CPU Whisperer

CPU Whisperer is a simplistic software tool designed to read text aloud using a robotic mail voice. You can use it to practice for upcoming presentations, play text for visually impaired people, or to just listen to ebooks and other types of documentation.

The software application doesn't have comprehensive options. It's ideal for casual users looking for a quick and easy-to-use text-to-speech utility, without having to worry about complicated features.

Setting it up doesn't take long, and the only aspect worth mentioning is that you must download and install .NET Framework unless you already have it to get the app up and running without any issues.

The interface is represented by a small black window split into two tabs, showing some brief details about the developer and product, along with a dialog box for typing or pasting text. You can instruct the tool to read it aloud with the click of a button.

Unfortunately, there is no option implemented for canceling or pausing speech, which means that you either have to listen to all of it or close the application by force. There are no other noteworthy settings available. For example, it's not possible to change the speech rate or volume level, switch to another voice, or open a text document to quickly read contents without having to resort to the copy and paste functions.

Unsurprisingly, CPU Whisperer had barely noticeable impact on system performance. In our tests, it used a minimal amount of CPU and RAM and didn't interfere with the runtime of other applications we were working on.

However, the application lacks richer features that would've granted additional control over the text-to-speech feature, which is likely to put off more experienced users.