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ZoomText Xtra 32: The Total Low Vision Solution

Scott Moore
Ai Squared
P.O. Box 669
Manchester Center, VT 05255
Email: smoore@aisquared.com

This session will introduce the new ZoomText Xtra 32 for Windows 95, 98 and NT – a combined screen magnifier, screen reader, and reading machine designed for individuals with low-vision. Participants will see a complete demonstration of ZoomText employed in a variety of mainstream applications. In addition, participants will learn about key benefits of ZoomText, including integrated magnification and speech with built in text-to-speech software, multi-platform support and competitive pricing.

The demonstration will highlight each of ZoomText’s features as used in a typical computing session. A selection of mainstream applications will be utilized for the demonstration, including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer.

Key features in ZoomText Xtra 32 include:

• A new user interface, providing faster access to all ZoomText features.
• Enhanced edge-smoothing and color filtering for sharper text and graphics, at any magnification level.
• Enhanced cursors and carets for easier detection.
• Fully synchronized magnification and screen reading – speaks all essential Windows components, echoes typing, and speaks text simply by moving the caret.
• Includes DocReader - a full-screen environment for reading text from any text-based Windows application. Text is captured, reformatted and displayed according to user preferences, including layout, magnification, font and colors. Complete documents can be read automatically from beginning to end, with each word highlighted and spoken.
• Includes built in text-to-speech software for lower cost and hassle free installations
• Supports Microsoft ActiveAccessibility for complete support of MS Office applications
• Supports Windows sound cards, SAPI and SSIL speech synthesizers

The following topics/issues will be discussed at relevant points in the demonstration:

The benefits of integrated magnification and speech:

• common user interface
• elimination of compatibility problems
• increased performance (speed, synchronization, features)
• dramatically lower cost
• technical support from only one company

The differences between low-vision and blind speech requirements

Many screen reading features that are necessary for blind users, are not required for low-vision users. ZoomText’s ‘low-vision’ design is based on this concept and will be qualified during the session.

The design philosophy and goals behind ZoomText Xtra

To develop an integrated screen magnifier/screen reader specifically for low-vision users. Some key design goals were as follows:

• to streamline and simplify screen reading for the low-vision user
• to provide a friendly user interface w/ easy-to-use controls
• to make ZoomText feel like an extension of other applications
• to offer a powerful low-vision solution at a competitive price

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