[Nfb-seniors] Trekker Breeze, the all-in-one talking GPS - Now shipping in 5 languages

[HumanWare]

TREKKER BREEZE, THE ALL-IN-ONE TALKING GPS
NOW SHIPPING IN 5 LANGUAGES

(a web version with photo is available at: 
http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/about_us/press_releases/breeze_now_shipping_in_5_languages)

Longueuil, November 12, 2008 - HumanWare is now 
shipping Trekker Breeze, a state-of-the-art 
talking GPS specially designed for the needs of 
visually impaired users. This simple orientation 
tool is designed for use when traveling in 
familiar surroundings or pre-defined routes. The 
product will also be appealing to people not 
comfortable with computers and screen readers. 
The new model is an addition to our popular 
Trekker and BrailleNote GPS systems, which have 
thousands of users worldwide. With this 
innovation, HumanWare will make GPS technology 
even more accessible to a greater number of people.

The Trekker Breeze is available for purchase at 
an affordable price of $895.  The product is 
available in English, French, Dutch, Swedish and 
Norwegian. Like other GPS products from 
HumanWare, the Trekker Breeze provides talking 
GPS directions that help users know where they 
are, where they are going and what is around them.

Trekker Breeze enhances autonomy and confidence 
in traveling and makes learning new routes 
easier.   As walking by, users receive audible 
information, such as street names, intersections 
and reference landmarks. In case they are lost, 
they can retrace their steps. Users can also 
record routes, and activate them for future use. 
They can also reach favorite destinations with 
turn-by-turn instructions. The product provides 
rich navigational information adapted to 
pedestrian or in-vehicle travel. It makes it 
easier to travel alone, and allows people to 
discover and enjoy their surroundings.

"GPS technology brings great benefits to visually 
impaired travelers. With this new addition to our 
product line, Humanware now offers GPS benefits 
to a larger number of the visually impaired 
population," says Lucia Gomez, Product 
Manager.  "Easy and intuitive, Trekker Breeze 
offers basic orientation functions in an 
all-in-one hand size device. It is also the most 
affordable GPS tool specially designed for the needs of users who are blind."

HumanWare offers the most complete line of GPS 
tools for visually impaired people. The line 
includes the popular BrailleNote GPS and 
Trekker.  BrailleNote GPS is a full-featured GPS 
tool that integrates seamlessly with KeySoft.  It 
is available with any of the BrailleNote family 
of products. BrailleNote GPS benefits from the 
highly efficient and easy-to-learn KeySoft 
interface. Sleek and discreet, Trekker is a 
powerful GPS solution running on a mainstream 
palm-size PDA. Trekker is highly appealing to 
professionals and students already familiar with computers and screen readers.

"Trekker Breeze will make the potential of GPS 
technology even more accessible to the blind," says Lucia Gomez.

Since its launch in July, the product is raising 
deep interest amongst leading orientation and mobility organizations.

Humanware has partnered with Leader Dogs for the 
Blind, the first dog guide school in the United 
States to permanently integrate a talking GPS 
navigational tool into dog guide classes for 
people who are blind and visually impaired. 
"Combining the renowned expertise of Leader Dogs 
for the Blind and the Trekker Breeze will 
significantly enhance the travelling experience 
of the students. This program is a new chapter of 
this success story." ­ Gilles Pepin, CEO of HumanWare.
The BrailleNote GPS and Trekker are currently 
available from HumanWare. For more information, 
please visit http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/gps

About HumanWare
HumanWare is the global leader in assistive 
technologies for the print disabled. HumanWare 
provides products to people who are blind or have 
low vision, and persons/or individuals with 
learning disabilities. HumanWare offers a 
collection of innovative products, including 
BrailleNote, the leading productivity device for 
the blind in education, business, and for 
personal use; the Victor Reader product line, the 
world's leading digital audiobook players; 
myReader2, HumanWare's unique "auto-reader" for 
people with low vision; and the ClassMate Reader, 
the only portable book player to offer 
synchronized text and audio for individuals.


For more information:
Australia/Asia
Tel: +61 2 9686 2600
Email: au.sales at humanware.com

Canada
Call toll free: 1 888 723-7273
Email: ca.info at humanware.com

U.K./Europe
Tel: +44 1933 415 800
Email: eu.info at humanware.com

U.S.A.
Call toll free 1 800 722-3393 or 925 680-7100
Email: us.info at humanware.com

Media contact:
Nicolas Lagace
Tel.: 450 463-1717
Email: nicolas.lagace at humanware.com