Software Deals, Sales, and News

Hims has released version 6.2 for their brailleSense and VoiceSense line of Notetakers. This version adds support for content from the national Library Service, the ability to read and write Spanish documents, and support for the optional “Sense Dictionary”. Version 6.2 is a free upgrade, and is available now from the link on this post. Thanks to Rich Cavallaro for the tip.

Humanware has released Keysoft version 9.2 for the BrailleNote Apex. This update adds the ability to convert PDF documents so they may be edited in KeyWord, and natively read in the Book Reader. This upgade also adds enhanced braille display support for the QT model, as well as improved file downloads. Version 9.2 counts as an SMA upgrade, and costs $129 for customers who do not curretnly have an SMA count.

We've obtained some literature on what appears to be some upcoming products from AI Squared. AI Squared appears destined for the mobile arena with ZoomReader, a $19.99 electronic reader and video magnifier for the iPhone 4 and 3GS and ZoomIt, a $4.99 product with just the video magnifier. The ZoomReader product also appears to possibly include some OCR
capabilities. The description from AI Squared is after the jump, though remember nothing has been released yet and things may change. Update: The ZoomIt app may not come to fruition, from the info we are receiving.

Freedom Scientific has released Jaws 12 to the public. New features implemented in jaws 12 include: a settings center, an alternative interface to the Microsoft Office ribbon, a text analyzer, automatic update notifications, and much more. For a full listing of new features and download links visit the link above for all the details on this major new release.

Nuance has released the first version of Talks for Windows Mobile phones, that's not sold through Verizon Wireless. This version runs on phones running Windows Mobile 6.0, 6.1 and 6.5 standard, and does not support touchscreen devices. We are unsure as to pricing and licensing information.

The Sendero Group has released their Sendero GPS LookAround iOS ap for $3.99. This app announces the current Heading, street, city,
cross street and nearest point of interest to your location. The ap is only compatible with the iPhone 4 and 3gs, and not with the iPod touch.

The first public beta of Jaws 12 has been released. Jaws users can download the beta version of this product and use authorization from jaws 11 until the full SMA upgrade is released later this year. Freedom Scientific recommends checking for updates weekly to insure users have the most up to date software. Features of this new release include: Jaws BrailleIn, contracted braille typing, Settings Center, Virtual Ribbon Menu, and more. visit the link above for more information on the Jaws 12 public Beta and all of its new features.

KNFB Reading Technology, Inc. has released version 6.4 of their KNFB Reader Mobile software. This latest release adds color recognition, glare detection, tilt feedback, the ability to export captured text to the notes application, and various bug fixes. This version is free for all existing KNFB Reader Mobile customers.

Nuance has rleased version 5 of their Talks screen-reading application for Symbian phones. Talks 5.0 adds support for touchscreen S60 5th edition phones, improved support for the calendar and email application, and improved audio handling. Talks 5.0 is a free upgrade to existing Talks 4 customers.

Blastbay Studios has released version 0.1 of the Blastbay Game Toolkit, software which allows you to design your own audio games. No prior knowledge of computer programming is required. The toolkit features a high-speed game engine, versatile scripting language based on C++, extensive documentation and examples and more. Pricing has not been anounced, though anyone is able to test and give feedback for this beta release.

Code Factory has released version 4.01 of their Mobile Speak aplication for symbian phones. This maintenance update adds support for the Nokia x6 and 6700 slide, support for the web browser on touch-screen devices, and more. This is a free upgrade to existing users of Mobile Speak 4.

Blind Bargains has obtained presentation information for ATIA Orlando 2010. A handout concerning the new features in OpenBook 9 is available. The new version of Freedom Scientific's OCR software contains improved image acquisition times which claim to provide almost instant access to documents, better support for image files, and additional features for low-vision users such as a virtual X-Y table. In addition, users will be able to restart reading where they left off when reopening a document. Support for the Unified English Braille code is also included as well as other unnamed features, according to the abstract. Freedom Scientific published their complete ATIA presentation schedule in their December 2009 newsletter. Blind Bargains will be in Orlando providing both written and audio coverage for the conference, so stay tuned for more details.

According to a video news report posted to CNN, the next version of the KNFB Reader Mobile software will include color recognition capabilities. The reader is heard saying "recognizing color" and identifying the color blue in the video. Watch the full report which is linked to this post.

An EBay seller and Blind Bargains reader has posted a copy of JAWS for Windows Professional with a starting bid of $499. Or, Buy It Now for $595. Add about $6 for shipping. Either way, that's about half the cost of this software new. From the description, it sounds like the transfer fee is also included in this price. This is the latest version of Freedom Scientific's screen reading software. Auction ends December 1, if not sold sooner. Update: This item has sold.

In this podcast, featured on the CandleShore Blog, CodeFactory offers a closer look at MobileSpeak 4 in action. Along with cross platform capability, this software upgrade will allow for true portability and migration by allowing users to license their software to an existing telephone number. Please navigate to the link above to learn more!

An EBay seller has listed a 10-user license for Zoomtext Magnifier 8.1 with a current bid of $44.98. Shipping adds about $10. If everything checks out, this is a gigantic savings over purchasing this directly from AI Squared. This is one version removed from the current Zoomtext 9 series, so upgrade and possibly transfer fees may apply. Auction ends November 8.

Earlier today, we let you in on a security vulnerability found in JAWS 10 as reported on Tyler Spivey�s blog. According to the blog, a security vulnerability exists in JAWS 10 allowing a user to gain access to the command prompt as an administrator from the login screen. It allows an attacker to gain full system access to the computer, according to the post. We were not able to verify the claim, but you can listen to an audio demonstration of the process and try it yourself by navigating to the link above.

A press release from book and content distributor Baker & Taylor speaks of a new partnership with K-NFB Reading Technology and mentions an upcoming electronic book reader. According to the release, "K-NFB Reading Technology�s new e-reader will operate seamlessly on a variety of electronic
devices, including
personal computers
, smart phones and cell phones." This could allow for speech and braille access to a vast library of books of a magnitude never seen before.
Baker and Taylor distributes and manages over 1.1 million E-books, though it is unclear how many will be available on the upcoming software. Here's another press release from the National Federation of the Blind, using the term millions in reference to the amount of books which may be commercially available. Watch Blind Bargains for more news on this new product as it develops.

Our sister site, ATGuys.com, is now offering the KNFB Reader Mobile with the more powerful Nokia N86 cell phone.
Purchase the software with a Nokia N86, your choice of Mobile Speak or Talks, and Wayfinder Access GPS software for $2,095 plus shipping. Or get the reader, phone, and screen reader for $1,770 plus shipping. Other bundles are also available. The N86 offers high-speed 3G data coverage, 8GB of built-in memory, a faster processor, and FM transmitter among other features.

An EBay seller and Blind Bargains reader has posted a copy of the PAC Mate Scan Talker bar code software with a starting bid of $1. No bar code scanner is included, though the Metrologic scanner at A T Guys is compatible, among many others. The software normally retails for close to $500. Auction ends August 31.