Shinano Kenshi  has announced the release of new firmware for the company’s PLEXTALK Pocket digital player/recorder. The new Pocket Firmware Upgrade: Version 5 for the Pocket (PTP1) device is available as a free download at the company’s PLEXTALK Web site, www.plextalk.com.

The PLEXTALK Pocket Firmware Upgrade: Version 5 features a host of new functions and content management features that enable free access to resources in addition to books including podcast, web radio streaming, MS-Word DOCX support, BrailleNet, Internet Archive and U.S. English, U.K. English, German, Dutch, French and Swedish language support.

The new PLEXTALK Pocket Firmware Upgrade: Version 5 allows users to subscribe or unsubscribe to podcasts via wireless LAN using the “PLEXTALK Transfer for Pocket” software.  Pocket users also can now listen to Web radio streaming by downloading a play list file (PLS, M3U, ASX) to a computer and transferring web streaming content to their Pocket PTP1.

Other features include new categories for easier title selection including a new Recordings category along with a name change from the English Audio category to Music category. Other categories for title selection include DAISY Title, Text, and Web Radio.

“The PLEXTALK Pocket is a high-quality portable media player/recorder with true crossover capability with a host of applications and features to support complete accessibility for people who are visually impaired or learning disabled.” Said Deana Valdez, sales and marketing manager for North America. “The new PLEXTALK Pocket Firmware Upgrade: Version 5 allows users to experience more freedom and self reliance through Pocket-enabled portable reading and listening.”

The PLEXTALK Pocket is a lightweight, pocket-sized, DAISY-compliant podcast, radio streaming, music, voice, and book player/recorder. It is a versatile media player/recorder that bridges a host of applications yet also comes equipped with features that support accessibility for those who are visually impaired or learning disabled.

Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd., Shinano Kenshi & PLEXTALK

Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd. is responsible for the development and manufacture of digital talking book players and other products sold under the brand name of PLEXTALK. Shinano and PLEXTALK assistive technology products are created to improve the quality of life, self-reliance and independence of their users. Shinano Kenshi is the North American subsidiary of Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd.