News
Microsoft helps Blind/VI children to develop an interest in coding from a young age with Code jumper
Code Jumper, a new offering developed by Microsoft by Microsoft enables children to learn coding skills through Project Torino, a physical programming language. It will soon be available from the American Printing House for the Blind.
QRead Version 3.21 Released, including improved heading navigation, improved goodreads search, and more
Last weekend, Accessible Apps released QRead version 3.21.
This release includes improved heading navigation, improved Goodreads support, improvements to the document progress slider, and more.
New Cane and Guide Dog Emojis Coming in 2019, We Asked Aira to Describe what They Look Like
Another set of new emoji is being added for you to use on your mobile devices, including some characters related to blind and visually impaired people.
#ATIA19: Humanware Refreshes the BrailleNote Touch with Faster Hardware, Android 8.1
Less than three years after its original release, the BrailleNote Touch is getting a makeover.
Resources for accessing and using Google Suite with a screen reader
Do you or your students struggle to use Google Suite with a screen reader? National Braille Press has recently released a beginner's guide to using all google products, mail, drive, docks, sheets, slides, Chrome, Hangouts, and Calendar, on a pc, along with some notes about Mac and iOS usage as well.
AppA11y is attempting to port dice world to Alexa, and they need your help
Dice World, the incredibly popular iOS and Android app containing 6 free dice games, is attempting to offer its players a hands-free experience by porting the app to Alexa.
NVDA user Survey attempts to find most pressing issues
NvAccess is offering a user survey to attempt to narrow down and locate the most pressing issues for the majority of NVDA users.
Heathrow airport becomes the first Aira access location outside the United States
Europe's largest airport now also has the distinction of being the first Aira access location outside the United States. Blind and visually impaired passengers traveling through Heathrow can now download the free aira app and receive real-time assistance from a trained agent to go through security, find gates, restaurants, rest rooms, and receive real-time updates on changes to their flights.
Deals
JackyLED Pop-Up Power Strip for $24.74 [Shipped]
JackyLED Direct via Amazon offers its JackyLED Pop-Up Power Strip for $32.99. Coupon code "K4QT2VQS" drops it to $24.74. With free shipping, that's the lowest price we could find by about $5. This retractable power strip features three AC outlets, two USB ports, and a 6.5-foot power cord. Deal ends February 22.
Planters nuts On Sale at Amazon
Amazon takes 20% off select Planters nuts via this clippable coupon. Even better, get an extra 5% off when you order via Subscribe & Save. Plus, these orders receive free shipping.
Papa John's Large 1-Topping Pizza for Free for Sprint customers
For Sprint customers only, Sprint offers a Papa John's Large 1-Topping Pizza for free when you download the My Sprint Rewards app for iOS or Android. (It's free to download and join. A promo code for the pizza will appear as a reward after you have downloaded and verified the app.) That's a savings of around $17 and a rare freebie from Papa John's.
20-Sachet Package Zest Tea High Caffeine Blend for $9.71 [Shipped]
Amazon offers the Zest Tea High Caffeine Blend 20-Sachet Package in several flavors for $9.71 with free shipping via the steps below. That's the lowest price we could find by $4. It purports to have as much caffeine as coffee. To get this deal: 1. Click the provided link. 2. Clip the 20% off coupon on the product page. 3. Order via Subscribe & Save for a final price of $9.71. Note: Be sure to cancel Subscribe & Save after your item arrives to avoid being billed for future shipments.
24-Pack RXBar Real Food 1.83-oz. Protein Bars for $31 [Shipped]
Amazon offers the RXBar Real Food 1.83-oz. Protein Bar 24-Pack in Peanut Butter for $41.34. Clip the on-page coupon and check out via Subscribe & Save to cut the price to $31. With free shipping, that's $10 less than you'd pay in local stores. Each bar contains 12g of protein. Note: Be sure to cancel your subscription after your order arrives to avoid being billed for subsequent shipments.
20-Pack Schick Xtreme3 Disposable Razors for $12.99 [Shipped]
Closeout Center via eBay offers the Schick Xtreme3 Disposables Razors 20-Pack in Refresh Scent for $12.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest price we could find by $11. Each razor features dual comfort strips, a rubber handle, and lubrication for a burn-free shave.
Panasonic Wet/Dry Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer for $10.99 [Shipped]
Circuit City via eBay offers the Panasonic Wet/Dry Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer for $10.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest price we could find by $4. It features a micro-vacuum system and stainless steel blades and runs up to 90 minutes on one AA battery (not included).
Cococka 3-in-1 USB 2.0 SD / microSD Card Reader for $5.84 [Shipped]
Cococka via Amazon offers its Cococka 3-in-1 USB 2.0 SD / microSD Card Reader for $8.99. Coupon code "E833NTRW" cuts it to $5.84. With free shipping, that's $3 off and the lowest price we could find. It features USB 2.0 Type-A, micro USB, and USB Type-C plugs and microSD and SD card slots. Deal ends February 28.
Podcasts
#ATIA19 Audio: Command Multiple Devices With The HIMS QBraille XL
At ACB 2018 we caught up with Jenny Axler to learn about the debut of the QBraille XL. The hybrid device is now shipping and on display at ATIA19. J.J. caught up with Damion Pickering and Earl Harrison of HIMS, to talk about how the QWERTY keyboard Braille display has changed since its summer splash onto the A.T. scene. If you would like to find out more about the unit s features, or discover what else is happening at HIMS, visit their website
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.
#ATIA19 Audio: Aces Are Hight For The Acesight And Zoomax
David Bradburn, President of Zoomax USA, on BBQ 153
Provided us with some details about a new product coming to the wearable video magnifier line. He also amazed us with stories of his gastronomy adventures from his travels around the world. Now, from the ATIA Exhibit Hall floor in Orlando, David gives J.J. an update and launch specifics regarding the newly renamed Acesight. But sadly, there was no time to discuss the finer points of convention cuisine. To learn more about this new unit, visit the Acesight website
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.
#ATIA19 Audio: Humanware Pulls Back The Curtain On Their Reveal 16 Video Magnifier
We speculated in BBQ 172 about the features of Humanware s newest Video Magnifier with the idea that we would learn more when J.J. traveled to ATIA. Enter Eric Beauchamp , Product Manager For Low Vision Devices, who stepped into the Humanware suite with all the info about the new Reveal 16 and then some. Hear how the unit folds down, the battery life and the operating system in this interview. Then go back to our previous episode and see if we guessed right. To order the Reveal 16, or to learn more about Humanware's Low Vision line of products, head over to the company's website
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.
#ATIA19 Audio: IRIE-AT Is Totally Your Braille Buddy When It Comes To Phones And Video Magnifiers?
The cool thing about ATIA is that you can sometimes get an early look at an upcoming product before it arrives at the summer shows. Jeff Gardner, CEO of IRIE-AT, gave J.J. a look at a prototype video magnifier called the Read Easy Evolve. Hear a description of the unit and then a live demo from the Exhibit Hall floor. The conversation then moves toward Braille as Jeff gives an overview of the Braille Buddy embosser and provides some information about accessible phones. And that is just scratching the surface of the products being displayed at ATIA. To learn more about the products mentioned in this interview, and so much more, head over to the IRIE-A.T. website
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.
#ATIA19 Audio: Becoming Modern With Microsoft And Low Vision Access In Windows
Microsoft has been steadily adding features and enhancements to Windows 10 over the course of a series of Spring and Fall updates. Braille support, speech during the installation process and having the ability to use Narrator in safe mode are just some of the accomplishments the Accessibility Teams at Microsoft have brought to the operating system. Jason Grieves, Product Manager Low Vision Windows Accessibility, had a moment at ATIA to chat with J.J. about how the company is now providing that same focus for Windows Magnifier. Jason outlines features coming to magnifier in the Spring Update that include enhancements to pointers, centralized focus and how users can do more with Narrator and Magnifier running together. To stay up to date with everything going on with access at Microsoft, and to attend their new webinar series, follow Microsoft Access on Twitter
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.
#ATIA19 Audio: There Is More Described And Captioned Media Out There Thanks To The DCMP
Many of us consider the rise of Audio Description and Caption services as something that came about recently. However, what if we told you that early forms of these services date back to 1958? In this interview Kyle Sisk, Information Systems Manager for the Described and Captioned Media program, provides J.J. a look at how accessible content goes all the way back to the 16 millimeter film strip. Kyle then talks about how the DCMP is one of the largest creators of educational based described and captioned content currently through more modern delivery services like the web, iOS app and even a Roku Channel. Tune in to hear how the DCMP has worked with Netflix and how you can become a member of their free services. If you would like to know more, visit the DCMP website
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.
#ATIA19 Audio: Dolphin Can Guide And Connect You With Greater Ease
Gareth Collins, Tech Support Manager for Dolphin, is no stranger to the BBQ microphones as we try to catch up with him at each of the major Blindness and Low Vision events. This time around Mr. Collins has much to bring J.J. up to speed on with Dolphin as the easy to use Guide software has seen a dramatic re-write from the ground up. Hear about the changes coming to Guide, more about GuideConnect and learn about how this combination is great for those out there who want to use computer services without having to know, or troubleshoot, the inner workings of a computer. The pair also discuss what is new with the soon to be released Supernova 18. And don't forget that Dolphin s free EasyReader app is available for Android and iOS. To catch up with all the goings on at the company, or to obtain free trials of the software mentioned in this interview, venture over to the Dolphin Computer Access website
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.
#ATIA19 Audio: The Neil Squire Society Is Leveraging Open Source To Help Makers Making Change
Many people are familiar with the phrase one size does not fit all. There can be many good solutions out there to solving a problem. And that philosophy is what fuels the DIY community to creatively accomplish tasks outside of the typical mainstream method of doing so. Chad Leaman, Director of Innovation for Makers Making Change, explains to J.J. how the Neil Squire Society is offering a way for creators to tackle common Assistive Technology issues through the power of community and open source solutions. To learn more about this project, or to join in the cause and submit your own ideas, visit the Makers making Change website
ATIA 2019 coverage is Brought to you by AFB AccessWorld.
For the latest news and accessibility information on mainstream and access technology, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offerings, access technology book reviews, and mobile apps, and how they can enhance entertainment, education and employment, log on to AccessWorld, the American Foundation for the Blind's free, monthly, online technology magazine. Visit www.afb.org/aw.