Computers, having learned to talk, are becoming more eloquent

Article Abstract:

Computers that are able to translate data into recognizable speech are being developed and will be available in the 1990s. The developments in voice synthesis has advantages for the blind and the deaf; blind persons can hear messages and deaf people can type out messages and have the computer speak for them. Industry observers estimate that by 1993 people will be able to listen to their computers and facsimile messages while at home or in the car. Computers have a hard time imitating the human voice because human speech rises and falls, placing varying emphasis. English has proved an especially difficult language for computers because there are words that are spelled differently but sound the same, and many words, such as 'lead,' are spelled the same but are pronounced differently in different contexts.

Usage, Innovations, Computers, Product development, Digital computers, Technological forecasting, Electronics industry, Speech processing systems industry, Voice synthesis, Speech synthesis, column, Trends, Future of Computing

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Preliminary supercomputer pact gives U.S. more access to Japan; but skeptics question whether sales will result

Article Abstract:

The US and Japan reach a preliminary agreement on measures to open the Japanese market to American-made supercomputers. This agreement should eliminate what has become, in effect, a requirement that companies doing business in Japan offer deep discounts on supercomputer prices. The US continues to try to persuade Japan to buy American-made satellites and to buy American wood products, two other areas in which Americans accuse the Japanese of unfair trade practices. Satellite talks currently are stalled. Talks on wood products may resume in Apr 1990.

International trade, International aspects, Supercomputers, Supercomputer, International competition (Economics), Japanese Competition

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