Recent months have seen numerous updates to XEditPro Publishing Suite, DiacriTech’s unified editorial and production platform, including extensive support for InDesign’s typesetting system and the tracking of all project-related changes down to chapter level. The enhanced XEditPro equation editing feature, for instance, enables autoconversion of mathematical equations in an input Word document into editable MathML. XEditPro’s equation editor also accepts LaTeX code as input and converts it accordingly. “We have built in the capability to create links to assessments from a chapter and insert video links—such as YouTube—aside from the usual MP3, MP4, and HTML5 assets,” executive v-p A.R.M. Gopinath says.
XEditPro, a single cloud-/browser-based platform for all processes from receipt of manuscript to final delivery, suits the WFH environment to a T. It brings authors, editors, and layout specialists together in one secure workflow-enabled platform for seamless collaboration. Increased automation, AI, and natural language processing (NLP) tools further enhance user experience and productivity.
Client-designated freelancers and editors can work on specified titles securely and independently on XEditPro. A typical user in the editorial and production processes can use the publishing platform effectively without specific technical know-how. “The familiar Word-like editing interface lends comfort to all users,” executive v-p Mahesh Balakrishnan says. “These and many automated features eliminate the need for in-person training, which supports the WFH environment and physical distancing.” He adds: “XEditPro, which allows tracking of key performance indicators of a project, specifically addresses the performance metrics and motivation challenges inherent in the WFH environment.”
Meanwhile, the Internet of Things and Web Augmented Reality, or Web AR, beckon. “We are working on one innovative project that allows video communication between a HoloLens wearer and a PC user in factories or industrial zones,” Gopinath says, adding that the app can be used in areas such as basic maintenance service. “For instance, instead of deploying a service technician, an engineer can now use this app from home to provide step-by-step guidance to a customer who has problems using a particular device or appliance,” he says. “It supports the need for distancing during these pandemic times.”
Immersive Gaze—DiacriTech’s product for augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR)/mixed reality (MR)—continues to evolve. “Publishers are pushing back on VR/MR mostly because of the pandemic, and not merely to cut costs,” Balakrishnan says. “The usage of virtual headsets is not viable because the same headset is used by multiple students and may then spread the coronavirus. However, some publishing clients find the AR apps perfect for home-based classes to make learning more interesting and less isolating, and so we are set to roll out more AR projects this year.”
