Friends & Family
About GuideConnect
Designed for people with visual impairments, GuideConnect helps people who are losing their sight stay independent for longer. It connects you to friends and family, and provides easy access to a range of entertainment.
- Available on computer, laptop or TV
- Quick to learn with simple menus
- Customise the icons and text size
- Type or dictate text
- Voices guide you through menus
- Reliable support and training
Things You Can Do With GuideConnect
Send & Receive Emails
Type or use your voice to dictate and send emails. Read the emails you receive in magnified views on screen, or use GuideConnect to read them aloud.
Scan & Read Printed Mail
Attach a scanner and GuideConnect reads printed letters, labels and documents aloud. This is a useful way to maintain your privacy and independence.
Make Video Calls
This feature is a wonderful way to connect and chat with loved ones. Simple menus and your own address book make it easy to hold video calls.
Listen to Entertainment
GuideConnect makes it easy to access audio book libraries and talking newspapers. You can also listen to your favourite radio stations and discover podcasts.
Browse Websites
It's easy to navigate websites in GuideConnect with the keyboard and mouse or Dolphin remote. GuideConnect speech settings read out the information to you.
Write Letters & Documents
Independently manage correspondence. Dictate or type documents and letters to print or email. GuideConnect can also read your messages back.
Meet GuideConnect
“I think the most important thing is that it gives people their independence and privacy, which in turn gives them self-respect. They feel again that they're equal with their sighted peers”
Steve, Assistive Technology Worker at the Kent Association for the Blind
GuideConnect Features
Step-by-Step Menus
Intuitive and easy to follow, GuideConnect menus guide you through each task.
Accessible Colour Schemes
Six high-contrast, accessible designs to choose from, to suit your sight.
Adjustable Text
Enlarge text to the size you need and choose from a range of fonts.
Human-Sounding Speech
Each step is announced as you move through the menus. Choose your favourite from a range of voices.
Choice of Controls
Move through the menus with your preferred combination of Dolphin Remote Control, keyboard, touchscreen or mouse.
Type With Your Voice
Dictate emails and documents using the voice input button on your Dolphin Remote, or with a headset.
Explore More GuideConnect Features
GuideConnect offers more features to help you retain your independence. Simple and intuitive, all the features in GuideConnect are designed and tested to help people with sight loss access entertainment and ways to communicate.
Compare GuideConnect Packages
There are different ways to access and use GuideConnect. If you're new to technology, we recommend using GuideConnect through your own TV with a Dolphin Remote Control. However, if you have some computer experience, you might prefer to use a PC or laptop. Whichever you choose, GuideConnect is always easy to use.
TV Box
GuideConnect software
Plus
- GuideConnect TV Box
(software installed) - Dolphin Remote Control
- Wireless mouse
- Wireless keyboard
- HD webcam for video calling
Please note: TV not included.
The GuideConnect box connects to your own TV, and you operate GuideConnect with the Dolphin Remote Control.
Laptop
GuideConnect software
Plus
- 15" Windows Laptop
(software installed) - i3 Processor
(or AMD equivalent) - Headset with microphone
- Dolphin Remote Control
- All-in-one scanner, printer and copier
Desktop PC
GuideConnect software
Plus
- Choice of 22" or 24" monitor with i3 processor with software installed (price dependent on screen size)
- or, 27" monitor with i5 processor, software installed
- Dolphin Remote Control
- Dolphin Keyboard
- Headset with microphone
- Speakers
- HD webcam
- All-in-one scanner, printer and copier
All packages include 1 year hardware warranty, 12 month Upgrade Agreement, and free mainland UK delivery.
Packages are currently available in the UK only. To purchase GuideConnect packages outside the UK, contact an international Dolphin Dealer.
Purchase GuideConnect Software Only
If you already own a Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you may prefer to purchase and download GuideConnect software and install it yourself. A GuideConnect software purchase includes:
- GuideConnect Software to install on your own computer
- 12 months Upgrade Agreement
- 12 months GuideConnect Video Calling
- 2 hours of telephone training - claim within 1 year of purchase
- UK product support
Upgrade Agreement Included
Buy today and you will receive a free 12-month Upgrade Agreement. This entitles you to telephone and remote support with our UK team, along with the major upgrades and regular minor updates, new features and essential security releases.
It’s important to renew your Upgrade Agreement when the 12 months expires, to ensure uninterrupted access to GuideConnect updates, features and support services. We will let you know when it's due for renewal, so you don't miss out.
GuideConnect Training and Support
Training
If you have a new GuideConnect licence and are based in the UK or USA, you can claim two-hours free training by telephone in your first year of purchase.
Training Videos
GuideConnect is really easy to learn. Use the Help menu or watch our helpful video tutorials to learn the basics.
Support
Choose your support options for GuideConnect from the Knowledge Base, Quick Reference Guides, Technical Guides and more.
Accessible Video Calls
Using GuideConnect to make video calls is an accessible way to stay in touch with loved ones, your local sight loss advisers and other contacts.
Video Calling in GuideConnect is fully accessible for people with sight loss. You can use it to contact your friends and family and they can speak to you for free, using the Dolphin Friends & Family Video Calling Service.
Accessibility at Home
Articles on accessibility at home, practical information and GuideConnect user stories.
GuideConnect Reviews
Read and watch GuideConnect user stories to find out more about the positive impact it has.
Technical Information
Helpful Articles
Support for Sight Loss Organisations
If your charity or society supports people with visual impairments in your local community, Dolphin Friends is here to support you.
Free to join, a Dolphin Friends membership benefits charities in the UK and USA that work with people who are blind or partially sighted. Join Dolphin Friends and your organisation will receive free assistive technology and training for your staff and volunteers. Plus support and resources to help your clients make informed choices on assistive tech.
Your organisation will also benefit from a charitable donation each time one of your service users buys a Dolphin product.
Find out more about Dolphin Friends in the UK and Dolphin Friends US.