HIMS a worldwide leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of assistive technology products for blind and visually impaired people, today announced the industry's first voice recognition DAISY player. The voice recognition capability is available via a free firmware download to existing users of the HIMS BookSense XT. HIMS demonstrated its enhanced voice recognition BookSense XT at the Board Meeting of the NFB (National Federation of the Blind) 2011 National Convention taking place July 3-8 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Adding IVR to HIMS BookSense XT players provides an easy-to-use, non-technical user interface that significantly adds functionality and simplifies multi-level accessibility to a wide array of media and document formats including more than 20 file types such as NLS, Learning Ally (RFB&D), and BookShare.org. Voice recognition input commands are ideal as an alternative access method for blind and visually impaired users, seniors with age-related macular degeneration or other low vision conditions and people with hand dexterity challenges due to neuropathy or arthritis. HIMS BookSense players are stylishly designed to look like today's popular consumer electronics devices, compared to competitive players that are larger and give off the appearance of a special device for the handicapped, which may not meet the needs of most visually impaired people.

"HIMS' unique voice recognition features will truly revolutionize the way many blind and visually impaired consumers interact with digital players," said James McCarthy, President at HIMS, Inc. "Furthermore, our free firmware update policy at HIMS is unparallel in our industry. Competitors charge up to $199 for software or firmware updates or ask their users to purchase Software Maintenance Agreements."

Source:
HIMS