Technical Support - Detail
Short Description
Problem
Updated November 7, 2018:
Previously, we recommended using the Mozilla Firefox "Extended Support Release" (ESR), instead of using the latest Mozilla Firefox Quantum (Firefox versions 57.0 and later). This was to avoid reading issues and sluggishness when using JAWS, Fusion, or ZoomText.
Because the Firefox ESR version has now updated to Firefox Quantum, this is no longer a viable workaround. But we have made some product updates that improve compatibility with Firefox Quantum.
Solution
If you use Firefox Quantum, consider the following issues and recommendations for each product.
JAWS
- JAWS 2019 corrects some performance issues with Firefox Quantum.
- JAWS 2018 is sluggish in Firefox Quantum.
- JAWS 18 and earlier are not compatible with Firefox Quantum.
Recommendation: Upgrade to JAWS 2019.
Fusion
- Fusion 2019 corrects some performance issues with Firefox Quantum.
- Fusion 2018 is sluggish in Firefox Quantum.
- Fusion 11 and earlier have text smoothing issues in Firefox Quantum.
Recommendation: Upgrade to Fusion 2019.
ZoomText
- ZoomText 2019 has improvements in reliability when using AppReader, text navigation, and mouse echo in Firefox Quantum.
- ZoomText 2018 and ZoomText 2019 use ZoomText's geometric text smoothing in Firefox Quantum because xFont smoothing is unreliable in that web browser.
- ZoomText 2018 and earlier have AppReader, text navigation, and mouse echo issues with Firefox Quantum.
- ZoomText 11 and earlier have xFont text smoothing issues in Mozilla Firefox Quantum.
Recommendation: Upgrade to Fusion 2019.
MAGic
- No version of MAGic is compatible with Mozilla Firefox Quantum.
- MAGic is no longer being updated.
Recommendation: Call 1-800-444-4443 to inquire about switching to ZoomText.
NOTE: You can download each product from the Freedom Scientific downloads page. You may run as a 40 minute trial to try it out first.
Date Posted: 09/26/2017
Applies to: JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, Optelec, Enhanced Vision and MAGic