BETTER NEWS TO COME IS HERE NOW !!
CANADA NEWSWIRE
sorry about format.
Date
01/15/99
Company
MADENTA INC.
Title
Madenta Launches New Disabilities Solution
" BC-Madenta-New-Solution 01-15 0809
News release via Canada NewsWire, Calgary 403-269-7605 -ME-
Attention Business Editors:
^Madenta Launches New Disabilities Solution@
EDMONTON, Jan. 15 /CNW/ - Madenta Inc. this week announced the launch of
a new solution for people with physical disabilities made up of it's new
headpointing product titled ''Tracker'' and Microsoft Corporation's
IntelliPoint software. The combination will allow a person without use of
their hands to completely control the computer through head movement.
Tracker 2000 is the next generation of Madenta's flagship head pointing
product. It allows a person with a disability to move the cursor on a
computer simply by moving their head. Tracker 2000, which is a camera that
sits on top of the computer, does this by tracking a tiny reflective ''dot''
worn on the user's forehead and converting that into computer mouse movement.
Hank Torres, a quadriplegic retired computer programmer, beta tested
Tracker 2000 and had this to say: ''The combination and smoothness of Tracker
2000 and IntelliPoint have provided me a quantum leap forward in controlling
my computer. The ability to scroll pages by simply moving my head is an
in-genius use of IntelliPoint. It makes all the difference.'' Hank was so
impressed by the solution that he refused to return his beta unit after the
testing was complete.
Tim McDonough, Microsoft Hardware Product Manager, explains the
connection with IntelliPoint: ''With IntelliPoint and Tracker 2000, people who
can't use their hands can easily scroll pages just by moving their head.
IntelliPoint scrolls a document automatically and at any speed, so you can
read without having to use the scroll bars or page down keys. We applaud
Madenta for this innovative use of IntelliPoint.''
Bill Miller, who is a graphic artist with Multiple Sclerosis, was also
asked to beta test Tracker 2000. He states: ''I depend completely on head
movement to create art on my computer and have been using a competing device
to Tracker, for the past few years. After trying Tracker 2000, I think the
engineers at Madenta have really outdone themselves. The Tracker 2000 now
provides me with an extremely responsive drawing tool that continues to
function in all background lighting conditions, which was a problem for me
before. Well done.''
Randy Marsden, Madenta's President, states: ''The launch of Tracker 2000
follows over 18 months of development and 4 months of rigorous testing. It
incorporates the latest in image processing technology to achieve incredible
accuracy. We've used many improvements and features suggested to us by
Tracker users over the past 3 years, including the unique use of
IntelliPoint.''
Tracker 2000 will retail for $1,895 US, which includes cables for PC and
Macintosh computers. It also includes Microsoft's IntelliPoint software
version 2.2 which has been licensed by Madenta and, for a limited time, a
complimentary copy of Madenta's on-screen keyboard software titled
''ScreenDoors''.
What is Tracker 2000?
Tracker 2000, which is a new design from the ground up, offers many
significant improvements over the existing product, including the following:
1. TRACKING: 40% increase in resolution and 50% increase in field of view
resulting in much smoother operation.
2. PLUG & PLAY: it is self-adjusting so no computer software is required.
3. SUNLIGHT: Operates in direct sunlight (no more jumpiness due to
brightness cased by windows or lights in the background).
4. INTELLIPOINT INCLUDED: this software from Microsoft allows numerous
adjustments to the mouse control panel. With Tracker 2000 and
IntelliPoint, users will be able to smoothly scroll windows on their
computer by simply moving their head.
5. JOYSTICK: a much improved Joystick Mode can be invoked via a switch on
the bottom of Tracker.
6. EXTERNAL MOUSE: mouse pass-through is built-in so a conventional mouse
can be used at the same time as Tracker 2000 (PS/2 or ADB).
7. COMPATIBILITY: Tracker 2000 can be used in place of a serial mouse, or
PS/2 mouse for Windows, and an ADB mouse for the Macintosh.
8. MOUNTING: can be mounted vertically on a laptop or horizontally on a
desktop computer.
9. PRICING & AVAILABILITY: available now, priced at $1,895US.
About Madenta
Founded in 1989, Madenta Inc. (ASE ''MA'') is a world leader in Assistive
Technology. The company engineers, sells and supports a wide range of
technology products which assist people with physical disabilities in daily
life, including computer access & environmental controls, 'enabling
extraordinary people to do ordinary things'(TM).
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq ''MSFT'') is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products
and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of
making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full
power of personal computing every day.
The Alberta Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the
information contained herein.
-0- 01/15/1999
/For further information: Randy Marsden, President, Madenta Inc.,
403-450-8926, Fax: 403-988-6182, randym(at)madenta.com, www.madenta.com/
(MA.)
CO: Madenta Inc.
ST: Alberta
IN: CPR
SU: PDT
-30- |
