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December - January 2009 – Volume 8 Issue 1 – @Freedom Scientific Newsletter

@Freedom Scientific is a free newsletter packed with the latest information about Freedom Scientific technology. Please feel free to send us your feedback.

  1. Freedom Scientific Sessions and Daily Drawings for Products at the 2009 ATIA Conference
  2. JAWS 10 is Now Available for 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista and Server 2008
  3. MAGic and OpenBook 64-bit Versions Scheduled to Release End of January
  4. SAPPHIRE Now in Two New Colors
  5. PAC Mate Maintenance Update 6.2 Posted for Download
  6. New from the Training Department in 2009: Webinars and Free Software
  7. New Tutorial Videos Available for WYNN Software
  8. Subscribe to FSCast for Breaking News and Features

 

Freedom Scientific Sessions and Daily Drawings for Products at the 2009 ATIA Conference

Join us as we demonstrate our latest product releases at the 2009 Assistive Technology Industries Association (ATIA) Conference and Exposition in Orlando, Florida, January 28 through January 31. We will conduct a series of group sessions and hands-on labs during the conference that takes place at the Caribe Royale All-Suites Resort.

During exhibit hours, Freedom Scientific will display and demonstrate all of its blind and low vision products at Booth #801. Learning Systems products will be shown at Booth #901.

Register for daily drawings at Booth #801. During the conference, Freedom Scientific will give away a SAPPHIRE™ handheld video magnifier – the newest addition to our growing line of low vision solutions – MAGic® screen magnification software, and 10 FSReader DAISY players with a $25 iTunes® gift card. Access iTunes with JAWS, and download music, movies, TV shows, applications, podcasts, audio books, university lectures, and more.

Mark your calendar for the following sessions:

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JAWS 10 is Now Available for 64-bit Versions of Windows Vista® and Windows Server 2008

On December 19, 2008, our JAWS team posted a version of JAWS 10 that works with Windows Vista 64-bit. This is great news, as pre-installed Windows Vista 64-bit is becoming the only option available at many local suppliers of PCs. Now anyone can go to the Freedom Scientific Web site, download the Public Beta version of JAWS 10 64-bit, and install it for use as a licensed version 10 using their existing ILM keys or simply run it as a 40-minute demo. The final release of this 64-bit version will come shortly, along with an update to JAWS 10 for all users. This update and all its enhancements will be included for both 32-bit versions (XP and Vista) and 64-bit versions (Vista).

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MAGic and OpenBook™ 64-bit Versions Scheduled to Release End of January

MAGic and OpenBook for Windows Vista 64-bit versions are not far behind. In the upcoming days MAGic 11 and OpenBook 8 will both release updates that work with Windows Vista 64-bit. MAGic 11 authorized users will be able to download the 64-bit version from our Web site. OpenBook 8 authorized users can request a CD be sent to them.

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SAPPHIRE Now in Two New Colors

The response to our new SAPPHIRE handheld magnifier has been tremendous. Now there is even more reason to carry one. In addition to the standard slate model, we now offer stylish red and blue versions. If you are attending the ATIA Conference, come by and see them at Booth #108. They have the same great features at the same great price as the original slate model.

The SAPPHIRE in slate The SAPPHIRE in blue The SAPPHIRE in red

For more information, visit the SAPPHIRE product page.

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PAC Mate Maintenance Update 6.2 Posted for Download

A free English Update (build 6.2.1034) for the PAC Mate Omni BX and QX is now available for download. This maintenance update provides changes that will be included in the 7.0 release available later this year. The update can be installed using the "package installer" which retains user data including any additional applications you have installed.

Changes and Enhancements in the PAC Mate Omni 6.2 Update

For more information and to download the update, go to the PAC Mate Omni BX and QX Update page.

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New from the Training Department in 2009

Online Training with Webinars

New for 2009, join our Training Department for Webinars from the convenience of your home, office, or dormitory room. We have had a number of requests for e-learning or online workshops. With the costs of travel on the rise and budgets tightening, we are pleased to begin offering both free and paid Webinars on a variety of subjects.

Upcoming free Webinars include:

The first scheduled paid Webinars include:

To read more about these new Webinars, or to register, visit the new e-learning page from the Training Department at Freedom Scientific.


Free Software for Saint Petersburg Workshop Attendees

The Training department at Freedom Scientific offers hands-on workshops throughout the year at our Saint Petersburg, Florida, headquarters. As an added value, those who attend training workshops at our headquarters in 2009 will receive a free copy of TypeAbility, the outstanding talking typing tutorial from YesAccessible!, as well as a free copy of J-Tools from T&T Consultancy, Ltd.

TypeAbility 3.0 for JAWS is compatible with JAWS 6 and higher and with MAGic 10.5 or higher. To read more about TypeAbility, visit YesAccessible!

J-Tools is an exciting new suite of software tools for users of JAWS 9 and higher that assists when working with word processing, e-mail, calendar, and the Internet. T&T Consultancy Ltd (UK) is well-known for developing products reliant upon the world’s most popular screen reader, JAWS for Windows and more recently, MAGic screen magnification software. Equipped with easy to use documentation and tutorials, the products are developed by and for visually impaired people.

In addition to J-Tools, their product range includes:

To read more about J-Tools, visit T & T Consultancy, Ltd.

With TypeAbility priced at $100 per copy and J-Tools priced at £45 (approximately $85 USD), this adds great value to the hands-on instruction and dynamic training one receives by coming to a training workshop in Florida.

Visit the workshop schedule page for dates and more information.

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New Tutorial Videos Available for WYNN Software

The Learning Systems Group of Freedom Scientific, developer of literacy software designed to create custom learning environments for all students, has released a new WYNN® Training Module. The Training Module includes a handy booklet with helpful teaching tips and a CD with 10 informative videos, each targeting specific features and uses of WYNN. The topics include:

Each video is concise yet informative, running between three and nine minutes, allowing users to easily navigate to the particular information they need. Specific guidance for how to use each feature makes this an ideal tool for classroom teachers.

The Freedom Scientific Learning Systems Group provides a variety of literature and training opportunities to support users, including custom onsite training for large or small groups, and free in-depth Webinars for real-time online training.

For more information, and to order Training Modules, contact Loni Atton in our Customer Service department, 800-444-4443 x1032.

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Subscribe to FSCast for Breaking News and Features

Between newsletters, our FSCast podcast brings you monthly updates and breaking news about Freedom Scientific technology for vision loss. This month, Eric Damery discusses the beta testing process for the upcoming Vista 64-bit version of JAWS for Windows. Then, host Jonathan Mosen introduces International Product Specialist Oleg Shevkun who tells what it was like growing up in the Soviet Union and how he came to be involved with Freedom Scientific products.

You can still get in on the news by visiting the FSCast archives to download FSCast episodes in MP3, but, if you want to get your news as soon as it becomes available, subscribe to FSCast today.

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Freedom Scientific's mission

To develop, manufacture, and market technology-based products that provide equal access to information and computing for those with vision impairments or learning disabilities.

@Freedom Scientific is published by
Freedom Scientific
11800 31st Court North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716-1805
800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000
www.FreedomScientific.com

Do you have hardware or software technical support queries? Address them to our Support Department.