Documents on the Go with KeySoft 9.2

Longueuil, October 25, 2011 — Humanware is pleased to launch KeySoft version 9.2 for the Apex BrailleNote and VoiceNote family of products. Features and enhancements that are contained in this version address requests from professionals, students or educators who use the Apex frequently in their daily tasks.

KeySoft version 9.2 requires one count of a Software Maintenance Agreement (SMA). Please see details below: What's new in KeySoft 9.2 Instant access to PDF documents: The portable document format (PDF) has become a standard in today's electronic communication. It is now possible to convert a PDF document to a text file using the Apex. The text file opens directly in KeyWord, thus allowing it to be easily read and edited. This capability allows for any accessible PDF documents (PDF with imbedded texts) to be converted to a text file, enabling professional documents to be received on the Apex as email attachments and opened and read without the use of a computer or other external converter. Read more with KeySoft's book reader:

Click the link below on Nov. 8 at 7 PM E.T. (Nov.9 at 11 AM EDT). http://www.accessibleevent.com/073355272/

If an Apex user is looking for a quick way to simply read the contents of an accessible PDF document and they have no need to edit the file, KeySoft's book reader can now open the PDF document in the same method that is used to open a standard book.

Stay informed when downloading files:

Downloading Internet files have been improved to allow larger file downloads such as KeySoft updates or audio files. In addition, when the help command is used during a file download, the user is offered significantly more information: including filename, transfer rate (in KB/sec), percentage of completion (when total file size is available) along with the progress of the download.

Apex QT keyboard becomes more dynamic:

Currently, certain screen readers do not allow for full keyboard usage when a braille terminal is used. Because of this the function+b command has been created to emulate braille input using the letters ASDF and JKL; on the QWERTY keyboard. Using these keys to type braille commands, an Apex QT user can control any device regardless of whether or not it supports the full QWERTY keyboard.

Full control Over WindowEyes:

When using WindowEyes version 7.5.2, the Apex QT keyboard can now be used to either represent the computer's keyboard, to input text and perform Windows commands, or by pressing function+b, the ASDF and JKL; keys can emulate a Perkins style braille keyboard for commands and data entry. Simply select the "BrailleNote with keyboard input," option when choosing a braille device in WindowEyes and use the one Apex QWERTY keyboard to control everything.

Version 9.2 also fixes important issues. For an extensive list of improvements, please refer to the Release Notes document that will be posted on our web site at: http://www.humanware.com/en-canada/support/braillenote_apex/software.

Supported models

KeySoft 9.2 is supported by all BrailleNote and VoiceNote Apex models. A version for mPower platform is in preparation. Stay tuned to the BrailleNote News Wire for more information.

Obtaining the authorization key and KeySoft version 9.2

If customers already have existing KeySoft updates in their SMA account, one will be automatically deducted upon release of the version. Existing owners of SMA counts registered on our license site will be contacted by email during this week to deliver their authorization key file. If a customer does not receive an email by Friday or the authorization key is not attached, it can be downloaded by logging into license.humanware.com with the BrailleNote serial number and email address.

Units sold as of August 1st will be able to download the version for free. If you do not currently have an SMA account, the upgrade of KeySoft 9.2 can be purchased for $129 in the US.

USA: 1 800 722-3393
UK/Europe: +44 1933 415 800
Canada: 1 888 723-7273
Australia/Asia: +61 2 9686 2600

To keep up to date with the Apex family of products, sign up for the Newswire at: www.humanware.com/braillenote or www.humanware.com/braillenote_support .

About HumanWare

HumanWare (www.humanware.com) is the global leader in assistive technologies for the print disabled. HumanWare provides products to people who are blind or have low vision, and students with learning disabilities. HumanWare offers a collection of innovative products, including BrailleNote, the leading productivity device for the blind in education, business and for personal use; the Victor Reader product line, the world's leading digital audiobook players; the SmartView family of handheld and desktop electronic magnifiers; Trekker Breeze, the all-in-one handheld talking GPS; and myReader2, HumanWare's unique "auto-reader.”