Guess What? Window-Eyes 6.0 Beta 1 is Now Available!
Oct-16-2006If you're subscribed to the GW Micro or Guess What podcast feed, you'll automatically receive this Guess What in MP3 format. Check out www.gwmicro.com/podcast for more information. If you want to download the MP3, read this article online, or view more Guess What articles (when they are released), please visit www.gwmicro.com/beta.
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Welcome to GW Micro's "Guess What?" series, an introductory look at the highly anticipated release of Window-Eyes 6.0 Beta 1.
Today is the day that you have all been waiting for! Today is the day that PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook Calendar become fully accessible to blind consumers for the first time in history. The excitement has been building, and the time has come. To learn how to make your life easier, help you through your educational experience, and make yourself more marketable in the workplace, stay tuned to download Window-Eyes 6.0 Beta 1.
But, before we get to how to download, there are a few things you need to know about the new version, including both technical and pricing information. First, let's cover the technical details.
What operating systems will Window-Eyes 6.0 work with? It will only support Windows 2000, XP, and 2003. As Microsoft has dropped support for older operating systems, such as Windows 95 and 98, we will also no longer be supporting these operating systems. You might ask, "Why are you no longer supporting these systems?" First, it is important to note that technical support will not stop for users who are still running Windows 95, 98, or ME. However, at some point, in order to make future operating systems more accessible, we must cease support for older operating systems that hold back screen reading development. Thus, along with the rest of the world, we must think about the future and ensure accessibility for all of you who have come to know and love the rock solid stability offered by Window-Eyes. Before you start saying, "But, I can't afford Windows XP," keep reading or listening to see how we are going to help you with this issue.
Will Window-Eyes 6.0 work with Office 2007? The answer is yes. As we have demonstrated, you can even use the current public beta in order to use Office 2007. Of course, since it is not yet shipping, you will be using a beta of Office 2007. Note that some of the functionality will not be available with the current beta, but it will be in the final release. Rest assured that Window-Eyes 6.0 will work with 2007.
Will Window-Eyes work with Microsoft Windows Vista? The answer to this question is both yes and no. Currently, Vista is still what is known as a "moving target" in the software world. This means that things continue to change on a daily basis. Since this is still the case, it is impossible for us to ship Window-Eyes, and have it work with an operating system that is not complete yet. So, the public beta will not work with Windows Vista. However, GW Micro is committed to supporting Vista, and will be providing a FREE service pack in order to support Vista when it ships. Just imagine, for the first time in history, there will be a screen reader that supports a new operating system when it ships. The only cost you will have is to ship the new CD to your home.
That brings us to our next point, how much does Window-Eyes 6.0 cost? The full version will cost $895. However, you can purchase the full version of Window-Eyes 5.5, and receive the upgrade to 6.0 for FREE! Remember, this is a limited time special. When you purchase Window-Eyes while 6.0 is still in public beta, you can get the full version for the existing price of $795. So, if you have been waiting to order Window-Eyes, now is the time to do so to save $100!
If you are currently at Window-Eyes 5.5 Professional, the upgrade will only be $150 plus shipping to provide you with all of the great features that we have been talking about. For upgrade prices for versions prior to 5.5, check out our catalog page at www.gwmicro.com/catalog, and then activate the Upgrades link.
Previously, I mentioned that we would have a special offer if you are still running an out-of-date operating system like Windows 9x. And, you are saying, "But, I cannot afford Windows XP." Today's current price at Amazon.com is only $49.99 for an upgrade to Windows XP. We have taken the extra step, and put the link to the upgrade at www.gwmicro.com/beta. How are we going to help you to afford the upgrade? For those of you who already have the Professional edition of Window-Eyes, you will not need to migrate. However, for those of you who are using the Standard edition of Window-Eyes, you will need to migrate, since 9x is no longer supported. Normally, it would cost $250 to migrate to the Professional edition of Window-Eyes. But, up until the official release of Window-Eyes 6.0, we are running a
special. We're knocking $100 off the price of migrating to Window-Eyes Professional. That means $100 savings that you can use to upgrade to Windows XP. This is a great opportunity to migrate to Window-Eyes Professional, to start using Windows XP, and to enjoy the exciting new features that Window-Eyes 6.0 has to offer.
How else can we make Window-Eyes 6.0 more affordable to you? As most of you know, it is possible to buy a brand new copy of Window-Eyes through our Lease-to-Own (LTO) program. GW Micro is now proud to offer a LTO path for upgrades. If the total cost of the upgrade would cost you $400 or more, then you can use the LTO program to upgrade to the latest version of Window-Eyes to help defray the cost. If you choose this option, you must migrate, pay an extra $50, and pay for one upgrade via the LTO program. This will not be paid up front, but over time. The first payment is $50 plus shipping, and then $100 per month until the balance is paid in full.
Now, the moment you have all been waiting for. To download and try Window-Eyes 6.0 Beta 1, simply go to 
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