We are pleased to let everyone know about a new software update that is available for the Zoomax eReader. The National Library Service (NLS) just released software version 2.1 to the public. This version of the software will add new features such as access to Bookshare for those who have an account, the ability to operate the unit in one-handed mode, and the ability to use a USB keyboard to input usernames and passwords. There are some important bug fixes included, as well.
Update Your eReader
There are two ways to update your eReader:
- Via a library-provided cartridge, or
- over the Internet
If you do not have access to the Internet and need a cartridge, please contact TBBL, and we would be happy to send you one for updating your Zoomax.
Below are the instructions for updating via the Internet:
- Connect your Zoomax eReader to AC power
- From the Zoomax main menu, navigate to device info
- Press Enter to select it
- Navigate to app update
- Press Enter to select it
- Navigate to version 2.1
- Press S3 to bring up the context menu
- Navigate to install
- Press Enter to select it and install the update
- When the "version installed successfully" message is displayed, navigate to OK and press Enter. In a few seconds, the eReader will restart and you will be at the top of the Main Menu
One important thing to note about installing the latest Zoomax software update is that an unintended consequence of the update is that the braille type on your device will revert to uncontracted braille. However, you can go to the Settings menu to change it back to contracted braille.
From the Main Menu, open Settings by navigating up and down until you reach Settings or press s (dots 2-3-4). When Settings is displayed, press Enter to open it. The third item on the Settings Menu is Braille Settings. There are then 3 categories including “device”. Here you can choose between “contracted” and “uncontracted” for the default setting.
If you have any questions, please contact us at TBBL, (tbbl@nysed.gov or 1-800-342-3688) and we will do our best to assist you.
Zoomax Patron Listserv
If you already belong to the NLS Zoomax Patron Listserv, then you may already know about the availability of this new update. If you do not subscribe to the Listserv, we encourage you to do so. It is an easy way to find out about any news regarding the Zoomax, including announcements about bug fixes. You can also learn from other Zoomax users or pose your own questions to the community.
To subscribe to the Zoomax patron listserv, compose an email to the following address: LISTSERV@listserv.loc.gov. Leave the subject of the message blank. In the body of the message, put the following text:
subscribe NLS-ZM-EREADERPILOT FirstName LastName
Be sure to replace the FirstName and LastName placeholders with your first and last name.
Within a few minutes, you will receive a "Command confirmation request" email with a request confirmation link. Click on this link to complete your subscription request.
Starting in mid-June, patrons will notice a change in how they receive their audio magazines on cartridge.
All audio magazines on cartridge will now be mailed directly from our library, the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL). To differentiate them from book cartridges, each magazine cartridge will have a small red or green circle sticker on the front and will arrive in a gray mailing case.
Patrons should disregard the instructions at the beginning of the audio, which will direct them to return the cartridge in a red case and to use the reverse side of mailing card to send the item back. The cases already have our return address sticker on them, so simply removing the mailing card and placing the cartridge back in the container will ensure that the items will be returned to TBBL, just like our audiobooks. The one exception is the Talking Book Topics, which will still be sent out by Potomac Talking Books in a red case and will have their return mailing address sticker on the container. The National Library Service is working on removing that outdated introductory recording from future orders.
Magazine cartridges will go out weekly. The limit for cartridges is the same as for audiobooks, in that you may have up to three magazine cartridges out at a time, after which you will need to return some of those cartridges to receive more.
Please note that we will be sending only current magazine issues, so those interested in requesting back issues of magazines should contact us with their specific requests. For questions, call 1-800-342-3688 or email tbbl@nysed.gov.