Perkins Introduces the Next-Generation Brailler
For 57 years, there has been one standard Perkins Brailler, the braille-writing machine used by children and adults around the world. Perkins, in collaboration with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), has just announced its Next-Generation Brailler, boasting a lighter, quieter, more contemporary look and feel.
The Next-Generation Brailler has a polycarbonate (high-impact plastic) shell with metal parts inside. It weighs 25% less than the classic model and requires a gentler touch, and both the keys and end-of-line bell have been made quieter. The Next-Generation Brailler has an easy-erase button, to delete one character, and margins can be set from the front. It comes in three colors—raspberry, midnight blue, and light blue.
Because the unit was designed in collaboration with APH, APH will be the exclusive distributor in the United States and its territories for the first six months. In spring 2009, other resellers who currently sell the Perkins Brailler will have the Next-Generation Brailler available. The price is $650.
For more information, visit the web site www.PerkinsBrailler.Org. To order, phone APH at 800-223-1839 or Perkins Products at 617-972-7308.
Apple Makes iTunes Accessible
An agreement orchestrated by the National Federation of the Blind and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with Apple has resulted in more accessible products and a promise of more to come. iTunes 8, released in September, has a number of accessibility features built in for users who are blind or have low vision. iTunes U (content specifically provided by colleges and universities) is pledged to be fully accessible by the end of 2008, and the iTunes product and iTunes store are supposed to be fully accessible via both Mac and Windows operating systems by June 30, 2009.
Apple has also contributed $250,000 to the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. For more information about the agreement and ensuing plans, visit www.nfb.org.
GW Micro Releases Window-Eyes 7.0 and Scripting
GW Micro says that its latest upgrade, Window-Eyes 7.0, represents "unprecedented maturity." The version contains several exciting features—support for Firefox 3, Internet Explorer 8, iTunes 8, and more.
The most notable—and talked-about—improvement, however, is the addition of scripting capabilities, enabling users to render third-party applications more usable and accessible. According to a recent company news release, Window-Eyes 7.0 has a scripting interface that uses tools that already exist in the Windows operating system, allowing "users new to scripting, seasoned programmers, and everyone in between to take full advantage of this powerful new feature without getting bogged down in a complex and rigid programming environment." The company also established a repository through which script users and developers can collaborate and share efforts throughout the community of Window-Eyes users who are visually impaired.
Window-Eyes 7.0 is a free upgrade to customers with a paid software maintenance agreement (SMA) and costs $175 for those who currently own Window-Eyes 6.1 without an SMA. For more information about the upgrade, visit www.gwmicro.com/sc.
Serotek Summer Sizzle Winners Announced
In early June, Serotek Corp. announced its Summer Sizzle contest, a contest that anyone could enter by completing a brief online survey. A total of 2,000 people from more than 30 countries participated. The winner was announced, as promised, on ACB Radio's "Marlaina Show" on September 7. Amy Ruell, national programs manager at the National Braille Press in Boston and president of the Visually Impaired Blind Users Group there, was the winner of what Serotek dubbed a "digital lifestyle makeover." The makeover included a two-pound Asus Netbook PC, A Victor Reader Stream, a complete System Access package (including installation of the software on two computers and a USB drive for portability), a four-year subscription to the System Access Mobile Network, a Zen Stone MP3 player, and a copy of Mobile Speak.
As an added surprise, Mike Calvo, the CEO of Serotek, drew 10 names as runners-up, each of whom will receive a one-year subscription to the System Access Mobile Network. The 10 runners-up are Shawn Bever, Brandon Bracey, Roger Fordham, Pat Lenahan, John Manchester, Jessica Miller, Mike Nicol, Jay Pellis, David Taylor, and Marjolijn Terlingen.
Calvo said that the survey was informative, the contest was fun, and the company is likely to hold similar events in the future. For more information on Serotek products, visit www.serotek.com.
Talking Software for Managing Music
MarvelSoft Enterprises has announced the release of Digital Jukebox, a talking music-management package that was designed with users who are blind or have low vision in mind. The program enables users who are visually impaired to transfer tracks to and from the hard drive, convert to desired formats on the fly, and manage tracks on a variety of handheld players. Navigation functions include the ability to move forward or back a few seconds or for other designated time increments.
The self-voicing software makes it easy for users to move, copy, rename, and delete files; create playlists; create folders and subfolders; and more. It sells for $49.95. To order or for more information, visit www.braillebookstore.com/view.php?T=Digital+Jukebox or phone 800-987-1231.
New Portable Viewer from Freedom Scientific
Freedom Scientific introduced the Sapphire, a portable addition to its line of magnification products. Weighing less than two pounds, the portable video magnifier consists of a small camera and seven-inch screen and can enlarge print from 3.4X to 16X original size with an easy slide control. Features include up to 22 configurable settings, offering either full color or a variety of contrast and magnification options. The Sapphire has a built-in writing stand that enables a user with low vision to position the unit at a convenient angle over a check, notepad, or document for hands-free operation.
When attached to a television for reading at home or while traveling, the Sapphire can magnify an image up to 48 times on a 21-inch screen. The price is $1,895. For more information, visit www.freedomscientific.com or phone 800-444-4443.
