It can be a tough job to check out that your system is fully compatible with a new operating system before you install it. To help out assistive technology users, I’m compiling compatibility information for assistive technology and AT-related software.
I’ll be updating this post as new information is available, so come back and look again. If you have information that isn’t here, leave a comment or contact me and I’ll add it to the post.
Post last updated June 2010.
General Assistive Technology Software
Biggy – [Added 3 September] Not compatible with Snow Leopard. Developer is unsure if it will be made compatible in the future.
Biggy-Light – [Added 3 September] Not compatible with Snow Leopard. Developer is unsure if it will be made compatible in the future.
BigKeys LX – [Added 3 September] Has been upgraded, new version has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard. Download Snow Leopard compatible version from website.
CrossScanner – [Updated 3 September] Current version has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Discover Envoy – [Updated 2010] Current version is fully compatible with Snow Leopard if you apply the Snow Leopard Fix
Envoy Create – [Updated 2010] Current version is fully compatible with Snow Leopard if you apply the Snow Leopard Fix
IntelliKeys USB – [Updated 2010] Current version is fully compatible with Snow Leopard if you apply the Snow Leopard Fix
KeyStrokes – [Updated 1 September] Current version 4.1.1 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Kurzweil 3000 – [Updated 1 October] No official information is available at this time. I have requested compatibility information from the company and will update as soon as there is news. Karl reports:
I was able to test Kurzweil 3000 on a Snow Leopard Mac. I didn’t test every feature but I did [test] editing, highlighting, reading, and text extraction. All worked wonderfully.
Karl also told me he tested the OCR and that worked well.
Layout Kitchen – Current version has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
MacSpeech Dictate – [Updated 6 November] MacSpeech reports that the current version 1.5.5 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard. The previous major version, 1.3, does not function under Snow Leopard and will not be upgraded.
MagicCursor OS X – No information is available at this time. I have requested compatibility information from the company and will update as soon as there is news.
One Finger Snap – [Added 1 October] Not currently compatible with Snow Leopard. This is now an open source project and so unlikely to be updated unless a developer can be interested in it.
Overlay Maker 3 – [Added 31 August] No information is available at this time. I have requested compatibility information from the company and will update as soon as there is news.
Proloquo – [Updated 1 September] Current version 2.0.2 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Sam-X driver for Mouse Button-Box, SAM Trackball, SAM Joystick, Switcheroo, SwitchHopper, and Mini-SwitchPort – [Added 3 September] Current version has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
SmartClick – [Updated 3 September] Current version is not compatible with Snow Leopard. Developer hopes to have a compatible version released by 1 October.
SmartNav – [Updated 2010] Current version is compatible fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
SwitchXS – [Updated 1 September] Current version 2.5.1 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
TouchStrokes – Current version has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
VirtualKeyboard – No information is available at this time. I have requested compatibility information from the company and will update as soon as there is news.
VisioVoice – Version 1.2 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Third Party System Voices
Note: Due to changes in the depths of Snow Leopard, it is highly unlikely that any third party voices will function without upgrades.
Cepstral voices – [Updated 2010] Current version is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
InfoVox iVox voices – [Updated 6 November] Current version 2.0 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Text Expansion Software
TextExpander – The current version, 2.7 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
TypeIt4Me – Version 4.1.2 and above have been tested and are fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Typinator – The current version has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
OCR Software
Abbyy FineReader – [Updated 11 November] Abbyy advised me in August that “our testing shows that ABBYY FineReader Express Edition for Mac can work under this OS correctly except for some non-critical issues which are going to fixed in future releases of the program”. On 11 November MacWorld UK announced that a new version of Abbyy FineReader was released which is completely Snow Leopard compatible. Whether this is a free update for existing users is unknown.
ReadIris Pro – [Updated 1 October] The current version is ReadIris Pro 12, recently released, is fully Snow Leopard compatible. Unfortunately IrisLink provides no upgrade path – buying ReadIris Pro 12 is the same price regardless of whether you own version 11 or not. The cost is US$129 for USA buyers and significantly higher for the rest of the world.
Other
Other software that’s commonly used in assistive/adaptive technology contexts.
1Password – [Updated 2010] Current version is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
ABDialer – [Updated 7 September] Current version has problems with Snow Leopard, Macron Software are aware and working on the problem.
ControllerMate – [Added 29 August] The current version is reported to be compatible with Snow Leopard.
EyeTV – [Updated 1 October] The current version 3.2 is fully compatible with Snow Leopard. Provious versions are partially compatible, I am running 2.5.3 with only a few hiccups. Full details about EyeTV and Snow Leopard compatibility are available.
Ghost Reader – [Added 1 September] Current version 1.6.5 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Growl – [Updated 1 October] Version 1.2 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
KeyCue – Version 4.5 above have been tested and are fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
LazyMouse – [Added 29 August] The current version 2.1.8 is reported to be compatible with Snow Leopard.
MultiClutch – [Added 2 September] Not compatible with Snow Leopard, will require a full rewrite to upgrade. See MultiClutch and Snow Leopard for details.
Ovolab Phlink – [Updated 7 September] Current version 4.0.1 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
PhoneValet – [Updated 1 October] PhoneValet 6.0.3 has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard. This is a free upgrade for all existing PhoneValet 6 customers.
PhoneValet Home – [Updated 1 October] PhoneValet Home 1.1.4 is compatible with Snow Leopard, but still suffers from a problem caused by the Apple modem driver.
SteerMouse – [Added 29 August] The current version of SteerMouse, 4.0.1, has been tested and is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.
Other Information Sources
The two places with great compilations of information at the moment are:
Both of these documents are Wiki based so they can be edited by any user with new information. If you test something and it’s not on the lists, add the information so others can look it up!
Which of your essential programs have I missed, and do you know if they’re compatible with Snow Leopard? I’ll be updating this post as new information is available, so come back and look again.
- Ricky Buchanan
The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List http://is.gd/2E17O
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List http://is.gd/2E17O
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
RT @superaleja: this says @macspeech is no – The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List http://is.gd/2E17O
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Added information about Abbyy OCR to Snow Leopard AT Compatibility List: http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y
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I’d be really disappointed if MacSpeech Dictate wasn’t a free upgrade for Snow Leopard compatibility. It’s bad enough that they didn’t have it ready for the release of Snow Leopard, or at least an announcement as to when an update would be released. It’s a great application that extremely useful but sometimes the way MacSpeech conducts themselves is a bit questionable.
I won’t be upgrading right away anyways for a variety of reasons but i am concerned about One Finger Snap (http://www.old-jewel.com/onefingersnap/index.html). This little right-click utility has been extremely useful for me so it would be a big loss if it stopped functioning. It’s no longer in active development but it has been made open source. So if it doesn’t work under Snow Leopard I hope somebody will fix it so it does.
RT @superaleja: The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y #accessibility
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RT @superaleja: The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y #accessibility
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Ricky,
Thanks for compiling this list! Apple Computer should pay you for your work
I build many of my apps from source, and I’m wondering if any of the build tools need to be upgraded for Snow Leopard. I guess I should build an external drive with Sow Leopard, boot from it, and try out the different tools?
Thanks again for the information.
Ron
RT @RT @superaleja: The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y #accessibility
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RT @musingvirtual: The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y #accessibility
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
More updates/additions for Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility Guide http://is.gd/2E17O
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List – http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y #accessibility via @superaleja
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
RT @steno The Complete Snow Leopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List – http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y #accessibility via @superaleja
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Great Thanks
Please don’t wonder, the mail is curiously because I can only move my head. Thank you for your understanding.
Kind Regards
Jürgen Manthey
@Jürgen: Great to hear from you, thanks for taking the time and effort!
Yes, thanks so much for this list Ricky.
RT @steno: The Complete #SnowLeopard Assistive Technology Compatibility List – http://is.gd/2E17O #a11y #mac #accessibility via @superaleja
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You’re all welcome
And thanks to those who’ve emailed me, asking for apps to be added to the list. I hope to see you all posting comments too soon – it’s not that scary!
I’ll keep updating this as things develop.
I WAS JUST ABOUT TO INSTALL SNOW LEOPARD ON MY INTEL I MAC AND FOUND OUT THAT SKYPE IS HAVING MAJOR ISSUES WITH IT
I HAVE CURRENTLY SKYPE VERSION 2.70 INSTALLED
CAN U GIVE ME INFO ON THIS AS I READ THE BLOGS ON THEIR SITE AND SOME USERS ARE FINE WITH IT..OTHER USERS THE SKYPE CRASHES OR WONT LOAD
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING
THANK YOU
@Tom: I’ll see what I can find out. For starters though version 2.8 is the most current version for Mac – you can go here to download it:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/macosx/
When there’s a version for Snow Leopard it will probably be released initially as a new beta version. A beta is a version they’re still testing, but they’re usually almost-right and fine for most regular use. If there’s a new beta, you’ll be able to download it here:
http://www.skype.com/intl/en/download/skype/macosx/beta/
There isn’t any beta at the moment though. I suggest you keep an eye on that web page, and also use the “Check for Update” command in the Skype menu of the program every week or so – if there’s a new version available, there will also be “Release Notes” or “Changes” listed on the web page which will say what’s different in the new program. That’s where you’ll see information about any fixes relevant to Snow Leopard.
As I said, if I hear anything I’ll put it on this page too – stay tuned and best of luck.
OK THANK YOU FOR UR INFO.
WILL KEEP AN EYE OPEN FOR THE NEW VERSION OF SKYPE AND SEE WHEN THERE IS A BUG FIX
@Tom: Good luck with that. Also, you might like to stop writing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS if you’re able – on the internet it using ALL CAPITALS like that usually means the person is shouting!
ATMac – Ricky Buchanan updates her list of AT compatible with Snow Leopard http://tinyurl.com/mbjwf8
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ok Thank you Ricky..yes i dint realize i had my cap lock on until it was too late.I never do that as a rule!
thank you for you assistance
Snow Leopard assistive tech compatibility list! http://bit.ly/TUI4l
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wow awesome!RT @lizhenry: Snow Leopard assistive tech compatibility list! http://bit.ly/TUI4l
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@Tom: I noticed today there’s an upgrade for Skype which lists Snow Leopard fixes: Skype 2.8 hotfix 1 for Mac. Let me know if it solves your problems!
Ricky thanks for updating me on the fix for skype on Snow
leopard.
I went ahead and downloaded the fix then i installed snow Leopard keeping my fingers crossed and now i have 2 contact lists .darn it!! text messaging seems to work but i cannot figure out how to remove the extra contact list
i checked my applications folder but it only contains the letest version of skype..i dont see any other versions on here..any possible answers would be appreciated,Thanks again
Hi Ricky skype seems to be working now on my I mac except for one little quirk and that is every once in a while i will get a double contact list show up on my desktop!
everything still works ok, but all my contacts are duplicated.
i heard of one user having the same problem but i am unable to find his post.Can you shed some light on this for me?
Thank you in advance!!
@Tom: Sorry, but I’ve never heard of a double contact list showing up! It hasn’t happened to me. I’m just glad it’s working for you
Using Kurzweil 4.0.2 and snow leopard – lots of trouble with annotations, freezes and crashes, doesn’t save work. Very frustrating. Hope they patch it soon.
@Roger: Thanks for the information. I hope they fix it soon too.
What about accessibility for the deaf? You might want to check this link:
Apple’s Blind Spot
http://www.i711.com/my711.php?tab=2&article=301
An Apple rep spent all of his speech about blind users in front of deaf audience and could not even answer urgent needs of the audience!
Apple iPhone are not hearing aid compatible:
http://www.hearingexchange.com/blogs/?p=52
FCC Enforces HAC Filing Requirement: Fines Apple $5K
http://coataccess.org/node/5482
The list goes on and on..
Shame on Apple!
If blind users have screen readers, why can’t deaf people use voice recognition installed on mac os x? That’s one of things Apple might need to think about to start with. Also, improving alert flash and make it in different colors for those who cannot hear. Just to name a few improvements for accessibility for deaf and hoh users.
It’s a very good point about Apple’s accessibility for Deaf users. I’d be interested to run an article about it if you’d like to expand this comment into an article, or let me know how to get in touch with the person who write the i711 article. I can’t comment on the i711 site because it only lets customers comment, unfortunately.
Ricky
Hi, everyone! Cepstral voices are now Snow Leopard compatible (version 2.0).
cheers!