Next Generation version 6.50 software now being shipped
Dolphin’s latest software release
9th Feb, 2005
Dolphin Computer Access Limited today announced the availability of their next generation, version 6.50, award winning access software.
Following an extensive programme of customer research and development, the latest v6.50 release of Supernova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus, now come with the most advanced computer access features for blind and visually impaired computer users. Whether you use speech, magnification or Braille, Dolphin’s next generation 6.50 software has something for you. Even if you are not familiar with Dolphin’s products and are currently using other access products, Dolphin has made it easier for you to experience the benefits v6.50. Dolphin has now included a set of hotkey emulations used by other well known screen readers, now you can experience Dolphin’s features to the full, using the hotkeys you are familiar with. What could be easier?
So what’s new?
Fractional Magnification.
Users wanted a greater range of low end magnification features. You’ve got it! Dolphin has introduced a ’Fractional Magnification’ feature, which now allows users to select magnification scales in increments of less than 2x magnification. B y selecting the Fractional Magnification checkbox, the user is able to select a lower range of magnification level, including; 1.2x, 1.33x, 1.5x, 1.66x, 1.8x, 2x, 2.25x, 2.5x, 2.7x, 3x, 3.5x, 4x. We still offer up to 32x magnification, more than anyone else, for those who need it.
PDF document support.
Users now have complete access to their pdf documents. Dolphin has now introduced additional Document Object Model (DOM) support for popular applications, including the latest Adobe Acrobat 7.0. Opening and reading a pdf document in Acrobat 7.0 couldn’t be simpler, the document is automatically prepared for viewing and reading and using Dolphin’s auto virtual focus, the pdf contents will be read out just like any other document.
Francis Murphy, at the RNIB National Vocational College
PowerPoint support.
Schools and Colleges really wanted more support for PowerPoint. Now they’ve got it. Supernova and Hal v6.50 give you more support for PowerPoint than any other screen reader. You can now create your own slides and slide shows, including accompanying slide notes. The slide number, slide title and slide content are all announced, including any bullet levels and once the slide content has been announced the user is prompted that they have reached the end of the slide. What more could you need?
Training materials to help pass CLAIT, CLAIT Plus and ECDL exams? You’ve got these as well, available from the RNIB Vocational College. Mike Hefferan, from the RNIB National Vocational College comments, "The Staff and students have contributed to the development of the resource contents and have worked closely with Dolphin on the latest features and improvements included within Supernova v6.50. Our aim is to provide the most advanced computer access for our learners allowing them to achieve the highest possible levels of success in their exams."
Document Read.
An Enhanced Document Read mode has been included within Supernova and LunarPlus which combines the best features of Dolphin’s Line View mode and Document Reader. This allows the user to view the document text as a single magnified line of text at the top of the screen, with the original document below. The screen contents are read out as a scrolling line of magnified text, as well as highlighting the words in the document. A great feature if you have some useful sight, the page layout is definable as well as the text detail, on a single screen.
Line View Mode.
Dolphin’s Line View mode has been improved. Using Line View, a text document can be viewed as a continuous scrolling line of magnified text, across the screen. Users can now choose where they want the text line to appear on the screen, either at the top, middle or bottom of the screen. A perfect solution for those people who also use a CCTV with their computer, both systems now work in perfect harmony.
Customisation.
Choose your own keyboard and language configuration. This new feature allows users to configure their own Dolphin products to a range of different keyboards and languages. It’s perfect for users who want to be able to switch keyboard languages without changing their keyboards. Many European users prefer to use US keyboards with their local language configurations; this is now available at the click of a button.
Internet Explorer.
Want more information from the internet? Version 6.50 allows you to affect the level of speech feedback from Internet Explorer web pages using Document Settings. Acronyms and abbreviations can be extended to be announced in full, along with a host of other useful details such as internet tables with headings, tables with borders, control labels and titles. Dolphin allows you to get exactly what you want.
Remember all of this comes with support for all Microsoft supported platforms, including robust support for Citrix networks and Terminal Server sessions, as standard and Dolphin offers flat pricing for all platforms. You don’t need to pay more because you choose to use the Professional version of Windows XP.
Supernova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus all come with free interactive DAISY manuals, complete with a copy of Dolphins own EaseReader DAISY player. Hard copy manuals are also provided and all products have an extensive on line help facilities and on line manuals.
Steve Palmer, Dolphin’s CEO said "The release of version 6.50 has been driven by our customer’s requirements for the most advanced levels of computer access. The additional features and functionality now included in our Dolphin products will mean that users have access to many forms of information, previously unavailable to them. Our latest software offers unparalleled access for businesses, schools and colleges, ensuring they continue to benefit from a policy of total inclusion."
