Fusion FAQs

What is Fusion?

Fusion provides the features and benefits of having both ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, along with the JAWS screen reader as options. It meets the needs of organizations seeking to provide tools for every level of visual impairment with a single license and installer. It also benefits users with advanced or progressive vision loss who will take advantage of magnification and full screen reading at the same time.

Who is Fusion for?

Fusion is perfect for individuals who, over time, want a smooth and safe transition, from magnification to full screen reading. Fusion grows with you, ensuring that you will always be able to use your computer.

What operating systems does Fusion work with?

Fusion installs and works with Windows 10, 8.1, and 7.

What versions of Microsoft Office does ZoomText Fusion work with?

Fusion works with Office 365, 2016, and later versions. There is also support for earlier versions 2013 and 2010 however there are no further enhancements coming for these older versions.

Fusion, JAWS, and ZoomText have been tested to perform best with the latest Windows operating systems and software applications. As new versions of Freedom Scientific products are released, support for older software may not continue.

What web browsers work with Fusion?

Fusion works with Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer. Support for Microsoft Edge is continuing to improve as well.

Does Fusion read PDFs?

Yes, Fusion reads and tracks accessible PDFs. It also includes an OCR option to scan and read in inaccessible scanned PDF documents.

How is Fusion different than ZoomText Magnifier/Reader?

ZoomText Magnifier/Reader also includes the option to run as just Magnifier. But when you own Fusion, the JAWS screen reader is also included and provides the speech and power of JAWS tracking in places like the Internet and Microsoft Office. Plus you get the added value of a complete Braille solution because of JAWS. And when you have Fusion installed, you can always fall back and just run Magnifier/Reader or Magnifier alone. So you have every possible option covered with your Fusion license.

Where can I buy Fusion?

Fusion is available from Freedom Scientific or your local Freedom Scientific dealer.

Is Fusion available in languages other than English?

Fusion is available in many languages. A portion of these are available on the Freedom Scientific download pages. Additional languages are also available directly from your local distributor in many countries.

If I own ZoomText or JAWS, can I upgrade to Fusion?

Yes. Contact Freedom Scientific or your local dealer for details and to place your order.

Are multi-user licenses available for Fusion?

Yes. Multi-user licenses for Fusion work the same as they do for JAWS and ZoomText.

Does Fusion include support for Citrix and Remote Desktop?

Yes. Support for Citrix and Remote Desktop Connections are available with the purchase of a remote desktop add-on to your license. When purchased for a Fusion license, Citrix and Remote Desktop support is then included for Fusion, ZoomText, and JAWS running from the Fusion license (for both Fusion Professional and Fusion Home licenses).

Does Fusion support Braille?

Yes. You can use your favorite Braille device with Fusion. All of the displays supported by JAWS, are also supported by Fusion.

I already know how to use ZoomText. Will Fusion be a lot different?

No, for users of ZoomText (or JAWS), the learning curve moving to Fusion is not steep at all. Users migrating from ZoomText to Fusion will be able to ease into using JAWS features at their own pace. Of course, we do recommend learning the JAWS features and keyboarding options as quickly as possible to help you expand your skills and productivity.

If I have Magnifier/Reader installed and install Fusion, can I still run as Magnifier/Reader?

Yes, this is possible.

What if I only want to use the magnifier in Fusion? Can I do this?

Yes, this is possible. Simply use the ZoomText icon to launch ZoomText only (rather than Fusion), and then turn off the speech in ZoomText.

I have macular degeneration or another retinal degenerative disease. Is Fusion right for me?

Yes, Fusion may be the perfect product for people who have retinal degenerative diseases as it is designed to grow with you as your vision changes.

I am not going totally blind. Is Fusion the right product for me?

Absolutely! While Fusion includes a complete screen reader, it also includes full magnification. If you intend to take advantage of keyboarding, in addition to or instead of navigating with the mouse, Fusion is the right product for you.

I am totally blind. Is Fusion the right product for me?

No, if you have no vision, we recommend using JAWS only.

Can I read my email with Fusion?

Definitely! Special attention has gone into the design of Fusion to make sure you have full access to email, especially with Microsoft Outlook from Office 365.

Is there a Fusion demo available?

Yes, like other Freedom Scientific products, Fusion can be installed and will work in a 40 minute mode. When that expires, reboot and it will work again in the same way. And, if an update comes out, it will alert you and allow it to update just as it does for licensed software.

If I own and earlier version of ZoomText or Fusion can I try the latest Fusion?

Yes, you can install a newer version of Fusion on the same computer without causing any problems with your earlier version of ZoomText or Fusion. For example, you can install Fusion 2018 alongside an existing installation of ZoomText 11 of Fusion 11.

How does Fusion’s screen reading compare to using just JAWS alone?

Fusion offers all of the same screen reading features and capabilities as JAWS. If someone is familiar with one, they will easily be able to transition to the other. And even JAWS trainers, will be able to train low vision users with the Fusion product.

Should I, as an individual user of ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, upgrade to Fusion?

Fusion offers the absolute best technology of everything we have to offer. If you find yourself needing more speech features, braille output, or would just like to become less reliant on the mouse and vision to navigate, Fusion is the perfect solution for you.

Our organization has JAWS and/or ZoomText today, why should we consider adding or moving to Fusion?

First of all, Fusion provids a cost savings to purchasing both ZoomText and JAWS. And having a single license and one installer that provides ZoomText, JAWS, and Fusion means it will be easier to maintain and give the user access to whatever solution they need, on every computer.

Is training material available for Fusion?

Yes, all of the material currently available for ZoomText and JAWS will benefit users of Fusion.

What are the key features and benefits of Fusion?

Designed for users with advanced or progressive vision loss, Fusion provides the features and benefits of ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, with the power of the JAWS screen reader.

• Single Installer provides all combinations.
• Single Authorization works for all the products.
• Optional licensing that includes Citrix and Remote Desktop for all the products.
• Easy to use, easy to learn.
• Tutor Mode to help you know what to do every step of the way
  Startup Wizards in ZoomText and JAWS helps you get started with adjusting the most common settings to make it easy to see and hear.
• Magnification User interface is the same as ZoomText for ease-of-use, comfort, and familiarity.
• Same JAWS hot keys to help Fusion users take advantage of Screen Reading and other JAWS features such as OCR, Screen Shade, Command Search, Skim Reading, and much more.
• Simultaneous use of speech and magnification allows you to see what you hear so you never get lost.
• It doesn’t matter how much or how little vision you have, ZoomText Fusion grows with you from low vision to no vision.
• You can use it with just magnification and no speech to complete speech and magnification. You decide how much or how little speech you want as your vision changes.