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In a move that is unsurprising to most, VFO/Freedom Scientific, makers of the JAWS for Windows screen reader, has discontinued sales and support for former competitor Window-Eyes, previously made by GW Micro and then AI Squared. Current Window-Eyes users are entitled to a copy of JAWS 18 free of charge.

Amazon has introduced a new, free feature for their Echo product with Alexa. Now you can call and message with your Echo device.

First, insure that you are running the latest version of the Amazon Alexa app for either iOS or Android. Next, complete the very accessible setup process, including importing your phone's contacts. Once everything is done, you can say things like, "Alexa, call Mom", or "Alexa, call Grace" to make a call. An example of sending a message would be, "Alexa, send a message to Chris". To answer a call, just say, "Alexa, answer the call". To check new messages, just ask, "Alexa, play my messages".

You can call or message any contact who also has the free Alexa App on their phone, an Echo, or an Echo Dot, and has enabled Alexa calling and messaging. Once you update the app, you can see which contacts have also enabled Alexa calling and messaging. Don't see your friends or family in the app? Just forward this post to help them get started. Need more information? Click the provided link to learn more!

Humanware has posted a product page for the Brailliant 14, a new portable braille display being shown at the SightCity event in Frankfort, Germany. The display can pair with up to 5 Bluetooth devices at once as well as via USB and can also be used to take simple notes.

The dates and program for the next edition of NVDACon have been announced. The 3-day virtual event, featuring presentations, lightning talks, and discussion about the free NVDA screen reader, will be held May 19-21.

A new listing in the iTunes App Store hints at a possible new braille display for Humanware. Brailliant Sync is a free app that was recently posted which offers support for Brailliant 14 braille devices, a possible extension of Humanware's braille display line.

In case you are looking to plan way into the future, the American Council of the Blind has announced its 2018 and 2019 convention cities.

Apple's App Store offers the AudioGame Super Bundle for $20.99. From the description, "In order to celebrate the official launch of Associazione Audiogames , we are releasing the AudioGame Super Bundle , containing some of our best audiogames: Space Encounter, Blind Gladiator, Audio Rally Racing, Audio Speed, She Noir and Inquisitor Heartbeat. Six of our best creations offered to you with an awesome discount! Available only for a limited time."

Google has posted about 70 sessions on the calendar for its upcoming I/O conference including two which are accessibility-focused.

Android's latest version of TalkBack is out of beta and now ready for your consumption. Version 5.2 includes new speech verbosity settings, new audio earcons, and other minor improvements

VFO, owners of the Freedom Scientific, Optelec, and AI Squared brands, is growing in size once again with the acquisition of The Paciello Group.

You can earn $5 and have a chance for a $75 Amazon Gift Card by participating in a survey about assistive technology use. The survey is being hosted by the UNiversity of Washington, and you can take it multiple times if you use various types of assistive technologies.

A very minor update for JAWS 18 has been released, on the heels of the bigger April update posted a couple of weeks ago.

The Google Play Awards, which recognize the best in Android apps, include an accessibility category and the nominees have been announced

one of the earliest methods for users to solve visual CAPTCHAs may now be obsolete once and for all. WebVisum, a Firefox add-on for solving the pesky visual puzzles, seems to no longer work with the latest version of the browser.

Netherlands-based Solutions Radio is debuting the 3rd version of its Webbox media solution. The device provides a simple interface to listen to newspapers, podcasts, books, Email, and other audio content and as of version 3, it's now portable

Version 2.7.3 of the KNFB Reader app for iOS has received one small but potentially very useful feature

A promised update to the Victor Stream 2nd Generation software has been released by Humanware which will be of most use to users of the Daisy Online service. Version 4.8 supports dynamic menus in Daisy Online, a service used by organizations to distribute books which is popular in many countries but not the U.S.

When Microsoft announced its plans for 2017, one of those plans was to implement support for braille displays through Narrator. With the release of the Creator's update, Microsoft has begun delivering on this promise. According to the December 2016 blog entry, "The (Windows Creators update) beta will support braille displays from more than 35 manufacturers, using more than 40 languages and multiple braille variants, including grade 2 contracted braille."." How well has that come to pass with the public release? Read on to find out my experiences from installing and running various devices on the new Windows 10 update.

VAUX is the first battery-powered speaker designed specifically to house the Amazon Echo Dot. Its cordless portability, enhanced audio quality and beautiful modern aesthetic lets you enjoy VAUX anywhere in your home environment. Plug, Play. Enjoy.

The latest version of ZoomText includes only two listed changes, but may be very helpful for certain international users and those experiencing stability issues.