Web Site Accessibility Blog

Israeli engineers have developed Maestro, a voice –only internet for searchers.

The articles mainly focuses on commuting as the primary application of the software, which I guess is the most “marketable� (read: profitable) application. But let’s not overlook the obvious. A completely hands free way to browse and search the internet and have search results and pages read back to the user. While there are similar systems in place, Maestro allows the user to customize search results, such as number of results returned, search methods and styles and the voice pitch settings. Such advanced search features can easily become standard assistive technology in helping disabled users gain greater access via search interface.

The developer’s greatest concern in this article is the safety of drivers using a hands-free internet while driving. Cell phone usage has caused many accidents, but they feel that a totally voice activated internet will help keep drivers from being distracted.

Yeah, right.