by , 4:00 PM EST, January 7th, 2003
Niemeijer Consult has released the first beta version of SwitchXS to the public. SwitchXS is a one-click cursor utility designed for mobility and motor impaired users. The app allows cursor movements and actions with just one click from a single switch. According to Niemeijer Consult:
Niemeijer Consult today announced that SwitchXS(R), a breakthrough application allowing single-switch access to Mac OS X, has reached beta stage.
Last year Niemeijer Consult released KeyStrokes(R) for Mac OS X, the only fully-functional on-screen keyboard solution for Mac OS X, which allows users who cannot use a physical keyboard complete access to Apple's powerful new operating system.
Taking once again the lead, SwitchXS is the first Mac OS X compatible solution announced for motor-impaired users who cannot use a mouse or keyboard but can only press a single switch.
SwitchXS works with any standard Mac application and offers full mouse and keyboard emulation by means of a so-called scanning mechanism. With each click on the switch the user selects an action, such as "move the cursor up" or "type B", from a "scanning" menu. SwitchXS has many customizable settings to allow users or therapists to adapt the application to their needs.
You can find more information about the beta testing of SwitchXS at the Niemeijer Consult Web site. The full version is slated for release at the end of the first quarter.