In my previous post I encountered few serious problems with ZoomText Ver 10.1 running on Window 7 PC. I mentioned that those problem may be resolved with Window 10 PC but I found out this is not the case.
I was hoping to stay with Window 7 and ZoomText 10 as long as possible but due to a hard drive failure, I had to purchase a new laptop with Window 10 OS. The Window 10 user interface is so different than Window 7, it really take me awhile to figure out to do anything. It won't even auto install ZT 10.1 when I insert the disk in the DVD drive. I can understand why so many people want to stay with Window 7, me included.
After I activated the Zoomtext, I immediately got a compatibility issue with the Edge browser. So, I switched over to Firefox browser and found out ZT's mouse echo function and AppReader won't work with Firefox Version 55. ZT tech support comfirmed that ZT has compatibility issue with version 55 and told me to use version 50. I then try the Chrome browser and it won't even start. ZT tech support also comfirmed that ZT 10.1 won't work with the Chrome browser at all. Microsoft IE 11 is the only browser would work with ZT 10.1. Like the previous version, ZT 10.1 also won't read any screen made by anti virus program. I am so disgust with ZT 10.1 I don't want to install Thunderbird mail client on the laptop. ZT 10.1 is so bad I don't even know why they release it. With Zoomtext 11 already released, I have the feeling that they don't want to support ZT 10.1 anymore.
I also want to point out at this time that Zoomtext 10 and 10.1 would not read many text on Window. For example, some window screens have many options to choose, ZT would not read some of those option and would not tell the function of buttons. I just start playing Window's build-in magnifier and narrator, and I found they are surprisingly good. The narrator can even read the text that Zoomtext couldn't. Who know, may be I could get away with these instead of buying Zoomtext 11 upgrade.
As a side note: there isn't much user review on Zoomtext product, if I knew all these issues, I wouldn't have purchased this ZT 10.1 upgrade. If anyone has user experience with Zoomtext 11 or Zoomtext Fusion 11 please post your comment here or at the Facebook page called Zoomtext User Group.
bro I feel the same way I've put too much money into this scam.... there is no other software out there that I'm comfortable with though. I bought ZT 10.1 because I was forced to upgrade to windows 10... I then hear 11 was coming out. I had just spent $1100CAD for the usb.... this is robbing people... and I'M A STUDENT!!!! with RP as well.....
ReplyDeleteAlthough I can still read my screen at 3-4x my eyes get blurry after an hour or so. Knowing my vision will only get worse over time, I decided to bite the bullet and move from ZT to Fusion. Learning to use a full screen reader like Jaws takes a lot of time and effort. I figured it will be easier to learn how to use it gradually while I still have some usable vision. I read screen reader tutorials from time to time when in the mood and actually enjoy my gradual mastery of the keystrokes I need to learn. This has relieved me of the stress of learning and decreased my anxiety about whether I'll be able to function when my vision is completely gone... ZT 10.1 is a versatile magnefier and can read many things on the screen, but it can't be expected to have the power of a full screen reader... That being said I do get frustrated when ZT doesn't even work in areas it was designed to work, such as mouse echo in Firefox. Unfortunately Firefox is a moving target with their constant changes in coding without coordinateting with accessibility companies. Microsoft does a better job working to make their software more accessible, but they are not perfect either. I hated it when they went to ribbon menus... Kato, have you tried running NVDA with ZT? Or maybe you could learn NVDA and use it with the MS magnifier. I heard from several blink users that NVDA is almost as capable as JAWS. I don't know why FS/VFO doesn't offer an interest free payment plan or rent to own. Most blind people has very limited income. Or why don't they have a lower price tier for non-institutional users? Anyway, thanks for setting up an area for us ZT users to vent and share our experiences. I feel better already! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I heard of NVDA and plan to look into it in the near future. I agree with you that many blind people can't afford better screen reader like JAWS. I have noticed that ZT tech support seem not as responsive after they merged with the other company.
DeleteYes, VFO seems like it has a more corporate feel to it. It seems more money oriented rather than customer oriented... On another note, I ran across a comparison review of Narator, NVDA, and Jaws. The reviewer's opinion was surprising. Have you tried running Narrator with ZT 10.1? Here's a link to the article: https://coolblindtech.com/ranking-screen-readers-in-windows10-anniversary-update-the-results-will-surprise-you/
DeleteChuck thank for the link on screen reader comparison. I hae to give Rarrator a try. I will share the link on the Vacebook page too, more people need to know this.
DeleteKato, I appreciate the articles you've posted on this blog. I'm sure it's benefiting many people. It's important for those with RP to know there are others going throught the same thing. I also appreciate your honestly and openness in shareing the fustrations you experience in everyday life. Your reviews on low vision products are thorough and very helpful too. I would find it helpful if in a future post you share links to sites, blogs and user groups that you think would be helpful to those with RP and low vision. Keep up the good work! :)
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