Here is the announcement from Levelstar concerning the Icon/Braille + 1.1 Software release.
Hello everyone,
we are happy to announce the release of Icon/Braille + software version
1.1.
Please
read this message in its entirety before attempting to update as this
update process is different and more complex than previous updates. In
addition,
though we have no reason to believe your data will be harmed by the
update,
it is
always wise to create a backup before updating to ensure that your data
remains
intact.
Due to the fact that we are introducing a new update system, it will be
necessary
for you to update your unit twice: first, to install the new system
updater,and
second to update to the 1.1 software. The new Software Update system
requires you
to register your unit with APH or LevelStar (depends on your unit)
so that software such as the keys to play NLS content can be
individualized
to each
specific unit. So, to accommodate these things, your update process
will be carried out in three steps: 1, Update to Software version 106
build
28, 2,
register your unit, and 3, Update to software version 1.1 build 1.
Updating to software version 106 build 28.
To update to software version 106 build 28 you will use the same update
process you
used to update to previous builds. Make sure you are connected to the
internet, and choose check for Software Updates from the Utilities Menu,
or
type
6, 6 from the Applications Menu. You are prompted that Software version
106 build 28 is available. Press 1 to begin downloading the software.
When
the
software download is complete, you are prompted to save all your work
and close all running applications. Press OK to install the software.
Your unit announces the update tasks it is performing, “installing new
software”
“Upgrading your system” etc, and finishes by rebooting your system
twice.
After the second restart, you will hear an announcement letting you know
that this
is an interim release, and that you need to, again, choose Check for
Software Updates to register your unit and update to the 1.1 software.
Press
OK to
Continue, and you are taken to the Applications Menu.
registering your unit:
Again, make sure you are connected to the internet, and choose Check for
Software
Updates from the Utilities Menu. You are prompted that in order to
upgrade
to system
software version 1.1, you need to register your unit with LevelStar or
APH.
To fill out the form, simply use the up and down arrows to move through
the
fields,
and type the appropriate text in to each edit box. If you intend to sign
up
for the
NLS Digital Talking Book Program, please make sure that you fill in the
same
contact
information you fill out when registering with NLS. Specifically, it is
imperative
that you use the same email address for registration with APH or
LevelStar
that you
use when signing up for the NLS DTB Pilot Program. When you are
finished
filling
out all of the information, press the OK
key. Icon/Braille + announces “Generating system keys, this may take
several seconds”.
And after a few seconds, unit says, “Registration was successful” and
connects
to the update server to check for additional updates.
Updating to version 1.1 build 1.
You will then get the announcement “software version 1.1 Not marked for
download:,
and a prompt telling you that you must press Select to mark the package
for
download,
then press OK to begin download and installation.
When a system software package is finished downloading, you are prompted
to
close
all running applications, save your work, and press OK when you’re ready
to
continue
with the update. Once the update begins, the Icon keeps you updated on
its
process
through the use of speech prompts to let you know what tasks it is
performing and
also a swishing sound every few seconds such as is present when
downloading
e-mail
or updating periodicals.
The system Updater first checks the download for errors to make sure all
is
well
with the download before installing it on your system. In the rare
instance
that
errors are found, you are prompted to try the download again and
returned to
the
Applications Menu. If no errors are found, the update commences.
The System Updater first installs the new update on a partition of your
hard
drive,
known as a rescue partition, used to reflash your unit should you need
to
return
to the factory defaults. Next, the system backs up your data, and then
reflashes
your unit to the new software. You will feel two short vibrations,
followed
by a
third. After a minute or so, you’ll feel yet another vibration.
Eventually,
Icon
restarts on its own, running the newly downloaded version of your
software.
Finally,
the system restores your data, and you are placed in the Applications
Menu.
Warning! Due to the fact that it is necessary for everyone to update
twice,
the update
server may get sluggish at times. please be patient and make sure you
are
near an
AC power supply as the use of wifi and the download process will
certainly
take a
great deal of power. If you do not have wireless internet access, or
you
have several
units to update, please contact LevelStar or APH technical support for
assistance.
For a list and description of the new features in this release, please
see
the “What’s
New in 1.1″ document attached to this email. You can also access a list
of
the new
features with direct links to the relevant sections of the manual on the
APH
website
at
http://aph.org/beta/pda_new.htm
In addition, an audio presentation covering the new features is now
available on
the On The Level podcast at
www.levelstar.libsyn.com
Finally, please be aware that, after updating, the first time you open
the
Music
Player and/or Bookshelf, your unit will register media plugins, and so
the
process
of opening the program will take several seconds longer than normal.
Also
note:
due to the fact that the bookshelf’s internal cataloging scheme has
changed,
the
bookshelf will rebuild your book catalog from scratch, so again, will
take
longer
to complete the first time the bookshelf is opened. In addition, if you
do
not have
auto Catalog Update enabled in the Music Player, you may wish to
manually
rebuild
your media catalog, as the cataloger is much improved and will recognize
tagged information
much more reliably.
We hope you enjoy the new software.
