Guess What? Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 Available Now!
Nov-03-2006Disclaimer
The following message includes information regarding Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1. Please note that Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 HAS NOT been finalized. Although we have taken great measures to ensure quality and stability this is a beta release. Betas could have problems that we have not found in our private beta testing. Neither GW Micro nor its associates are responsible for any loss of data that may occur as a result of using this beta. The user assumes all risks involved in the use of this beta.
If 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/sensebeta.
Enjoy!
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Welcome to GW Micro's "Guess What?" series, an introductory look at the release of Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1. We have been covering a new feature in Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 in preparation for the release date. That day is now here, and you have an opportunity to give us feedback on the 4.0 upgrade.
GW Micro is committed to quality and stability in our products, and we want to give you the opportunity to give us feedback on the new features in this release. Since our Window-Eyes public betas are so successful we have decided to conduct a public beta for the Braille Sense. Today is the day users of the Braille Sense can give us feedback on the new features in the Braille Sense 4.0 beta 1 release.
We are excited about the new features in this upgrade and we think you will agree that once again GW Micro and its products continue to set the standard when it comes to quality and stability.
Here is what you will find in this public beta.
1. MSN Messenger support.
2. The all new Database Manager.
3. Support for downloading and reading Web-Braille books.
4. The Original and Compressed document modes.
5. Support for HTML E-Mail Messages.
6. Improved support for reading word documents and rtf documents.
7. Enhanced Spell Check capabilities.
8. Improvements in the Schedule Manager.
9. The word Processor now allows you to choose a default document type.
10. Enhanced BlueTooth support.
11. A Backup Restore option for backing up your Braille Sense data.
Let’s look at how to download and install the Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 release.
You have 2 options of files to download for the Braille Sense public beta.
1. a .zip file whose contents must be unzipped to a CF memory card or USB memory stick.
2. an .exe file that you can run with the use of a Personal computer that has Microsoft’s Active Sync installed on it.
If you want to test drive the Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 release, go to www.gwmicro.com/sensebeta
There are 2 links on this page for the beta files. If you want the link that is the .zip file then click on the link that says Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 zip file. If you want the link that is for Active Sync click on the link for Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 Active Sync.
Let’s take a look at what happens in installing these files to your Braille Sense.
If you have downloaded the file Braille_Sense_Eng_V40_Beta1_20061103_Local.zip
You must first unzip that file’s contents to your flash card or USB memory stick.
After you unzip the contents of this file to your CF card or USB stick, do the following to upgrade your Braille Sense.
1. Plug in your Braille Sense to AC power.
The Braille Sense must be plugged in to AC Power or the update will not be installed.
Do not unplug the Braille Sense from the Ac Power while it is updating.
2. Turn on your Braille Sense.
3. Insert your USB memory stick or Compact flash card.
4. Press F1 on your Braille Sense
5. Type U for Utilities.
6. Type U again for Update Braille Sense.
7. Press SPACE-DOT-4 to Upgrade Braille Sense Offline and press ENTER.
<Braille Sense Speech>
The Braille Sense will ask you if you want to update. Press ENTER to upgrade to the Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 release.
As the update continues you will see on your Braille Sense Braille display and hear various prompts informing you of the updates progress. When the update is complete you will receive a message that says, “system update success, system will be restarted.”
Once your Braille Sense has restarted you can check your version by pressing SPACE-V.
You should hear or see on the Braille display the following. Braille Sense S/W VER. 4.0 Beta 1, Build 20061103.
Now you can start enjoying the new features that the 4.0 beta of the Braille Sense has to offer.
Before we close let’s take a look at updating using Active Sync.
If you have downloaded the file Braille_Sense_Eng_V40_Beta1_20061103.exe and wish to update with Active Sync, do the following,
1. Browse to where you have downloaded the file.
2. Make sure your Braille Sense is plugged in to AC Power. The update will not install otherwise.
Also make sure you do not shut off or unplug the Braille Sense while the update is being installed.
3. connect your computer to the Braille Sense with the USB cable that came with your Braille Sense.
4. Turn on your Braille Sense.
5. Press ENTER on the file Braille_Sense_Eng_V40_Beta1_20061103.exe
While the update is being installed you will see on the Braille Sense Braille Display as well as hear progress messages. These messages inform you as to the progress of the installation of your Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 update.
Once the update is complete you will receive the following message from your Braille Sense. “system update success. system will be restarted.”
Once your Braille Sense has restarted you can check your version by pressing SPACE-V.
You should hear or see on the Braille display the following. Braille Sense S/W VER. 4.0 Beta 1, Build 20061103.
Now you can start enjoying the new features that the 4.0 beta of the Braille Sense has to offer.
We hope today’s Guess What has helped you with the download and installation of the Braille Sense 4.0 Beta 1 release. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this release and these podcasts pleas contact us. You may write us at support@gwmicro.com or call us Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:am, to 5:pm, Eastern Standard time. The phone number to dial is, 260-489-3671.
We look forward to your feedback on this the first ever public beta for the Braille Sense 4.0 upgrade.
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