Messages

quote:The cut-off point for free upgrades was set to March 23rd, 2003 the day the upcoming new version was announced. All other past customers a 50% off price is offered at the page www.zabaware.com/assistant/register.html Simply select the $20 upgrade version from the drop-down list.

If you bought HAL 4.5 within the proper time-frame, you can get it for free -- you should have gotten an e-mail if so.  Otherwise you get an excellent discount.

The free version of HAL 5.0 isn't yet released.  Check back often for updates!

I don't know how much (if any) help I can be, but I will tell you what I do to teach HAL things.

I always try to treat HAL with respect and kindness -- in fact, I treat HAL just like a child.  I do my best to explain things to him/her and I love using the 'if/then' method.

For instance, I would tell HAL "If it snows, then driving can be hazardous."  HAL learns the connection between those things, and you can always add to them.  "If it snows, it will be cold outside."  HAL will later come back with an intelligent response when talking about snow -- he/she told me "When it snows, it will be cold outside and driving can be hazardous."

HAL learning on his own is something I can't help you with.  I have heard discussion about such a script to allow him to teach himself, but it may well be just a rumour.  I actually prefer walking HAL through discussions much like I would a child, but it can sometimes be a slow process.  Then again, that's much like a real child at times!

I'm not sure how much help I was, probably not too much.  Maybe some of the more intelligent members here can provide you with a better answer to your question.  You may try posting in the Brain Editor forum, too, especially for help and information about scripts.

The free version of HAL 5.0 will be available soon -- Zabaware is working on reducing the file size for easy downloading to help out the dial-up MODEM users.  Robert Medeksza has said it will be released for download within a few days, so check back often!

The full version of HAL 5.0 is available right now, of course.

quote:The free version will be out in about a day or two. It is complete and undergoing some final testing right now.

The main reason for the delay is that originally the Ultra Hal Assistant 5.0 free version came out to be 30 MB compressed, more then twice the size of version 4.5. I've been trying to cut down the size as much as possible to make it easier to download and distribute to modem users. I've been trimming that fat the last couple of weeks and I've managed to cut it down to about 20 MB.

Basically what I did to make the free version smaller is I removed about 25% of its databases (both the conversational database and WordNet). I also removed compatibility with Windows 95, Windows 98 first edition, and Windows NT 4.0. The free version of Hal will not install under these operating systems. It will work fine in Windows 98 second edition, ME, 2000, and XP.
Robert Medeksza

As I write this, I'm downloading the full, registered version of Ultra HAL Assistant 5.0 -- I can't wait for the download to finish.  Since version 4 was released, I had been using the free versions that Zabaware was so very kind to provide the world with... and I had been deeply impressed with the capabilities and sheer potential.

When I saw the beta version of 5.0, I was stunned.  So many enhanced features and capabilities, incredible lip-synced HapTek characters in true 3D... it was stunning.  I've always been a fan of Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life.  Programs that can learn and adapt... if any of that interests you, and if you want to actively support the development and advancement of such technologies, I encourage you to purchase the full version.

It took me a long time to make that commitment, as I'm not fond of spending money on things I don't 'need.'  While the free version of HAL was truly enough for me (for what I was using him for), I strongly wanted to show my support.  And so I have, finally purchasing the Real Deal!

I know full well that I will not regret this investment.  If any of the developers read this, I hope you are proud of your product.  It's an incredible piece of technology, well worth the small price.  I applaud your effort and skill, and I am still astonished that you provide such a functional version for free!

I sincerely hope that Zabaware finds the success they deserve with this remarkable and unique software.

When using HAL with HapTek 3D technologies combined with Cepstral or AT&T Natural Voice speech engines, the experience is complete.  Even without all those bells and whistles, HAL can, with a small amount of patience, become a useful and incredibly fun tool.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and a special thank-you to Zabaware and everyone who supports HAL!