July 2001 NGTVoice

  1. NaturallySpeaking SpeechLinks Programming Language
  2. Microsoft Office XP
  3. NGT VoicePro Custom Computer Systems
  4. Boxlight XD-10m Ultraportable Projection Unit
  5. Norcom 2700 Digital Recorder
  6. Jaws for Windows Scripting Services
  7. Upcoming Training
  8. Legal Web Information

We recently had the opportunity to attend specialized training for the NaturallySpeaking SpeechLinks/RADLink programming interface. This VBA language allows programmers to create custom scripts to access the functionality within any VBA compliant software application (particularly powerful in Microsoft Office). This is an altogether separate programming module available on the NaturallySpeaking Professional installation CD. It augments the native NaturallySpeaking scripting language. Look for additional information about this powerful programming tool over the next few months has regained additional experience and create custom programming for our clients.

Microsoft Office XP

At this point we've had the opportunity to work with many real world installations of Microsoft Office XP. From the standpoint of utilizing Dragon NaturallySpeaking within the software suite the only significant issue we have encountered is that some users will need to change their Security setting (Tools, Macro, Security) to medium or low if it is currently set on high in order to enable macro access to the application. We've also started conducting in-house testing on the speech component associated with Office XP-Word. Both public reviews, and our current assessment indicates that the speech component associated with Office XP-Word represents an isolated component, operable only in Word, and lacking a user interface (UI) and modules like Vocabulary Builder, Correction Dialog, etc. perhaps most significant is the fact that this speech component is currently available only one in the Microsoft Word environment. In the short run we believe that more mature programs like NaturallySpeaking and ViaVoice will continue to dominate in the speech input marketplace. Longer-term we will need to watch developments both within Microsoft and in third party development software houses to see what develops.

VoicePro Computer Systems

As we announced in our June NGTVoice, we've started building custom midtower computer systems to optimize speech recognition applications. The systems are competitively priced (compare with the Dell OptiPlex GX 150), and utilize robust components to make this an ideal system for power users, corporate network environments, and adaptive technology laboratories. We believe we offer a superior computer system for individuals wishing to optimize speech recognition input applications. The critical factors here is not only proper selection of components and architecture... but also a primary focus on standardization. It is been our experience that many of the national vendors (who immediately build terrific computers) do so without regard to targeted applications. This means that Computer Model A from XYZ Company shipped in the second week in June 2001 may support speech recognition well, and the same unit shipped in the final week of June 2001 may not. While we continually evaluate technology developments and maintain our cutting edge technologies... we also test and evaluate all component changes with an eye towards support speech recognition software. This is a terrific time to look at upgrading hardware since there are some excellent computer values (particularly tied to Pentium III technology)... we be happy to discuss configuration and pricing.

Boxlight XD-10m Ultraportable Projection Unit

Boxlight Corp. of Poulspo, WA recently announced the release of its XD-10m Ultraportable projection system. This 3 lb. road warriors dream packs a 1024X768 pixel resolution with enough lumens to allow this unit to be used even in a well lit environment. When premiered at the recent Association of Legal Administrators conference the attendees were most pleased with the magnesium shell, built-in manuals and, and USB mouse connection for remote mouse. With a projected cost under $4000.00 we believe that this will become a favorite with anybody that travels and needs to do presentations on a regular basis.

Norcom 2700 Digital Recorder

For years the folks at Norcom Electronics have been building the Norcom 2500 analog recorder for use with speech recognition software and its industry leading Etranscribe system. With the introduction of their new Norcom 2700 digital recorder I think we have a new leader in the digital recording category. Probably the biggest innovation in this device is its utilization of a standard 'slide switch' to access the primary functions of the recorder. This is exactly like the control devices used on most analog recording devices... which means the transition from a traditional recorder for people wishing to use this technology with their speech input software should be minimized. With a metal case, noise cancellation circuitry, MMC memory card usage for easy expansion, and host of peripheral technologies we are convinced that this sub-$400 unit will become a favorite for many of our clients. Contact us by e-mail for a . PDF brochure, or additional information.

JAWS for Windows Scripting Services

Over the last several years we've answered an increasing call from our corporate clients to provide customized scripting for Freedom Scientific Jaws for Windows software. The primary reason for the customization requests has been to enable Jaws for Windows to access proprietary applications within the corporate environment. Last month, we announced the formalization of our scripting services and JFW support... targeted primarily to federal, state, and local governmental agencies wanting to provide Section 508 compliance within their agency. With our expanded lab facilities in our Lynnwood, WA offices we should be able to reproduce almost any development environment in order to provide quick turnaround times for custom scripting projects. You should contact President Ed. Rosenthal with any questions you may have.

Upcoming Training

NGT, Inc. was recently awarded a contract to provide training services for the Veterans Administration. In the first week of August NGT personnel will be traveling to Pittsburgh, PA to conduct a one day training seminar on Learning, Using, and Teaching Adaptive Computer Technology for a national audience of VA trainers, and technical support consultants. This program will focus on the use of L&H Holdings Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Freedom Scientific Jaws for Windows, and AI2 ZoomText.

Also in the month of August we will be traveling to Austin TX to participate in an afternoon workshop.

With the explosion of technology and resources within the legal environment there has been a proliferation of websites focusing on providing resources to legal practices. Three specific websites that I think are worth noting are:

--Information provided by Law Technology News - July 2001

Everyone at Next Generation Technologies, Inc. hopes that you are having a terrific summer 2001. Remember we want to be your source for speech recognition technology software, hardware, and peripheral devices... as well as a range of AT products and consulting services. Call us or e-mail anytime you have questions... or just to touch base. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

-Ed. Rosenthal

Page Last Updated: Sunday, June 01, 2008

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