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Posted yesterday 11:52 AM ET in *Site News1 comment
HandyTech Leaks Info on TaskmasterWe're trying to figure out what exactly Taskmaster, an upcoming product from Handy Tech in Germany, actually is. The description from the Site City program states: "Taskmaster is the windows task bar for the Braille display. Tasks can be activated
easily via cursor routing and with ATC, they can be read out by touching them." So is this a new firmware version for existing displays or a new display entirely? And will existing users of HandyTech displays be able to try this thing out? HandyTech won't be at CSUN, but we'll try to find out more in the coming weeks.
Posted Wednesday, 17-Mar-2010 11:26 AM ET in Portable DevicesPost a comment
An 18-cell BrailleSense Coming?Earlier, we reported on the upcoming VoiceSense QWERTY, a new notetaker from Hims with an LCD display, compass, and other functionality. Now, this translated program from the upcoming Site City exibition in Germany reveals another notetaker from Hims, an 18-cell model with similar features. We would guess the model H318B as it will be known internationally, would feature a Perkins-style braille keyboard. We're not sure if this one will show up at CSUN or if it will be imported to the states, but we have little reason to doubt that GW Micro would not add this to their Sense notetaker series in the near future.
Posted Wednesday, 17-Mar-2010 10:51 AM ET in Notetakers/PDAsPost a comment
A sneak peek at Talks version 5.0Talks, one of the leading mobile phone screenreaders will soon be releasing version 5.0 with support for a host of new devices.
In a recent podcast found on BlindMind.net we heard a 40 minute interview discussing some of the new features being offered in the upcoming release. Check out the interview for yourself by navigating to the blog and please let us know what you think by leaving a comment.
Posted Wednesday, 17-Mar-2010 08:00 AM ET in Resources1 comment
Olympus and accessibilityAre the olympus line of digital audio recorders really accessible? In a recent podcast, done by some wonderful folks in Australia, we find out about the accessibility features built in to the Olympus DM420 and DM520 respectively. These small and sleek digital recorders feature enhanced voice guidance and superior recording quality along with extended battery capabilities and increased built in memory capacity. Please navigate to the link above and have a listen to the demonstration featuring accessibility and let us know what you think.
Posted Wednesday, 17-Mar-2010 06:47 AM ET in ResourcesPost a comment
USB Sound Card/Adapter for $3.99 ShippedMeritLine.com has a USB Sound Adapter for $3.99. With free shipping, we couldn't find it for less elsewhere. They usually cost about twice this amount. This device is about the size of a flash drive and will be recognized as a sound card by Windows. No driver is required for Windows XP, Vista, or 7. It includes volume and mute buttons as well as microphone and headphone jacks. It's a great way to add an additional basic sound card to your computer. We've tested these ourselves and are quite satisfied with the results.
Posted Tuesday, 16-Mar-2010 10:50 AM ET in PeripheralsPost a comment
Editorial: Sales Territories Hurt ConsumersMost people would argue the time machine has not yet been invented and offer plenty of arguments to back up that claim. While they may be correct in a physical sense, one need only look at some of the assistive technology companies and their system of sales territories to find plenty of examples of philosophies that should be left in the past. We contend that companies that still rely on territories to protect their dealers in 2010 are engaged in a backwards and outdated line of thinking. Read more
Posted Monday, 15-Mar-2010 2:07 PM ET in Articles2 comments
Snapfon (TM) ez ONE Cell Phone for $99.95 ShippedThe Independent Living Aids online store has the Snapfon (TM) ez ONE Unlocked GSM Cell Phone for $99.95. This phone is small enough to fit in a pocket and it has large print and bright easy to see buttons, making it simple to use. The phone displays numbers in a 28-point font and it has a speaking key pad for easy dialing. The phone includes an S.O.S feature. If there's an emergency, a five second press of the button will send out an alert and consecutively call 4 programmable numbers until you receive a response as well as calling your local emergency response center when the S.O.S. button is first activated. Other features of the phone include a high-intensity, LED flashlight that works up to 20 feet, 3-5 hour talk time, a Hi Fi headset, and a digital FM tuner. Note that sighted assistance is needed for setup and the phone requires a sim card for operation. It also works with pre-paid SIM card providers, so it will work without a contract. It is compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and other GSM providers in the USA. Shipping is free on all orders over $75.
Posted Friday, 12-Mar-2010 07:43 AM ET in Cell PhonesPost a comment
APH Book Port Plus Released, Costs $299The American Printing House for the Blind has released the Book Port Plus, the successor to the Book Port digital audio book player. The player currently costs $299, although we have heard the price will go up in September. Orders must be called into 800-223-1839. The catalog number for the Book Port Plus is 1-07191-00. Orders outside the United States may be placed by calling 1-502-895-2405.
Update: We have received official word that the $299 price is effective until further notice.
Posted Tuesday, 09-Mar-2010 2:23 PM ET in Portable Devices3 comments
Humanware Adds a CD Player Accessory to the StreamHumanware is now selling an accessory which will allow users to play and rip CD's on the Victor Stream. The new accessory connects via the unit's USB report and costs $125 for existing users. New customers can buy the stream with the drive for $449 plus shipping. According to the company, plugging in other external drives is not an option, as the stream may get destroyed in the process. By contrast, the Plextalk Pocket rips CD's with no limitation on the type of player, while the Booksense supports playing CD media, but not ripping.
Posted Friday, 05-Mar-2010 2:52 PM ET in Portable Devices1 comment
#csun10: Sendero GPS Coming to Two New PlatformsWe wish we knew more, but we are stuck with a one-line teaser about more device support for the Sendero GPS software package. Sendero will debut their software for two new platforms at CSUN in Sandiego, according to this company post on the GPS-Talkusers mailing list. We're not sure if this message refers to an upgraded platform like the Braillenote Apex or something entirely new like support for Symbian phones or the iPhone. Nevertheless, we'll report more as we learn about it.
Posted Thursday, 04-Mar-2010 12:34 AM ET in SoftwarePost a comment
Updating the NLS dtb playerThe National Library Service (NLS) digital talking book player, the free alternative to such players as Humanware’s Victor Reader Stream and GW Micro’s Book Sense offers a free update to its firmware. Libraries and patrons can upgrade players to the latest software in the following manner:
1. Obtain the latest software from the NLS web site.
2. Extract (unzip) this file onto a cartridge or USB drive so that the directory “upgrade” appears in the “root” directory of the drive.
3. Turn on the player.
4. Insert the cartridge or USB drive containing the software.
5. The player will announce “Upgrading your player’s software.”
6. Wait until the upgrade is complete and the player restarts (about 10 seconds), then remove the cartridge.
7. The upgrade will only occur if the player’s version is older than the version of the software on the cartridge; reinserting the cartridge will not repeat the upgrade. To access the latest player firmware, version 2.1.3 (November 25, 2009) click the link on this post. Don't forget to check the site for future updates.
Posted Thursday, 04-Mar-2010 12:30 AM ET in ResourcesPost a comment
Don't Forget Webvisum, Another captcha solving solutionAnother Captcha solving solution exists for Firefox users. Webvisum.com offers visually impaired users the chance to solve captchas without sighted assistance. According to the website, some of the features are • Community driven tagging and page enhancements. • Automated and instant CAPTCHA image solving, sign up to web sites and make forum posts and blog comments without asking for help! • Built in helper functions for easier page navigation and less confusion. • Numerous under the hood page tweaks designed to help screen reader users. • Visually Impaired users benefit from features such as high contrast page viewing, link and focus highlighting, and more. The service is available in English, German, Russian, Italian, Slovak, Bulgarian, Dutch, Croatian, Romanian, Portuguese, Turkish and Spanish. To use the service, you have to have an invitation, which can be gained in two ways:
Request an invitation on the website by providing your name, email address, and a comment so you can prove that a human is making the request. The other way to gain an invite is to ask your friends who use the service already to email an invite code to you.
Next, create an account, which requires the invitation code to be entered. Then install the add on in Firefox. The service is relatively easy to use. Note that there is a limit to how many captchas can be solved a day because spammers have discovered the service.
Posted Monday, 01-Mar-2010 1:59 PM ET in Resources1 comment
DreamGear i.Sound 2X Power Portable Speaker System for $7.77 ShippedWalmart has the DreamGear i.Sound 2X Power Portable Speaker System, in black, for $7.77 + 97 cent shipping. Opt for free shipping with the site to store option. These speakers feature a foldable design just right for easy travel. It is Compatible with all iPod models, PSP’s, laptops, mp3 players or any other device with a standard 3.5 mm headphone output jack. It has a custom Ipod docking station but also supports newer models like the Ipod touch, which doesn’t fit in the docking station but still works great. Custom adapters are included for the Ipod video and Nano. The speakers are powered with 4 AAA batteries, which aren’t included, or the supplied AC adapter.
Posted Monday, 01-Mar-2010 1:58 PM ET in AccessoriesPost a comment
dogpoopbags.com, the name says it all!For the proud pooch owner and the guide dog user, Dogpoopbags.com offers an alternative to the pooper scooper and trying to avoid stepping in the mess left on the sidewalk. This website provides the opportunity to purchase black EZ tie and rolled dog waste bags. Bag count starts at 100 but quantities vary depending on how many bags are needed. All US orders are shipped via UPS or USPS the same day or at the latest, the next day they are received. The amount of shipping depends on the order. Ordering seems simple enough and the company seems to respond promptly to email. Note that these bags are bio-friendly.
Posted Tuesday, 23-Feb-2010 09:30 AM ET in MiscellaneousPost a comment
Access4 Us Offers In-depth Technology ReviewsWith all of the technology blogs which just reprint press releases without comment, it's refreshing to see a new voice adding their opinion. Corry Ballard has launched Access4 Us, a new blog focusing on assistive technology and product reviews. In his "A Week With" feature he plans to spend an entire week trying out a piece of assistive technology and then writing a review on his findings. Ballard is an adaptive technology specialist for the Badger Association, a Wisconsin nonprofit. We wish him success with his new project.
Posted Saturday, 20-Feb-2010 08:56 AM ET in Resources3 comments
#atia2010 Leftovers: Pac Mate, Duxbury, MoreHere's a few remaining notes from this year's ATIA coverage which weren't covered elsewhere. First, according to Freedom Scientific's Jonathan Mosen, development is continuing on the Pac Mate Omni, despite rumors to the contrary. A new major update is forecast for the coming months, though little detail was given on functionality. Serotek launched a Hotspot version of their Accessible Event service. Where we see use in this is in a presentation which includes Powerpoints or other media. Users with a computer could log on to the appliance, essentially a souped up router, and follow along on the Powerpoint right along with the presenter. It's potentially groundbreaking for businesses. Duxbury will have a major update to their popular braille translator this summer. Included are support for newer Microsoft Office documents including Excel as well as new options for printing tables. I love the idea of being able to print a table in its original form, even if it would stretch across multiple braille pages. KNFB Reading Technology had a prototype for a portable stand for the KNFB Reader. No decision has been made on future plans for this stand though the company is actively soliciting feedback.
Posted Friday, 19-Feb-2010 4:08 PM ET in *Site News1 comment
Humanware Releases Victor Stream 3.1Humanware has released version 3.1 for their Victor Stream audio book player. This new version adds support for nested folders within the DAISY bookshelf, support for the spanish electronic braile format, and it is now possible to copy DAISY books from USB flash media to the stream. Note that the promised support for books in the EPUB format is not in this release. Version 3.1 is a free update for existing Victor Stream customers.
Posted Thursday, 18-Feb-2010 10:23 AM ET in Portable Devices5 comments
Code Factory Releases Mobile Geo 2.0Code Factory has announced the official release of Mobile Geo 2.0, the upgrade to their GPS product for Windows Mobile phones. This version includes faster route calculation, better distance calculations, improved entering of addresses, and searches by ZIP code among other features. The latest maps found in other Sendero GPS products from 2009 are also included. Learn more from the press release from Code Factory.
Posted Wednesday, 17-Feb-2010 1:14 PM ET in SoftwarePost a comment
SuperCook Makes Searching for Recipes by Ingredient a SnapWe've seen a few websites offer a way to search recipes by ingredient, but none as simple and intuitive as SuperCook. Start by typing in just the name of one ingredient, perhaps something you're trying to use up before it goes bad. Then, you will be presented with a list of other ingredients that you can add. For instance, I search for spinach and then it asked me if I had eggs, milk, cheese, and other staples. As I selected the link for each ingredient, the site updated the list of possible recipes I could make. It will show both recipes that can be made with the ingredients on hand, but also recipes that require only one or two other ingredients. You can click on an existing ingredient to limit your search to recipes which must include that item. It uses multiple recipe sites as sources, so there are plenty of options to choose from. The site is largely accessible, though some refreshing of your screen reader's browser buffer may be required after adding new ingredients.
Posted Tuesday, 16-Feb-2010 10:40 AM ET in ResourcesPost a comment
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