What’s New in the February 2022 Software Updates?

The February updates of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2022 are here. No matter whi ch product you use, you will benefit from the new features and enhancements. Here are several examples.

New Vocalizer Voices and Languages

The Add/Remove Voices utility in JAWS and Fusion 2022 now contains 27 new voices and six new languages. New voices include:

  • Arabic – Mariam
  • English British – Stephanie
  • English United States – Evan
  • Hindi – Kiyara
  • Japanese – Koharu

New languages include:

  • Belgian French – Aude
  • Malay – Amira
  • Slovenian – Tina

You will only find these new voices and languages in the Add/Remove Voices utility in JAWS version 2022 or higher. The voices offered in version 2021 of our software remain available for use.

Quickly Restart JAWS or Fusion

In response to your feedback, you can now restart JAWS or Fusion using a new layered command. Press INSERT+SPACEBAR to enter the command layer, then press F4 to execute the command.

You can also perform this command using the Voice Assistant in JAWS. Speak a wake word like “Hey Sharky,” then say, “Restart Program.”

Permanently Turn off Alerts in Zoom

When you use the ALT+WINDOWS KEY+S command in Zoom to silence alerts, they only remain silent during the current session of JAWS or Fusion. Zoom alerts are spoken the next time you restart JAWS or reboot your computer. You can permanently turn them off while in Zoom by doing the following:

  1. Press INSERT+V to open Quick Settings.
  2. Locate the “Announce Alerts” option.
  3. Toggle off “Announce Alerts” by pressing the SPACEBAR.

Follow the same steps to toggle on “Announce Alerts.”

Stability and Performance Improvements in Certain Applications

Stability and performance are improved when using ZoomText in several applications, including:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Visit the What’s New pages for JAWSZoomText, and Fusion to see a list of all software enhancements. Visit the Freedom Scientific Software page or the Freedom Scientific Software Licensing Portal to download your software.