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Unless I'm missing something, TextAloud works only with TEXT files, and even if "fed" MS Word or WordPerfect files, it converts these to TXT files. This presents a basic program, in that it is impossible to review a file which has italics or underlining, as these don't come through when one wishes to check a file using TextAloud.
Another - possibly bigger - problem is that if one edits a file while listening to it with TextAloud, the changes are only saved in a TXT file - thus losing all the special formatting.
The only way I have found to overcome this problem is to open the file in two separate programs: in TextAloud and (in my case) in OpenOffice. This is a tremendous waste of time while editing.
Is there any consideration being given in having TextAloud work directly in MS Word rather than in TXT format?
Or am I missing something, and TextAloud does have such a feature?

Shmuel

Hi Shmuel,

You're not missing anything, that is how things currently work. We have talked doing something to retain text formatting in the TextAloud display. So it is on our list but I really don't have an estimate to give you on when we'll have it. It won't be in 3.0 for sure.

I find the TA toolbar for Microsoft Word invaluable for this sort of thing.
It probably doesn't work for Open Office though.

We've had a number of requests for toolbar for Open Office but we don't have it yet. It is on our to do list.

As I'm finding the Microsoft policy of blocking transfer of office software between machines very irritating, especially as it is so expensive. A TextAloud toolbar for the free Open Office software would be very attractive. Is it available or on the radar yet? I would be happy to pay for this enhancement.

Hi Dave,

It is still on the list, other users have asked for it as well. No timetable yet on when we'll have it though.