Press Release: BookSense Unveiling Today!

If you follow me on Twitter then you already know my stance on the Book Sense. But if you don't you may figure it out by following the link below to the official news about the Book Sense launch.

http://www.gwmicro.com/News_&_Events/Latest_News/?newsNo=125

Press Release: Window Eyes 7.1 Now Available

Out of beta and now right up to your door for Convention season.. say hello to Window Eyes 7.1.

***

Greetings,

GW Micro is proud to announce the release of Window-Eyes 7.1. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the public beta cycle. Your feedback helps make Window-Eyes the best it can be.

Window-Eyes 7.1 is packed with features, including support for Windows 7, support for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7, enhanced Braille functionality, new scripting features for end users and script authors, and more. Window-Eyes 7.1 also continues to build on the foundation of stability, performance, and reliability. The unrivaled Window-Eyes Error Reporting feature has again proved itself invaluable, allowing us to resolve a wide range of issues. We are committed to ensuring a stable computing environment so that you can get your job done, without worrying about crashes and unexpected reboots. You can rely on Window-Eyes.

Read more about the features that Window-Eyes 7.1 offers at http://www.gwmicro.com/Window-Eyes/Latest_Features.

If you own a copy of Window-Eyes 7.0, or Window-Eyes 7.01, you may download an upgrade to Window-Eyes 7.1 for FREE. To get started, either select the Window-Eyes Update option from the Help menu in the Window-Eyes control panel, or open a web browser and navigate to http://www.gwmicro.com/upgrade.
If you prefer to obtain a CD version of Window-Eyes 7.1 for $20, you may do so by contacting our order department at 260-489-3671, or via email at orders@gwmicro.com.

If you have Window-Eyes 7.1 Beta 1 installed (either the 32-bit version or 64-bit version), you may download and install the final Window-Eyes 7.1 upgrade on top of the beta version. If you have a 64-bit operating system, but do not have Window-Eyes 7.1 Beta 1 installed, you will need to obtain a CD copy of Window-Eyes 7.1 for $20. Even if you do have Window-Eyes 7.1 Beta
1 installed on a 64-bit operating system, we strongly recommend purchasing a CD version of Window-Eyes 7.1 in case you need to re-install in the future.
Contact our order department at 260-489-3671, or via email at orders@gwmicro.com, for additional information.

All versions of Window-Eyes 7.0/7.01 (Retail, Dongle, Everlock, Payment Plan, Evaluation, and Demo) can be upgraded to Window-Eyes 7.1.

If you do not own a current version of Window-Eyes, and are interested in upgrading, refer to the pricing information available at http://www.gwmicro.com/Catalog/Upgrades/.

Enjoy!

Press Release: SErotek Memorial Day Weekend SAle!

I have it on pretty reliable authority that this deal won’t be extended like the promotion was from last month. So if you have been wating.. this may be the deal for you.

***
Now through Memorial Day, Monday May 25 at Midnight Eastern U.S., save $200 off System Access Mobile. For just $299, normally $499, you get licenses for two computers, plus a third license for a U3-enabled USB key to take to any other computer. With free lifetime upgrades, and the ability for you to switch to any two computers you choose, this will be the last money you will ever need to spend for a screen reader!

But that's not all! An annual subscription to SAMNet, normally $129, can be had this Memorial Day Weekend only, for just $99. That's $30 off all the great entertainment, information, news, movies, voice chat, social networking, third party e-mail and more, for one whole year, for just $99.

Both specials can be purchased separately, or together for even greater savings. Purchases must be made online only, and this offer will not be extended beyond Midnight EST on Monday, May 25. To create a new paid account, please visit

https://secure.samobile.net/signup/account_info.html

To log in to an existing account and purchase, please visit

https://secure.samobile.net/user/addon_order_start

The Serotek Team

Press Release: MOPIX And Star Trek

A good friend sent this to me knowing I was off to see "Star Trek" as I am a huge Simon Pegg fan. Love "Spaced" and recommend it highly for Geek entertainment. Anyway, I forget about MOPIX sometimes. Here is a PR letting everyone know that some hit movies are already described right out of the gate on the day of their release.

***

MOPIX UPDATE FROM WGBH- May 8

FIVE WORDS: STAR TREK - CAPTIONED AND DESCRIBED
TWO MORE WORDS: HAVE FUN

Star Trek from Paramount Pictures*
(cc desc) (rated PG-13)
A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members.

IT WAS A GOOD WEEK FOR MOPIX IN THE PRESS

This article (link below) from Traverse City, MI tells the story of yet another community raising funds for a MoPix installation. They’ve been at it for many months now, and it looks like they’re in the home stretch, with an installation coming before too long. Great news!

Technologies help more enjoy movies

http://www.record-eagle.com/wellbeing/local_story_127065730.html

And this article is about a soon-to-be-equipped AMC theater in Houma, Louisiana, again, with community advocacy playing a part...

Captioning coming to a theater near you

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20090504/ARTICLES/905041001?Title=Captioning-coming-to-a-theater-near-you

WGBH-CREATED DESCRIPTION AND CAPTIONING NOW AVAILABLE AT DISNEY WORLD

The Media Access Group has been working for several years now with the good folks at Disney’s Themepark division and an innovative company called Softeq to deliver captioning and descriptive narration of park attractions via handheld devices. The description feature has just debuted (captioning and assistive listening support via these devices was already available to park guests). See a nice article about same from the Orlando Sentinel this week: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bizdizdevice16041609apr16,0,2498532.story

THEATER CHAIN WEB SITE ADDRESSES

As several theater chains are now listing accessible films and showtimes on their Web sites, we want to take this opportunity to provide you with those site addresses. Helpful hint, some chains require you to know which theater in your area is equipped prior to finding the info on their sites. For a full list of MoPix locations, searchable by state, first go to www.mopix.org and link to "View Theaters".

You can also search for captioned movies near you at fomdi.com

AMC Theatres: http://www.moviewatcher.com/jsp/amg.jsp

Carmike Theatres:
http://www.carmike.com/showtimedetails.aspx?theatrenumber=075623

CEC Theatres: http://www.cectheatres.com (link to state, and then theater)

Cerrito Speakeasy Theatre:
http://www.cerritospeakeasy.com/calendar/index.html

Cineplex Theatres (Canada):
http://cineplex.com/Theatres/MovieTechnology.aspx?aud=rwcdvs

Clearview Cinemas: http://clearviewcinemas.com/tripod.shtml

Cobb Theatres: http://www.cobbtheatres.com/ (link to equipped theater near you)

Empire Theatres (Canada): http://www.empiretheatres.com (link to province,
then to theater)

Celebration! Cinema RiverTown and Lansing Michigan:
http://www.celebrationcinema.com (select RiverTown or
Lansing from list of locations)

Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres: www.kerasotes.com (select City North, Block E or the Glen 10 from the list of locations)

Megaplex Theatres:
http://www.megaplextheatres.com/nowshowingdetail.php?th_code=all

National Amusements Showcase Cinemas and Cinema de Lux locations:
http://www.nationalamusements.com/wireless
(link to theater under state heading)

Regal Cinemas:
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/opencaptionedshowtimes.aspx#MA

Additional chains with MoPix systems are not yet listing MoPix-accessible film information on their sites at this time: Malco Theatres, Mann Theatres.

NOW PLAYING

Available with closed captions using the Rear Window Captioning system, and audio descriptions utilizing the DVS Theatrical System:

12 Rounds from Twentieth Century Fox Films
(action - rated PG-13)

Dragonball Evolution from Twentieth Century Fox Films
(action/sci-fi - rated PG)

Fast and Furious from Universal Pictures
(action - rated PG-13)

Fighting from Universal Pictures
(drama - rated PG-13)

Knowing from Summit Entertainment
(drama/mystery - rated PG-13)

The Last House on the Left from Universal Pictures
(horror - rated R)

Miss March from Fox Atomic
(comedy - rated R)

Monsters vs. Aliens from Paramount Pictures*
(animation/sci-fi - rated PG)

Race to Witch Mountain from Walt Disney Studios
(comedy/thriller - rated PG)

Star Trek from Paramount Pictures*
(action/sci-fi - rated PG-13)

State of Play from Universal Pictures
(drama/thriller – rated PG-13)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine from Twentieth Century Fox
(action/adventure - rated PG-13)

Available with closed captions using the Rear Window Captioning system (descriptive narration is not available for these films):

17 Again from Warner Bros. Pictures
(comedy – rated PG-13)

Earth from Buena Walt Disney Studios
(nature documentary - rated G)

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past from Warner Bros. Pictures
(romance/comedy - rated PG-13)

Hannah Montana: The Movie from Walt Disney Studios
(comedy/family/musical - rated G)

I Love You, Man from Paramount Pictures*
(comedy/romance - rated R)

Observe and Report from Warner Bros. Pictures
(comedy - rated R)

Obsessed from Sony Screen Gems
(drama/thriller - rated PG-13)

MORE ACCESSIBLE MOVIES TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT MONTH
(plot descriptions from imdb.com)

Angels and Demons from Sony Pictures
(May 15) (cc dvs)
In this sequel to The DaVinci Code, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon works to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican.

Dance Flick from Paramount Pictures*
(May 22) (cc only)
Street dancer Thomas Uncles is from the wrong side of the tracks, but his bond with the beautiful Megan White might help the duo realize their dreams as the enter in the mother of all dance battles. A comedy from the Wayans brothers.

Night in the Museum 2: Escape from the Smithsonian from Twentieth Century Fox Films
(May 22) (cc dvs)
Security guard Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) infiltrates the Smithsonian Institute in order to rescue Jedediah (Owen Wilson) and Octavius (Steve Coogan), who have been shipped to the museum by mistake.

Terminator Salvation from Warner Bros. Pictures
(May 22) (cc dvs)
After Skynet has destroyed much of humanity in a nuclear holocaust, a group of survivors led by John Connor (Christian Bale) struggles to keep the machines from finishing the job.

Drag Me to Hell from Universal Pictures
(May 29) (cc dvs)
A loan officer ordered to evict an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse, which turns her life into a living hell. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point.

Up from Walt Disney Studios and Pixar
(May 29) (cc dvs)
By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn’t alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.

The Hangover from Warner Bros. Pictures
(Jun 5) (cc with dvs tba)
A Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him.

Land of the Lost from Universal Pictures
(Jun 5) (cc dvs)
On his latest expedition, Dr. Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell) is sucked into a space-time vortex alongside his research assistant (Anna Friel) and a redneck survivalist (Danny McBride). In this alternate universe, the trio make friends with a primate named Chaka, their only ally in a world full of dinosaurs and other fantastic creatures. Can they all make it back to our world alive, and if so: Will Dr. Marshall can go from zero to hero with his discoveries?

My Life in Ruins from Fox Searchlight
(Jun 5) (cc dvs)
A travel guide (Nia Vardalos from My Big Fat Greek Wedding) rediscovers her romantic side on a trip around Greece.

* WGBH has developed a conversion process to enable select Paramount films to be available via Rear Window Captioning systems. Some of these titles will also be available with descriptions. The latter will be designated "description" vs. DVS in our Updates to indicate availability of that feature, though WGBH did not create those descriptions.

--
CREDITS

Closed captioning and description of films provided by the Media Access Group at WGBH, a nonprofit division of Boston public broadcaster WGBH. The Rear Window Captioning and DVS Theatrical systems were developed by WGBH to make feature films accessible the date films open in theaters nationwide— and during regular showtimes— to movie fans who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind or visually impaired.

For more information on the WGBH's Motion Picture Access (MoPix) efforts, including how to encourage a theater in your area to install the access systems, please visit , e-mail access@wgbh.org or call 617 300-3700 v, 617 300-2489 TTY.

- -
Media Access Group at WGBH
mary_watkins@wgbh.org
< http://access.wgbh.org >
One Guest Street
Boston, MA 02135
617 300-3700 v/fax, 617 300-2489 TTY

Press Releases: Promotions From Ai Squared, Serotek and Handytech North America

When times get tough you will see companies get creative. Here are three offers which indicate some old and new trends are still alive and well. Even in a downward economy.

***
We're unveiling a new Refer-a-friend program - it's a chance for you to share ZoomText with friends, earn rewards for yourself, and give your friends a discount all at the same time. **

How it works . . .

• For every friend you refer who purchases a new ZoomText product (Magnifier or Magnifier/Reader), you will receive a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate emailed right to your inbox.
• Your friends will receive a 10% discount at the time of purchase.
• There is NO LIMIT to how many people you refer so spread the word.

How to sign up . . .

1. Reply to this email (rproskin@aisquared.com) and send us your name, phone number, and valid email address that you'd like your Amazon rewards emailed to.
2. We'll reply with an email message that you can forward to your friends containing your personal code - this is how your friends receive their 10% discount and how we'll track when to send your rewards.
3. That's it!

If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this email. Sign up today and start earning rewards for spreading the word about ZoomText, a product you know and love.

**This program is for end users only, businesses and agencies are not eligible.

Ai Squared Manchester Center, VT (800) 859-0270 http://www.aisquared.com/

***
Now through April 30, Serotek is offering $200 off System Access Mobile™ for anyone whose software maintenance agreement has lapsed, or who is not entitled to any additional upgrades with their SMA for Jaws® for Windows® or Window-Eyes™. Break away from the tyranny of price gouging for trivial updates. For just $299, purchase System Access for two computers that you can change at any time, plus one license for a U3 Smart Drive that you can use to make any computer come alive with speech, Braille, and screen magnification. And with free upgrades for life, this will be the last money you will need to spend for regularly-updated and innovative screen reading and magnification.

Are you wondering just how cost effective this decision would be for you? Let’s take a look at cases where an individual owns the latest software version of their screen reader, noting that an upgrade path would be even more expensive for those who are behind on their upgrades. You could choose to purchase a software maintenance agreement for JAWS 10.0 standard edition for $180, entitling you to two software upgrades, at which point another SMA purchase would be necessary. You could choose to purchase a software maintenance agreement for WindowEyes 7.1 standard edition for $299, entitling you to three software upgrades at which point another software maintenance agreement purchase would be necessary. Or, you could just provide your serial number as proof that your SMA is past due, and System Access for two computers and one U3-enabled USB license is yours for only $299, that's $200 off the regular price of $499.

To get started, simply visit the “my account” section of an existing SAMNet account. You can do this by opening the System Access menu with modifier+f and choosing the “My account” option, or by choosing option 16 from the SA Mobile Network Home screen. If you do not yet have an account with Serotek, you may create one by visiting http://www.satogo.com/ and choosing the “create new account” option.

Once you have logged in and accessed the “my account” option, choose “buy more products and services” and follow the prompts in the buy wizard.

You can also receive assistance from a Serotek sales representative by calling (612) 246-4818.

The Serotek Team

***
Sales contact:Earle Harrison651-636-5184mailto:Harrison651-636-5184earle@handytech.us

Now Offering: Mobile Access Payment (MAP) Program

Handy Tech North America is pleased to now offer a new program by which consumers may pay for specific Mobile Software products over time and interest-free. The Mobile Access Payment (MAP) Program takes the sting out of your pocket book and in spite of a struggling global economy, makes this life changing technology attainable by people for whom the lump sum expenditure is prohibitive even in the best of economic times.
United States residence may now purchase Mobile screen readers from Code Factory and Nuance Communications as well as popular GPS navigation solutions such as Way Finder Access and Mobile Geo and have the freedom of paying it off over 6 or 12 easy installments.
This program is being initiated by Handy Tech North America, known for their work in modifying mainstream off-the-shelf technology for use by people who are blind or have low vision and their high level of service and support.

Customers may choose from several mobile software solutions, make monthly payments equal to a proportionate fraction of the cost of the software plus a $100 administrative fee and spread the payments over 6 or 12 months time, interest-free.
For example, the MobileSpeak screen reader and Mobile Geo GPS navigation software bundle has the combined retail value of $1,190.00. The pricing for this package under the MAP
program breaks down as follows:

$1,190.00 plus $100 administrative fee equals 12 easy monthly payments of $107.50.
We're sorry, we are not able to offer hardware products such as mobile phones or GPS receivers on the MAP Program at this time.

For more information about the MAP program, visit the Handy Tech North America Web site.
Although we are always happy to speak with you on the phone or communicate by e-mail, it is important to emphasize that the MAP program is only available online and that Handy Tech North America employees may not under any circumstances assist in the submission of the MAP form or be instrumental in the act of purchasing products offered on the MAP program over the phone.

Note that the MAP program is being offered by Handy Tech North America on an experimental basis and may be discontinued without notice. All sales are final and under no circumstances will adjustments to payments be made due to changes or fluctuations in retail pricing of products being offered on the MAP Program.

Quick News: Smart HAL, Texplosion And NDU

It figures. I now sooner say something about my “Quick News” label and then a bunch of Quick News actually plops right down in my lap. Timing is everything I guess.

Smart HAL: Back in the day Telesensory had two products called Vista, yes like the Microsoft Vista, and Vert. It was a very early form of Screen Magnification with a Screen Reader for the old 386 and up systems. When TSI abandoned the project they tipped their users towards Ai Squared and Zoom Text. At the time I thought that this was a real classy move. And I applaud Dolphin for doing the same thing with Smart HAL. Below you will find a press release link for the “good ending” for the Smart HAL program. Thanks to Hazel for sending me the Press Release.

http://yourdolphin.com/newsitem.asp?id=326

Texplosion: A new blog on the scene that comes out of the gate swinging. Best of luck to you guys and good posting.

http://www.texplosion.net/

NDU: Here is an email that recently came to me about some new products on the scene. Well to me at any rate. I live in a cave .. with great broadband access you know.

Hi,

My company is called NDU-- New Designs Unlimited, LLC. We manufacture assistive technology for the blind and visually impaired. Our mission is to make technology more accessible by increasing affordability while reducing complexity. We have two main products --with variations on the available packages based on individual needs. Below are brief product descriptions.

1. SpeakEasy Media System. This is a computer designed specifically for blind and visually impaired users. It uses audio menus and minimal keyboard commands to get users to different features of the system. Some of these features include: Scan & Read (works like a traditional reading machine), news article browsing, web searches, a talking reference section (dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedia), e-mail, audio books (this includes a Daisy book reader as well as audio books and audio books on tape from the internet), radio, podcasts, weather forecasts, and many others that are listed on our webpage. The full Media System package costs $1795 and includes a laptop computer, flatbed scanner, iPod portable player, and 2 years of free upgrades on the software. 2. SpeakEasy Reading Machine. This machine is a very easy-to-use reading machine that uses an arcade controller to guide the reading of documents. Documents may either be scanned in or transferred to the computer via USB thumb drive, and can be saved to the Reading Machine's harddrive for later retrieval. The basic package also includes access to audio books from the internet. For reading on this machine, users can easily scroll through text, using audio cues to tell how close they are to the top or bottom, and can also move continuously, line by line, word by word, or letter by letter through their documents. We also have an option to upgrade this package which is intended for folks with low vision. The upgrade includes a Scan & Magnify feature that allows users to scan (or upload from a USB thumb drive) and zoom in on their text. The machine ensures that the text is displayed white on a black background. As the SpeakEasy reads, it highlights the line of text and boxes the word it is reading. The basic package costs $1395 and the upgraded reading machine costs $1595. Please contact me or check out our site if you would like more information. Thanks for taking the time to check out our products.

Joanne Hill

www.ndu.com

Wow, Quick News. Its been awhile since I’ve done that. Feeling dizzy, must go lay down for a spell. All that copying of text can tire one out.

CSUN/Press Release: Zoom Text 9.18 Released

Ai Squared has relaunched their website and they also have a spiffy new version of Zoom Text to go with the new web look. See the press release below for more details.

***

ZoomText 9.18 Now Available!
Improved performance, smooth panning, scripting and support for Vista 64-bit

Yup, this ones big! Its a ZoomText update thats packed with new features and enhancements that are too important to ignore.For starters, weve given ZoomText a major tune-up that provides improved performance across the board. How major of a tune up is this? Well, early adopters of 9.18 are telling us that ZoomText and their applications are running faster and that

weve fixed some nagging problems that we werent even aware of.

Next, weve added a cool new feature called Smooth Panning (patent pending) that allows you to comfortably navigate your applications without all that abrupt jumping around in the magnified view. As you type text, arrow key through menus and dialogs, and switch windows, ZoomText smoothly pans from one location to another.

But theres more: ZoomText Scripting is now included in every license of ZoomText Magnifier and Magnifier/Reader. With ZoomText Scripting, you can automate tasks in ZoomText and most applications, allowing you to work faster than ever before. Just imagine cutting 10 steps down to one or two! To learn more about ZoomText Scripting, go to www.aisquared.com/scripting.

Weve also added support for 64-bit editions of Windows Vista, which is rapidly becoming the standard on new laptops and desktops. With ZoomText 9.18, when youre ready to upgrade to one of these new systems, ZoomText is ready to go with you.

Get ZoomText 9.18 Today

Already own ZoomText 9.1 or later? If so, get on the fast track and download the free ZoomText 9.18 update right now. Just go to www.aisquared.com/updates.

Still using ZoomText 9.0 or earlier? No problem. Low cost upgrades start at just $75 for ZoomText Magnifier and $99 for ZoomText Magnifier/Reader. To place your order, call Ai Squared toll-free at (800) 859-0270.

Use Our New Easy Pay Plan

For those with vision impairments and who need ZoomText to use their computer, Ai Squared wants to help in any way we can. So if money is an issue, our sales staff will work with you to set up a graduated payment plan to make purchasing ZoomText easier.
Plans start at $37/month for Magnifer and $55/month for Magnifier/Reader and are available for end-user purchases of our domestic single-user products (U.S. and Canada only). To learn more about the Easy Pay plan and to place your Easy Pay order, call our sales department at (800) 859-0270.

Get More Information and a Free ZoomText Trial

Want more information on ZoomText and the new 9.18 release? Check out the ZoomText product page, 9.18 info page and product release notes. Better yet, take ZoomText 9.18 for a test drive and see for yourself. Download the free 60-day trial and check out everything that ZoomText has to offer on your computer.

CSUN: GW Micro Ramps Up With New Offerings [Updated]

Last month I got to see a fantastic demonstration of the scripting community and their wears for Window Eyes 7. When they showed me that WE could run with JAVA without the Access Bridge.. I was floored. So if you get the chance to hear the seminars in LA this week then do so with all speed. If not then this blog post is good news as GW is planning to post the recordings online for all.

http://www.gwmicro.com/blog/index.php/all/?title=csun-2009-underway&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

The company also announced a ton of stuff yesterday. The Book Sense, the Sense View Qwerty and a partnership with Lexmark and more..

http://www.gwmicro.com/News_&_Events/Latest_News/?newsNo=116

Update: The first sessions are now online at the link below

http://www.gwmicro.com/Audio_Video_Archive/Presentations/

Dolphin Makes Waves At CSUN 09

My suggestion is to check out the v11 talk. It isn’t like the past versions at all. And I think Dolphin is really on the move.

***

Dolphin Computer Access will be exhibiting on booth 317 within the Marriott LAX Hotel (5855 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045) throughout the whole of CSUN 24th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, 18th - 21st March, in Los Angeles.

Visitors to the Dolphin booth will discover just why version 10 of Dolphin's SuperNova, Hal , Lunar & LunarPlus are the most advanced, yet user friendly screen magnifiers/readers ever produced. Why not take-away a free 30-day demo CD or download a demo today!

Experience for yourself how large print, MP3, Braille & DAISY documents can be quickly and accurately created by Dolphin's EasyConverter
Dolphin are presenting at CSUN 2009

Ensure to mark your diaries for the three informative & interesting conference seminars Dolphin are conducting throughout CSUN.

* SVG support in Dolphin EasyReader - 15:10 to 16:10 on Wednesday 18th March
* One college's journey to a quality alternative format solution - 16:20 to 17:20 on Friday 20th March * SuperNova version 11, driving forward usability & productivity for visually impaired professionals - 10:40 to 11:10 on Saturday 21st March Spaces within each seminar are limited and Dolphin is anticipating large audiences so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

***

Dolphin announce Dolphin Guide Master Distributors at CSUN

Dolphin Computer Access announce the appointment of two US master distributors for Dolphin Guide and the release of Dolphin Guide version 5 at CSUN, the 24th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference March 16th - 21st, in Los Angeles, CA.

Version 5 extends Dolphin Guide's effortless support for low vision and blind seniors, or other people that want to use a computer, but who struggle with the complexity of the modern computer. Steve Bennett, International Sales Director for Dolphin Computer Access explains

Screen shot of the Dolphin Guide menu system"Dolphin Guide removes the common computing fears and frustrations by presenting a simple menu system that sits on top of Windows, protecting the user from the more complex Windows interface. Users are accompanied by a reassuring human sounding voice that confirms every step taken, and with the option to magnify the screen also, Dolphin Guide delivers an environment in which our users can gain the confidence they need to succeed."

The launch of Dolphin Guide version 5 follows the successful integration of Software Express into the Dolphin Computer Access group following their acquisition in November 2008.

"We are delighted to announce that we have appointed two US master distributors for Dolphin Guide; EVAS & Access Ingenuity . Both companies were the clear choice given their proven expertise in access technology and their excellent track record of first class customer support. Both are essential criteria for our Dolphin Guide users and were therefore paramount in our decision making."

As master distributor for the West Coast, Access Ingenuity will support users in their home state of California, as well as Washington, Oregon and Hawaii. EVAS are appointed as master distributor on the East Coast supporting users in Rhode Island and the remaining 45 states.

EVAS logoJerry Swerdlick, President of EVAS explains why EVAS are so committed to Dolphin Guide.

"We recognise there is a very large proportion of the visually impaired population that have never been taught to use a computer. Yet these people, frequently seniors and baby boomers, want to email their family, write and read their own correspondence and generally maintain their own independence.

We are really excited to be delivering Dolphin Guide to empower our low vision and blind users, enabling them to send and receive email, write and print letters, scan and read documents, browse the internet, and now with version 5, instant message."

Access Ingenuity logoMichael Parker, President of Access Ingenuity explains:

"We are very thrilled to be working with Dolphin Computer Access on the distribution of Dolphin Guide. We are already getting enquiries from all over the west coast and are now starting to establish our dealer & reseller network."

Dolphin Computer Access, EVAS and Access Ingenuity are all exhibiting throughout CSUN, March 16th to 21st, in Los Angeles, CA. To try out the new Dolphin Guide version 5 features and the other 20 plus popular computing functions all made achievable with Dolphin Guide, visit the EVAS on booth 224 or the Access Ingenuity on booth 271 within the Marriott LAX. Alternatively you can request a free 30 day trial by visiting the EVAS website or by contacting Access Ingenuity

Press Release: Join Mike Calvo On Site Or Remotely For CSUN [Updated]

Serotek’s CEO, Mike Calvo, will be presenting a session at the upcoming Center on Disabilities CSUN Conference held in Los Angeles. The session will take place on Thursday, March 19 at 12:00 PM PST, 3:00 PM EST, in the Pacific room of the Renaissance Montura Hotel.

For those who are unable to attend the event on site, the session, including audio and PowerPoint presentation can still be accessed from any computer, cell phone or PDA. If your computer or portable device is equipped with speech and/or Braille, you’ll be able to view the PowerPoint presentation accessibly as well as hear the spoken presentation.

To participate, simply point your web browser to http://www.accessibleevent.com at the scheduled presentation time.
When prompted for a meeting code, enter 336070133

If you are unable to attend the event as it happens, a recording will be archived in the Information Center of the SA Mobile Network as well as on the Serotek web site.

In addition to this presentation, Serotek will also be bringing you live coverage from CSUN. This coverage will be broadcast on SAMNet Radio, so feel free to tune in to http://radio.samobile.net to hear lots of exciting interviews from your favorite assistive technology companies.

We hope you’ll enjoy this year’s conference, whether attending in Los Angeles or from the comfort of your own home.

The Serotek Team

Humanware Goes PR Crazy At CSUN 09

Victor Reader Stream, new Video Magnifiers and a co-branding deal with Code Factory? Wow….

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HUMANWARE UNVEILS VICTOR READER STREAM 3.0

[This announcement is displayed in text only for accessibility with Braille Notetakers. A web version with images is available at: http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/about_us/press_releases/2009_press_releases/humanware_unveils_victor_reader_stream_3]

Los Angeles California, March 17, 2009 -- Today at the annual CSUN technology conference in Los Angeles, HumanWare announced the latest version of its popular Victor Reader Stream DAISY NISO book player, MP3 player, and voice recorder. The latest release of software for the Stream is version 3.0. It is a free upgrade software for the tens of thousands of users who now enjoy their Stream worldwide.

Version 3.0 is a major release packed with new features that continue to distinguish the Stream as the industry leader among pocket size accessible players. Version 3.0 responds to popular requests received from many Stream customers. New features include:

• Multi-level bookshelf navigation for Other Books, Podcasts, and Text. Now you can optionally organize these bookshelves into multiple levels of folders and navigate at those levels.
• Multi-level folder navigation within Music files. For example, now you could choose to organize your music by levels such as genre, artist, and album and navigate at those levels to more quickly find your desired music.
• Further you can now instantly create temporary playlists of any subset of your music collection and limit Random play to only that portion of your music.
• Moreover, you can turn random play on or off with a single key press like many commercial MP3 players.
• Text Search. Yes, now you can enter words to search for in your text files or text-only DAISY books.
• Bookmark alert. You can enable an optional bookmark alert feature to notify you when you are playing a book and pass over a previously bookmarked position. It will even automatically announce your audio bookmarks.
• Two text-to-speech voices. The English version of Stream 3.0 will now include both a male and female text-to-speech voice.
• A 30 minute Time Jump feature and many other usability improvements have been added.


"With the increasing use of 8gb, 16, and even 32gb storage cards, users are managing ever increasing amounts of data on their Stream", says Gerry Chevalier, Victor Reader Product Manager. "With thousands of music files and hundreds of podcasts or text files they have asked us to provide more efficient navigation and version 3 delivers just that."

Says Chevalier, "The improved navigation as well as the bookmark alert, text search and other usability improvements in Stream 3.0 renews HumanWare's commitment to our Stream customers that we would continue to enhance the Stream over time to maximize their Stream investment."

And there's more. HumanWare is pleased to announce that Stream 3.0 will also be accompanied by a completely new-look Stream Companion software. The new Stream Companion 3.0 Windows software has a completely new menu driven interface, support for the new Bookshare zip format, and more.

HumanWare expects to have both the Stream 3.0 and Companion 3.0 available for free download before the end of March. The software will be made available on the Stream Support Page (http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/support/victor_reader_stream). To receive an email announcement for this release and stay informed on future Stream activities be sure to Register to the Stream Newswire (http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/products/blindness/dtb_players/compact_models/stream_news).


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ORATOR FOR BLACKBERRY® SMARTPHONES

[This announcement is displayed in text only for accessibility with Braille Notetakers.]

With The CSUN 24th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference around the corner, HumanWare would like to invite you to be the first to get your hands on HumanWare's newest and most innovative software solution called "Orator for BlackBerry® Smartphones". With over 21 million subscribers in 150 countries, the BlackBerry® smartphone is a popular and an indispensible communication tool for people on the go. While providing effective communication solutions for customers, including customers with disabilities, BlackBerry® smartphones have remained inaccessible to the blindness community, until now. Introducing Orator for BlackBerry® smartphones, the first screen reader that empowers blind and visually impaired customers to access and experience BlackBerry® smartphones.

Come visit us at the HumanWare booth 247 for a personal demonstration and to enter your name to win 1 of 3 packages of Orator for BlackBerry® smartphones with a new BlackBerry® smartphone.

If you are interested in learning more on the Orator for BlackBerry® smartphones solution, be sure to attend the product presentation.

Orator for BlackBerry® Smartphones: blind access solution for BlackBerry® smartphones

When: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Time: 1h50 PM to 2h50 PM
Where: New York room at the Marriott
Speakers: Greg Fields, Accessibility Product Manager, Research In Motion (RIM)
Michel Pepin, Product Manager, HumanWare

Attendees of this session will learn more about Orator for BlackBerry® smartphones and get a sneak preview of how the Orator for BlackBerry® smartphones enables blind and visually impaired customers to remain in touch with important information, people, family and friends while on the go.

For those not able to attend this presentation, be sure to visit the HumanWare booth in the exhibit hall at booth 247 during the following exhibit hours:

• Wednesday, March 18 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 19 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 20 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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HUMANWARE UNVEILS NEW LOW VISION PRODUCTS AT CSUN 2009

[This announcement is displayed in text only for accessibility with Braille Notetakers. A web version with images is available at: http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/about_us/press_releases/2009_press_releases/copy_of_humanware_low_vision_products_featured_at_csun]

HumanWare is proud to announce two new handheld electronic magnifiers that will be on display at our Booth #247 at the 2009 CSUN conference in Los Angeles.

The SmartView Versa is a handheld electronic magnifier. Its features include: a 4.3" screen, 5x to 15x magnification, and a rechargeable battery.

The SmartView Versa+ is a handheld electronic magnifier. Its features include: a 4.3" screen, 5x to 15x magnification, saves images, plays music and videos, SD card slot to store information and images, and a rechargeable battery.

After trying them out, please fill out a form to enroll in a drawing to win a FREE SmartView Versa+. The winner will receive this prize 1 month after the announcement.

Come see our portable distance viewing camera, the SmartView Graduate. This low vision aid is a perfect companion for any student or traveling professional. This distance viewing camera has a stand with 2 USB ports that interface with your laptop. This exciting product works very well with Zoomtext.

HumanWare will also be displaying our complete line of low vision products such as the SmartView Nano and Pocket, which are low cost electronic magnifiers, along with our very popular desktop video magnifiers, the SmartView Xtend and the myReader 2, which is our one-button digital technology unit.

Our HumanWare associates are looking forward to meeting and showing you our very exciting and innovative low vision products.