Freedom of Speech - latest updates
18th March, 2010 - Myths and Legends regarding NaturallySpeaking (Part III) 
Following positive feedback from our speech recognition clients, we are pleased to publish our third NaturallySpeaking "Myths and Legends" information sheet. This PDF document can be downloaded by clicking on this link (or by visiting our Downloads section page).
"Our speech recognition clients ask similar questions regarding NaturallySpeaking.", commented James Kirk (Technical Director). "We have tried to address their queries in each edition of Myths & Legends information sheets. If you have any specific questions, please continue to visit our contacts page and send us a question".
28th October 2009 - In memory of Stuart Mangan
On Saturday April 5th 2008, Stuart Mangan (25) suffered a devastating spinal injury, while playing rugby with his club Hammersmith and Fulham RFC in London. Sadly this sporting accident left Stuart totally paralyzed from the neck down.
He received world-class medical attention in the Spinal Injury Unit of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore, North London. Unfortunately, Stuart did not recover any movement or sensation below the level of his neck injury. He relied on a ventilator to breathe and his carers for all his physical needs 24 hours a day.
Stuart lived in his own apartment in West London under the constant supervision of his team of carers. Since discharge, Stuart had been working hard to stabilise and improve his physical health, as best he could. He was trying to get out and about, as much as possible, and to live as normal a life as he could.
Gary May (Managing Director of Freedom of Speech Ltd - a Dragon Premier Partner based in West Sussex) helped him to begin to use voice recognition software to enable him to use a computer and to keep in touch with the outside world via e-mail. He had come a long way since  the first time he used this software due to hours of work, concentration and voice training. Gary spent many days training Stuart on how to get the best out of NaturallySpeaking and also created hundreds of new voice commands to operate his applications.
Stuart was working on ways to improve his life through the use of computers. NaturallySpeaking played a big part in this journey.
Stuart very sadly passed away on Friday 7th August 2009 at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London.
His story is told in this video <- Click Here
Link to further information about the solution he was using <- Click Here
UPDATE: Gary May has been nominated for the RADAR 'People of the Year Awards 2009' in the 'Doing IT Differently' section. This nomination is in respect of the speech recognition training and integration work Gary May carried out with Stuart Mangan over a period of several months.
Gary May said, "I feel honoured to be nominated for such a prestigious and worth while award. Working with Stuart was a joy and seeing how much integrating speech recognition into his life improved the way he communicated and the freedom it gave him."
Click here for further information on the RADAR 'People of the Year' Human Rights awards 2009
6th October 2009 - Ultimate Access version 2 ™ released to UK market
The latest version of Ultimate Access version 2 (a bundled product combining the award winning speech recognition software application, Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional version 10, with over 300 customised voice commands) has been released to the UK market by Freedom of Speech Ltd.
Ultimate Access version 2 ™ provides a series of additional NaturallySpeaking Professional voice commands for a wide range of applications. These are grouped into Voice Command Packs.
Included in the latest release of Ultimate Access version 2 ™ are the following Command Packs:
Make and receive Skype v4.1 Internet telephone calls using voice commands, send Instant
messages by dictating into Windows Messenger v4.7 & modify the fonts in Internet Explorer v6
Voice operate Read & Write Gold v9, control all options within ZoomText Magnifier/Reader
v9 and create mind maps, all by the power of your voice, in Mind Manager v8 and Spark Space v4
Control the built-in accessibility options in Windows 2000, XP and Vista by voice. ‘Sticky Keys’,
‘Filter Keys’ and ‘Mouse keys’ can be turned on/off with a single voice command
Insert the current date or the current time into any application (that can receive text input)
by voice - have the current date or time displayed on the screen and read back to you
Take a break and play Windows Solitaire or Minesweeper (in Windows XP) or listen to music and
watch video in Windows Media Player 11 using unique voice commands
"The latest version (2) of Ultimate Access represents many hours of product development and testing", commented James Kirk (Technical Director - Freedom of Speech Ltd),"We have recognised that by providing clients with a large number of customised voice commands for Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional, Freedom of Speech is able to empower users to work more effectively, reduce keyboard/mouse input and make speech recognition software as natural as typing".
Ultimate Access version 2 ™ can be purchased for the introductory price of £370+VAT either by calling us on 01903 263007 or by accessing our on-line webshop (click here)
1st May, 2009 - Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1 (New version) released
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1, the newest release of the world’s best-selling speech recognition software, introduces the ability to install and run Dragon on Microsoft Vista® 64-bit PCs.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10.1 introduces the following functionality:
- Installs and runs on Microsoft Vista 64-bit systems
- Extends capabilities to new Web browsers Firefox version 3 and Internet Explorer version 8
- Enhanced documentation including a new “cheat sheet” as well as updated Help system
Are you a current Dragon 10 user? Download Dragon 10.1 with 64-bit support
20th February, 2009 - EMIS gives accreditation to Freedom of Speech's medical speech recognition solution, 'FreeSpeech'.
Freedom of Speech today become an Accredited partner for EMIS (the UK's leading IT supplier in primary healthcare) with its 'FreeSpeech' speech recognition product.
Gary May (Managing Director) commented, "FreeSpeech is a highly effective speech recognition software solution allowing consultants to dictate referral letters and operate EMIS LV by voice. This reduces secretarial costs, improves administrative efficiency and provides a fully interoperable speech recognition solution to EMIS LV clients across the UK."
James Kirk (Project Manager for the research and development of FreeSpeech) commented, "As an innovative IT provider, our corporate policies ensure realistic and objective appraisal of speech recognition solutions within  primary healthcare computing. Our comprehensive speech recognition solutions and services are delivered to the NHS primary healthcare market with on-site installation, one-to-one training by Dragon-certified instructors and is enhanced by experienced technical support."
"As one of the market leaders in integrating NaturallySpeaking into medical applications, we are confident that 'FreeSpeech' will provide EMIS clients with the speech recognition solution they have been waiting for."
5th January, 2009 - Release of 'Ultimate Access' speech recognition product
Freedom of Speech is proud to release it's new flagship speech recognition product 'Ultimate Access'. This product provides users with the integration of accurate speech recognition software (in the form of NaturallySpeaking Professional version 10) with a unique set of voice commands that have been developed exclusively by Freedom of Speech Ltd.
"We are building on the great success we have with supplying and training users on Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional version 10. We identified that, by creating unique voice commands for applications such as TextHelp Read & Write Gold, Spark Space & ZoomText, Dragon NaturallySpeaking can then integrate seamlessly with these applications.", commented Gary May (Managing Director)". He continued, "Not only are we now able to supply our clients with enhanced integration for these applications, the associated cost of having a trainer create these voice commands (prior to offering training) whilst with a client are either reduced or removed".
James Kirk (Technical Director and Project Manager for speech recognition research and development at Freedom of Speech) commented "Many hours of product development have gone into creating a product that enhances a users speech recognition experience. By talking to our clients we have identified a number of applications that require additional speech commands than the ones supplied 'out-of-the-box'. Future versions of Ultimate Access will incorporate commands for a variety of other disability and non-disability applications".
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional v10 PLUS Ultimate Access can be purchased for the introductory price of £370+VAT either by calling us on 01903 263007 or by accessing our on-line webshop (click here).
7th August, 2008 - Launch of NaturallySpeaking Professional version 10
Dragon NaturallySpeaking v10, a break through new release of the world’s best-selling speech recognition software. With Dragon, people can write documents and emails, search the Web, and even control their PC entirely by voice, saving time and boosting productivity. Because most people speak at least three times faster than they type, Dragon makes it possible to get things done more quickly by voice than by relying on keyboards and mice alone.
Dragon 10 is nearly twice as fast as the previous release and can deliver accuracy up to 99 percent, while never making a spelling mistake.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking software is used by millions of people – in the office, at home, at school, on the road, even in the operating room – to get more done faster by voice. The new release of Dragon delivers what matters most in speech recognition – superior levels of accuracy, seamless integration with the most popular PC applications, and unrivalled ease of use – and introduces new features that promise to help anyone get more done, faster.
3rd July, 2008 - Dispelling the Myths and Legends regarding NaturallySpeaking
Following extensive feedback from interested speech recognition clients, we are pleased to publish our first NaturallySpeaking "Myths and Legends" information sheet. This PDF document can be downloaded by clicking on this link (or by visiting our Downloads section page).
"Many potential speech recognition clients ask similar questions regarding NaturallySpeaking or have preconceptions that Freedom of Speech Ltd wants to address", commented James Kirk (Technical Director). "Over the coming months, we hope to dispel many of the existing 'speech recognition software' myths. If you have any specific questions, please visit our contacts page and send us a question".
11th April, 2008 - Freedom of Speech's continued expansion
April 2008 sees the expansion of the training and administration departments within Freedom of Speech. A significant increase in both speech recognition training requirements and digital dictation orders have triggered employing new staff to ensure fast turnaround times and efficient order processing.
Neil Wheeler (Director of Operations) commented, "Large corporate companies across the UK are contracting Freedom of Speech to implement both large speech recognition solutions and digital dictation applications into their corporate systems to improve their document production efficiency".
He continued by saying, "Our reputation as an experienced speech recognition solution provider has enabled us to provide large private and public sector companies with tailored solutions, expert training and specialist technical support. By employing, training and 'Dragon certifying' new members of staff in the training department and administration department, Freedom of Speech Ltd continues to reinforce our strength as a NaturallySpeaking and Olympus solution provider".
5th November 2007 - Freedom of Speech Ltd sponsor Peacehaven Under 14's Football Club
: Season 2007 - 2008
Due to the major successes and achievements of Freedom of Speech during 2007, the Directors wanted to find an opportunity to give something back to the local community in Sussex.
The Director of Operations (Neil Wheeler) is also a qualified FA Football Coach, coaching Peacehaven Under 14's team.
"The idea of providing the boys with new training jackets for the New Season was
the perfect way to achieve this", he commented. "The team won promotion last year so success for both parties is a great habit and trend to share. When the boys arrive for training, or on match days, they look professional and smart. It makes us feel very proud that we have been able to contribute and we wish them all the best for the coming Season".
14th September, 2007 - Webshop goes live
Today sees the launch of Freedom of Speech Ltd's webshop offering all of it's hardware & software products to be purchased on-line using the secure payment service provider, WorldPay. "In response to customer demand, we are extremely happy to enable clients to purchase speech recognition products (and associated hardware) online ", commented James Kirk (Technical Director), "we have developed the webshop to allow users to easily access the products they wish to buy in a clear, concise way. All products on the main Freedom of Speech Ltd website now have a 'Purchase Online' button associated with them that directs the user directly to the appropriate page on the webshop".
Click here to view the webshop.
17th August, 2007 - Online web shop to open in 4 weeks
Freedom of Speech is only four weeks away from releasing it's own online shop.
Customers will shortly have the opportunity to purchase speech recognition software items such as NaturallySpeaking Professional and hardware items such as wireless microphones and credit card USB storage cards.
Responding to client suggestions, we are making our key products available to purchase 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. By using a secure credit card payment provider, customers can purchase and receive their goods in as little as 24 hours! The online web shop will promote the most popular speech recognition solutions as well as displaying new products on the home page keeping all of our clients up-to-date with developments in this technology. Links will be provided from the hardware/software products pages our main website to the new webshop.
10th August, 2007 - First quarter in new office premises 
Today sees Freedom of Speech Ltd complete it's first quarter in new premises (with training suites) in Worthing, West Sussex. Establishing a new head quarters in Columbia House (Worthing,West Sussex) has enabled the company to expand both its centre of development and also its training facilities.
"We have the facilities to carry out training courses (and conferences) on our premises for groups up to 25 people", commented Neil Wheeler (Director of Operations), "and with a restaurant on-site, we are also able to provide meals and refreshments for all of our trainees."
Establishing a new centre of operations has enabled Freedom of Speech to enhance it's ability to work with other application solutions providers in building speech recognition solutions and provide the support and training necessary for these solutions to work effectively.
3rd June, 2007 - Freedom of Speech asked to promote NaturallySpeaking on QVC
Gary May (Managing Director - Freedom of Speech) has been asked to demonstrate the key features of  NaturallySpeaking by QVC (on-line shopping channel). This is broadcast live at 11.00am and 7.00pm on the SoHo (Small Office Home Office) section of QVC's weekend presentation on Sunday 3rd June 2007. Gary explains how effective operating your PC applications using your voice can be and does a live NaturallySpeaking demonstration. "Having the opportunity to present NaturallySpeaking to a large audience enables us to show how universally recognised speech recognition technology has become in the work place", Gary commented. Gary has also been asked to carry out a second live TV presentation of NaturallySpeaking on QVC later in June 2007.Watch part of the presentation here.
30th March, 2007 - Release of NaturallySpeaking version 9.5
Today sees the launch of NaturallySpeaking Professional & Medical version 9.5 in the United Kingdom. This product upgrade was created by Nuance to enable the NaturallySpeaking product range to be compatible with both MS Windows Vista and MS Office 2007. Any existing customers who have NaturallySpeaking Professional v9 or NaturallySpeaking Medical v9 (and wish to run these speech recognition software applications on MS Windows Vista) can download the v9.5 upgrade from Nuance's website by visiting our downloads page (click here) and clicking on the appropriate link under 'Software Download Links' heading.
5th February, 2007  - Imminent release of NaturallySpeaking version 9.5
The latest version of the award winning speech recognition software 'NaturallySpeaking' (version 9.5), compatible with MS Windows Vista operating system, will shortly be available in the UK. The American version of NaturallySpeaking Preferred version
9.5 is currently available in the USA, with UK editions of Preferred & Professional v9.5 to follow shortly.
Revisit these pages to review updates & pricing as they become available.
1st February, 2007 - Freedom of Speech website goes' live
The Freedom of Speech website goes 'live' - after 4 weeks development, the' new look' website is published to the World Wide Web.
Incorporating the familiar 'Freedom of Speech' face logo & company name, the company's corporate identity remains prominent in this expansion.
James Kirk, who project managed the development said, "This gives our clients an up-to-date resource regarding speech recognition software & the ever-evolving way that Freedom of Speech can integrate it into organisations across the globe. We hope that by regularly revisiting the site, it will allow existing clients to stay ahead of the field & allow new clients to understand what we can provide & what speech recognition technology can do for their organisation."
18th July, 2006 - NaturallySpeaking version 9 released
Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 9 (speech recognition software), a new release of the world’s best selling speech recognition solution for Microsoft Windows goes on general release today. The new version promises to transform the way people use their PCs, moving accuracy levels up to 99% & becoming the first desktop speech recognition software that truly eliminates the need to train the software to a user’s voice.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 allows people to perform nearly any computing task by speaking with their PC. This innovative software supports almost all Windows applications & instantly turns the natural voice into text or commands at speeds up to 160 words per minute with accuracy levels that can reach 99 percent – which is faster & more precise than typing.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 delivers significant improvements for existing users, as well as new features designed to expand the use of speech recognition beyond the millions of professionals, enthusiasts & people with disabilities who already use the software.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 delivers on what matters most in recognition products, providing accuracy levels that are unrivaled in desktop speech recognition, 20 percent higher than the previous release.
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