News Release from VisuAide A web version with photos is available at: http://www.visuaide.com/news_maestro_en.html VisuAide unveils Maestro: the first mainstream handheld PC for blind and visually impaired Atlanta, Georgia, June 30, 2004 -- VisuAide unveiled today Maestro, the first mainstream hand-held PC accessible to the blind and visually impaired. The launch coincided with the National Federation of the Blind convention held in Atlanta this week. Maestro is an HP iPAQ Pocket PC made accessible by VisuAide using text-to-speech technology and a tactile keyboard membrane over the PDA touch screen. Now, the visually impaired can enjoy the ultra-compact size of a real PDA and essential information-access functionality: text and vocal note taking, agenda, contact directory, etc. The visually impaired can benefit from the same applications than sighted users without handling a stylus. Maestro takes advantage of wireless communication networks such as Bluetooth to yield a modular system that can be operated with or without an external keyboard (Braille or standard), depending on user preference and the task at hand. For example, Maestro allows Braille input using either the tactile keyboard on the unit for brief notes, or an external Braille keyboard for extensive note taking. With its open environment, the system readily integrates third-party or other VisuAide applications, such as Trekker, a GPS orientation system, and Victor Reader, a digital talking-book player. As a mass-market product, Maestro can evolve in price, power and connectivity at the same rate as electronics for the sighted. Users can benefit from the latest innovations in the PDA market much earlier and at a lower price. To begin shipping in September 2004, Maestro is the most affordable and compact personal information-management and communication system available to the visually impaired. "VisuAide's objective was to provide users with a low-cost, highly portable mobile-computing solution," said Gilles Pepin, president of VisuAide. "VisuAide hopes to make technological aids available to a larger number of blind and visually impaired individuals." About VisuAide VisuAide (www.visuaide.com) is the leading innovator in high-tech solutions for the blind and visually impaired. The company now employs 80 people in Canada and operates one of the largest R&D departments in the field. VisuAide is the world leader in digital audio book solutions for the print disabled. It develops and manufactures the Victor Reader line of hardware and software audio players. The company also manufactures Trekker, a GPS-based orientation and mobility product for the visually impaired. VisuAide is the largest distributor of computer aids for the visually disabled in Canada. Media Contact: Nicolas Lagace ([log in to unmask]) Tel: 1-819-471-4818 (for Canada and U.S.A.) Toll free: 1-888-723-7273 -- Ann K. Parsons email: [log in to unmask] WEB SITE: http://home.eznet.net/~akp "All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost." JRRT _______________________________________________ Abvi-Consumers mailing list [log in to unmask] http://enabling.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/abvi-consumers