You might never be one of the smartest people in the world (I’m aiming for like top 20), but you will now be able to sound like one — Intel has released for free the same software Stephen Hawking uses to communicate.

The software, known as Assistive Context-Aware Toolkit (ACAT), was originally created for the renowned theoretical physicist who suffers from a rare and slow-progressing form of ALS. He uses the program to communicate vocally, and while you might not have known about the actual software before, Hawking’s “voice’ has become as recognizable as any on the planet. Which is great, because not only is he one of the world’s greatest thinkers, he is also really funny.

Designed to help people with disabilities interact with their computer and communicate, the software only works on PC (deal with it Mac people), but is not considered hard to use, and can be adapted to individual needs. A webcam is required since ACAT works from visual clues on a person’s face. Intel says they are developing different types of sensors as other sources of input for the future.

The software can be downloaded here, but please remember, this is an amazing way for people with severe disabilities to find a voice and speak with the outside world, not a toy for you to try and prank your friends with a phone call from the world’s most famous scientist.

Theoretically speaking, what other great software programs would you like to see released to the world, free of charge? Tell us in the vast reaches of space known as the comments section.

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HT: Wired