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

Google's Project Ara Smartphone has Tremendous Accessibility Potential

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PQqudiUdGuo" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/01/google-smart-contacts-help-monitor.html">Google</a>'s futuristic modular smart phone has the potential to dramatically change how we think of electronics. The still unreleased phone call Project Ara has a interior metal structure with slots for different components to connect. For example, modular components could house a camera, battery, touch screen display, or speaker. These components snap into place making a relatively standard looking smartphone. Consumers could purchase components and assemble them to make a personalized smartphone. The phone allows consumers to exchange a component for extra battery power or a more powerful camera depending on the situation.<br /><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With such customizable hardware, the Ara phone could adapt to fit the needs of people with various disabilities. If users have a hearing impairment they could add a louder speaker component. Conversely, if a user is deaf there is no need to waste space with a speaker when the space could be used for something more useful. The possibilities are almost limitless. A blind user could possibly opt not to have a touch screen display in favor of a refreshable Braille display. Users with dexterity challenges could add a tactile keyboard.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While Project Ara sounds promising for people with disabilities, the implementation is key. Will third party hardware developers make specialized components for people with disabilities at an affordable price? Can Google successfully configure Android to work properly with any assistive add ons third parties make?  Project Ara phones won't be available for for many months, but the project offers some exciting possibilities.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkXWTZHKi61IeRFTVFSelzVI8ikpp4vKHRDe_rizYrbh1wnqfn27DB14WTpVwWVE_c3PhbqFntzQUQDWtmIGPeYy_k4JykBIaFQA7-8ElWJwKNlnsjc4MBBi4x7JudbN1Bu_88b98MiE/s1600/ara.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkXWTZHKi61IeRFTVFSelzVI8ikpp4vKHRDe_rizYrbh1wnqfn27DB14WTpVwWVE_c3PhbqFntzQUQDWtmIGPeYy_k4JykBIaFQA7-8ElWJwKNlnsjc4MBBi4x7JudbN1Bu_88b98MiE/s1600/ara.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Click read more below to learn more about Project Ara.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_Q1JzJadgHY" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>

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Google I/O Just Around The Corner

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://developers.google.com/apps/images/io_2013/google-io-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Google I/O logo" border="0" src="https://developers.google.com/apps/images/io_2013/google-io-logo.png" title="Google I/O 13" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&ved=0CEEQFjAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fio%2F&ei=AtlzUaHFMOrx0wHmnYCQBA&usg=AFQjCNGxRZ9LLqSFYk2_im3Q6ye5tfJCbw&sig2=1nwwjR8iunBScKQyjevk2w&bvm=bv.45512109,d.dmQ">Google's I/O</a> conference kicks off in just under a month on May 15. I/O is <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/03/google-now-possibly-coming-to-ios.html">Google's</a> largest conference and usually comes with software and hardware announcements. Last year Google announced Google Glass and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sanwich among other products. This year Google is widely expected to announce Key Llime Pie, a new version of its <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/04/free-bookshare-app-for-android.html">Android</a> operating system. Google may also release new Nexus devices. As previously rumored <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/10/google-search-app-updated-with-advanced.html">Google</a> may improve its <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/03/google-now-possibly-coming-to-ios.html">Google Now service and possibly bring the feature to iOS</a>. Stay tuned for new of the announcements and analysis about the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/12/ios-5-camera-accessibility.html">accessibility</a> of the new products.</div>

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Google Play Books Adds Read Aloud Feature

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sdDSn6c2rhm0abW1g6siZC--PYzyRScDl5WP4sqRNUGXO5VoJPMdChmggUp5S9DmU=w705" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5sdDSn6c2rhm0abW1g6siZC--PYzyRScDl5WP4sqRNUGXO5VoJPMdChmggUp5S9DmU=w705" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Google Play Books is the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/10/google-search-app-updated-with-advanced.html">Google's</a> ebookstore and companion reader apps. The <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/04/free-bookshare-app-for-android.html">Android</a> reader app was recently updated to include a text-to-speech read aloud feature. <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.books&hl=en">Click here</a> to download the free app for Android. The <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/12/add-quick-text-to-speech-button-to.html">text-to-speech</a> voice is a little above average but gets the job done. The read aloud feature works with most books in the Google Play store. If you have an Android device be sure to check this app out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Click read more below to view screenshots of Google Play Books.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/WhSmQqEiqOuIKeV9V-Y71UrCCyzSlCAPTnfAShe4ENPh_V0prjq1ICtu2oyMFIpAew" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/WhSmQqEiqOuIKeV9V-Y71UrCCyzSlCAPTnfAShe4ENPh_V0prjq1ICtu2oyMFIpAew" width="400" /></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/6DUS-nSUoKXBcZ9xxxLm637EFwo7T7FnDjyxCwPt4zs8y-3R1y4rtOxiQomF__f0uE8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/6DUS-nSUoKXBcZ9xxxLm637EFwo7T7FnDjyxCwPt4zs8y-3R1y4rtOxiQomF__f0uE8" width="238" /></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/3texQD9eGdLwLmFD5KVeewnoXDZRdOgHV0iiTaAaNj3u7PWZ7wt9iAb9cLT80xjtgYA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/3texQD9eGdLwLmFD5KVeewnoXDZRdOgHV0iiTaAaNj3u7PWZ7wt9iAb9cLT80xjtgYA" width="400" /></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/pxehYTvU11XR39UtGaDlDd4WNchpyXtXlG_dqSdLxnz6-c3gjMEP47ROVR7wSoAO4vm3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/pxehYTvU11XR39UtGaDlDd4WNchpyXtXlG_dqSdLxnz6-c3gjMEP47ROVR7wSoAO4vm3" width="238" /></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://1.bp.blogspot.com/iYOXHK3OXT5NTzA9PW1KN6-LuttMU5Ar1mnYOKWQjfiWWo07e_npprd8aye1UwYz1Q" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/iYOXHK3OXT5NTzA9PW1KN6-LuttMU5Ar1mnYOKWQjfiWWo07e_npprd8aye1UwYz1Q" width="238" /></a></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii