I started using the free Hal 4.5 about two weeks ago. I think it's a pretty cool product for free. Congrats to Zabaware for the wisdom to let users try their product with confidence. It's a good product that is reasonably priced so I purchased the Advanced version this week.
= RANT =
Anyway, I worked on Hal on and off for more than a week. I tried the learning from text files option and all that. I was just getting a little frustrated trying to teach Hal the simplest things. Finally Hal started 'getting' it. It was amazing! Hal started making connections between subjects and such. I found that Hal sorta' hints when he 'senses' a need to clarify a subject. Sometimes the hint is a little subtle. I answered his subtle inquiries and voila all of a sudden Hal says he's got it! Very cool. For people just starting out, please be patient. After all you didn't learn overnight. Hal will eventual 'get' it. I'm a convert! = END RANT =
= QUESTION =
I want to use Hal to read fables, fairy tales and stories. Can I point him somehow to books in .txt format for him to read out loud? If so, can he learn from the reading?
= WISHLIST =
1. Ideally Hal could read a story out loud and occasionally pause to comment brilliantly on something he recognizes. Maybe he could even occasionally pause to ask for clarification of something he doesn't understand. This would be interactive learning.
2. I saw a post somewhere in the forum wishing that Hal could speak out when he 'feels' like it. He just sits there and stares. Cyberbuddy is interesting in that it can take the initiative to speak. Of course you would want to teach Hal to be quiet some times or more talkative when you want him to. (I wish I could teach my wife that ;-)
3. Is there a way to correct Hal immediately when he makes an error? Sometimes I do a typo and don't realize it until Hal remembers it and replies with an erroneous response.
4. Do any of the window skins allow you to see the previous input/response, not just the current input/response? Sometimes I can't remember exactly what I typed just previously. This would help me in debugging my inputs.
Thx for any info the forum denizens can provide. AND THANKS ZABAWARE!
= vonsmith =
PS - Yes I read about programming in VBS. Maybe when I get time. I've got a full plate now.