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We haven t seen a firmware update for the EnVision I.D. Mate Galaxy in a long time. However, with CSUN right around the corner, some bits and bytes have emerged from the ether for Galaxy owners looking for some much anticipated fixes. Here s a rundown of what the latest update contains.

The following email was sent out to patrons of the Talking Book Library of Texas on March 1st. Those in other States may want to check in with their own local libraries if they have not seen a message, like the one listed below, if they are interested in participating in the survey. We ll update this story with more information as it comes along, but for now, here is the text of the email sent to Texans. Note that contact information for the NLS program in your state will be different than that listed here.

Code Jumper, a new offering developed by Microsoft by Microsoft enables children to learn coding skills through Project Torino, a physical programming language. It will soon be available from the American Printing House for the Blind.

Last weekend, Accessible Apps released QRead version 3.21.
This release includes improved heading navigation, improved Goodreads support, improvements to the document progress slider, and more.

Another set of new emoji is being added for you to use on your mobile devices, including some characters related to blind and visually impaired people.

Less than three years after its original release, the BrailleNote Touch is getting a makeover.

Do you or your students struggle to use Google Suite with a screen reader? National Braille Press has recently released a beginner's guide to using all google products, mail, drive, docks, sheets, slides, Chrome, Hangouts, and Calendar, on a pc, along with some notes about Mac and iOS usage as well.

Dice World, the incredibly popular iOS and Android app containing 6 free dice games, is attempting to offer its players a hands-free experience by porting the app to Alexa.

NvAccess is offering a user survey to attempt to narrow down and locate the most pressing issues for the majority of NVDA users.

Europe's largest airport now also has the distinction of being the first Aira access location outside the United States. Blind and visually impaired passengers traveling through Heathrow can now download the free aira app and receive real-time assistance from a trained agent to go through security, find gates, restaurants, rest rooms, and receive real-time updates on changes to their flights.

Dystopia, an accessible Reddit app created by a 17-year old high schooler from Colorado, has recently entered beta and is looking for testers.

Instagram has recently become more accessible for the visually impaired with the addition of two new types of caption for its image service.

Google is seeking feedback from accessibility developers regarding their workflow, experience with command line interfaces and browser-based developer tools.

Today only, Amazon offers a one year subscription to Dropbox Plus bundled with a $50 Amazon.com gift card for $99. Put another way, it's like getting the gift card for free after spending $99 on Dropbox Plus. Dropbox Plus gives you 1TB of storage and other enhanced sharing features. If you are already a subscriber, you can add the code to your existing account.

An online auction to raise money for the popular Seedlings Braille Books for Children is ending soon.

An online auction to raise money for the popular Seedlings Braille Books for Children is ending soon.

AIRA is restructuring its plans including discontinuing its unlimited plan and adding a new option for under 30 bucks a month.

AmazonBasics just released a 700 watt Alexa-enabled microwave with some cool features. It looks like GE is also getting in the voice-controlled microwaves with their GE JES1097SMSS Smart Countertop Microwave Oven.

This GE microwave features Alexa for voice control (Alexa devices sold separately). Speak directly to Alexa to achieve the ultimate in kitchen convenience to cook, defrost or reheat. Scan-to-cook technology takes the guesswork out of frozen food instructions. Cook with the right settings with the GE appliances kitchen app. Just scan the barcode and the microwave is correctly programmed to the right power level and cooking time, making your food turn out just as the manufacturer intended. Seven pre-programmed sensor menu beverage, dinner plate, pizza, popcorn, potato, reheat and vegetable. Stainless Steel exterior. Unit measures 11 h x 19 w x 14 d (h x w x d) inchs. 900 watts with 10 power settings, clock and kitchen timer.

Amazon now has the GE JES1097SMSS Smart Countertop Microwave Oven, Works with Alexa, for $139.99 with free shipping.

Alexa is getting smarter, and now she can microwave. The AmazonBasics Microwave simplifies cooking by letting you microwave using your voice and an Echo device. Just say, Alexa, reheat one cup of coffee, and Alexa will start reheating with the appropriate power and time settings. Quick-cook presets mean there s no need to guess cook times or heat levels when you re defrosting peas or microwaving a potato. There's even an Ask Alexa button right on the microwave. When pressed, there s no need to say Alexa or microwave. To start cooking, use your voice or just press the Ask Alexa button and say your cook time. The button will instantly wake up your paired Echo, just like saying Alexa does. For example, press the Ask Alexa button and say, 2 minutes, or frozen vegetables.

Auto Popcorn Replenishment can automatically reorder popcorn when you run low, enabled by Amazon Dash Replenishment technology.

Additional features include: 700 Watts of power, 10 power levels, a kitchen timer, a child lock, and a turntable. Alexa is always getting smarter and adding new presets. The unit measures 17.3 x 14.1 x 10.1 (439 mm x 358 mm x 256 mm).

Amazon now offers the Alexa Enabled AmazonBasics Microwave for an introductory price of $59.99 with free shipping. A payment plan is offered for $12.00 a month. The item will ship on November 18.

NOTE: To use the voice control features and quick-cook presets, the AmazonBasics Microwave must be paired with an Echo device (not included).

After nearly a decade of work and debate, people in the United States are on the brink of being able to obtain accessible books from international sources.