Blind/vision impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

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Phone carrier gives away accessibility apps to blind and vision impaired users

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The US telecommunications provider AT&T is offering Mobile Accessibility Lite, a suite of eleven accessible Android applications free to vision impaired AT&T Android users. Normally AU$99.00, Mobile Accessibility Lite is free to AT&T customers for a limited time. This is the first time that this suite of applications has been offered free of charge to people who are blind and vision impaired.

Mobile Accessibility Lite, developed by Code Factory, is a suite of 11 accessible applications for everyday online activities such as email, phone calls and contact lists, SMS, calendar and web. It also has a screen reader that replaces the standard Android text-to-speech software as well as speech recognition for easier text input, such as writing an SMS or email.

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New Kindle Fire disappoints on accessibility

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Amazon, the world’s most popular online ebook store, has updated its Kindle ebook readers with the release of four new models. The three cheaper e-ink models retain the accessibility of the previous Kindle, However, the flagship Android-based tablet/ereader hybrid, Kindle Fire, has proven disappointing for people with disabilities.

The Kindle Fire, priced at $US199, is likely to provide strong competition to the iPad due to its similar functionality, compatibility with Amazon’s ebook, music and streaming video services, and its remarkable affordability.  As with many tablet computers, the device can connect to a Wi-Fi point and provide access to a variety of online material through its built-in Web browser, access to a variety of music and allow the storage of ebooks. Its touch screen, a significant step forward from the previous Kindle, is likely to prove popular with consumers who like the iPad-style experience.

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Windows 8 hands-on test: major accessibility improvements

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Microsoft has released a preview of its Windows 8 operating system and early tests by Media Access Australia show that accessibility has been a major focus during its development.

The Windows 8 Developer Preview build 8102 has been tested by Media Access Australia and it’s clear that accessibility has received a major focus in the upcoming operating system.

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Google takes much needed steps towards accessible documents

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Google has a history of questionable accessibility in its suite of document tools. This week the web giant took a step towards inclusive practice when it announced improved accessibility features in Google Docs, Sites and Calendar.

The improvements hinge on increased support for screen readers and the introduction of new keyboard shortcuts to assist blind users. For instance, when using spreadsheets, screen reader users will now hear the cell’s location and hear feedback when outside the main content area. The Calendar application now supports the JAWS, VoiceOver and ChromeVox screen readers and allows keyboard shortcuts for navigation between functions.

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