News

Glasgow goes high-tech with new town cryer

June 24, 2002

GLASGOW, Scotland -- The newest face of Glasgow city government will be an electronic image named Lauren that will speak in multiple languages and appear on the city's Web site and on a kiosk in Glasgow's city center.

The virtual presenter will read city and city council information at the kiosk and on Glasgow's Web site in myriad languages, including English, Chinese, and Punjabi. Technicians are also designing Lauren to use sign language for the hearing impaired.

According to Ananovanews service, the council has made an initial investment of $150,000 to create Lauren, which is scheduled to debut sometime before year's end.

Glasgow city officials said the project has attracted the interest of other business and political leaders in the city, and noted that the application could be used in other cities as well.