Here'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.
Category: MiscellaneousI just wonder how accurate the html formatting will be that is rendered for the powerpoints and other media content. I would love to see a demonstration or hear comments from people who have attended webinars that used the Accessible Event software. My work is looking at purchasing the AE Hotspot appliance for doing staff trainings but we are sceptical about the implication that all content will be made accessible by the software. I do web design and sometimes it's not so easy to get PowerPoint presentations and other like media content fully accessible even when you're coding by hand.
You must be logged in to post comments.
Or Forgot username or password?
Register for free
J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
