Li’l Mouth – Text-to-Speech Utility
Li’l Mouth is a simple text-to-speech utility designed to read aloud text from web browsers or other documents. By highlighting text, copying it, and clicking on the program, users can hear the text spoken clearly. The software is available in two versions: Basic and Versatile, each tailored for different Windows environments and user needs.
Versions and Compatibility
The Basic version of Li’l Mouth is intended for Windows XP and later. It does not require additional support files or downloads, allowing users to run the program simply by double-clicking the icon. This version includes a limited selection of voices, which can be adjusted through the Windows Control Panel.
Li’l Mouth Versatile is compatible with most Windows versions but requires the installation of additional text-to-speech software. This version offers a broader selection of voices, including British accents and non-English voices, providing a richer and more flexible speech output experience.
Downloading and Installation
To use Li’l Mouth, download the relevant version from the provided links. The program does not require traditional installation. After downloading the ZIP file, create a folder on your hard drive, copy the ZIP file into it, and extract the contents using a tool such as WinZip. Basic users can then run the program by double-clicking Li’lMouth.exe. Versatile users should refer to the included ReadMe file for instructions on installing the additional speech software. Once the appropriate version is chosen, a shortcut can be created and placed on the desktop for easy access.
Using Li’l Mouth
When active, a small icon of the mouth appears on the desktop. This icon can be repositioned by clicking and dragging. To read text, highlight the desired content in a browser or document and copy it to the clipboard. The text can be copied using keyboard shortcuts, browser menus, or right-click options. Clicking on Li’l Mouth (anywhere except the lips) will read the copied text aloud. Clicking again will stop the speech.
Exiting and Troubleshooting
To exit the program, locate the Li’l Mouth icon in the system tray, right-click it, and select Close. If the mouth icon is not visible, it may be hidden behind other windows. Clicking the icon in the system tray will restore it. The help file can be accessed at any time by clicking the “?” icon on the program interface.
Voice Settings
The Basic version uses the default system voice. Users can change the voice and reading speed through the Windows Control Panel by selecting the Text-to-Speech settings. Li’l Mouth utilizes Microsoft Speech API 5 (SAPI 5), preinstalled on Windows XP and later. Versatile uses SAPI 4, which is included on Windows 2000 but may require separate installation on other versions. Additional voices can be installed from external sources to expand options.
Technical and Distribution Information
Li’l Mouth is provided “as is,” and Xavier Educational Software Ltd accepts no responsibility for its use. The software may be freely distributed, provided that all files remain complete and unaltered.
For downloads, users can select either Li’l Mouth Basic or Li’l Mouth Versatile from the links provided. The program is part of a wider suite of literacy support software, free games, and educational resources offered by Xavier Educational Software Ltd.