Version 7 - What's new?
What is Dolphin Guide HandsFree?
There are 2 editions of Dolphin Guide - regular Guide and 'HandsFree'. Guide HandsFree is Dolphin's solution for people seeking independence from computers but who are unable to press single buttons on a keyboard, perhaps due to a physical impairment. And it doesn't matter if your vision is deteriorating, as the built-in speech and magnification ensures you'll always be in control. Create an email, dictate your words and send it - all achieved with simple voice commands.
Dolphin has designed a Guide HandsFree package with everything you need, PC, software, accessories and a whole day of training, all in one. In the UK, we only sell Guide HandsFree as part of this package and we'll set everything up for you before we send your computer to you so it will be ready to go when you take it out of the box.
Read more to find out if Guide HandsFree is for you.
Dedicated Support from Dolphin
Ensuring peace of mind and a friendly hand, EVERY Dolphin product includes a comprehensive package of: telephone, email, web-based and in-person support.
Watch accessible videos; search the knowledge base; download updates & patches; discover other free support resources from Dolphin. In the UK and US support is available by phone and email direct from Dolphin.
Fill in a support form online and Dolphin will aim to contact you within 1 business day. Book a slot and Dolphin will call you at a time of your choice.
If you purchased via an authorised Dolphin dealer, contact your dealer for local support.
Guide HandsFree Features
Click on the features below for more detailed information.
Fully Accessible:
Communicating:
Entertainment:
Organising:
More Information
> Key Benefits of Guide HandsFree.
> Compare Guide HandsFree features.
Key Benefits of Guide HandsFree
Who is Guide HandsFree for?
Guide HandsFree is Dolphin's solution for people seeking independence from computers but who are unable to press single buttons on a keyboard, perhaps due to a physical impairment. Guide HandsFree isn't just Guide with added voice commands, it can take a little more patience to learn than Guide and it has a reduced set of features designed to work well for people who will never be able to operate a keyboard.
I'm worried about typing, can I use Guide HandsFree to avoid using a keyboard?
Guide HandsFree is not designed for users who are concerned about typing and as such offers no additional features for help with spelling and grammar and will require you to spell check as usual. Unless there's a physical reason why the keyboard is not suitable for you, we'd recommend you give regular Dolphin Guide a try - it is very popular with people who've never used a computer before and you don't need to be good at touch typing or spelling to get lots of things done. If you are new to computers and are worried that a lack of typing skills, poor spelling or grammar will prevent your progress, you really have nothing to worry about. Guide is designed to be really easy to use and you only need to press one or two buttons before you'll be listening to online radio, magnifying photos, scanning letters and more. To write emails or letters you will need to type but because Guide reads aloud each key you press you'll always know what's happening. You'll even hear a quacking sound if you've misspelt a word so you know to go back and correct it! Guide also has a built in Typing Tutor just for people who need some more help, it starts off really simply so you can get to grips with using a keyboard and exercising those typing fingers (feature not available in Guide HandsFree).
Why do I have to buy a computer package with Guide HandsFree?
Guide HandsFree requires a high specification PC and installing all the different parts in the right order is key to making it work correctly and getting you off to the best start. Unfortunately not all of this process is accessible and therefore not possible for people with sight loss. To make it really easy, Dolphin has designed a Guide HandsFree package with everything you need, PC, software and training, all in one. We only sell Guide HandsFree as part of this package and we'll set everything up for you before we send your computer to you so it will be ready to go when you take it out of the box. To start with Guide HandsFree will just need some of your time and patience to read out some passages of text in order for your voice to be recognised by the computer.
Controlling your computer with voice commands can be a tricky process that takes time to master. For example, navigating busy websites with constantly updating content (such as facebook) is not recommended. Because it is not technically possible to control some things by voice, some features of Guide are not included in Guide HandsFree (Skype, Voice Memos, PDF Reader, Typing Tutor & Keyboard Practise). Our Guide HandsFree package includes a whole day training with a Dolphin accredited trainer; you’ll soon be up and running with an expert by your side.
Please note: Guide HandsFree is not offered for sale as 'software-only' and must be purchased as a PC package from an approved Guide HandsFree dealer OR direct from Dolphin in the UK. This ensures you quality support, from the experts, after you've received your PC.
If you have recently purchased a new PC you may purchase the software with training and installation subject to the spec of your PC - this will be dealt with on a case by case basis through discussion with a Dolphin Installation Engineer. Read the system requirements.
Retain your independence & your privacy
- Take back control over your life. Dolphin Guide HandsFree allows you to manage everything from your finances, to what daily news you read.
- Why wait for someone else to read your post and correspondence when Dolphin Guide HandsFree can do it for you.
- Make new friends in the Dolphin Guide user forum and the wider Internet community beyond.
Available Languages for Guide HandsFree
UK English (v7.05)
US English (v7.05)
Australian English (v6.031)
Canadian English (v7.05)
UK Indian (v5.01)
Each language comes with different default voices, appropriate to the country. See which synthesisers are included with your language version and listen to samples of the voices.
Guide HandsFree Voices
This table shows the voice synthesisers that come with each language version of Guide HandsFree and, where available, a link to listen to a sample MP3 of that voice (links open in this window, click the back button to return to this page).
Other voices
If you wish to have additional voices to use with Guide HandsFree (for example, a different language) these can be purchased as optional extras.
At Dolphin we have decided to extend the range of synthesisers we offer so as to extend choice to our customers. Speech development is no longer part of our core strategy. Accordingly, ownership of the Orpheus synthesiser has been transferred to Meridian One Limited. Orpheus 2 continues to be fast and responsive and we realise it has a loyal following. Therefore we will continue to provide Orpheus 2 with selected products.
Orpheus 3 and later versions, along with new and updated voices and languages, is now available direct from Meridian One.
Windows 7 (32-bit editions)
Windows 7 (64-bit client editions)
Windows 8
The optimum performance Guide HandsFree is dependent upon a high specification PC. For this reason Guide HandsFree is only available to purchase with a Gold PC package in the UK, follow the link to read more.
View our PC packages for Guide HandsFree.
Minimum computer spec. (for entry level users)
| Description | Requirements |
| Operating System |
Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit:
Home premium
Professional
Ultimate
Enterprise
Microsoft Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit:
Home premium
Professional
Ultimate
Enterprise |
| Browser |
Windows 7 - Internet Explorer 9 (or later)
Windows 8 - Internet Explorer 10 (or later) |
| CPU Type |
Multi-Core Intel Pentium, Xeon, or i-series processor or AMD. Highest affordable speed rating recommended
Recommended dual core 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
Note: Operating System and other running applications should be considered |
| Memory |
4GB
Usually sufficient for a typical machine running a balance of Office and other applications. This estimate is based on internal testing and customer reports, Individual requirements will vary in their use of computer resources and performance characteristics |
| Video Display |
To suit monitor size |
| Video Adapter |
Basic graphics:
Onboard integrated graphics
Advanced Graphics:
Dedicated compatible graphics card |
| Hard Disk |
5GB free space |
| Pointing Device |
MS-Mouse or compliant device |
| Input Device |
Standard PS/2 - USB compliant device |
| Audio |
Supporting 16-bit recording |
| Media |
Download from internet or installation from DVD or USB key |
| Connectivity |
Internet connection for product activation and downloadable content/updates |
| Microphone/Headphones |
PC compatible Microphone/Headphones |
| Dragon Software |
Dragon Naturally Speaking 11.5 |
Recommended computer spec. (balancing price and performance)
| Description | Requirements |
| Operating System |
Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit:
Home premium
Professional
Ultimate
Enterprise
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit:
Home premium
Professional
Ultimate
Enterprise |
| Browser |
Windows 8 - Internet Explorer 10 (or later) |
| CPU Type |
Multi-Core Intel Pentium, Xeon, or i-series processor or AMD. Highest affordable speed rating recommended
Recommended quad core 2.5 Gigahertz (GHz) or faster 64-bit (x64) processor
Multiple cores for multi tasking and graphic intensive applications |
| Memory |
8GB
Usually sufficient for a high end machine running complex programs and multiple applications simultaneously. This estimate is based on internal testing and customer reports, Individual requirements will vary in their use of computer resources and performance characteristics |
| Video Display |
To suit monitor size |
| Video Adapter |
Basic graphics:
Onboard integrated graphics
Advanced Graphics:
Dedicated compatible graphics card |
| Hard Disk |
5GB free space |
| Pointing Device |
MS-Mouse or compliant device |
| Input Device |
Standard PS/2 - USB compliant device |
| Audio |
Supporting 16-bit recording |
| Media |
Download from internet or installation from DVD or USB key |
| Connectivity |
Internet connection for product activation and downloadable content/updates |
| Microphone/Headphones |
A Nuance approved Noise-cancelling microphone. See listings details at support.nuance.com/compatibility |
| Dragon Software |
Dragon Naturally Speaking 12 |
Other Hardware to compliment your Computer
- Monitor: Size to suit
- Speakers: for your audio playback
- Headset/microphone: for recording and audio playback
- Printer: for your printing requirements
- Scanner: for your scanning requirements
- Optical Drive: DVD /- RW for DVD and Audio playback
Useful information
USB Ports to meet your connectivity needs - your keyboard/mouse/printer/scanner will likely use them, so the more the merrier.
Laptops: There could be performance differences if running from the battery as opposed to mains. Using power saving schemes designed to maximise battery life will likely reduce your system performance for all applications including Dolphin software. For best results it is suggested to use a power scheme which maximises performance.
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