Talking Tech for September 10 2013

Microsoft's Nokia deal by the numbers  by Kara Swisher

 

Interesting from a general tech news, point of view with Microsoft buying Nokia's device division, last week, but I wonder what this will mean for good old Talks, and of course, if Microsoft will ever get around to making Windows phone accessible via a screen reader.

 

http://allthingsd.com/20130902/microsofts-nokia-deal-by-the-numbers/?mod=tweet

 

Freedom Scientific FSCast for August 2013: all about the new upcoming JAWS 15 with touch screen support

 

The following link will take you to the FSCast podcast page where you can listen to the August and other podcasts within the FSCast podcast series.

 

Was quite impressed by what Freedom Scientific has in store for Jaws 15 and touch screen support.  The public beta should be coming relatively soon.

 

http://www.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/default.asp

 

 

HIMS version 8 patch for BrailleSense U2

 

With iOS 7 coming up, you will need to check if your Braille display or note taker works with your iOS device running iOS 7.

 

HIMS has released a patch for (in my case BrailleSense U2) for version 8 to make sure it is compatible with iOS 7.

 

Oh and yes, it also fix's a problem that I had with musing my BrailleSense U2 with my Mac air either via Bluetooth or USB: all works well now.

 

The following link will take you to the HIMS download page.

 

http://www.himsintl.com/down_list2.php

 

Apple event for September 10 in the US at 10AM Aussie time 3AM on Wednesday Sep 11

 

We will soon find out on Wednesday Aussie time with the new stuff that Apple will be announcing: GM (Gold Master) of iOS 7, the iPHone 5S, and perhaps even an iPhone 5c: we'll soon see.

 

Hopefully again they will stream the Keynote via the Apple website using Safari or via the Apple TV as they did earlier this year.

 

For all apple news, go to:

 

http://www.apple.com

 

Technology in Focus Sydney Enfield Friday 13 and Saturday 14 sep 2103

 

The final Vision Australia Texpo comes to the Vision Australia Enfield site this Friday and SAturday from 10AM to 4PM.

 

For more info on Texpo go to:

 

http://www.visionaustralia.org/texpo

 

 

Recent trip to New Zealand

Myself (David Woodbridge) and another Apple Accessibility Ambassador, Craig Smith from Aspect Autism Australia, was asked by Apple Australia to present and meet with a number of people and agencies around New Zealand, concerning the built in accessibility offerings in Apple's products from the 28th to the 30th of August 2013.

 

I conducted workshops on the Apple accessibility product line and how it can be utilised by blind, low vision, and other people with a disability.  

These workshops were conducted for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind (RNZFB) at both their Auckland and Wellington offices. They also invited teachers from Blind and Low Vision Education Network, NZ (BLENNZ)  to attend these two hour hands on workshops. 

We also went to ChristChurch and presented at the University Cambridge to special education support teachers. My workshops covered the use of Mac and iOS devices from a low vision and vision impaired perspective. Craig's presentation covered the use of Apple Mac and iPads with students on the autism spectrum. 

 

 

In addition, we met with a number of individuals and agencies who had an interest in Apple Accessibility and helped guide their understanding of these technologies in our respective fields

 

This was all packed into an extremely busy 3 day schedule with flights in and out of cities around New Zealand. These sessions have really facilitated a greater level of understanding of how mainstream technology can assist in the creation of inclusive environments for all. I believe it has also further promoted the brand of Vision Australia in the vision market place.