Every day we offer FREE licensed software you’d have to buy otherwise.
WeatherAloud was available as a giveaway on July 26, 2007!
WeatherAloud reads weather forecasts and conditions aloud from over 7500 locations worldwide. Wake up to your local forecast, listen to hourly temperatures from your favorite vacation spot, or hear conditions where your distant loved ones are.
Frequent updates, current temperature in the system tray and complete control over when and what you hear make WeatherAloud a must for all seasons.
Optional premium voices from AT&T, Cepstral and NeoSpeech.
Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP
4.28 MB
$19.95
Stay up to the minute on current events as well as breaking news. NewsAloud finds the stories you want to hear, then reads them aloud or to MP3 for your portable player.
Converts any text into spoken words. Reads Text, Email, Web Pages, and documents using your choice of voices. Unique Text to MP3 or WMA conversion saves your daily reading to audio files for download to your portable player. Supports Natural Voices.
Newest Add-on Voices for TextAloud, these human sounding voices add personality and easy listenning to any text. 20 voices in 10 languages available.
the weather these days is hotter than the previous decades, i guess it is the effect of global warming:.;
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Thanks for the feedback on this one everyone. Anyone that ever has text to speech related questions, feel free to email me at ken@nextup.com
Some random comments based on what I heard.
Over the years I've heard from a few users where WeatherAloud seemed to hog the CPU during update. Never quite figured out exactly what is wrong, but if it happens to anyone, I'd be glad to work with them to get it working right.
Heard from a few users that were getting temps always saying 99 or -99. This is a default that is shown when the program can't get to the net, most often because net access is blocked by firewall or firewall software. Same thing when it says it can't retrieve Master.chl which is one of the files that helps it keep up to date.
For those that asked, the WeatherInfo is coming from
http://www.wunderground.com
Some of the comments are just confusing to me and I don't know how to respond. Some keep saying it isn't free. If you understand how activation in GAOTD works, it is free. If you don't, ask for help.
I agree with almost everyone that says there are better weather programs out there. WeatherAloud is a neat little app for those people who want it spoken out loud, and honestly, if I can get someone like WeatherWatcher to work with us to make their program talk, that would be great for everyone. I'm going to try.
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Both mornings after installing this software, upon trying to use my puter, I found WeatherAloud to be using 99% of my processor and my nVidia Nview desktop manager asking me whether I would like to disable it for WeatherAloud because it wasn't responding. Long story short, I had to reboot both times because, after using task manager to close WeatherAloud, explorer would no longer respond either. Not impressed with the program, obviously.
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Very good application
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Best piece of software made available for a while here.
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I aleady use the weather widget that comes with the Yahoo Widget engine..set your location & it sits on the desktop, constantly updated with extended forceast as well.
Otherwise I might have pinched this one...
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First I would like to thank this site, I have sight challenged family and they thought that having the weather read to them automatically was ever so nice, seeing how they cannot ""see"" the other programs that a few whiners have complained are better.
Second, to the whiners and complainers, GET REAL!!! If you are going to complain do it because you found a error, it wiped out your system, or anything else THAT MAKES ANY SENSE AT ALL!! You show how stupid a whiner can be by bitching that the software may not be the color of your whiner choice! You COMPLETELY miss the ENTIRE point that this software """READS""" in a """VOICE""" the weather. If you are going to compare it to software that DOES NOT READ ALOUD, then you are a whiner without merit. If you simply don't want it, go away and shut up!
Third, thanks again giveaway, some of us get it and do appreciate it.
Thanks also for letting me rant.
See ya tomorrow!
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Everything fine, THX!
Summing up all the interesting comments that have been posted:
* Everything works as expected! Nice job, but hast to mature a little.
* For the user that had made a bad installation because www access restrictions, why not hurrying up and reinstalling it correctly before the time expires?
* I have a voice option that whispers the wheather :) (cool)
* You don't have to listen it constantly, just ask to read the weather at a specified time or like me, every 1.5 hours. There is an option to record an mp3 file so, you might also, just load that file whenever you want to listen to it. It is a shame that it cannot generate a plain text file intead. I also have TextAloud...
* I would like to help with my Spanish translation or some nicer screen colors...
Alberto
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Thanks for thge three natural voices Beesknees; they worked fine for me. I've not had any warnings either from F-Secure ore Prev, so am really grateful for your information.
As for todays giveaway. I for one am pleased with it. Yeah, it's a bit of a gimmick, but I often check the weather forcast for whatever reasons I have, and sometimes find it tedious to oen up IE then go to my favorites, to get the local out look for the day. With this program, I just have to either hover my mouse over the sys tray icon for a quick summary, or for a more indepth view, click on the icon. I can continue working on whatever document I'm working on at that time and listen to the weather cast as well. That in my opinion is not being lazy, as some community members seem to think; but is making the best use of my valuable time.
Thank you NextUp Technologies and the Giveaway team for an excellent freebie.
It is a shame that it doesn't come packaged with a more natural sounding voice as someone mentions above; however BeesKnees research thnkfully uncovered three good natural voices.
A few community members seem to think that there is no Centigrade option; which there is. Go to the options menu and select weather aloud preferences. You can also get rid of the intro splash screen from this menu, as well as toggle it off and on from loading when you boot windows up. Definitely a keeper for me.
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Not a comment on the sw, just an interesting observation.
#11:
"Read the weather aloud? This is" . . .TEXAS! "It’s bucketing down outside…we’re up to our knees in flood water here" too. I would never know if it were working correctly. Last 4 days would say the same thing as the next 5 days. The live weather forecast says it may be this way most of the time through October. The next Noah may be from TX!
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As an aside, one of the things I have learned regarding online message boards, of which this is one, is that no one is holding a gun to my head requiring me to post my thoughts on said message board on a regular basis. My philosophy about message boards is this: If what you are wanting to post on a message board is something that you wouldn't dare say to someone's face, then you are better off not posting it at all.
Just my thoughts.
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#38, BladedThoth, two serious oversights in your review: WeatherAloud does include voices, and cities can be added without right-clicking.
The arrogance, bigotry, selfishness, and stupidity of the comments here never ceases to dismay me. You're not helping anyone by saying that you have no use for an application. The developer can gauge interest by the number of activations. You have no free speech rights here; in fact, you have no rights here at all. The site owners, managers, and moderators can do whatever they want, whenever they want. Companies only need to sell enough of a product to earn a profit on it. Would I, personally, purchase WeatherAloud? No, but that doesn't mean that others wouldn't. Some people are weather junkies. I have an elderly relative who would be happy to veg out in front of the Weather Channel all day. Some people like gadgets--in fact, lots of people like gadgets. Then there are the visually impaired. Because you don't have a disability or impairment, who are you to prevent those who do from using and purchasing products which may be useful to them?
Comments on the functionality of software offered here, potential uses, bugs, suggestions, and alternatives are helpful. To those who say, "This software sucks because it wasn't written just for me", I have no use for you or your comments.
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this is a great program...especially if you live in a weather danger zone like i do, in florida...will be very useful when a storm approaches and need to find out the conditions...also very useful for the wife and kids when they decide to go to the beach or the waterpark...thanks for the great program...tested it and it works GREAT! For those who complained about the freebie...AY YI YI YI YI!
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It is a "50/50" software... i wish instead of the "thumbs ups\thumbs down" rating system... we could vote 1-5...
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Re: #13, #23 -> Master.chl file not being retrieved from Nextup.
Nextup response from Ken White at Nextup.com (4 hour response time) to my email:
"The most common cause of this is firewall software like ZoneAlarm or Norton Internet (or windows firewall) blocking WeatherAloud access to the net. If you have any of those running, try temporarily disabling them and then try Help->Check For Upgrade and see what it does.
If nothing helps, If you could, look in the WeatherAloud directory (Probably\Program Files\WeatherAloud ) and there should be a few debug files named WeatherAloud.dbg, WeatherAloud1.dbg, etc. Email these file to me and hopefully I'll be able to tell what is going on."
debug files show: "Can't connect" (to weather underground)
I set Comodo to allow WeatherAloud access anywhere, anytime, any port. Still, no go. Same "Can't retrieve Master.chi"
hmmmm.... Will try a few other ideas. Had similar problem with METARS (weather data for pilots) program. DEV already had modified program to address the problem, he sent it and works great!
About those speech engines from BeesKnees, #14: Sorry to hear that at least one was dirty. Appropriately -> removed. Thanks gameluvva for checking thoroughly. Source sites for the speech engines look a little dicey - "plain brown wrapper" sites. I would usually NOT d/l anything from such sites, however, in this case, if even one of the files is clean, it's a real find.
Perhaps only CyberDefender catches these trojans (assuming not a false positive). I d/led the first one (after learning it was dirty from gameluvva) and Avast DID NOT catch it. Never openned it, deleted immediately, just wanted to see how Avast would respond. Disappointing.
Has someone with CyDef checked the other three links (.exe urls) for malware???? If so, what's the scoop?
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#44, are you retarded?
Who on this earth will show gratitude for a dog feces sandwich?
If you are the one that does, you have more serious problems than a dog feces sandwich...
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Interesting #45.. Spybot-SD Resident tells me that free version of CYBER DEFENDER v2 is mallous!
7/26/2007 2:40:07 PM Encountered and terminated CyberDefender in C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\2NLSUC97\InstallCyberDefenderEDC-029849[1].exe! a mallous
So not sure if this is a false positive or if something is up with CyberDefender
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Go to help, and then just for fun! The voice tells jokes ^^
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It is Good, We are aware there are many software which are providing similar features freely. only
Draw back i found we cant convert to CELSIUS,
over all it Good. worth keeping it.
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awesome...more software for lazy people...
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#46
All four are probably okay.
Just because Cyber Defender claims the first one is infected, doesn't mean it is. It could be a false positive. The reason the other AV programs didn't show it as a infected is because it probably isn't. The virus mentioned is the type you get in your email. Such as, "You have an e-card from a friend." The other AV programs give it another name. That is probably why they will never show that virus name.
If you are worried, scan them with several AV programs and remember that there are false positives sometimes.
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I just look outside
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Weather Watcher is indeed the best weather app I've tried.
Thanks guys.
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Thanks Gameluvva! What about the other three links? Are they OK?
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RE: #14 BEESKNEES:
CYBER DEFENDER SHOWS:
WITH REGARD TO YOUR FIRST .EXE URL:
"A FILE INFECTED BY A VIRUS HAS BEEN DETECTED AND REMOVED"
NAME: TROJ_ZAPCHAST.CO
TREND MICRO SECURITY SHOWS: AROUND SINCE FEBRUARY 2007 - GOTTA LOVE CYBER DEFENDER - EVEN MCAFEE AND MY OTHER VIRUS SOFTWARE HASN'T PICKED IT UP YET!
HEY BEESKNEES ACCORDING TO YOUR WEBSITE: "beesknees.com: building better usable websites for better business" You should have known better than to post an .exe file here!!
New users would NEVER know they are downloading viruses or trojans!
"IN FUTURE BEESKNEES - NEVER POST .EXE FILES HERE! ! !
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Say, could you people who are poised ready to jump on anybody who says anything negative about this software or GotD help me out? I'm giving away dog feces sandwiches, and people keep giving me a hard time about it. Don't they understand that if you don't want to eat a dog feces sandwich, you should just politely decline while showing your gratitude for the offer? I mean, just because YOU don't want a dog feces sandwich doesn't mean the same applies to everybody, right?
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Weather Watcher by Singer Creations (http://www.singerscreations.com) won't read you the weather out aloud; but it will show you are forcast for your area (over 77.000 cities world wide) and it eaven can show you weather maps (some even real time).
I use it for some time now, and I am really impressed by it. WW is donation/freeware.
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Try forecastfox. It's free, always.
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FYI Freeware "Weather Watcher" is the best weather utility I have ever found! Extremely well-designed, small footprint. fantastic.
http://www.singerscreations.com/AboutWeatherWatcher.asp
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Thanks for sharing BeesKnees!
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Hello all! Today's 15-Minute Review is up! Check it out!
http://www.bladedthoth.com/reviews/15mrs/weatheraloud-v1-82/
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This needs a mobile version
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As #19 said - A novelty...that is all this is.
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For those of you using internet explorer and have to rely on something like this or even worse, weather bug. Please take the time and download Firefox 2 @ www.mozilla.com/firefox/(firefox has much better protection and many addons that are not full of junk.), then "add on" "forecastfox". If you want instant access to a live radar "add on" "forcast fox enhanced" and change your radar settings to animated and actual size. You will be amazed at how good of a program this is. I have showed many friends and associates and they are amazed at how good this program is...without junk.
And ALL FREE
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I am going to submit a program called WeatherOutside. It will actually tell you what the weather is outside at that exact moment so you will not have to look away from the screen and all the way out the window. Thanks anyways GAOTD.
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#13--you are probably getting that msg because you have not allosed this program to access the internet.
I like this on GAOTD--I have Premium Weatherbuf--I'm a bit of a weather geek, but it only covers the US. My son has wanderdust in his shoes and is currently studyin in Beijing and our friends are from all over the world so it is nice to be able to check the weather in beijing and tell my boy to "button up that overcoat"--well not really it is tropical over there today.
Thanks again.
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cool stuff
Thanks you so much!
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"How you could possibly rag on GotD over and over again for providing free software is beyond me."
"Well said LOC, we dont get much in life for free and when we do you all moan about it?"
*sigh*
I guess some people have comprehension issues.
1)This software is not free.
2)Pardon the double negative but not liking the software offered does not equal to "ragging" on GAOTD
3)Some of us actual like software that is well programmed, doesn't mess up the system and actually adds something useful. Oh and scores on all 3 not just 1 or 2.
4)Not kneeling, groveling, blindly praising before all and everything is what most people would consider being adult. If you find it rude on the other hand to voice a honest opinion based on facts and knowledge then you should get a grip.
I for one have to agree with spazola (#22). This is at best a gimmick, something to play with. Even if you are blind I can't see you having this running 24/7 because there's enough other ways to get the weather forecast read out.
That it doesn't even include the county of Kent doesn't bode well for it's international appeal. Besides, 7800 locations for the entire world.....so hopefully you're willing to move if your location isn't included and there's a good chance it isn't.
The company that makes it is clearly a one trick pony. Text Aloud can be usefull if you want some text read to you (if you have a decent voice installed). Although I found it overpriced as well as not the best lay-out of controls, buttons, menus. It could become a very nice program for the home user when there's a bit more polishing.
All the other programs though.... who is truly waiting to get the weather forecast every hour on the hour for 1 or more places each and every day, or have a bunch of Stocks read out or constant news read out aloud. Who in their right mind will pay 20 USD for each of those "programs"? How many blind or near blind day traders who need to have constant weather updates are there in the world? And wouldn't the reading out of a document interfere with the news, weather and stock reports? If they aren't mend to all be used at the same time then the blind user has to activate the different programs at different times...hmmmm...somehow I can't see that happening. Besides, wouldn't it be easier to just use text aloud to read out a webpage with the weather info instead of using again a different program ?
Again a company that is ashamed of who they are, where they are, etc.
Come on guys, if you make it, be proud of it. If you can't advertise who you are then why should anyone trust you with their money?
There are lots of weather forecast things around. Lots of them truly for free (even as an add on for Firefox). True they won't talk, they will simply show you the info. If you are to lazy to move your eyes, or to tired, then you should go and rest.
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Ok??!? This weather software is a waist of time, disk space, and memory. Listen, if you're looking for a REAL weather program then try ObjectDockit. It looks somewhat like the Mac start menue but works with all compatible windows OS. Definately don't let this one pass you by, it's FREE!! I wish GAOTD can someday post the Pro version up for grabs.. even if it's for a couple minutes, i'd download it in a heartbeat.
Here's the Link: http://www.stardock.com/products/objectdock/
PS. WeatherAloud sucks!
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Apparently, the tray icon pops up a balloon tip when conditions change, but there isn't an option to have that trigger a voice alert.
#2, #15, WeatherAloud has audio help for sight-impaired users.
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I would li,e to retract my earlier comment about the eye burning... On reflection this program is actually quite good
well done GAOTD
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downloaded no problem, activated no problem, me being a skywarn weather spotter I thought I would give this program a try, this is just a basic weather reporter, no access to weather maps, you have to click on the weather link to weather wunderground to see any weather maps, this program will be usefull for seeing impaired people, and it is by no means worth the $19.95 asking price when there are far better FREE programs out there! as for me Storm Predator suits my higher tech needs for watching the weather with near realtime radar, watches,warnings,and forcasts
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Well said LOC, we dont get much in life for free and when we do you all moan about it?, if you dont like it don't download it, TUT. Great GOTD love it!
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For the individual that wanted C instead of F. Change the
format to Metric. All you need to do is learn to read and follow
directions. Typical, if all you can do is complain, show us your
work and some of your development projects.
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Two more things:
First, I emailed Nextup about the Master.chl file issue and will relay the response (Nextup has good reputation for support) if others report similar problems later today.
Second, if the speech engines (voices) that BeesKnees, #14, referenced are legit and clean (they appear to be legit based on file sizes, 220 MB to 500+ MB each) then ANYONE who has ever griped about the quality of the sapi 5.1 voices (Mary, Sam, Mike) should run, not walk, to get those downloads.
If you know what I'm talking about, then...
you know what I'm talking about.
Great find, BeesKnees!
nuf said.
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Just because there is software to perform every mundane task known to man doesn't mean you need it on your computer. The fact that it has a $20 price tag shows that it is geared toward saps who would download a handful of belly-button lint if it was free for a day.
But hey, it's your computer. Knock yourselves out. But there are a bazillion (give or take) methods to check the weather on your computer that don't need to be uninstalled when the novelty wears off.
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O, great!
Now I can draw the curtains, let down the blinds, put on the airco and shut myself up in my study, whilst still knowing what the wheather in the outside world is like .
But I have much better than that. I just sent my wife out for 5 minutes and get the full report in the most beuatiful natural voice without installing or registering any software, and without even putting on my computer.
I am worried though I might get infected with a virus or some spying from my wife, so maybe I should go for todays GAOTD anyway?
Maybe tomorrow you can give away an anti-virus and malware which will protect me from my wife?
;-) (-;
What I basicaly mean to say is that I have no use for this software and consequently will not be downloading it. As I am not going to try it I can not comment on the pro's and cons of the software and will not click on any thumbs.
I do apreciate that there might be someone out there who might want to try out this software and will therefor thank GAOTD for their offer today, as well as for all the stuff I DID download in the past.
Keep up the good work guys.
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The tray icon displays the temperature. The icon's tooltip displays your city, conditions, and temperature. Double-clicking the icon opens the main window. Left-clicking the icon displays your city list, with temperatures and conditions. Right-click displays the context menu.
#16, yes, metric is an option.
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OK, between my weather radio, the Internet, and my local weather channel and The Weather Channel on my MCE PC, this is pretty useless, but I like it anyway. If you open the main window, under the Help menu, Just For Fun will speak corny jokes. Too bad the context menu doesn't have that option. It would be great if it could speak alerts that go out over the weather radio, but since that's generated by the local weather service, I doubt that it's available over the Internet. It also has an alarm that speaks the forecast, forecast output to MP3 for downloading to your portable music player, and a selection of silly voices in addition to the main ones (you can alter the parameters for each voice).
#10, as #9 said, you can alter the appearance. None of the themes are very good, but you can customize your own. It's also not resizeable.
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I have installed and activated and it worked fine, it also checked for updates, b.t.w. this is version 1.82.
Now it does not have my county listed, which is one of the largest in England, which Kent is the county.
Find that very strange.
Problem is though, some areas are very large indeed and when there is going to be one type of weather example 'rain', does not mean it will rain on your area.
So we need a more accurate forcast, so I use weather widget from yahoo.
Not that good, but more accurate than most.
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