Web Posted on: November 22, 1997
ZoomText Xtra: The Total Low Vision Solution
This session will introduce ZoomText Xtra for Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 - a combined screen magnifier, screen reader, and reading machine designed for individuals with low-vision. Participants will see a complete demonstration of ZoomText Xtra employed in a variety of mainstream applications. In addition, participants will learn about the benefits of integrated magnification and speech, the differences in blind and low-vision speech requirements, and the design philosophy behind ZoomText Xtra.
The demonstration will highlight each of ZoomText Xtra's features as used in a typical computing session. A selection of mainstream applications will be utilized for the demonstration, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, running in Windows 3.1 and Windows 95.
Key features and enhancements new to ZoomText Xtra include:
- DocReader - a document review and proofing tool, providing smooth 'TrueText' magnification, integrated speech with word highlighting, smooth panning in normal, tickertape and teleprompter modes, color settings, and on-screen VCR type controls.
- Interactive speech containing all the essentials for low-vision screen reading.
- Improved smoothing for clear images at any magnification
- A new user interface, featuring self-magnified tool bars and dialog boxes.
Ai Squared presentation summary for CSUN Conference Directory: CSUN - March 1997
ZoomText Xtra: The Total Low Vision Solution
This session will introduce ZoomText Xtra for Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 - a combined screen magnifier, screen reader, and reading machine designed for individuals with low-vision.
Abstract for Ai Squared presentation: CSUN - March 1997
ZoomText Xtra: The Total Low Vision Solution
This session will introduce ZoomText Xtra for Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 - a combined screen magnifier, screen reader, and reading machine designed for individuals with low-vision. Participants will see a complete demonstration of ZoomText Xtra employed in a variety of mainstream applications. In addition, participants will learn about the benefits of integrated magnification and speech, the differences in blind and low-vision speech requirements, and the design philosophy behind ZoomText Xtra.
The demonstration will highlight each of ZoomText Xtra's features as used in a typical computing session. A selection of mainstream applications will be utilized for the demonstration, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, running in Windows 3.1 and Windows 95.
Key features and enhancements new to ZoomText Xtra include:
- DocReader - a document review and proofing tool, providing smooth 'TrueText' magnification, integrated speech with word highlighting, smooth panning in normal, tickertape and teleprompter modes, color settings, and on-screen VCR type controls.
- Interactive speech containing all the essentials for low-vision screen reading.
- Improved smoothing for clear text at any magnification
- A new user interface, featuring self-magnified tool bars and dialog boxes.
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 screen reading features, eliminating complex concepts and features required for blind users
- to provide a friendly user interface w/ intuitive controls
- to make ZoomText feel like an extension of other applications