Introduction

We are frequently asked about a TextAloud API, allowing advanced users to utilize the features of TextAloud in an external program.  This page details the TextAloud API, or TextAloud Automation Server. 

Automation, built on Microsoft COM, is a way for an application to allow itself to be controlled from other applications.  The TextAloud application registers itself as an “Automation Server” and publishes methods and properties available to Automation Clients.  To use the TextAloud API, you will need to create an Automation Client, and requires that you use a language capable of accessing Microsoft COM objects.

Most Windows development environments offer COM support, and can therefore use the TextAloud API.  This includes traditional languages such as Visual Basic, Visual C++, Delphi, Visual FoxPro, .NET languages, as well as scripting languages such as VBS.

Licensing

NOTE: TextAloud API and Command Line Versions are not available for use with Acapela  or Nuance Voices.

The TextAloud Automation Server must be licensed.  This license is $250 over normal purchase costs.  This means that you must own a license for TextAloud purchased via
http://nextup.com/purchase.html

and then there is a one-time $250 charge for the API.  This one time $250 covers an entire companies use of the API, although you must still license TextAloud for each machine it is used on.  Volume discounts on this are available.  When ready to purchase, contact support@nextup.com

Trying the API before purchase

The .zip file below contains the API documentation to get you started.  It assumes you are fluent in the programming language you plan to use, and have some working knowledge of COM.  Advanced customer support via email for the API is available, charged at $100/hr (minimum $50), but the documentation should provide enough details to get you going.

The .zip file below contains:

• TextAloudAutomation.doc - Detailed instructions for Installing Type Libraries, Connecting to the Server, summary of methods and properties, variable typing, and events.

• TextAloud API Reference.html - Detailed reference for properties and methods

• Visual Basic sample

http://www.nextup.com/files/api.zip

Please note that you must have TextAloud 2.0 to use the API.  If you do not have 2.0 version, download it at
http://www.nextup.com/TextAloud/download.html

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If you have any questions regarding the TextAloud API, let us know at support@nextup.com