SMART Releases Next Generation Interactive Whiteboard Software
SMART Board™ software version 8.0 is first interactive whiteboard software to offer cross-platform file compatibility
Calgary, AB --- June 2, 2003 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces SMART Board software version 8.0, the first interactive whiteboard software to offer cross-platform compatibility for Microsoft® Windows®, Macintosh, UNIX® and Linux® operating systems. Notebook™ software, included in the SMART Board software suite, features a new XML-based, cross-platform file format (XBK), which means that files created on one operating system can be accessed on another. Educators in particular, many of whom use both Macintosh and Windows-based computers, will appreciate the move.
SMART Board software version 8.0 for Windows includes the Gallery, a unique new image management system with an intuitive interface. Version 8.0 is the only interactive whiteboard software to offer a tool that groups templates with associated images. For instance, a graph paper template for math has a large set of related images such as protractors, compasses and triangles. This approach to image management is especially useful for teachers and presenters who like impromptu access to files during presentations, because there is no need to launch separate libraries for images and templates. The Gallery can also be easily customized to include users’ own templates and images.
Notebook software for Windows also has a new side sorter that can be expanded to show more thumbnails than in previous versions and can be switched to the right or left side of the screen, depending on users' preferences. Objects can be easily rotated or made transparent.
Version 8.0 for Mac OS X includes Screen Shade and Spotlight, which enable users to unveil or highlight selected areas of their screen. Hyperlinks can be connected to images and text, and rich text editing makes it possible to edit text selectively.
“SMART Board software version 8.0 incorporates every suggestion I had in only one release of the software,” says Katie Morrow, teacher at O'Neill Public Elementary in Nebraska. “Plus, SMART has added practical tools and functions without changing much of the user interface, so it’s still very easy to use.”
“SMART Board software version 8.0 brings a new level of functionality to all SMART Board interactive whiteboards and Sympodium™ lecterns while offering the ease of use that our customers have come to expect from our products,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART. “The software upgrade is a free download for all SMART Board interactive whiteboard customers, providing new functionality to over 100,000 SMART customers worldwide.”
Pricing and Availability
SMART Board software version 8.0 for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and major UNIX and Linux operating systems will be available later this month as a free download to SMART customers at www.smarttech.com/support/software. SMART Board software version 8.0 also ships with all SMART Board interactive whiteboards and Sympodium interactive lecterns.
For additional information, specifications or authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com or call 1.888.42.SMART.
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A feature list of SMART Board software version 8.0 is attached.
For more information, please contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.