Optelec's FarView redefines portable information management for low vision users!
Optelec, the world leader in innovative and assistive technology for visually impaired and blind people, announced the release of FarView, a portable and powerful magnification solution that redefines how low vision users around the world are now able to access, store, review and share information with each other and their peers and colleagues.
FarView is approximately the size of a PDA, but its unique design and incomparable functionality sets it apart from any other portable or desktop device currently on the market.
FarView enables users to leverage off of its centralized, auto-focus camera to view information in six different reading modes from a distance as well as up-close. This means that today's vision impaired consumer can use FarView to access presentations, lectures or hardcopy content within the classroom, place of employment, or throughout his / her community.
But FarView does so much more than simply magnify information in ‘real-time'. It also enables the user to store the data that it has captured for review up close in more detail at any time. It allows the user to capture a complete document or multiple pages of a book or magazine. Ergonomic scrolling buttons help the user to navigate through any text or document easily and comfortably, whereas the auto-scroll function brings the user back to the beginning of the text line within a snap. The 4.3” widescreen display and wide magnification range that starts at minus 2 provide a large text overview, making FarView extremely useful for people with RP.
Up to 100 images can be stored on the device, and reviewed and accessed at any given moment in time. Stored images can be adjusted to the users needs via an integrated menu. With just a press of a button, the user gets access to advanced functionality, such as image rotation, picture alignment and contrast and brightness settings. Also, FarView offers the user the flexibility to connect to an external monitor or a PC, encouraging the user to access printed words and photos comfortably and efficiently, and share this information with colleagues, friends and family.
“We are ecstatic to be bringing a product such as FarView to an industry thirsting for innovation”, states Michiel van Schaik, CEO of Optelec Holding B.V. “We at Optelec are 100% committed to combining the intelligence within a product with a flexible, powerful design in order that the consumers of our products exponentially receive more functionality for the money that they spend.”
Optelec's FarView offers its users just that – more functionality for less money! Imagine being able to access your class notes or a hard copy report at work, save the information, review it at your leisure on either the FarView or a desktop PC or external monitor, and share this information with those around you? Imagine being able to use FarView to read street and building signs, restaurant menus, and other information while on the go? FarView allows for all of this and so much more at a price point of a fraction of what today's traditional, desktop and portable video magnifiers cost!
Optelec expects to be delivering FarView to users in January, 2009. Contact your local Optelec distributor or sales office for pricing details, and order this dynamic solution as a late holiday gift!
Optelec is represented throughout the SADC region by Sensory Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
Optelec introduces ClearNote – foldable, lightweight and ultra-flexible laptop magnification solution for educational and professional use
Barendrecht, the Netherlands, October 27th, 2008 – To better serve the growing needs of the active visually impaired, Optelec, the world leader in innovative and assistive technology for visually impaired people, presents the new ClearNote USB video magnifier. With its ultra-slim and lightweight design and ultra-flexible camera head, the ClearNote completes a portable workstation with real-time video magnification for students and professionals. It packs a complete high-performance laptop magnification solution into an ultra-light and foldable design, making it more convenient to bring it with you wherever you go.
ClearNote's ultra-slim, foldable design allows easy set-up and transportation. Simply connect the ClearNote to any desktop or laptop computer via the USB port, and plug-and-play technology makes it possible to work on-the-fly. The built-in ultra-flexible camera rotates for almost 360 degrees, providing crisp and clear images taken from any distance. This makes ClearNote ideal for use in a classroom or during business presentations or lectures.
A unique and intelligent camera preset system makes ClearNote remember specific image settings when connected to a PC. Imaging focusing the camera upon your desktop reading material and then rotating the camera towards the whiteboard to view distant information. The magnification and viewing mode settings automatically re-adjust to their previously selected settings, when moving the camera from distance to close-up viewing and back, making reading more comfortable. Another unique feature of ClearNote is the self-viewing option. Simply swivel the camera towards you and view your self on your PC's monitor. The ClearNote camera will mirror the image, allowing you to put on make-up quickly and easily.
The foldable design makes ClearNote ultra-slim and lightweight. Yet, it does not compromise power and features. You can connect it to any laptop PC via the integrated USB port and ClearNote takes the power directly from your PC. You will never be without power. Powerful features such as full control over brightness, contrast and color saturation is possible. Futher, you can capture and store as many images and you like for later reference.
Combining near and distance viewing with an ultra-flexible and foldable design, makes ClearNote the perfect solution for use in and educational or office environment.
Optelec is represented throughout the SADC region by Sensory Solutions (Pty) Ltd.
Jaws 10 Released!
Whether you're already a user of the world's leading Screen Reading program, or wish to start using Jaws for Windows for your Screen Reading needs, the release of the newest version of Jaws for Windows should come as very exciting news.
Jaws 10 was officially released in the USA on Tuesday 4 November. Sensory Solutions is happy to announce that Jaws 10 is also now available in South Africa to coincide with the international release. Jaws 10 CD's are starting to ship this week.
Current SMA-holders (Software Maintenance Agreement) who have one or more upgrades remaining on their Jaws 9.0 are able to download the installation file directly from Freedom Scientific's website. However, for those of you who find the 73Mb file a bit bulky, your Jaws 10 CD will be arriving by post soon. We request that all SMA holders confirm with Sensory Solutions as soon as possible their correct postal addresses as this will ensure that your Jaws 10 CD arrives speedily. To verify if you are indeed entitled by SMA to this new release, you can check either on the
www.FSActivate.com website or simply open the About Dialog box in Jaws. It should state under the entry: “upgrades remaining:” at least one if you already have Jaws 9.0 installed.
As the benefits of Jaws and the new features contained in Jaws 10 have already been shared with this list, we can add that anybody who wishes to receive more information on Jaws 10, a Demo CD or more information on Assistive Devices for the visually impaired, simply needs to contact Sensory Solutions (Pty) Ltd on the details below.
Pretoria:
Tel: (+2712) 664 7704
Fax: (+2712) 664 7706
Cape Town:
Tel: (+2721) 949 7704
Fax: (+2786) 604 4126
e-mail:
info@sensorysolutions.co.za
ZoomText 9.18 is released
March 13, 2009
We are proud to announce the newest and most comprehensive release of ZoomText – version 9.18.
In addition to the already versatile capabilities of ZoomText, ZoomText 9.18 adds two new revolutionary features: smooth panning and built-in scripting support.
Smooth panning provides you with a smooth, clean vision experience when working with ZoomText at a large magnification. As you move around the computer screen, ZoomText will keep all the text crisp and keep the view from jumping and causing visual discomfort. This feature provides a natural panning motion that keeps the focus in view as you move around the screen. As you type text, navigate menus, dialogs and other program controls, the magnified view stays with you wherever you're working. You can also enable “smooth mouse panning” to move more quickly around your screen using your mouse.
The new built-in scripting feature allows you to customize the behavior of ZoomText and other applications, providing more informative visual and audible feedback, automation of tasks, and improved speed and efficiency while working. The scripting feature puts the power of customizing ZoomText into your hands. Customized scripts can be written by any experienced script writer, and pre-made scripts will be available for download at a later date.
Read the press release (doc 173 KB) or download a
free 60-day trial.
Coming Soon : The Feature-Packed SARA 9.0
The newest version of the SARA Scanning And Reading Appliance is coming in July with a batch of new, user-requested features.
Some of the key new features in SARA 9.0 include:
- New text and background color schemes — 34 separate color combinations for low vision users
- Spotlight color options to customize how the currently-read word is highlighted
- Built-in braille support. Connect a Focus or PAC Mate Braille Display to the SARA's USB port and read your scanned document in braille.
- BuckScan mode to identify U.S. and Canadian paper currency
- RealSpeak® Solo Direct to provide faster response when navigating menus and documents
- Updated RealSpeak Solo voices from Nuance® including four new languages — Basque, Czechoslovakian, Greek, and Turkish — as well as new voices in British English, Danish, Italian, Norwegian, and Castilian Spanish
- Contrast Adjustment to improve accuracy when scanning low contrast documents
- Updated Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engines to provide the latest in available OCR technology
- An expanded Public Domain Book Collection that now includes 100 books from more than 70 classic authors
Visit the
SARA product page to learn more about the easy-to-use, affordable, and very versatile SARA.
MAGic 11.0.1126 released
Enhancements in MAGic 11.0.1126 (June 2008)
The following reported items were addressed in this update. All enhancements since the initial public beta release are included in the update.
MAGic
- Resolved issues with Apple iTunes™ installed on a Windows Vista system that prevented MAGic from launching.
- AVG Anti-Virus 8.0 software no longer fails when you start the application while MAGic is running.
- Resolved an issue where several customers reported installation error #824 when trying to install MAGic after running some a registry cleaner. This problem no longer occurs with versions 11.0.1126 and later.
- If you cancel changes to an existing Voice Profile, your profile is no longer modified.
- The full ILM and dongle releases of MAGic can now be installed over the 40-minute MAGic demo version. This lets you keep any MAGic settings and configurations created while running the demo version. It also eliminates the need to uninstall the demo application before installing the full product.
- MAGic now permanently saves any application-specific settings made while running that application. Previously, the settings would only apply for that application session.
Citrix Program Neighborhood
- MAGic 11.0 supports Citrix Program Neighborhood® 10.
Microsoft Excel
- MAGic now retains and reads column and row titles that you set in multiple Excel worksheets. Before, when you returned to the previous worksheet, MAGic would not announce column and row titles (CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+C and CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+R).
Microsoft Internet Explorer
- After selecting the Skip to Content link on the Social Security Administration Web page, and a few other Web pages, MAGic now consistently moves to the next link on the page when you press TAB.
Microsoft Office
- MAGic no longer repeats the column and row information when navigating by line (UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW) in a one row, one column table.
Microsoft Outlook
- When moving through a menu tree list of folders in Outlook, MAGic correctly announces folder names as you use the ARROW keys to navigate the list. Earlier, MAGic would say scroll down symbol or scroll up symbol instead of the folder name.
- When navigating the list of folders in the Move Items dialog box (CTRL+SHIFT+V) and the Copy Items dialog box (CTRL+SHIFT+Y), MAGic no longer announces blank as you move from one folder to another.
- E-mail messages no longer close when you select and copy message text using the APPLICATION Key's Copy command.
- Calendar appointments are now spoken correctly as they gain focus.
- MAGic now fully supports short date formats where the day precedes the month, for example, dd-mm-yyyy, for Spanish, French, and other localized versions of Outlook.
Microsoft Word
- When performing a Say All in a Word document, newly edited words are not broken up as MAGic reads the text. For example, the word "other" is no longer read as "o th er" by MAGic.
- MAGic now announces the Word Count dialog box statistics when you press ALT+T, W in Word 2007 or Word 2003 documents.
- The keystrokes ALT+SHIFT+R and ALT+SHIFT+C will now correctly speak the table's row and column titles respectively.
- If a Word table was created using bookmarks to make the table more accessible, MAGic will now read the bookmarked column and row titles correctly when the Defined Bookmark Table Column and Row Titles Override option is turned on.
- When using the Dynamic Lens, MAGic now tracks the correct line when moving with the arrow keys in a Word 2003 document.
Skype
While chatting on Skype™, you can now quickly navigate through messages using the ARROW Keys and still have MAGic speak the correct message.
Version 2.0 of Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier for Pocket PCs released!
The new version of Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier for Pocket PCs, the world-leading screen reader for Windows Mobile Pocket PC phone and PDA devices is now available, and offers a wide range of new and innovative features.
To read the full list of more than 50 new features and enhancements available for Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier for Pocket PCs Version 2.0, visit: www.codefactory.es/descargas/family_1/product_3/Whats_new_V2.0.124_EN.html.
The newly released Mobile Speak for Pocket PCs version 2.0 may be downloaded from:
http://www.codefactory.es/en/downloads.asp?id=44.
To get the full list of compatible add-ons for Mobile Speak for Pocket PCs, visit:
http://www.codefactory.es/en/extras.asp?id=101.
More information about Code Factory's other screen readers is available at:
http://www.codefactory.es/en/products.asp?id=16.
What's New in MAGic 11.0 Screen Magnification Software
Enhancements in MAGic 11.0.1110 (April 2008)
The following reported items were addressed in this update. All enhancements since the
initial public beta release are included in the update.
MAGic
- When installing a newer version of MAGic over an existing MAGic version, the MAGic EyeMerge application
is also automatically updated.
- After creating application specific settings using MAGic, you can now quickly save these changes by opening the MAGic Context menu (MAGic Key+RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON) and then selecting command labeled Save X Settings, where X is the applications name, for example, Microsoft Word 2007.
- When Focus Enhancements is enabled, and you are using the mouse to navigate through a list, such as the All Programs submenu, MAGic now accurately speaks and highlights items in the list. Previously, highlighting was one item off from the spoken item.
- When authorizing MAGic with a hardware dongle, it is now possible to set MAGic to run at startup and it will recognize the dongle.
- When using a SAPI 5 synthesizer for Alternate SayAll, you can adjust the volume of the voice. This setting is saved as part of the voice profile.
.Net
-
When running .NET applications, MAGic now correctly reads and highlights commands, submenus, and other selected items available in the application's menu bar.
Microsoft Excel
- When using the Spelling command in Excel, MAGic now correctly announces the title of the Not in Dictionary edit box, without mentioning the Ignore Once or Ignore All buttons.
- When running MAGic and JAWS together, JAWS now correctly reads all combo and edit boxes that appear in the Sort dialog box.
- When running MAGic and JAWS together, the options available for the Number Format edit box, located in the Ribbon Toolbar Home tab, are now read correctly.
- When using the Spell Checker, MAGic now reads the entry not in the dictionary without extra chatter.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
-
The MAGic highlighting
feature works properly when using the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to
move through and read table cells in a Web page.
Microsoft Office
-
When opening an Office document that contains images, MAGic now recognizes and magnifies all images. Previously, the graphics were missing and required a restart of the application in order to be seen.
-
If an Office application fails, MAGic now reads the entire contents of the Document Recovery dialog box when the dialog gains focus.
- MAGic now recognizes all controls in the Options dialog of Office 2007 applications.
Microsoft Outlook
- After inserting a signature into an e-mail message when running JAWS and MAGic together, JAWS now returns focus to the message window – instead of the Signature button submenu – and announces the insertion of the signature.
- MAGic moves its focus to the correct field if you copy text from an e-mail message that you are composing, and then press SHIFT+TAB to move from the message window to the Subject field.
- As you navigate through folders in Outlook, MAGic now announces the number of unread messages in each
folder.
-
When the Spelling and Grammar dialog box is opened in an Outlook 2003 e-mail message, MAGic now announces and spells any misspelled words that appear in the Not in Dictionary edit box. Also, when pressing UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW to move through words in the Suggestion list box, MAGic will announce and spell the suggested word.
-
MAGic now correctly reads all header edit fields, such as To, CC, and Subject, when you e-mail a worksheet directly from Excel.
-
MAGic now highlights during Say All when you set it to read messages automatically.
-
MAGic now reads items in drop down lists without double-speaking.
-
MAGic can now read items in the Profiles dialog without double-speaking.
-
When you press SHIFT+TAB while on the message body, focus now goes to the Subject field as expected instead of the attachment list or document properties.
-
Performance has been improved when navigating word by word on an email message.
-
MAGic now announces the correct value in the Reminder Time field even when the Task Priority has been changed.
-
MAGic can now read the items in the Address Book correctly.
-
While using the Spell Checker, MAGic now notifies you when you reach a repeated word.
-
MAGic now identifies all appointments in the Calendar regardless of their start time.
Microsoft Word
-
While running Word 2007 on a Windows Vista system, MAGic now successfully announces both text in a document and items in the Apply Styles dialog box when switching between the two.
-
If you are reading a Word document that contains comments, and the MAGic option Comments, Footnotes, and Endnotes Detection (MAGic Key+O) is enabled, MAGic correctly announces all comments in the document when pressing DOWN ARROW or UP ARROW to read by line.
-
When reading Word document tables, MAGic can now read the contents of all cells in a row when pressing UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW to move to the previous or next table row. To do this, you must change the new Document Presentation option
– press MAGic Key+O and then D until the option appears – from Simple Layout to Screen Layout.
-
When you configure the Column Titles Row Set option and the Row Titles Column Set option in a Word table, MAGic now retains the settings that you select in the Adjust MAGic Options dialog box (CAPS LOCK+O).
-
Pressing CTRL+PAGE UP or CTRL+PAGE DOWN now honors the default functionality from the Word application.
-
MAGic now recognizes bulleted list items in Word documents, as well as Outlook messages when Word is used as the editor.
-
When selecting text, MAGic now speaks your selection only once.
-
MAGic can now identify comments when navigating the document line by line.
-
There is significant improvement while reading tables with Say All.
-
Performance while navigating a form with TAB or SHIFT+TAB has been improved.
Windows Vista
-
MAGic now announces the correct volume increase and decrease values when pressing UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW while in the Volume Mixer dialog box.
-
Tracking of controls in the Logon screen has been improved.
-
After closing MAGic, use of ClearType is now enabled, if it was enabled when MAGic was loaded.
Windows XP
-
Focus Enhancement now follows the correct item while navigating the Start Menu with the mouse.
WordPad
-
MAGic no longer causes the screen to jump when selecting text via the keyboard in WordPad.
-
Selecting text in WordPad with the mouse now works. MAGic no longer pulls the mouse pointer back.
Enhancements and New Features in
ONYX™ PCEdition (MAGic EyeMerge 11.0 April 2008)
Numerous enhancements have been added to the MAGic EyeMerge image management software
used with the ONYX PC Edition. The following briefly
describes these new features. For additional information, consult the MAGic
EyeMerge help file.
Camera Control through the Computer
You can now easily control the application using both menu bar commands and hot keys, which provide keyboard command shortcuts. This improves the ease of use by letting you change camera settings without having to move your hands from the keyboard or mouse, thus streamlining camera operation and image capture.
Note: If you currently own an ONYX camera shipped before May 1, 2008, a firmware update is available to enable it to take advantage of the new keyboard commands. Please contact your local dealer to arrange a firmware update.
Auto Save Images
Auto Save is a new and very handy function. When you capture an image using
F12+TAB, MAGic EyeMerge automatically creates a file name and saves the image to a specified folder on your computer. This allows you to concentrate on image capture without having to decide on where to store and what to name the file. By default, the file name includes a base name prefix, for example, EyeMerge, and a time stamp using the date and time the picture was taken. The base name can be a descriptive word to help you identify images associated with multiple cameras or magnification devices. The time stamp uses a two digit format for the year, month, day, hour, minutes, and seconds. Auto Save is turned on by default. You can control it by using the check box in the Preferences dialog box.
Flip
The Flip function is now available using the keyboard to issue the
F12+Q hot key. It rotates the image between normal, mirrored, upside down, and upside down mirrored views. Previously, you could only flip an image using the ONYX camera's remote control. Use
SHIFT+F12+Q to switch between views in reverse order.
Computer and Camera View
As in previous releases, you can use
F12+V to rotate between full screen camera, full screen computer, and split screen views. Additional key assignments have been made in this release to allow you to go directly to a specific view.
-
F12+HOME switches to camera view
-
F12+END switches to computer view
-
F12+PAGE UP switches to split view
Split Image Position
When using the split view, you may want to position the camera image at different screen locations while carrying out computer tasks. In previous releases,
F12+P moved the position of the camera image around the screen in a clockwise
direction starting with the image at top, right, bottom, and then left screen positions.
F12+P has now been reassigned to Split Screen Orientation and toggles between horizontal and vertical orientation.
F12+F toggles the camera image position from top to bottom or from left to right based on screen orientation.
Zoom
With MAGic EyeMerge, you can now zoom in and zoom out smoothly or incrementally using the new
F12+F2 and
F12+F1 hot keys. The advantage of using the hot keys over the ONYX remote control's
PLUS and
MINUS buttons is that while holding
F12 and tapping the
F2 or
F1 keys you can zoom in or zoom out in steps.
Find
The Find feature allows you to quickly zoom out with the camera, locate a new point of interest, and return to the previous zoom level to view the new object. For example, a professor has written an equation on the classroom's chalkboard. While you are making notes, the professor writes another equation. Using Find, you can zoom out, manually move the camera until you locate the new text, and then, using the crosshairs, center the camera on the equation and zoom in to see a clear, close up image. The crosshairs disappear after the camera zooms in.
This very popular and powerful ONYX camera feature has been expanded when using the keyboard. With the keyboard, press and hold the new
F12+A hot key to turn on Find, display the crosshairs, and zoom out to a zoom level that makes it comfortable to move the camera and locate the new point of interest. You can adjust the zoom level while the crosshairs are on using the
F12+F2 and
F12+F1 Zoom hot keys. Once you have centered the camera view on the new point of interest, press
F12+A to turn off the crosshairs and zoom in to the previous zoom level view.
color:windowtext'>Focus Lock and Freeze Frame
The built-in Auto Focus lets the camera automatically focus on the object that is closest to the camera, making it easy to change the distance at which you are viewing without having to manually adjust the focus. At times however, objects moving
into the foreground such as a raised hand may cause focus to blur on the object you are actually viewing. Focus Lock turns Auto Focus off, leaving the focus at its current setting. You can toggle this powerful feature on or off with the new
F12+D hot key, or select the Enable Focus check box on the new Camera tab page.
Freeze Frame (
F12+Z) allows you to have prolonged viewing of an object even after it has been removed or erased. When Freeze Frame is enabled, the current image becomes static and remains as the screen image until you press
F12+Z
again to turn off Freeze Frame.
By using the keyboard commands to activate each of these functions, you can continue to keep your focus locked while toggling Freeze Frame on and off.
Image Capture Functions
Greater functionality has been added for Image Capture. For example:
-
The new F12+TAB hot key takes a snapshot of the current camera view, automatically assigns it a file name, and saves it to the My Pictures folder. The new file is also added to the Images list in the Manage Image dialog box. This hot key replaces the F12+I hot key, previously used to capture a snapshot.
- Use F12+DELETE to delete a captured image from your computer. This is especially useful when something impedes the camera view of the image at the point when the snapshot is captured.
-
You can now capture an unlimited number of images per camera. Earlier MAGic EyeMerge releases limited you to only nine images.
-
You can scroll through all active images using F12+SPACEBAR and F12+SHIFT+SPACEBAR
-
Using the F12+1 through F12+9 hot keys, you can jump to the last nine images created with F12+1 being the most recent, and, descending in order, F12+9 being the oldest image.
-
Pressing F12+0 (zero) returns your view to the live camera image.
-
The Manage Image dialog box now shows a thumbnail image. This is a very effective feature when searching for a specific image to load or when renaming images to a more descriptive name.
File Preferences
-
The Preferences dialog box has been expanded to include the following functions:
-
The Auto Save check box allows MAGic EyeMerge to name and save files as previously described.
-
The Base Name edit box defines the descriptive word that you want as a file name prefix. This is helpful when trying to identify images created using different cameras or magnification devices. The default base name is EyeMerge.
-
The Location edit box defines where images are saved on your computer. The default folder is C:\Documents and Settings\user name\My Documents\My Pictures.
-
The Image Type combo box lets you quickly select a default graphic format for image files. The default is PNG, but this can be changed to BMP, GIF, JPEG or TIFF.
-
The Warn When Deleting Files check box determines if an alert message appears when using the Manage Image dialog box to delete images.
Color Mode
Camera modes can often be used to reduce glare and make images easier to read. With this release of MAGic EyeMerge, you are able to easily rotate between the four color modes or go directly to the desired color mode. For example:
F12+E cycles through the four Color modes
F12+SHIFT+A switches to Normal (full color) mode
F12+SHIFT+S switches to Negative (inverted color) mode
F12+SHIFT+D switches to Black on White (positive) mode
F12+SHIFT+F switches to White on Black (negative)
mode
Image Enhancement
Depending on
lighting conditions and things such as image quality and contrast, you may want
to vary standard settings for brightness, hue, saturation, and contrast. You
can now quickly adjust these settings using the keyboard. For example:
F12+B increases brightness (intensity of
light) of the view while F12+SHIFT+B decreases brightness
F12+H increases hue (shade of a color) of
the view while F12+SHIFT+B decreases hue
F12+B increases saturation (color
intensity) of the view while F12+SHIFT+B decreases saturation
F12+C increases contrast (difference
between the lightest and the darkest parts of the image) of the view while F12+SHIFT+C
decreases contrast
Image Management
The Manage Images dialog box has been enhanced to make it easier to perform such tasks as loading previously saved images, renaming images, or deleting images. Press
F12+G
at any time to open the Manage Image dialog box.
Camera Power
The ONYX
camera can now be turned on or off from the MAGic EyeMerge interface or with
the
F12+X hot key. The
POWER UP or
POWER DOWN toggle
button is located on the View tab page.
Download MAGic 11.0
The following
briefly describes how to download and install the latest MAGic release.
-
Select the MAGic download
link that appears at the end of this procedure.
-
When the dialog box opens, choose Save and select a location where you can easily find the downloaded executable file.
-
Run the executable file and follow the talking installer.
MAGic
11.0.1117 – ILM release (105 MB -
FTP download)
High-Speed Braille Production - Now With Tiger Graphics
- High-speed braille along with Tiger super-high-resolution graphics
- Automatic double-sided embossing—no flipping the paper
- Production-strength hardware made for running long hours
- Compact desktop size—smaller than most production embossers
Get the quality and reliability expected with a heavy-duty braille production unit along with the added benefit of Tiger graphics—the most detailed raised graphics available from any braille embosser. Create an entire braille book, complete with double-sided braille text and tactile graphics, all with the touch of a button.
Purchase price includes a license for the Tiger Software Suite for braille translation, tactile graphics design and more. Tiger embossers are also compatible with Duxbury and other braille and tactile graphics software.
New Tiger Braille Dot!
The Tiger Elite/Premier series incorporates the newly redesigned Tiger Braille dot. Tests prove the new dot is improved for readability, yet maintains Tiger's unmatched detail in producing tactile graphics.
|
Premier 80
Printing Speed: 80 CPS
Paper Width: 4" - 12.5"
|
Premier 100
Printing Speed: 100 CPS
Paper Width: 4" - 12.5"
|
 |
 |
Elite 150
Printing Speed: 150 CPS
Paper Width: 4" - 12.5"
|
Elite 200
Printing Speed: 200 CPS
Paper Width: 4" - 12.5"
|
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ZoomText Scripting Edition Released!
AISquared have now released the powerful new ZoomText Scripting Edition, allowing ZoomText and most application tasks to be customized to create the most productive work environment possible.
ZoomText Scripting Edition software allows a script writer to create scripts that improve workflow and efficiency for the ZoomText user. Scripting Edition makes it possible to customize the behavior of ZoomText and other applications, providing enhanced magnification and screen reading functionality, and automation of routine tasks. With the power of ZoomText Scripting Edition, users can experience greater productivity and success, especially in workplace environments.
What can ZoomText Scripting Edition do?
Good question. So, here are a few examples of how a ZoomText script can optimize your work...
Create a script that announces the contact fields you're interested in when opening a database.
Create a script that instructs ZoomText to automatically read each email that you open.
Create a script that announces new text that's delivered into your chat window.
You know what you need. Let your imagination run wild.
ZoomText Scripting Edition is not your typical out-of-the-box software product-you will need someone with script writing experience to create your scripts. If a person with these skills is not available to you Ai Squared can provide you with this service. We are also recruiting a stable of script writers to fill the already growing demand for ZoomText scripting.
Our first ZoomText Scripting user!
Al Goncer of Virginia was one of the first to purchase a copy of ZoomText Scripting Edition, and he was happy to share his enthusiasm with us. Al uses repetitive forms on a daily basis, and he found himself always clicking the same things. "[ZoomText Scripting provides] the opportunity for new usage possibilities."
With ZoomText Scripting Edition, Al has already written custom scripts that save him from repeating the same series of clicks every time he has to fill out a form. In his free time Al also does day trading, so he uses a software program that provides him with continuous running quotes throughout the day. He wrote scripts for ZoomText to check prices and track the value of his stocks, asking ZoomText to provide alerts to let Al know where his trades stand. "You guys have helped me out tremendously - I would not be able to work without it."
How do I purchase ZoomText Scripting Edition?
ZoomText Scripting Edition is available through Ai Squared dealers. Upgrades as well as multi-user licensing are also available.
Freedom Scientific Releases ONYX Deskset with a 19-Inch Monitor
(St. Petersburg, Florida — March 7, 2008) Freedom Scientific today announced the latest addition to its suite of ONYX low vision camera solutions. The new ONYX Deskset 19 features the versatility of the popular ONYX Deskset 17 introduced last summer, but incorporates a larger 19-inch monitor. Both ONYX Deskset models provide low vision users with ultra-sharp auto-focused viewing in distance, intermediate, and up-close magnification modes all in a go-anywhere package that is extremely easy to use.
The new ONYX Deskset 19 produces magnification of up to 95 times. Whether users need to see magnified images from across large rooms or auditoriums, get a true mirror image close up for grooming or applying make-up, or need to enhance text for reading, the ONYX Deskset 19 delivers exactingly clear, high contrast images.
“The extremely positive reaction to the portability of our ONYX Deskset 17 led us to see if we could offer the same benefits to users who prefer a larger screen,” said Brad Davis, Vice President of Freedom Scientific's Hardware Product Management. “With the ONYX Deskset 19, we were able to accomplish that goal in a unit that fits into the same rolling carrying case as its smaller predecessor and weighs under 15 and one half pounds. For many low vision users, this newest model of the ONYX will provide a solution that optimizes their technology investment and further enhances their independence.”
The ONYX Deskset 19 and ONYX Deskset 17 models are extremely portable with fast and easy set up and breakdown features to readily adapt to any viewing circumstance — with 350 degree camera rotation, three axes on the rotating arm, and the ability to mount the camera on either side of the monitor. The ONYX camera also remembers its settings in each position ease of switching back and forth between near and distance viewing without refocusing or readjusting the camera.
Both models come complete with a sturdy, lightweight, carrying case that includes a telescoping handle enabling users to carry or wheel their video magnifier anywhere they need it to go. To learn about the many features of the ONYX Deskset 19 and the full line of ONYX multiple-view cameras go to
ONYX Multiple-View Cameras.
Freedom Scientific Releases MAGic 11.0
What's New in MAGic 11.0
The latest product improvements in both JAWS® and MAGic® incorporate more JAWS screen reading functionality into the MAGic screen magnification application. These enhancements also improve how JAWS reads when MAGic is running at the same time.
The following list highlights new functionality available when running the two programs together:
-
The MAGic highlighting option is in sync as JAWS reads Web pages. By providing this visual queue, you always know where you
are on the computer screen as JAWS is reading.
- The addition of Navigation Quick Keys is another
improvement. When running the two programs simultaneously, you can use these
keystrokes so that MAGic highlights each item you jump to as you read by
heading, list item, paragraph, and so on.
- When viewing a Web page with either or both
programs running, you can use Windows keyboard commands to select text and
items. As you do this, MAGic, JAWS, or the combination of MAGic and JAWS,
visually show you the items that are selected. The text that is copied can be
pasted into an HTML e-mail or any rich text word processor and maintains the
links and original formatting.
To take advantage of these enhancements, be sure to
download the latest JAWS
9.0 release and MAGic 11.0 build.
Windows Vista Support
In addition to working with Windows XP and Windows 2000, MAGic now supports Windows Vista™ and Windows Vista Service Pack 1.
MAGic 11.0 Professional and MAGic 11.0 Scripting Edition support the following 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows:
- Windows Vista Ultimate
- Windows Vista Enterprise
- Windows Vista Business
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Home Basic
- Windows XP Pro
- Windows XP Home
- Windows XP Media Center
- Windows 2000
MAGic 11.0 Standard supports the following 32-bit
versions of Microsoft Windows:
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows XP Home
Automatically Start MAGic in Windows Vista
For Windows Vista users, the Automatically Start MAGic function now appears as a button in the Preferences dialog under the File menu. Use this button and its options to configure MAGic to start before or after you start Windows Vista. These options can also be used to determine if MAGic runs when several individuals use the same computer. For example, imagine that a couple owns one computer: he uses MAGic and she does not. In Windows Vista, they can set up separate user accounts so that his account always runs MAGic before and after he logs on, and her account never starts MAGic after she logs on. Another example is when MAGic is used in a classroom or network environment. If several students use MAGic, the network
administrator can set up their user accounts so that MAGic is running before and after log on. However, the administrator can configure his or her account so that MAGic never starts.
For more information about using this function, use the
SHIFT+F1 context-sensitive help, or refer to Starting and Quitting MAGic in the MAGic help file.
Note:
Windows Vista support is only available
with
MAGic 11.0 or higher.
New DAISY Book for Windows Vista
A new DAISY book that describes how to install, activate, and use MAGic on a Windows Vista™ computer is available for
download from Freedom Scientific. This free book, which is full of valuable information to help guide you through the new operating system's user interface, is also offered in MP3 format. To download this book, navigate to the heading titled
JAWS® and MAGic®: An Introduction to Windows Vista™ that appears on the
Freedom Scientific Training Headquarters page. Once there, select the
XTraMAGicIntroToVista
link.
After DAISY books are downloaded and installed, they appear in a folder that is easily accessed by the FSReader Demo DAISY reader. To open and play the books using FSReader Demo, do the following:
- From the MAGic Help menu, choose Training.
FSReader Demo opens, and the File Open dialog box appears.
- Use the ARROW keys to navigate
to the XTraMAGicIntroToVista DAISY book.
- Press ENTER to open the
DAISY book.
- Press CTRL+P to play the narrated audio or use standard reading commands to read the text of the DAISY book.
Note: New DAISY books are included on all program and demo MAGic CDs beginning with MAGic 11.0.
Completely New Basic Training for MAGic 11.0
The Basic Training for MAGic 11.0 was completely rewritten and recorded using a Windows Vista computer with Microsoft Office 2007. This new Basic Training in text and narrated audio DAISY format is included on all program and demo MAGic CDs beginning with MAGic 11.0. The new Basic Training is also available as a free download in either MP3 or DAISY format from the
Freedom Scientific MAGic Training Headquarters page.
Microsoft Office 2007 Support
MAGic 11.0 has full support for Microsoft Word 2007, Microsoft
Excel 2007, and Microsoft Outlook 2007.
Newly-Designed Adjust MAGic Options Dialog Box
The Adjust MAGic Verbosity list has been updated with the newly-designed Adjust MAGic Options tree view (
MAGic Key+O ). Instead of showing items in a list format, the reorganized dialog box uses a
logical tree menu format. This grouping is sure to help new and experienced MAGic users understand the relationship between various MAGic settings. The MAGic Options dialog box (
MAGic Key+O ) only
applies while using Word or Excel (any supported version) and Outlook 2007. The keystroke does nothing while using any other program.
The tree view is expanded by default when you open it to allow for first letter navigation, thus continuing the ease of use found in the original Verbosity list design. If you would rather have it collapsed, press
TAB to navigate to the Expand Tree View check box and uncheck it; the change takes effect immediately. You may also navigate through the tree view using the
RIGHT ARROW and
LEFT ARROW keys to expand and collapse groups. Use the
UP ARROW and
DOWN ARROW keys to move up and down in the tree.
Once an option is selected, use the
SPACEBAR to cycle through the available setting values. To save changes, press
ENTER or the
CLOSE
button.
MAGic 11.0 also includes built-in help messages for each item found in the tree view. As you navigate items in the list, simply press
TAB to move to the Read-Only edit window at any time for a help description of the current item.
JAWS Navigation Quick Keys and MAGic Tracking are Now Synchronized!
When running MAGic 11.0 screen magnification software with JAWS 9.0, there is now a visual indication on Web pages as you read or navigate using JAWS. Navigation Quick Keys let you move easily and quickly around Web pages, Outlook and Outlook Express e-mails, Adobe Acrobat PDF files, the JAWS or MAGic help files, and anywhere else the Virtual Cursor is
active.
Document Presentation Mode Updated for Use with MAGic
The JAWS Document Presentation option has been updated so that it defaults to Enhanced Visual Layout mode when running MAGic 11.0 with JAWS 9.0. This means that the layout of Web pages, tables, links, and graphic elements is the same in the virtual buffer as these items appear on the screen. If a paragraph on a Web page has only four or five words per line, then this is exactly what the JAWS user hears when moving up and down the page while JAWS and MAGic are running. If MAGic is not running, the JAWS user hears longer lines of text that do not always synchronize with the text layout on the screen, which is exactly what the JAWS user has typically experienced.
The Select and Copy option's default setting for HTML documents has changed. It is now Full Content Using Onscreen Highlight
instead of Full Content. The default setting lets you highlight and copy HTML text and elements and retain the formatting just as it appears in the HTML document. This means that you can use the
SHIFT+UP ARROW or
SHIFT+DOWN ARROW , the
CTRL+SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW or
CTRL+SHIFT+LEFT ARROW , and the
SHIFT+LEFT
ARROW or
SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW
keystrokes to select HTML e-mail and Internet Explorer items that appear on
the screen.
To open the Select and Copy option and choose a setting, press
INSERT+V
while in an HTML document. Next, press
S to navigate to the Select and Copy option, and then press
SPACEBAR to scroll through the settings. Press
ENTER to save the
change.
HTML Formatting Retained when
Copying and Pasting
MAGic 11 .0 now properly copies the contents of a Web
page to the virtual buffer, and retains all the HTML formatting and
markup when pasting the information into an HTML formatted e-mail or Word
document. This breakthrough in screen reading means that you can
now copy and paste content and retain its formatting, colors,
and active hyperlinks, but does not include any of the other MAGic
messages, such as the number of items in a list, and so on. What you paste is
essentially the same rendering that a sighted user would see. Plus, you have
the added advantage of being able to use MAGic HTML commands to read and
navigate the Web content when pasted into an e-mail message.
In addition, MAGic still provides a way to select, copy,
and paste in the traditional manner of stripping out the formatting if you
choose. This option is in the Virtual Cursor Options group in the new Adjust
MAGic Option dialog box (
MAGic Key+O ).
Focus Enhancement
When using Windows Vista, the colors of the user
interface can appear muted and difficult to distinguish. The Focus
Enhancement function lets you define a visible rectangular border that
identifies and tracks the item that is currently selected on the screen. As
you select different items, using either the mouse or keyboard, the
rectangular border moves its focus to that place on the screen.
The
Focus Enhancement
command is located under the
Magnification menu.
The Focus Enhancement button is located to the far right in the second row of
the MAGic user interface. Right-click the button to open the Focus
Enhancement dialog box. If you make changes, remember to save by pressing
CTRL+S .
RealSpeak Solo Speech Synthesizer
Included with your package is the RealSpeak Solo, SAPI 5
synthesizer CD. It contains a variety of voices in several languages. To
install these voices, insert the CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive. Then,
follow the instructions to select which voices you want to install, and
complete the installation.
Say All Command and SAPI 5 Voices
MAGic can immediately switch from its current Eloquence synthesized voice to a SAPI 5, RealSpeak Solo synthesized voice when using the Say All command (
INSERT+DOWN ARROW or
MAGic Key+SPACEBAR ).
While the default Eloquence voice may be useful for reading and navigating short text such as prior or next line, sentence, or paragraph, it may not be the preferred voice for longer passages of text. The SAPI 5 voice offers a
higher-quality sound, which makes reading using the Say All command a more pleasing experience.
When using the new feature, the SAPI 5 voice remains active while you fast forward, rewind, speed up, or slow down during the Say All. However, when you use navigation functions such as Say Word and Say Paragraph, or when you use the
UP ARROW or
DOWN ARROW
keys to read the previous or next sentence, or when you press the
CTRL key to stop the Say All command, MAGic immediately switches back to the Eloquence voice.
Alternate Say All Command
MAGic 11.0 basically has two types of Say All options. The first is the regular Say All command, which uses the keystroke
INSERT+DOWN ARROW or
MAGic Key+SPACEBAR . The second is the Alternate Say All command, which uses the keystroke
ALT+INSERT+DOWN ARROW .
This lets you perform a Say All using either an Eloquence synthesized voice
or a SAPI 5, RealSpeak Solo synthesized voice. By default, the Alternate Say
All command is configured for SAPI 5.
Magnify up to 36x
MAGic can now magnify up to 36x magnification.
Previously, the highest magnification level was 16x. Users with higher
resolution monitors may benefit from using magnification levels above 16x.
MAGic Scripts
MAGic scripts have been reorganized into logical
categories to make it easier for users to find functions and learn the
assigned key combination or assign key combinations that fit their
preferences.
Virtual Find
MAGic 11.0 introduces a new search capability known as
Virtual Find. It is available when you press
CTRL+F when running
MAGic with Internet Explorer or Adobe Reader files. Instead of showing the
application's normal Find dialog, the Virtual Find dialog lets you maintain a
history of the last 20 entries in the edit combo box, clear the history,
search forwards or backwards through a Web page or document, and ignore
letter case. You can also press
F3 to continue your
search to the next item or
SHIFT+F3 to search for
the previous item.
MAGic EyeMerge Installation
The MAGic EyeMerge™ software lets you view,
capture, and save magnified images when using the new Freedom Scientific
ONYX™ magnification camera with your computer. This companion
application automatically installs and creates a desktop icon when you
install MAGic 11.0.
Refer to the MAGic EyeMerge help file for operational
procedures and information. For information about ONYX cameras, select
www.lowvisionsolutions.com.
MAGic EyeMerge is currently only available for Windows XP.
Download MAGic 11.0
The following briefly describes how to download and install the latest MAGic release.
- Select the MAGic download link associated with your
authorization (ILM or Dongle) that appears at the end of this procedure.
- When the dialog box opens, choose Save
and select a location where you can easily find the downloaded executable
file.
- Run the executable file and follow the talking
installer.
MAGic 11.0.603 - ILM release (106 MB -
FTP
download)
MAGic
11.0.603 - Dongle release (102 MB -
FTP download)
Demonstration Version of MAGic
Select the following link to download a 40-minute
version of MAGic 11.0
Free DEMO of MAGic 11.0 (97 MB -
FTP
download)
Dusty Voorhees, MAGic Product Manager, Discusses What's New in MAGic 11.0
You can download and listen to an interview with Dusty Voorhees, product manager for MAGic, in which he discusses the exciting new features available in MAGic 11.0. The interview is available in DAISY and MP3 format.
If you download the DAISY version, you will need a DAISY reader (such as FSReader or FSReader Demo) to listen to the interview.
"What's
New" interview with Dusty Voorhees (MP3 version).
"What's
New" interview with Dusty Voorhees (DAISY version)
Freedom Scientific Releases OpenBook 8.0
What's New in OpenBook 8.0
Freedom Scientific’s OpenBook™ 8.0 scanning and reading software goes beyond providing access to printed documents or graphic-based text. This release provides new synthesizers, updated optical character recognition (OCR) engines, improved access to online books, common keyboarding with JAWS® and MAGic®, built-in braille support, new low vision features, new reference features, and much more. OpenBook 8.0 supports Windows Vista™ (including Service Pack 1), Windows XP, and Windows 2000 operating systems.
To download a 40-hour demo of OpenBook 8.0, select
Demonstration Version of OpenBook.
Skip past features list.
OpenBook 8.0 New Features and Improvements
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Engine Updates
OpenBook 8.0 uses the latest versions of both FineReader® and Nuance OmniPage® to provide the best text conversion and page recognition available.
Default File Format Update Includes Unicode
OpenBook 8.0 now creates and saves files using the new, default OBX file extension instead of the older ARK file format. This new OBX Unicode format lets OpenBook work with many more languages. All files previously created and saved with the ARK format will still open in OpenBook 8.0.
Keyboard Layout Redesign
Whether you use JAWS, MAGic, OpenBook, or PAC Mate™, all basic reading keystrokes are now the same, which makes it easier than ever to transition between Freedom Scientific products. Trainers will really find this to be a plus when working with different clients using a wide range of products.
Eloquence Speech Synthesizer Replaces ViaVoice
OpenBook 8.0 now includes the same high quality Eloquence speech synthesizers used in JAWS, MAGic, and PAC Mate replacing the ViaVoice™ synthesizer.
RealSpeak Solo Included
The latest RealSpeak™ Solo voices, which began shipping with JAWS 8.0, are now supported and shipped with OpenBook 8.0 and MAGic 11.0. If you installed these voices for use with JAWS or MAGic, you can immediately begin using them with OpenBook. Simply choose SAPI 5 from the Synthesizer combo box in the Speech Settings properties page. Otherwise, you will need to install them from the RealSpeak Solo CD that is included with your OpenBook package.
SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 Synthesizers Support
Along with a native Eloquence synthesizer, OpenBook now works with synthesizers that use the SAPI 4 or SAPI 5 interface. If you select SAPI 4 or SAPI 5, all available voices that are installed on your system will appear in the Reading Voice Language combo box.
Use Different Voices for Different Things
You can now select a different voice for the Menu, Reading, and Emphasis voices. For example, you could use Eloquence Reed as the Menu voice while using RealSpeak Solo Daniel as the Reading voice.
New and Improved Freedom Import Printer
The Freedom Import Printer lets you send inaccessible documents and graphic representations of text directly to OpenBook for optical character recognition. OpenBook 8.0 provides a new, updated importer that now supports color imports from other applications, as well as the grayscale and black and white imports previously supported.
Microsoft Word 2007 Support
You can now use the Freedom Import Printer to send documents from Microsoft® Word 2007 to OpenBook. Also, if you open a Word document within OpenBook, including a Word 2007 document, and it cannot be opened normally, it will send the document to the Freedom Import Printer.
The Scan Using OpenBook feature in Word has been expanded to include Word 2007. If you have Word 2007 installed on your computer when installing OpenBook 8.0, the Scan Using OpenBook command will be added to the Add-Ins ribbon tab in Word. This feature scans printed documents using OpenBook, but places the results directly into a new Word document.
Split View
With Split View, you can have both the Text View and Exact View on the screen simultaneously. This allows you to easily compare the exact view of a page or document with the recognized text to locate and fix errors that may have occurred during OCR.
Cycle Between Views
You can now cycle between Text View, Exact View, and Split View using the
CTRL+SHIFT+V keystroke.
Preferred View
The new Preferred View feature allows you to select the view to use when opening documents. You can choose from Text View (default), Split View, or Exact View. The new setting is located in the Visual Settings properties page (
ALT+G, V) as the first option. Saving the setting as default will allow the setting to be saved for the next time you launch an OpenBook session.
Exact View Printing
Opening the File menu and selecting Print, or pressing
CTRL+P while in the Exact View of a document, now prints the document in Exact View format.
Exact View Scrolling
New keystrokes have been added to control scrolling when in Exact View. These apply both in Exact View and in the Exact View of Split View. The new keystrokes are:
- ALT+CTRL+LEFT ARROW for Scroll Exact View Left
- ALT+CTRL+RIGHT ARROW for Scroll Exact View Right
- ALT+CTRL+UP ARROW for Scroll Exact View Up
- ALT+CTRL+DOWN ARROW for Scroll Exact View Down
Photocopy
The Photocopy command (
ALT+C, P) is now available when in Exact View. It is similar to Exact View Printing.
Mouse Scroll Wheel
The mouse scroll wheel now functions to scroll text within the Help window, Text View, Exact View, and the top pane of the Split View. It is particularly useful when the document on the page is long, the text is large, or when the Exact View is zoomed to a larger size.
Re-recognize Pages
You can now re-recognize the current page or the entire document without rescanning. In order to re-recognize a page, you need to enable the Keep Exact View option in the Scanning settings before you scan.
BuckScan Improvements
Improvements have been made to BuckScan to ensure that the latest designs of U.S. currency ($1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100) are supported.
Document Highlighting
Use the new Highlighting feature to indicate important passages or key words in your document just as you would highlight text in a book. You can highlight text by turning on highlighting and using the
ARROW keys to navigate through the section of text you want highlighted, or you can select a block of text and highlight the selection. Before you begin highlighting, you can select the highlight color to be used.
Highlighted text can be exported to a new document, or, when printing, you can select to only print highlights.
Appending a File
OpenBook can merge the contents of one document into the currently open document. It appends the file to the end of the currently open document using the Select A File To Append dialog box, which functions like an Open dialog box.
Comment Insertion
You now have the ability to insert comments into a document. To insert a comment, simply position the cursor where you want the comment inserted, and then press
ALT+CTRL+M to open the Add Comment dialog box.
Additionally, comments can be exported to a new document, or, when printing, you can choose to only print the comments. You can have comments spoken or ignored when reading a document.
Go To Dialog
The new Go To dialog box (
CTRL+G) lets you move forward or backward through your document by page, bookmark, highlight, or comment.
Braille Support Now Built-in
OpenBook now has built-in support for braille displays when running without a screen reader.
To use braille, open the Settings menu (
ALT+G) and select Braille Enabled. OpenBook will automatically detect Freedom Scientific braille displays including the Focus braille displays and the PAC Mate™ Portable Braille Display. OpenBook also supports a number of third-party braille displays currently supported by JAWS. You can add displays using the Braille Manager located in the Settings menu.
DAISY File Support
OpenBook now plays DAISY audio files (XML). The previous ability to open and read DAISY text files (HTML and OPF) is also maintained in this release.
Audio File Support Now Built-in
OpenBook now supports audio files, including DAISY audio (XML) and music files (MP3, MPG, WAV, CDA, and WMA file formats).
Use the new Open Audio Directory dialog box (
CTRL+R), located in the File menu, to quickly locate and play these audio formats.
Book Search Improvements
The Book Search feature of OpenBook has been rewritten to provide even easier, more reliable downloading of books. The Advanced Search dialog box has been improved to provide a more intuitive user experience. When downloading a book from any source, which is already in the default Books folder, OpenBook now notifies you that the book already exist, allowing you to cancel the download or overwrite the existing file.
Illegal Character Improvements
OpenBook provides an audible alert if illegal characters are used as part of a file name.
Wildcard Characters
OpenBook will now announce File List Box Updated if, when in the Save As dialog box, you enter a wildcard character in the file name. The list view will simply update the currently displayed files, but a save will not occur.
Rewind Improvements
During a Say All function (
INSERT+DOWN ARROW) you can rewind by pressing the left
SHIFT key. The behavior has changed so that rewind always jumps back to the prior sentence. Previously, the rewind feature required two swift presses of the left
SHIFT key: one to jump to the start of the current sentence and one more to jump to the prior sentence.
Say Selected Text
OpenBook can now speak any selected text using the following keystrokes:
- INSERT+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW for both Desktop and Laptop layout
- CAPS LOCK+SHIFT+A for Laptop layout.
Browse Button
A Browse button has been added to the General Settings properties page (
ALT+G, V) to make it easier to change the Default File Location edit box.
Increase Zoom and Decrease Zoom Keystrokes
New keystrokes have been added to zoom in or zoom out when in Exact View or in the Exact View of Split View. OpenBook will indicate the zoom percent.
- CTRL+ALT+4 to increase the zoom level
- CTRL+ALT+3 to decrease the zoom level
Context Menu
The Scan and Read command is the first item in the Context Menu list when you press the Applications key (
SHIFT+F10).
No Empty View in OpenBook Window
When you close the last document in OpenBook, a new, untitled document always opens.
Help
When in the OpenBook help file (
F1), a double mouse click on a help topic in the Table of Contents now opens that specific help information in the Topic window.
Return
to top from Features and Improvements
Demonstration Version of OpenBook
The following briefly describes how to download and install the 40-hour version of OpenBook 8.0.
- Select the FTP download link that appears at the end of this procedure.
- When the dialog box opens, choose Save and select a location where you can easily find the downloaded executable file.
- Run the executable and follow the talking installer instructions.
- Reboot your computer if you are prompted to when installing the Demo software.
Note: If you are prompted to reboot, and your system does not proceed automatically with the installation, launch the installation file again.
Free OpenBook 8.0 DEMO (247 MB -
FTP download)
Back to top from OpenBook 8.0 Demo Download
ViewPlus Announces New IVEO (v.2) - Hands-on Learning System
For Immediate Release February 5, 2008
Corvallis, Oregon, February 5, 2008 – Today ViewPlus announced the release of the new IVEO Hands-on Learning System (v.2). IVEO is a multi-sensory learning system that makes teaching of visual concepts – diagrams, images and even art - more complete and interactive, while incorporating tools to better accommodate people with visual or learning disabilities.
The IVEO system includes a touch-sensitive pad on which raised or embossed templates are placed. Students can touch the tactile pictures and diagrams on the pad while the software speaks descriptions of the objects being touched. Descriptions can include computer speech, recorded speech, sounds, music or even links to web pages or computer files that contain information about objects on the tactile template.
Scientific studies demonstrate that people learn better when given information through simultaneous use of the three learning modalities – touch, sound and sight – as is done with the IVEO Hands-on Learning System. Combining the senses when studying allows students to learn faster and retain knowledge longer. This universal approach is also inclusive of people with sensory disabilities.
The IVEO Touchpad interacts with any of three IVEO software options: IVEO Viewer, IVEO Creator and IVEO Creator Pro. IVEO Viewer is a free downloadable program for interactive audio, tactile and visual access to images. IVEO Creator allows users to generate new IVEO files and IVEO Creator Pro adds the ability to import and scan existing electronic and paper materials into the IVEO system.
Using IVEO Creator, tactile templates can be made with programs like Microsoft Visio, CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator. IVEO Creator Pro allows users to also import bitmaps, PDF files, other Windows files, and even scan from paper documents. Drawing tools are also included in IVEO Creator and IVEO Creator Pro as another option to produce new images or to edit existing ones. These tools can be accessed through the computer mouse, the keyboard or by drawing on the touchpad surface. Once the drawing is complete, a template can be embossed on any Tiger embosser or printed from a Windows printer and then placed on the touchpad to be studied.
IVEO utilizes the Scaleable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format. SVG images can be scaled/zoomed to any size without losing resolution. Therefore, the same images can be used by people of all visual abilities with no compromise in quality. Users can zoom to the ideal size for their particular needs using the touchpad or mouse. When a zoomed printed template is placed on the touchpad, the computer automatically adjusts the image on the screen to the new size.
The use of SVG makes IVEO compatible with the new DAISY SVG Plug-in. Thus, IVEO can be used to add accessible images to DAISY electronic books and other media to enhance the text.
New features in IVEO (v.2) include: the ability to add sounds, music and links to objects in the tactile template; an enhanced user interface; and a choice of the previous portable IVEO touchpad or a new large format touchpad. IVEO (v.2) comes with sample curriculum templates with more available for free download and printing from the
ViewPlus website. Curriculum packs for biology, math, health, and geography will be available soon.
Enhanced Vision announces the Acrobat LCD
Enhanced Vision is pleased to announce the introduction of their latest product to an already extensive line of low vision solutions.
Acrobat LCD - Now your clients can enjoy the flexibility of a 3-in-1 video magnifier and the simplicity of a stand alone unit rolled into one. This feature rich magnifier is ideal for near, distance and self viewing. By rotating the camera, you can groom, read, write, and magnify images at any distance. The Acrobat LCD offers a complete system for those at work, school or home. With no set up required, this truly is a plug and play system that is ready whenever your clients are!
Blackle - Helping to save the environment
How many of us use Google as our web search engine? Well, I even use it as the default address for my browser as a sort of walk-in encyclopedia in the mornings. The folks at Google have seemingly calculated the energy footprint of a standard monitor displaying Google in Full Colour and have come up with a concept of saving energy. It's called Blackle. Yes, catchy name for a novel concept. With Blackle, you can now do your searching in plain old black & white and help save energy and the planet.
Go and visit
www.blackle.com and see for yourself. By using Black & White only, Google have estimated a huge energy saving as a result, ultimately having a positive effect on our environment in terms of Carbon Emmissions etc. The colour (Black & White) setting also just so happens to be a high contrast white text on a black background, the preferred setting for many Low Vision users when reading text on screen. With Blackle, you may find that your eyes are less tired after a long day of searching the net.
This is what Blackle says about Blackle
How is Blackle saving energy?
Blackle was created by
Heap Media to remind us all of the need to take
small steps in our everyday lives to save energy. Blackle searches are powered by Google Custom Search.
Blackle saves energy because the screen is predominantly black. "Image displayed is primarily a function of the user's color settings and desktop graphics, as well as the color and size of open application windows; a given monitor requires more power to display a white (or light) screen."Roberson et al, 2002
In January 2007 a blog post titled
Black
Google Would Save 750 Megawatt-hours a Year proposed the theory that a black version of the Google search engine would save a fair bit of energy due to the popularity of the search engine. Since then there has been skepticism about the significance of the energy savings that can be achieved and the cost in terms of readability of black web pages.
We believe that there is value in the concept because even if the energy savings are small, they all add up. Secondly we feel that seeing Blackle every time we load our web browser reminds us that we need to keep taking small steps to save energy.
How can you help?
We encourage you to set Blackle as your home page. This way every time you load your Internet browser you will save a little bit of energy. Remember every bit counts! You will also be reminded about the need to save energy each time you see the Blackle page load.
Help us spread the word about Blackle by telling your friends and family to set it as their home page. If you have a blog then give us a mention. Or put the following text in your email signature: "Blackle.com - Saving energy one search at a time".
Have a look at our
energy saving tips page for ideas on steps you can take to save energy.
There are a lot of great web sites about saving energy and being more environmentally friendly. They are full of great tips covering the little things that we can all do to make a difference today. Try Blackling "energy saving tips"
or visit
treehugger.com a great blog dedicated to environmental awareness
Metropolitan Learnership 2008
Metropolitan will launch a learnership for 2008. They urge people with disabilities to take actively part in their learnership. Register NOW and contact Liesl van Heerden for more information.
Tel: 021 – 940 5035
Direct all CV's to Liesl by e-mail:
lvanheerden@metropolitan.co.za or fax to: 021 – 917 3214.
Please see the
attachment for more detail about the learnership.
What's New in JAWS 9.0
This page describes the new features and improvements available in JAWS version 9.0.
To go directly to the JAWS 9.0 download links on this page, choose
JAWS download links.
Select
Frequently Asked Questions for quick information about this release.
If you are not sure
whether you are authorized for this version, you can look up your JAWS
serial number on
www.FSActivate.com by choosing the Continue Product Activation button, and then choosing
the link: "Verify the number of activation keys available for your
Freedom Scientific product." This page will tell you the specifics
about your license.
Use the following links to jump to a specific section of this page:
JAWS 9.0 Features
JAWS Startup Wizard Update
The JAWS Startup Wizard is a helpful tool that contains a series of dialog boxes. It lets you quickly configure some of the more commonly used JAWS parameters. This can save time since you do not have to search multiple menus and managers to customize your copy of JAWS.
The Startup Wizard automatically runs the first time you install a new version of JAWS. However, you can always access it by selecting the Help menu in the JAWS application window. The primary JAWS functions are organized into the following groups in the wizard:
- Training settings
- Speech settings
- Run JAWS settings
- Keyboard settings
- Verbosity settings
- Braille settings
Note: You must choose the Finish button in the wizard's last dialog box to save and activate any changes. If you cancel or escape at any point in the wizard, your changes will not be saved.
Return to list of features from JAWS Startup Wizard Update
HTML Formatting Retained when Selecting, Copying, and Pasting
JAWS 9.0 will now properly copy the contents of a Web page to the virtual buffer, and retain all the HTML formatting and markup when pasting the information into an HTML formatted e-mail or Word document. This break through in screen reading means that you can now copy and paste content and retain its formatting, colors, and active hyperlinks, while discarding any of the other JAWS messages, such as the number of items in a list, and so on. What you paste is essentially the same rendering that a sighted user would see. Plus, you have the added advantage of being able to use JAWS HTML commands to read and navigate the Web content when pasted into an e-mail message.
In addition, JAWS still provides a way to select copy and paste in the traditional manner of stripping out the formatting if you choose. You will find this option to toggle in the new Adjust JAWS Option dialog box (
INSERT+V). You may also wish to take advantage of the personalize settings option (
INSERT+SHIFT+V) feature in JAWS to set up certain behavior for specific Web sites while leaving the default set with the new solution that includes all the formatting.
Return to list of features from HTML Formatting
HTML Composition Support
JAWS 9.0 introduces new support for editing in HTML composition environments. This new support provides 100 percent accuracy when reading text; the ability to use sound schemes to differentiate font, attribute, and color; the ability to automatically switch languages when the language of the text is correctly marked up; and the ability to hear information when the text is marked up as a heading, link, list, table, and so on. For example, when composing a new HTML message in Outlook Express or Outlook 2003, you can now select text and format it as a heading (level 1 through 6), and JAWS will announce that this text is a heading when reading back the composed message. When using online editors, such as the sample at www.rnib.org.uk, if you go into Forms mode in the editable area, you can now use the
ARROW keys to enter the table and use table navigation keystrokes to navigate the table and hear row or column changes and row or column headings. (Note that you will have to press the
RIGHT ARROW once and then the
DOWN ARROW to navigate past the link in this editor.) You can also hear where headings are and the text which belongs to a bulleted or auto numbered list.
Note: If you download the latest Adobe Flash Player 9 update software, JAWS will support Adobe Flash edit fields. The Adobe Flash update allows you to enter new text in an edit field and then navigate through the text. A link for the update is in the
Adobe Flash Player enhancement that appears later on this page.
Return to list of features from HTML Composition
State of NUM LOCK Key when JAWS Starts
JAWS uses the numeric keypad to perform numerous speech functions such as Say All (
INSERT+DOWN ARROW), Say Word (
INSERT+NUM PAD 5), Say Line (
INSERT+UP ARROW), and so on. The NUM LOCK key is turned off by default so that you can easily use these functions. However, you may have a job that requires extensive use of the numeric keypad, in which case, you must always turn on the NUM LOCK key after JAWS starts.
Starting with JAWS 9.0 you can control the initial state of the NUM LOCK key when JAWS starts. This is only available in the Default.jcf file.
There are two ways to configure the state of the NUM LOCK key. First, you can set it using the Startup Wizard (
ALT+H, Z from the JAWS application window). Second, you can change it at any time using the Configuration Manager as described in the following steps.
- From the JAWS application window, press ALT+U to open the Utilities menu.
- Press C to open the Configuration Manager.
- Press ALT+S to open the Set Options menu, and press K to open the Keyboard Options dialog box.
- Press M to jump directly to the Initial State of NUM LOCK Key option.
- Use the ARROW Keys to select one of the following numeric keypad options:
- Turn off at startup: This is the default value. When chosen, the NUM LOCK key is off when JAWS starts.
- Turn on at startup: The NUM LOCK key is on when JAWS starts.
- Do not modify: JAWS uses the current NUM LOCK key setting.
Return to list of features from NUM LOCK Key
Performing an Action Stated in a Balloon ToolTip
A system tray balloon ToolTip is a way for applications to inform you that an event has occurred or an action is required. Often these ToolTips state that you need to “click here” to perform a certain task, such as downloading updates for Windows. With JAWS 9.0, when such a message appears, you can now press the JAWS left mouse button (
NUM PAD SLASH) to immediately act on the message before the ToolTip closes.
In JAWS 8.0 and earlier, to select a balloon ToolTip, you had to enable the JAWS cursor and navigate to the ToolTip. Often the message would close before you could find it. As you can see, it is much more efficient to use the JAWS left mouse button.
Return to list of features from Balloon ToolTip
Newly Designed Adjust JAWS Options Dialog Box
The Adjust JAWS Verbosity list has been updated with the newly designed Adjust JAWS Options tree view (
INSERT+V). Instead of showing items in a list format, the reorganized dialog box uses a logical tree view format. This grouping is sure to help new and experienced JAWS users understand the relationship between various JAWS settings. At a minimum, the tree view consists of the following expandable groups that are common to all applications: General Options, Reading Options, Say All Options, Editing Options, and Braille Options. Note that the Synthesizer command, which temporarily turns speech on or off, also resides at the main group level.
Items that are specific to an application appear in their own group at the top of the tree view. For example, if you press
INSERT+V while in Internet Explorer, the Internet Explorer Options group appears above the other groups.
The tree view is expanded by default when you open it to allow for first letter navigation, thus continuing the ease of use found in the original Verbosity list design. If you would rather have it collapsed, press
TAB to navigate to the Expand Tree View on Open check box and uncheck it. You may also navigate through the tree view using the
RIGHT ARROW and
LEFT ARROW keys to expand and collapse groups. Use the
UP ARROW and
DOWN ARROW keys to move up and down in the tree.
JAWS 9.0 also now includes built-in help messages for each item found in the tree view. As you navigate items in the list, simply press
TAB to move to the Read-Only edit window at any time for a help description of the current item.
For other examples of the new format, press
SHIFT+INSERT+V to open Personalized Settings for a Web page. This allows you to quickly access settings that control how JAWS behaves on a specific Web page. Press
CTRL+INSERT+B, which allows you to open and quickly adjust braille options, to see another case of the tree view format.
Return to list of features from Adjust JAWS Options Dialog Box
Third Party Script Developers
In JAWS 9.0 or later, the
INSERT+V command displays JAWS options in a tree view format. If you create and provide JAWS scripts for others, you need to modify or create a new script to take advantage of the tree view. For scripting update instructions, select
JAWS Script Verbosity Options to download a self-extracting Word document.
Return to list of features from Third Party Script Developers
Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003 Calendar
The user interface for the Outlook Calendar offers challenges for Assistive Technology products. In JAWS 9.0, we have addressed these challenges and provided access directly to the Outlook Calendar without the need of providing a special interface to sit between Outlook and the screen reader.
- You can create an appointment for a specific time slot by pressing ENTER on the time slot.
- When you navigate to an appointment, JAWS announces the appointment’s title, time, busy status, and location.
- JAWS announces time slots as you use the UP and DOWN ARROWS to move through the current day.
- You can use TAB and SHIFT+TAB to jump between appointments.
- Use LEFT ARROW and RIGHT ARROW to move between days.
- When in Day View mode, JAWS announces the day, the date, and the number of appointments scheduled.
- In Work Week, Week, and Month View modes, JAWS announces the total number of all day events and timed appointments within that range.
- Press INSERT+A for a summary of event and appointment counts for the current day, work week, week, or month.
- Press INSERT+A twice to place a list of all events and appointments for that range into the virtual viewer, where you can get an overall view of meetings and appointments for that period. You can also copy this information to the clipboard for further processing.
- The new Calendar support also makes shared calendars on exchange servers accessible.
- The Calendar supports regional layouts to handle international date formats.
Return to list of features from Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003 Calendar
Windows Mobile Device Center Support
In Windows Vista, ActiveSync has been replaced by the new Windows Mobile Device Center. JAWS 9.0 is the first screen reader to offer full accessibility with Windows Mobile Device Center found in Windows Vista. Using JAWS, you can now easily establish partnerships, install new software, manage what is synchronized, and manage media transfers without needing to manually navigate these screens with the JAWS cursor.
Return to list of features from Windows Mobile Device Center
Internet Explorer New HTML Frame Update Notification
JAWS can now notify you when an HTML frame updates in Internet Explorer. The new Frame Update Notification option lets you configure the way JAWS handles HTML frame notification on various Web pages. It is located in both the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box (
INSERT+V) and the Personalized Settings dialog box (
INSERT+SHIFT+V) while in Internet Explorer.
Press the
SPACEBAR to toggle among the following settings for the Frame Update Notification option:
- Off: When off, you are not notified of any frame updates.
- Speak Frame Name: JAWS speaks the name of the most recently updated frame. This is the default setting.
- Move To Frame: JAWS moves the cursor to the beginning of the most recently updated frame. JAWS also remembers your cursor location before the move; you can move back to your original location by pressing SHIFT+M, the keystroke for Move To Prior Frame. If you are in Forms mode when the frame updates and you have set the Frame Update Notification to Move To Frame, JAWS will instead speak the name of the most recently updated frame.
Changes made using the Adjust JAWS Options tree view (
INSERT+V) apply the setting for all Web pages. While this may be appropriate for the current Web page you are viewing, it may not apply to other Web pages. In that case, use the Personalized Setting dialog box (
INSERT+SHIFT+V) to set the option for an individual Web page.
Return to list of features from Frame Update Notification
Foreign Language Detection in Forms Mode
If text in a form field of an appropriately-tagged HTML page appears in a different language, JAWS is able to recognize and switch to that language when speaking the text.
Return to list of features from Foreign Language Detection
New WHIZWHEEL Tracking
Functionality for Freedom Scientific’s WHIZWHEELS® has been expanded to allow tracking of only the Braille Cursor.
- Pressing down on both wheels simultaneously switches from Track Focus mode to Track Braille Cursor mode.
- Use the left wheel to move up and down, just as traditionally one might use the left hand to track line position on a braille page. Use the right wheel to pan left and right without wrapping to the next line – no more confusion as to where the line starts and ends.
Return to list of features from WHIZWHEEL Tracking
Better Performance with Microsoft Word
Freedom Scientific has made significant performance increases with Microsoft Word 2007, Word 2003, and Word XP by revising and updating the way JAWS works with these applications. This includes the streamlining of scripts and internal code, which results in enhanced responsiveness with total accuracy when navigating and editing documents. Both Windows XP users and Windows Vista users will enjoy this improvement in speed and accuracy without missing out on the most powerful screen reading solution in both speech and braille.
Return to list of features from Microsoft Word Performance
Bookmark Detection using Navigation Quick Keys in Microsoft Word
With Navigation Quick Keys turned on (
INSERT+Z), you can now use the
B keystroke to move to the next bookmark and the
SHIFT+B keystroke to move to the previous bookmark in a Word document. JAWS will announce if no bookmarks are in the document. The
INSERT+ALT+B keystroke opens a list of bookmarks.
Return to list of features from Bookmark Detection
Braille Proofreading Indication in Microsoft Word
JAWS now has grammatical error and spelling error options available when using braille to read Microsoft Word files. Once you turn on a specific proofreading option, it remains enabled until you reset the option.
Note: When using braille, you must first enable the Active Follows Braille option. It is located in the JAWS Options tree view under the Cursor Options group in the Braille Options group.
DOTS 7 and
8 will be raised under the misspelled word.
To enable proofreading options, do the following:
- Open a Word document.
- Press INSERT+V to open the Adjust JAWS Options tree view.
- Press the letter B until you hear JAWS say, "Braille proofreading indication - Spelling errors."
- Press the SPACEBAR to toggle among the following options:
- Spelling errors only
- Grammatical errors only
- Spelling and grammatical errors
- No spelling or grammatical errors (default setting)
- Close the Adjust JAWS Options tree view.
Return to list of features from Braille Proofreading
Braille Bullet Type Indication in Microsoft Word
The Bullet Type Indication feature was introduced in JAWS 8.0. It allows JAWS to announce different bullet styles that appear in a Word document. This same functionality is now available in braille so that bullet styles can now be identified using either multi-cell symbols or an asterisk (*). By default, the Braille Bullet Type Indication feature is off, which only uses asterisks to symbolize bullets styles.
Note: When using braille, you must first enable the Active Follows Braille option. It is located in the JAWS Options tree view under the Cursor Options group in the Braille Options group.
To enable braille bullet type identification, do the following:
- Open a Word document.
- Press INSERT+V to open the Adjust JAWS Options tree view.
- Press the letter B until you hear JAWS say, "Braille bullet type indication - Off."
- Press SPACEBAR to turn on this item. JAWS now uses multi-cell symbols to show bullets.
- Close the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box.
Return to list of features from Braille Bullet Type Indication
Spelling Error Detection in Microsoft Word
In JAWS 9.0, Spelling Error Detection is a separate option that controls if JAWS detects and announces misspelled words while reading through a Word document. In previous JAWS releases, spelling detection was combined with grammar error detection. Spelling Error Detection is off by default. If braille is in use, the default is to mark spelling errors in braille.
Note: When using braille, you must first enable the Active Follows Braille option. It is located in the JAWS Options tree view under the Cursor Options group in the Braille Options group.
DOTS 7 and
8 will be raised under the misspelled word.
To change spelling detection options, do the following:
- Open a Word document.
- Press INSERT+V to open the Adjust JAWS Options tree view.
- Press the letter S until JAWS announces “Spelling Error Detection – Off.”
- Press the SPACEBAR to toggle among the following options:
- On: Spell checking is enabled.
- On + Count: JAWS announces the number of spelling errors per line.
- Off: Spell checking is disabled (default setting)
- Close the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box.
Return to list of features from Spelling Error Detection
Grammatical Error Detection in Microsoft Word
In JAWS 9.0, Grammatical Error Detection is a separate option that controls if JAWS detects and announces grammatical errors while reading through a Word document. In previous JAWS releases, grammar detection was combined with spelling error detection. Grammatical Error Detection is off by default. If braille is in use, the default is not to mark grammar errors in braille.
To change grammatical detection options, do the following:
- Open a Word document.
- Press INSERT+V to open the Adjust JAWS Options tree view.
- Press the letter G until JAWS announces “Grammatical Error Detection – Off.”
- Press the SPACEBAR to toggle among the following options:
- On: Grammar checking is enabled.
- On + Count: JAWS announces the number of grammatical errors per line.
- Off: Grammar checking is disabled (default setting)
- Close the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box.
Return to list of features from Grammatical Error Detection
Speech and Sound Schemes in Microsoft Word
Great strides have been made in Word’s responsiveness and accuracy when using the Speech and Sounds Scheme Manager. This manager lets you create reading rules, such as using different voices and sounds to indicate formatting attributes, when reading a Word document. Refer to the Speech and Sounds Scheme DAISY book tutorial on the Freedom Scientific Web site for more information.
Return to list of features from Speech and Sound Schemes
Unit of Measure in Microsoft Word
JAWS can now report the PC cursor position and other related measurements using a unit of measure that you specify regardless of the Word document's default measurement units. The Measurement Units feature allows you to configure JAWS so that it reports the cursor position, tab stops, and indents in a unit of measure to your liking. The default unit of measure is based on the application's default measurement setting, for example, inches or centimeters.
To change the preferred unit of measure, do the following:
- Open a Word document.
- Press INSERT+V to open the Adjust JAWS Options tree view.
- Press the letter M until you hear JAWS say, "Measurement units - Set to inches."
- Press SPACEBAR to toggle among the following options:
- Set to inches
- Set to pixels
- Set to spaces
- Set to points
- Set to millimeters
- Set to centimeters
- Close the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box.
Return to list of features from Unit of Measure
List Embedded Object Command in Microsoft Word
In Word, the keystroke for the List Embedded Object command is now
CTRL+INSERT+SHIFT+G. In releases prior to JAWS 9.0, this keystroke was for the List Graphics command.
Return to list of features from List Embedded Object
Split Button Announcement in Microsoft Office Programs
JAWS now identifies split buttons, in both speech and braille, that are available under the Microsoft Office Button. The Office Button is located in the upper-left corner of Microsoft Office 2007 programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access. For an example of split buttons using JAWS, do the following:
- From a Microsoft Office 2007 program, press ALT+F to open the Office Button.
- Press DOWN ARROW to navigate to the Print button. JAWS announces Print split button.
- Do one of the following:
Press ENTER to print or press SPACEBAR to open the Preview and Print pane.
Return to list of features from Split Button Announcement
Gmail Support Improvements
Screen reader users currently get a message on the Gmail™ page that says, "If you are using a screen reader, you may wish to switch to basic HTML for a better experience." While you will still receive this message when running JAWS 9.0, it is no longer necessary to follow those instructions as JAWS works with the standard Gmail interface, which offers many enhancements over their basic HTML page.
In JAWS versions prior to 9.0, it was necessary to switch Gmail to its basic HTML interface or use the JAWS cursor to click the objects on the page that were not standard links. These include Inbox, Sent, Compose Mail, Trash, Create a Filter, and so on. With our new support for Gmail, these items show up in the links list. You can also use the
ARROW keys to move to these items and either press
ENTER to activate them or select the items with the routing buttons on your braille display.
Additionally, prior to JAWS 9.0, you had no way to see some editing attributes in the message edit window. For example, you had no way to see if text was a heading or even if it was a table when in Forms mode. With our new support for Web-based rich edit controls, you can add attributes to your messages such as bold, italic, and underline by using standard JAWS commands in this editor. Commands for similar Web-based editors may be different. At this time JAWS does not speak the status of these controls when they are activated, but you can use the command to get font information to see the attributes. It is also possible to see formatting such as list items, both bulleted and numbered lists, heading and level, and table information, even in Forms mode with both speech and braille.
Return to list of features from Gmail Support Improvements
Laptop Layout Keystrokes Update
The Left Mouse Button Lock (
CTRL+8) and the Right Mouse Button Lock (
CTRL+9) keystrokes, which are available when Laptop keyboard layout is selected, have changed.
The new keystroke for Left Mouse Button Lock is
CTRL+WINDOWS Key+8.
The new keystroke for Right Mouse Button Lock is
CTRL+WINDOWS Key+9.
Return to list of features from Laptop Layout Keystrokes
New Commands for Yahoo! Instant Messenger 8.1
The following JAWS commands have been added for Yahoo! Instant Messenger 8.1:
- ALT+X, where X is 1, 2, 3,...,0, which allows you to review the last 10 Yahoo! IM messages. Note that ALT+1 opens the most recent message, and ALT+0 opens the 10th message.
- ALT+NUMPAD 5 twice quickly opens a Web link that appears in a Yahoo! IM message.
- When having an IM conversation, TAB lets you switch between the typing window and the message display pane located in the Instant Message dialog box.
Return to list of features from Yahoo! Instant Messenger 8.1
New Basic Training for JAWS 9.0
The Basic Training for JAWS 9.0 was completely rewritten and recorded using Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. This new Basic Training in text and narrated audio DAISY format is included on all program and demo JAWS CDs beginning with JAWS 9.0. The new Basic Training is also available as a free download in either MP3 or DAISY format from the Freedom Scientific Training Headquarters page. The Basic Training includes 9 hours of instruction, including step-by-step instructions and sample practice documents to help you make the most of your experience using JAWS 9.0.
Return to list of features from New Basic Training for JAWS 9.0
Enhancements In JAWS 9.0.515 (19 November 2007)
The following is a list of items addressed between the final JAWS 9.0 public beta release and the final JAWS 9.0.515 posting.
- After posting the final JAWS 9.0 public beta release, Google™ released an updated version of Gmail. The final JAWS 9.0 release has been adjusted to resolve the problems the newly updated Gmail introduced.
- An issue with the Winamp command ALT+CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move Select to Current Track) has been resolved for the final JAWS 9.0 release.
- Resolved a problem in Outlook 2003 where Outlook would not properly shut down in some cases. The result was that Outlook.exe was still running in the Task Manager after shutting it down if JAWS 9.0 was running. This problem started during the public beta 9.0.467 build.
- JAWS correctly reports the duration of each appointment when multiple appointments are scheduled on a single day in Microsoft Outlook Calendar. Time slots between appointments are not included as part of an appointment.
- When the header and footer are opened in a Word document, JAWS now announces if focus is in the header or footer when you press UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW to move between the two.
- When a tree view group is expanded, JAWS now announces the number of items in the group as expected.
- JAWS selects and reads the next or previous paragraph in an Outlook e-mail message when you press CTRL+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW or CTRL+SHIFT+UP ARROW.
- JAWS no longer pauses or hangs when deleting an e-mail message during a Say All in Windows Mail or Outlook Express.
Enhancements During the JAWS 9.0 Development Cycle
The following items were resolved during the JAWS 9.0 development cycle and public beta releases.
JAWS
- Windows Vista users will see noticeable improvements in the responsiveness of JAWS when using Eloquence speech synthesizer. For example, this can be seen when navigating through the Start menu or typing text in the Internet Explorer address bar.
- Public beta testers reported braille contraction errors with several words. The following words now contract correctly: ant; be; Beijing; bottleneck; clip art; denote; denoted; denominator; denounce; denouncing; denunciate; DuPont; edition; erroneous; Hadley; littler; littlest; microwave; MIME-Version; names beginning with McC; newsletter; nonesuch; nonetheless; numbers that follow two slashes; Phoenix; scones; severity; was; were; words beginning with the prefix co-, such as coworker and coworking; words beginning with the prefix non-, such as noneruptive and nonerosive; words containing en; and words ending in -bly, such as agreeably and interchangeably.
- Resolved an issue where capitalization in braille was not recognized in mixed numerals and capital letters.
- When you toggle contracted braille on and off (G CHORD), JAWS now clearly states if you are turning on Grade 2 translation or turning off Grade 2 translation.
- JAWS now allows the mapping of Unicode characters to multiple-cell braille entities.
- Resolved a reported problem with AutoComplete not speaking or being represented in braille correctly. Two examples of this were in the Open (CTRL+O) dialog box found in Internet Explorer and the Run command (WINDOWS Key+R) dialog box.
- Worked closely with developers from Alliance Enterprises, Inc. to resolve an issue with the Aware™ Web-based case management software system, JAWS, and HTML Forms mode.
- JAWS can now process approximately 2000 pronunciation rules in dictionary files (jdf). Previously, JAWS was limited to around 1000 entries.
- Resolved an issue regarding empty virtual buffers as reported by the public. This typically occurred when you pressed CTRL or DOWN ARROW to interrupt the Say All function while a Web page was loading.
- Resolved an issue reported in Windows 2000 where JAWS was not exiting as expected when using INSERT+F4 to exit.
- If a misspelled word is found while spell checking a Word document, JAWS now spells the entire word that appears in the Suggestions list box when you press UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW.
- When running JAWS and MAGic® together, pressing CTRL to stop speech during a Say All (INSERT+DOWN ARROW) no longer disables speech.
- When running JAWS and MAGic together, MAGic can now track desktop icons when using the ARROW keys to move from one icon to the next.
- If you uninstall MAGic and remove shared components, when JAWS and MAGic are installed on the same computer, JAWS now opens a dialog box after restarting. It states that shared components are missing and that you must reinstall JAWS.
- If the JAWS Cursor is active, the CTRL+DOWN ARROW keystroke now moves to the next paragraph on an HTML page instead of disabling the JAWS Cursor.
- Although JAWS only announces the contents of the Virtual Viewer once, it no longer visually shows the contents twice within the Virtual Viewer window.
- JAWS now announces the message Nothing Selected if you press CTRL+C while in a Virtualized Window (INSERT+CTRL+W) with no text selected.
- JAWS no longer truncates speech when navigating window panes in the JAWS help system.
- JAWS no longer announces the A Script Can Not Be Called Within Itself message when selecting a link in the Hot key Help (INSERT+H) dialog box. This occurred in multiple applications.
- Resolved an issue where the script function "lvGetItemColumnRect()" would cause JAWS not to respond when you are in the list view of an application.
- In JAWS Keyboard Manager and Script Manager, the Punctuation option is set to All by default so that literal characters can be used when assigning keystrokes with punctuation characters.
- Resolved the following issues when using a rich text editor for Web development: Graphics are now recognized along with meaningful alt text when available; the number of items in a list are now announced by JAWS; and standard table navigation keystrokes now work correctly. For more information about editing in HTML composition environments, refer to the HTML feature described earlier on this page.
- You can now read HTML tables one row at a time with speech or braille when the Document Presentation option is set to Screen Layout (INSERT+V, D, SPACEBAR). Previously, there was an issue recognizing the HTML <br> tag in tables when this option was configured for Screen Layout.
- When you set a PlaceMarker on a link or visited link (CTRL+K) on a Web page, and then you return to the PlaceMarker (K), JAWS correctly announces the link and also announces if it is a visited link.
- If you use a mouse to select a link on a Web page to jump to another page, and then press BACKSPACE to return to the original page, JAWS will remember your position on the original page.
- Resolved an issue with the Typing Echo option where JAWS would announce the first character of a deleted word when typing a new word.
- JAWS correctly announces spelling and grammatical errors when using Navigation Quick Keys in Word to find spelling errors (A or SHIFT+A) and grammar errors (M or SHIFT+M).
- If you uninstall JAWS from a remote server, but you decide to leave shared components on the server, the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) components are not uninstalled and remain on the server.
- JAWS now saves all changes made to options using the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box.
- Resolved the reported issue where JAWS would begin to fail in reading many items like the List of System Tray items (INSERT+F11) after coming out of Hibernation or Standby mode.
- Addressed a long standing issue where JAWS would sometimes fail to announce Copy, Cut, or Append to Clipboard. Once in this state, the only way to get it to properly report the message was to restart JAWS.
- Resolved a reported issue found when using the Append to Clipboard (WINDOWS Key+C) command several times, which would result in only the last selection added being present when the user pasted (CTRL+V) from the clipboard.
- The Skim Reading feature correctly reports and maintains modified color and text attributes.
- When a ToolTip appears, pressing INSERT+TAB announces the ToolTip and flashes the ToolTip in braille.
- If you issue the Say All command (INSERT+DOWN ARROW) while in a dialog box, JAWS will announce the current line just like the Say Line command (INSERT+UP ARROW). Previously if you performed a Say All in a dialog box, JAWS was silent. If you want to hear the entire contents of a dialog box, you can still use the INSERT+B command.
- The ZIP directory's Browse button, which appears in the General Options dialog box of the Settings Packager, is correctly announced by JAWS.
- The access key for the Startup Wizard, located under the Help command, is now the letter Z instead of the letter S.
Adobe Flash Player
- While in Forms mode, JAWS 9.0 has 100 percent accuracy when editing or reviewing text typed into a Flash movie edit control. To take advantage of this new Flash support, you must download the latest Flash Player beta software.
Adobe Reader
- Resolved an issue in Adobe Reader where JAWS would say the same text over and over again when navigating from one form field to the next. Previously, if you entered and exited Forms mode, and then entered Forms mode again, this problem would occur.
- JAWS now correctly announces the text that appears in the Adobe Reader edit fields when performing a Say Line (INSERT+NUM PAD 8) or pressing BACKSPACE while in an edit field when in Forms mode.
- When navigating through tables in an Adobe Reader document, JAWS announces when you enter a nested table. JAWS also states the nesting level, the number of columns, and the number of rows in the nested table.
AOL Instant Messenger
- AIM® 6.5 is ready for use with JAWS 9.0.
Cakewalk Sonar
- JAWS now correctly tracks and announces items when navigating through Cakewalk's Sonar music recording application.
Citrix/Windows Terminal Services
- Fixed a reported problem where the communication between JAWS on a Client and Server may have been briefly interrupted, which caused the Authorization to drop for the Server version of JAWS. The result was that the user would be forced to log off and back on to the Server to reestablish the authorization. This was mostly reported by customers working with Servers located at great distances from the Client machines.
Eudora E-mail
- Certain mail messages that users submitted to Freedom Scientific caused Eudora to unload or crash while running with JAWS 8.0. This has been fixed in JAWS 9.0.
- JAWS scripts for Eudora have been modified so that JAWS automatically starts reading when a message is opened. The scripts also allow the use of the new Options tree view format (INSERT+V).
FSReader
- JAWS now correctly identifies Web links that appear in DAISY books when reading with FSReader.
- When performing a Find in a DAISY text book, JAWS now reads the line automatically when it lands on the line where the word is located.
Gmail
- JAWS now works with the standard Gmail interface. For more information about Gmail support and JAWS, refer to the Gmail feature described earlier on this page.
Microsoft Access 2007
- When reading by line (INSERT+UP ARROW) in a Microsoft Access 2007 database, JAWS now announces the content of data fields instead of giving an unknown function call message.
Microsoft Excel
- Pressing ENTER while in submenus of the Microsoft Excel ribbon now activates the selected command.
- JAWS now announces the correct screen-sensitive help (INSERT+F1) when the Virtual Viewer is opened in an Excel workbook.
- The Virtual Viewer now closes when you press ESC in Excel.
- Now when you try to send a copy of an Excel workbook as an e-mail attachment directly from Excel, JAWS is able to navigate through the header edit fields of the open Outlook message.
- In Excel 2007, you can now press ENTER to exit submenu options on a split button control in the ribbon toolbar. Previously, focus would remain on these options, and JAWS would not announce anything in the worksheet unless you pressed ALT+TAB to move away from and then return to the Excel worksheet.
- When using the JAWS Cursor in Excel, cursor movement now behaves normally. For example, if you issue the CTRL+HOME or the CTRL+END commands, the JAWS Cursor moves to the top or bottom of the worksheet.
- When using the JAWS Cursor to navigate a context menu, JAWS correctly announces each item in the menu.
- JAWS now announces when a region of a worksheet is selected when using the CTRL+SHIFT+8 command.
- When using the Laptop keyboard layout, the CAPS LOCK+UP ARROW keystroke correctly speaks the current line, and the CAPS LOCK+UP ARROW keystroke pressed twice quickly correctly spells the current line.
- JAWS now correctly speaks the help message when Formula mode is activated.
Microsoft Internet Explorer
- When linking from one Web page to another, JAWS would move focus to the top of the second Web page even if the link from the first Web page pointed to another part of the second page. This has been fixed.
- When typing into a secured field, such as a password field, on a Web page, JAWS now says STAR if you use the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW keys to move back and forth over the entered text. Previously, JAWS would say BLANK instead of STAR.
- JAWS 9.0 now detects hidden headings on Web pages. Hidden headings are useful when using a screen reader to navigate a Web page. This functionality was previously available in JAWS 7.10 and earlier.
- When you select a same page link on a Web page, braille now shows the correct heading information.
- JAWS now speaks and shows in braille the name of buttons and the associated alt text on Web pages.
- A public beta tester reported that when listening to an audio feed Web site, JAWS speaks each time a frame on the Web page refreshes. This can now be solved with the new Frame Update Notification option as described earlier on this page.
- The Table Titles Announce option, which determines if you hear row and column titles as you navigate through tables on a Web page, is now available in the Personalized Settings dialog box (INSERT+SHIFT+V). This option is located in the List and Table Options group. Formerly, the Table Titles Announce option was only available in the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box (INSERT+V).
- JAWS no longer says Frame zero, blank update, or any other frame chatter when you open an RSS feed (CTRL+J) in Internet Explorer.
- JAWS now recognizes multiple lines and carriage returns when entering text into a multiple-line edit box in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
- Changes made to the Document Presentation option in the Personalized Settings dialog box (INSERT+SHIFT+V) are now saved when running Internet Explorer.
- Resolved an issue reported where pressing ENTER twice, in a multi-line edit field in Internet Explorer while in forms mode, would result in messages happening if you then type a number, as if Navigation Quick Keys had been turned on.
- JAWS announces the row and column headings when moving between columns (CTRL+ALT+RIGHT ARROW or CTRL+ALT+LEFT ARROW) in a table.
Microsoft Office
- JAWS no longer announces the Unknown Script Called To message when selecting a link in the Hot key Help (INSERT+H) dialog box. This occurred in various Microsoft Office 2003 applications.
- JAWS now announces all static text that appears in dialog boxes for various Office 2007 applications. Previously, it was necessary to press INSERT+B to read items in dialog boxes.
- When navigating through the ribbon groups of the ribbon toolbar, JAWS now announces the name of the ribbon group.
- When using the RIGHT ARROW key to navigate through a hyperlink in Microsoft Word or Outlook 2007, JAWS now correctly announces the link and identifies that you are in a link.
- The Virtual Cursor Options group has been removed from the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box (INSERT+V) for Word 2007 and Outlook 2007.
- In Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Access, the AdjustJAWSVerbosity script has been replaced by the AdjustJAWSOptions script (INSERT+V).
- When you press F6 to move from one pane to the next in an Office 2007 application, JAWS correctly announces the name of the pane. This did not always happen in JAWS 8.0.
- JAWS can navigate Office 2007 floating toolbars, for example, the Apply Styles dialog box (CTRL+SHIFT+S). Press F6 to navigate between panes, and use the TAB and ARROW Keys to move within a pane.
- JAWS now announces the status of ribbon buttons in Office 2007 applications. For example, if the Bold button is selected in Word 2007, JAWS says, Bold button pressed.
- JAWS now reads text entered into the Search Help edit box when you press F1 in an Office 2007 application. JAWS also reads the history in the edit box when you press the UP or DOWN ARROW keys.
- The Office Assistant is no longer available in Office 2007. As a result, the Close Office Assistant keystroke (CTRL+INSERT+F4) is only valid for Office 2003 and earlier applications.
Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express
- If you have a list of rules and alerts in Microsoft Outlook, JAWS now speaks and shows in braille these rules when you navigate through the list.
- When navigating through the Signatures and Stationery dialog box in Outlook 2007, JAWS no longer says Options Dialog before announcing the title of the current control.
- If the Spelling and Grammar tool detects a misspelled word in the Subject line of an outbound e-mail message, and you press INSERT+C to hear the misspelled word in context, JAWS now announces the correct information instead of the message Word in Context Not Found.
- JAWS no longer loses focus when reading a message list in Outlook 2007 using braille.
- JAWS now accurately speaks and shows in braille the labels for all fields in the Create a New Contact dialog box in Outlook 2007.
- JAWS now correctly maintains the speech synthesizer that is assigned to the Say All (INSERT+DOWN ARROW) and the Alternate Say All (ALT+INSERT+DOWN ARROW) commands. This was an issue reported by a public beta tester. Previously, after pressing INSERT+DOWN ARROW and then ALT+INSERT+DOWN ARROW, JAWS would use the opposite speech synthesizer for subsequent keystrokes.
- Now when you press ALT+TAB while Navigational Quick Keys are enabled in an Outlook message or Word document, JAWS will switch to another application.
- JAWS no longer executes an ALT+ modifier keystroke when Keyboard help (INSERT+1) is enabled in Outlook 2007.
- When in Outlook 2007, Hot key Help (INSERT+H) now refers to Outlook instead of Word.
- When using Hot key Help in Outlook 2007 or Word 2007, links that appear in the Virtual Viewer now work.
- When the PC Cursor is active (NUM PAD PLUS) in Outlook 2007, JAWS now announces the caret position when you press ALT+DELETE.
- The INSERT+A keystroke now correctly reports if an e-mail message has an attachment. If there is an attachment, JAWS moves focus to the attachment list.
- JAWS no longer looses focus when reading a message list in Outlook 2007 using braille.
- JAWS no longer shows miscellaneous characters on a braille display after you empty an Outlook 2007 mailbox.
- JAWS now announces and shows in braille all edit boxes when creating a new Contact card in Outlook 2007.
- When creating a note in Outlook 2007, the UP and DOWN ARROW keys now read prior and next lines.
- The UP and DOWN ARROW keys will read the subject line text if focus is in the Subject edit box when you press these ARROW keys.
- When information is copied to the clipboard, and you press INSERT+SHIFT+CTRL+R to reply to the sender of an e-mail message, JAWS no longer attempts to overwrite the clipboard contents.
- JAWS now announces all options that appear when you select the Office Button when reading or composing an Outlook 2007 e-mail while running Windows Vista.
- If you press SHIFT+UP ARROW to select multiple e-mails in Outlook 2007, JAWS now correctly announces the selected e-mail messages.
- When using TAB to navigate the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box (INSERT+V) in Outlook, JAWS now correctly reads the built-in help messages in the Read-Only edit window.
- JAWS now reads static text in various Outlook 2007 dialog boxes.
- If you must enter security credentials when logging on to Outlook 2007, JAWS now allows you to easily navigate between the User Name and Password edit boxes.
- When using TAB or SHIFT+TAB to move between next or previous Web links in an Outlook 2007 e-mail, JAWS now announces the links.
- You can now open or close an Outlook 2007 e-mail message when using the right ALT key and the F4 key together.
- JAWS can now successfully activate hyperlinks in read-only Outlook 2007 e-mail messages.
- JAWS can now switch between applications if Navigation Quick Keys are on while using ALT+TAB to cycle from an open Outlook 2007 e-mail message to other applications.
- Keyboard help is now available for Outlook Header keystrokes when using the Outlook 2007 Keyboard Manager (INSERT+8).
- When using the Laptop Keyboard Layout in Outlook, there is no longer a conflict between the Say All keystroke assignment (CAPS LOCK+A) and the Move to Attachments keystroke assignment (INSERT+A).
- When the Messages Automatically Read option is enabled (INSERT+V, R, M, M, SPACEBAR), JAWS now retains this setting so that e-mail messages are read when opened in Outlook 2007.
- JAWS now announces the titles of all open dialog boxes in Outlook 2007.
- When you press INSERT+A to move to attachments in an Outlook 2007 e-mail message, JAWS correctly announces that you moved to an attachments list and not a categories list.
- When creating a new e-mail message in Outlook 2007, the word from is no longer spuriously announced by JAWS as you press TAB to move through various edit boxes and message text.
- Resolved a problem reported in Microsoft Word and Outlook 2007 where text could be skipped during a Say All when preceded immediately by a period followed by a comma.
- Resolved reported problems associated with reading by sentence in Word and Outlook 2007 where sentences could be repeated.
- Resolved an issue where JAWS was reporting the section and page number in Word 2007 and Outlook 2007 when landing on a blank document or e-mail.
- Changed the behavior in the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box (INSERT+V) in Word and Outlook 2007 so that if the user changes or toggles the item "Say All, using Line, Sentence, or Paragraph," JAWS now makes the change persistent across JAWS sessions.
- Resolved a reported problem of Say All only reading the top line of the Read-only Help window in the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box (INSERT+V) if you activated the dialog box while in Word 2007 or Outlook 2007.
- When in the body of an Outlook 2007 message, the Say Active Cursor and Position command (ALT+DELETE) now reports the correct cursor information.
- JAWS recognizes capital letters in e-mail addresses.
- JAWS correctly announces the controls of the Rules Wizard dialog box in Outlook.
- When in a new e-mail message, INSERT+H displays the correct Hot Key Help message when the cursor is in a header field.
- The problem reported regarding empty Virtual buffers when replying to an e-mail message has been fixed.
- JAWS correctly reads all button labels in the Account Settings dialog box.
- JAWS now reads the static text in the Opening Mail Attachment dialog box that appears when opening an attachment.
- Information bar messages in Outlook 2007 are announced by JAWS.
- Resolved reported issue of JAWS not reading list items that appear in the Custom View Organizer dialog box in Outlook 2007.
- When composing an HTML formatted e-mail using Outlook 2003, JAWS can announce the formatting used in the message, for example, Heading 1, Normal style, and so on. To enable this feature, press INSERT+V, and then choose On for the Style Changes option that is nested in the Formatting group of the Outlook Options group.
- When you press CTRL+Y in Outlook 2003, JAWS now announces the full name of any dialog box that contains a tree view.
- In Outlook XP, the Say Character Phonetically command (NUMPAD 5 twice quickly) now speaks characters phonetically. This was an issue in JAWS 8.0.
- JAWS now operates correctly if you delete an Outlook Express or Windows Mail message while JAWS is reading using the Say All command (INSERT+UP ARROW).
- When using SHIFT+UP ARROW or SHIFT+DOWN ARROW to select multiple e-mail messages in Outlook Express, JAWS now reads across all columns that are highlighted. For example, JAWS announces the sender or recipient's name, the subject, the date and time, and so on.
- JAWS no longer announces items twice when you use the UP or DOWN ARROW keys to navigate the Font dialog box in Outlook Express.
Microsoft Outlook Calendar
- Calendar support, which was previously only in Outlook 2007, is now available in Outlook 2003.
- JAWS announces the correct appointments in Outlook 2003 instead of appointments for the same day from a different year.
- In Outlook 2007, when navigating to an appointment in the Calendar, JAWS now announces and shows in braille appointments that span multiple time slots.
- When the Virtual Viewer is open on a specific appointment, JAWS now announces the appointment.
- JAWS now announces all appointments when tabbing through the Outlook 2003 Calendar.
- After changing regional language settings in Windows Vista's Control Panel, JAWS no longer announces appointments or events from previous months when navigating through the Calendar while in Day view.
- Resolved a reported issue where using the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW in the Outlook 2007 Calendar while in Month View was sluggish.
- When configured for Laptop keystroke layout, both the INSERT+WINDOWS Key+R and the CAPS LOCK+WINDOWS Key+R keystrokes now move focus to an open Reminder window for an Outlook Calendar item, task, or e-mail message.
- When exiting the Virtual Viewer when in a Calendar appointment, JAWS no longer double speaks or announces incorrect information.
- When creating an appointment in Outlook, JAWS no longer speaks incorrect information as you type in the Subject and Location edit boxes.
- JAWS now says the word appointment as you press the UP or DOWN ARROWS keys to move through an Outlook appointment that spans multiple time slots.
- When using the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW keys to navigate through Day view appointments in the Outlook Calendar, JAWS now only announces the day, date, and number of appointments for that day.
- When navigating by line or word in the Out of Office Assistant dialog box, JAWS now announces text that has been entered in the edit boxes. Previously, this was a problem when creating an out of office message.
- Resolved an issue where JAWS would not announce words in the Subject edit box of an Outlook Calendar appointment when reading the current word (INSERT+NUM PAD 5).
- Screen-sensitive help for the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box has been corrected regarding appointment scheduling.
- Updated INSERT+F1 context-sensitive help and INSERT+H Hotkey help in new Outlook 2007 Calendar support.
Microsoft PowerPoint
- Resolved several reported problems in Microsoft PowerPoint 2007.
Microsoft Project 2007
- JAWS now functions correctly in Microsoft Project 2007 when you open the Tools menu and select commands.
Microsoft Word
- When pressing the TAB key to move to tab stops in a document, JAWS now announces the correct position for all tab stops.
- When using CTRL+F6 to cycle between open Word documents, JAWS no longer opens and moves focus to a blank document window.
- When in a non-uniform Microsoft Word table, the ALT+CTRL+SHIFT+UP ARROW and the ALT+CTRL+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW keystrokes now move focus to the beginning and the end of the current column.
- When in a non-uniform table in Word, the Say All command (INSERT+DOWN ARROW) now functions correctly and reads all cells in the table.
- JAWS correctly announces table numbers when you enter a table in Word documents.
- When you navigate into a Word table by line or paragraph, JAWS now announces the cell coordinates of the first cell encountered in the table.
- JAWS now announces row and column information after announcing cell contents when you navigate to and enter a Word table.
- When entering a table from below, CTRL+UP ARROW places you in the last cell of the table, and INSERT+C reports the correct row and column number. If you continue to press CTRL+UP ARROW, JAWS will continue to move up the table and will only land on cells that contain data.
- JAWS correctly reads row and column information in Word tables when you navigate up through a table.
- JAWS now announces table cell coordinates when using the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW keys to move from cell to cell, or the CTRL+LEFT ARROW or CTRL+RIGHT ARROW keys to move to the next or previous words in a cell.
- JAWS now allows you to select text in Word tables using the CTRL+ARROW keys and the CTRL+SHIFT+ARROW keys.
- Resolved an issue reported by a public beta tester where the values for the Column Titles Row Set option and the Row Title Column Set option were not being saved for tables in a Word document.
- Resolved an issue reported where reading the table of contents in Word documents could fail once moving away from the table of contents and then returning to it.
- When using Navigation Quick Keys in a table (INSERT+Z, T), the > and < keys will move you forward out of a table or backward out of a table.
- When you reach the last cell in a Word table and you press TAB, JAWS now announces a warning message.
- When in a Word form, it is now possible to check or uncheck a check box that appears in the Select a Form Field dialog box (INSERT+F5) by pressing ENTER on the check box item in the Select a Field list box.
- Resolved an issue in Word forms, where JAWS was reading the F1 automatic Help messages prior to reading the status bar help text. This will now be reversed.
- Braille auto advance now works in Word when Enhanced Edit mode is turned on.
- The ALT+ modifier keystroke now functions correctly when Navigational Quick Keys are enabled in a Word document or Outlook e-mail message.
- Navigation Quick Keys in Word now function correctly when text is copied.
- JAWS now correctly announces the next or previous field when using F11 or SHIFT+F11 to navigate between fields in a Word document.
- First letter navigation is possible in the Adjust JAWS Options tree view (INSERT+V) when Navigation Quick Keys (INSERT+Z) are enabled in a Word document.
- When Navigational Quick Keys are enabled in Word, and you are changing options in the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box, JAWS now honors the TAB, SPACEBAR, and ENTER keys for navigating, changing, and saving options.
- When a dialog box that contains a list is opened in Word, and Navigational Quick Keys are enabled, ENTER now selects items in the list, and TAB now lets you move through the list.
- Resolved an issue reported where JAWS would skip items while you are navigating through dialog boxes when Navigational Quick Keys are enabled in Word.
- If you insert a page break (CTRL+ENTER in Word) to create a new page, and then press UP ARROW to return to the previous page, JAWS now announces the page break and page number as you navigate back to the existing page.
- JAWS announces the word enter once when you press the ENTER key to add a line in a Word 2007 document or select an e-mail message in Outlook 2007.
- When running JAWS with Word 2000, the WINWORD.EXE process now closes when you exit Word. This can be verified in the Windows Task Manager (CTRL+SHIFT+W).
- The setting for the Say All Reads By option can now be changed by pressing SPACEBAR to toggle through the various settings. This option is located in the Say All Options group in the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box for Word.
- If your focus is on a blank line between paragraphs in a Word document, JAWS no longer repeats the first sentence of the next paragraph twice when you perform the Say All command (INSERT+DOWN ARROW).
- When reading a Word document using the Say All command, JAWS no longer reads the last line of the document twice.
- The B keystroke (Move to Next Bookmark), the SHIFT+B keystroke (Move to Previous Bookmark), and the INSERT+ALT+B keystroke (List Bookmarks) are now in the JAWS Help file.
- Resolved an issue reported by a public beta tester where JAWS would repeat the last line of a Word document twice.
- When the Unit of Measure feature in Word is configured for spaces, JAWS now announces the tab stop position as you press TAB.
- JAWS now announces binding hyphens and binding spaces that appear in Word documents when navigating using ARROW keys.
- Resolved an issue where accented characters could not be typed into Word documents.
- When you press CTRL+SHIFT+UP or CTRL+SHIFT+DOWN to select a paragraph in Word, JAWS now announces the selected paragraph.
- JAWS now correctly announces the numbers of a numbered list when using the ARROW keys to move through the list.
- In Word, the ALT+CTRL+SHIFT+A keystroke states the language that is in use. This keystroke is not available when in a protected Word form. If the keystroke is issued in a protected form, JAWS now announces the following message: This function is unavailable when the document is protected.
- The Announce Revision command now appears in the Virtual Viewer when you press INSERT+H for Hot key Help in Word.
- Added an option in the Adjust JAWS Options dialog box (INSERT+V) for Word to give users the ability to disable F1 automatic Help messages.
Mozilla Firefox
- Resolved a Forms mode issue with Mozilla Firefox 2.0. Pressing TAB or SHIFT+TAB to navigate into, around, or out of a form caused problems that shut down JAWS.
- Fixed a reported issue where JAWS did not parse complex HTML links in Firefox 3 as it does in Firefox 2.
- When navigating or deleting text in edit fields of a Web page form, JAWS, while in Forms mode, now announces characters instead of saying blank.
- When using Firefox version 2.0.0.7, the JAWS Find function (CTRL+F) works correctly. JAWS no longer says unknown function call when searching for a term on a Web page.
Nero
- JAWS now works correctly when burning files to a CD using Nero® Burning ROM 7.10.
SecureCRT
- Resolved an issue reported by a public beta tester using SecureCRT®. JAWS can now virtualize (INSERT+CTRL+W) the SecureCRT terminal screen when resolution is set to 1280 by 1024 pixels or higher. This fix also applies to any other application where the resolution is set to 1280 by 1024 pixels or higher.
Windows Explorer
- Screen-sensitive help is now available when JAWS announces three-state button on the General page of a folder's Property dialog box.
- When navigating through a tree view in the Folder Options dialog box, JAWS correctly announces items in the tree view.
Windows Live Messenger
- In Windows Live Messenger, JAWS now reads all contact information available in the Contacts menu.
- The status of check boxes in the Create a Group dialog box is announced when you navigate to a check box or toggle its setting using the SPACEBAR.
Windows Vista
- If an invalid password is entered when logging on to Windows Vista, JAWS now reads the static text for the Invalid Password dialog box.
- JAWS now announces the labels for the Power Settings slider controls when using a Windows Vista Dell laptop computer. The controls are Adjust Monitor Brightness, on battery and Adjust Monitor Brightness, plugged in.
- JAWS now reads the CTRL+ALT+DELETE prompt when Secure Log On is enabled on a Windows Vista computer.
- JAWS correctly reads and navigates the Move File dialog box when cutting and pasting files in Windows Vista.
WordPerfect
- Resolved a reported problem with Corel® WordPerfect® Office X3. JAWS no longer announces an error message regarding the font and point size when navigating by characters (NUM PAD 4 and NUM PAD 6).
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Download
JAWS 9.0
The following briefly describes how to download and install the full version of JAWS 9.0.
- Select either the download link that appears at the end of this procedure.
- When the dialog box opens, choose Save and select a location where you can easily find the downloaded executable file.
- Run the executable and follow the talking installer.
JAWS 9.0.515 - November 2007 English ILM (63 MB -
FTP download).
Check for Updates
To check for updates after installing the public beta release, do the following:
- Press INSERT+J to open the JAWS application window.
- Press ALT+H to open the Help menu.
- Press P to select Check for Updates. The update feature determines if you have the most current release. If not, an update download begins. All enhancements since the initial public beta release are included in the update.
Demonstration Version
of JAWS
Select the following link to download a 40-minute version of JAWS 9.0.
Free DEMO of JAWS 9.0 (55 MB -
FTP download)
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Eric Damery, JAWS Product Manager, Discusses What's New in JAWS 9.0
You can download and
listen to an interview with Eric Damery, product manager for JAWS, in which he discusses the exciting new features available in JAWS 9.0. The
interview is available in MP3 format.
"What's New" interview with Eric Damery (MP3 version)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Question: If I download the JAWS 9.0 release from the Web, should I install JAWS from the CD when I receive it?
Answer: No. You only need to install the training materials that are on the JAWS program CD. This information is available in a digital document format known as DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System). To install these files, do the following:
- Insert your JAWS program CD into your CD drive.
- When the JAWS Setup dialog box appears, press TAB to move to the Training Materials button, and then press SPACEBAR.
- In the JAWS Training Materials dialog box, select the check box next to each DAISY book that you want to install.
- Choose the Install button.
- When the installation is finished, remember to put your JAWS program CD in a safe place so you will have it for future use when needed.
Note: If you download JAWS from the Web, the training materials are not included. This is to reduce the size of the download. If you like, you can download and install the training files from the JAWS Training Headquarters on the Freedom Scientific Web site.
Question: If I wait until my CD arrives to install JAWS 9.0, should I also download the version that is available on the Web?
Answer: No, but once you have installed JAWS 9.0 from the CD, you should check for updates by pressing
ALT+H from the JAWS program window, and then pressing
P to select Check for Updates.
Question: If I’ve been installing and using the JAWS public beta releases, should I remove the public beta before installing the official JAWS 9.0 release?
Answer: No. You may install the JAWS 9.0 release over the JAWS public beta release or just use the Check for Update feature in the Help menu. Remember, the public beta will expire on December 1, 2007, so be sure to update to the final release as soon as possible.
Question: If I remove my existing version of JAWS before installing JAWS 9.0, should I remove shared components?
Answer: Yes, however, remember that you will not have speech between removing your current JAWS version and installing JAWS 9.0. If you download JAWS 9.0 from the Web, copy the executable file to a location that is easy to find without speech.
Question: When should I receive my JAWS 9.0 English release CD?
Answer: You should receive your CD by the first week of December 2007 at the latest. You may receive it sooner or later depending on where you live; we have taken steps to make sure they arrive in all markets at the same time.
Question: If I recently received JAWS 8.0, how do I get JAWS 9.0?
Answer: If you purchased JAWS 8.0 after September 15, 2007, you can download the JAWS 9.0 release for free from the Freedom Scientific Web site. Remember that you can verify the current version you're entitled to on
www.fsactivate.com if you know your serial number.
Question: If my SMA expires, will I receive a notice?
Answer: Customers in the U.S. will receive notification in the mail shortly after the JAWS 9 CD arrives. The envelope will have a braille label on the outside, and it will contain an SMA Renewal letter explaining the process in print and braille. This form to renew your SMA is also available for download now from the Freedom Scientific Web site. Select the
SMA Renewal Form link located under the Software News heading. Renewal prices are discounted if you purchase JAWS 9.0 before the end of the year.
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SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND & SERVICES SETA BURSARY
The SA National Council for the Blind and the Services SETA are pleased to offer bursaries to people with a visual impairment.
The bursary applies only to skills programmes registered with a vocational ETQA, i.e. one of the 23 SETA ETQAs. Degrees, National Diplomas, will Not Qualify for a bursary.
This bursary is intended to subsidize the cost for completed skills programmes, where the skills programmes are related to any qualification falling under the scope of the Services SETA ETQA.
A list of all qualifications and unit standards that fall under the scope of the SSETA ETQA may be viewed on the Services SETA website (www.serviceseta.org.za).
A total of 50 bursaries are available to people with visual impairment in terms of this scheme.
CRITERIA
In order to apply for one of the bursaries applicants must:
- Be employed
- Be a person with a visual impairment
- Be a South African citizen
- Only attend training provided by accredited training providers
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
The following supporting documents must be attached to the application form:
- Certified copy of Identity Document
- Certified copies of highest qualification
- Proof of registration at an accredited training provider
- Documentary evidence of disability
- Details of the skills programme to be attended
- Details of the ETQA accredited training provider for the skills programme in question.
Upon approval by the Services SETA an agreement will be signed between the Services SETA and Council. Council will sign an agreement with the applicant.
Each bursary recipient must submit proof of enrolment in the relevant skills programme. On receipt of this proof and subject to payment received from the Services SETA Council will pay 50% of the bursary value to the training provider.
The Services SETA will pay the balance of 50% to Council subject to the successful completion certificate being submitted to the Services SETA. Thus, bursary recipients will take responsibility for the submission of the aforementioned certificate to Council.
For more information please contact:
Reshmika Ramchurran
Education Administration Officer
South African National Council for the Blind
Address:
P.O. Box 11149 Hatfield, 0028
Tel: (012) 452 3811
Fax: (012) 346 1149
E-mail:
mika@sancb.org.za
The First Magnifier for Windows Mobile Smartphones is Now Available!
Code Factory releases the public beta of Mobile Magnifier for Windows Mobile Smartphones. The product provides unparalleled flexibility, supports an extraordinary range of devices, and includes font and graphics smoothing
Terrassa, Barcelona, October 17th, 2007
In yet another step towards universal access to mobile phones, Code Factory today announced the release of Mobile Magnifier for Windows Smartphones. In keeping with Code Factory's spirit of innovation, Mobile Magnifier Smartphone is the first and only magnification application for devices powered by the Standard edition of the Windows Mobile operating system. Highlights of Mobile Magnifier Smartphone include the provision of flexible magnification layouts, different colour schemes, customizable cursor properties, font and graphics smoothing, and much more.
“Breaking new ground in the AT industry is certainly not unusual for Code Factory,” says Eduard Sánchez, the company's CEO, “but it is always a privilege to release a type of application which has never existed before, and an even greater privilege to provide a method of access for a product when that method has never existed before. We are very pleased to Make Windows Mobile Smartphones, which are some of the most powerful phones available today, accessible to the many users who find it difficult or impossible to read their screens.”
Below are just some of the many features of Mobile Magnifier for Windows Mobile Smartphones that you will find in the public beta and try out for thirty days, free of charge:
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Support for an unrivaled range of over 60 Smartphones. The full list of supported mobile phones can be found at http://www.codefactory.es/en/phones.asp?id=38
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Full-screen magnification on all supported phones by default, regardless of the resolution of the phone's screen.
- Ten magnification levels from 1.5x to 16x.
- Automatic magnification of areas of interest on the screen, such as window titles, menu keys, and the control in focus while navigating the device's user interface.
- Smoothes fonts by default, thus making them appear less jagged and easier to read.
- Optional automatic text panning with configurable speed makes manually panning the screen to see further text needless.
- Supports manually zooming in on any part of the display without moving system focus or the text cursor.
- Provides several color schemes so that users may choose from default, black and white, gray scale, 16K colors, 256K colors, black and white inverted, and inverted colors.
- Offers the option to surround the magnified view with borders of customizable size and color.
- Allows the user to change the shape and color of the text cursor to make it easier to track.
- Makes easy customization of magnifier settings possible from anywhere in Windows Mobile through globally available commands.
- Works seamlessly with Mobile Speak Smartphone, licensed separately, and which can be installed with or after Mobile Magnifier.
The public beta of Mobile Magnifier for Windows Mobile Smartphone is being released concurrently with the public beta of Mobile Speak for Windows Smartphone, and includes the many benefits of Code Factory's new and innovative user-centered licensing system, allowing users to change devices free of charge an unlimited number of times, activate from anywhere, and more. Download Mobile Speak for Windows Mobile Smartphones from
http://www.codefactory.es/en/downloads.asp?id=44
Code Factory launches user-centred licensing for its software running on the Windows Mobile®
platform
New Licensing Method enables Activation Anytime From Anywhere, Free Movement of Licenses Between Devices, and more!
Terrassa Spain-October 2nd, 2007,
Today, Code Factory, the global leader in mobile software development for the blind and visually impaired, announces that it is introducing a new licensing method for its products running on the Windows Mobile operating system,providing its users with unparalleled flexibility in how they activate and use the software they purchase.
Formerly, users of Code Factory products for Windows Mobile licensed their devices using a serial number generated by the device. This serial number was sent to Code Factory and a license code received which allowed the device to run the software. This device-based licensing method made it necessary to activate the device manually, by entering long codes, from the PC or device, to charge a small fee to move from one device to another, and to enter a new serial number whenever a new product or enhancement was purchased.
All these drawbacks have been overcome with the new licensing method. User-centred licensing, where the product is licensed to the user and not to any particular device, allows users to activate their mobile device anytime and anywhere through their PCs, via the internet from the device itself, or by sending an SMS/text message. Users can now move their licensed software from device to device free of charge an unlimited number of times. There is no need to enter any codes into the device itself, the process is entirely automated and all the user need do is initiate the request for an activation.
"Our products support the largest number, and widest range, of mobile devices in the AT industry," says Eduard Sánchez Palazón, C.E.O. of Code Factory. "Our customers demand flexibility in the way they use their software and hardware, and that's what this new licensing system is all about. Users of our products can now activate their software wherever and whenever they like, they can activate quickly and easily and, most importantly of all, they're able to keep up, free of charge, with increasingly innovative mobile devices.
Larry Lewis, President of Flying Blind, agrees: "In an industry where it's fashionable for companies to charge customers thousands of dollars to update proprietary solutions that are out of date within months of being released, it's both mind-blowing and refreshing for those of us who are vision impaired to benefit from such an innovative approach to portable information management. I've been an exceedingly satisfied Mobile Speak customer for over three years, and compared to the costs that I accrued when I used a legacy notetaker, have spent a minimal amount in phone upgrade fees to move between four different mobile phones. But I'm both excited by, and impressed with, this incredible news and what it means for those of us who are blind and use mobile applications!"
Code Factory will be releasing version 2.0 of Mobile Speak for Pocket PCs and Mobile Speak for Windows Mobile Smartphones in the coming weeks. This will be a free upgrade for all current users. Upon the release of version 2.0 of each product, all current users will have the opportunity to migrate to the new licensing system. Users will be able to activate, deactivate, and reactivate their software using a PC with an Internet connection, wireless internet and/or cellular internet access directly from their mobile device, or through SMS text messaging. To read in greater depth about the many advantages of the new licensing method, visit: www.codefactory.es/ucl
About Code Factory
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Terrassa/Barcelona, Spain, Code Factory is the global leader committed to the development of products designed to eliminate barriers to the accessibility of mobile technology for the blind and visually impaired. Today, Code Factory is the leading provider of screen readers, screen magnifiers, and braille interfaces for the widest range of mainstream mobile devices including Symbian-based and Windows Mobile-powered Smartphones as well as Pocket PC phones and PDAs. Its product line is the only one to support phones working on the GSM, CDMA and WCDMA networks. Code
Factory's success lies in giving excellent customer support and in responding immediately to the needs of its end users. Among our customers are well-known companies and organizations like ONCE, and carriers such as TMN, Vodafone, SFR,
Bouygues Telecom and AT&T. Our partners enable us to provide excellent text-to-speech, in many languages, for Mobilespeak products and to incorporate support for over twenty wireless braille devices into our software.
For more information, feel free to contact to Sensory Solutions - Your Mobile Speak provider in South Africa:
Tel. +27 12 664 7704
info@sensorysolutions.co.za
