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10/04/2024

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 2.13 to the public. This version is being referred to as a “hot fix” update, as it was created to deal with glitches in the software program that were making it difficult for patrons to navigate BARD using their Zoomax devices. Once installed, version 2.13 should enable users to access and download material from BARD and NFB Newsline without any problems. 

Update Your eReader 

There are two ways to update your eReader:  

  1. Via the internet, or  
  2. with a library-provided cartridge

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: 

  1. Connect your Zoomax eReader to AC power 
  2. From the Zoomax main menu, navigate to device info 
  3. Press Enter to select it 
  4. Navigate to app update 
  5. Press Enter to select it 
  6. Navigate to version 2.13 
  7. Press S3 to bring up the context menu 
  8. Navigate to install 
  9. Press Enter to select it and install the update 
  10. 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 

If you have any questions, please contact us at TBBL 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.

08/22/2024
Closeup of a Zoomax Braille eReader. Text overlay: That All May eRead

Learn more about how to use the Zoomax eReader, the latest device for braille readers offered by TBBL, the Talking Book and Braille Library, in conjunction with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS).

The topic for the next That All May eRead online program on Tuesday, August 27, will be using your NLS Braille eReader to read BARD Mobile books. This is the first of a two-part program for August and September. The second program will be on using your eReader to read commercial braille books on your mobile phone.

The program will begin at 7 PM eastern time with a brief demonstration. The rest of the hour will be spent answering patron questions about any aspect of the Zoomax or HumanWare Braille eReaders. The meeting is also recorded for later viewing.

For more information about the program please visit: Patron Services and Events - National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)

07/23/2024

Zoomax Braille eReader

Learn more about how to use the Zoomax eReader, the latest device for braille readers offered by TBBL, the Talking Book and Braille Library, in conjunction with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). 

On Tuesday, July 30, at 7 PM eastern time, the Patron Engagement Section of NLS will launch a new monthly program called That All May eRead on Zoom. This program, occurring the last Tuesday night of each month, will focus on using the NLS Braille eReaders. Each session will begin with a brief demonstration of a feature or use case. The rest of the hour will be spent answering patron questions about any aspect of the Zoomax or HumanWare Braille eReaders. The meeting is also recorded for later viewing. 

For more information about the program please visit: Patron Services and Events - National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)

06/11/2024

Closeup of a person interacting with content on a smartphone. Text overlay: Zoomax Software Update

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:  

  1. Via a library-provided cartridge, or  
  2. 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: 

  1. Connect your Zoomax eReader to AC power 
  2. From the Zoomax main menu, navigate to device info 
  3. Press Enter to select it 
  4. Navigate to app update 
  5. Press Enter to select it 
  6. Navigate to version 2.1 
  7. Press S3 to bring up the context menu 
  8. Navigate to install 
  9. Press Enter to select it and install the update 
  10. 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. 

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