NCBM Introduces ‘SAVE AS DAISY XML’ For MICROSOFT WORD
In stepping up its effort to create improvements for the blind and to promote digital access information that ables to convert various forms of communication that is practical and useful, The National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM) has presented a new software that will allow anyone to create documents with content that can be accessible by Malaysians with assistive needs. The function known as the ‘Save As DAISY XML’ add-in, designed for Microsoft Word 2007, Word 2003 and Word XP, which will allow users to save Open XML-based text files into DAISY XML – the foundation of the globally accepted DAISY standard for reading and publishing navigable multimedia content.
The new ‘Save As DAISY XML’ functionality for Microsoft Word has the potential to break down barriers for individuals with assistive needs and enhance the experience for anyone who wants to read, not only materials created locally but also on a global level,” added Dr. Dzahar Mansor, Microsoft Malaysia’s National Technology Officer.
Microsoft’s initiative to put ‘Save As DAISY XML’ in Microsoft Word is the first step to bring fully accessible content to people with assistive needs. With much of the information on documents today being created with Microsoft Word – the new add-in provides a historic leap forward in the nationwide effort to make information available to all. The effort is part of Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential initiative to help bridge the digital divide by creating more programmes that will help the community, transform education and support partnerships through technology.
The ‘Save As DAISY XML’ tool also presents the opportunity for organisations and independent software vendors to explore ways in which the technology may be used to format their information to be accessed by people with assistive needs. Meanwhile, Dato’ S. Kulasegaran, President of NCBM pointed out, “with the new add-in tool introduced, it manage to close the gap to create an equal level playing field through ICT and also to bridge digital divide by making it available to everyone”. Also present at the event was, Iriani Zulkifli, Community Affairs Manager, Microsoft Malaysia.
The event also included a demonstration on the usage of the ‘Save As DAISY XML’ feature by Moses Choo, Assistant Executive Director of Blind Professional Assistance Service (BPAS), a section of the NCBM.
For more information on the ‘Save as DAISY XML’ tool, please visit the NCBM website on www.ncbm.org.my.
Sony Malaysia to Launch the All Gamers Favourite-Sony PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) at One Utama Shopping Centre
The much awaited Sony PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) that will take all Malaysian gaming enthusiasts by storm, will be unveiled this coming 20th September 2008 at One Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya. The General Manager of Product Marketing Division, Sony Malaysia, Mr. Taku Taguchi said,” this time the new PS3 has a bigger storage capacity of 80GB, introduction of latest Soul Calibur IV game and one optional selected PS3 game, all cost at an affordable price”.
Sony Malaysia has also prepared a special launch package to its 120 loyal PS3™ gamers. The first 120 early birds to reach PS3™ booth in conjunction with the launch of PS3™ (which is on 20th September), will have the opportunity to purchase the special edition PS3™ at RM 1,799, inclusive of 1 unit 80GB PS3™, the latest Soul Calibur IV™ game software, plus one optional selected PS3™ game1. The special launch package comes with a free custom made PS3™ tote bag and Soul Calibur IV™ CD holder. There will be cash voucher giveaways worth from RM150 to RM1,000 for the 120 early birds who purchase the special launch package. The stand-alone price of PS3™ is RM 1,599. Besides PS3™ launch and roadshow, the new PS3™ will be available at all Sony Style outlets and selected2 Sony Centre outlets from 20th September onwards.
Meanwhile, in its aim to achieve and to be recognised as the Malaysia’s longest gaming competition recorded in The Malaysian Book of Records, Sony Malaysia, for the very first time, will be organising PS3™ game challenge marathon – “Longest Video Game Marathon” at One Utama Shopping Centre. The PS3 challenge will commence on 19th September and ends on 20th September.
To spice up the new PS3 launch and to be recognised in The Malaysian Book of Records, there will also be a Game Girls Competition of which the winner at this competition will get once in a lifetime opportunity to represent Malaysia at the Asia Game Show, better known as AGS, in Hong Kong for the final competition commencing from 19th to 22nd December 2008.
Other activities that run concurrently with the launch, include exciting PS3™ product highlights, interactive games activities, and special packages up for grabs.
1 Optional games include Ninja Gaiden NINJA GAIDEN Σ PLAYSTATION 3 the Best, Resistance PLAYSTATION 3 the Best, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction (Asian Version) PLAYSTATION 3 the Best and Assassins Creed., Resistance, Ratchet and Clark and Assassins Creed.
2 Location of Sony Centre: Low Yat, Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley, One Utama and The Gardens,.
