Voice of Vision
Volume 6  Number 2 - July 1998

Welcome to the July 1998 issue of Voice of Vision, GW Micro's
quarterly newsletter.  VV is available in large print, on audio
cassette, in braille, and on computer disk. For subscription
information, see the information given at the end of the
newsletter.

For the latest information about Window-Eyes 2.1 and 3.0 read Doug
Geoffray's article, Window-Eyes 2.1 Released.  To get the best
support read Doug's article, Technical Support.  For exciting news
read Sonja Morgan's article, SAP/Stevie Wonder Vision Awards.  To
better understand the differences between 16 or 32 bit applications
read Doug's article, 16 or 32 Bit -- What's up?  Of course, we have
announcements as well.

This issue has been sent to you free of charge.  Regular
subscribers will have another issue added to the end of their
subscription, so a year's subscription will include five issues.

________________________
Window-Eyes 2.1 Released!
by Doug Geoffray

As you may be aware, we released Window-Eyes version 2.1 on May
11th.  The excitement from this release gets stronger and stronger
each day.  Word of mouth is getting out about the new powerful
features offered.  But we haven't stopped with 2.1.  The day after 
we released 2.1, we started working on the next release -- 3.0. 
Before I discuss the benefits of 3.0, let me first boast a bit
about the 2.1 release.

We have been offering public betas, which are pre-releases of 2.1,
for the last several months.  We received enormous feedback from
those users who chose to work with the beta copies.  We have
listened to those users and incorporated many of their suggestions. 
After all, who knows better of what a screen reader should and
should not do?  Some of the new features include:

-) Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA) support has been fully
incorporated.  Microsoft has been working hard to develop a
standard that main stream applications can use which allow adaptive
applications such as Window-Eyes access to the application program. 
As time passes, more and more applications will support this
technology and Window-Eyes will be ready.  We are working hand in
hand with Microsoft as this technology evolves.

Currently, applications such as Office 97 and Internet Explorer
3.0x support MSAA.  We have taken this new ability to its limits
with Internet Explorer 3.0x.  Remember those very difficult to read
WEB pages?  Those with lots of columns and frames.  Window-Eyes 2.1
offers a new MSAA Application Mode.  This gives extensive control
for those  applications that are supported. Internet Explorer 3.0x
is the first of such programs.  The integration of Window-Eyes 2.1
and Internet Explorer 3.0x makes reading WEB pages extremely
simple.  Once you see how these two programs work with the WEB,
you'll finally feel welcomed to the wonderful world of the
Internet.

I have personally demonstrated this ability to several users.  Over
and over I keep hearing statements like "Wow, I have never had
access to this page before."  It is a very good feeling to be able
to offer such access to the WEB.  At the end of my 2.1 discussion,
I'll also talk about Internet Explorer 4.01 and 5.0.  I'll give you
a little hint, good things are on the way with Window-Eyes 3.0.

-) Many users of Window-Eyes were not comfortable with our previous
keyboard layout.  This layout was mnemonic and resembled the layout
in Vocal-Eyes.  However, many of the keystrokes would conflict with
Windows 95 and/or the application programs.  We  listened to our
users, did an extensive review of a new layout, and proposed it to
many of our existing users.  After several revisions we have
standardized a new layout that is still very intuitive, but doesn't
conflict with other applications.  This new layout has received
great praise from 2.1 users.  However, those of you that really
liked the old layout can easily change it back.  Also, those with
laptops can easily change to a layout that is suited for the layout
typically found on laptop keyboards.  And of course, you still have
the ability to change the layout to your exact liking with our
simple hot key dialog.

-) A new auto speak tool tips option has been added which, when
enabled, will automatically speak tool tips as the mouse moves over
graphic images.

-) A new hot key that will give you access to the Windows 95
systray has been added.  This dialog scans the systray and puts a
list of the items found in a list box.  It allows you to single or
double click the left or right mouse buttons on any of the options
in the systray.

Many blind people don't even know the systray exists simply because
there was no easy access to it in the past.  With most screen
readers, you are forced to grope around the systray with the mouse
pointer and try to get it to work.  With Window-Eyes 2.1 it is all
automatic and very simple.

-) A new hot key that will read the default button in a dialog has
been added.

-) A Select Synthesizer dialog has been added to the file menu. 
This feature will let you switch among synthesizers on the fly.  
This means you can now easily switch between all the synthesizers
that Window-Eyes supports.  The last synthesizer you used will be
the default when you next start Window-Eyes.

-) A drag and drop hot key has been added.  The first time you
press this hot key it will say "mark."  It will remember where the
mouse was when you pressed it; the next time you press the key it
will prompt you with a dialog that allows you to either drop what
you marked or place a new mark.  This hot key allows you to easily
drag and drop items or highlight large amounts of text.

-) We have added support for the Keynote Gold Multi-Media, DECtalk
Access32, SMP, FlexTalk, and SSIL synthesizers.  You can use the
SSIL option to use Window-Eyes with any of the SSIL synthesizer
drivers which will allow you to run Window-Eyes with Open Book and
other applications that use SSIL to produce their own speech.

-) The ability to automatically shutdown Window-Eyes has been
added.  This is used for dedicated talking applications such as
Open Book.  Of course, once you leave Open Book (even if you just
alt-tab away) Window-Eyes will automatically start up again.

-) Index numbers have been added to radio buttons so you can tell
how many radio buttons are in a group.  You can control this
feature with the top bottom index, and current index settings in
the verbosity miscellaneous menu.

-) Window-Eyes now tells you the depth you are in for a treeview. 
It also tells you which item in the branch you are on and when you
expand a branch it tells you how many items are in it.  Finally,
when you use the speak summary hot key it tells you the names of
each level in the tree starting from the top and ending with the
current level.

-) Window-Eyes 2.1 has been greatly optimized for speed.  You will
find Window-Eyes 2.1 to be one of the most responsive Windows
screen readers.

-) Stability has always been a big concern with Windows users.  We
have gone to great strides to make Window-Eyes extremely stable.

-) Window-Eyes 2.1 still works with all video systems on the
market.  You are not forced to purchase a lower-end video card or
disable the enhanced features of your high-end card.  If your video
card works with Windows 95, it works with Window-Eyes.

-) A new tape tutorial explaining the basics of Window-Eyes has
been created and ships with every copy of Window-Eyes including the
upgrades.  Many of you may be familiar with the "Speaking Of"
tutorials produced by CrissCross Technologies.  CrissCross
Technologies is in the business of creating tutorials for blind
people and does a very professional job.  We therefore went to
CrissCross for the production of this tutorial.  We are sure you
will find it invaluable.

The list of features and enhancements goes on and on.  If you
upgrade from an older version of Window-Eyes, you will receive a
readme file that gives an extensive list of changes including bug
fixes since version 2.0.  I'm sure you will be impressed.

Window-Eyes 2.1 still sells for $595.00.  If you currently own a
copy of Vocal-Eyes 3.0, you receive a $100.00 discount bringing the
price of Window-Eyes to $495.00.

If you currently own Window-Eyes 2.0, you can upgrade to 2.1 free
of charge.  That's right FREE!  Shipping charges apply to locations
outside of the United States.  This free upgrade is limited until
Window-Eyes 3.0 is released.  If you wish to receive the upgrade,
you can either down load it from our ftp site or give us a call. 
The ftp address is:

ftp://ftp.gwmicro.com/we/we21.zip

If you are using the Everlock version (used outside of the U.S.),
the address is:

ftp://ftp.gwmicro.com/we/we21evl.zip

If you are using the Dongle version (used outside of the U.S.), the
address is:

ftp://ftp.gwmicro.com/we/we21dmh.zip

This upgrade must be installed over a working 2.0 copy.  If you
install it without a working 2.0 copy, it will not function.

If you currently own a version of Window-Eyes less than version
2.0, you can upgrade to 2.1 for $75.00 plus shipping.  This upgrade
must be ordered from GW Micro and can not be downloaded.

All 2.1 upgrades come with a new set of diskettes and a tape
tutorial.  The diskettes contain the 2.1 manual and can be read
using your favorite word processor.  If you wish to receive a 2.1
print and/or tape manual, the cost is $10.00 per format.

Okay, now on to Window-Eyes 3.0.  As stated above, we started
working on this release the day after releasing 2.1.  We have
already added some exciting features.  We will be releasing 3.0
sometime this summer.  Some of the new features are as follows:

-) Full support for Windows 98.

-) Improved support for Internet Explorer 3.0x.  Frames and other
items in the WEB page are now handled even easier than before.

-) Support for Internet Explorer 5.0.  We have been working very
hard with Microsoft on the next release of Explorer.  Microsoft
certainly blundered support for IE 4.0, but they are making it up
with 5.0.  If you have seen the IE 3.0x support of Window-Eyes 2.1,
IE 5.0 will work just as well.  You get great accessibility and the
latest features of the browser.

-) Possible support for Internet Explorer 4.01.  Again, we have
been working with Microsoft with IE 4.01 trying to make it just as
accessible as IE 3.0x.  There is hope, but it is a bit early to
know for sure.  Worst case, you just upgrade to IE 5.0, but we are
trying our best to get IE 3.0x, 4.01, and 5.0 to all work
flawlessly with Window-Eyes.

-) A new dictionary manager has been added for the character, word,
and key label dictionaries.  This means you can now work with all
three dictionaries on the fly without having to use an external
text editor.

-) Better field name support.  Window-Eyes will automatically
determine what a field name description is for all controls as you
tab from one to the next.  Unfortunately, Window-Eyes doesn't
always read the correct information.  You now have the ability to
specify what the field name should be.  It doesn't even have to be
on the screen.  So if the automatic method doesn't work, just tell
Window-Eyes what to say and it will always read the correct field
name.

-) More support for SAPI synthesizers including Eloquence.

-) Of course, we are optimizing Window-Eyes to make it as
responsive as possible and even more importantly, as stable as
possible.

There are other features being added, but this should give you an
idea of the power 3.0 will offer.  The 3.0 upgrade will cost $75.00
if you currently own version 2.0 or 2.1.  If you have a version
less than 2.0, the upgrade to 3.0 is $150.00.

If you purchase a new Window-Eyes 2.1 within two months of the
release date of 3.0, you will be entitled to a free 3.0 upgrade. 
This does not apply to those that upgraded to 2.1.  Only if the
original purchase of Window-Eyes was within two months.

We are also offering a public beta program similar to what we
offered for 2.1.  These beta copies will be pre-releases of version
3.0.  If you wish to participate in the public beta program, you
must adhere to the following:

1) You must currently own Window-Eyes 2.0 or 2.1.

2) You must pre-pay the $75.00 upgrade cost to version 3.0.  This
can not be refunded.

3) You must be able to download the beta copies from our FTP site.

If you wish to apply, please contact GW Micro for details.  Once
you are setup, you will receive an initial beta in the mail and all
future copies must be downloaded from our FTP site.  Once the
official 3.0 version is released, you will again receive a set of
disks in the mail and the beta cycle will have ended.  This is your
chance to give us your input.  But you must keep in mind that these
will be beta copies.  They may very well have problems.  GW Micro,
Inc. will not be responsible for any direct or indirect problems
caused from a copy of Window-Eyes.

______________________________
SAP/Stevie Wonder Vision Awards
by Sonja Morgan

GW Micro was named one of the 10 finalists for the SAP/Stevie
Wonder Vision Awards.  The awards recognize achievement in product
development for computer access for persons who are blind and
visually impaired.  There were 200 products entered.  The other
screen readers judged were  JAWS and Window Bridge.  Doug presented
Window-Eyes at the judging at the University of Missouri Columbia
on June 15th.  There are 10 judges in teams of 2; each team spent
60 minutes with each product.  Stevie Wonder is one of the judges! 

Window-Eyes 2.1 made an excellent showing.  Of course, Doug
Geoffray's presentation skills helped immensely.  While the judges
were impressed with Window-Eyes and it's many features, they were
in awe of its capabilities in reading web pages using Internet
Explorer, even Stevie Wonder's favorite Motown site.  

The top few will be chosen to attend a benefit concert and awards
presentation on August 12, 1998 in New York City.  The top prize is
$250,000.00 donated to charity in the name of the winner.

"To read more about it" go to our web site.

www.gwmicro.com

___________________
Technical Support
by Doug Geoffray

One of the criteria you should consider when purchasing a screen
reader is technical support.  If you are having a problem and need
assistance, can you get the necessary help?  And just as
importantly, can you get that help quickly?  The reason for this
article is to help you understand a bit how you can help when it
comes to technical support.  Okay, I also want to boast a bit about
GW Micro's support.

I am extremely proud of GW Micro's technical support reputation. 
We are a company that puts great emphasis on supporting our
products.  Hopefully, if you ask others that have had to contact GW
Micro for support, you will get a favorable response.  So what is
the definition of good technical support?

One of the components is easy access.  What are the different
avenues you can go through to get support?

We offer support through the phone, email, listserve, FAX, BBS, and
mail.  The phone is the fastest and easiest approach.  GW Micro
handles support calls from 8:00am until 5:00pm Eastern Standard
Time.  Keep in mind that Indiana does not observe daylight savings
time.

Most companies handle support via the phone, but what makes GW
Micro different is that you won't get voice mail.  When you call,
you will get a live human answering the phone.  The majority of the
time, the person that answers the phone can answer your questions. 
But if not, they will transfer you to a live person that can.  In
other words, you don't have to press "1" for blah or "2" for blah
blah and then leave a voice message.  Just ask your question.  This
also means you get your answer immediately instead of having to
wait hours or usually days to get your call returned, assuming it
gets returned.

GW Micro also can answer questions through email.  If you send your
question to "support@gwmicro.com",  you will get a reply within one
or two business days.  This is great for simple questions that you
don't necessarily need an instant answer for.

Another popular support tool we use is our GW-INFO list.  Anyone
capable of sending and receiving email can subscribe to this list. 
Other companies may offer a list, but the GW-INFO list is
maintained directly by GW Micro and is monitored by GW Micro.  But
you also get the knowledge base of all the other subscribers to the
list.  This is a great tool for getting help/suggestions/ideas
because of the large base of users.  This list discusses GW Micro
topics only so it is very focused.  There are other lists if you
have general computer problems or questions, but if you want to
stay in touch with GW Micro's products, this is the list to be on. 
You can subscribe by sending an email to "listserv@gwmicro.com". 
Leave the subject blank, but in the body of the message place the
following:

subscribe gw-info

You will immediately be placed on the list and will start receiving
email messages.  You can post a message to the list by emailing to
"gw-info@gwmicro.com".

So the phone, email and GW-INFO list are the three main avenues for
you to get your questions answered.  This is how GW Micro can help
you.  Now, how can you help GW Micro?  Following is a list of
things you can do which will help us help you better.

1) When you contact us, be prepared to give us an exact description
of the problem.  For example, many times we get calls and the
person will say "I got an error while doing blah."  When we ask
exactly what the error was, they can't remember.  We need all error
messages exactly as they are displayed.

2) We also need the version numbers of all applications being used
especially GW Micro products.  This also includes the operating
system.  Certain versions of applications have known problems.  By
us knowing all the version numbers we can quickly put everything
into perspective.

3) The more you know about your computer hardware the better.  What
processor are you using?  What is the speed of your machine?  How
much memory?  What are all the applications that are currently
running?

4) If you are calling on the phone, try and be in front of the
machine so you can demonstrate the problem.  Many times we will ask
you to do something.  It makes it much easier if you can do it
immediately instead of after you hang up the phone.  Also, by
allowing us to hear things as they happen we can get a better
understanding of the entire situation.

I have one final request when you contact GW Micro for support. 
Because when you call GW Micro you get to talk with a knowledgeable
live person, we receive many calls asking questions totally
unrelated to GW Micro products.  We understand that it is difficult
to get answers to questions from certain companies.  Because our
first priority is to our GW Micro customers and their GW Micro
products, we can not take the time to answer non-related GW Micro
questions.  These non-related questions simply tie up our support
staff and our phone lines making it more difficult for legit GW
Micro related questions.  We certainly want to be as helpful as
possible, but not at the expense of our existing GW Micro customer
base.

Bottom line, please have as much information about the problem as
you possibly can when you contact us.  We'll do the rest as quickly
as we can.

______________________
16 or 32 Bit -- What's up?
by Doug Geoffray

There seems to be some confusion about 16-bit and 32-bit
applications for Windows 95 and 98.  Many people are led to believe
that if an application isn't written completely in 32-bit code that
it won't be as fast or stable as the 16-bit version.  There are
rumors being circulated that because Window-Eyes isn't fully 32-bit
that it can't be as good as the "full" 32-bit screen readers on the
market.  I would argue just the opposite.

For standard applications like a word processor, I would agree that
going fully 32-bit is better.  But a screen reader isn't a standard
application.  Screen readers need to get into the operating system
on a very low level.  Do the people saying that 32-bit screen
readers are better also tell you that the majority of Windows 95
and 98 is written in 16-bit code?

Believe it or not, the majority of the operating system is written
in 16-bit code.  So wouldn't it make sense to interface into the
operating system in its native environment?  Don't get me wrong,
Window-Eyes has a large amount of 32-bit code.  But to say since it
has 16-bit code it must be inferior just isn't true.

In my opinion, this type of rumor is only a sales ploy.  I would
put the responsiveness and stability of Window-Eyes 2.1 to any
other "full" 32-bit screen reader any day.  I guess the bottom line
is please be cautious of marketing gimmicks.  In my opinion, a
screen reader with both 16-bit and 32-bit code gives you the best
advantage when it comes to Windows 95 and Windows 98.

______________
Announcements

-Programmers Join GW Staff

Please join us in welcoming Marilyn Miars and Ron Parker to the GW
Micro family.

Marilyn Miars is one of the new developers at GW Micro. Her
previous work experience includes work in the defense, auto, and
medical instrumentation industries. After eleven plus years in the
defense industry, Marilyn decided that she wanted to work where she
would be able to help people. That is  part of her attraction to
the work here. 

Marilyn has personal experience in living with disabilities as she
has an older brother who is in a wheel chair due to Muscular
Dystrophy.  She believes that her experiences growing up with a
disabled person may give her insight into the frustrations and
difficulties faced by our customers on a daily basis.

Her educational background includes a Bachelors Degree in
Physiology and in Electrical Engineering.  Marilyn wants to
continue to work in the software field particularly in the area of
software development.  The fact that the software developed at GW
Micro helps to improve the lives of others makes working here even
better.

Marilyn is married and has a daughter that is two.  Her other
interests include organic gardening and riding and restoring
vintage motorcycles.

Ron Parker  is a software developer with twelve years of
experience, including six years of trying to teach Windows to roll
over and play dead.  He comes to us from the fast-paced world of
agriculture, and he's eager to start making it possible for
everyone to enjoy the Windows he's come to love.

Ron will be one of the people who work tirelessly to make
Window-Eyes even better.  His first task will be to help make
Windows NT work with Window-Eyes.  Then maybe he'll be ready to
tackle some really tough problems.

He has a real life, too:  Like many people, he has an incurable
Internet addiction, but when he's not sitting in front of a
computer, he enjoys playing pool and spending time with his wife
Julie, his seven-year-old son Phillip, and their Cocker Spaniel
puppy, Elliot.


-Products

_________________
FlexTalk 
by Bert Cohen

Adaptive Assists, a GW Dealer, announces that the very high quality
and responsive FlexTalk 2.1 software speech synthesizer is now
available for use with Window-Eyes.

FlexTalk software uses a system's sound card capability to generate
speech.  FlexTalk is ideal as an expansion slot saver in desktop PC
applications and as a weight saver in a laptop configuration.

FlexTalk requires SoundBlaster 16 compatible sound card capability. 
A Pentium host is also required.  FlexTalk will consume about 14 MB
hard disk space for program storage.  It requires about 2MB RAM for
execution.

FlexTalk is a Microsoft SAPI compliant application.  FlexTalk
software is NOT copy protected.  Freestanding FlexTalk  offers 2
canned voices and is highly customizable.  Each voice can be
altered to suit the ear of the user.  More than 21 different
properties, including sex, vocal tract, size, pitch, volume and
speed are available to govern voice and speaking characteristics. 
New voices can also be created and named as desired.  In addition,
FlexTalk provides a pronunciation dictionary.  For instance, words
that would otherwise sound alike can be set to be said differently. 
Also, words can be set to be said differently depending upon the
part of speech in which they are used.

FlexTalk settings are available under the FlexTalk 2.1
Configuration icon in the Windows 95 Control Panel.   Once FlexTalk
is loaded and in operation with Window-Eyes, this icon is largely
accessible to speech.  The Help button on the FlexTalk properties
sheet contains all the user instructions.  

FlexTalk is priced at $100.00 plus $5.00 for S&H, per license, to
end users in North America.  If shipment is to a Massachusetts'
address, please add $5.00 for sales tax.  Qualified corporate and
institutional purchase orders are accepted.  Private end user
orders require payment with order.  Your personal check is
acceptable.  For US orders send your PO or payment to:

Adaptive Assists,  
PO  Box 211,
Wayland, MA 01778
Voice: 508-358-4468,
Fax: 508-358-7446.

The software is supplied in CD format and will be sent by return US
mail.

_________________________
Who's calling on the phone?
by Chris Grabowski
     
Are there times when you would like to know who's calling you
before you answer the telephone?  With a software program called
"Talking Caller ID" it is now possible.  You need a computer
running at least Windows 3.1, a SoundBlaster card or compatible and
a caller  id capable modem.   This program will announce the name
and/or number of the person that is calling you over your speakers. 
The program is speech friendly and works with Window-Eyes right out
of the box.  Talking Caller ID  requires the caller  id service
from your phone company, either number only, or name and number
service. You can review the call log to see when people have
called;  the program will store all numbers or a configured number
such as calls within the last 7 days.

 You can attach a custom sound file to any number for example you
can have your mother record a sound such as "Hello, it's Mom;
answer the phone." and that sound will play over the speakers
instead of hearing the name or number.   At the time of this
article the program costs $35.00 to register you may download a
shareware copy of the program at:

http://www.talkingcallerid.com

Chris Grabowski submitted this article and was rewarded with a
subscription to Voice of Vision  for one year and a GW Micro t-
shirt.  


-Come See Us!

GW Micro will be exhibiting at many conferences during the coming
weeks.  Sonja Morgan will be at the American Library Association
Convention in Washington, DC June 27 - 30.  Visit our booth at the
annual convention of the American Council of the Blind in Orlando
July 4-8.  Dan and Bill will be exhibiting at the National
Federation of the Blind annual convention in Dallas July 4-10.  We
look forward to seeing you at these locations!


Subscription Information

Voice of Vision is published four times a year in large print, on
audio cassette, on 3.5-inch PC diskette, and in Braille.  You can
receive a subscription for $10.00 for each format.  VV is also
available on GW Micro's bulletin board and ftp site at no charge. 
Payment can be made by check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express,
or Discover.  Send checks and format specifications to the address
below.

We seek reader input.  If we use an article you've submitted,
you'll receive a year's subscription at no charge and a free GW
t-shirt while quantities last.

Please send articles on IBM compatible diskette or in print to:

GW Micro, Inc.
725 Airport North Office Park
Fort Wayne, IN 46825

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at:
Voice: (219) 489-3671
Fax: (219) 489-2608
BBS: (219) 489-5281
Web Page: www.gwmicro.com
FTP Site: ftp.gwmicro.com
EMail: vv@gwmicro.com