Hi Maurice and list,
I would like to congradulate HumanWare for this amazing upgrade. KeySoft
8.0 finally brings the significant milestone to the question of BookShare
access (without Classic involved; I'll present my theory on this later
upon request). Also, the integration of NIMAS and Audible support means
that this upgrade was really meant for students (especially seconary
schools and collegiate students) who require access to NIMAS and/or
Audible formatted books. The inclusion of KeyChat, suggested since 2005,
means that HumanWare is still listening to us - the users - and haven't
forgotten about the possibilities of rapidly changing ways of
communication (in my opinion). But this release leaves several key
suggestions behind, including real-time Bluetooth Object Exchange, IR
input and output, support for BookShare for Classic users and OS upgrade.
But I hope that, just like KeyChat and Audible, I hope HW will gradually
implement these suggestions in the later release (maybe in the next
version). Again thanks for this press release (maybe I'll play around
with GPS when it is integrated within KeySoft 8.0 in March)... I'm
looking forward to trying out new feature sets of this upcoming release in
due time.
Cheers,
Joseph
----- Original Message -----
From: "Maurice Sloane" <[email protected]
To: "BrailleNote List"
<[email protected]>,<[email protected]
Date sent: Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:36:32 -0800
Subject: [Braillenote] Press Release: KeySoft 8.0
Unveiling KeySoft 8.0
Longueuil, January 29, 2009 - HumanWare is pleased to announce
KeySoft version 8.0, the latest upgrade to the KeySoft software suite.
Version 8.0 will be available for mPower and PK platforms in March.
KeySoft 8.0 requires one count of a Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA).
What's new in KeySoft 8.0?
Experience new ways to communicate in real time and enrich your
book reading experience with this new KeySoft version. Are you interested
in learning more about GPS navigation? You now have the opportunity to try
for a period of 90 days the acclaimed Sendero GPS. Version 8.0 is packed
with a wide range of features to enhance the way you work and learn.
1.1 KeyChat
Communicate in real time with colleagues, friends and family
using state of the art instant messaging (IM) services. Designed using
the newest open instant messaging standards, KeyChat can communicate
through Google Talk, iChat and other chatting services. Google Talk is an
innovative and free IM service. It offers an efficient, clutter-free, and
easy way to chat. Google Talk smoothly integrates with the popular Gmail
system, allowing you to chat in real time with your email contacts as
well. Read and write messages in your preferred grade of Braille, manage
conversations and follow chat history with familiar KeySoft commands.
Receive an Audio or Braille notice when a message arrives. Add new
friends or select from your KeyList contacts, or simply go online and
enjoy!
1.2 Reading Audible.com books
KeySoft 8.0 will support Audible.com books. Audible.com offers a
wide audio book collection for general and specialized audiences,
including the latest best sellers. Teachers and parents can also join
their new Audible Kids service to access fun and educational content for
school age kids or get tips and ideas on how to help children get the most
out of their listening experience. Fully integrated into KeyBook, you can
listen to Audible books and customize various settings such as narration
speed and audio tone. Set bookmarks, create text notes, and jump to any
place in the book. To obtain Audible books, you will need to become a
member of the Audible service and use the Audible manager to authorize
your BrailleNote to play the protected Audible books. HumanWare customers
can enjoy the complete Audible collection for a free 14 day period
1.3 Direct access to the new Bookshare site
The existing support for unpacking electronic books from
Bookshare.org is enhanced to include the new .zip or bks2 formats adopted
by Bookshare. KeySoft provides everything necessary to wirelessly access
the Bookshare.org web site, download the text, Braille or DAISY electronic
book and unpack and read the book, without having to use a PC.
1.4 Support for NIMAS books
KeySoft will now play NIMAS books. NIMAS books are text files
with a structure that is similar to that of DAISY books. KeyBook's rich
navigation used with DAISY files is also available for NIMAS files. NIMAS
books are instantly translated into your preferred Braille grade. Choose
to read in Braille or let Eloquence speech read to you. Move through
DAISY elements or use the familiar KeySoft sentence and paragraph
navigation commands. NIMAS (National Instructional Materials
Accessibility Standard) is the format for educational textbooks in the
United States. NIMAS guides the production and electronic distribution of
digital versions of textbooks and other instructional materials so they
can be more easily converted into accessible formats. For more
information, please visit: http://nimas.cast.org/ <http://nimas.cast.org/>
.
1.5 Get a taste of GPS
KeySoft version 8.0 represents a great opportunity to get
familiar with GPS. It includes the latest version of Sendero GPS and
users can take advantage of a 90-day free trial period to browse their
preferred map or navigate outdoors. After this trial period, users can
continue to enjoy their system at a preferred price. Users are required
to download the desired maps from the Sendero site. For real time
navigation, you will need a GPS receiver.
1.6 More printers available to students
Students and teachers can now select from a wide range of Hewlett
Packard printers. Most new models from the Deskjet, Officejet, Laser jet
and Photosmart product lines are supported. Printers supported via the
KeySoft generic printing engine must have a USB port. This functionality
is only available to mPower users.
The new printing engine can create images of documents in JPEG
format. As JPEG files are compatible formats, users can transfer
documents to the PC or to non-BrailleNote users without losing the rich
formatting available in Keyword.
1.7 Eloquence speech is now supported in the PK
Use the highly responsive and accurate KeyNote Gold speech that
has been one of KeySoft's strongest features or switch to the familiar
Eloquence speech that is now widely available on access technology
products.
1.8 French Version
KeySoft 8.0 will be released simultaneously in English and
French. The same functions are available on both versions.
Recent mPower & PK Purchases
Customers that have purchased a new mPower or PK units after
January 1st 2009 are eligible to receive a free KeySoft 8 upgrade.
Compatibility
KeySoft 8.0 is not supported by the Classic models of the
BrailleNote and VoiceNote. As previously stated, KeySoft 7.5 was the last
release for these Classic devices.
Contact
Please contact your regional HumanWare office in the USA, Canada,
the UK, New Zealand and Australia for regional pricing and orders.
USA: 1 800 722-3393 or 925 680-7100
UK/Europe: +44 1933 415 800
Canada: 1 888 723-7273 or +1 450 463 1717
Australia/Asia: +61 2 9686 2600
New Zealand: +64 3 384 4555
Posted by:
Maurice Sloane
HumanWare NZ
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