December 2006 NGT Voice

  1. End of the Year Ordering Information
  2. Dragon NaturallySpeaking SR1
  3. Healthcare Services Update- NaturallySpeaking Volume License Program
  4. VXI B150 GTX and Xovox Bluetooth Receiver
  5. JSay Training in LA CSUN Week
  6. New AI Squared ZoomText Keyboard and Use with Portable Magnifiers
  7. J-Say Pro 4 News
  8. Premier Programming Key to Access
  9. Machine Translation Technologies

We'd like to start out the last 2006 NGT Voice with an appreciative thank you for the chance to have been of service during this past year. Since our founding in 1993 we've had the good fortune to see our business flourish, and 2006 was an unpredicted business year for NGT, Inc. As we reflect on the year just ending and contemplate the year ahead we wish for peace and prosperity for our clients, their companies, and their families.

End of Year Ordering Info

With the Christmas holiday falling on Monday the 25th we'd like to suggest that all orders requiring fulfillment by calendar year end be placed by Wednesday the 20th. While we carry many items in stock we expect longer turnaround times for special order items as we enter the Christmas season. For orders equiring invoicing only prior to year end we recommend orders be placed by Wednesday the 27th. NGT, Inc. will be closed on both Monday the 25th and Monday the 1st of January.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 SR1 Patch Release

As many of you know, Nuance Communications released the downloadable A patch several weeks ago. They have just announced the immediate availability of Service Release 1 (SR1) for the NaturallySpeaking 9 product line. Accessing the SR1 for download is as simple as opening you're the Help menu in NaturallySpeaking (you must be connected to the internet), and using the Check Updates menu item and following instructions for the download. This SR1 release has a number of product enhancements and bug fixes. Of course, NGT always recommends that you back up your user profile(s) using the Export utility prior to attempting a product upgrade or patch.

Dragon and Health Care Deployment

Under the Nuance Communications volume license program (called Open License Program or OLP) Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical 9 software receives a substantial discount from List Prices with the purchase of 4 User licenses or more. Additional discounts may be available to Local, State, or Federal organizations purchasing at least 4 licenses. Discounts then apply at each breakpoint with reduced pricing at 24, 124, 249, and 624 licenses.

Over the last year we've seen a substantial move towards OLP/volume licensing in our healthcare market as more institutions consider implementing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems and see the natural fit' of speech input technology and effective EMR documentation. As a Gold Certified Partner of Nuance Communications NGT, Inc. can provide OLP quotations, deployment consultation and implementation support. Inquiries can be directed to Edward S. Rosenthal, President and CEO.

VXI B150 GTX Microphone and Xovox XV06 Receiver

So many clients are looking for a good Bluetooth system to drive their NaturallySpeaking software and, as we've discussed in previous newsletters, we've been very satisfied with the VXI B150 GTX microphone. Now a colleague has indicated noticeably improved speed of response of this microphone with some PCs when coupled with the Xovox XV06 USB receiver. This small unit is a plug and play USB device with a retail price in the $80 range. We really enjoy the wireless freedom of Bluetooth and tablet computing. (Learn more about VXI microphones.) The Xovox receiver can be found at many retail outlets and on the Web.

J-Say Training in Los Angeles, CSUN Week

Last year we had our inaugural J-Say training class held in conjunction with the CSUN conference. The class will be held on Monday March 19 and Tuesday March 20 at the Renaissance Montura Hotel, which is about two blocks from the Los Angeles Airport Marriott and Hilton hotels that hold the CSUN conference. Terry Clasper, Managing Director of T&T Consultancy and Edward S. Rosenthal, President and CEO of Next Generation Technologies, Inc. will host this event. Tuition for the two day class is $994.50, class size is limited. The curriculum is appropriate for JSay Distributors and End Users alike and all attendees will receive a copy of JSay with their tuition as well as a Certificate upon completion.

E-mail Pace Arko, J-Say Specialist--and webmaster--or, call him at 425-744-1100, extension 17 for additional information. This class is not sponsored by or affiliated with the CSUN conference.

AI Squared Large Print Keyboard

AI Squared, maker of the ZoomText screen magnifier, has a new large print keyboard. In addition to the large print high visibility it provides a number of direct function keys for ZoomText Reader and Magnifier software. Available in black on yellow and black on white we think this keyboard is perfect for anyone with reduced visual acuity, even if they don't use ZoomText software. This unit has a price of $99.00.

In addition the latest ZoomText software release, version 9.04, introduced a number of important new feature enhancements, including support for USB-based CCTV devices, also referred to as portable video magnifiers. That's right! ZoomText can now be used with a variety of video magnifiers, allowing for simultaneous magnified viewing of your Windows applications and printed material. In addition, users can switch between full screen views from ZoomText and their CCTV device, or choose a split-screen where ZoomText's magnified view appears in one half of the screen while their camera's view appears in the other.

J-Say Pro 4 News

With the recent release of the NaturallySpeaking SR1 and various Jaws for Windows 7.1 builds the good people at T&T Consultancy anticipate the release of the J-Say Pro 4 SR1 update. This update will provide improved interoperability for their revolutionary J-Say Pro 4 software and NaturallySpeaking 9 SR1 and JFW. Quoting Brian Hartgen of T&T Consultancy the J-Say Pro 4 SR1 it will seamlessly update everything for you meaning no need to create a new user to take full advantage of the new technologies. When this update is released, additional information will be posted on the J-Say technical FAQ. (Don't forget our search utility if you're looking for information on our site.)

Premier Programming Key to Access

The folks at Premier Programming have been building technologies for individuals with learning disabilities for many years. Known for their innovative approach to product design and a commitment to value priced alternatives their recent introduction Key to Access is a remarkable combination of technologies packaged into a flash drive' type device. The Key to Access provides:

Cost per unit is $349.95.

Machine Translation Technology

I was standing at the reception desk of a medical clinic the other day observing the nurse trying to communicate with a patient (who appeared to speak little or no English). She was saying in English that the interpreter was late and he should have a seat. After much gesticulating she got her point across. I remembered Systran Pro a machine translation (MT) technology that we'd supported several years ago. I've revisited this concept. How much easier would it have been for her to type her message on her PC and have the system translate it to the patient's language. Admittedly MT technology has its challenges, but in similar situations even limited communication can be better than no communication. I'm intrigued--if you are as well, take a look at what Systran has to offer and let's talk.

Thanks to all, and best wishes for 2007!

Ed. Rosenthal and the team at NGT.

Page Last Updated: Sunday, June 01, 2008

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