Desktop and Laptop Hotkey sets introduced in SuperNova / ScreenReader 23.01

What is the Desktop and laptop dual support Hotkey Set?

New in Version 23.01 is the Desktop and laptop dual support Hotkey Set. This Hotkey Set replaces the Function Key Hotkey Set, which was originally designed to support users using a laptop without a Numeric Keypad. The Function Key Hotkey Set has been retired due to the number of hotkey assignments conflicting with modern apps.

The new Desktop and laptop dual support Hotkey Set is built upon the UK English Desktop NumPad Hotkey Set. The popular commands from the Desktop NumPad Hotkey Set have been given main keyboard alternatives to enable seamless switching between a desktop and laptop computer.

Changing hotkey set

To change hotkey set, do the following:

1. Open the SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader Control Panel.
2. From the "General" menu, open the "Keyboard settings" submenu, and select "Keyboard" (ALT + G, K, K). The "Choose keyboard and hotkey set" dialog box opens.
3. From the Keyboard list, select "Laptop".
4. From the Set list, select "Desktop and laptop dual support".
5. When done, select the "OK" button.

New hotkey assignments

The following tables provide a summary of the new hotkey assignments. Remember, these are just the new assignments to support the use of laptop keyboards. All existing Default NumPad hotkey assignments remain unchanged with a few minor exceptions (explained later in this article).

Please also be aware that in some cases a command has not been updated due to the commands infrequent use or because similar information can be reported using alternative methods.

Speak keys

Note: The Speak from cursor command could not be assigned LEFT CONTROL + CAPS LOCK + 2 because of a keyboard hardware restriction. LEFT CONTROL + LEFT SHIFT + CAPS LOCK + 1 has been chosen as it offers a close relationship with the Speak to cursor hotkey assignment.

Magnifier

Dolphin Cursor

Connect and View

Readers (Doc Reader, Read from here, and Line View)

Speak System Information

Changed hotkeys from the Desktop NumPad Hotkey Set

All efforts have been made to avoid reassignments of commands from the Desktop NumPad Hotkey Set, however, some adjustments were required. Specifically, the keyboard commands to show lists have been reassigned to Speak keys, for example, List of links (CAPS LOCK + 1) now performs the Speak selection command.

You can continue to access lists by using the Open Item Finder command. Pressing CAPS LOCK + TAB opens the Item Finder dialog box in the "Summary" page. From here, you can select the list you wish to view.

Adding further hotkey assignments

Not all commands available in SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader that use the Numeric Keypad were given an alternative laptop hotkey assignment. In most cases this is because the commands may be infrequently used or can be easily changed through the SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader Control Panel.

If you want to add a hotkey to a command to make it easier to access, do the following:

1. Open the SuperNova or Dolphin ScreenReader Control Panel.
2. From the "General" menu, open the "Keyboard settings" submenu, and select "Hotkeys" (ALT + G, K, H). The "Hotkeys" dialog box opens, enabling you to select your command from the available categories.
3. Select your command and choose the "Add key" button to assign a hotkey to the command.

You will find your changed Hotkey Set in your SuperNova and Dolphin ScreenReader Settings folder with the extension .hkB1.