Dolphin News

Finnish and Welsh v11 Access Tools out now

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:44:26 GMT

SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus v11.04 are now available in Welsh and Finnish.

Read what's new in version 11 and download your free trial version today!

100 years old and just started using a computer!

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:50:10 GMT

We are very happy to welcome Mr Norman Stowe as a Dolphin Guide user. Mr Stowe, who is partially-sighted and will soon turn 101, has recently purchased our Bronze PC Package with Dolphin Guide software and is already making incredible progress.

"I saw a demonstration of Dolphin Guide at my local blind society, and immediately thought that it would be ideal for me. The programme helps to keep me mentally active as I scan and read letters and write documents. I hope soon to be able to use emails and keep in touch with my family."

Ken Bridge, Dolphin's Sales Coordinator, had the pleasure of visiting Mr Stowe recently and setting up his new computer.

Here's a picture of Mr Stowe receiving his first ever email!

Dolphin Guide �buys a brick�

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:18:37 GMT

Dolphin have recently been invited by the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind (NNAB) to participate in their 'Buy a Brick' campaign, to help raise funds to build and refurbish their new Activity Centre.

The new Centre will provide further support for people who are visually-impaired or blind. "It will be a place where personal confidence can be developed, new skills learned, new friends made and help given to start, or return to employment" explains Elizabeth McIntyre from NNAB.

Apart from housing the Equipment and Information Centre, the Activity Centre will also provide a number of other activities for its users, including training on how to use computers, courses on Braille and Moon, craft, painting and poetry classes to name just a few.

Since starting the campaign back in 2002, NNAB has already raised �1.3 million and is now trying to raise another �200,000 through its 'Buy a Brick' campaign. We were happy to buy 5 bricks to help with this great cause and are really looking forward to see the Activity Centre being opened at the beginning of next year.

If you would like further information about this campaign, please contact NNAB on 01603 629 558.

Dolphin make eBooks accessible with EPUB support

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:56:37 GMT

New Jersey, USA. October 26, 2009. Following significant interest in the EPUB standard at the recent Frankfurt Book fair, Dolphin Computer Access is delighted to announce support for unprotected EPUB publications* in its latest line of alternative format solutions.

Dolphin's latest solutions empower readers to not only access EPUB materials with EasyReader version 5.10, but also repurpose them into alternative formats such as Braille or DAISY with EasyConverter version 5.01, and even add an instant talking book reader to DAISY talking book materials with EasyReader Express. These innovative solutions are being launched at the ATIA Chicago conference in Chicago's Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center; October 28th - 31st 2009.

Bringing Access to a growing EPUB Market

In August 2009, Google announced their hosting of over 1 million out of copyright eBooks in the increasingly popular open 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."

Read your favorite EPUB eBooks with EasyReader version 5.10

Dolphin Computer Access is delighted to announce the release of EasyReader digital talking book player version 5.10 at ATIA Chicago, providing fully synchronized text and speech support for all unprotected EPUB publications. Mattias Karlsson explains:

"The addition of EPUB support in EasyReader enables blind, low vision and learning disabled readers immediate access to the growing eBook market. For sighted people, eBooks represent a convenience. But for print impaired people, electronic books represent a necessity since print publications are simply not accessible. Thanks to EasyReader version 5.10, these readers can now open any unprotected EPUB book and experience their preferred combination of audio and highlighted text."

The release of EasyReader version 5.10 quickly follows the previous release of EasyReader version 5.01 which set new standards in the eBook and DAISY talking book market. Dolphin's AltFormat Product Manager Mattias Karlsson continues;

"EasyReader v5.01 was designed to be easy to use and fully accessible to keyboard users while remaining visually engaging to mouse users. The improvements made to the user experience in version 5.01 went a long way to cement EasyReader's status as THE software talking book playback tool."

To experience EPUB books with EasyReader version 5.10, visit the Dolphin booth 518 at ATIA Chicago in Chicago's Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center; October 28th thru 31st, 2009. To find out more about EasyReader version 5.10, visit the Dolphin Computer Access website.

Convert EPUB books into Accessible Large Print, DAISY, MP3 & Braille with EasyConverter version 5.01

Dolphin Computer Access is also pleased to announce the release of EasyConverter version 5.01 at ATIA Chicago, the essential software toolkit for creating large print, DAISY talking book, MP3 audio and Braille.

New to EasyConverter version 5.01 is support for converting unprotected EPUB files into accessible alternative formats, as well as numerous improvements that are designed to deal with the real issues that face people creating alternative format materials on a daily basis. Dolphin's AltFormat Product Manager Mattias Karlsson explains;

"The addition of unprotected EPUB input enables EasyConverter users to benefit from the increasing availability of EPUB publications, which can be repurposed in whichever format the reader prefers. EasyConverter version 5.01 simplifies the process of creating alternative formats, whilst expertly guiding the user through the different steps involved in creating high quality alternative formats."

EasyConverter version 5.01 also includes an all new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Editor that incorporates the latest OmniPage 16 OCR technology, ensuring the scanning of PDF and paper documents is more accurate and easier than ever. To find out more about EasyConverter version 5.01, visit the Dolphin Computer Access website.

Deliver Instant DAISY Talking Books with EasyReader Express

Exclusive to ATIA Chicago, Dolphin Computer Access will also be introducing a new and innovative solution for delivering DAISY talking book materials to a wider audience including vision impaired and learning disabled readers. EasyReader Express is a revolutionary service enabling corporate and not for profit organizations, Federal and State departments to deliver instant DAISY by "adding" EasyReader Express to their talking book content. Dolphin's AltFormat Product manager Mattias Karlsson explains more about this latest DAISY development;

"Dolphin has been leading in the field of DAISY production and playback tools for many years and EasyReader Express is no exception. As the world's fastest growing alternative format, the benefits of the DAISY format have been recognized by users and organizations internationally. But unlike large print and Braille, DAISY requires a playback tool and organizations cannot assume or guarantee that their users will have access to one.

"This is where EasyReader Express is different. EasyReader Express delivers instant DAISY to any Windows PC. There is no need to have an existing software DAISY player, it requires no installation and like its sibling product EasyReader, it is extremely easy and intuitive to use.

"We truly believe that EasyReader Express will enable the DAISY format to take its popularity to the next level and reach an even wider audience. Equally for those people who already know they prefer DAISY, EasyReader Express will offer a viable solution to enable organizations from around the world to confidently offer DAISY as one of their alternative formats options."

ATIA Chicago attendees can preview EasyReader Express at the Dolphin booth 518 at ATIA Chicago in Chicago's Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center; October 28th thru 31st, 2009. Alternatively to learn more about the forthcoming release of EasyReader Express, visit the Dolphin Computer Access website.

*Some EPUB formats are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) tools. These protected EPUB publications are currently not supported by the Dolphin Computer Access alternative format tools.

For all press enquiries contact:

Hazel Shaw
Group Marketing Manager
Dolphin Computer Access

hazel.shaw@dolphinuk.co.uk
www.YourDolphin.com
+44 (0)1905 754 577 ext 218
+44 (0) 7989 444 541

Simon Kitchen
Altformat Brand Manager
Dolphin Computer Access

simon.kitchen@dolphinuk.co.uk
www.YourDolphin.com
+44 (0)1905 754 577 ext 229

Dolphin to release EasyConverter v5.01

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:10:31 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access is delighted to announce the release of EasyConverter v5.01 from Wednesday 28th October 2009 at ATIA Chicago.

What is EasyConverter?

EasyConverter v5.01 is the essential tool for computer users needing to create alternative format materials (including large print, DAISY, MP3 and Braille) in a simple and effective manner. Renowned for its focus on ease of use, EasyConverter v5.01 incorporates an easy to use and flexible step-by-step approach to create alternative format outputs of a reassuringly high quality.

What's New in version 5.01?

EasyConverter v5.01 incorporates all the full functionality of previous versions of EasyConverter. However, the main focus of EasyConverter v5.01 is in its user oriented design; addressing the real issues that face the people who create alternative formats on a daily basis.

Dolphin's AltFormat Product Manager Mattias Karlsson comments: “Dolphin recognised the need for a solution that simplifies the process of creating alternative formats. EasyConverter v5.01 is extremely easy to use, expertly guiding the user through the different steps involved in creating an alternative format output. In essence, EasyConverter v5.01 takes all the stress out of creating alternative format materials.”

New User Interface: EasyConverter v5.01 incorporates a completely redesigned user interface. This new, easy to use interface places great emphasis on guiding the user through the entire conversion process.

Step by step wizards: EasyConverter incorporates a step-by-step wizard approach to guide the user through the process of creating alternative format materials. The "New Project" wizard is ideal for making one or more alternative formats from a single input document, and the "Quick Conversion" wizard is ideal for creating a one-off bespoke alternative format conversion.

New OCR Editor: EasyConverter v5.01 includes an all new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Editor. The new OCR Editor includes the latest OCR technology with the addition of Nuance OmniPage 16, making scanning PDF and paper-based documents with EasyConverter more accurate and easier than ever.

EPUB input support: EasyConverter v5.01 now includes support to convert open (or unprotected) EPUB files into alternative formats, allowing the user to repurpose any unprotected EPUB content into large print, DAISY, MP3, Braille or plain text quickly and easily.

Visit the EasyConverter product pages for a full list of What's new in version 5.01 or read about the complete list of EasyConverter features.

Dolphin preview EasyReader Express at ATIA Chicago

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:08:30 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access is delighted to unveil the all new EasyReader Express service at ATIA Chicago, 28 - 30 October 2009.

Deliver Instant DAISY with EasyReader Express

EasyReader Express is a revolutionary service, enabling corporate, Government and non-Government organisations to “add” an Express version of EasyReader to their talking book content. Adding EasyReader Express to talking book content ensures that every reader with a PC will be able to access the talking book content, whether they own a talking book player or not.

Dolphin's AltFormat Product manager Mattias Karlsson explains:

Dolphin has been leading in the field of DAISY production and playback tools for many years and EasyReader Express is no exception. As the world's fastest growing alternative format, the benefits of the DAISY format have been recognized by users and organisations internationally. But unlike large print and Braille, DAISY requires a playback tool and organisations cannot assume or guarantee that their users will have access to one.

"We truly believe that EasyReader Express will enable the DAISY format to take its popularity to the next level and reach an even wider audience. Equally for those people who already know they prefer DAISY, EasyReader Express will offer a viable solution to enable organisations from around the World to confidently offer DAISY as one of their alternative formats options."

Find out more about EasyReader Express
View a full list of EasyReader Express Features
Find out how EasyReader Express delivered instant DAISY to the Techshare 2009 conference attendees

Dolphin to release EasyReader v5.10 with support for unprotected EPUB

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:58:52 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access is delighted to announce the availability of EasyReader v5.10 from Wednesday 28th October, launched this week at ATIA Chicago.

Just 4 months after EasyReader v5.01 demonstrated gigantic strides forward in access to talking book content through its innovative and easy-to-use user interface, Dolphin Computer Access is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of EasyReader v5.10, providing full support for unprotected EPUB content.

EasyReader v5.01 set the standards for access to talking book materials, as Dolphin’s AltFormat Product Manager Mattias Karlsson comments:

EasyReader v5.01 was designed to be easy to use and fully accessible to keyboard users while remaining visually engaging to mouse users. The improvements made to the user experience in v5.01 went a long way to cement EasyReader’s status as THE software talking book playback tool.”

“The addition of EPUB support in EasyReader enables blind, low vision and learning disabled readers immediate access to the growing eBook market. For sighted people, eBooks represent a convenience. But for print impaired readers, electronic books represent a necessity since printed publications are simply not accessible. Thanks to EasyReader version 5.10, all readers can now open any unprotected EPUB book and experience their preferred combination of audio and highlighted text.”

As well as providing fantastic support to EPUB publications, EasyReader v5.10 also includes:

Advanced Highlight Scroll options
Advanced "Skippable" content options
Advanced level Navigation hotkeys
View a full list of What's New in EasyReader v5.10 on the Dolphin website

Immediately available languages include UK and US English, with a host of translated versions to follow.

Dolphin builds on Windows 7 support with free major upgrade

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:01 GMT

Worcester, UK. Thursday 22nd October 2009; Dolphin Computer Access today announced the forthcoming availability of a free major upgrade for all version 11 users of SuperNova Screen Reader Magnifier, Hal Screen Reader, Lunar Screen Magnifier and LunarPlus Enhanced Screen Magnifier. Scheduled for late 2009, version 11.50 will deliver Dolphin magnification, speech and Braille users a host of performance, productivity and usability improvements, as well as building on version 11's support for Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows 7.

Windows 7 support

Less than a week after Microsoft announced the availability of a Windows 7 public beta, Dolphin followed suit launching version 11 of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus including support for Windows 7. Mike Hill, Development Director for Dolphin Computer Access explains the reaction to Dolphin's first public beta;

"The volume of Windows 7 support feedback received from our customers, users and prospective users has been overwhelming; people have really engaged with Dolphin's first public beta programme. As well as the human feedback, the anonymous product improvement data that our users have given us permission to collect, has also been really constructive in helping us perfect our Windows 7 support."

"Since the version 11.01 release in May 2009, Dolphin have released a further three updates for version 11 users, with more than one hundred improvements and fixes. Now that Microsoft has officially launched Windows 7, I would actively encourage all version 11 users to update to the latest version 11.04 of their Dolphin software. Numerous improvements are specifically included for our Windows 7 users, as well as fixes for users of other operating systems."

Free upgrade for version 11 users scheduled for late 2009

Dolphin Computer Access have also confirmed their intentions to provide all version 11 users of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus with a free, major upgrade to version 11.50. Scheduled to be released in late 2009, version 11.50 will immediately be available in the widest range of languages, and will include a series of major productivity, performance and usability improvements for screen reader, screen magnifier and Braille display users.

Version 11 users act now

Version 11 users of SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus looking to migrate to Windows 7 are encouraged to update to the latest version 11.04 by turning on their Dolphin internet updater. Step-by-step instructions are available from the Dolphin Computer Access website. Network Administrators may prefer to download the update patch. Customers looking to evaluate Dolphin's Windows 7 public beta support are able to download a 30-day trial from the Dolphin website. Version 11 users that would like to receive priority notification of the free major upgrade to version 11.50 should sign up for 'Find Out First', via the Help menu in their Dolphin Control Panel. Alternatively anyone can sign up to receive the Dolphin newsletter via the Dolphin website.

For all press enquiries contact:

Hazel Shaw
Group Marketing Manager
Dolphin Computer Access

hazel.shaw@dolphinuk.co.uk
www.YourDolphin.com
+44 (0)1905 754 577 ext 218
+44 (0) 7989 444 541

New Firefox maps for v11 and v10 users

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:08:51 GMT

New and improved Firefox maps are now available for SuperNova, Hal, Lunar and LunarPlus versions 11.04 and for for earlier version 10.03 users.

These newer maps will deliver speed improvements when navigating web pages and when shutting down the Firefox web browser. Both maps are suitable for all released languages.

New for version 10.03 users is a new Dolphin hotkey CAPSLOCK + Q, which takes the screen reader and/or screen magnifier focus to the FireFox "List All Tabs" option. A native FireFox shortcut key is not available for this feature. This hotkey is already available to version 11.03 users.

TIP: Try CAPSLOCK + Q in FireFox to read/hear a List of All Open tabs.

To receive these free improvements, ensure you have your Dolphin internet updater turned on to check for new maps, scripts and product updates.

Dolphin led Accessible Resources Pilot Project launch MyTextbook.org

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 17:15:21 GMT

The Accessible Resources Pilot project, led by a consortium fronted by Dolphin Computer Access Ltd. is testing a model for the provision of textbooks and other curriculum materials in electronic files for pupils who struggle to read books in their standard format due to problems with sight or reading e.g. Dyslexia.

MyTextbook.org provides a fantastic area for individuals taking part in the Accessible Resources Pilot Project; including students, teaching staff and parents; to log in and access electronic textbooks and interact on discussion forums. The website also provides interested parties with continuously updated news regarding the progress of the pilot project.

Project Leader Jim Russell comments: “At present, many children are not able to access the full curriculum because materials are not made available to them in a format that they can use and at the time that they need them. It is hoped that these trials will lead to a sustainable model that can be extended throughout schools to meet the needs of many more pupils who are disadvantaged by the lack of curriculum materials in formats that they can readily access. We also aspire to providing pupils with valuable skills and tools that they will be able to use throughout the rest of their education and lives.”

MyTextbook.org is launched in advance to the commencing of the Pilot Project in November 2009. Pupils participating in the project are currently receiving training on the use of the laptops and specialist alternative format conversion software. To find out more about the project, including a description of the project and an extensive list of frequently asked questions, visit www.MyTextbook.org (external link).

Join Dolphin at Closing the Gap

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 16:52:58 GMT

Dolphin will be exhibiting & delivering 2 key presentations on the future of assistive technology during the 27th annual Closing the Gap Conference. Closing the Gap is the most practical, educational AT conference in North America and runs between Thursday 15th & Saturday 17th October in Minneapolis, MN.

Dolphin Presentations at Closing the Gap:

Dolphin Pen II: Improving the Mobility of Access Technology - Thursday 15th October, 12:30 pm to 13:30 pm, Learn more about this presentation.

Rediscovering DAISY with Dolphin EasyReader - Friday 16th October, 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Learn more about this presentation.

If you can't attend Closing the Gap, Dolphin will also be attending the following conference & exhibitions throughout Fall 2009:

ATIA Chicago - 28th to 31st October, Chicago, IL
Accessing Higher Ground - 12th to 14th November, Boulder, CO

BBC InTouch Peter White awards Macular Disease Society Awards sponsored by Dolphin

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:02:03 GMT

Dolphin Computer Access has recently sponsored and supported the newly launched Macular Disease Society Awards. Presented by BBC Radio Four's Peter White, the awards have been established by the Macular Disease Society to acknowledge and recognize the work that is done for people with macular disease, the leading cause of blindness in the UK.

Awarding in three main categories 'Award for Excellence in Clinical Services', 'Best Support Services Award' and his own, 'Macular Disease Society's Chairman's Award', Alan Alderman explains more.

"The winners are people with a commitment to excellence; who, despite the obstacles of heavy workloads or, in some cases, advanced age or sight loss, are passionate about improving the lives of MD patients. We felt it was time they were recognised and thanked - and it is our great pleasure to tell them how grateful we are for the fantastic work they do."

Macular Disease destroys central vision by damaging the macula, a crucial part of the eye's retina; affecting people's ability to read, drive and remain independent. According to the MD Society, it is estimated that there are over 500,000 people with macular conditions in the UK, most of them over the age of 65.

Mary McMachon, Managing Director of Dolphin Computer Access (North) comments:

"We are delighted to support the Macular Disease Society Awards and join in celebrating the achievements and the dedication of all of the award nominees and especially the winners. The ethos behind the awards is very similar to Dolphin's own, that of delivering independence to all visually impaired and blind people".

As the lead developer behind Dolphin's Guide software, Adrian Sach explains why Dolphin Guide is ideal for people who are affected by Macular Disease.

"Dolphin Guide's simple menu system and in-built speech and magnification make computers easy, no matter how much sight you may have lost through MD. Dolphin Guide enables our users to write letters and documents, browse the internet, send and receive email and much more.

Many of our users have regained their independence, using their computer as they did before. For others, as Dolphin Guide is easy to use and learn, it opens up a whole new world for people who have never used a computer before."

Learn more about the award winners and read the full Macular Disease Press release