Speech Sin-Thesis: Sex Rears Its Ugly Voice

Article Abstract:

The consumer electronics industry has been charged with sexual bias. An article from The New York Times' editorial page asserts that the new technology of speech synthesis has been perpetuating cultural stereotypes. Male voices are used in most speech synthesis applications in calculators, computers, automobiles and emergency calling devices. Female voices are used mostly in low-status applications such as supermarket check-out scanners, telephone information systems and vending machines.

Women, Voice I/O equipment, Speech synthesis, column, Voice I/O Device, Voice Synthesis

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Today's New Electronics Retailer: No Overhead, No Store - No Products

Article Abstract:

Consumer schemes involving video products are becoming more widespread. Con artists are offering huge discounts on consumer electronics products to potential victims over the phone. The victim is told to come to a loading dock of a retail department store to pick up the merchandise. Arriving there he is asked to hand over the money and told that the products will be brought to him. The con man then disappears with the cash.

Selling, Sales, Legal Issues

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The Last Word: Soviets and the Olympics: Put the Blame on Video

Article Abstract:

News correspondents report that VCRs are hot items on the Russian black market. Soviet authorities are intent on stemming the influx of these products and tapes of forbidden movies. In Moscow a second hand VCR can cost $4,900 and a blank tape can cost $130.

Video Industry, Soviet Union, Videocassette Recorders

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