HIMS Announces Polaris Firmware Updates

Polaris and Mini Side by Side

HIMS Inc. announced today a Firmware Update for the Polaris and Polaris Mini. This update includes the following:

Google Drive Integration

“The Polaris was already the most user-friendly notetaker on the market, and it just got better. The Google Drive integration in this firmware release creates a new folder in the File Manager that syncs to your Google Drive account. After signing in, you can copy and paste files into this folder and it will sync to Google Drive automatically. Now all of your files can be up to date on any device.”

Google Search

“Skip the clutter when searching the internet with the all-new Google Search integration on the Polaris. Our interface is easy to use and saves you time. Simply type your search and get results in an easy to navigate list. When you find the result you want, just hit Enter to be taken to that website. It’s just that easy!”

How to Upgrade

You can find resources for updating your Polaris Firmware on the HIMS website by clicking here, or by getting the resources from the links below.

Download the Latest Polaris Firmware
Download the Latest Polaris Mini FirmwareRelease Notes    (.docx)
Get the Latest Polaris User Manual
Get the Latest Polaris Mini User Manual
Upgrade Announcement (.docx)
Visit the HIMS website for all Polaris and Polaris Mini Resources

Upgrade Your Polaris to the Newest Firmware Today!

using polaris

HIMS is excited to announce their second BrailleSense Polaris upgrade.

Read about all the new features here!

HIMS will continue to provide frequent software releases throughout the next few months to address your feedback and concerns, and continue to tweak and improve the general operation of the BrailleSense Polaris.
This upgrade features many fixes and enhancements. Please find the complete list of fixes and improvements in the release note linked above.

Find the upgrade announcement here.

Use this link to directly download your firmware.

*Note: the upgrade process for Polaris is very different from that of the former BrailleSense models. Please read the step-by-step instructions in their entirety before proceeding.

You can update the Polaris either via an Internet connection or from external media containing the upgrade files. If you choose the “Online” method, be sure you have an active Internet connection before attempting the upgrade. When you update the Polaris, settings are usually maintained. However, if there are changes to setting values in the firmware, all settings will be initialized. Therefore, it is recommended that you back up your settings using the backup/restore utility in the “Polaris Settings” menu. Data in the flashdisk is protected. However, we recommend you backup your files before updating the Polaris Firmware as unexpected problems can occur.

 

 

Adaptive Technology Resources, ATR, of Southeastern Wisconsin provides adaptive products and services for clients with special needs, and also conducts professional evaluations by ATP* certified Occupational Therapists.  ATR specializes in educational solutions, including Kurzweil 3000, firefly, Audio Notetaker, and Dragon Naturally Speaking and offers individual and group professional development for a variety of software and hardware solutions.  ATR has been providing low vision rehabilitation services and devices to individuals with low vision since 1995.

 

June 1st, 2012 HIMS Releases v7.0 Upgrade for Braille Sense and Voice Sense

HIMS is excited to announce the long-awaited release of v7.0 firmware upgrade for Braille Sense and Voice Sense products!!

Keeping ahead of the competition, v7.0 is the second firmware upgrade released in 2012.  But, don’t be surprised if HIMS releases a third firmware upgrade for Braille Sense and Voice Sense models in 2012.  Consumers keep offering suggestions and our technical staff has even more new ideas.

The FREE firmware upgrade policy is a key reason why consumers keep buying, schools keep purchasing for their students and rehab counselors keep buying for their clients! Not only does HIMS offer user progressive upgrades, but they save them money!!

Upgrade links and instructions will be available on the Resource Center section of the HIMS website in the next few days. If you are in need of assistance upgrading to v7.0, please feel free to contact Jenny via email jenny@hims-inc.com or Michael via email Michael@hims-inc.com or by phone (512) 837-2000.

 This release features two new and exciting applications:

  • Google Maps
  • Direct Bookshare Search and download application

Additional features include:

  • Support for IMAP email and an EML viewer in the File Manager, allowing direct viewing of email messages from the File Manager
  • Password Protected Files, the ability to create password protected files
  • View formatting of Word documents in the Word Processor
  • Read/Write support for French, Italian and German languages ,as well as support for the Italian and French bilingual dictionaries
  • Supports Nemeth Braille entry in to the calculator and the ability to perform fractional arithmetic.

***V7.0 fixes several issues with email and web browsing, as well as various other minor fixes and additions.***

Adaptive Technology Resources is pleased to introduce two new braille devices from HIMS!

Adaptive Technology Resources, ATR, is pleased to present Braille Sense U2 – a brand new notetaker and Braille EDGE 40 – a stand alone braille display with notetaking features priced at under $3,000. Both devices can connect wirelessly with iOS platform products (iPad, iPod, iPhone) as well as all major screen readers including WindowEyes!  Visit ATR’s website to order or compare our line of Braille-Displays and Notetakers.

HIMS is also offering a Braile Sense U2 Trade-In Promotion that provides for an excellent opportunity to upgrade your current model to the most powerful notetaker on the market!  This Trade-In Promotion is in effect until June 30th, 2012.  Please see ATR’s Current Promotions for details.