News

Freedom Scientific has released the first public beta version of JAWS 9. You can download JAWS from their site. You can run the program in 40 minute demo mode or as a full version if you have a SMA remaining. The Freedom scientific page lists over 20 new features. Many improve compatibility with Windows Vista and Office 2007. Wayne's blog has a pages detailing his initial experiences with JAWS 9.

Apple have announced the release date of the next version of their OS X operating system called Leopard. Particularly exciting is the update of the Universal Access component. Highlights include braille and speech output during operating system installation, Voiceover navigation using the numpad (similar to JAWS and Windows Eyes) and a new voice called Alex. Here is a sample of Alex's voice. Leopard may cause a shake up in the alternative interface market as it will be very competitive when you can buy a great laptop in a MacBook for $1700 and get the accesibility software free. Tas Living Tech will be offering training and consulting on Leopard as of the release date on the 26th October.

Below is a demonstration of some of the features of Software Express Handsfree Guide. It lasts approximately 5 minutes.It requires Flash player 8 or later to function correctly. Unfortunately the movie is not accessible to screen readers at present, although if you can get focus on the movie you can tab through the controls and use space and enter to activate them.

Get Flash to see this video.

Guide Version 4 has many new features including:

• Built- in Skype support so you can talk with your family and friends for free anywhere in the world
• DVD player enabling you to watch movies
• BBC Listen again option so you can catch up on any radio programmes you have missed
• Personal Finance Manager to help you manage you incomings and out goings.

For a demonstration copy of Guide send an email with your address to wayne@taslivingtech.com.au. More information can be found on the Guide product page or the software express site.