Shinano Kenshi has announced the release of new firmware for its PLEXTALK Pocket digital player/recorder. The new upgrade is available for free download at the company’s PLEXTALK Web site (www.plextalk.com).

In addition to the Pocket’s current playability of content from RFB&D, Read How You Want, Bookshare.org and the NLS (National Library Service), PLEXTALK Pocket Firmware Upgrade: Version 3.00 supports new readability of Microsoft Word document files using SD cards or USB flash memory through text-to-speech (TTS). The Pocket PTP1 categorizes MS Word .doc in ‘text’. The new firmware’s support of WMA (Windows Media Audio) allows playback of unprotected WMA audio files from SD cards or USB flash memory. Other Firmware Upgrade: Version 3.00 features for the PLEXTALK Pocket include automatic bookmark numbering, ‘line’ and ‘screen’ text playback navigation levels, decryption key information announcement, and improved MP3 for DAISY recording and voice memo sound quality.

The PLEXTALK Pocket Firmware Upgrade: Version 3.00 features a host of new options and improvements, including the ability to eliminate key press tones, improved key response, the option to announce album/track name or album/track number, automatic bookmark numbering, and improved title/folder/category announcements.

“The PLEXTALK Pocket is a high-quality, portable media player/recorder with true crossover capability with a host of new 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—PLEXTALK. “The new PLEXTALK Pocket Firmware Upgrade: Version 3.00 allows users to experience more reading freedom and self reliance.”

The PLEXTALK Pocket is a lightweight, pocket-sized, DAISY-compliant music, voice, and book player/recorder. The player/recorder supports playable contents in DAISY/NISO, NLS, Bookshare, RFB&D and Read How You Want (Audible.com coming soon). It also supports .WAV, .MP3, .WMA (unprotected) and Ogg Vorbis audio formats. Other features include 12-level audio speed adjustment, navigation keys to browse through chapter, section, page, bookmarks, screen, paragraph, sentence, line, word, or character, key lock, multiple languages, and a variable sleep timer.

About the Company

Shinano Kenshi 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 CORP
6065 Bristol Parkway
Culver City, CA 90230
Phone: 310-693-7600
Fax: 310-693-7599