The December update of JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2026 is now available, offering new functionality and enhancements that increase efficiency and productivity. Here’s a look at some of these enhancements.
A Simpler, Faster User Registration Experience
Thanks to your valuable feedback, we have significantly simplified the Vispero account registration process to improve the user experience. Signing up now requires less information, making it faster and easier.
Read our blog post on this simpler, faster, user registration experience for all the details.
JAWS No Longer Reads Web Pages Automatically When Loaded
In response to user feedback, JAWS no longer automatically begins reading web pages after they load by default as this has become less helpful with modern websites. While JAWS still announces core page information on load like the title along with the number of regions, headings, and links, focus now remains at the top for immediate use of Navigation Quick Keys and other web navigation features.
You can re-enable automatic reading in Settings Center under Web/HTML/PDFs > Reading > Document and web pages automatically read when loaded.
AI Labeler Provides More Detailed Descriptions for Graphics
When navigating applications or web pages, you may encounter elements like buttons, checkboxes, or graphics that lack proper labels. JAWS AI Labeler uses AI to identify these elements, and provides a meaningful label. Previously, this label consisted of a few words that provided context about the element. Now, the AI Labeler generates alt-text–style descriptions consisting of one or two sentences that deliver richer context and clarity. On web pages, pressing INSERT+G on an image creates a descriptive label that JAWS automatically saves for future visits. This is especially helpful for tasks like online shopping, where you can quickly review multiple product images.
ZoomText Improvements
We continue to refine ZoomText with ongoing enhancements that improve performance, stability, and the overall user experience.
Updated Fusion Menus
We continue to refine the Fusion toolbar to make features easier to find and use. As part of this effort, settings such as Program, User Interface, Toolbar Layout, and Hotkey Layout are now grouped under Fusion > Preferences. This streamlined organization provides a more intuitive way to customize the appearance and layout of the Fusion user interface.
Visit the JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion What’s New pages to learn more about new features and enhancements.
Download Instructions
To download and install the December update of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion 2026, follow these steps on a computer connected to the internet:
- Select any of the following links to automatically download the software update: JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion.
Note: Optionally, visit the Freedom Scientific website and locate these links under the “Software Releases” heading found near the bottom of the page. - Save the setup file to a location where you can easily find it (for example, your Downloads folder).
- Place the focus on the setup file, and press ENTER to run it.
- Follow the installation instructions that are displayed. The language automatically matches that of your operating system.
Note: If you are running the latest version of JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion 2026 and automatic updates are enabled, you can start the download and installation process from the notification.
Our User Education and Outreach team offers outstanding resources for learning your Freedom Scientific software in our Training Center, which includes videos, FAQs, and instructions for getting started. Keep up with this blog and check out the Freedom Scientific Training schedule page for news of upcoming live training webinars and other events. For questions, email us at training@vispero.com.