Not just the updates but the program in general is noticeable slower than NVDA. Before when I had one computer with not that much processing power (it was basically a media center PC), the difference was significant. I mostly use NVDA, with JAWS as more or less a backup, at least at home, because NVDA can do most things that JAWS can and does them better in many cases. PictureSmart AI is the first feature in a while that actually puts JAWS ahead of NVDA, and that is just because it is built in and for free. You can get the same (and some additional) AI functionality with addons for NVDA, but they all require paying for API access. I hope NVDA can strike a deal with some AI company to get on the same level, but it might be too costly.
I realised I was bieng to timid - you actually get massive numbers of tokens for not much. But I agree, it would be better if I didn't have to think about it at all.
I also use BME for Windows, which is free, so I guess I have it.
Had NVDA. Got eloquent but whenever needed to update windows 10 lost my license for eloquent. After second time lost it completely. OK with jaws. No issues. To each their own what works is good. Be safe all and keep cool.
I can't say I've noticed anything all that significant in the newest jaws update. I've been using JFW since 1997, but have NVDA as a backup. I guess I'm just too used to the way JAWS does things to switch to NVDA full time, but I love having options.
I like in jaws, 2024 I think, that if there is a major bug in a jaws script they can release individual patch for it. I don't know how its practical impact is but it's something that apple on mac are definitely failing to do as bugs are piling...
The update does seem to have improved the weird sluggishness and battery drain issues Iāve experienced the last few months. They arenāt gone but it's a little more tolerable, it's annoying because Iāve grown to love the touch cursor in Jaws but NVDA is legit snappier, it's way more than the difference between voiceover and a decent phone with talkback.
Check out the Picture Smart features in the newest versions of JAWS. Truly a game changer. With the latest update you can even ask a question before the p[processing of an image, web page, or document is done.
If I watch a TV show, not need to stop the TV picture just use picture smart and get a nice description. Did it with Batman TV from 1966. Leslie Gore. She wearing a pink pussy cat and pink cat ears. She look hot. Thought she was a blond when I could see but it describe her hair as dark and red.
Yes, nice to be able to ask a question before processing the image. I have used this to ask JAWS to read an article on a web page. This works great for articles that contain a lot of ads and extraneous material scattered throughout the article. PictureSmart just gives back the text of the article without having to listen to all of that other junk.
Another new feature people will like is the ability to ask the FS Companion how to perform a task with JAWS. Hit JAWSKey+Space followed by F1 to ask a question. This utility was trained on all of the FS support docs and help files as well as the relevant Microsoft documentation on Office aplications. The response will tell you how to accomplish a task using JAWS hotkeys.
I updated to JAWS 2025 and everytime I try to raise or lower the volume or I press media keys on my keyboard JAWS says "Volume up", "Volume down", "Media play-Pause", "Media previous track", "Media next track" etc. I think there is some setting to adjust this behaviour, but I could not find it in Settings centre.
Firstly, the correct spelling is 'Tilde.' Secondly, Tilde is the 'Grave/Accent' key with 'Shift' held down. Therefore, 'Insert + Tilde' is indeed the correct command.
I myself don't have nor use JAWS, but visiting https://fscompanion.freedomscientific.com did indeed give the description mentioned above.
Yeah, the above sounds like something from GPT I know... That was all me.
This keystroke also produces no effect for me. Furthermore, when I asked FSCompanion if it was a valid keystroke, it said it wasn't.
It's possible that there's a script assigned to this keystroke in the Hebrew version of JAWS, which Lielle ben simon is using. So that we can know what it is, could you please enter Keyboard Help mode, press the keystroke three times quickly and let us know the script which is read aloud?
Remember, this is a alternate keystroke. So ideally, one would press, "Insert + Shift + `", to get to Tilde. Note you may have to read by character to catch that entire command.
Anyway, just think of it as Insert + Shift + Tilde, if that helps.
Finally, you tell 'em, Trenton! You go with your bad self. š
Yes, I am. Are you able to perform this keystroke?
I've been JAWS certified for 10 years, so I don't think that this is a case of me being unable to use the software. Furthermore, prior to posting here, I conducted my own research into whether there was an easy way to suppress the notification of volume level announcements and found nothing as simple as what what was referred to above.
No. I do not currently use JAWS. I prefer the simplicity and elegance of NVDA. Especially since I can simply uncheck a box to disable the announcement of raising/lowering PC volume.
Regarding JAWS, I may have a potential work-around, but it's not great. From what I have researched, you should be able to put JAWS into "Speak OnDemand" mode. This may suppress the announcing of the volume adjustments, and such.
This is reportedly done with "Insert + Space + S".
Sorry guys.
It's my folt.
The correct keystroke that I ment is: Insert+Space and tilde.
Thanks for correction my spelling.
I updated to Jaws 2025, and I experience this too.
regarding Jaws Hebrew version it's the same shortcuts in English version.
This is not a bug. The Insert+Space, ` command is for toggling announcement of volume notifications. Things like "Volume up", "Volume down", "Media play-Pause", "Media previous track", "Media next track" etc. is JAWS speaking key labels. You can turn these off by going to Settings Center > Keyboard > General > Manage Key Labels... This will give you a list of keys from which you can have the key label speak or mute. You can also change the text of the label.
There is a new AI based feature that will be a part of the new JAWS version 2025 but this feature can be used by anyone now with a web browser. Visit the following web link
FSCompanion.ai.
Then type a question about jaws/windows/office/web browsing commands and hit enter. Here is an example I just used. I typed āhow to transfer a call in Teamsā. This will be a great tool for any JAWS users or trainers or people supporting jaws users. I am pasting in the details from the whatās new page for JAWS
FSCompanion: Your AI-Powered assistant for Learning JAWS and Microsoft Applications
With so many features and keystrokes available between JAWS, Windows, and the various Office apps, it can be challenging to locate the information you need to perform a specific task or even look up a setting or keystroke you no longer recall. The new AI assistant, FSCompanion, lets you ask questions about JAWS and other applications and quickly provides the information you need without you having to search through multiple documents and web pages to find it. Want to know how a particular JAWS feature works, or the sequence of keystrokes to perform a specific task in Word? Ask FSCompanion, and the AI searches through various help and training resources in a matter of seconds, and provides the key details in a concise step-by-step format.
FSCompanion has been trained using JAWS help and training data as well as support content from Microsoft. It currently does not contain any data for ZoomText and Fusion, but it will be able to also assist with these products soon.
FSCompanion is capable of responding to questions about the following, with an emphasis on providing specific keystrokes as answers.
ā¢ JAWS usage
ā¢ Windows usage and navigation
ā¢ Web browsing
ā¢ Microsoft Word
ā¢ Microsoft Excel
ā¢ Microsoft Outlook
ā¢ Microsoft PowerPoint
To open FSCompanion:
1. Press INSERT+J to move to the JAWS window.
2. Press ALT+H to open the Help menu.
3. Press R to access the Web Resources submenu.
4. Press C to select FSCompanion and press ENTER.
You can also access FSCompanion directly in your web browser by going to FSCompanion.ai.
Once the FSCompanion page opens, focus is placed in an edit field where you can immediately type a question. After typing a question, press ENTER, and JAWS will automatically read the response as soon as it is displayed. Focus remains in the edit field, so you can ask any follow-up questions. Select the New Conversation button to start a new topic, or select the Feedback button to submit any comments about a response.
To review answers, use TAB or SHIFT+TAB, H or SHIFT+H, or the ARROW keys. Select the New Conversation button to start a new topic, or select the Feedback button to submit any comments about a response.
Here are a few example questions to help get you started.
ā¢ How do I change the JAWS volume?
ā¢ How do I select cells in Excel?
ā¢ How do I turn off the Preview Pane in Outlook?
ā¢ How do I select text?
ā¢ How do I set a PlaceMarker on a page?
Please ask as many questions as you like, and donāt hesitate to give feedback on your experiences. The types of questions you ask and the feedback you provide are very important as it helps our team train the model to be more accurate.
Note: FSCompanion is optimized for English, as it has been trained with English documentation. This means that the answers it gives are based on English keystrokes and terminology. For the best experience, please use it in English. If you ask questions in another language, the keystrokes and descriptions it provides might not be accurate. We are working on supporting additional languages.
Comments
Sounds great!
I can't use it as I'm not a jaws user and don't want to pay for it but that does sound very useful.
I did NVDA last week, JAWS today
Once again, it is unbeleivable how much faster and easier upgrading NVDA is - woosh and done. JAWS makes you sit through ages and ages of ticking!
Yeah, JAWS is kinda slow
Not just the updates but the program in general is noticeable slower than NVDA. Before when I had one computer with not that much processing power (it was basically a media center PC), the difference was significant. I mostly use NVDA, with JAWS as more or less a backup, at least at home, because NVDA can do most things that JAWS can and does them better in many cases. PictureSmart AI is the first feature in a while that actually puts JAWS ahead of NVDA, and that is just because it is built in and for free. You can get the same (and some additional) AI functionality with addons for NVDA, but they all require paying for API access. I hope NVDA can strike a deal with some AI company to get on the same level, but it might be too costly.
My Mistral AI bill was $0.3 the first month!
I realised I was bieng to timid - you actually get massive numbers of tokens for not much. But I agree, it would be better if I didn't have to think about it at all.
I also use BME for Windows, which is free, so I guess I have it.
jaws
Had NVDA. Got eloquent but whenever needed to update windows 10 lost my license for eloquent. After second time lost it completely. OK with jaws. No issues. To each their own what works is good. Be safe all and keep cool.
newest jaws update
I can't say I've noticed anything all that significant in the newest jaws update. I've been using JFW since 1997, but have NVDA as a backup. I guess I'm just too used to the way JAWS does things to switch to NVDA full time, but I love having options.
Missy Hoppe
JAWS release 2 updates, yesterday and today. Got some confuse.
I like in jaws, 2024 I thinkā¦
I like in jaws, 2024 I think, that if there is a major bug in a jaws script they can release individual patch for it. I don't know how its practical impact is but it's something that apple on mac are definitely failing to do as bugs are piling...
Seems a little faster for me, still not NVDA level
The update does seem to have improved the weird sluggishness and battery drain issues Iāve experienced the last few months. They arenāt gone but it's a little more tolerable, it's annoying because Iāve grown to love the touch cursor in Jaws but NVDA is legit snappier, it's way more than the difference between voiceover and a decent phone with talkback.
Latest JAWS
Check out the Picture Smart features in the newest versions of JAWS. Truly a game changer. With the latest update you can even ask a question before the p[processing of an image, web page, or document is done.
Very nice.
--Pete
Its a shame you can't use it in the demo.
Well, as far as i know anyway.
If anyone can prove me wrong; please let me know.
Picture Smart is kinda smart!
I like it. Not enough to use JAWS all the time, but enough to not switch to NVDA to look at images.
Picture smart
If I watch a TV show, not need to stop the TV picture just use picture smart and get a nice description. Did it with Batman TV from 1966. Leslie Gore. She wearing a pink pussy cat and pink cat ears. She look hot. Thought she was a blond when I could see but it describe her hair as dark and red.
Adam West & Burt Ward ftw
Best. Batman & Robin. Ever.
Oh, and Picture Smart sounds cool, not enough to interest me into JAWS, but cool, nonetheless.
Hope everyone had a wonderful "Blow stuff up" day. At least if you are in the US. š
Brian
Yes, Batman was great and catwoman had legs that were so long and beautiful woman. She should had been hotcatwoman.
Hello there is a new versionā¦
Hello there is a new version of Jaws 2025.
Has anyone tried it and is it as slow as the previous one?
Nice features in JAWS these days
Yes, nice to be able to ask a question before processing the image. I have used this to ask JAWS to read an article on a web page. This works great for articles that contain a lot of ads and extraneous material scattered throughout the article. PictureSmart just gives back the text of the article without having to listen to all of that other junk.
Another new feature people will like is the ability to ask the FS Companion how to perform a task with JAWS. Hit JAWSKey+Space followed by F1 to ask a question. This utility was trained on all of the FS support docs and help files as well as the relevant Microsoft documentation on Office aplications. The response will tell you how to accomplish a task using JAWS hotkeys.
--Pete
Wow. FS congrat on this oneā¦
Wow. FS congrat on this one. I only have 2023 currently and don't think requesting update until 2026 if never but this is cool.
Annoying bug
I updated to JAWS 2025 and everytime I try to raise or lower the volume or I press media keys on my keyboard JAWS says "Volume up", "Volume down", "Media play-Pause", "Media previous track", "Media next track" etc. I think there is some setting to adjust this behaviour, but I could not find it in Settings centre.
In ordeer to change it
In order to change it: press Insert+Tilda, the button before numbrers bar.
Insert+tilda
I pressed Insert+tilda but it does nothing. I even tried asking if this command exists on FS companion but it says that it does not exist.
Spelling Correction
Firstly, the correct spelling is 'Tilde.' Secondly, Tilde is the 'Grave/Accent' key with 'Shift' held down. Therefore, 'Insert + Tilde' is indeed the correct command.
I myself don't have nor use JAWS, but visiting https://fscompanion.freedomscientific.com did indeed give the description mentioned above.
Yeah, the above sounds like something from GPT I know... That was all me.
Not a keystroke in use
This keystroke also produces no effect for me. Furthermore, when I asked FSCompanion if it was a valid keystroke, it said it wasn't.
It's possible that there's a script assigned to this keystroke in the Hebrew version of JAWS, which Lielle ben simon is using. So that we can know what it is, could you please enter Keyboard Help mode, press the keystroke three times quickly and let us know the script which is read aloud?
Are you holding shift?
Remember, this is a alternate keystroke. So ideally, one would press, "Insert + Shift + `", to get to Tilde. Note you may have to read by character to catch that entire command.
Anyway, just think of it as Insert + Shift + Tilde, if that helps.
Finally, you tell 'em, Trenton! You go with your bad self. š
Yes
Yes, I am. Are you able to perform this keystroke?
I've been JAWS certified for 10 years, so I don't think that this is a case of me being unable to use the software. Furthermore, prior to posting here, I conducted my own research into whether there was an easy way to suppress the notification of volume level announcements and found nothing as simple as what what was referred to above.
Speak OnDemand
No. I do not currently use JAWS. I prefer the simplicity and elegance of NVDA. Especially since I can simply uncheck a box to disable the announcement of raising/lowering PC volume.
Regarding JAWS, I may have a potential work-around, but it's not great. From what I have researched, you should be able to put JAWS into "Speak OnDemand" mode. This may suppress the announcing of the volume adjustments, and such.
This is reportedly done with "Insert + Space + S".
HTH. š
Sorry guys
Sorry guys.
It's my folt.
The correct keystroke that I ment is: Insert+Space and tilde.
Thanks for correction my spelling.
I updated to Jaws 2025, and I experience this too.
regarding Jaws Hebrew version it's the same shortcuts in English version.
Re: Annoying bug
This is not a bug. The Insert+Space, ` command is for toggling announcement of volume notifications. Things like "Volume up", "Volume down", "Media play-Pause", "Media previous track", "Media next track" etc. is JAWS speaking key labels. You can turn these off by going to Settings Center > Keyboard > General > Manage Key Labels... This will give you a list of keys from which you can have the key label speak or mute. You can also change the text of the label.
any youtube demonstration about the new features in Jaws 2025
I am looking for some audio demonstration of the Jaws 2025
FS Companion
Sharing the below from my work:
There is a new AI based feature that will be a part of the new JAWS version 2025 but this feature can be used by anyone now with a web browser. Visit the following web link
FSCompanion.ai.
Then type a question about jaws/windows/office/web browsing commands and hit enter. Here is an example I just used. I typed āhow to transfer a call in Teamsā. This will be a great tool for any JAWS users or trainers or people supporting jaws users. I am pasting in the details from the whatās new page for JAWS
FSCompanion: Your AI-Powered assistant for Learning JAWS and Microsoft Applications
With so many features and keystrokes available between JAWS, Windows, and the various Office apps, it can be challenging to locate the information you need to perform a specific task or even look up a setting or keystroke you no longer recall. The new AI assistant, FSCompanion, lets you ask questions about JAWS and other applications and quickly provides the information you need without you having to search through multiple documents and web pages to find it. Want to know how a particular JAWS feature works, or the sequence of keystrokes to perform a specific task in Word? Ask FSCompanion, and the AI searches through various help and training resources in a matter of seconds, and provides the key details in a concise step-by-step format.
FSCompanion has been trained using JAWS help and training data as well as support content from Microsoft. It currently does not contain any data for ZoomText and Fusion, but it will be able to also assist with these products soon.
FSCompanion is capable of responding to questions about the following, with an emphasis on providing specific keystrokes as answers.
ā¢ JAWS usage
ā¢ Windows usage and navigation
ā¢ Web browsing
ā¢ Microsoft Word
ā¢ Microsoft Excel
ā¢ Microsoft Outlook
ā¢ Microsoft PowerPoint
To open FSCompanion:
1. Press INSERT+J to move to the JAWS window.
2. Press ALT+H to open the Help menu.
3. Press R to access the Web Resources submenu.
4. Press C to select FSCompanion and press ENTER.
You can also access FSCompanion directly in your web browser by going to FSCompanion.ai.
Once the FSCompanion page opens, focus is placed in an edit field where you can immediately type a question. After typing a question, press ENTER, and JAWS will automatically read the response as soon as it is displayed. Focus remains in the edit field, so you can ask any follow-up questions. Select the New Conversation button to start a new topic, or select the Feedback button to submit any comments about a response.
To review answers, use TAB or SHIFT+TAB, H or SHIFT+H, or the ARROW keys. Select the New Conversation button to start a new topic, or select the Feedback button to submit any comments about a response.
Here are a few example questions to help get you started.
ā¢ How do I change the JAWS volume?
ā¢ How do I select cells in Excel?
ā¢ How do I turn off the Preview Pane in Outlook?
ā¢ How do I select text?
ā¢ How do I set a PlaceMarker on a page?
Please ask as many questions as you like, and donāt hesitate to give feedback on your experiences. The types of questions you ask and the feedback you provide are very important as it helps our team train the model to be more accurate.
Note: FSCompanion is optimized for English, as it has been trained with English documentation. This means that the answers it gives are based on English keystrokes and terminology. For the best experience, please use it in English. If you ask questions in another language, the keystrokes and descriptions it provides might not be accurate. We are working on supporting additional languages.
--