BRAILLENOTE UPDATE
September to October 2011
Welcome to this edition of Update. The big news leading this edition is the release of a new software version for the Apex range. It includes several customer requests, the major one being support for PDF documents. And for Apex users there's also a handy tech tip.
You can easily skip to a new section simply by searching for three plus signs, as they begin each new piece.
Warm regards
Ron.
In this edition, you will find:
- Documents on the Go with KeySoft 9.2
- The BrailleNote as a Learning Tool.
- Bookshare Hotfix for KeySoft 9.1 available
- BrailleNote Apex Tech Tip.
+++ 1. Documents on the Go with KeySoft 9.2
On 25 October, Humanware launched KeySoft version 9.2 for the Apex BrailleNote family of products. Features and enhancements that are contained in this version address requests from professionals, students and 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:
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 has 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.
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 Apex models. A version for mPower platform is in preparation. Stay tuned to BrailleNote Update for more information.
To keep up to date with the Apex family of products, sign up for the Newswire at:
http://www.humanware.com/braillenote or www.humanware.com/braillenote_support
+++ 2. The BrailleNote as a Learning Tool.
Lean Nagel, a Visiting Teacher in Victoria, has recently written an article for the Statewide Vision Resource Centre about the BrailleNote as a learning tool. It gives an outline of some important ways that the BN is making a difference for students and teachers in the school environment. Teachers, students and parents in particular may like to read it. It can be found at:
http://www.svrc.vic.edu.au/ATbraillenote.shtml
+++ 3. Bookshare Hotfix for KeySoft 9.1 available
HumanWare announces the availability of a software hotfix for BrailleNote Apex products that addresses an issue with downloading and unpacking books from the Bookshare service. Further information and installation instructions can be found on the support area of the HumanWare web site and a direct link is also provided below.
http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/support/braillenote_apex/software
Only customers that were experiencing an issue when downloading and unpacking books from the Bookshare web service need to install the hotfix. No other functionality is included in the hotfix.
+++ 4. BrailleNote Apex Tech Tip.
| Q. |
How long can I use my BrailleNote Apex on battery power? |
| A. |
The Apex's battery life is based on usage activity. Typically if not using wireless, bluetooth, or internet connectivity, you should be able to use your Apex for a standard 8 hour work day. Please keep in mind that having wireless or bluetooth turned on, or leaving external drives connected will decrease your battery life. |
| Q. |
How often should I charge the battery of my BrailleNote Apex? |
| A. |
It is best to charge the Apex nightly, similar to the charging cycle for a mobile phone. It is not possible to over-charge the battery and it will always be ready for maximum use the following day.
Remember that even when the Apex's power switch is turned off it is still drawing power from the battery in stand-by mode. The advantage of this mode is that when the switch is turned on, the apex will resume usage almost instantly, and directly where it was left off before the power switch was turned off, rather than needing to boot at start up, similar to a computer. |
| Q. |
How should I store my BrailleNote Apex for an extended period of time? |
| A. |
If you plan on leaving the apex unused for several days it is best to put your Apex into deep sleep mode. This completely turns off the unit so very little power is drained from the battery. To turn on deep sleep mode do the following:
From the main menu press U for utilities. Press M for miscellaneous options. Press space twice and press Y to answer yes to enter deep sleep mode. Turn off the power switch.
The next time you turn on the Apex you will notice that it will reset and take a bit longer to boot, however the power level will be very close to where it was when you put the unit in deep sleep mode. |
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