Dolphin Newsletter - May 2003
Index:
- New Maps for download.
- Update to SAM.
- Reading DAISY books.
- Spring Promotion - Free Scanner!
- Patch available for Intel 82845 Chipset.
- Your Local Library.
- Microsoft looking for senior volunteers.
- Staff News.
New Maps for download.
The latest released map files are ready for download via the Dolphin Internet Updater and the Dolphin web site. Please note Version 5.20 maps do not work with Version 5.02 or 5.11 products. The map files are:
Version 5.20:
- Microsoft Office XP (updated map file to fix problems with "unchecked" being announced)
- OCR Systeme Lisa (new map)
- Corel Office Suite (4 maps updated to support Corel Office 10)
- McAfee SpamKiller (new map)
- Nationalencyklopedin (new map)
- NOD32 Antivirus (new map)
- Outlook 97/2000 Swedish (updated map)
- EaseReader (new map)
- Duxbury Braille Translator (new map)
Version 5.11 (and 5.02):
- Microsoft Word 2000 Swedish (updated map)
- Outlook 97/2000 Swedish (updated map)
- NOD32 Anti virus (new map)
- McAfee SpamKiller (new map)
- Duxbury Braille Translator (new map)
Update to SAM.
The Synthesiser Access Manager (SAM) has been updated to include a USB driver for the Freedom Scientific Focus Braille display.
NEW: Driver for Freedom Scientific Focus now supports USB connection.
FIX: SAMSAPI4 driver - some problems with indexing have been fixed.
FIX: Orpheus driver: If speech is switched off in the Orpheus configuration then SAM no longer reports Orpheus to be available.
The build number of SAM has been updated.
Note on the Focus Driver: In addition to the SAM driver you will need the "Focus Companion CD" from Freedom Scientific which contains the Windows device driver for the Focus (in order to use it via USB), all other necessary files are included in the SAM driver.
SAM is included on the Supernova and Hal product CDs. Registered users can download the update directly from the Dolphin website.
Reading DAISY books.
Is your local library offering DAISY books yet? This accessible electronic format is becoming more and more popular worldwide for both blind and sighted people as many national libraries start to convert their audio titles to DAISY format. Over 40,000 different titles are now available worldwide in DAISY format. For people on the move, there are a number of hardware DAISY players available. For people who want to read DAISY books on their computers or laptops, interest in Dolphin's EaseReader is growing fast.
Priced at just £30 or €45, EaseReader allows you to search and skip through a book, make bookmarks and margin notes using text or audio recordings, and choose colour and font size. You can manage your entire library through the user-friendly interface. EaseReader has a self-voicing option, so visually impaired users can use it without a screen reader.
Spring Promotion - Free Scanner!
Dolphin is pleased to offer a free USB scanner (CanoScan LiDE 20) with our complete range of Evesham PCs and Toshiba laptops. This special offer is available on orders received before 30th June 2003 and is subject to availability, terms and conditions. Call 0845 130 5353 for further details. Please note, Dolphin only supply computer systems within the UK.
Patch available for Intel 82845 Chipset.
p>In recent weeks there has been a rise in the number of reported problems installing the Dolphin interceptor driver under Windows XP, 2000 and NT. This problem has been tied down to the presence of the Intel 82845 chipset. Investigations have identified the cause and an updated Dolphin interceptor driver is now available which fixes the problem. If you are having problems with this chipset, please email support@dolphinuk.co.ukPlease note, for optimal performance we recommend that if using a desktop PC, the PC does NOT have on-board sound and graphics i.e. the motherboard of the PC does not have the sound chip and graphics chip built directly into it.
Your Local Library.
With the Government pledging Internet access for all by the year 2005 through the People's Network, many libraries have been busily investing in new, accessible computer equipment. Did you know that around 90percent of library authorities in the UK are now offering computer access using Dolphin software, why not use the one near you? You can use your library computer service to search for large print, audio and DAISY book titles, to access local government services and to surf the Internet. Many libraries also offer computer training sessions.
Microsoft looking for senior volunteers.
Are you a computer user over the age of 60? The accessible technology group at Microsoft are developing an information campaign around assistive technology and aging. The premise of this campaign is that as the population (and specifically the workforce) gets older, more people will use assistive technology because of changes in their vision. If you have started using screen magnifiers or screen readers later in life, encourage others and share your experience by emailing info@dolphinuk.co.uk
Staff News.
Congratulations to Steve Bennett, who has recently accepted the post of Dolphin's Sales Director (UK & Europe) taking on responsibility for both domestic and international sales. Steve first joined Dolphin in June 2000 as UK Sales Manager, was quickly promoted to UK Sales Director. In his new role, Steve is working to promote Dolphin's access technology and audio publishing software in the UK and around the world.
This month we say goodbye to Jessica Oakley, who is off to Belize in South America to work on a conservation project. We wish her the best of luck! In her place, we welcome Caroline Bray to the sales office. Carrie joins the internal sales team and will also assist on reception. Previously Carrie worked in Tenerife as a holiday representative and in the tourism industry in the UK. Carrie enjoys socialising, shopping and travel and combines all three on shopping trips to New York and San Francisco!
We also welcome Spencer Ellis as our new Adaptive Consultant. Spencer has a programming background and is a keen supporter of Birmingham City football club. Spencer will be working on creating new map files for tough applications and also helping to train Dolphin dealers on Supernova and Hal Professional.
And finally, congratulations are also due to Mike Hill on his engagement to Jennifer Ferguson, to Diana Hiorth-Persson on her marriage to Magnus, and to Keith Lisle on his marriage to Mandy. We wish all our happy couples the very best for the future!
