work. Q) Macintalk seems to only speak the first word or so of anything. It only does this intermittently. What's wrong? If you have problems with Macintalk skipping or behaving wierdly, try opening and closing the preference slip, or resetting your newton. I get the feeling Macintalk doesn't like to be interrupted, but I can't confirm this. It is beta software. Q) I can't seem to find the preference slip. Where is it? A) From Extras, choose "Prefs." "Talking Alarms" will be in list. If you have a number of extensions installed, you may have to use the scroll arrows (on the button bar) to find it. I think this is poor interface design on Apple's part, but who am I to say? If you have other problems please let me know. Change History -------------- 1.0b1 - 6 Jan 98 - Initial release. 1.0b2 - 6 Jan 98 - Changed maximum rate from 100 to 200. 1.0b3 - 11 Jan 98 - Resolved checkbox problems; pitch works correctly; masked SoundChannel closed error. Disclaimer ---------- TalkingAlarms is beta software. It makes use of unreleased software from Apple which is not generally available. If you're deathly afraid of something happening to your Newton, then I wouldn't recommend installing it. But then, who am I to talk. In any case, I won't be responsibly for any lost data, damage (consequential or inconsequential), or lost revenue arising out of the use or misuse of this software. Use at your own risk. Caution, hot! See store for details. Not available in all locations. Blah blah blah. If you do have problems with it, please let me know. Also, if you have artistic skills and can come up with some better icons, please send them to me. The ones on TalkingAlarms now are designed by me and are therefore horrendous. Chris Mason http://ros.res.cmu.edu/newton/ TalkingAlarm is (c) 1997 Chris Mason. It may be freely distributed, but not sold for profit without permission.