One thing’s for sure. The only constant in technology is change.
Approximately every six months, Microsoft releases a major new version of Windows. They also add significant feature enhancements to Office 365 regularly.
We’re staying on top of the changes, so you can be efficient and productive. We start by testing new Microsoft software at the earliest possible opportunity, long before it is released to the public. Then in collaboration with Microsoft, we make any necessary changes ahead of time.
Benefiting from that collaboration and cutting-edge technology is just one of the benefits of keeping your software maintenance agreement current.
This blog post is all about Windows, because it’s almost time for the next version. We expect the next major version of Windows will be known as the Spring Creators Update. As with other recent versions of Windows, you’ll be able to download it manually, or wait for Microsoft to push it to your computer. Keep in mind that if you are a home user of Windows 10, you will eventually receive the upgrade without the ability to opt out, which makes upgrading your assistive technology essential.
We’re pleased to let you know that most users of our current technology are ready for the Spring Creators Update today. However, if you use a dongle to authorize most of our products, or use multiple-monitors with ZoomText, then you’ll need to ensure you install updates which are imminent.
Most users will be in good shape to upgrade by the end of this month.
For a full list of known compatibility issues, and to help you decide if you want to be an early adopter of the Windows Spring Creators Update, refer to the table below.
Freedom Scientific Product Compatibility with Windows 10 Spring Creators Update (RS4)
| Product | RS4 Impact | Known Issues | Issues Resolved |
| JAWS 2018 | YES | -Dongle not recognized (ILM has no problem)
-Certain Hardware having install issues with the Access Driver -MS Edge hang issue in Address Bar |
Mid-April 2018 update |
| JAWS 18 | YES | -Dongle not recognized (ILM has no problem)
-Certain Hardware having install issues with the Access Driver |
Late April 2018 update |
| JAWS 17 | YES | -Dongle not recognized (ILM has no problem)
-Certain Hardware having install issues with the Access Driver |
No plan to update at this time. Please consider upgrade to version 2018 |
| Fusion 2018 | YES | -Dongle not recognized (ILM has no problem)
-Certain Hardware having install issues with the Access Driver -Issues with some Video Hardware using Multi Monitors |
Mid-April 2018 update |
| Fusion 11 | YES | -Dongle not recognized (ILM has no problem)
-Certain Hardware having install issues with the Access Driver -Issues with some Video Hardware using Multi Monitors |
Late April 2018 update |
| ZoomText 2018 | YES | -Dongle not recognized (ILM has no problem)
-Issues with some Video Hardware using Multi Monitors |
Mid-April 2018 update |
| ZoomText 11 | YES | -Issues with some Video Hardware using Multi Monitors | Late April 2018 update |
| ZoomText 10.1 | YES | -Issues with some Video Hardware using Multi Monitors | No plan to update at this time. Please consider upgrade to version 2018 |
| MAGic 14 | YES | -Dongle is recognized but speech is not working (ILM has no problem) | Mid-May 2018 update |
| MAGic 13.1 | YES | -Dongle is recognized but speech is not working (ILM has no problem) | No plan to update at this time. Please consider upgrade to ZoomText or version 14 |
| OpenBook 9.0 | No Issues | ||
| Wynn | No Issues | ||
| GEM | No Issues |
As you can see, it’s always advisable to be running the latest monthly update, which reflects the fact that we’re making changes all the time to keep current.
If you have any questions or concerns, please give our Tech Support team a call and they’ll be happy to assist. Our sales team can also help you upgrade to the latest version of your assistive technology so you’re best equipped to cope with the fast pace of technological change. Remember, your SMA gives you access to our regular software updates, which not only maintain compatibility, but add new features year-round.