Freedom Scientific Announces High Definition Video Magnifier Line

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Brad Davis
800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000
www.FreedomScientific.com
Sales: info@FreedomScientific.com

Freedom Scientific Announces High Definition Video Magnifier Line

Crisper, Clearer Images for Those with Low Vision

(St. Petersburg, Florida – December 2, 2011) – Freedom Scientific, the world leader in assistive technology for those that are low vision or blind, today unveiled another breakthrough in assistive technology with a line of high definition desktop video magnifiers called TOPAZ® XL HD.

"Our TOPAZ XL has become an indispensable tool for many people, allowing them to once again read bills, bank statements, and other personal documents independently, and store them on their PC for later retrieval," says Brad Davis, Freedom Scientific’s Vice President of Hardware. “Now our new HD models offer improved efficiency, because the clear high contrast image, even at magnification levels below 2x, can fit more text on the screen than ever before. For many users, this means they can display an entire standard page of text across a widescreen monitor and read comfortably without moving their document back and forth under the camera."

Other video magnifiers can share their monitor with a PC to save desk space, but the TOPAZ XL HD goes beyond that. With Freedom Scientific’s optional GEM™ software, low vision users can bring the magnified image to their PC, control the TOPAZ XL HD from the keyboard, and work in multiple split screen views so that they see their magnified document and their application at the same time. Users can quickly capture multiple images, review them with a single keystroke, and select which ones to save.

The new TOPAZ XL HD line offers 20-inch, 22-inch, and 24-inch widescreen models, as well as 17-inch standard monitor and camera only models. The products are shipping in December.

For complete specifications and pricing details, visit www.FreedomScientific.com or contact Freedom Scientific at 800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000.

Freedom Scientific offers a broad range of technology solutions for those with low vision, including:

• MAGic® screen magnification software
• RUBY® and SAPPHIRE® handheld video magnifiers
• ONYX® portable distance, document, and self view cameras
• PEARL® OCR camera with OpenBook® and the SARA™ and SARA CE scanning and reading appliances for both blind and low vision users

About Freedom Scientific

Freedom Scientific is the leading worldwide provider of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. The Company sells its products worldwide and has offices in Florida and Switzerland. The Company’s products have been translated into 24 languages and are available in 55 countries. Freedom also has a line of software products for those with learning disabilities.

Freedom Scientific®, TOPAZ®, MAGic®, RUBY®, SAPPHIRE®, ONYX®, PEARL®, OpenBook®, SARA™, and GEM™ are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries.

Source: Press Release

Freedom Scientific Enhances Scanning and Reading Appliances - Adds FineReader Optical Character Recognition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Brad Davis
800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000
www.FreedomScientific.com
Sales: info@FreedomScientific.com

Freedom Scientific Enhances Scanning and Reading Appliances

Adds FineReader Optical Character Recognition

(St. Petersburg, Florida – November 30, 2011) – Freedom Scientific today announced an upgrade to its SARA™ and SARA CE Scanning and Reading Appliances to improve speed and accuracy.

“We’ve added ABBYY FineReader® to the OmniPage® OCR engine we were already using, combining the best features of both products to offer our best and fastest print to speech conversion yet,” says Dusty Voorhees, Senior Product Manager. “We’ve also made improvements to our SARA flatbed scanning model to reduce the time to gain speech and Braille access to printed text by a third. While the SARA CE camera model is faster overall, the flatbed scanner SARA now matches its processing performance.

“These enhancements are sure to improve productivity and enjoyment for our many blind and low vision customers who use the SARA and SARA CE to access books, magazines, mail, and other printed documents. The addition of FineReader should be particularly appreciated by those who use the additional languages available in both the SARA and SARA CE.”

To learn more about the SARA and SARA CE, visit the Freedom Scientific Low Vision Products page, where you’ll find a listing of features, samples of the human-like reading voices, and a short video demonstration to introduce you to both products.

The SARA CE model is still available for the special introductory price of $1,895 until December 31, 2011 – a $500 savings.

For complete specifications, visit www.FreedomScientific.com or contact Freedom Scientific at 800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000.

About Freedom Scientific

Freedom Scientific is the leading worldwide provider of assistive technology products for those with vision impairments. The Company sells its products worldwide and has offices in Florida and Switzerland. The Company’s products have been translated into 24 languages and are available in 55 countries. Freedom also has a line of software products for those with learning disabilities.

Freedom Scientific®, SARA™ and SARA™ CE are registered trademarks in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: Email News Release

Bones Announces Free Firmware Upgrade for the Milestone 212/312 with Video Support, More

 

Bones has announced a free upgrade to the Milestone 312 and 212 digital media players and recorders. The free update includes support for several new file formats including Microsoft Word .DOC, BookShare DAISY content, and iTunes .M4A music. .MP4 and .m4V video formats are also supported. Check the link on this post to learn more or download the update. Thanks to Rich for the tip.

Shopping is a breeze with our Blind Bargains Apps.

 

Bones Announces Free Firmware Upgrade for the Milestone 212/312 with Video Support, More
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:49:12 GMT

ZoomText 10 Has Arrived!

 

The wait is over – ZoomText 10 is here and ready for sale! For those of you who pre-ordered, you’re all set. For those who didn’t, here’s the scoop:

Today

• Buy ZoomText “Digital Only” version. We’ll give you a serial number so you can start using ZoomText immediately. The product documentation will be available online for downloading.
• Buy ZoomText “Physical Shipment”. We’ll give you a serial number so you can start using ZoomText immediately. Your documentation will be sent to you at a later date.

In the Coming Weeks

• You can still choose to buy ZoomText Digital (and save yourself some money on shipping), but we will also be offering up the traditional shipped ZoomText box.

Purchase online or give us a call at 800-859-0270 (upgrade orders need to be placed over the phone). Don’t forget that we’re running a bunch of specials if you order by the end of the year!

Even though ZoomText is just ready electronically, we’ve got camera packages ready to be shipped out!

Want to try ZoomText 10 before you buy? Head on over to our website and download a free 60-day trial.

We’ve added a bunch of new features into this release and you might need some training so that you’re getting the most out of them. We’ve got you covered with a series of free webinars – click on one of the following links to sign up for a one-hour training session that exclusively covers the new features of ZoomText 10:

• Tuesday, November 29th from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
• Wednesday, November 30th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
• Thursday, December 1st from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
• Monday, December 5th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
• Thursday, December 8th from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST

We’ve posted videos on each particular feature, but we have prepared a quick video that covers all the new and exciting features in version 10. Check it out!

 

ZoomText 10 Has Arrived!
Rebecca White
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:34:44 GMT

NVDA 2011.3 Released

 

NV Access is pleased to announce that NVDA 2011.3 has been released. This release has been declared stable, which means it is suitable for production use and is recommended for most users. Highlights of NVDA 2011.3 include automatic speech language switching when reading documents with appropriate language information; support for 64 bit Java Runtime Environments; reporting of text formatting in browse mode in Mozilla applications; better handling of application crashes and freezes; and initial fixes for Windows 8.

http://www.nvda-project.org/blog/NVDA2011.3Released

Permalink

NVDA 2011.3 Released
Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:22:00 GMT

Special Offer Extended: PLEXTALK Pocket Accessible DAISY Player / Recorder

 

The PLEXTALK Pocket lists for $349 in the U.S., but it is available at the introductory price of $275 through January 31, 2012. This includes not only the PLEXTALK Pocket, but also the PRS DAISY recording and editing software for your PC. This combination is only available for U. S. customers who purchase the PLEXTALK Pocket through Freedom Scientific.

Special Offer Extended: PLEXTALK Pocket Accessible DAISY Player / Recorder
VLuceno
Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:16:06 GMT

Dolphin announced a free update immediately available for all SuperNova version 12 customers

 

The version 12.06 update is available via SuperNova's internet updater for Arabic, Australian English, Belgian Dutch, Belgian French, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hindi, Icelandic, Italian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, UK English, US English and Welsh product users.

Dolphin announced a free update immediately available for all SuperNova version 12 customers
Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:21:14 GMT

ZoomText 10 Feature Leak – Enhanced WebFinder!

 

Here’s the next sneak peek into the exciting new features of ZoomText 10 – Enhanced WebFinder!

The Enhanced WebFinder allows you to search webpages for specific words or phrases, or skim through pages to find items of interest.  As you navigate through the page, each item you come to is highlighted and announced.  When an item of interest is found, WebFinder can start reading aloud from that location.  If the item is a link to another page, WebFinder can execute the link and you can continue your search on the new page.

All of these actions are performed using WebFinder’s simple toolbar and keyboard commands.  The WebFinder toolbar also has a popup dialog that displays a list of page elements (headings, links, controls, etc.) that can be filtered and sorted to quickly find information.

The power and flexibility of WebFinder makes web browsing fast, efficient and more productive.  See for yourself just how it works in its video debut:

Be of the first to get your hands on ZoomText 10 by pre-ordering! We’ve got a bunch of promos running and they’re only good until the end of the year, so don’t delay. We’re taking pre-orders for US and Canada only by phone at 800-859-0270 or 802-362-3612 option #2. Here are all the details…

• Free ZoomText 10 t-shirt with any ZoomText order while supplies last

• $10 off any upgrade

• $20 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + camera package

• $20 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + Large-Print Keyboard

• $30 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + camera package + Large-Print Keyboard

We’ve posted all the nitty gritty pricing details in a post earlier this week.  Stay tuned for more info on the other features we’ve included in ZoomText 10!

 

ZoomText 10 Feature Leak – Enhanced WebFinder!
Rebecca White
Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:05:22 GMT

Window-Eyes 7.5.2 is Now Available!

 

Greetings,GW Micro is proud to announce the release of Window-Eyes 7.5.2. This version includes improved...

Window-Eyes 7.5.2 is Now Available!
Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT

ZoomText 10 Feature Leak – Background Reader!

 

Here’s the next sneak peek into the exciting new features of ZoomText 10 – Background Reader!

Background Reader is a tool that allows you to listen to documents, webpages, emails, or any text while simultaneously performing other tasks. Just think of the possibilities…listen to what Background Reader is speaking and:

• Take notes on what you’re listening to
• Browse webpages or check your email
• View its corresponding information, such as pictures and illustrations

It’s a simple, easy to use tool that allows you to multitask and increase your productivity. See for yourself just how it works in its video debut:

Be of the first to get your hands on ZoomText 10 by pre-ordering! We’ve got a bunch of promos running and they’re only good until the end of the year, so don’t delay. We’re taking pre-orders for US and Canada only by phone at 800-859-0270 or 802-362-3612 option #2. Here are all the details…

• Free ZoomText 10 t-shirt with any ZoomText order while supplies last

• $10 off any upgrade

• $20 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + camera package

• $20 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + Large-Print Keyboard

• $30 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + camera package + Large-Print Keyboard

We’ve posted all the nitty gritty pricing details in a post earlier this week.  Stay tuned for more info on the other features we’ve included in ZoomText 10!

 

ZoomText 10 Feature Leak – Background Reader!
Rebecca Proskin
Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:05:45 GMT

ZoomText 10 – First Feature Leak!

 

As you might have heard, we are releasing ZoomText 10 very shortly.  We know you’re going to love all the new features we’ve included – they were very well received at ATIA in Chicago.  Over the next week or so, we’re going to be leaking information about each of the new features so be sure to stay tuned to the blog!  And starting today, we’re taking pre-orders (more info on that below).

I know you’re on pins and needles, so let’s stop the blabber and get to it!  Without further adieu, let me introduce you to ZoomText Camera…

ZoomText Camera is an incredible new feature that allows you to use any high definition webcam to view and magnify printed items and other objects right on your computer screen.  We tested a wide variety of webcams and have chosen the Logitech C615 (that’s the one pictured on the right) as the one that we feel performs the best – pair it with the stand, and you’ve got yourself an affordable and portable CCTV alternative!  Already own an HD webcam?  We suggest just buying the stand from us and you’re ready to go.

It’s really best to see it in action rather than read about it so check out the video below or watch it on YouTube:

Pre-Order Info

Be of the first to get your hands on ZoomText 10 as well as the camera add-on by pre-ordering!  We’ve got a bunch of promos running and they’re only good until the end of the year, so don’t delay.  We’re taking pre-orders for US and Canada only by phone at 800-859-0270 or 802-362-3612 option #2.  Here are all the details…

• Free ZoomText 10 t-shirt with any ZoomText order while supplies last; we’ve got sizes from small to XXL to pick from.  See a pic of it off to the right-hand side.
• $10 off any upgrade
• $20 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + camera package
• $20 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + Large-Print Keyboard
• $30 off any ZoomText 10 (new or upgrade) + camera package + Large-Print Keyboard

Read on for a chart with all the nitty gritty pricing details.  It’s a lot to look at so if you’d rather, just give our sales team a call with your current serial number and they’ll be happy to answer any questions for you.

Upgrades

To ZoomText 10 Magnifier

SALE price

Regular price

   ZoomText 10 Magnifier only
$139
$149

      Plus camera bundle
$278
$298

      Plus Large-Print Keyboard
$214
$234

      Plus camera bundle and keyboard
$353
$383

To ZoomText 10 Magnifier/Reader

SALE price

Regular price

FROM MAGNIFIER

   ZoomText 10 Magnifier/Reader only
$189
$199

      Plus camera bundle
$328
$348

      Plus Large-Print Keyboard
$264
$284

      Plus camera bundle and keyboard
$403
$433

FROM MAGNIFIER/READER

   ZoomText 10 Magnifier/Reader only
$189
$199

      Plus camera bundle
$328
$348

      Plus Large-Print Keyboard
$264
$284

      Plus camera bundle and keyboard
$403
$433

New purchases

ZoomText 10 Magnifier

SALE price

Regular price

   ZoomText 10 Magnifier only
$399
$399

      Plus camera bundle
$528
$548

      Plus Large-Print Keyboard
$458
$478

      Plus camera bundle and keyboard
$597
$627

ZoomText 10 Magnifier/Reader

SALE price

Regular price

   ZoomText 10 Magnifier/Reader only
$599
$599

      Plus camera bundle
$728
$748

      Plus Large-Print Keyboard
$658
$678

      Plus camera bundle and keyboard
$797
$827

Want ZoomText 10 on USB?  Just add $100 to the total.  Again, we’re here to take pre-orders or answer your questions – 800-859-0270 or 802-362-3612 option #2.

ZoomText 10 – Bringing It All Together!

 

ZoomText 10 – First Feature Leak!
Rebecca Proskin
Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:05:05 GMT

NVDA 2011.3rc1 Released

 

NVDA 2011.3rc1 has just been released. This is a release candidate, which means that unless any critical issues are found, this will be almost identical to the final 2011.3 release.

Note that some translations may not yet be updated. They will be updated by the time of the final 2011.3 release.

Changes from beta1 to rc1:

• Updated documentation.
• Updated translations.
• NVDA no longer fails to recognise that the focus has moved when switching windows in some cases; e.g. opening a new window in Mozilla applications. (#1851)
• With mouse tracking enabled, moving the mouse over certain editable text fields (such as in Synaptics Pointing Device Settings and SpeechLab SpeakText) no longer causes the application to crash. (#672)
• NVDA no longer freezes when moving around in the system menu in Internet Explorer 8 on Windows XP. (#1831)
• Basic support for Design Science MathPlayer.
• NVDA now functions correctly in several about dialogs in applications distributed with Windows XP, including the About dialog in Notepad and the About Windows dialog. (#1853, #1855)
• Symbol pronunciation and character descriptions for Chinese are now reported correctly.
• If automatic language switching is disabled, NVDA's user interface language is used for symbol pronunciation and character descriptions instead of the language reported by the synthesizer. (#1861)
• Reviewing by word now works correctly in Windows Edit controls. (#1877)
• Updated eSpeak speech synthesizer to 1.45.47. (#1879)
• Moving out of an editable text field with leftArrow, upArrow or pageUp while in focus mode now correctly switches to browse mode when automatic focus mode for caret movement is enabled. (#1733)

Download links and change log:

• NVDA 2011.3rc1 installer
• NVDA 2011.3rc1 portable version
• What's new in 2011.3rc1

NVDA 2011.3rc1 Released
jteh
Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:58:31 GMT

Clarity Announces the Deskmate Duo

 

						Deskmate Duo and Deskmate Duo Plus combines Clarity’s Flex video magnifier with a 19” high-resolution LCD monitor for excellent visibility.  Deskmate Duo is ready to go wherever you go. Setup is a snap — just plug in and switch on! Deskmate Duo features Clarity’s unique Real Technology™ for enhanced image, color select and hands-free automatic focusing.  You’ll view three-dimensional items with amazing sharpness, and see your favorite photos in full color! Our versatile rotating camera design provides crystal-clear, full color viewing at any range: close-up, intermediate or far away. With its convenient remote control, using Deskmate Duo couldn’t be easier. Deskmate Duo+ integrates a rechargeable battery in the base of the unit which gives the user additional independence.   Clarity’s industry leading warranty gives you peace of mind while you’re on the move. Like all Clarity products, Deskmate is backed by our superior customer service, and is individually handcrafted in the USA. Let Clarity bring the world into focus.
		1-800-575-1456 www.clarityusa.com
Source: Email						Please note: The actual product may differ slightly in appearance from that shown.

Let Clarity bring your world into focus.

ClarityDeskmate Duo

For the person on the go, the Clarity Deskmate Duo system offers a high-quality mobile video magnification solution. Deskmate Duo lets you travel easily to work or school with minimal equipment to carry.

3-55Xmagnification

 

AiSquared News: ZoomText 10 – Bringing It All Together

 

With ZoomText 10, we are truly bringing it all together!  Stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks – we’re going to be leaking sneak peeks at each of the great new features of ZoomText 10 every few days or so.

AiSquared News: ZoomText 10 – Bringing It All Together
Rebecca Proskin
Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:35:06 GMT

New from Optelec: TwinView 24" HD-Ready Split-Screen Low Vision Monitor

 

Discover the power of true split-screen functionality and meet the demands of today's students and professionals living with low vision.

The NEW Optelec TwinView is a revolutionary 24-inch full HD monitor designed for multitaskers who work with a PC and also need magnification.   

For an ultimate low vision workstation, the Optelec TwinView combines the images of the Optelec ClearView+ desktop video magnifier and PC on a single monitor simultaneously.

Key Benefits:

• 24-inch High Definition TFT widescreen monitor with a matte screen finish

• Highest resolution image quality; supports VGA & DVI input at a range of (640 x 480 pixels) up to full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) 

• Free-standing, height-adjustable flexible monitor stand for a more comfortable reading posture 

• 178 degree wide viewing angle, helpful for peripheral vision and ensures a crisp and clear image, even when sitting in close proximity to the screen

• Intelligent, fully automatic split-screen functionality. No further adjustments are required within the ZoomText or SuperNova PC magnification software thanks to the TwinView software 

The Optelec TwinView is now available through the Authorized Optelec Dealer Network. Contact us today at 800.826.4200  or info@optelec.com you can read more about the Optelec TwinView by clicking here!

Source: Email