With our busy schedule at the convention, we've failed to mention the release and subsequent pulling of version 2.0 of the Victor Reader Stream software. We don't have further information on when it will be available, but when it does, support for Windows media, BRF, and rich text formats among others will be included.

We always look forward to hearing from technology pioneer Ray Kurzweil, and for good reason. In his speech, new and upcoming features of the KNFB Reader Mobile were discussed and demonstrated. There is a new voice and TTS engine used for reading, while the Eloquence voice is still used for the menus and prompts. It also reads in seven languages and can translate between them on the fly. This feature can potentially extend the reach of the reader beyond the blind, especially for anyone traveling in a foreign country. Imagine taking a picture of a menu or brochure written in French and hearing it translated in English within a few seconds. Other hints were dropped including indoor navigation and object recognition,. As for the latter, he is helping to develop technology for untrained recognition, so objects could be described without prior training. Also, in his demonstration, the pause between pressing the down arrow key to take a picture and the actual taking of the picture appeared to be much shorter, which would cut another 2-3 seconds off the reading time. No release dates were given, but we expect the language options to be available soon.

We always follow the great convention coverage from our friends over at the Ranger Station blog, so just a quick reminder to check them out for more observations from Dallas. The exhibit hall is now open, so watch for much more from us soon.

New safeguards to prevent against data loss are among the features slated for version 6.1 of the PAC Mate Omni. In an exclusive audio interview, Jonathan Mosen, Vice President of Blindness Hardware Product Management for Freedom Scientific talks about this and many other features of this free update, which should be released very soon. Also, a few hints are dropped concerning JAWS 10 and we discuss the company's convention presence.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated summer product releases is Code Factory's Mobile Geo, the latest entry into the ever-growing GPS software landscape. In this audio interview with Chris Grabowski, technical support specialist for Sendero Group, we hear an initial hands-on demonstration as well as discuss the features of the upcoming product.

Another free screen reading option has recently been introduced, which offers speech access from virtually any computer, regardless of the operating system. WebAnywhere is the latest entrant in the field of web-based access products, and offers access to websites using a centralized program. The software was developed at the University of Washington and is currently available in English, though other languages are planned. Programmers may be interested to know that the source code of this project has been released, making this what we believe to be the first web-based screen reading product with publicly available source code. We'll be watching this one as it develops over the coming months.

With even more devices adding support for Audible books, we thought we'd point out that their current special is still active. Audible.com offers three months of their gold audiobook service for $7.49 per month, which is half off. Audible gives you credits each month which you can use to download audio books and other content. In addition to the Victor Reader Stream and now the Icon, many mainstream devices such as the Creative Zen Stone as well as most computers can play the files.

An new update has been released for the LevelStar Icon and BraillePlus PDA's. Among other features, vesion 1.11 adds support for the Audible book format so users can download and listen to books from Audible.com. Also, a new feature called the workspace has been added, which allows for users to view recent RSS feeds, files, or a welcome screen. Some bugs with some National Library Service books were also fixed.

The pre-convention news is pouring in with full force now. We reported at ATIA about the Trekker Breeze, Humanware's simplified GPS solution. Well, it's now officially shipping for the announced $895 price tag. Basically, it's a gPS receiver without the advanced features of the Trekker and seems to be targeted at people who would just like a machine to tell them where they are and what's around them without lots of complicated commands and buttons. Indeed, this unit may be ideal for computer novices or those who don't wish for more advanced solutions. It's also the cheapest stand-alone GPS system available. We'll take a look at this later in the week, and post our impressions.

It's finally time to let the cat out of the bag and the reason our update pace has been slowed recently. We've launched a new website that aims to help you select and compare phones usable by the blind and visually impaired. At AccessiblePhones.com, you can choose a wireless provider, screen reader, phone manufacturer, or feature, and learn about accessible phones which are available. We'll give you detailed specifications, links to purchase the phones and software, and any manuals and resources we've found. We'll also be expanding this site with more features, phone reviews, and new phones in the coming weeks and months. We include phones which work with a screen reader as well as phones with proprietary, built-in accessibility, making it the only known resource of its kind. Please let us know what you think of the site and how we can improve. Welcome to the world of accessible phones.

With the release of Window-Eyes 7.0, we've been able to make our life a bit easier by using bar codes. In this short demonstration, listen as J.J. uses a bar code scanner and a Window-eyes script to identify packages and read product directions.

As a reader notes, Buy.com has the black edition of the Nokia N82 for $399.99. The black model is identical to the titanium version, other than color. With free shipping, it's $50 off our mention of the other color earlier this week and the lowest current price we know to be available for this popular phone.

Following up on our wildly popular coverage of the ATIA conference in Orlando, Blind Bargains will be covering the latest breaking technology news from the summer conventions. Come back often for exhibit hall observations, new product announcements, and exclusive audio content and interviews. Also, we've created a podcast feed so you can easily follow our audio coverage. This feed is available both from the audio page we've linked to on this post and from your Nokia phone using the Podcasts application. We hope to be your one-stop resource for breaking technology convention news.

Well, the day has finally arrived. It's been an unprecedented 14 months since the release of any version of Window-Eyes, and now users around the world will get to decide if the wait was worth it. Follow the link to read the entire article.

GW Micro has released the hugely anticipated free public beta of Window-Eyes 7.0. The big news for this release is the robust support for scripting, as demonstrated by the dozens of scripts already available on their Script Central site. These include highly-advanced scripts for the Winamp media player, a handy script which speaks chat history and other info in Skype, and many scripts for performing tasks from converting units of measure to looking up dictionary terms. Not to be overlooked, this version also includes improved support for international languages, a website place marker feature, better support for Firefox 3, and new commands to navigate through web pages.

Buy.com offers the Western Digital Elements 500GB USB 2.0 hard drive for $89.99. With free shipping, that's $10 off our April mention, and we couldn't find this drive for less elsewhere. This drive features an 8MB cache, and runs at 7200RPM. New Google Checkout users can get $10 off.

It's been awhile since All-in-Play, the company known for its online multiplayer card games, has released anything new. But the outcry from many users for "something else" has finally been answered in the form of a game that has nothing to do with cards. Follow the link to read the entire article.

Via eek Technology, Amazon.com has the Sandisk 8GB MicroSDHC card for $35.49. With about $7 for shipping, we weren't able to find a better deal on a MicroSDHC card of this capacity. This card is compatible with many newer phones and mobile devices, such as the Nokia N82.

Amazon.com has the Nokia N82 cell phone, compatible with the KNFB Reader Mobile software, for $449.99. With free shipping, that's the lowest price we know to currently be available. In addition to the 5 megapixel camera used for the OCR package, it includes a built-in GPS receiver, wi-fi connectivity, a 2GB MicroSD card, and several other accessories. This phone will work with both Mobile Speak and Talks, though neither is required to use the KNFB Reader Mobile product. It's also compatible with Wayfinder Access, the accessible GPS package. We doubt we'll see this phone for the $359 price which briefly was posted a month ago, at least for the foreseeable future.

Buy.com has a pair of Maxell Noise Cancelation headphones for $28.99. Plus, shipping is free. These headphones have an over-the-ear design and also come with an airplane adapter plug.

Duxbury has released version 10.7 of their industry-leading braille transcription software. The update may be most liked by translators of math textx, as a Microsoft Word math plug-in is now directly supported. Updates to several language translation tables and support for a new Enabling Technologies label embosser are also included. Thanks to the Ranger Station for the tip.

We're pleased to announce a new version of Blind Bargains designed especially for your mobile device. You can now easily browse deals, perform searches, and listen to audio content directly from many popular phones. If you go to www.blindbargains.com from your mobile device, you'll be automatically redirected to the new site in most cases. If you aren't, you can also visit m.blindbargains.com for our mobile site.

ActiveForever.com has the Victor Reader Stream for $289. Add two to your cart and the total price falls to $549.10. Plus, shipping is free on $500 or more. That's under $275 for each unit. Find a friend, and save some money.

Research is currently being conducted which could help shape the future of CAPTCHAs, those tests given to see if you are really human. The study includes survey questions and involves you solving several audio and video CAPTCHAs and then rating them. Follow the link on this post to help the research.

MeritLine.com has the A-Data 8GB Speedy Compact Flash card for $32.49. plus, shipping is free. It works in many devices such as the BrailleNote MPower and would hold the entire United States set of Sendero GPS maps, for example.

AccessibleWorld.org will be featuring a presentation on the new features in the Victor Reader Stream 2.0. The interactive chat will be held on Monday at 8 PM Eastern, 5 PM Pacific in the tech talk room, which we've linked to on this post. We don't have any concrete details on new features as of yet, but Windows Media and braille support have been ideas talked about in the past. If you have any insight, you can send us a note. You can send us a tip anonymously if you wish for this or any other breaking news story.

You could win thousands of dollars in prizes, and just for touching a box. The Life-changing Box is a contest as mysterious as its name played out on Facebook. The creators describe it as Hot Potato in reverse. Basically, if you're in possession of a box when it opens, you win the prize inside. Certainly, the website explains the game much better than we do, so take a look, and add it to your Facebook applications. Game ends around July 11.

You've been able to get beta versions for awhile now, but Mozilla's Firefox 3 is official. Download it from the Firefox home page. It features improved security, new layout features, and faster browsing. You'll want to check with your screen reader of choice for compatibility and possible issues. Or just try it out and go back to the old version if you have problems.

For a reader, MeritLine.com has a 100-pack box of CD-R inkjet printable media for $17.99. Plus, shipping is free. You can also get 500 blank CD's for $69.99, though you have to pay for shipping on these.

Freecycle aims to change the world one gift at a time. If you haven't tried it, the concept is quite simple, really. Email discussion groups for practically any city in the country allow people to offer or request just about anything with one catch--it must be free. We've been giving away lots of items recently such as a coin sorter to a 13-year-old boy who has been saving money for several years, a foster family who could use a new pillow, and a college kid in need of a working printer. The feeling gained by giving away items we probably wouldn't use anyway is enormous. And if there comes a time where we could use some items and can't afford them, we know where to turn.

HP knocks $500 off a purchase of a Pavilion laptop of $1,399 or more using coupon NB4796. It would turn that $1,400 laptop into a $900 model, making it a very good deal. All models, excluding the tx2000z, are included.

Thanks to reader Nancy, we've fixed some of our pages when browsing through past deals. Formerly, you couldn't browse through more than one page of old deals. The links at the bottom of the page now work, however, so you can browse through deals back to our beginning in 2006.

Over at our sister site, ATGuys.com cut the price on the Mobile Speak Pocket screen reader to $295. That's a $200 drop and the lowest price we could find. This screen reader works with many Pocket PC phones such as the HTC Tilt and XV6800. Update: the price has fallen to $265.50 through July 31.

Amazon.com offers the Sennheiser PX 100 Collapsible Headphones for $39.99. With free shipping, we couldn't find them for less elsewhere. You can also get another $10 off if you send your old headphones to Sennheiser. In addition to their portability, these headphones feature a rugged, open-air design and come with a case.

LetsTalk.com has the T-Mobile Dash for free with activation from T-Mobile. Then, receive an additional $50 rebate, which is pure profit. The Dash runs Windows Mobile 5.0 and includes wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It's compatible with Mobile Speak and Mobile Magnifier for Pocket PCs. Update: It also is supported by Dolphin's Smart Hal.

EBay has been known far and wide as the world's online marketplace. But with time comes competition, and one of the better competitors to emerge in recent memory is OnlineAuction.com. With 13 million items as of the time of this post, there's no shortage of auction listings on the growing site. For sellers, their pricing model is different as well. Instead of paying per listing, sellers pay a flat monthly fee to list as many items as they list. If you're having trouble finding something on EBay, give this one a try.

Code Factory is no stranger to big contests, but their latest effort trumps their past efforts. The company is giving away more than $20,000 in prizes in their Reading on the Go competition. To enter, fill out a survey at the link provided on this post. Prizes include phones, Code Factory screen reading products, KNFB Reader Mobiles, and subscriptions to Bookshare.org.

For a reader, Amazon.com has the JBL On Tour Portable Speaker System, in black, for $39.99. While this is $10 over our March mention, there's no rebates to deal with. Plus, shipping is free. The On Tour features an Integrated protective cover and stand, touch controls, and a universal AC adapter. It hooks up to your computer, MP3 player, or Victor Reader Stream, among others.

Skype has retooled their unlimited calling plans yet again, and this time they're even better in our opinion. Now, residents of the U.S. and Canada can get unlimited country to those two countries for $2.95 a month. Unlimited actually means 10,000 minutes a month, which is about five hours a day. Or, pay $9.95 for unlimited calls to over 30 countries, a great deal for international callers. Similar deals exist for calling your own country if you live in Europe, or calling all of Europe. Check the link for more details.

Executive Products, Inc. has released another in their well-regarded line of fitted cases. Their new leather offering is for the Nokia N82 and costs $24.99 plus shipping. It protects the phone while allowing for easy access to the keypad, data ports, and camera.

Buy.com has the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic cell phone for $209.99. Plus, shipping is free. This phone features dedicated music buttons similar to the N75 as well as over 20 hours of .MP3 playback and a built-in equalizer. While not officially supported by the screen reading products, it is similar to other phones which are, which leads us to believe it just hasn't made it to the list yet.

Buy.com has the Sonic Impact Wireless FM Music Adapter for $10. Plus, shipping is free. It transmits audio from your MP3 player or portable audio device over FM to your stereo or car radio. New Google Checkout users can get this item for free after the $10 discount.

With American Airlines' announcement of a charge for the first checked bag, we thought it may be useful to link to a post from the Airfare Watch Blog. It neatly summarizes the fees for checking one, two, or ten bags on the major and minor U.S. carriers. Southwest is the only major carrier that lets you check two bags for free. Check the link for the complete list.

MeritLine.com has the A-DATA PD9 USB2.0 8GB Flash Drive for $27.75 Shipped. We couldn't find it for less elsewhere. 8GB is equivilent to roughly 11 blank CD media.

Amazon.com has a set of two Pyrex baking dishes for $8.99. Shipping is about $8, or bump your order to $25 or more for free shipping. You get a two quart and three quart dish which is both dishwasher and microwave safe.

While we're on the subject of memory cards, SuperMediaStore.com has the A-Data 4GB MicroSDHC card for $20.39. With free shipping, it's the cheapest card of this size and type we've seen. A full-size SD adapter is also included.

I can't believe we've never written about CampusFood.com, perhaps the most used website amongst our staff. If you live on or near a college campus, the site offers online ordering for hundreds of restaurants ranging from large chains to small local eateries. Coupons and promotions are often available. You can also save your most ordered items to a favorites list and then order from your phone using text messaging. The site is pretty easy to navigate and works well with screen readers.

Serotek is offering a huge prize package to one lucky person who fills out a short survey on accessibility products. The winner of the Summer Sizzle contest will receive, among other items, a complete System Access screen reading package, an Asus EEE ultraportable PC, a copy of Mobile Speak (any version), and a Victor Reader Stream. The survey is only one page and is quite simple. Contest ends September 1.

Buy.com offers the Creative TravelSound 250 Portable Speakers for $9.99. With about $4 for shipping, we weren't able to find these speakers for less elsewhere. These speakers run for at least 35 hours off four AAA batteries, and come with a line-in cable and travel pouch. They work with most MP3 players and other portable devices such as a Victor Stream or BrailleNote.

Dell is celebrating the holidays with savings on some popular laptops. We're not sure how that relates to Memorial Day, but what can we say.. Get the Vostro 1500 for $494, which is a good choice for the budget-conscious. Or, if you seek performance and long battery life, try the Latitude D630 starting at $829. Among its other features, you can buy a second battery which can go in its media bay slot for even longer usage.