Braille 2000 is getting closer: still a bit of work to do

Well, it is time to do another write up of the Braille 2000 beta testing process. For the most part, things are getting in to shape. There are a few things, one of them I’ve questioned, and it was fixed, as well as some loose ends.

• When Braille 2000 was launched with the latest release, it did not tell you that it was launching by telling you the program, version number, and the fact it was the talking edition. I would personally feel better hearing it twice, as each screen reader is different on how that initial screen is interacted with. We’re reverting this change to do that, as now it does it when announcements for info messages is checked in the speech settings.
• When I turned on info messages, it told me the version info as well as that the file was open. While I liked that idea, I honestly don’t need to know if a file is open successfully, and I can get that feedback by asking JFW or NVDA for that matter to read the title bar. I can also query the current line I’m on with the on demand speaking if I really want to know.
• We’ve added the mute option instead of speak nothing. for the voice nothing option. When activated, Braille 2000 will not speak, but it will also say mute on. When Braille 2000 launches, it’ll tell you that speech is muted. To not speak unless you want it to for on demand or otherwise, uncheck all options in the speech settings.

Question: right now, if there is no file open, querying line, paragraph, or read to end has no speech, should it say file is blank, blank, leave it at nothing? If you’re on a blank line with a file open, JFW at least will read the file name to you, but the on demand speaking says nothing. I will be running this by Bob for the thoughts on how we should andle this if you are one that relies on the full on demand speaking of the talking edition.

We’re also adding the capability of reading field data while in a table using Braille 2000. Telling the field data while using the arrow keys should yield in a future release if it doesn’t work already, should stay silent when in the same field. When it changes, it’ll tell you. Right now, I can’t get this to work, but the option for field is in the menus for tell, so I’ll also run this by Bob.

Is there anything else that you think we’re missing? Have you tested the beta? Please advise me on what else you’d like to see.

contacting us

To get your copy of the BETA., please contact Braille 2000 and contact me through my web site if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Bob and I would like to thank every one of you for your interest in our project. We hope to have this out of beta really soon.

The Braille 2000 team