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Remote assistance has often been one of those screen reader features that was out of reach for many, often due to its cost and complexity. Christopher Toth, the developer behind popular software programs including QRead and Chicken Nugget, is leading a team to change this. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched for NVDA Remote Access, a forthcoming add-on which will enable remote access support for the free and open-source NVDA screen reader. As explained on the crowdfunding web page, "NVDA Remote Access builds on the open source screen reader NVDA, allowing a blind person to send commands to and hear the speech from another user's computer. This provides an ideal tool for real time communication between workstations and opens doors for a variety of previously-inaccessible job tasks."

The team is currently seeking to raise $10,000 to pay for the development costs for the app, which will be released for free upon completion. In addition to helping the project succeed, various perks are available including beta access and a year of free tech support for the app. You can go here to read more or donate We've listed some of the advantages of NVDA Remote as described by the developers below:

Microsoft Store via eBay offers the Toshiba Encore 2 WT8-B32CNM 8 Inch 32GB Windows 8.1 Tablet in Gold, model no. PDW0AU-00601F, for $109.99 with free shipping. That's $9 under the lowest total price we could find. Features include an Intel Atom Z3735G 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 8 inch 1280x800 touchscreen, 1GB RAM, 32GB storage, rear- and front-facing cameras, 802.11n wireless, micro-USB, microSD, Bluetooth 4.0, and Windows 8.1. Note: Microsoft Signature Edition devices feature a clean operating system without any third-party trialware.

Adorama via eBay offers the 5.3-lb. Asus VivoBook Intel Haswell Core i5 Dual 1.6GHz 15.6 Inch Touchscreen Laptop, model no. V551LA-DH51T, for $479.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find by $130. It features an Intel Haswell Core i5-4200U 1.6GHz dual-core processor, 15.6 inch 1366x768 touchscreen LCD, 8GB RAM, 750GB hard drive, 802.11n wireless, DVD burner, webcam, USB 3.0, HDMI, 3-cell battery, and Windows 8 Home Premium 64-bit.

Amazon offers the Western Digital My Passport Ultra Metal Edition 2TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive in Navy, model no. WDBEZW0020BBA-NESN, for $79.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find by $29. It features 256-bit hardware encryption and up to a 5Gb/s transfer rate.

Jamosa21 via eBay offers the Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones for $199.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we've seen. (It's a current low by $49.) They include three pairs of StayHear tips, an inline remote, and mic. Deal ends March 17.

Microsoft Store via eBay offers its factory-refurbished Microsoft Surface Pro 3 12 Inch 128GB Windows Tablet, model no. MQ2-00001, bundled with the Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover in Black, Cyan, or Purple for $849.99 with free shipping. That's $220 under the lowest total price we could find for a new tablet and keyboard cover elsewhere. The tablet features an Intel Core i5-4300U 1.9GHz Haswell dual-core processor, 12 inch 2160 x 1440 multi-touch LCD, 4GB RAM, 128GB internal flash storage, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, front- and rear-facing 1080p HD cameras, microSD card slot, USB 3.0, Windows 8.1 Pro, and includes a Surface Pen. The keyboard case features backlit keys, a touchpad, and auto on/off magnetic closure. A 1-year Microsoft warranty applies.

Bring bluetooth to a laptop or PC with this device. Patozon via Amazon offers the Mpow Streambot Slider Bluetooth Receiver for $10.99. Coupon code 4WK8549F cuts it to $8.99. Plus, Prime members bag free shipping. (Non-members can spend $35 or more to qualify for free shipping; otherwise, shipping costs $6.) That's $11 off list and the lowest total price we could find. It features a USB slider case and compatibility with tons of Bluetooth enabled devices.

Need office supplies? As one of its Daily Deals, eBay offers a $100 Staples Gift Card For $85 with free shipping. Limit 5 per eBay account.

As one of its daily deals, Amazon offers up to 56% off a selection of Logitech mice, gamepads, and headsets, with prices starting from $12.50. Plus, Prime members bag free shipping on all orders. (Non-members can spend over $35 to get free shipping; otherwise, it starts at $8.41.) Deal ends today.

Microsoft Store cuts up to $400 off a selection of laptops, tablets, and desktop PCs during its PC Clearance Event. Plus, all orders qualify for free shipping. Click the provided link to see what's on sale!

As one of its daily deals, Best Buy offers the LG SoundPlate 340 4.1-Channel Speaker, model no. LAP340, for $149.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find by $50. This soundbar system features two front speaker drivers, two surround speaker drivers, dual built-in subwoofers, Bluetooth, and remote. Deal ends today.

The Android Talkback team has released version 4.1 of Google's built-in screen reader. It includes improvements which especially will benefit the upcoming release of Android 5.1, but also additional changes and bug fixes including Improved latency and enhancements to web support. We've included the changelog below and you can get it now from Google Play.

Apple has released a minor update to its iOS operating system with improvements in HealthKit and support for the forthcoming Apple Watch. iOS 8.2 is mostly a bug fixe release, and includes the new Apple Watch app which cannot be deleted. As one would expect, the Watch App is accessible according to some early users. It's available now as an update for anyone running iOS 8 or later. While VoiceOver improvements are mentioned, the changes seem minor. If you find anything we didn't mention, be sure to post a comment. Here's the complete changelog you'll see when you install the update, courtesy of BetaNews.

Amazon offers Prime members the Eureka Quick-Up Cordless 2-in-1 Stick Vacuum, model no. 96H, for $27.19 with free shipping. (Non-Prime members can spend $35 or more to qualify for free shipping; otherwise, shipping adds $10.92.) That's the lowest total price we could find by $5. This 4-lb. bagless vacuum converts from a stick vacuum to a hand vacuum. Great for all areas around the home.

Quality Cellz via eBay offers the refurbished Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 4 32GB 4G LTE GSM Android Phone in White or Black, model no. N910A, for $479.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we've seen for this phone. (It's also $205 under the best price we could find for a new unlocked unit.) It features a 5.7 inch 2560x1440 Super AMOLED display, 2.7GHz quad-core processor, 16-megapixel rear-facing camera, 3.7-megapixel front-facing camera, 3GB RAM, 32GB internal memory, Bluetooth 4.1, 802.11ac wireless, microSD card slot, and Android 4.4 (Kit Kat). Deal ends March 16.

Quick Ship Electronics via eBay offers the open-box Apple iPad Air 2 64GB WiFi Tablet in Space Gray, model no. MGKL2LL/A, Silver, model no. MGKM2LL/A, or Gold, model no. MH182LL/A, for $479.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find for a new factory-sealed model by $70. Note: A 1-year Quick Ship Electronics warranty applies. This item shows virtually no signs of use. It includes the original package (which may be lightly distressed) and the original OEM accessories.

MobilePros1 via eBay offers the refurbished Unlocked Apple iPhone 4S 32GB Smartphone for GSM Networks in Black or White for $129.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we've seen. (It's a current price low for a refurb by $19.) It's compatible with GSM networks such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Vodafone; it can't be used with CDMA networks such as Verizon or Sprint.

eBay takes up to 73% off a selection of refurbished laptops, tablets, cameras, smartphones, and more, with prices starting from $6.99. (The banner advertises up to 50% off, but we found greater discounts within.) Plus, most items receive free shipping. Click the provided link to start shopping this sale. Deal ends March 12.

Target via eBay offers the Dyson DC59 Motorhead Bagless Cordless Vacuum for $329.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find by $69. It features a direct drive cleaner head, easy-empty dirt container, tangle-free turbine tool, extension wand, and wall mount charger. Deal ends March 11 at noon ET.

As one of its daily deals, Best Buy offers the HP K4000 Bluetooth Keyboard for Tablets and Smartphones, model no. E5J21AA#ABA, for $19.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest total price we could find by $7. It features a range of up to 30 feet. Deal ends today.