Freedom Scientific, a company that makes technology-based products
for the visually impaired, has announced a compact version of its
Job Access with Speech (JAWS) screen reader technology. The PAC
Mate mobile device will give the blind access to Microsoft Outlook
and all Pocket PC applications.
The unit also comes with a carrying case that will allow a user to
wear the device while accessing applications. There are two
versions, one using a QWERTY keyboard and the other a standard
Braille keyboard. In either form, the front cover opens to allow
access to the keyboard while a user is wearing it.
The JAWS screen reader technology goes beyond simple
text-to-speech.
"You don't want the system to just read a screen from top to bottom
or left to right," said Freedom Scientific vice-president of
product management software Eric Damery.
JAWS gives screen location information in speech to alert the user
that the Start menu is opened and which item is highlighted. In the
PocketExcel application, the device will also give user cell
navigation details including row and column location as well as
reading the formula or comments within a cell.
The value-add for the PAC Mate is in its partnership with
Microsoft, said Damery. "For the first time blind users will have
access to a PDA with all of the Pocket PC features."
The does not include built-in wireless, but has a PC card slot and
will allow users to engage any Web site wirelessly, giving users
text to speech and navigation information.
Units will ship by the end of the year and will be priced at
approximately $2,595 (£1,677).