Dolphin News

Version 11 users upgrade for free!

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 09:20:56 GMT

All version 11 users of SuperNova Reader Magnifier, Hal Screen Reader, Lunar Screen Magnifier and LunarPlus Enhanced Screen Magnifier are eligible to receive their free major upgrade to the newly released version 11.50.

What are customers saying about version 11.50?

"The new and improved Help system is excellent...using SuperNova with Microsoft Word has become a far more enjoyable experience." Graham Allan, ICT teacher at Royal National College for the Blind

"It works much faster and better than before." A US customer.

"Good morning - I have installed Hal version 11.50 and I am very impressed." A UK customer.

How do I get my free upgrade?

SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus version 11 users should ensure their Dolphin Internet updater is turned on to automatically receive their version 11.50 upgrade.
Network administrators running version 11 of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar or LunarPlus should install the version 11.50 demo from the Dolphin website at www.YourDolphin.com. No unlock or network code will be required.
Dolphin software maintenance agreement (SMA) owners will automatically receive their version 11.50 upgrade CD.
A free patch will shortly be available for all Dolphin Pen II customers running version 11.
Customers running version 11 on the original Dolphin Pen I hardware are entitled to a free upgrade to the new Dolphin Pen II hardware, and should contact Dolphin or their Dolphin dealer.

Version 11.50 updates for Pen II coming soon

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:44:15 GMT

The free upgrade for version 11 customers using a Dolphin Pen II are in the process of being uploaded to the Updates, Maps & Patches section of the Dolphin website and should be available for download within the next couple of days.

Find out what's new in version 11.50

Read the full version 11.50 press release

Download a free 30 day trial of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar or LunarPlus version 11.50

Help and training, your version 11.50 guide!

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:38:37 GMT

Whether you are new to Windows, trying to get to grips with the Microsoft Office Ribbon, or making the move from Dolphin Guide to a full screen reader; version 11.50 of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus have built-in help and support to get you learning and growing in confidence. Perfect for:

New and novice computer users
Colleges and schools supporting & training students with visual impairments
Employees extending their workplace IT skills
Supporting student or workplace assessments

CAPS LOCK + F1 - YOUR Dolphin Help

Did you know that Dolphin Help is on hand just about whenever you need it?

If you are running SuperNova, Hal, Lunar or LunarPlus, simply press CAPS LOCK + F1 whilst in your Windows application. This hotkey pops up a menu providing quick and easy access to numerous help resources. Use the mouse or your arrow keys to select an item and LEFT CLICK or ENTER to open it.

Choose from:

Help with your current application e.g. "Word 2007 Help", "Outlook 2007 Help" etc

Can you add a picture to a PowerPoint slide? Insert a Column break in Microsoft Word? Read the Formula Bar in Microsoft Excel? Move a Folder in Outlook 2007?

Let the Dolphin Help Menu show you how. The top item in your CAPS LOCK + F1 delivers task driven help content that walks you step-by-step through common activities, using your Dolphin screen reader or magnifier, whilst working in:

Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 7 and 8
Microsoft Word 2007
Microsoft Outlook 2007
Microsoft Excel 2007
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007
Microsoft Word 2003/XP (Currently only available in English)
Microsoft Outlook 2003/XP (Currently only available in English)
Microsoft Excel 2003/XP (Currently only available in English)

Dolphin Hotkeys

Instantly access and explore a convenient list of the most popular Dolphin hotkeys from this submenu. This item, second in the CAPS LOCK + F1 Help menu, is sub divided into convenient groups of Dolphin hotkeys, including Dolphin Cursor keys, Read From Here keys, Magnifier keys, Line View keys etc.

See a screenshot of the Hotkeys lists that appear in the CAPS LOCK + F1 Help Menu.

Find Help on the Dolphin website

Quickly access all of the support resources on the Dolphin website www.YourDolphin.com/Support in your default web browser.

Windows Basics

Familiar with the Windows System Tray? Know the differences between a List View and a Tree View? Can you select multiple items in Windows Explorer?

Windows Basics is a convenient introduction to these fundamental Windows concepts and more. Perfect for users that are new to the Windows environment, this option, fourth in the CAPS LOCK + F1 menu, offers 3 essential sections; Windows Basics, Windows Explorer and Windows Reference.

Manual

The fifth option in your CAPS LOCK + F1 Help menu lets you open your complete SuperNova, Hal, Lunar or LunarPlus user guide. Explore the contents list or the Index, search for a keyword or add your own favourites.

See a screen shot of the Dolphin Manual being searched.

My Notes

Keep your own notes or reminders; My Notes is the last option in the CAPS LOCK + F1 Help menu. Select this option to launch a Notepad where you can easily make and read your own notes for the current application. Just like scribbling in the margins of your own training manual!

See a screen shot of the My Notes option in the CAPS LOCK + F1 option in action.

Don't forget that you can easily switch between any of the CAPS LOCK + F1 Help items and your current application with ALT + TAB. The help topic can be closed with ALT + F4.

There are numerous ways to get help with your Dolphin software, but here are 10 of our favorites:

Try the Setup Wizard - Configure your Dolphin software to suit you better
Contact your local Dolphin product support by phone or email
Join the international Dolphin community - Sign up for one of the many Dolphin Discussion Groups
Request your Hal user guide in Braille
Submit a query online
Try the DAISY version of the Dolphin manual supplied with a free copy of Dolphin's software DAISY player, EasyReader
Hit the Help button on your Dolphin software Control Panel
Download the handy Hot key Quick Reference guide from the Dolphin website
Used to another screen reader or screen magnifiers hotkeys? Switch to the JAWs, Window-Eyes or Zoomtext hotkeys
Take a virtual guided tour of your keyboard and the hotkey functionality by turning on key Describe Mode. Simply press CAPS LOCK + Forward slash and then hit any key combinations on your keyboard to hear their function.

Version 11.50 out now - FREE for ALL version 11 users

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:54:14 GMT

A free major upgrade for all version 11 users of SuperNova Reader Magnifier, Hal Screen Reader, Lunar Screen Magnifier and LunarPlus Enhanced Screen Magnifier is available today. Version 11 users will receive their free upgrade quickly and conveniently via the Dolphin Internet updater found in the Help menu of their Dolphin software.

The version 11.50 improvements are extensive and far reaching and are the culmination of more than 8 months intensive development work as Neil Hall, Low Vision Product Manager at Dolphin Computer Access explains:

"Our SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus customers are extremely loyal to Dolphin and the amount of feedback we received during Dolphin’s public beta test of version 11’s support for Windows 7 has more than demonstrated this. We are 100% committed to giving the very best support to all our international users and are delighted to be offering this major upgrade, free of charge to all version 11 users. It is our way of saying thank you for your feedback and your support."

"Version 11.50 is a heavy weight upgrade and not only includes support for 32 and 64 bit editions of Windows 7, but also includes new, re-engineered support for Microsoft Word. This has resulted in faster, more robust performance in large Microsoft Word documents, 20 new quick navigation keys for moving around inside a Microsoft Word document, new meaningful announcements for 50 of the most popular Microsoft Word hot key functions such as bold, underline, italics, text alignment and more. We have also overhauled the Spell-checker support and added intelligent tab key announcements."

However, the improvements, new features and extended application support reach further than just Microsoft Word. Support for Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, Internet Explorer, Microsoft PowerPoint, Windows Live Messenger and Skype has all been developed in version 11.50 for magnification, speech and Braille users.

More athletic, version 11.50 is not only quicker and more agile in Microsoft Office applications; it’s also quicker off the starting blocks when turning on your PC, thanks to superior speech synthesiser management. Neil Hall explains how version 11.50 has developments and innovations for Dolphin software users with all levels of sight loss:

"I know our speech users will also be eager to try the new spelling speed options, selecting the speed at which text is spelled independently of their standard voice speed preferences. A slower speed can make all the difference when clarifying the spelling of an unfamiliar or misspelt word. Other speech developments include voice pitch capital letter announcement options, improvements to word echo and four brand new speech verbosity schemes."

"SuperNova, Lunar and LunarPlus magnification users can all now access applications such as Google Earth and Windows Photo Gallery, thanks to new support for OpenGL and Direct Draw/Direct 3D applications. There is also a new grey scale colour scheme that our users have been requesting, and some convenient high contrast mouse pointer schemes."

SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus version 11.50 are all immediately available in UK, US and Australian English, Belgian Dutch, Croatian, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hindi, Icelandic, Italian, Slovak, Spanish, and Swedish. A free 30 day trial of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus version 11.50 is immediately available for download from the Dolphin Computer Access website.

For the latest news and information about SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus, subscribe to the Dolphin Computer Access newsletter. Visit the SuperNova product pages for more information and for details of what's new in version 11.50.

Notes for existing customers:

SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus version 11 users should ensure their Dolphin Internet updater is turned on to automatically receive their version 11.50 upgrade.
Network administrators running version 11 of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar or LunarPlus should install the version 11.50 demo from the Dolphin website at www.YourDolphin.com. No unlock or network code will be required.
Dolphin software maintenance agreement (SMA) owners will automatically receive their version 11.50 upgrade CD.
Dolphin Pen II customers running version 11 can install their free upgrade to version 11.50 using the free Dolphin pen updater software available from 'Updates and patches' on the Dolphin website.
Customers running version 11 on the original Dolphin Pen I hardware are entitled to a free upgrade to the new Dolphin Pen II hardware, and should contact Dolphin or their Dolphin dealer.

Dolphin Computer Access present EasyReader v5.10 on Accessible World 'Tek Talk'

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 11:50:17 GMT

Tune in to Accessible World Tek Talk show on Monday February 15, 2010 to find out how EasyReader version 5.10 is opening up a wider reading world to readers with vision impairments, dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

In October 2009, just 4 months after EasyReader version 5.01 demonstrated gigantic strides forward in access to talking book content through its innovative and easy-to-use user interface, Dolphin Computer Access announced the release of EasyReader version 5.10, providing full support for unprotected EPUB content.

Dolphin Computer Access’ AltFormat Sales Executive Jeff Bazer is delighted to be introducing the latest improvements in access to eBook content through Dolphin EasyReader on Accessible World's Tek Talk. Based in Columbia, South Carolina, Jeff trains and advises college and university disability service offices and instructional material centers from all across America on how to best to create DAISY talking books, large print, Braille and MP3s for vision and print impaired students. A screen reader user himself, Jeff is passionate about improving provision to alternative format materials.

For a wider reading world

EasyReader is a software digital talking book player, empowering readers to read and listen to talking books through a combination of highlighted text, speech and images. With EasyReader, readers can quickly navigate to any section of a book, change the reading voice, customise their preferred text, background and highlight colours, search for words and phrases, and place bookmarks in a book to highlight areas of interest. With usability and accessibility built into the software’s foundations, EasyReader opens up a wider reading world to ALL readers

EPUB made accessible with EasyReader v5.10

In August 2009, Google announced their hosting of over 1 million out of copyright eBooks in the increasingly popular open (unprotected) EPUB format. Google were quickly followed by a host of eBook retailers and publishers providing their publications in the EPUB format.

Noel Duffy, Managing Director of Dolphin Computer Access explains how this series of developments impacts on the wider reading world:

The wide spread adoption of the EPUB file format goes a long way to providing a standard platform for the eBook industry to grow from. Dolphin Computer Access is delighted to be taking a leading role in extending the ebook phenomena to learning disabled, dyslexic and visually impaired readers."

EasyReader v5.10 now offers full support for all unprotected EPUB content, as well as books in DAISY 2, DAISY 3, DAISY XML, TXT and HTML file formats.

In addition to the enhanced support to unprotected EPUB content, EasyReader v5.10 also includes advanced highlight scroll options and all new level navigation hotkeys, mimicking the use of recognised hardware DAISY players.

EasyReader on Accessible World Tek talk

If you have any questions about EasyReader, eBook provision, or Dolphin’s wider involvement in the assistive technology world, Jeff is ready and waiting to answer them. To find out more about EasyReader version 5.10 and all the latest news and events at Dolphin Computer Access, tune in to Accessible World’s Tek Talk show on Monday 15^th February 2010 (20.00 pm US Eastern Standard Time). To listen to the show live, visit www.accessibleworld.org, or visit the Tek Talk archive after the show where you can download a recording of the show and listen at your leisure.

Visit the Dolphin Events pages for more information about Jeff's appearance on Tek Talk.

30 day demo for Czech edition of Dolphin Guide now available

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 22:11:06 GMT

A free 30 day demonstration of the Czech language edition of Dolphin Guide is now available to download from the Dolphin website. Exclusively available through Prague accessibility experts Spektra, Dolphin Guide has been fully localised for Czech speakers and now includes a Czech quick reference guide.

Download a 30 day demo of Czech Dolphin Guide

Visit the Dolphin Guide pages on the Spektra website

Only 34% of students have received their essential DSA grant

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:39:37 GMT

BBC News is reporting that 4 months after the start of the academic year only 6,507 out of 19,006 eligible Disabled Students Allowance applications have been paid by the Student Loan Company. This vital funding is essential to purchase specialist computer equipment including screen readers & screen magnifiers.

How can Dolphin help your students?

Download or request a free 30 day demo CD of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar or LunarPlus
If the demo is close to expiring, please speak to Kathy Andrews to discuss the possibility of extending the demo period
Please quote SFE (Student Finance England) when contacting Kathy Andrews

Read the BBC News article in full.

Dolphin offers an apprenticeship to Anthony Wade

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 15:31:48 GMT

During National Apprenticeship Week Dolphin is delighted to announce that Anthony Wade is joining Dolphin Computer Access as a Business Administration (specialising in IT Technical Support) Apprentice.

Anthony said; "I am very pleased to have been given the opportunity to do my apprenticeship here, it's a great place to work and I am thoroughly enjoying working with the team. In March I will be going one day a week to Bishop Auckland College's new Skills & Employment Centre in Spennymoor to study key skills and I am looking forward to learning there."

Dolphin Computer Access North, Managing Director, Mary McMahon said "We had been thinking about taking on an apprentice for a while. It was while discussing possible sales training for other members of our staff with John Jenkins from Bishop Auckland College's Business Training Services that we decided to go ahead and employ an Apprentice. Anthony is settling in well, he has had a bit of a baptism of fire but he is learning fast."

John Jenkins from Business Training Services said, "It's been a real pleasure working with Mary at Dolphin and finding the ideal apprentice suited to their business needs. Bishop Auckland College is delighted to be working with small businesses across the region to provide the support and advice required to cut through the jargon and make it as easy as possible to employ apprentices."

Learn more about Bishop Auckland College.

Dolphin EasyConverter for �1 or $1 per student

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:04:14 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access has today announced the immediate availability of EasyConverter v5 for only �1 or $1 per student. The first total alternative format creation solution of its kind, Dolphin's EasyConverter software is taking dramatic steps to empower schools, colleges and universities to embed a 'total' alternative format ethos into every aspect of their organisation.

Marking a move away from limited on demand provision, the new low cost per student approach enables learning providers to provide an environment where teaching professionals, support staff and students themselves, can create MP3, large print, DAISY talking book and Braille materials. Learners with low vision, blindness, low literacy, English as a second language, dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties are all set to immediately benefit.

EasyConverter is the essential toolkit for creating alternative format learning materials, and is already empowering schools, colleges and universities to provide accessible MP3 audio, large print, Braille and DAISY talking books.

Craig Mill from the JISC Regional Support Centre remarked that "EasyConverter makes the process accurate and simple". Whilst international five times Olympic gold medal winner, Sir Steve Redgrave reports "Dolphin EasyConverter makes providing alternative format materials quick and easy".

Dolphin's Managing Director, Noel Duffy explains why Dolphin has developed this new approach.

EasyConverter's �1 per student annual subscription provides greater flexibility for schools, colleges and universities. No matter what size your learning organisation, for just �1 or $1 per student per year you can deliver a 'total' alternative format solution to the provision of MP3, large print, DAISY talking book and Braille."

We hope that this new approach will empower all learning organisations to become really serious about embedding the creation and provision of alternative formats into every aspect of their school, college or university."

The Dolphin EasyConverter Annual Education Subscription is available to UK, US & Swedish schools, colleges and universities for �1, $1 or 10kr per student, per year respectively. To learn more about EasyConverter or the annual education subscription visit www.YourDolphin.com/Altformats.

Learn more about the EasyConverter annual education subscription
Request a quote or discuss your total solution requirements
Learn more about EasyConverter
Read the annual education subscription FAQs

Calculate the cost of your annual subscription:

Dolphin Guide released in Swedish

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:43:20 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access are pleased to announce the launch and immediate availability of Dolphin Guide in Swedish.

To learn more about Dolphin Guide visit the Swedish Dolphin web pages or the English Dolphin Guide product pages. Alternatively you might like to try a free 30 day demonstration.

Dolphin Guide is exclusively sold by Polar Print.

Dolphin is expanding into additional premises

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:09:49 GMT

With Dolphin's continuing expansion of customers and staff the need for premises in addition to Technology House became very apparent. Therefore it was a not to be missed opportunity to expand into the building next door to Dolphin's Worcester HQ when it recently became available.

This expansion will ensure that Dolphin have the physical resources to continue to enhance upon its customer service that you have come to expect as Dolphin continues to grow.

Both the sales and technical support departments will move to the additional building on a staggered basis to make sure that the service we offer to you is not affected.

Dolphin sponsor UK Publisher Lookup Awards

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:12:33 GMT

James is a bright student with a love of English literature and a desire to become a playwright. He is dyslexic and struggles to read textbooks. To succeed he will need the library to support him with digital copies of books so he can change font styles and colours and use text to speech when his concentration wanes. For the library to succeed in supporting James they will need a responsive publisher.

The JISC TechDis Publisher Lookup Award for Library Service recognises publishers whose responsiveness to requests brings significant benefits to disabled learners.

The vision of the award is to raise awareness of the benefits of digital formats for disabled users so that everyone - learner, tutor, support worker, librarian and publisher - can be better equipped to use technology to transform learning opportunities.

This is where the library community have a crucial role to play. We want to find the most responsive publishers and recognise their contribution to education. We are inviting library staff, learner support staff, tutors etc to nominate publishers who have shown high levels of professionalism, support or involvement in meeting needs for a book in an alternative format.

Nominating a publisher for the Award will take just a few minutes but will help raise the profile of this important service. Sponsored by Dolphin and iansyst - experts in the field of assistive technology - the Publisher Lookup Awards help to create the awareness that will support James - and thousands like him.

To nominate a publisher visit http://tinyurl.com/tdlibaward. Closing date for nominations is Friday 3rd September 2010.

What people are saying about the Publisher Lookup Awards:

Librarians and support assistants who rise to the challenge of obtaining e-books for dyslexic learners are often surprised how easy it is and how rewarding it can be to see a satisfied learner. These awards should encourage more to explore digital copies for their learners."

Anna Tylor, Chairperson - Right to Read Alliance

This is a great opportunity for hard pressed library staff and learners to publicly say 'Well done' to publishers who have given us exceptional support."

Helen Brazier, head of RNIB National Library

I'm delighted to hear about the awards - they will be invaluable in celebrating best practice and encouraging high standards of service."

Geraldine Smith, Learning and Teaching Librarian at the Open University Library. JIBS disability advisor.

Learn more at www.techdis.ac.uk/getlookupaward