Loquendo TTS Featured on New Xpress Speech Communication Solution

Loquendo's next generation text-to-speech (TTS) technology has been incorporated into DynaVox Mayer-Johnson’s new Xpress communication device.

DynaVox Mayer-Johnson is a provider of communication and education solutions for individuals with speech, language and learning disabilities. Combining robust augmentative communication tools with a variety of mainstream communication features and Loquendo text-to-speech technology, the Xpress helps individuals living with the effects of stroke, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, ALS, and apraxia of speech to communicate effectively.

The DynaVox Xpress is a handheld augmentative communication device that is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse, and puts the focus on the conversation instead of on the communication device. Twin front-firing speakers and Loquendo's synthetic speech ensure that messages are delivered crisply and clearly in any environment. Loquendo’s TTS takes communication to the next level by allowing Xpress users to add emotion to, and punctuate their communication with, laughter, crying, sighs, whispers, etc.

The Xpress includes thousands of pre-programmed pages that minimize the need for programming and allow augmented communicators to speak their minds effectively and efficiently. With the Xpress, users can share messages, connect with friends and family, and browse favorite Web sites using a single handheld device.

"With the Xpress, DynaVox Mayer-Johnson has created an innovative solution which is making a genuine difference to the lives of people unable to use their natural voice," says Luisa Cordano, sales manager of embedded technologies at Loquendo. "We are proud to know that Loquendo speech technology is helping people to express themselves more effectively and is improving the lives and personal communication of so many individuals."

"Our clients told us they wanted a highly portable solution with superior communication functionality," said Michael Lisanti, DynaVox Mayer-Johnson's director of product management. "With the help of Loquendo Embedded speech technology, the Xpress achieves this objective, and we are excited to offer the most transformative speech device ever to the augmentative and alternative communication community.