There has been a lot of talk surrounding Comcast's Talking Guide, the first of its kind in the United States. Earlier today, the company gave users a chance to ask questions of Comcast's Tom Wlodkowski, the employee leading the company's accessibility efforts. Among the topics discussed were some features planned for the future of the software, including the ability to adjust speech rate and verbosity, a talking Spanish language interface, and the ability to filter programs by audio described content.
Also, for those looking to take advantage of the service, The Xfinity Twitter account tweeted a possible solution:
Good news! There is a process for upgrading eligible customers to X1. Email your request to accessibility@comcast.com #AskTomX1
This Email address can also be used for other Comcast accessibility questions. Comcast will have a presence at the CSUN technology conference next week.
We [demoed the Comcast Talking Guide)(http://www.blindbargains.com/b/12294) on a Blind Bargains podcast a couple weeks back.
Some other quotes from the chat:
Category: NewsQuestion: What are the most commonly ask questions around accessibility? #AskTomX1
Answer: For me, Tom, as a person who is blind, people ask, "Do people who are blind really watch TV?" Yes... #AskTomX1
Answer: And now, with the Talking Guide, we can get the full experience just like anyone else. #AskTomX1
So far the feedback to the #EmilysOz campaign can be summed up in one word: AWESOME. #AskTomX1
EmilysOz opened up a larger discussion with how people with disabilities consume entertainment or want to consume. #AskTomX1
We're working to make description available across all platforms over time. #AskTomX1
Today, X1 customers can use the XFINITY TV app to watch live TV with video description. #AskTomX1
The ability to identify if a program has video description is on a list of improvements we're working on this year #AskTomX1
Once we have this improvement in place, a filter for video description will be possible. #AskTomX1
We're working through some improvements and speech rate & verbosity levels are the two most requested. #AskTomX1
No one has commented on this post.
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.
