Hello NVDA users and add-on developers,

First, I would like to reiterate how important it is that everyone listen to advice from reputable sources regarding COVID-19, including public health officials recommending folks to exercise social distancing for a while. Even if you do not feel sick, please help others by washing hands, practice social distancing, and monitor the situation regarding the pandemic and community spread. And since the NVDA community is a global movement, please support each other.

Onto the matter at hand: for several days I have received requests about NVDA add-ons and Windows XP support. Requests have included making add-ons compatible with Windows XP again, compatibility issues, and backporting newer NVDA bug fixes and features to users of NVDA 2017.3, the last version compatible with Windows XP.

At the moment there is no community guidance on support for Windows XP, with many people  asking others to upgrade to newer Windows releases. But as an individual add-on author and a contributor to NVDA screen reader project, I would like to take this time to make the following personal announcement:

Effective April 15, 2020, if you ask me to do one or more of the following for Windows XP users, the answer you will get is, “sorry, no more, period.” These include:

• Making add-ons compatible with Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista, and Server 2008
• Fixing compatibility issues and non-working add-ons after you knowingly install newer add-on releases on NVDA 2017.3 or earlier
• Backporting features and bug fixes from newer NVDA releases to NVDA 2017.3
• Maintaining a long-term support version of NVDA for Windows XP/Server 2003/Vista/Server 2008 users

Most importantly, I will flatly say “no” if you ask me privately to ask NV Access and/or add-on developers about Windows XP support. Many features introduced in newer NVDA releases cannot be backported for various reasons, including risk of crashing NVDA (grammar error announcement, for example), incompatibility with Python 2 (broader Unicode support, for example), features that will not work properly with XP (screen curtain, for example), support for apps no longer recommended for wider use (outlook Express, for example), and broad changes that alters how add-ons work (speech refactor and multi-category settings dialog, for example). Several add-on authors have indicated reluctance to support XP, and in case of add-ons I’m either maintaining or have passed onto the community, none of them support NVDA 2019.2.1 or earlier, let alone Windows XP and friends.

My personal statement above will not be in effect until April so that you can help others going through COVID-19 and for my statement as an individual developer to sink in. Note that I’m not speaking on behalf of other developers – others have their own policies regarding support for Windows XP. NV Access does provide a download link for NVDA 2017.3, the last version compatible with Windows XP.

I know my statement is a huge blow to many of you. As much as I wanted folks to understand that end of support means end of support, and I understand that many of you cannot afford newer equipment and software releases (including moving to newer Windows releases), I felt it is time to make a bold statement and say “no” to Windows XP support. In the past, I did note on various NVDA forums that my add-ons will not and does not support Windows XP, but didn’t announce a statement like this then, hoping that folks will understand the reality at last. But alas, it is time to officially close the doors to Windows XP support from my end – once again, this is an individual developer saying this, not on behalf of the community at large, knowing that others will make statements on their own.

Thank you for understanding.

Cheers,

Joseph

Roger,

            Just as a data point, I have never heard an auditory cue from a press of the NVDA key when I've been using NVDA.  I am guessing this is a setting somewhere, but not one I've ever used.  The one auditory cue I do notice is the change from browse to focus mode, or vice versa.

             And I just experimented with NVDA while entering this message via the web interface.  Hitting the Insert key (not 6-pack, in this case) does not produce any tone.
 
--

Brian - Windows 10 Pro, 64-Bit, Version 1909, Build 18363  

Power is being told you're not loved and not being destroyed by it.

       ~ Madonna

 

 

Hi Roger

It sounds like you have the Ease of Access setting called “Toggle keys” switched on.  This causes Caps lock, Num lock and Scroll lock to emit a high pitched beep when pressed.  It has no effect on the functionality of NVDA at all and is just to reassure the user that they have pressed one of the keys named previously.

    

Cheers

Chris 

 

From: Roger Stewart
Sent: 22 March 2020 20:48
To: NVDA List
Subject: [nvda] Possible bug found

 

I may have found a minor bug in latest NVDA.  I have the extended insert

key (also known as the insert key on the "six pack" keys set as the nvda

modifier key.  At first, I had thought it had gotten unset or something

as when I press this key, I get no beep while I do get the beep when I

press caps lock.  However, the key is working as the NVDA modifier key

correctly.  Is this normal to have a beep for caps lock as the nvda

modifier but no beep for the extended insert key?  I had thought both

keys would beep for a single press to let you know it is the nvda key

but they will do their normal functions if pressed twice quickly.  If

there isn't supposed to be the beep on the extended insert key, then

this is normal but I just wanted to ask about this as I'm pretty sure I

have heard a beep for that key in earlier versions of nvda.

 

 

Roger

 

 

 

 

 

Hi

Do you know if he is going to update the speech hub add on? so it works with nvda 2019.3

When I tried it  the last version was nvda 2019.2.1 I think it was I would have to check.

Gene nz

Speak On supports Daisy through its Audio Books app but I don’t know about XML 5 but if somebody sent me a sample I could try it and see.

Speak On is self-voicing  much like Kurzweil so you would not use a Screenreader with it as it is controlled  just as if you were using a screenreader.

 

Isaac told me that he has updated the NVDA and Speech Player addons to be compatible with the latest version of NVDA but I don’t think they have been published yet.

As I understand it  the NVDA addon simply mutes NVDA whilst Speak On is in Focus

 

David Griffith

 

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of john s
Sent: 22 March 2020 18:23
To: nvda@nvda.groups.io
Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

David, the NFB content is Daisy, which xml files.

Can my screen reader be used in this program?

At 12:10 PM 3/22/2020, David Griffith, wrote:

 
Speak On was developed in the UK so the only direct connections it has to download is content from the RNIB eText and Audio Newsagent service and it also connects directly to TuneIn Radio if you have an  account with them.
However it does have a “Virtual Reader� function which interacts with the automatic eText digital content  generated by for Newspapers and Magazines in the UK which makes for a more pleasant reading experience.
If Newsline produces material in ePub2 format then it may be worth importing the content into Speak On and try reading it with the RNIB eText Newsagent app anyway to see if this provides a good experience.
If you wanted to do this you would need to first of all add the RNIB eText app from the add plugins section of the Tools menu and then place your Newsline content, assuming it is epPub2  into  the Current Reading directory under the RNIB etect directory under My Speak On media folder.
 
Of course you can also read the ePub also using Speak On’s eBook function – oone of the worst decisions Isaac took was to name this app Text Publications which disguises it utility as an eBook reader.
 
David Griffith
 
So it cannot, as far as I am aware connect
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
 
From: john s
Sent: 22 March 2020 14:59
To: nvda@nvda.groups.io
Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative
 
David, does  speak on handle NFB Newsline content?

Also, can the program use my screen reader?

At 09:56 AM 3/22/2020, David Griffith, wrote:

OK

My actual Podcasts on Speak On are being distributed by Talking Computers on a monthly basis and will appear on the Speak On website a month later but you can find all the recordings below on SendSpace links which will hopefully not be an issue. If there is an issue then I will try and put them also on Open  drive.

 

The main Speak On app is being continuously maintained by Isaac the Program developer though he has no intentions to do major revisions of the app.

 

The series is not complete as there will be further Podcasts on the RNIB Daisy magazine Service, using the Podcasts app and the Music app to follow.

I actually intend to replace and re-record the eBook Podcasts as half - way through the volume increases which is a little distracting.

 

Speak On Resources

You can download Speak On media Suite from

http://www.speakon.org.uk/SpeakOn.html

 

 

Speak On Media Podcast

 

01 Introduction Speak on Media Suite.mp3

This Podcast covers setting up Speak On Media, changing the default synthesiser to a more friendly voice and introduces you to the range of apps available

by default, and then the further apps available through additional optional plugins.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/otzppu

 

02 Getting an Audio Books into Speak On Media Suite.mp3

 

This Podcast describes how shortcuts and the send to menu in File Explorer can be utilised to make it much easier to import books and other content into

Speak On Media.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/v7dhkt

 

03 Playing Daisy and Audio Books in Speak On.mp3

This Podcast covers loading and reading of Daisy and Audio Books. It explains Speak On navigation options, bookmarking, and varying the speed and volume

of playback. It also introduces Speak On’s context sensitive help feature.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/ye758q

 

 

04 Reading eBooks on Speak On

This covers.

-Loading an eBook into the Speak On Directory through the Send To Menu.

-changing the Reading Voice.

- Navigation levels available in the eBook.

- Managing Bookmarks and getting book size information.

-Tabbing through the Player Bookmark list and Library view.

- Adjusting the speed and volume of book playback on the fly.

- Copying and pasting text from an eBook into Notepad.

- Saving Sections of the book as text files.

- Creating a "virtual eBook" based upon a search term.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/akbva2

 

 

05 Speak On and Internet Radio

This Podcast covers

- Using a free or paid Tunein account to access Radio in Speak On.

- Using the optional VI Radio app.

- Importing Radio Streams into the Other Media app to create a 3rd Customised Internet Radio app.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/sgqix8

 

 

Link to a Radio Streams folder to import into Speak On.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/p7xu1m

 

 

06 Using Speak On and the RNIB Reading Service.

 

This Podcasts covers downloading a daisy Book from the new RNIB Reading Service and playing it in Speak On.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/j006ie

 

 

07 Speak On and the RNIB Newsagent Service Part 1 - Newspapers.

 

This Podcasts covers.

1. Advantages of using Speak On to easily access the eText Newspaper service, including its Virtual Reader function to streamline reading.

Installing the task and logging into the eText service.

Loading of Newspapers, navigation and adjustment of speed and volume of playback.

Setting up favourite papers.

Bookmarking and extracting articles into text files.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/d40tj7

 

 

08 Speak On and the RNIB magazine Service

 

As unfortunately the RNIB have broken links to some of the Magazines and not updated information to Speak ON, there is a need in some cases to download

and import Magazines manually . This Podcasts describes this workaround and explains why you would still want to use Speak On to read your magazines in

this use case.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/jsp0da

 

 

 

 

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of David Griffith via Groups.Io

Sent: 22 March 2020 13:41

To: nvda@nvda.groups.io

Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

It is  not a media player rather than a book reader but both and a lot lot more.

 

I will send a list of my Podcasts on it in a minute,

 

David Griffith

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Robert Kingett

Sent: 22 March 2020 01:44

To: nvda@nvda.groups.io

Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

The only thing I could find about speak on is the below website? The last update was 2016. Is there a newer version I'm missing? It seems like it's a media player rather than a book reader so if anybody has an updated link, put it in the thread.

http://www.speakon.org.uk/SpeakOn.html

 

                 John

 

                 John

I may have found a minor bug in latest NVDA.  I have the extended insert

key (also known as the insert key on the "six pack" keys set as the nvda

modifier key.  At first, I had thought it had gotten unset or something

as when I press this key, I get no beep while I do get the beep when I

press caps lock.  However, the key is working as the NVDA modifier key

correctly.  Is this normal to have a beep for caps lock as the nvda

modifier but no beep for the extended insert key?  I had thought both

keys would beep for a single press to let you know it is the nvda key

but they will do their normal functions if pressed twice quickly.  If

there isn't supposed to be the beep on the extended insert key, then

this is normal but I just wanted to ask about this as I'm pretty sure I

have heard a beep for that key in earlier versions of nvda.

Roger

Roger,

            Just as a data point, I have never heard an auditory cue from a press of the NVDA key when I've been using NVDA.  I am guessing this is a setting somewhere, but not one I've ever used.  The one auditory cue I do notice is the change from browse to focus mode, or vice versa.

             And I just experimented with NVDA while entering this message via the web interface.  Hitting the Insert key (not 6-pack, in this case) does not produce any tone.
 
--

Brian - Windows 10 Pro, 64-Bit, Version 1909, Build 18363  

Power is being told you're not loved and not being destroyed by it.

       ~ Madonna

 

 

Speak On supports Daisy through its Audio Books app but I don’t know about XML 5 but if somebody sent me a sample I could try it and see.

Speak On is self-voicing  much like Kurzweil so you would not use a Screenreader with it as it is controlled  just as if you were using a screenreader.

 

Isaac told me that he has updated the NVDA and Speech Player addons to be compatible with the latest version of NVDA but I don’t think they have been published yet.

As I understand it  the NVDA addon simply mutes NVDA whilst Speak On is in Focus

 

David Griffith

 

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of john s
Sent: 22 March 2020 18:23
To: nvda@nvda.groups.io
Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

David, the NFB content is Daisy, which xml files.

Can my screen reader be used in this program?

At 12:10 PM 3/22/2020, David Griffith, wrote:

 
Speak On was developed in the UK so the only direct connections it has to download is content from the RNIB eText and Audio Newsagent service and it also connects directly to TuneIn Radio if you have an  account with them.
However it does have a “Virtual Reader� function which interacts with the automatic eText digital content  generated by for Newspapers and Magazines in the UK which makes for a more pleasant reading experience.
If Newsline produces material in ePub2 format then it may be worth importing the content into Speak On and try reading it with the RNIB eText Newsagent app anyway to see if this provides a good experience.
If you wanted to do this you would need to first of all add the RNIB eText app from the add plugins section of the Tools menu and then place your Newsline content, assuming it is epPub2  into  the Current Reading directory under the RNIB etect directory under My Speak On media folder.
 
Of course you can also read the ePub also using Speak On’s eBook function – oone of the worst decisions Isaac took was to name this app Text Publications which disguises it utility as an eBook reader.
 
David Griffith
 
So it cannot, as far as I am aware connect
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
 
From: john s
Sent: 22 March 2020 14:59
To: nvda@nvda.groups.io
Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative
 
David, does  speak on handle NFB Newsline content?

Also, can the program use my screen reader?

At 09:56 AM 3/22/2020, David Griffith, wrote:

OK

My actual Podcasts on Speak On are being distributed by Talking Computers on a monthly basis and will appear on the Speak On website a month later but you can find all the recordings below on SendSpace links which will hopefully not be an issue. If there is an issue then I will try and put them also on Open  drive.

 

The main Speak On app is being continuously maintained by Isaac the Program developer though he has no intentions to do major revisions of the app.

 

The series is not complete as there will be further Podcasts on the RNIB Daisy magazine Service, using the Podcasts app and the Music app to follow.

I actually intend to replace and re-record the eBook Podcasts as half - way through the volume increases which is a little distracting.

 

Speak On Resources

You can download Speak On media Suite from

http://www.speakon.org.uk/SpeakOn.html

 

 

Speak On Media Podcast

 

01 Introduction Speak on Media Suite.mp3

This Podcast covers setting up Speak On Media, changing the default synthesiser to a more friendly voice and introduces you to the range of apps available

by default, and then the further apps available through additional optional plugins.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/otzppu

 

02 Getting an Audio Books into Speak On Media Suite.mp3

 

This Podcast describes how shortcuts and the send to menu in File Explorer can be utilised to make it much easier to import books and other content into

Speak On Media.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/v7dhkt

 

03 Playing Daisy and Audio Books in Speak On.mp3

This Podcast covers loading and reading of Daisy and Audio Books. It explains Speak On navigation options, bookmarking, and varying the speed and volume

of playback. It also introduces Speak On’s context sensitive help feature.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/ye758q

 

 

04 Reading eBooks on Speak On

This covers.

-Loading an eBook into the Speak On Directory through the Send To Menu.

-changing the Reading Voice.

- Navigation levels available in the eBook.

- Managing Bookmarks and getting book size information.

-Tabbing through the Player Bookmark list and Library view.

- Adjusting the speed and volume of book playback on the fly.

- Copying and pasting text from an eBook into Notepad.

- Saving Sections of the book as text files.

- Creating a "virtual eBook" based upon a search term.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/akbva2

 

 

05 Speak On and Internet Radio

This Podcast covers

- Using a free or paid Tunein account to access Radio in Speak On.

- Using the optional VI Radio app.

- Importing Radio Streams into the Other Media app to create a 3rd Customised Internet Radio app.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/sgqix8

 

 

Link to a Radio Streams folder to import into Speak On.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/p7xu1m

 

 

06 Using Speak On and the RNIB Reading Service.

 

This Podcasts covers downloading a daisy Book from the new RNIB Reading Service and playing it in Speak On.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/j006ie

 

 

07 Speak On and the RNIB Newsagent Service Part 1 - Newspapers.

 

This Podcasts covers.

1. Advantages of using Speak On to easily access the eText Newspaper service, including its Virtual Reader function to streamline reading.

Installing the task and logging into the eText service.

Loading of Newspapers, navigation and adjustment of speed and volume of playback.

Setting up favourite papers.

Bookmarking and extracting articles into text files.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/d40tj7

 

 

08 Speak On and the RNIB magazine Service

 

As unfortunately the RNIB have broken links to some of the Magazines and not updated information to Speak ON, there is a need in some cases to download

and import Magazines manually . This Podcasts describes this workaround and explains why you would still want to use Speak On to read your magazines in

this use case.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/jsp0da

 

 

 

 

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of David Griffith via Groups.Io

Sent: 22 March 2020 13:41

To: nvda@nvda.groups.io

Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

It is  not a media player rather than a book reader but both and a lot lot more.

 

I will send a list of my Podcasts on it in a minute,

 

David Griffith

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Robert Kingett

Sent: 22 March 2020 01:44

To: nvda@nvda.groups.io

Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

The only thing I could find about speak on is the below website? The last update was 2016. Is there a newer version I'm missing? It seems like it's a media player rather than a book reader so if anybody has an updated link, put it in the thread.

http://www.speakon.org.uk/SpeakOn.html

 

                 John

 

                 John

Hello,

There is a good free book available on git hub. It is called dive into python 3. It is completely free. Just do a search for the title of the book and it should be easy to find.

Greg Wocher

On Mar 22, 2020, at 2:20 PM, Joseph Lee <joseph.lee22590@...> wrote:

Hi,

I recommend starting at python.org’s python documentation (look up 3.7, not 3.8 yet).

Cheers,

Joseph

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io<nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of Ramesh Patil
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2020 11:13 AM
To: nvda <nvda@nvda.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [nvda] NVDA addon development beginner

 

Thanks brian and Josep,

Josep sir what is best website source to learn python 3.

Thanks

 

On Sun, Mar 22, 2020, 10:31 PM Joseph Lee <joseph.lee22590@...> wrote:

Hi,

Brian gave you the subscription info for at least one development list. My advice is:

Before you learn NVDA add-on development, learn Python 3 first. You need to have a solid grasp of at least intermediate Python features before you can say you are ready to write NVDA add-ons. Concepts you need to learn include classes, modules, functions, imports, and class attribute access/modification.

Cheers,

Joseph

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io<nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of Ramesh Patil
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2020 8:30 AM
To: nvda <nvda@nvda.groups.io>
Subject: [nvda] NVDA addon development beginner

 

Hi guys,

I am interested in study development of NVDA  addons.

I have basic knowledge of Java programming. I know for NVDA development I need knowledge of python programming

It is possible to learn python online? 
I have read nvda addon development guide little bit. Anyone can send link for all essential softwares for download directly. 

Another help, any one beginner/professional in python or nvda addon development is available in this group? So that i can contact him personally for my help. 

Thanks in advance

Regards,
Ramesh

On Mar 22, 2020, at 2:20 PM, Joseph Lee <joseph.lee22590@...> wrote:

Hi,

I recommend starting at python.org’s python documentation (look up 3.7, not 3.8 yet).

Cheers,

Joseph

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io<nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of Ramesh Patil
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2020 11:13 AM
To: nvda <nvda@nvda.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [nvda] NVDA addon development beginner

 

Thanks brian and Josep,

Josep sir what is best website source to learn python 3.

Thanks

 

On Sun, Mar 22, 2020, 10:31 PM Joseph Lee <joseph.lee22590@...> wrote:

Hi,

Brian gave you the subscription info for at least one development list. My advice is:

Before you learn NVDA add-on development, learn Python 3 first. You need to have a solid grasp of at least intermediate Python features before you can say you are ready to write NVDA add-ons. Concepts you need to learn include classes, modules, functions, imports, and class attribute access/modification.

Cheers,

Joseph

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io<nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of Ramesh Patil
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2020 8:30 AM
To: nvda <nvda@nvda.groups.io>
Subject: [nvda] NVDA addon development beginner

 

Hi guys,

I am interested in study development of NVDA  addons.

I have basic knowledge of Java programming. I know for NVDA development I need knowledge of python programming

It is possible to learn python online? 
I have read nvda addon development guide little bit. Anyone can send link for all essential softwares for download directly. 

Another help, any one beginner/professional in python or nvda addon development is available in this group? So that i can contact him personally for my help. 

Thanks in advance

Regards,
Ramesh

On Sat, Mar 21, 2020 at 02:06 PM, Joseph Lee wrote, to describe the Voice Dictionary:

Think of it as default dictionary but active only if the chosen voice from the chosen synthesizer is in use.

Thanks for the clarification.

That's precisely the reason I chose to use the Default Dictionary over the Voice Dictionary, as I suspect that this issue crosses multiple OneCore voices and presume that "un-" and "re-" prefixes on verbs will not be read with the hyphen pronounced when doing read-all for any synth.  I could be utterly wrong, and would love to have confirmation or refutation.

It's often a matter of what synths and voices you're using and whether a change to the Default Dictionary screws something up for one (or more) of the synths/voices you use regularly while fixing something only for one.  Trial and error . . .
 
--

Brian - Windows 10 Pro, 64-Bit, Version 1909, Build 18363  

Power is being told you're not loved and not being destroyed by it.

       ~ Madonna

David, the NFB content is Daisy, which xml files.

Can my screen reader be used in this program?

At 12:10 PM 3/22/2020, David Griffith, wrote:

 
Speak On was developed in the UK so the only direct connections it has to download is content from the RNIB eText and Audio Newsagent service and it also connects directly to TuneIn Radio if you have an  account with them.
However it does have a “Virtual Reader� function which interacts with the automatic eText digital content  generated by for Newspapers and Magazines in the UK which makes for a more pleasant reading experience.
If Newsline produces material in ePub2 format then it may be worth importing the content into Speak On and try reading it with the RNIB eText Newsagent app anyway to see if this provides a good experience.
If you wanted to do this you would need to first of all add the RNIB eText app from the add plugins section of the Tools menu and then place your Newsline content, assuming it is epPub2  into  the Current Reading directory under the RNIB etect directory under My Speak On media folder.
 
Of course you can also read the ePub also using Speak On’s eBook function – oone of the worst decisions Isaac took was to name this app Text Publications which disguises it utility as an eBook reader.
 
David Griffith
 
So it cannot, as far as I am aware connect
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
 
From: john s
Sent: 22 March 2020 14:59
To: nvda@nvda.groups.io
Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative
 
David, does  speak on handle NFB Newsline content?

Also, can the program use my screen reader?

At 09:56 AM 3/22/2020, David Griffith, wrote:

OK

My actual Podcasts on Speak On are being distributed by Talking Computers on a monthly basis and will appear on the Speak On website a month later but you can find all the recordings below on SendSpace links which will hopefully not be an issue. If there is an issue then I will try and put them also on Open  drive.

 

The main Speak On app is being continuously maintained by Isaac the Program developer though he has no intentions to do major revisions of the app.

 

The series is not complete as there will be further Podcasts on the RNIB Daisy magazine Service, using the Podcasts app and the Music app to follow.

I actually intend to replace and re-record the eBook Podcasts as half - way through the volume increases which is a little distracting.

 

Speak On Resources

You can download Speak On media Suite from

http://www.speakon.org.uk/SpeakOn.html

 

 

Speak On Media Podcast

 

01 Introduction Speak on Media Suite.mp3

This Podcast covers setting up Speak On Media, changing the default synthesiser to a more friendly voice and introduces you to the range of apps available

by default, and then the further apps available through additional optional plugins.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/otzppu

 

02 Getting an Audio Books into Speak On Media Suite.mp3

 

This Podcast describes how shortcuts and the send to menu in File Explorer can be utilised to make it much easier to import books and other content into

Speak On Media.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/v7dhkt

 

03 Playing Daisy and Audio Books in Speak On.mp3

This Podcast covers loading and reading of Daisy and Audio Books. It explains Speak On navigation options, bookmarking, and varying the speed and volume

of playback. It also introduces Speak On’s context sensitive help feature.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/ye758q

 

 

04 Reading eBooks on Speak On

This covers.

-Loading an eBook into the Speak On Directory through the Send To Menu.

-changing the Reading Voice.

- Navigation levels available in the eBook.

- Managing Bookmarks and getting book size information.

-Tabbing through the Player Bookmark list and Library view.

- Adjusting the speed and volume of book playback on the fly.

- Copying and pasting text from an eBook into Notepad.

- Saving Sections of the book as text files.

- Creating a "virtual eBook" based upon a search term.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/akbva2

 

 

05 Speak On and Internet Radio

This Podcast covers

- Using a free or paid Tunein account to access Radio in Speak On.

- Using the optional VI Radio app.

- Importing Radio Streams into the Other Media app to create a 3rd Customised Internet Radio app.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/sgqix8

 

 

Link to a Radio Streams folder to import into Speak On.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/p7xu1m

 

 

06 Using Speak On and the RNIB Reading Service.

 

This Podcasts covers downloading a daisy Book from the new RNIB Reading Service and playing it in Speak On.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/j006ie

 

 

07 Speak On and the RNIB Newsagent Service Part 1 - Newspapers.

 

This Podcasts covers.

1. Advantages of using Speak On to easily access the eText Newspaper service, including its Virtual Reader function to streamline reading.

Installing the task and logging into the eText service.

Loading of Newspapers, navigation and adjustment of speed and volume of playback.

Setting up favourite papers.

Bookmarking and extracting articles into text files.

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/d40tj7

 

 

08 Speak On and the RNIB magazine Service

 

As unfortunately the RNIB have broken links to some of the Magazines and not updated information to Speak ON, there is a need in some cases to download

and import Magazines manually . This Podcasts describes this workaround and explains why you would still want to use Speak On to read your magazines in

this use case.

 

https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/jsp0da

 

 

 

 

 

From: nvda@nvda.groups.io <nvda@nvda.groups.io> On Behalf Of David Griffith via Groups.Io

Sent: 22 March 2020 13:41

To: nvda@nvda.groups.io

Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

It is  not a media player rather than a book reader but both and a lot lot more.

 

I will send a list of my Podcasts on it in a minute,

 

David Griffith

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: Robert Kingett

Sent: 22 March 2020 01:44

To: nvda@nvda.groups.io

Subject: Re: [nvda] Q Read alternative

 

The only thing I could find about speak on is the below website? The last update was 2016. Is there a newer version I'm missing? It seems like it's a media player rather than a book reader so if anybody has an updated link, put it in the thread.

http://www.speakon.org.uk/SpeakOn.html

 

                 John

 

                 John