(Click here for a slightly larger view of Mobile Magnifier)Mobile Magnifier, seen above, is said to support low- and high-resolution screens, offering magnification levels from 1.25x to 16x. According to AT&T, it offers three different types of magnification:
- A full-screen view magnifies the entire screen, allowing the user to pan around a virtual desktop
- A split-screen view shows a normal view on half the screen, while the lower half shows a magnified view of what is above
- A "distributed" view shows magnified text and graphics in the middle of screen, while the title bar and menu keys above and below are displayed using a secondary zoom level
Mobile Magnifier also provides automatic text panning and cursor tracking and, while it automatically detects areas of interest on the screen, also allows moving the magnification area manually if desired. Screens are also made easier to read by automatic font smoothing and by a choice of color schemes, according to the company.
Mobile Speak is a screen reader that can be used via synthesized speech or via an add-on Braille device. Unlike typical screen readers for mobile phones, Mobile Speak detects contextual information useful to blind users, the company claims. Supported Windows Mobile applications and functions are said by AT&T to include:
- speed dial, call lists, and contacts
- text messaging, calendar, tasks, notes, and calculator
- Web browsing via Internet Explorer
- Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Voice Recorder, Media Player, voice speed dial, and voice command
- Phone/device settings, profiles, alarms, and ringtones
Mobile Speak also supports third party applications such as the AvantGo newsreader, Audible Player, Skype, and SlovoEd Multilingual Dictionaries. AT&T says the program is available with a choice of three Text-To-Speech engines -- including Fonix, Acapela, or Loquendo -- allowing phones to speak English, Spanish, or both.
Availability and PricingAT&T says Mobile Magnifier and Mobile Speak are currently supported on three Windows Mobile phones, with additional devices "available soon." Those currently compatible are the
Cingular 3125, the
Samsung BlackJack, and the
Pantech Duo.
Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier are each available for a one-time charge of $89, which is billed directly to a customer's credit card, according to AT&T. Additional information or a 30-day software trial may be available from the National Center for Customers with Disabilities (NCCD) at 1-866-241-6568 or (for TTY calls) 1-866-241-6567.
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