AXS Map: Crowdsourced Accessibility Reviews of Businesses

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Chta29jjXQ" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiABzV_gKQ5m0T2Ap2wyjmPRzyUU6WNd2tIt_C-PDbWOV0_PLKG7rXvu4JPj-rCiqYXI1O9gcIt9I7WYMoZ7Dp4GtFMZKTSVlurNmv9UVM_sWFmkTS9LX0DyQEUitiR9Ayi29NbJ9z2oY/s1600/icon175x175.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiABzV_gKQ5m0T2Ap2wyjmPRzyUU6WNd2tIt_C-PDbWOV0_PLKG7rXvu4JPj-rCiqYXI1O9gcIt9I7WYMoZ7Dp4GtFMZKTSVlurNmv9UVM_sWFmkTS9LX0DyQEUitiR9Ayi29NbJ9z2oY/s200/icon175x175.png" width="75" /></a>AXS Map is an app available for iOS and Android that allows users to rank the accessibility of local businesses. Using the location of the device users can search for nearby businesses and rank the accessibility of the location in very basic terms. More detailed accessibility information and information for people with a wider range of disabilities would improve the app.<br /><br />While accessibility standards established by the government are exact and technical, AXS Map uses a star rating system. For example, a businesses that is easily accessible to people with disabilities would earn a five star ranking. The app also allows users to rank a business based on the noise level, which can be helpful for people with hearing impairments, and by light which can be helpful for people with visual impairments.<br /><br />I was recently involved in a "Mapathon" were a group of people used the app to map parts of the city. This experience helped me understand the value of the app, as some businesses had serious accessibility issues such as numerous steps with no ramps.<br /><br />The data that is inputted through the app or the website can then be viewed by people interested in the accessibility of a business. For example, a person with a physical disability could check the app to make sure that a coffee shop had a ramp.<br /><br />If the AXS Map platform becomes popular it could even prompt businesses with poor rating to make improvements.<br /><br />While the concept behind AXS Map is good, the implementation is a little rough. The app is not intuitive to use and can be frustrating. However, it does work once you get familiar with the interface. The app also requires users to enter their email which could steer some users away.<br /><br />To use AXS Map visit <a href="http://axsmap.com/">AXSMap.com</a> or download the app for iOS and Android. <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDgQFjAF&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fapp%2Faxs-map-v2%2Fid554015666%3Fmt%3D8&ei=Ev2PVYuzDserggS78YCAAg&usg=AFQjCNFZrY1ZjcqEmGxnh9ihHWc_T0Mh9A&sig2=FzUfV6ccjOrojIMHHhpNtA&bvm=bv.96783405,d.eXY">Click here</a> to download the app for iOS and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CD8QFjAG&url=https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dcom.axslab.axsmap%26hl%3Den&ei=Ev2PVYuzDserggS78YCAAg&usg=AFQjCNFP6uHYfu5nXlWhRVJ3YeOMFH-QgA&sig2=zPGZN_pO48DYA3-3p8DqFg&bvm=bv.96783405,d.eXY">click here</a> to download the app for Android.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Inspiration Maps Updated with iPhone Support and More

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroPT3ryaC4zeMXoZaJvxJaqehKI3F90YkQdFqQeKTbckvZ4U93JRMPEXjJhZxwLJ0p-tQ5l218I5io0YnT1gI-qtMd1wyrBMbQEMvxuUoVE9eUhOarToy78nEJvDJBELukJgJYfGx6gI/s1600/screen322x572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inspiration Maps displayed on iPhone 6" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroPT3ryaC4zeMXoZaJvxJaqehKI3F90YkQdFqQeKTbckvZ4U93JRMPEXjJhZxwLJ0p-tQ5l218I5io0YnT1gI-qtMd1wyrBMbQEMvxuUoVE9eUhOarToy78nEJvDJBELukJgJYfGx6gI/s320/screen322x572.jpeg" title="" width="180" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVVyCDvvUwIqho1RSicP1a4ON3WUs5UeptqBEDTriCkUOVYGkvkb85U3Cm7MNSv5k69hHETQkMxXB-fQ3qwm9Zw1xDC28Rza_xTUkjFOZvCRT7qBHmekBw_1Zra77OcJVbaT8wqd4xJw/s1600/mzl.fvqzdqfb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inspiration Maps icon" border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVVyCDvvUwIqho1RSicP1a4ON3WUs5UeptqBEDTriCkUOVYGkvkb85U3Cm7MNSv5k69hHETQkMxXB-fQ3qwm9Zw1xDC28Rza_xTUkjFOZvCRT7qBHmekBw_1Zra77OcJVbaT8wqd4xJw/s200/mzl.fvqzdqfb.png" title="" width="75" /></a>The mind mapping and outlining app <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/08/inspiration-maps-for-ipad-mind-mapping.html">Inspiration Maps</a>, which was previously only available on the iPad, is now available on the iPhone as well. The app is a valuable tool to help students organize their ideas and start the writing process. Users can drag text boxes around the screen to easily produce webs of ideas. Inspiration Maps is particularly helpful when writing about complex topics that require a well planned and organized essay. Inspiration Maps can be also be helpful when beginning an essay to visualize the structure that the written piece will take.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/what-larger-screen-iphone-means-for.html">larger screen iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus</a> in makes sense to bring the app to the iPhone. If you are concerned about not having enough room to effectively use the app on your iPhone, a free version is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inspiration-maps/id510031612?mt=8">available here</a>.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The update also makes in easier to select multiple text boxes or images at the same time. Now users can press and hold on the screen in order to lasso a group of images.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The updated app is available for $10 is the App Store. <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/inspiration-maps/id510173686?ls=1&mt=8">Click here</a> to download the app. Click read more below to view more screenshots of Inspiration Maps for iPhone.<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple7/v4/4c/bc/f5/4cbcf5de-1f70-7ab5-51d7-7d6d510a74cc/screen322x572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="graphic highlighting brainstorming" border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple7/v4/4c/bc/f5/4cbcf5de-1f70-7ab5-51d7-7d6d510a74cc/screen322x572.jpeg" title="" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/f6/f0/5a/f6f05a85-a9cb-10df-6809-933f6f8a8a43/screen322x572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="screenshot showing ability to add graphics, notes, hyperlinks, and audio" border="0" height="320" src="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/f6/f0/5a/f6f05a85-a9cb-10df-6809-933f6f8a8a43/screen322x572.jpeg" title="" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple7/v4/27/9d/08/279d0829-bc60-c8d6-f3f6-9d60e7758a2f/screen322x572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="screenshot showing the ability to flip between web and outline view" border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple7/v4/27/9d/08/279d0829-bc60-c8d6-f3f6-9d60e7758a2f/screen322x572.jpeg" title="" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/7a/d5/22/7ad52220-52a1-e0a5-25b9-50b425bbd330/screen322x572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/7a/d5/22/7ad52220-52a1-e0a5-25b9-50b425bbd330/screen322x572.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Bright Future for Apple Accessibility with Lisa P. Jackson in the Lead

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRikDKO34Kpnlcv_YxMMr2bC4-eYe0c2Ow6wO0xm2f-L5asn3Sj3o9mzwfpveJDK4pslM4H2zuRnQ3NN3M5GSy-rrD5h7GR7zdEt2ApbqmRzxZpz5tWuKUmZ93WUOhNywKrJpiN5SElO4/s1600/lisa_hero-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Headshot of Jackson wearing red shirt" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRikDKO34Kpnlcv_YxMMr2bC4-eYe0c2Ow6wO0xm2f-L5asn3Sj3o9mzwfpveJDK4pslM4H2zuRnQ3NN3M5GSy-rrD5h7GR7zdEt2ApbqmRzxZpz5tWuKUmZ93WUOhNywKrJpiN5SElO4/s320/lisa_hero-2.png" title="Lisa P. Jackson" width="309" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apple recently updated the bio of Lisa P. Jackson to reflect her new role overseeing <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2015/03/apple-watch-accessibility-possibilities.html">accessibility</a> at Apple. This expands her previous responsibilities of overseeing environmental initiatives at Apple. Ms. Jackson's official title is now Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. Apple CEO Tim Cook has been vocal regarding his views of the importance of accessibility. This new management change, which puts a Vice President level executive in charge of accessibility for the first time, seemingly reaffirms Apple's long-standing commitment to <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">accessibility</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/apple-releases-ios-8-with-major.html">Apple</a> has been a leader in accessibility. Its products include superior accessibility features out of the box. Features such as <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/12/apples-new-app-return-policy-in-europe.html">VoiceOver</a>, Speak Selection, Zoom, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/06/today-apple-announced-ios-6-new-update.html">AssistiveTouch</a>, and Switch Control give people with disabilities equal access to Apple products at no additional charge.From personal experience I can say that these features are truly life changing and positively impact many people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even considering Apple's past success there are areas for possible improvement. One example involves training sales people about the accessibility features. On recent trips to Apple Stores, I have had some experiences that are not consistent with Apple's commitment to accessibility. For example, the Apple Watch on display had its accessibility features disabled. While Apple likely wants to limit confusion for customers who do not use accessibility features, this does not promote equal access. Part of the magic of the Apple Store is being able to walk up to a shinny new product and try it out. With the accessibility features disabled, and the sales people unfamiliar with how to enable these features, users with disabilities don't have an opportunity to fully explore the product. Apple should be showing off these features, not hiding them. Apple would be doing a great service to its customers with disabilities to prepare its store employees to talk about accessibility features as well as they talk about other features.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ms. Jackson has proven herself to be a very capable leader.  She has the ability to continue Apple's accessibility superiority and solve existing challenges. Her work on environmental initiatives has been very successful, propelling Apple towards the top of the technology industry in terms of sustainability. The future of Apple product accessibility seems bright, and I am excited to see what innovations come next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To read Lisa Jackson's full bio from Apple <a href="http://www.apple.com/pr/bios/lisa-jackson.html">click here</a>. Photo credit: Apple.</div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

KNFB Reader App: Amazingly Fast and Accurate

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VLIbeObTFLo" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a700.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/4e/df/17/4edf1772-a7c5-96d2-6f9a-e2a5238ed507/mzl.uycknndr.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="75" src="http://a700.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/4e/df/17/4edf1772-a7c5-96d2-6f9a-e2a5238ed507/mzl.uycknndr.png" title="KNFB Reader app icon" width="75" /></a>The <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/knfbreader/id849732663?mt=8">KNFB Reader</a> is a text recognition app that is shockingly fast. Take a picture of a newspaper article or practically any printed text and within a couple of seconds the app will be reading the text back to you. A "couple of seconds" is no exaggeration, the KNFB Reader app is that fast. For people who are visually impaired or have difficulty reading, the KNFB Reader is perfect for accessing printed text.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once a document is properly framed, only one more step is necessary to start reading the document. Simply press the take picture button and within seconds the app will recognize the text within the document using optical character recognition (<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/12/textgrabber-fast-cheap-accurate-ocr-app.html">OCR</a>) and begin reading it with <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-in-ios-8-start-text-to-speech.html">text-to-speech</a>. No need to crop or adjust the image, once the picture is taken the app does all the work. All recognition is done locally on the device so personal data is never transmitted over the internet.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The KNFB Reader app has a number of features that help users capture images of text. For users who are blind and visually impaired the app offers a "field of view report" which offers spoken feedback to help frame the document in the view finder. This feature will let a users know how many corners of the document are within the field of view and if the document is tilted. In addition, the app offers automatic picture taking mode which will automatically snap a picture of a document when it is properly framed.  The app also includes the ability to capture multi-page documents with batch mode. The field of view feature worked well with loose paper documents, but I did not have success using the automatic capture feature with books.<br /><br />In addition to using the device's built in camera to capture images, users can also import image based PDF documents and JPG files to be recognized with the app. For example, using the "open in" feature of Google Drive will allow a user to import an image to be recognized and read with KNFB Reader.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Text is can be highlighted word-by-word or line-by-line as it is being read aloud by the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-in-ios-8-start-text-to-speech.html">text-to-speech</a> voice. Users can adjust the layout and appearance of the text and change the speaking rate of the text-to-speech voice. Only the default iOS text-to-speech voice is available, so users hoping to use another voice will have to export the text to another app. The built-in text reader also lacks the ability to highlight or annotate the document, so once again users looking for this functionality will need to export the text to a different app.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the KNFB Reader app is faster and more accurate than competing products such as Prizmo, Prizmo does include some useful features that KNFB Reader does not. Prizmo, which is significantly less expensive, includes the ability to export PDF documents. This means a user can take a picture of a document, have the text recognized and any images on the page retained by Prizmo, so that it looks identical to the printed page. KNFB reader, by contrast strips away images, and only retains the printed text. If PDF export is an important feature to you, Prizmo may be a better option. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/prizmo-3-adds-new-features-and-ios-7.html">Click here to learn more about Prizmo.</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for a text recognition app with great speed and accuracy, I think you will be quite pleased. If The KNFB reader fits your budget, you won't be disappointed. KNFB Reader costs $100, to download the app from the App Store <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/knfbreader/id849732663?mt=8">click here</a>. It is compatible with the iPhone 4S and newer and the iPod touch fifth generation. Click read more below to view screen shots of the app.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple5/v4/da/cb/7d/dacb7da5-75d0-792f-6aad-517a5537196c/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple5/v4/da/cb/7d/dacb7da5-75d0-792f-6aad-517a5537196c/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple5/v4/f0/91/87/f09187b7-6c65-5c32-63a9-45236e3350c1/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple5/v4/f0/91/87/f09187b7-6c65-5c32-63a9-45236e3350c1/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/4f/42/33/4f423356-d101-19e8-4a59-7fa2571ebdc1/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/4f/42/33/4f423356-d101-19e8-4a59-7fa2571ebdc1/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/6a/a1/81/6aa18160-1ec5-7def-2c87-89c5ed9a9aa8/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/6a/a1/81/6aa18160-1ec5-7def-2c87-89c5ed9a9aa8/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/d5/ff/e0/d5ffe067-e3b4-ab9c-aba0-1a5c5fae3a34/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/d5/ff/e0/d5ffe067-e3b4-ab9c-aba0-1a5c5fae3a34/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div></div></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Indoor Navigation System Will Soon Guide Blind Passengers at SFO

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB86uO67n96PISTVMO0PVZhHJyS1ZfBnHFxGPRXBdKZfamEYdaws2uOy0rBXP5eE-skVvgX-7cgnZBqUpXG23Ilr0vOAwLmBEhpIn2lmWmhkBJdPld2W4JKERxcvtv0ks8IDlKieI11p8/s1600/indoors_travel_solution_screenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB86uO67n96PISTVMO0PVZhHJyS1ZfBnHFxGPRXBdKZfamEYdaws2uOy0rBXP5eE-skVvgX-7cgnZBqUpXG23Ilr0vOAwLmBEhpIn2lmWmhkBJdPld2W4JKERxcvtv0ks8IDlKieI11p8/s1600/indoors_travel_solution_screenshot.png" title="indoor navigation app on an iPhone 5s" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Imagine how difficult it would be to navigate a bustling airport terminal as a person with a visual impairment. Navigating security, finding baggage check, and finding the correct gate all while trying to make a last minute flight is daunting for even the most seasoned travelers. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will soon implement a system to help guide <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/08/redbox-to-make-some-kiosks-accessible.html">blind and visually impaired</a> travelers from curb to gate. Starting with Terminal 2 this fall, the airport will install some 500 iBeacons for a trial. Current solutions such as GPS do not work well indoors because they are unable to provide precise location information, but beacons allow more precise locationa. When a user with the indoor navigation app walks by a beacon it communicates with the user's smartphone and transmits the location. With the location information sent from the beacon, the app can then guide users to restrooms, restaurants, boarding gates, baggage claims, and even charging stations. Initially the app will only run on <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS</a> devices, but <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/kindle-app-for-ios-adds-whispersync-for.html">Android</a> devices will likely follow. The system runs off Bluetooth technology which should have minimal impact on battery life. For blind users, points of interest and navigation instructions are read aloud using <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If the trial in Terminal 2 is successful, it is likely that the program will expand to more terminals and more airports. This system, powered by a company called <a href="http://indoo.rs/">indoo.rs</a>, is a promising development for indoor navigation. In the near future, it is conceivable that similar systems will help people with visual impairments navigate shopping malls, schools, or hospitals. The technology will also benefit sighted users who have trouble finding locations in the vast terminal. If your traveling through SFO Terminal 2 this fall give it a try.</div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Too Much Background Noise when Recording Lectures with Smart Phone or Table Built-in Microphone? Check Out the Ampridge MightMic

<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRt4pPrYmhoyAC8Z2hprrt-_LHg0lEt4b44tNnnXlM7aRVm1pWCglu2QmeSH-ux8qlXrbFAglLNHbNo4g8I3STN1FAgeyYXo3TJvCVQejy-5L_8MlZr9F1aLTHQwTuqwxSL4aljrcW1A/s1600/AmpRidge+Mic+Updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRt4pPrYmhoyAC8Z2hprrt-_LHg0lEt4b44tNnnXlM7aRVm1pWCglu2QmeSH-ux8qlXrbFAglLNHbNo4g8I3STN1FAgeyYXo3TJvCVQejy-5L_8MlZr9F1aLTHQwTuqwxSL4aljrcW1A/s1600/AmpRidge+Mic+Updated.jpg" title="Images of MightyMic plugged into iPhone 5s" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Mobile devices are convenient tools that students use to record classes and lectures, reporters use to record news conferences, and business people use to record meetings. Some use note taking apps like <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/10/notability-note-taking-app-for-ipad.html">Notability</a>, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/02/is-remarks-app-remarkable.html">Remarks</a>, or <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/livescribe-3-smartpen-do-more-with-your.html">Livescribe+</a> to augment their notes with audio recordings. The benefits of recording the audio can be minimized by poor quality recordings from built-in microphones.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Built-in microphones tend to do a poor job of isolating sounds which results in background noise that makes the desired sounds difficult to hear, especially for people with hearing impairments.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The AmpRidge MightyMic microphone plugs directly into the headphone jack of any smartphone, tablet, or computer that supports microphone input. It proves an alternative audio output jack so users can still plug in headphones while the microphone is plugged in. Its compact size makes it easy to use in class and makes in relatively discrete. The MightyMic microphone works well with an <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/made-for-iphone-hearing-aids-to-be.html">iPhone</a> and is only slightly longer wider than the width of the phone. The microphone  even worked fine with my bulky iPhone case. Once plugged in you can angle the microphone towards the front of the room to capture the most important sounds. In my testing, the MightyMic microphone was on par with the built-in iPhone microphone for close range recording, but worked considerably better than the built-in microphone in a classroom or outdoor long range environment. The MightyMic microphone reduced background noise resulting in better sounding audio playback. If you frequently record classes, lectures, or meetings and are less than satisfied with your device's built-in microphone, the MightyMic mic is a good option to give your sound a boost. If you're looking for a big improvement in sound quality quality you may have to look towards more expensive options.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">The Ampridge MightyMic retails for $70 on </span><a href="http://www.ampridge.com/amp-mms.html" style="color: #222222;">AmpRidge.com</a><span style="color: #222222;">. Also included is a protective carrying pouch and foam protective cover.</span></span></span><br /><a name="more"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ampridge.com/wpimages/wp83cbf4dd_05_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="155" src="http://www.ampridge.com/wpimages/wp83cbf4dd_05_06.jpg" title="Image of Mighty Mic and foam protective cover" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">Product was provide complimentary to reviewer for review</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><br />

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

High-Tech Utensil Helps to Counteract Tremors and Stabilize Food

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="http://player.theplatform.com/p/2E2eJC/nbcNewsOffsite?guid=nn_05_ns_tremor_140622" width="560"></iframe><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For many with tremors eating can be a daunting task. Each bite is a challenge because the tremors make it difficult to steady the food in order to eat. This can extremely frustrating in the privacy of one's own home and very embarrassing when eating in public. A company name Lift Labs has a solution, mechanical utensils that counteract tremors and steady food. Lift Labs claims that this technology can cancel out 70% of the tremor to reduce spills, making eating easier. The Liftware device runs on a built-in battery and starts working when it is lifted off of the table. The mechanical stabilizing technology in the utensil's handle steadies the food even with unsteady hands. Users can switch between a fork and spoon attachment depending on what they are eating. The attachments are interchangeable, making cleaning easier and allowing users to switch between a fork and spoon. Liftware sells for $295 on Lift Labs website. <a href="http://store.liftlabsdesign.com/">Click here</a> to order. Liftware has the potential to increase independence for millions of people with tremors.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.liftlabsdesign.com/img/spoonTechv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="168" src="https://www.liftlabsdesign.com/img/spoonTechv3.jpg" title="Liftware spoon" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Click read more below to view more videos of Liftware in action.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/73903585" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Ginger Page for iPhone: Powerful Spelling and Grammar Correction

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cAgPZtYCrts" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://a94.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Purple2/v4/41/a3/9e/41a39e62-fe99-35da-8262-76f1aecb5199/mzl.cfhqggvy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://a94.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Purple2/v4/41/a3/9e/41a39e62-fe99-35da-8262-76f1aecb5199/mzl.cfhqggvy.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/11/ginger-contextual-spelling-and-grammar.html">Ginger Software</a>, the maker of the powerful spelling and contextual grammar checker "Ginger" has released an <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/made-for-iphone-hearing-aids-to-be.html">iPhone</a> app called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/ginger-page-writing-compass/id822797943?mt=8">Ginger Page</a>. Ginger's technology can correct mistakes that common spell checking software would not detect. Ginger does this by analyzing the context of the text being written. For example, if you are writing about drafting a school essay Ginger will suggest that you use "write" instead of "right." From my testing, Ginger also seems much better at suggesting and correcting punctuation than other editing software. Ginger Page can also read your writing back to you using <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/11/claropdf-app-pdf-text-to-speech-and.html">text-to-speech</a>, which can be a powerful proof reading tool, especially for those with dyslexia. Once you have completed your writing, you can share it by text message, email, or open it in another compatible app.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the Ginger correction software is very good, the app has some notable omissions. Ginger Page is only available for iPhone which is perplexing for a writing focused app. The iPad's larger screen would make the writing experience much easier. Also, Ginger requires an internet connect to correct your writing. You can still type into the app without an internet connection, but no corrects will be offered. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id822797943?mt=8">Ginger Page is a free app</a> its a no brainier to download it if you need extra spelling and grammar help. Click here to download Ginger Page. Watch the above video above to see Ginger Page in action and click read more below to view screenshots of the app.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple2/v4/8d/5e/65/8d5e6528-685b-571a-0d85-cea16f02a1db/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple2/v4/8d/5e/65/8d5e6528-685b-571a-0d85-cea16f02a1db/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/47/a6/87/47a687d6-bf13-b5a1-8710-731d61a52395/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/47/a6/87/47a687d6-bf13-b5a1-8710-731d61a52395/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple2/v4/22/a9/20/22a920e4-9936-8fd2-60c5-b2683e4b3c72/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple2/v4/22/a9/20/22a920e4-9936-8fd2-60c5-b2683e4b3c72/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/18/ae/4f/18ae4f1b-b8f8-0211-6b35-48b618bcf231/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/18/ae/4f/18ae4f1b-b8f8-0211-6b35-48b618bcf231/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/2c/ff/5f/2cff5fe0-4df2-6bf1-f838-5eee2aa4c1c0/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a4.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/2c/ff/5f/2cff5fe0-4df2-6bf1-f838-5eee2aa4c1c0/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii