Voice Dream Reader - Detailed Review
Language Tools
Voice Dream Reader - Product Overview
Introduction to Voice Dream Reader
Voice Dream Reader is a versatile and highly regarded text-to-speech app, particularly beneficial for individuals with reading disabilities, visual impairments, and those seeking convenience in their reading experience.Primary Function
The primary function of Voice Dream Reader is to convert written text into spoken words, allowing users to listen to a wide range of documents, including PDFs, web pages, books, emails, and more. This app leverages advanced AI technology to deliver natural and expressive speech, making it an essential tool for reading, learning, and accessibility.Target Audience
Voice Dream Reader is designed for a diverse audience, including:- Individuals with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and other reading disabilities.
- People with blindness or low vision.
- Students and professionals looking to enhance their reading efficiency.
- Anyone seeking to make reading more accessible and convenient.
Key Features
Text-to-Speech Capabilities
- Supports over 36 built-in iOS voices in 27 languages, with additional premium voices available in 30 languages.
- Voices work offline and can play in the background even with the screen locked.
Document Support
- Compatible with various file formats such as PDF, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, EPUB (DRM-free), DAISY text-based books, and audiobooks in MP3, MP4, or zipped MP3 format.
Customization and Accessibility
- Offers customizable font size, color combinations, and Dyslexia-friendly fonts.
- Full support for VoiceOver, Braille, and switch control.
- High contrast and large font size options for low vision readers.
Navigation and Reading Options
- Allows navigation by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter.
- Features include adding bookmarks, notes, and highlights, as well as reading speed control.
Integration and Content Sources
- Integrates seamlessly with cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, and native support for Bookshare.
- Supports uploading content from web pages using browser extensions.
Scanner and OCR
- Includes a built-in scanner that can convert scanned paper documents into text using the camera, even in poor lighting conditions.
Additional Tools
- Features a built-in dictionary, full-text search, and the ability to recognize text in scanned PDF documents.
- Allows exporting highlights and notes.
Recent Developments
As of April 2023, Voice Dream Reader has transitioned to a subscription-based model under the new name “Text to Speech TTS Voice Dream” and is now managed by the Applause Group, ensuring continued support and development. Voice Dream Reader - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Voice Dream Reader is designed to be highly accessible and user-friendly, making it an excellent tool for individuals who prefer or need to consume text through audio.Interface Layout
When you open the app, you are presented with a clear and intuitive menu screen. To import documents, you can use several methods, such as tapping the plus icon at the top of the screen to scan a page using the iPad’s camera, browse files, or paste text from the clipboard.Audio Settings
The app allows for easy adjustment of audio settings. You can change the speech rate by dragging a button or using plus and minus buttons. Additionally, you can select different voices and languages, and there are advanced audio settings available for further customization.Visual Settings
For visual adjustments, you can tap on the ‘Aa’ icon in the top right corner of the screen. Here, you can change font size, character spacing, line spacing, and side margins. The app also supports system-wide dark mode and allows manual color adjustments between light, dark, and custom modes. These settings are most accessible when in the plain text version of the document rather than rich text.Interaction and Controls
The app is highly speech-friendly, with all buttons labeled for ease of use, especially for VoiceOver users. However, some gestures like the two-finger swipe are hijacked by VoiceOver, so users need to rely on buttons instead. For headphone users, the app allows setting double and triple presses of the “Play/Stop” button to navigate through the text, even when the device is locked.Additional Features
Voice Dream Reader offers several convenient features. You can highlight text, add notes, and get definitions of words with a tap and hold gesture. The app also supports navigation by headings, bookmarks, and notes, which can be accessed via the location icon. Exporting notes and highlighted passages is also possible through the page icon at the top left.Ease of Use
The app is praised for its ease of use. Users can easily import and listen to various types of documents, including Epub files, PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoint files. The integration with services like Pocket allows users to send articles to the app for later listening, making it highly convenient for those who want to consume content on the go.User Experience
The overall user experience is highly positive. Users appreciate the high-quality voices and the ability to purchase additional voices in different languages. The app’s flexibility in display options and its ability to handle various file formats make it a favorite among those who need to read and listen to content in different settings, such as while driving or walking.Conclusion
In summary, Voice Dream Reader offers a straightforward, accessible, and feature-rich interface that enhances the reading and listening experience for its users. Its ease of use and comprehensive set of features make it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a reliable text-to-speech solution. Voice Dream Reader - Key Features and Functionality
Voice Dream Reader Overview
Voice Dream Reader is a versatile and highly functional text-to-speech app, particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, and other reading challenges. Here are the main features and how they work:Customizable Text and Audio Settings
Voice Dream Reader allows users to customize font styles, sizes, colors, and text highlighting to suit their preferences. This customization is particularly helpful for users with dyslexia, as it can improve reading ease and comprehension.High-Quality Text-to-Speech Voices
The app features a wide array of high-quality text-to-speech voices from providers like Acapela, Neospeech, and Ivona. Users can adjust the speech rate in real-time to find a pace that suits them best. The app supports over 200 human-quality voices and multiple languages, which is beneficial for language learning and accessibility.Integration with Accessible Libraries
Voice Dream Reader integrates seamlessly with Bookshare, the world’s largest accessible online library for individuals with print impairments. It also supports other libraries like Gutenberg, allowing easy access to a vast collection of books.Auto-Scrolling and Full-Text Reading
The app offers auto-scrolling functionality, enabling hands-free reading without the need for manual page turning. It also supports full-text reading, providing a continuous flow of information, which is helpful for multitasking and improving focus.Pronunciation Dictionary and Text Highlighting
Voice Dream Reader includes a pronunciation dictionary that allows users to edit and customize word pronunciations. The app also highlights text as it reads, making it easier to follow along and stay engaged with the content.Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
Using OCR technology, the app can scan print pages and images directly, converting them into editable and customizable text. This feature eliminates the need for separate scanning devices or software, making the process efficient and straightforward.Document Format Support
The app supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, EPUB, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, HTML, DAISY 3.0 text-only, DAISY 2.02 audio, and zipped MP3 files. It also integrates with cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive for easy file access.Navigation and Reading Options
Voice Dream Reader offers various navigation options, such as navigating by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter. Users can add bookmarks, notes, and highlights, and control reading speed. The app also features speed-reading modes like Pac-Man and RSVP, which can help users read at twice their sight-reading speed.Accessibility Features
The app is optimized for accessibility, including full VoiceOver support for visually impaired users. It offers high contrast and large font size options for low vision readers and supports Apple Watch for remote control.AI Integration
While the primary functionality of Voice Dream Reader is based on text-to-speech technology and OCR, the app’s ability to recognize and convert text into speech, as well as its advanced voice customization options, leverage AI-driven technologies to enhance user experience. The OCR feature, in particular, uses AI to recognize individual characters and words within scanned documents, making the text fully accessible and customizable.Additional Features
Voice Dream Reader includes features like synchronized word and line highlighting, bookmarking, full-text search, and a built-in dictionary. Users can also export highlights and notes, and save speech to audio files. The app provides tutorials and user manuals to help users maximize its potential.Conclusion
Overall, Voice Dream Reader is a comprehensive tool that combines advanced text-to-speech capabilities with user-friendly features to enhance reading accessibility and convenience. Voice Dream Reader - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Voice Dream Reader
Voice Dream Reader is a highly regarded text-to-speech software for MacOS and iOS, known for its impressive performance and accuracy.
Speed and Accuracy
The app boasts incredible speed and accuracy, allowing users to read multiple types of file formats, including .TXT, PDFs, emails, and more, at up to three times the speed of regular reading.
Voice Options
It offers over 200 voices in 30 languages, including premium voices from Acapela and 36 free voices on iOS 12. This variety ensures users can find the ideal voice to suit their needs.
Customization
The app allows for extensive customization, including adjustable reading speed, pitch, and pause duration. Users can also modify the visual appearance of the text with adjustments to font, size, color, spacing, and margins.
Engagement and User Experience
Reading Modes
Voice Dream Reader features various reading modes such as Finger Reading and Pac-Man, which enable users to read pages at accelerated speeds without losing quality. The Focused Reading Mode reduces distractions by auto-scrolling the text and keeping the spoken word centered on the screen.
Auto-Scrolling and Full-Screen Mode
These features help users focus on the content by eliminating distractions and ensuring the text being read is always visible.
OCR Capabilities
The app includes an optical character recognition (OCR) tool for scanning and reading PDF documents, although this feature is available as a companion app.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Platform Availability
One significant limitation is that Voice Dream Reader is not available on Android devices or Windows PCs, restricting its user base.
User Interface
Some users find the app’s interface not very user-friendly, which can be a deterrent.
OCR Functionality
The OCR function is only available as a separate companion app, which might be inconvenient for some users.
DRM-Protected Content
The app cannot play DRM-protected content, such as eBooks from iBooks, Kindle, Nook, or Adobe OverDrive. Users need to remove DRM protection or convert the files to compatible formats.
Natural-Sounding Voices
Without additional purchases, the number of natural-sounding voices is limited, which might affect the listening experience for some users.
Additional Considerations
Offline Capability
Voice Dream Reader works seamlessly offline, which is beneficial for users who may not always have an internet connection.
Integration with Cloud Services
The app allows loading text from various cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and more, enhancing its usability.
Overall, Voice Dream Reader is a powerful tool for text-to-speech needs, offering high accuracy and speed along with extensive customization options. However, its limitations, particularly in terms of platform availability and user interface, are important considerations for potential users.
Voice Dream Reader - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Voice Dream Reader
The pricing structure of Voice Dream Reader is structured to offer both one-time purchase and subscription options, each with distinct features and benefits.
One-Time Purchase
Historically, Voice Dream Reader was available as a one-time purchase for $9.99 from the US App Store. This option included the Acapela Heather voice and the ability to sample and purchase additional voices from Acapela, NeoSpeech, and Ivona for $1.99 to $2.99 each. There are over 200 additional premium voices available in 30 languages.
Subscription Model (Effective May 1, 2024)
As of May 1, 2024, Voice Dream Reader has transitioned to a subscription-based model. Here are the key details:
- Subscription Price: The subscription costs $59.99 per year, which is 25% off the regular price of $79.99.
- Features: The subscription includes all the features of the one-time purchase version, such as support for various document formats (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, RTF, Google Docs, etc.), built-in scanner, text-to-speech with 36 built-in iOS voices and over 200 premium voices, customizable reading speeds, and advanced tools for highlighting, note-taking, and bookmarking.
Free Options
For those who want to try before they buy, there are a couple of free options available:
- Voice Dream Reader Lite: This free version allows you to experience most of the features but limits the reading to the first 300 characters of any book or document.
- 7-Day Free Trial: Voice Dream Reader offers a 7-day free trial, allowing users to experience the full capabilities of the app without any limitations.
Existing Users
If you purchased the app before the subscription model was introduced, you can still access and listen to any documents uploaded to your library before May 1, 2024. However, you will not be able to add new documents to your library unless you subscribe to the new plan.
This structure provides flexibility for users, whether they prefer a one-time purchase or a subscription, and ensures that everyone can try the app before committing to a purchase.
Voice Dream Reader - Integration and Compatibility
Voice Dream Reader Overview
Voice Dream Reader is a versatile text-to-speech app that integrates seamlessly with a variety of tools and platforms, making it highly compatible across different devices and services.
Integration with Cloud Services and Storage
Voice Dream Reader integrates natively with popular cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, and Evernote. This allows users to access their documents effortlessly from these platforms, ensuring that their content is always available and synchronized across all their devices.
Bookshare and Gutenberg Integration
The app is also integrated with Bookshare, the largest accessible online library for individuals with print impairments. This integration enables easy access to Bookshare books, providing an inclusive reading experience. Additionally, it supports Gutenberg, further expanding the range of accessible content.
Document Formats and Sources
Voice Dream Reader supports a wide range of document formats, including PDF, EPUB, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, HTML, DAISY text-based books, and audiobooks in MP3, MP4, or zipped MP3 format. It can also load files from various sources like iTunes via USB or Wi-Fi, and it includes a Safari extension to save web pages and web addresses.
Accessibility Features and Compatibility
The app is optimized for accessibility, featuring full VoiceOver support, Braille, and switch control compatibility. It also offers high contrast and large font sizes for low vision readers, making it an excellent tool for individuals with various disabilities.
Device Compatibility
Voice Dream Reader is available on iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches, as well as on Apple Watch, allowing users to control the app remotely. For Mac users, there is a native macOS version of the app, fully optimized for desktop use and requiring macOS 11.0 or later.
Additional Tools and Features
The app includes a built-in scanner that uses AI to recognize text from scanned documents, even in poor lighting conditions. It also supports text highlighting, bookmarking, and annotation, with the ability to export highlights and notes. Other features include full-text search, a built-in dictionary, and the ability to skip repeating headers and footers in PDFs.
Cross-Device Synchronization
Voice Dream Reader synchronizes the entire library, including folders, reading locations, bookmarks, and annotations, across all devices using iCloud Drive. This ensures that users can pick up where they left off on any of their Apple devices.
Conclusion
In summary, Voice Dream Reader offers extensive integration with various cloud services, document formats, and accessibility features, making it highly compatible and user-friendly across a range of devices and platforms.
Voice Dream Reader - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
Email Support
Users can contact the support team directly via email at support@voicedream.com for any questions or issues they may encounter. This is a direct line to the Voice Dream team, ensuring prompt and personalized assistance.
FAQ and User Manual
The Voice Dream Reader website provides an extensive FAQ section and a user manual that covers various aspects of the app, including setup, usage, and troubleshooting. These resources are available online for easy access.
Crash Logs and Diagnostic Data
If the app crashes, users can locate and send the crash logs to the support team. This involves accessing the Diagnostics & Usage Data in the iOS Settings, selecting the relevant log, and sending it via email to the support team.
Additional Resources
Video Tutorials
There are several video tutorials available, such as the one by Teacher of the Visually Impaired Jessica McDowell, which demonstrates how to use Voice Dream Scanner and Voice Dream Reader. These tutorials cover various features, including scanning documents, using enhanced voices, and adjusting text settings.
Hadley Institute iFocus Series
The Hadley Institute offers detailed videos in their iFocus series on using Voice Dream Reader, providing step-by-step guidance for new users.
NNELS and AppleVis Resources
Additional tutorials and guides are available from organizations like NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service) and AppleVis, which focus on using the Voice Dream app to read books and other materials.
Bookshare and Gutenberg Integration
Voice Dream Reader is integrated with Bookshare and Gutenberg, and there are demo videos available on how to download and read books from these services.
Community Feedback and Updates
Pricing and Subscription Updates
Voice Dream Reader has a transparent approach to pricing updates, with clear communications about any changes. For example, they reversed a decision to transition to a subscription model based on community feedback, ensuring existing features remain free for current users.
These resources and support options are designed to be accessible and helpful, ensuring that users can get the most out of the Voice Dream Reader app.
Voice Dream Reader - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Voice Dream Reader
Voice Dream Reader offers several significant advantages that make it a popular choice in the text-to-speech category:Versatile File Support
The app can read a wide range of text formats, including plain text, PDF files, web pages, DAISY text, Microsoft documents, HTML, and Rich Text Format (RTF).Multiple Source Integration
Users can import text from various sources such as Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, iTunes, Evernote, Bookshare, and Instapaper.Customizable Reading Experience
The app allows users to adjust reading speed, select from over 200 human-quality voices, and customize the visual characteristics of the text. It also features synchronized word and line highlighting to enhance comprehension.Convenient Features
Voice Dream Reader includes auto-scrolling, full-screen mode, and the ability to rewind sentences, making it easier to focus and retain information. It also supports playlist creation, sleep timers, and customizable remote control functions for Bluetooth headsets.Offline Capability
The app works seamlessly without an internet connection, ensuring fast load times and data privacy.Assistive Technology
It is particularly helpful for individuals with reading difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD, or visual impairments, by converting text into spoken words.User-Friendly Controls
The app features easy navigation controls and lots of shortcut gestures, making it user-friendly despite some interface issues.Language Support
Voice Dream Reader supports multiple languages, aiding in language learning by allowing users to listen to text in their chosen language.Disadvantages of Voice Dream Reader
While Voice Dream Reader has many benefits, there are also some notable drawbacks:Platform Limitations
The app is not available on Android devices or Windows PCs, limiting its accessibility to iOS users only.Interface Issues
Some users find the interface not very user-friendly, which can be a significant drawback.OCR Limitations
The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) function is available only as a companion app, which might be inconvenient for some users.DRM Restrictions
The app cannot play DRM-protected content, which limits its use with certain types of files.Voice Quality and Availability
While the app offers many voices, natural-sounding voices are limited without additional purchases. Some users may find the default voices not as natural as they would like.No Free Trial
Unlike some other apps, Voice Dream Reader does not offer a free trial version, which might deter some potential users from trying it out before purchasing. Overall, Voice Dream Reader is a powerful tool with many features that enhance the reading experience, but it also has some limitations that users should be aware of. Voice Dream Reader - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Voice Dream Reader
- Versatile Format Support: Voice Dream Reader can handle a wide range of formats including EPUB, PDF, RTF, HTML, and more, making it versatile for reading various types of content.
- Customization and Control: The app offers over 200 human-quality voices in 27 languages, allowing users to select a voice that matches their mood and reading material. It also provides dynamic adjustments to speech rate and voice selection in real-time.
- Accessibility Features: Voice Dream Reader includes full VoiceOver support, customizable text settings, and audio options, which are particularly beneficial for visually impaired users and those with learning disabilities like dyslexia. It also features synchronized word and line highlighting to enhance comprehension.
- Seamless Integration: The app integrates with popular platforms such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, and Bookshare, making it easy to access content from various sources.
Alternatives to Voice Dream Reader
NaturalReader
- OCR Capability: NaturalReader includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which converts printed characters into digital text, a feature not available in Voice Dream Reader.
- Floating Bar: NaturalReader features a floating toolbar that allows users to access text-to-speech functions while working in other applications, which can be very convenient for multitasking.
- Voice Cloning: NaturalReader offers voice cloning using AI, which is not a feature of Voice Dream Reader.
Speechify
- Platform Support: Speechify is available on both iOS and Android devices, as well as other platforms like Mac and Chrome OS, offering broader compatibility compared to Voice Dream Reader, which is primarily Apple-exclusive.
- Integration with Different Services: Speechify integrates with platforms like Kindle, Docs, and PowerPoint, and supports formats like plain text, Pocket, and Instapaper, providing a different set of integrations than Voice Dream Reader.
- Reading Speed Control and Safari Support: Speechify offers seamless reading speed control and Safari support, which can be appealing for users who prefer these features.
Read Aloud Extension
- Free and Open Source: This Chrome extension is free and open source, offering a cost-effective alternative. It allows users to select text from the screen and read it in different languages with adjustable speed and pitch settings.
- Ad-free and No Tracking: The Read Aloud Extension is ad-free and does not track user data, which can be a significant advantage for users concerned about privacy.
eSpeak
- Compact and Open Source: eSpeak is a compact open-source software speech synthesizer available for Linux and Windows. Although it is discontinued, it remains an option for those looking for a free and open-source solution.
Each of these alternatives offers unique features that might appeal to different user needs. For example, if OCR capabilities and a floating toolbar are crucial, NaturalReader might be the better choice. If broader platform support and integration with various services are important, Speechify could be more suitable. For a free and open-source solution, the Read Aloud Extension or eSpeak might be the way to go.
Voice Dream Reader - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Voice Dream Reader
Q: What devices is Voice Dream Reader compatible with?
Voice Dream Reader is compatible with iOS devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. It also has a version for Mac devices. For Android users, the equivalent app is called Legere Reader.
Q: What file formats does Voice Dream Reader support?
Voice Dream Reader supports a wide range of file formats, including DAISY 3.0 text-only, DAISY 2.02 audio, DRM-free EPUB, PDF, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, HTML, and zipped MP3 files.
Q: How do I integrate Voice Dream Reader with Bookshare?
To integrate Voice Dream Reader with Bookshare, you need to go to the app’s settings, select Library Settings, and then enable Bookshare. You will be prompted to sign in with your Bookshare account credentials. Once signed in, you can search and download books directly from Bookshare within the app.
Q: What are the text-to-speech (TTS) voice options available in Voice Dream Reader?
Voice Dream Reader works with the voices available on your device and also offers in-app purchases for voices in more than 20 languages. The app features natural-sounding voices with different accents and dialects, enhanced by AI.
Q: Can I use Voice Dream Reader without an internet connection?
Yes, Voice Dream Reader works seamlessly without an internet connection. This allows for fast load times and ensures your data stays private, making it usable anywhere, such as on a train or plane.
Q: What are the navigation and reading options available in Voice Dream Reader?
The app offers various navigation options, including navigation by sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter. You can also add bookmarks, notes, and highlights. Additionally, it provides reading speed control and a pronunciation dictionary.
Q: How has the pricing model for Voice Dream Reader changed?
Originally, Voice Dream Reader was available for a one-time purchase. However, the new owners, Applause Group, introduced a subscription model costing $59.99 per year for new customers. Existing customers were initially required to switch to the subscription model to continue using full app functionality, but after user feedback, the decision was reversed, and existing users can continue to use the app’s existing features without additional cost.
Q: Can I upload documents from cloud storage services?
Yes, you can upload files from cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or iTunes via USB or Wi-Fi. The app also supports browser extensions for adding content directly from web pages.
Q: Is Voice Dream Reader accessible for users with disabilities?
Yes, Voice Dream Reader is highly accessible. It features a Dyslexia-friendly font, text and audio synchronization, customizable font size and color combinations, and full VoiceOver support, making it useful for individuals with various disabilities.
Q: Where can I find resources to help me learn how to use Voice Dream Reader?
There are several resources available, including the Voice Dream Reader User Manual and FAQ, the Hadley Institute iFocus series video on Using Voice Dream, and tutorial videos from NNELS. You can also find a demo video on downloading and reading books from Bookshare.
Voice Dream Reader - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Voice Dream Reader
Voice Dream Reader is a highly versatile and effective text-to-speech app that offers a wide range of features, making it an invaluable tool for various user groups.Key Features
- Voice Options: The app includes one premium Acapela voice of your choice, 36 built-in iOS voices, and nearly 100 additional paid voices in 20 languages, ensuring users can find a voice that suits their preferences.
- Document Compatibility: It supports loading documents in multiple file formats from various sources, allowing users to listen to PDFs, web pages, eBooks, and other documents even offline.
- Control and Customization: Users have complete control over speech rate and voice selection in real-time. The app also features playback functions like rewinding, playlist creation, and sleep timers, enhancing the overall reading experience.
- Visual Interaction: Synchronized word and line highlighting, along with features like bookmarking, full-text search, and customizable font settings, improve comprehension and retention.
Target Audience
Voice Dream Reader is particularly beneficial for:- Visually Impaired Users: The app offers full VoiceOver support and customizable text settings, making it accessible for those with visual impairments.
- Users with Dyslexia and ADHD: The synchronized text and audio feature helps improve reading ease and comprehension for individuals with dyslexia and ADHD.
- Multitaskers: The app allows users to listen to documents and books while engaging in other activities, making it useful for productivity-minded individuals.
Recommendation
Given its extensive features and user-friendly interface, Voice Dream Reader is highly recommended for anyone seeking a reliable and flexible text-to-speech solution. Here are a few key points to consider:- Accessibility: The app is well-suited for users with visual impairments, dyslexia, and other reading challenges, providing a seamless integration of audio and visual elements.
- Convenience: The ability to manage playback, create playlists, and set sleep timers makes it convenient for daily use, whether for learning, leisure, or multitasking.
- Cost: Although the app has transitioned to a subscription-based model ($59.99 per year) as of April 2023, it offers a free trial, allowing users to test its features before committing.