Apex Poll Results And New Poll Added

Either this is a very small reflection of our changing desires or some out their just *love* the mPower they have already. I’ll hold off from making silly remarks and odd speculation.

Poll Results: Braille Note Apex: Thumbs Up Or Thumbs Down

Up 0 (0%)
Down 3 (25%)
I Want A Braille Sense Plus 1 (8%)
I Want An Icon 0 (0%)
I Use A Laptop Or A Netbook As My Note Taker 8 (66%)

I’ve played around with the Braille Note Apex BT a bit before I went on vacation. And I’ve spent maybe around a hour with the QT version. That isn’t enough time at all for me to get a feel for both units. But I can say that if you hold a mPower in your left hand and then, an Apex in your right, you will notice a difference. Is that worth an upgrade, a switch from another camp or the price of entry for someone who is just now looking? Probably not.

The new connections, the extra memory and the newer software versions for Keysoft and Windows are a compelling list of new things to consider though. But this is like trying to tell someone how great their pair of shoes is and that you should buy them without wearing them first. My advice is always “try before you buy”. Especially if you start doing the mental math of the Netbook, used mPower or other routes.

And you know where you could try an Apex out? Why at an event where a bunch of Blindness Assistive Technology companies hang out of course. Okay, where Assistive Technology companies chain their employees to their booths for hours and hours is a more accurate description of the situation, however, the same opportunity awaits. It also leads us into the next poll question.

Poll Question: What Event Will You Attend In 2010?

ATIA

CSUN

NFB National Convention

ACB National Convention

Sight Village

I know it is early to ask this one. Still ATIA is next week and I didn’t have anything big to ask at the moment. I’ll leave this up until early next month. News out of ATIA may fuel the fires for the next question.. I hope.

Detroit 2009: The Lost Humanware Notes Are Now Found!

 

The simple truth is that I renamed the file in which I had these notes and then promptly archived it away for safe keeping.. from myself it appears. And in even a more embarrassing admission, gulp, it was in a fairly completed state of being postworthy.

I was already in a reflexive kind of mood from my talks with Blind Bargains on the stories of 2009. So I figured I’d go ahead and post this info in the spirit of nostalgia. Or what was already on the table pre Braille Note Apex. In either case, I’ve not altered the tone of the write up. Nor did I drop in pieces of knowledge from the far flung future that is 2010. With that said, as promised more than six months ago, I give you the lost Humanware notes from the NFB 2009 National Convention. 

 

***

 

The room had the best air movement and temperature out of all the rooms I was in for the Convention. It, like so many others, was small and 60 chairs fill up quickly than convention goers realize. People came and went during the presentation as Humanware broke their time into specific product meetings.

The first hour was devoted to the Trekker Breeze. I arrived 30 minutes into this discussion and, to be honest, it was the same questions/answers I heard about the product in Dallas 2008. It breaks down to this… some people don’t know how GPS works and some people want it to do more than it currently can [or ever] can be offered professionally. I like the Breeze for point to point travel and if that isn’t enough for some people Humanware has two other solutions with even more functionality available.

So I’ll pick up with the Braille/Voice Note meetings. Keysoft 8 will be arriving soon. The update will feature the new Keychat program that will let you expand your abilities to talk with other users over the web. The update will also have support for Audible formats like it’s Victor Reader Stream cousins. Generic printer driver support has been enhanced and the company has worked with HP to have better on board driver support for their lines of printers.

The crowd cheered when it was announced that the Eloquence synth was coming to a Braille and Voice Note mPower and PK near you really soon. The sub folder improvements that came with the 3.0 edition of the Victor Reader software will also now be coming to Keysoft 8. Enhanced support for USB drives helps you keep more stuff in those folders, however, it is recommended that the USB drive not be a U3 compatible device. The units can detect non U3 USB sticks better. You can always uninstall the U3 portion of a drive if you already have a drive that you want to use with your mPower though.

Another great improvement with Keysoft 8 comes in the form of support for WPA wireless encryption.

Several questions were asked about the memory and storage limitations with on board memory in the Braille and Voice Note lines. The panel wanted to stay away from a technical chat on hardware and Windows CE specs, however, info did slip that Humanware looks at their product cycles in a 5 year plan. The company didn’t have anything to announce today but quick math shows that the mPower is coming up on its 5^th birthday very soon.

Once when the cat jumped out of the bag on the possibility of new hardware, the team announced that it was time to talk about the next version of the Victor reader Stream software.

They moved right into the Highlight reel and then topped it off with talk on the update with little preamble. Some of the features that were spotlighted were the following tender morsels :

A statement was made that all updates will be free for the stream.

E pub book support was coming It was said that this was a sub set of the DAISY format and Google is looking to use this in future E Books initiatives.

Selectable and variable sample rate MP3 recording is on its way.

The team is considering support for the Office .docx format for a later release.

Support for “Save as DAISY” is also an upcoming feature being considered for a future release.

The panel was inundated with requests for the “Date and Time” feature to be a priority for an upcoming version of the software updates. The panel did their level best to quell the rising tide, however, they said that it was not set for release just yet.

More requests now for Kindle and PDF support. Now it gets technical. Some discussions on how fast these formats change and how often it would take to keep up with it all. Minor discussions on conversion and the Humanware Companion software. But nothing earth shattering.

A great tip for training someone on the Victor Reader Stream is to use the unit without a SD card on board. I may have to use that one next time I do an overview on this product.

The last session focused on Humanware Mobile. Some time was given to the new Braille Connect 12 cell display. The crowd was unmoved, however, this can work with mobile phones and may be a neat alternative for those who go for the mobile phone option over a larger more friendlier Netbook display.

A representative for RIM is on the panel. Here come the facts and figures.

25 million Blackberry users active in over 150 countries.

13,000 employees worldwide.

Their app store, called App World, is now going and they now have an accessible API.

AT solutions will come from 3^rd party development.

14 point font is a built in feature for Low Vision users.

Alphabetic speed dialing for those who memorize their contact lists.

Voice dialing options.

The rep went on to say that previous versions of the Blackberry OS were very JAVA dependent. The memory of older versions of the popular phone could not accommodate common TTS software solutions. Therefore, only the newer phones going forward would be able to use Orator.

RIM will be openly working with their developers at their public events to design applications with a need to have accessibility “baked in” with future releases. Information from these events will be released to the public and it looks like tere is a concerted effort to have third parties on board.

Some of the designs in mind include a Training Wizard for new users and support for external keyboards for those who dislike the “stickyness” of the track ball. I asked specifically if this sticky behavior was object or element based. At the time of the event it was said that it was based on elements.

A brief demonstration of the early GUI and main menu navigation was given. The unit was in a solid beta, however, the release of Orator is dependent on several issues. The timing of hardware that supports the product is hampered by the partnerships RIM has with their carriers. Subsidies and hardware inventories can complicate the release of any new phone. And so is the case with RIM and Orator. The good news is that when the product does go live it will be ready to go on many of RIM’s later releases.

Finally! Poll Results And New Poll Added For January 2010

I realize it has been like forever since we last looked at a poll. So, to refresh everyone’s memory..

Poll Question: Which Upgrade Do You Want To Buy?

Windows 7   6 (42%)
Kurzweil 1000 Version 12   2 (14%)
Apple 10.6 Snow Leopard    2 (14%)
JAWS 11.0   4 (28%)

Windows 7 has come roaring out of the gate in both sales and public perception, therefore, it isn’t surprising that many of you are keen to upgrade to the latest version of Windows. As I said in my remarks from Detroit, and again to those who scoffed then and now, XP is going to see a swift move to the back burner for many in development and in the Enterprise. The consumer side of things may take a little longer than Microsoft would like, however, eventually new computer sales will end XP’s life cycle over the next two years.

Speaking of upgrades, how about we take the temperature on how many feel about the new offerings from Humanware?

Poll: Braille Note Apex: Thumbs Up Or Thumbs Down

Up
Down
I Want A Braille Sense Plus
I Want An Icon
I Use A Laptop Or A Netbook As My Note Taker

I’ve set this one for the middle of the month. We may revisit this one though once the new units start to ship in earnest. Maybe by convention we may have more fuel for this fire.

ATIA 2009: Some Links To Chew On..

I have a friend who went to this year’s event, however, I had a work event of my own in the southern half of Texas that took my attention away from the news from Florida. And when I tried to check in to see what was going on towards the east.. I found that one of our laptops may have been hit by a “Man in the Middle” malware attack. So, I ended up doing a lot of reading over the weekend and this morning. Here is a rundown of some articles I gathered from Blind Bargains, Blind Planet and BOHICA. Man is it ever astounding that there are so many more sources for AT news beyond my lazy and inconsistent postings. Good work all!

35 Interviews at ATIA: The Serotek gang has lots for you to hear from the movers and shakers at this year’s ATIA. Check out this link to hear it all for yourself.

http://serotalk.com/2009/02/02/35-interviews-from-atia-2009/

GW Micro Sense View Desktop Video Magnifiers: I got to see these under the Himes banner at CSUN 2006 and 2007. And I have to say I was impressed with the products I saw. But this is a very crowded market and some may say that this is a weird time in the industry to release a new platform. Not me though. I wana see’em now!

http://www.gwmicro.com/News_&_Events/Latest_News/?newsNo=114

Public Beta of MAGic 11.0 for x64: More on the floor with x64.

http://www.freedomscientific.com/downloads/magic/MAGic-public-beta.asp

KNFB Reader 6.1.9 Update Release Notes: Translation on the fly is pretty neat. But I’m hurting people when we get to that face recognition jazz. Learn more about the update below.

http://knfbreader.com/doc/6.1.9/Mobile%20Reader%20Release%20Notes.pdf

Optelec Adds Two New Video Magnifiers: Who said that these guys were scaling down on Low Vision? Not me that’s for sure.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/Optelec/Technology/prweb1922304.htm

Code Factory Announces Free Update to Mobile Speak 3.0: One of the best keeps on getting better with this new update.

http://www.codefactory.es/en/press.asp?id=60&y=2009&n=54

New USB Braille Display from Perkins: I haven’t seen the new Braille Writer or this device. It is remarkable that if you still have a serial connected display at this point you are running with the old school though. Remember when you had to trade your lunch for a good working null cable? Ah memories.

http://www.blindbargains.com/redirect.php?redirect=4023

Serotek Ends SMAs: Yeah, I’m late to the party on this news. Fashionably late but late just the same.

http://blog.serotek.com/2009/01/rest-in-peace-sma.html

Keysoft 8: Shippin in March, however, I know a Rep who is going let me see it sooner than that.

http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/about_us/press_releases/unveiling_keysoft_8

May's Poll Results And June's Poll Question Added

Here are the numbers for last month's poll.

May's Poll Question Results: Which Note Taker/Accessible PDA Do You Want To Own?

PAC Mate Omni 6 (21%)
mPower 3 (10%)
Icon 1 (3%)
Braile Sense Plus 3 (10%)
A new Smartphone with Access Software 14 (50%)
Other 1 (3%)

I'll be up front and honest... The PAC Mate number surprises me. Don't get me wrong here but the PAC Mate upgrade is very compelling. You get Windows Mobile 6, the ability to use Wireless G and the Power Point Viewer. And if you have a PM then by all means go out and upgrade the unit. I just don't know if the Mate is the thing I would want when faced with today's options in the PDA/Note Taker arena. Still to each his or her own and I can't argue with numbers or the previous success of the PM.

Speaking of numbers... how about that Mobile Phone number. That is good news for Mobile Speak, Talks and others. I'm sure a few of those who selected that option also dreamed of the N 82 and a little somthin' somethin' right? Perchance to dream I guess.

Honorable mention has to go to GW Micro for the buzz they have gathering on the new updated Braille Sense Plus. Now if they would only pin a few arms back in korea and get them to get us a QWERTY version of that thing! Sigh.. what did I just say about dreaming?

While we are dreaming let us consider what else we would do if money happened to be no object. June begins the big convention season. So why not a poll question on...

June's Poll Of The Month: If money fell out of the sky I would go to which Convention?

Sight Village
Closing The Gap
ACB National Convention
CSUN
ATIA
NFB National Convention

I've been to three out of that list. Sadly one of them wasn't Sight Village. Yikes! I would be so broke if I did go. One day of that trip would have to be to *the* Tenth Planet for a ton of Sci Fi gear I can't get in the States. Daleks, Cybermen and Torchwood everywhere. Oh the customs fees! Oops, sorry dreaming again.

I am more than likely heading back to Dallas this year to meet up with a lot of my friends in the biz. So I guess I will have to add a "plus one" to the NFB number when this poll ends.

Press Release: HumanWare Releases KeySoft 7.5 Build 29 and offers Free Dictionary Special

***

HumanWare is pleased to announce the release of KeySoft 7.5 Build 29 for the BrailleNote family of products. These revisions to KeySoft are available at no charge or SMA count to current KeySoft 7.5 users.

In addition, an Oxford Concise Dictionary & Thesaurus is offered with any BrailleNote Classic or other competitive notetaker that is transplanted or traded in towards a new BrailleNote mPower. This promotion is offered by HumanWare US.

Build 29 contains 4 user improvements:

1. mPower now supports Wig-If 802.11 g protocol: A driver has been included to support the later model Ambicom WL54G Wi-Fi card. This card is more readily available than the currently supported Ambicom WL1100C. The US Robotics Wireless MAXg USB Adapter USR5421 is also supported.

2. Appointment Scheduling: The error associated with scheduling an appointment to a date other than the current day has been fixed. This previously generated an error saying that the entered date needed to be after 1601.

3. USB Device Identification: The problem causing some USB and CD ROM drives to be incorrectly identified as printers has been corrected.

4. Words Added to Spelling Dictionary: Depending on the choice of braille table, words added to the spell checker were not being retained, so appeared as spelling errors on future spell checks. This has been corrected.

We encourage existing mPower KeySoft 7.5 Users to take advantage of these free improvements as the Development Team continues working on implementing the exciting new features of a new KeySoft release for fall 2008.

The version will be available for download from our web site by Thursday May 22nd. For more information please contact Humanware US at 800-722-3393.

Press Release: Trade in HumanWare Notetakers with Freedom Scientific's Open Plan

***
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Brad DavisBlind/Low Vision Group800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000http://www.freedomscientific.com/Sales: info@FreedomScientific.com
Trade in HumanWare Notetakers with Freedom Scientific's Open Plan
Trade in any proprietary HumanWare notetaker and get the features you want today with Freedom Scientific’s PAC Mate Omni
(St. Petersburg, Florida — May 13, 2008) Freedom Scientific’s Open Plan, announced today, will help blind users of VoiceNote, BrailleNote, mPower, and BrailleNote PK notetakers upgrade to an open platform that uses the familiar Windows® interface and runs mainstream applications.
Until October 31, 2008, users in the United States and Canada can trade in one of the aforementioned HumanWare products and save more than 50 percent on a PAC Mate Omni™ accessible Pocket PC. Purchase prices after trade-in are:
PAC Mate Omni BX400 and QX400 speech-only units: $995
PAC Mate Omni BX420 and QX420 20-cell braille units: $1,795
PAC Mate Omni BX440 and QX440 40-cell braille units: $2,545
Those taking advantage of the Open Plan will be able to choose from more onboard applications, read from more braille cells, and access mainstream applications and peripherals. Students learn the Windows operating system as they use the PAC Mate Omni, knowledge they will draw from for the rest of their lives.
PAC Mate Omni users can communicate via Windows Live™ messaging, synchronize with their Microsoft Outlook® e-mail inbox, calendar, tasks, and notes, balance their checkbook, and manage spreadsheets. The PAC Mate Omni supports Office 2007, including access to PowerPoint® presentations. BrailleNote owners are still waiting to get in touch with those features. While they wait, PAC Mate Omni users are working with a host of other features BrailleNote doesn’t have. Features like bar code scanners that identify and describe many common household items, support for all Word documents, Skype™ Internet telephony, reference materials like encyclopedias, dictionaries, and recipe databases, virtual private network access, and support for a broad range of network cards and other peripherals.
“Since I became a PAC Mate user, I've used numerous exciting features that the closed nature of the BrailleNote prevented me from being able to deliver to customers when I managed that product,” said Jonathan Mosen, formerly of HumanWare, now Vice President of Blindness Hardware Product Management for Freedom Scientific’s Blind/Low Vision Group. “My PAC Mate Omni has become an essential tool for me. Not only am I more productive on the job because of features like the full synchronization and VPN support, but it's my accessible remote control for all our appliances that use a remote.”
Mosen also said he likes how the PAC Mate Omni gives him such a vast selection of entertainment options and supports all common streaming media formats.
“A closed platform can't possibly keep up with all of the innovation being unleashed by Microsoft and the many third-party developers that write software for Pocket PC devices. I have no doubt that once BrailleNote and VoiceNote users get their hands on a PAC Mate Omni, they'll be amazed at the world of possibilities on offer,” Mosen said. “I can even do high quality audio recordings on it!”
Find out more about the PAC Mate Omni by visiting the Freedom Scientific Web site. If you have questions or wish to take advantage of the Open Plan, Contact Freedom Scientific.
This program applies only in the US and Canada and cannot be combined with any other discounts. The trade-in units must be in good working condition, as determined by Freedom Scientific. Freedom Scientific reserves the right to refuse any trade-in or to change or cancel any aspect of this program at any time at its sole discretion.
About Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific is the world's leading manufacturer of assistive technology products for those who are vision impaired and products for the special education and learning disability markets.
Freedom Scientific® and PAC Mate Omni™ are either trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

http://www.freedomscientific.com/news/pressroom/2008/PACMate-Open-Plan-Trade-in.asp

Feedback: Catching Up With Comments

I've been a bit remiss in responding to some comments. But no more. Today I am taking the time to respond to some of the comments over the last .. um.. few months. Wow that looks worse in print. Okay let's get started.

Computer World Article On  AT: Last month I, and many others, posted an article from Computer World on AT and general web access. Here's one comment from that post.

Ron Graham said...
Thanks for that article Ranger. I noticed it in an email alert last week, but the link Google had in the email would not load the page, no matter what I tried.

I think it touches on several issues we blind computer users regularly face and is a at least a good primer for anybody, such as a webmaster or potential employer, not familiar with screen readers. It describes pretty much what screen readers do, but also what they don’t do, as well as suggesting alternative methods for problem areas such as CAPTCHA and giving a site which employs an accessible alternative.

The Blind Access Journal copied this article into text for easy reading. So you may want to keep it around for better reference.

http://blog.blindaccessjournal.com/2008/04/computerworld-article-blind-users-still.html

Matt Campbell and I had a long discussion on some of the article's points. And my general feelings are that it is still very difficult to explain AT in mainstream terms but this article did better than most at trying to do so. It didn't touch on everything though and that can be a challenge in and of its self. For instance, explaining Screen Magnifiers and Graphic User Interfaces to a Sighted World without screen shots or other visual aids is a fun brand of torture that I don't recommend to AT nOObs. Especially in the current Office Ribbon and Windows Sidebar environments. The pitfalls of the Java Access Bridge, embedded video controls like those used by Hulu and over the page Macromedia ads are also troublesome. However the most ironic part of it all is most of the people the article is trying to reach more than likely have poor eyesight already. That is, take away their contacts and thick glasses.. If I had a nickel for every time I heard an I.T. Director dream about not using their contacts, glasses or remark about some laser surgery..  

The bigger issue is always the comments in these articles. Those well thought out posts from educated individuals scare me more than the rantings and mis-spellings of others. Here is an older article from the Wall Stree Journal that demonstrates it with better effect.

http://blogs.wsj.com/independentstreet/2008/01/11/is-your-web-site-blind-friendly-how-to-avoid-a-lawsuit/

Audio Dramas: Here's a comment from April's Audio Drama post.

Aaron said...
Hey Ranger1138, it was great meeting up with you the other day. Had a good time talking to you and learning more about the industry. These audio dramas seem really cool. Have you come across any of these in a podcast or free download format? Take it easy sir.

Some of the links tagged under the Audio Drama label do indeed offer podcasts or free samples. Big Finish has not only a podcast with snippets of upcoming productions, moreover, they have trailers for just released stories as well. And they just put up a neat thing for their downloads. You can listen to part one of a story for a small price and then if you like it you can buy the whole thing. The earlier cost is applied to the overall cost of the download. Since most of the Doctor Who audios are about 2 hours in length you get a good idea for a small price if you want the whole story after hearing part one. If you focus over to the right, or check your links lists, you will see that I added a Big Finish "Pick of the Month". This month's pick introduces the 6th Doctor's Companion that is exclusive to the audio series. And she plays a big part in the Big Finish extended universe as well.

Also, ZBS tends to post an entire audio play in ten minute intervals. They released "The 4th Tower" that way back in October 07.  

Trekker Breeze: Back in March I posted a bit more on the upcoming Humanware all in one GPS. 

Anonymous said...
I've just read about the trekker breeze in Access IT, a UK based magazine. It said the breeze will be afordable. Afordable is one of those words which should never be used. I've heard it said that a car is afordable at the cost of thousands, or a can of beans for a few uk pence.

Rumor is, and don't quote me on this at all, that the Breeze is between $500 and $850. We should know more on that as we near Convention season. When you look at the prices of accessible cell phones, add ons to existing note taking devices and over the counter brands of GPS a unit that runs around that price range could be argued by some to be "affordable". Remember that most Assistive Technology is not sold to the individual buyer. It is sold to Governments and that business model has its own symbiotic relationships. So "affordable" is mostly going to be used either loosely or in a comparative way here at TRS. Your mileage and size of pocketbook will always vary.   

Zoom Text USB: Going back to February now for this comment.  

Jessica said...
Too bad I read your review after purchasing ZoomText USB. I chose this product due to its portability. However, the admin right requirement really throw the wrench into its usefulness. As a result, I can't use it at the library or internet cafe.

Anything out there that runs the magnifier program directly from the flash drive? Want to avoid leaving a footprint on the guest computer system.

How about Dolphin Pen or Magic USB?

Jessica

Well.. At the time of this post both Freedom Scientific's Magic and the Dolphin Pen require a Video Interceptor be installed. You may or may not run into the exact same thing again as far as Admin rights goes. However, barring a full lock down on the system, you could use System Access To Go as an alternative Screen Magnifier to all three. You don't have the same features such as pointer, focus or cursor enhancements but you do have some darn good speech going if you rely on that for screen navigation. Best part is that you can try it at your local cafe for free to see if this will work for you.

www.satogo.com

October Poll Comment: This came in from a post in November about the October 07 poll results. That poll was on Operating Systems by the way.

Darrell said...
I am actually a bit concerned that, at this time, there is absolutely no support by any screen reader for any of the 64-bit versions of Windows. What happens if one's job for some reason requires the ability to run on that platform?

This recently came up in some of my dealings with an AT company. Costcos placed a system on sale for dirt cheap that came pre-loaded with Windows Vista.. 64 bit edition. In a short period of time they took four calls from people who had purchased this system from around the country. And all, naturally, could not run the software due to the OS being 64 bit instead of 32 bit.

Most of the major players in the industry are aware that this is an issue for some of us in I.T. departments, call centers or big business where high level security is manditory. And many of these players have x64 support on their Roadmaps. At the same time we have a large number of newly Blind, older Blind and wounded Veterans all coming into the world of AT. These populations traditionally don't need this level of support in their product of choice. What bothers me is the rubber bands that the Developers face from Blind Professionals needing more high tech application support falling down the list of those Roadmaps because more product is being sold to the growing non technical audience. Development teams will be stressed and stretched to provide support to all. 

I don't have a witty or humorous remark to make here because I am very worried about this subject seeing how I fall under my own definition of Blind Professional. All I can say is that I urge you to NICELY! provide feedback or feature requests to the product teams that you use or rely on daily for work. I've found that only a polite well laid out request, with bullet point lists, is one of the only ways to convince the management of these companies to move development cycles in another path not projected on the Roadmap. And remember too that these product releases are sometimes in a 18 month cycle. Which means if you are using 1.0 and you request now the request may not come until 3.0 as 2.0 maybe feature complete. Depending on the company's cycle of development added support can come sooner than a feature request or User Interface change. Oh! I've been doing this too long if I can type that out all at once and not have to spell check it.. 

The overall point I am trying to make is that you need to be active in how you use your AT products. Saying that one product *sucks* just doesn't help much. If you say, however, that you need support for the next version of Windows or Office on day one though.. And give some credit where credit is due. We did see support, beta or no, for Vista on day one. And some have even started on IE8 in their latest updates. We as Users have to remain polite and vocal in what we need as the next five years will be the most interesting time we have ever seen in Assistive Technology.

Humanware PR: FREE Oxford Concise Dictionary And Thesaurus!

***
FREE Oxford Concise Dictionary and Thesaurus!

Transplant or Trade in a Classic BrailleNote for a Braillenote mPower and receive a FREE Dictionary/Thesaurus (offer good thru June 30th)

The Concise Oxford Dictionary on BrailleNote gives the meaning of a word, speaks it aloud with correct pronunciation, and much more. It includes the full definition of 240,000 entries, synonyms and antonyms with additional advanced search features. The Dictionary and Thesaurus combination is available in either a US or UK Version.

From any KeySoft application, whether you are in the KeyWeb Internet Browser, the Book Reader or Word Processor, the Dictionary and Thesaurus is easily accessed in one easy key stroke.

For more information contact:

HumanWare
800-722-3393
www.HumanWare.com

Humanware Talks CSUN Success And More

Humanware came into this year's CSUN with a lot of questions about what was happening considering their recent layoffs in New Zealand. I am guessing here but this Press Release is coming out to boast about their new products and reassure all that Keysoft will continue. Take a look and decide for yourself.

***

HumanWare Innovation Continues in 2008 by Building on Strong Successes of 2007

March 19, 2008 -- HumanWare's participation in last week's 2008 CSUN Technology and Persons with Disability Conference, where they made two new product announcements, demonstrates HumanWare's continuing global leadership in developing and providing assistive technologies for the print disabled.

The CSUN conference offered the opportunity to listen to and talk with international attendees from around the world, including Europe, Asia and Australia. Town Hall meetings with customers and round table discussions with education technology leaders allowed HumanWare to hear firsthand customer needs and product requirements. This feedback helps HumanWare continually update its current products as well as plan for future products to meet specific customer needs.

As recently stated by Gilles Pepin, Group CEO of HumanWare, "The BrailleNote Family is our flagship product and we are committed to investing in its future development and innovation. Our goal is to create a more mainstream approach to product development. We will continue to have innovative and successful products for the BrailleNote family in the future, just as we have done with the Stream, ClassMate, and Breeze." In addition Mr. Pepin announced a new KeySoft upgrade for the BrailleNote later this year.

HumanWare Announces 2008 Launch of Two Innovative Products:

Last week, at the 2008 CSUN conference HumanWare unveiled a new talking GPS for people who are blind. The Trekker Breeze was designed for use when travelling in familiar surroundings and provides talking GPS directions that help users know where they are and where they are going whether on foot or in a vehicle. This new model is an addition to the popular Trekker and BrailleNote GPS systems, which have thousands of users worldwide. HumanWare offers the most complete line of GPS tools for visually impaired people.

HumanWare, in partnership with the Washington State Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH), has developed the Deaf Blind Communicator (DBC) which provides three types of communication for deaf blind users: face-to-face, TTY, and SMS Texting. The DBC consists of two separate components that deaf blind users can easily carry wherever they go. These two components communicate wirelessly with each other using Bluetooth.

HumanWare Builds on Innovative Products Launched in 2007

Since last summer's launch, HumanWare's Victor Stream has sold thousands of units worldwide. This versatile, powerful NIMAS, DAISY-MP3 and NISO player lets users read and navigate through complex reference manuals and school books, as well as novels and magazines. Members of NLS (National Library Services) and RFB&D (Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic) enjoy an enhanced reading experience. With the latest release of Version 1.2 on March 10, 2008, Serotek customers with a subscription to their System Access Mobile Network services can now listen to most content from that network. No other DAISY player offers so much in such a small package and at an affordable price.

HumanWare's ClassMate Reader, a new portable and affordable digital audio book player announced in the fall 2007 continues to prove helpful to students in increasing their reading speed, comprehension and vocabulary. The ClassMate reads aloud and simultaneously displays and highlights text on its full color screen. It also includes helpful study tools that enhance learning through bookmarks, recording and a speaking dictionary. With built-in text-to-speech, the ClassMate Reader works with e-text or NIMAS files. The ClassMate is a completely portable stand-alone solution.

About HumanWare

HumanWare (www.humanware.com) is the global leader in assistive technologies for the print disabled. HumanWare provides products to people who are blind and have low vision and students with learning disabilities. HumanWare offers a collection of innovative products include BrailleNote, the leading productivity device for the blind in education, business and for personal use; the Victor Reader product line, the world's leading digital audiobook players, and SmartView Xtend, the first fully modular and upgradeable CCTV-based video magnifier.

For more information about these or other HumanWare products, please contact us:

U.S.A
call toll free 1-800-722-3393 or (925) 680-7100
Email: us.info@humanware.com

Canada
call toll free 1-888-723-7273
Email: ca.info@humanware.com

UK/Europe
Tel: +44 1933 415 800
Email: eu.info@humanware.com

Autralia/Asia
Tel: +61 2 9686 2600
Email: au.sales@humanware.com

Media contact:
Nicolas Lagace
Tel.: (450) 463-1717
E-mail: nicolas.lagace@humanware.com

A Bit More On The Humanware Trekker Breeze

Like a few other Bloggers this year I can say that I am not attending CSUN, however, I do have friendly spies there feeding me back info. There are two main reasons for me not going to L.A. this year. One is that I am going to NFB National Convention in Dallas. That show is here in my backyard and with gas prices the way they are this show will be far cheaper for me personally. The second reason is that most of the big named stuff I either already have or I am working with now or I was playing with it during the Beta process. Yeah I know "Cry me a river Ranger". I'm sorry to say that this is an occupational hazard more often than it sounds. Keeping it all straight in my head, and remembering when I can officially blog about it without me being carted off in the night, is another one of those *hazards*. 

Anyway, I'm looking on the web a lot this week for others to post things that I am under NDA or "Gentleman's Agreement" not to blog about. Today I want to point out and thank Blind Bargains for posting on the new all in one Trekker Breeze. Because now I can talk about it a bit more openly. the link below will take you to the BB site. Then the paragraphs below are just me talking sarcastically about industry stuff. If you don't want to be bored to tears by that just read the link below and skip the rest. And a shout out to all the gang at BB for their great ATIA, and now CSUN, work. Keep'em flying guys!

http://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=2852

The Breeze is one of those devices that we will start seeing in earnest as two markets within Blindness AT are growing far more faster than other traditional segments of the industry. The Older American/Baby Boomer market was always a big part of who we serve but now you can add the rapidly growing Veterans Administration to the ranks as well. Where some of us Blind Geeks will find our selves in the position of doing over the next few years is looking at these newer and entry level devices from a more advanced user stand point. Hey we are Blind .. 'ahem Enthusiasts.. it is what we do right? Well not to go all Star Wars on this post today but.. We aren't the Droids they are looking for with the Breeze.

Simplicity, ease of use and even a limited feature set will be the waves of the future on some emerging products. Because that is what those parts of the audience ask for in a program, device or accessory. Taking a step back and putting my mind in the role of the newly Blinded or newer user is a difficult process for this old jaded guy who remembers when Video Magnifier manufacturers dared to call their units weighing 50 pounds "Portable". Talk about your heavy lifting job requirements.. and *hazards*.

Humanware set off to make the new Breeze smaller and far less complicated than their current edition. They also looked at cost as well because that is certainly one of the more attractive factors about the Victor Reader Stream. But, and I hate to characterize this unit this way, it kind of reminds me of that old line of Fisher Price "My First.." types of products. Say like "My First Record Player" and the like. My crude description not withstanding, the Breeze is set out to be the unit that can introduce someone to the wonderful liberating world of GPS. Or a tool that can be shown to early travelers who are just starting out in learning their Orientation and Mobility. Humanware has been conducting a pilot program with O&M Specialists for the last few months prior to this announcement and I am told that the feedback has been very positive so far.

The unit has fewer buttons, a far more simpler menu system and it still can be updated with the latest maps like it's older brother. I was told a few months ago that the older Trekker is still going to be around for advanced users who need more in a GPS. Also there is the Braill and Voice Note versions too if someone finds that they need a whole lot more info than the Breeze will provide.

Still, there is that old adage "You gotta start somewhere" and the Breeze may be another of those Humanware products that are the right device, for the right time and for the right price. We're just six months away from the Holiday Shopping season and I could imagine a few brightly colored trees being swayed by a cool Breeze..

Quick Bits: Code Factory, JAWS, Humanware and OSX Leopard

So what happens when I make a sarcastic statement about the volume of available news? More news comes a rollin' on through of course.

Code Factory Mobile Magnifier Beta: The Desert Skies has posted two Code Factory press releases. The first about Mobile Magnifier for Smartphones. To me magnifying those incredibly small screens versus quickly hearing info with speech has me saying "Speech" every time, however, to each his or her own I guess.

http://thedesertskies.com/archive/2007/10/17/the-first-magnifier-for-windows-mobile-smartphones-is-now-available.aspx

Mobile Speak Public Beta 2.0: Since we are talking about speech the second press release covers the new public beta phase for Moble Speak. I am really excited by their new licensing method and I think I may finally break down and get a real phone.

http://thedesertskies.com/archive/2007/10/17/code-factory-releases-public-beta-of-mobile-speak-for-windows-mobile-smartphones-version-2-0.aspx

JFW 9: No one can say that Freedom Scientific isn't listening to feedback as they posted another update to the on going JAWS 9.0 public beta.

http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/software_jaws90fea_beta.asp#Update

Classmate Reader: Humanware has announced a new device that will aid the Education market with reading and language comprehension skills. The link below takes you to the press release.

http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/about_us/press_releases/classmate_reader

Keysoft 7.5 Build 20: I guess I have been under a rock. I'm a little late on posting this but Build 20 is up and the link is below.

http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/support/braillenote/keysoft_7.5_upgrade

Leopard System Requirements: Apple has recently said that 10.5 will drop on 10/26. If you aren't running an older G4 at 866 MHz or lower.. rejoice. If you are running an older G4.. You will be taking a trip to the Apple Store for hardware rather than software. See more of the requirements and an overview of some of the features at the link below.

http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/10/16/leopard-system-requirements-and-new-features

Humanware Offers A Keysoft 7.5 Presentation

Here's the press release

*******

Please join us for an interactive on-line presentation highlighting the
new KeySoft version 7.5 for the BrailleNote family of products.
This interactive on-line presentation will take place on Tuesday,
October16 at 3:00 PM Pacific / 6:00 PM Eastern time in the HumanWare on-line
meeting room.

To participate in the event, visit the following link:
http://www.tcconference.com/humanware
After downloading the small conference software, simply enter your name
to enter the room. No password is required, so you can leave it blank
when entering the meeting room.

We will be available to answer your questions regarding KeySoft. So
please join us to hear all about the new features of KeySoft 7.5 that
will best benefit you!
During this presentation we will discuss the new visual display
software, "KeyView," the expanded support for SD cards and USB memory
drives, and the implementation of the Unified English Braille Code
(UEB). We will demonstrate the new audio file queuing capability within
the media player.

The BrailleNote and VoiceNote have gone multilingual with the
integration of foreign languages in to KeySoft. We will demonstrate the
ease of switching between languages and Braille codes on the fly. Many
internet service providers are moving to SSL encryption for user email
accounts as an added security measure, a step by step account setup
process will be shown.

If you are unable to attend, this presentation as well as other previous
presentations will be archived at www.humanware.com. Follow the link for
Products then Presentations.

HumanWare
175 Mason Circle
Concord CA 94520
800-722-3393

Humanware Begins A Deaf Blind Newsletter

The document listed below can be found in a link on Humanware's front page at:

www.humanware.com

Deafblind Newsletter - September 2007

Washington State ODHH Chooses HumanWare to Design and Manufacture
New DeafBlind Communicator

The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) in the State of Washington had a strong desire to serve the state’s deafblind population with new telecommunications technology for both TTY and face-to-face applications. Existing technology did not meet their needs. After extensive research, ODHH found that companies that were capable of producing the level of technology they needed did not have the resources to risk on such a small market.
ODHH decided to find the money required to help subsidize the development of the desired products. They put together a focus group that included deafblind individuals, as well as professionals who worked closely with the deafblind population, to come up with a specification for the
For more information contact Jim Halliday at jim.halliday@humanware.com
product. They were able to secure a significant amount of money for the project and set up a bid process that attracted developers. One company stood out because of its existing position in the blindness marketplace with an extremely powerful yet easy-to-use product called BrailleNote. HumanWare was then chosen to develop the new DeafBlind Communicator.

The DeafBlind Communicator project is well underway.
Sample of Possible Satellite Communicator
Add your name and email address to the newsletter list and every four to six weeks you will receive new information about the philosophy behind the product, specifications, field test results, basic functions, more advanced forms of communication, mainstream applications, and the various other components and options.

If you are interested in receiving updates about the development progress request this newsletter by emailing your name and email address to jim.halliday@humanware.com.

For more information about HumanWare and its other fine products visit our website at www.humanware.com

KeySoft 7.5 Now Available From HumanWare

HumanWare is pleased to announce that KeySoft 7.5, the newest upgrade to the KeySoft software for the BrailleNote family of products, is available for download from the HumanWare web site.

What's in KeySoft 7.5?

Improved SD card and USB Drive support (mPower only) KeySoft 7.5 supports a much broader range of models and sizes of SD cards and USB drives and provides improved speed and performance in accessing and saving information.
SSL Email Encryption
A number of major internet service providers have announced that they will require this new security standard. KeySoft 7.5 delivers full SSL support as a part of its improved KeyMail application.
RFB&D AudioPlus DAISY Books (mPower and PK) KeySoft 7.5 includes fully integrated support for the special AudioPlus formatted books provided by RFB&D to its members in the United States. The enhanced KeyBook application will automatically recognize an RFB&D AudioPlus book and will now prompt the user to enter their personal identification number to access the book.
Bookshare Support for Institutional Accounts The existing support for unpacking electronic books from Bookshare.org has been enhanced to include full support for both individual and institutional Bookshare.org accounts. KeySoft 7.5 provides everything necessary to wirelessly access the Bookshare.org web site, download the text, braille or DAISY electronic book and unpack and read the book, without having to use a PC.
Built-in Playlist Support for Media Player (mPower only) New with KeySoft 7.5 is the ability to select multiple files in any file list and have them automatically queued and played in KeySoft's built-in media player application. Select your favorite music tracks or chapters of an audio book and let KeySoft 7.5 play them for you automatically.
Multilingual Foreign Languages Now Available Multilingual speech and braille support is now available for the entire BrailleNote family of products running KeySoft 7.5 or later, at no additional cost. Languages offered are Spanish, French, German and Italian. Documents, web pages and email messages can all be read in their original language with the correct speech pronunciation. Documents and email messages can be composed, read and spell checked in multiple languages and quickly changed on the fly.
Unified English Braille.
KeySoft 7.5 gives you the option of using Unified English Braille (UEB), the new braille code for English that has been developed by representatives from English-speaking countries, including the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Email addresses, web addresses, mathematics and all sorts of signs and symbols can be written and read directly without resorting to computer braille.
Upgrade to the Duxbury Braille Translator KeySoft 7.5 incorporates the latest version of the Duxbury braille translators.
New Visual Display Application (KeyView) KeySoft 7.5 delivers a completely new visual display application for the PC called KeyView, eliminating the need to use Windows HyperTerminal. It is fully accessible and Windows Vista compatible. Using KeyView, a sighted teacher, parent or colleague can view in real time the work being done on the BrailleNote, including the braille on the braille display and an immediate translation from braille to text.
Outlook Synchronization Improvements
The KeySync PC application has been improved with greater accessibility for screen reader users and has a number of stability enhancements. KeySync allows a professional or student who is on the move to have a fully synchronized calendar and contact list always available. Changes made on the BrailleNote or the PC are synchronized with a quick connection.

NOTE: KeySync will be available later in September as a separate utility that will be compatible only with KS 7.5.

NOTE: Users that currently are using KeySync should not upgrade to KS 7.5 until the new KeySync is released. KeySync 2 or earlier will not be compatible with KS 7.5. Only KS 7.5 or later will be compatible with KeySync 3.
KeySoft 7.5 requires one count of a Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA). An SMA is available for $195 through HumanWare.
This will be the final KeySoft upgrade for the BrailleNote and VoiceNote Classic models.
KeySoft 7.5 can be ordered through HumanWare by calling 800-722-3393. The serial number of the BrailleNote, VoiceNote or BrailleNote PK will be required. To download KeySoft 7.5, go to http://www.humanware.com/support/braillenote/software/keysoft_7.5
You will need a previously purchased SMA and the serial number of the unit.

HumanWare
175 Mason Circle
Concord CA 94520
800-722-3393
www.humanware.com

Humanware Announces Keysoft 7.5, The Victor Reader Stream And A Correction To Their Press Release About The Victor Reader Stream

Those who were hoping that Humanware would answer the PAC Mate Omni announcement with Keysoft 8 will just have to wait until the fall it seems. Keysoft 7.5 will be a paid upgrade or it will take 1 count off of your SMA. Enhancements to Keybook, Keymail and the new Keyview are just some of the highlights of this new release. Also be aware that this is the final release, as advertised previously, for Classic Series Braille and Voice Note owners. To learn more about just what comes in 7.5 hit the link below.

http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/about_us/press_releases/keysoft_7.5_soon_to_be_released%21

Press Releases are tricky things. Some times you just want to run right out and tell the world about your product. And sometimes that means that you may not have copied everyone on the memo before going out and shouting out to the hills your great news. Looks like this happened with the new Victor Stream. You can't really blame Humanware here as hardly any of us know the ins and outs of the crazy world of copyrights and outside US distribution. Heck I'm lucky that I can figure out the coffee maker some days.

Here's the link to the correction about NLS playback.

http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/about_us/press_releases/030707_correction_for_vr_stream_press_release

And here is the original PR on the Stream.

http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/about_us/press_releases/290607_vr_stream_launch

Quick News: New Access World, Window Eyes 6 Public Beta 2 and Braille Note Upgrade

Access World: The November issue of Access World is now on line. I haven't read this yet but I soon will because they have a review of the KNFB Reader. As many know I am not wild about this device for several reasons. About 3,500 at last count. anyway the link below will take you to the latest issue..

http://www.afb.org/aw/main.asp

WE 6: The process is moving fast towards release that is for sure. And nothing says Holiday Shopping Season like a new batch of Assistive Technology upgrades. Mmm.. shipping bubble wrap. Pop.. pop.. pop! Oh yeah and here's the link to the new beta for Window Eyes 6. Sorry that I am so late to the party on this news.

http://gwmicro.com/Window-Eyes/Beta/

Braille Note: Even later news that has been sitting in the Inbox wating to be blogged is the news that you can upgrade your Voice or Braille Note to use the Oxford Dictionary. Read more about this cool add on at the link below.

http://humanware.com/Products/Notetakers/ConciseOxfordForKeySoft.asp

Trade In Your Braille Note For A Pac Mate And A Order Of French Fries

And the Mozen Implosion saga continues. Honestly if you are a fan of either note taker you will come away with some kind of comment from the press release below. It's impossible not to really. But this is the first, minus the earlier official announcement of Jonathan joining FS, time we see the spin on why the Pac Mate is better than a Braille Note from a guy who effectively was the voice for the Humanware note takers during the last 2 years. I am NOT saying that he is good at promoting either unit better than the other. But I am saying that the irony is delicious and I can't wait for the convention discussions on the exhibit hall floors in 07. And honestly speaking as someone who used to be in high pressure sales many many moons ago.. I have to admire the effort that it will take to literlly go in the polar oppisitte direction when speaking about this technology. I wish Mr. Mozen all the luck in the world because this ain't gonna be easy!

Here's the release from Freedom Scientific. Link listed below..

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sales Contact: Charlie Madsen, Inside Sales

Media Contact: Brad Davis
Blind/Low Vision Group
800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000
http://hj.com/index.html

Trade in HumanWare Notetakers with
Freedom Scientific's Open Plan

Trade in any proprietary HumanWare notetaker and get the features you want today with Freedom Scientific’s PAC Mate

(St. Petersburg, Florida, September 15, 2006) – Freedom Scientific’s Open Plan, announced today, will help blind users of VoiceNote, BrailleNote, mPower, and BrailleNote PK notetakers upgrade to an open platform that uses the familiar Windows interface and runs mainstream applications.

For the remainder of 2006, users in the United States and Canada can trade in one of the aforementioned HumanWare products and save more than 70 percent on a PAC Mate™ Accessible Pocket PC. Models with 20 or 40 cells of refreshable braille will be discounted 60 percent. Purchase prices after trade-in are:

• PAC Mate BX400 and QX400 speech-only units: $700
• PAC Mate BX420 and QX420 20-cell braille units: $1,500
• PAC Mate BX440 and QX440 40-cell braille units: $2,250

The Open Plan is especially attractive to 18-cell BrailleNote Classic users thinking about transplanting their braille cells to an mPower. Transplanting to an mPower leaves you with the same amount of old cells, but trading in the old unit for one of the PAC Mate’s 440 models gets you 40 new cells. That’s 22 extra new cells for the price of a transplant!

If you want to save some cash, instead of upgrading your old 18-cell HumanWare unit, trade it in for a PAC Mate 420 model, and get two extra cells and all the benefits of the open platform for $700 less.

The Open Plan also gives VoiceNote users, who are excluded from the HumanWare Transplant Program, an inexpensive braille upgrade option.

Those taking advantage of the Open Plan will be able to choose from more onboard applications, read from more braille cells, and access mainstream applications and peripherals. Students learn the Windows operating system as they use the PAC Mate, knowledge they will draw from for the rest of their lives.

PAC Mate users can communicate via MSN and AOL instant messaging, synchronize with Microsoft Outlook's e-mail inbox, tasks, and notes, balance their checkbook, and manage spreadsheets. BrailleNote owners are still waiting to get in touch with those features. While they wait, PAC Mate users are working with a host of other features BrailleNote doesn’t have. Features like bar code scanners that identify and describe many common household items, support for all Word documents, Skype Internet telephony, reference materials like encyclopedias and recipe databases, virtual private network access, and support for a broad range of network cards and other peripherals.

“Since I became a PAC Mate user, I've used numerous exciting features that the closed nature of the BrailleNote prevented me from being able to deliver to customers when I managed that product,” said Jonathan Mosen, formerly of HumanWare, now Vice President of Blindness Hardware Product Management at Freedom Scientific’s Blind/Low Vision Group. “My PAC Mate has become an essential tool for me. Not only am I more productive on the job because of features like the full synchronization and VPN support, but it's my accessible remote control for all our appliances that use a remote.”

Mosen also said he likes how the PAC Mate gives him such a vast selection of entertainment options and supports all common streaming media formats.

“A closed platform can't possibly keep up with all of the innovation being unleashed by Microsoft and the many third party developers that write software for Pocket PC devices. I have no doubt that once BrailleNote and VoiceNote users get their hands on a PAC Mate, they'll be amazed at the world of possibilities on offer,” Mosen said. “I can even do high quality audio recordings on it!”

Find out more about the PAC Mate by visiting the Freedom Scientific Web site. Contact Freedom Scientific if you have questions or wish to take advantage of the Open Plan.

This program cannot be combined with any other discounts. The trade-in units must be in good working condition, as determined by Freedom Scientific. Freedom Scientific reserves the right to refuse any trade-in or to change or cancel any aspect of this program at any time at its sole discretion.

http://hj.com/fs_news/PressRoom/en/2006/PACMate_Trade-in_9-15-2006.asp

Humanware Says Keysoft 7.2 Next Week And Classic Series EOL

Check out the posts made to the Braille Note lists recently..

HumanWare will be releasing KeySoft 7.2 on Wednesday 6 September New Zealand time, making your BrailleNote or VoiceNote even more useful and efficient. Whether you have a BrailleNote or VoiceNote mPower, a BrailleNote PK, or a BrailleNote or VoiceNote Classic, there is a version of KeySoft 7.2 that will be available for you.
KeySoft 7.2 takes one count from your Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA). An SMA allows you to receive two major versions of KeySoft for the price of one.

Remember, an SMAcan only be used for a version of KeySoft if it is purchased prior to the release of the software concerned. So if you are currently running KeySoft 7 and not yet an SMA holder, ensure you get the best deal on KeySoft 7.2 by purchasing your SMA now. Those running version 6 or lower will first need to upgrade to KeySoft 7 to be eligible to purchase an SMA.Contact HumanWare or your distributor for KeySoft 7.2 pricing.

What's in KeySoft 7.2?
DAISY Support (available on BrailleNote and VoiceNote mPower, and BrailleNote PK) Your BrailleNote or VoiceNote is about to become your digital book player.

HumanWare is the world leader in DAISY playback technology, through our Victor Reader products. Now, we have incorporated Victor Reader technology right into KeySoft. Listen to DAISY audio books, with the flexibility to speed up and slow down the narration and change the tone of the audio. Set bookmarks, and create text notes. Text only DAISY books are instantly translated into your preferred grade of Braille.

With books that offer both text and audio, you have the best of both worlds. Choose to read in Braille for detailed study, and let the narrator read to you when it suits. Move through DAISY elements, or use the familiar KeySoft sentence and paragraph navigation commands in text DAISY books if you prefer.

Working with Files Is Easier (available on all models) KeySoft allows extensive manipulation of files from any file list.
Anywhere you can see a list of files, you can copy, erase, move, protect, unprotect and rename a file. Now, it is possible to mark files for action. Move through a list of files, mark those files that you need to take action on, and the file manipulation commands can be applied to the group of files.

Now, when you look through a file list using the Directory option in File Manager, pressing ENTER on any file will launch its associated application. Pressing ENTER on an mp3 file for example will immediately cause it to start playing in the Media Player.

In any file list, it is now easier to get it sorted. You can still sort files alphabetically as you have always done, however you can now also sort by date and by size. Sorting by size is a great way of finding those pesky large files that are consuming FLASH Disk space. Sorting by date makes it easier to trace the progress of a project whose files are contained in their own folder.

e-mail Signatures (available on all models) KeySoft 7.2 adds the ability to set up two e-mail signatures. Configure an e-mail signature for messages you generate, and another for messages you forward or reply to. You can see the text of the signature right in the body of any e-mail message you create.

Statistics Support in the Calculator (available on all models) KeySoft 7.2 offers intuitive, powerful statistical functions in KeyPlus.
Create data sets within the Calculator using a special data entry mode.

Enter your
data into a KeyWord document, and paste it into data entry mode from the clipboard. Import data sets from many common applications. Save data sets for later use, and export them for use by other applications. Perform a wide range of statistical functions on a data set using an intuitive KeySoft menu, or with hotkeys.

All this in KeySoft 7.2, available next week.
Jonathan Mosen
BrailleNote Product Marketing Manager
HumanWare

****

SUPPORT FOR BRAILLENOTE AND VOICENOTE CLASSIC

In June 2005, HumanWare released the next generation of information management systems for the blind, BrailleNote and VoiceNote mPower. To thank our loyal customer base for their support, we made two commitments.

Firstly, because we appreciate that funding for assistive technology may only be available to an individual once every few years, we undertook to release new versions of Key Soft for the BrailleNote and VoiceNote Classic for as long as possible.

Secondly, we introduced our extremely popular transplant programme, allowing BrailleNote Classic customers the chance to have our latest technology for around a third of the cost of a new unit in the case of those owning 32-cell models.

The transplant programme will continue into the foreseeable future , giving customers access to the many benefits available exclusively on BrailleNote and VoiceNote mPower. However, as we start to plan for exciting future enhancements to KeySoft, it is becoming clear that many of the features we wish to add are not technically possible on the Classic platform. On that basis, HumanWare is giving notice that KeySoft 7.2 will be the second to last upgrade available for the Classic family. There will be a final update for BrailleNote classic released next year. For this reason, once KeySoft 7.2 is released, software maintenance agreements will no longer be available for the BrailleNote and VoiceNote Classic.

We wish to stress that technical support and servicing will still be available for BrailleNote Classic, which continues to be a powerful information management tool.

Please also note that should you take advantage of the transplant programme, any counts remaining on your Software maintenance Agreement will be transferred to your BrailleNote mPower.

Should you have any queries, as always, please don?t hesitate to contact your nearest HumanWare office.
Jonathan Mosen
BrailleNote Product Marketing Manager
HumanWare

Beyond The Rim: Dean Jackson

"Beyond The Rim" is a term that comes from the Sci Fi show Babylon 5. It's a term that means respect and admiration for those who have passed onward to a better place.

Dean Jackson is a name you may have seen or read or heard of if you were a Braille Note user. This gentleman was one of the most knowledgeble people I knew of in regards to the Humanware line of note takers. And he always seemingly found an answer to whatever ailled your system either on the User Lists or in other venues. It was this care for detail and kindness to any level of User that I found to be just amazing.

It has been recently reported by Jonathan Mozen that Dean has passed beyond the rim. My condolences go out to Dean's friends and family. We have lost another strong voice in the world of AT and his contributions to our industry won't be soon forgotten.

http://www.mosenexplosion.com/