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

Apple Watch Accessibility: Possibilities, Challenges, and Unknowns

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMSgyssf_iL2KueI1YxpDAA-XOyZszQq8Iu_eiqyfy7CJtSzmy1GAhyphenhyphenOJLqmFjHZiwL9d8JZSrgaWiQB57xIGgXYgu4-ofu2EbHJP5igT9h1skWr2vvsB6dht6WSI4WMoxZoPNvS-P7w/s1600/AplWatch-HomeScreen-PR-PRINT_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMSgyssf_iL2KueI1YxpDAA-XOyZszQq8Iu_eiqyfy7CJtSzmy1GAhyphenhyphenOJLqmFjHZiwL9d8JZSrgaWiQB57xIGgXYgu4-ofu2EbHJP5igT9h1skWr2vvsB6dht6WSI4WMoxZoPNvS-P7w/s1600/AplWatch-HomeScreen-PR-PRINT_2.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When the Apple Watch launches next month it will mark the launch of Apple's first new product category since the iPad. The <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2015/01/keeble-keyboard-for-ipad-flexible-text.html">iPad</a> was a game changer in terms of <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/apple-releases-ios-8-with-major.html">accessibility</a>, bringing numerous features designed for people with disabilities at launch. How will the Apple Watch compare and what are some of the challenges and possibilities for the Apple Watch related to accessibility? A lot of questions remain unanswered, but the wait will soon be over.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apple Watch is rumored to include built-in software accessibility features when launched, however these reports have not been confirmed by <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2015/01/keeble-keyboard-for-ipad-flexible-text.html">Apple</a>. It would make sense and align with Apple's patterns if they included features such as <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/happy-birthday-voiceover.html">VoiceOver</a> and Zoom in the Apple Watch. While the inclusion of these features seem likely, how these features are implemented will be key for people with disabilities.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Apple Watch could prove beneficial to people with various disabilities. Apple has already demonstrated the navigation capabilities of the Watch which include providing distinctive taps when a wearer needs to turn left or right while walking. This feature could aid blind and visually impaired users when navigating unfamiliar areas. Additionally, the device could help remind users to complete daily tasks like taking medication. The watch, which can be used for Apple Pay purchases and other forms of authentication could benefit users with physical disabilities who cannot handle a credit card for example.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just like with the iPad, app developers will likely be key in coming up with unique assistive apps. The initial developer tools have some limitations that could hold back developers, but hopefully useful assistive apps will still be made available.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With all the potential benefits there are some challenges that stem from the device's small screen and buttons. First, the "digital crown," which is a small dial on the side of the Apple Watch, could pose challenges to users with physical disabilities and dexterity challenges. The "digital crown" which is used for scrolling and zooming may be difficult if not impossible for some people to operate. It will be interesting to see if Apple will devise a software solution to this potential challenge. Similarly, the small screen with small icons may prove difficult to press for some users.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Apple's new "force touch" gesture could also prove challenging for users with physical disabilities to preform. A "force touch" is a harder press on the touch screen display that invokes distinct actions from a lighter tap. From Apple's demonstrations, this gesture seems vital to the operation of the watch so hopefully a software solution will be available for users who are unable to preform this gesture.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully the Apple Watch will follow in the iPad's foot steps and be a game changer in terms of accessibility. If you are thinking of purchasing the Apple Watch, but have doubts about your ability to interact with the device due to a disability I would strongly recommend heading to an Apple Store in April to try one out.</div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Voice Dream Writer: Word Processing Plus a Whole Lot More

<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0EsplSgzwN8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtdxZFnCYM-aJ3_UaL-PwJeffzphLXqs1GlrmiYG5dXcQ5hu_OidlRB4eNR5q5NIDP6PmAWKKxCUBfi4tY01kmpmQHh9aY9wbpetKxrWTr6iyFQymmfKA0-GihVSw_MrnoFLKDDQGOMw/s1600/App+Icon+1024.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/AVvXsEgVtdxZFnCYM-aJ3_UaL-PwJeffzphLXqs1GlrmiYG5dXcQ5hu_OidlRB4eNR5q5NIDP6PmAWKKxCUBfi4tY01kmpmQHh9aY9wbpetKxrWTr6iyFQymmfKA0-GihVSw_MrnoFLKDDQGOMw/s1600/App+Icon+1024.png" width="75" /></a><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/03/voice-dream-reader-updated-to-version.html"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Voice Dream</span></a> has become a well-known name in the assistive technology community because of Voice Dream Reader: a <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-in-ios-8-start-text-to-speech.html"><span style="color: #0000e9;">text-to-speech</span></a> reader available for i<a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/apple-releases-ios-8-with-major.html"><span style="color: #0000e9;">OS devices</span></a>. Now the developer has released a new app called Voice Dream Writer which aims to support writers with special needs. Voice Dream Writer has features that can benefit people with a wide range of needs including people with dyslexia and people who are blind or visually impaired. People without disabilities can also benefit from the app. For example, english language learners could benefit from spoken feedback and other features offered by Voice Dream Writer. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The text-to-speech feedback is designed to help writers find mistakes in their writing. The style of text-to-speech reading can even be changed to help writers focus either on spelling and grammar, or on content and organization. The app also offers easy access to an outline view that can help with organizing a document. Other features allow users to look up words phonetically or look up words by its meaning. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The text-to-speech feedback can be accessed as users type so they can verify that a word or sentence was entered as they intended. This helps writers identify words or phrases that looked correct, but upon hearing them read aloud sound incorrect. The app will also read back text that has been dictated to help users insure that their voice was transcribed correctly.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it is time to review a document, Voice Dream Writer includes some very thoughtful features for editing. The app includes two customizable proof reading modes that use text-to-speech to help with the editing process. The first is designed to help writers edit the content of their document. In this mode words are read back using text-to-speech sound natural and smooth: as they would when reading a book with Voice Dream Reader. This allows writers to focus on the content and organization of their document. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The second mode reads text back in a </span>somewhat <span style="font-family: inherit;">choppy manner which allows users to focus their document at the micro level. This mode is ideal for editing spelling a grammar because the lack of flow with the text-to-speech voice makes it easier to focus on each word rather than the overall content of the text.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each proofreading mode is customizable with options to announce misspelled words, spell homophones, and speak punctuation and capitalization.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Similar to <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/03/voice-dream-reader-updated-to-version.html"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Voice Dream Reader</span></a>, Voice Dream Writer includes the ability to change the visual style of the app. Font size, character and line spacing, margins, text color, and background color can all be changed. Additionally, users can change the text to speech voice and speaking rate to match their preferences. Text-to-speech voices purchased in Voice Dream Reader are available in the Writer without an additional purchase. The pronunciation dictionary also syncs between the Writer and the Reader if both are installed on the same device.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Text files can be imported from iCloud Drive or supported third party services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Unfortunately, users can only import text files and not Microsoft Word files. Documents can be exported as HTML, RTF, Microsoft Word, or Apple Pages format.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click read more below to continue to read the review of Voice Dream Writer. Some of the most innovative and helpful features will be described below.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Some of Voice Dream Writers most helpful features can be found in the right sidebar menu. First is a dictionary which can read back the definitions of a word (This feature is currently not available in Voice Dream Reader without using VoiceOver). The second tool allows users to enter a word spelled phonetically to find the correctly spelled option.  For example, if I typed "receat," it </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">might suggest the word "receipt," as an option. Unlike some other apps, these suggestions are not made based on the context of the s</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">urrounding text.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> Users can tap on each suggestion to hear the word spoken aloud. This feature is extremely helpful for poor spellers, especially when they are in a situation where using dictation would be inappropriate or unavailable. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last feature on the right sidebar is the option to look up a word by meaning. For example, if I was writing about organizations which donate money to charities, but could not think of the word "philanthropic" I could search "donate money" and "philanthropic" would be one of the suggestions. This can help reduce instances of a word being at the tip of your tong, but you can quite think of the word.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the left sidebar menu is an outline view. Users can select to view an outline of their document by heading, paragraph, or sentence. Users can then simply rearrange paragraphs or headings by dragging and dropping. This is helpful for the planning stages of writing as users can plan different paragraphs and fill in the content after they are finished planning.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All formatting in Voice Dream Writer is done using markdown. This means that all editing is done in plain text, but symbols inserted before or after words cause the words to be formatted when the file is exported. For example, adding a # or * before a word will cause that word to be formatted as a heading or as italic font when exported. This system has some positives and some negatives over conventional formatting that is found in Microsoft Word and Apple's Pages. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For blind users this system can be helpful because the special characters such as # and * will be spoken allowing them to quickly recognize when a portion of text is bold or italics. In other word processors italics and bold text may be read normally making it more difficult for blind users to determine how the document is formatted. However, for sighted users this system may be unfamiliar and therefore more difficult. It would be nice if Voice Dream Writer had both the option of using markdown and for editing in rich text and allowed the users to decide which option worked best for their needs.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, Voice Dream Writer includes a new innovation which improves the text selection and cursor movement process for VoiceOver users. These tasks are normally difficult for <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/12/apples-new-app-return-policy-in-europe.html"><span style="color: #420178;">VoiceOver</span></a> users. VoiceOver is a built in screen reader available on iOS devices that allows blind and visually impaired users to use gestures in order to use their device. When VoiceOver is enabled, Voice Dream Writer automatically adds three buttons to the bottom left of the screen. The first button controls the cursor and accepts a combination of multi-figure taps and swipes to move the cursor forward and backwards through the document. The second button adjusts how much the cursor moves with each swipe of the first button. This button allows the cursor to move letter-by-letter, word-by-word, sentence-by-sentence or paragraph-by-paragraph. The third button allows users to easily select text and then copy or cut that text. This system of selecting text and moving the cursor with VoiceOver is much faster than the method used in other apps and is a major benefit of Voice Dream Writer for VoiceOver users.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-writer/id920583100?mt=8" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #420178;">Voice Dream Writer</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is available for all iOS devices running </span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/apple-releases-ios-8-with-major.html" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0000e9;">iOS 8</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and higher. While iPhone support is certainly convenient when writing a quick email, the iPad's large screen seems best suited for longer writing. Users who want to use the app for writing long pieces will probably wish to use a Bluetooth keyboard for faster typing. People using Bluetooth keyboards will also enjoy the ability to use keyboard shortcuts with the app. More keyboard shortcuts will be added in future versions as well. For example, in the future users with Bluetooth keyboards will be able to enter a key </span>combination<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to quickly find all misspelled words.</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In all Voice Dream Writer has many superb features that can help writers with a wide variety of needs. Hopefully rich text editing and the ability to import Word documents will be added in a future version. Voice Dream Writer seems like it would also make a great Mac app and hopefully someday people will be able to use these features on their Macs. Even without rich text editing and Mac support, Voice Dream Writer seems amazingly polished and well thought through for a version 1.0 app. To purchase Voice Dream Writer for $10 on the App Store </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-dream-writer/id920583100" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #420178;">click here</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. The app will be on sale for $8 </span>until Sunday, February 1, 2015.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’re still unsure about the apps features watch the video below in which Winston Chen, the developer of Voice Dream Reader and Voice Dream Writer, walks viewers through his latest app.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/117216664" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Keeble Keyboard for iPad: Flexible Text Input for Users with Special Needs

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_QT75NqQL3c" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIYkWGNguy41AZ__iD9HMkkRHBG1iSETme0T-_SHNUZ6RBOCqvX-lMZxM4s3sdaDGYOX8mwTwNnfV6XgHGftyIUCRutvy2rs-USffUV5XNHJRVh27McKLUhsXCJ9itYICtF7UjWQl7XM/s1600/keeble-icon-512-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbIYkWGNguy41AZ__iD9HMkkRHBG1iSETme0T-_SHNUZ6RBOCqvX-lMZxM4s3sdaDGYOX8mwTwNnfV6XgHGftyIUCRutvy2rs-USffUV5XNHJRVh27McKLUhsXCJ9itYICtF7UjWQl7XM/s1600/keeble-icon-512-2.png" title="Keeble App Icon" width="75" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keeble is a virtual keyboard for iPad made by AssistiveWare. The app is only available in English for iPads running <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-in-ios-8-built-in-braille-keyboard.html">iOS 8</a> and above. As a result of new features available in iOS 8 the Keeble keyboard can be used in almost every app on the iPad including mail, Safari, and messages. Keeble gives users a number of customization options to make text input easier for users with special needs such as motor challenges, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-big-picture-rethinking-dyslexia.html">dyslexia</a>, and other disabilities.<br /><br />One option available is the ability to change the appearance of the keyboard. Users can change the color of the keyboard which could be helpful for users with visual impairments. The higher contrast colors can be more easily seen compared to the white and gray colors of the default iOS keyboard. The layout can be change from a QWERTY layout to an ABC layout if desired.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.assistiveware.com/sites/default/files/keeble_540x400_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="148" src="http://www.assistiveware.com/sites/default/files/keeble_540x400_02.png" title="Screen shot of Keeble keyboard with a high contrast setting" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keeble also includes word predication to speed up typing; especially for <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-in-ios-7-detailed-look-at-switch.html">Switch Control</a> users. The word predication features is slightly more advanced than <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8's built-in word prediction</a>. Keeble allows users to change the number of predictions offered above the three offered by the default iOS 8 keyboard.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keeble also allows users to change how the keys respond to taps and presses. This is especially useful for users with motor challenges that may cause accidental taps or presses on unwanted keys. Hold duration can be set to change how long a key must be held before that character is entered. With this option enabled, quick accidental taps will not be registered. Additionally, the backspace repeat can be customized to avoid accidentally deleting text. A "select on release" option is also available which will enter text on release of a key instead when the key is pressed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last customization option allows users to turn on spoken feedback of the text they type. Feedback can be given letter by letter, word by word, and/or sentence by sentence. This feature allows people with dyslexia or poor spellers to confirm that what they words they think entered are the words that they hear being spoken back to them using <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/09/new-in-ios-8-start-text-to-speech.html">text-to-speech</a>. While this feature is useful it can only be enabled and disabled via the apps settings. If there was an option to turn on and off auditory feedback directly, it would be much easier to access the feature when needed and disable the feature when not needed. Users can totally turn off the iPad's speakers but this will also mute all other audio output. There is space on the bottom right of the number and symbol entry keyboard where quick access to this setting could be added.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Keeble app costs $15 on the App Store. To download the app <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/app/keeble-accessible-keyboard/id918497054?mt=8">click here</a>. Click read more below to view screenshots of the Keeble keyboard.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/2e/3b/4c/2e3b4c45-6908-00c0-73ff-4cc3f8e07585/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/2e/3b/4c/2e3b4c45-6908-00c0-73ff-4cc3f8e07585/screen480x480.jpeg" width="320" /></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/Purple1/v4/69/ec/c7/69ecc7b5-2d88-4338-fd63-bba1057b6f8c/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple1/v4/69/ec/c7/69ecc7b5-2d88-4338-fd63-bba1057b6f8c/screen480x480.jpeg" width="320" /></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/v4/27/b5/6b/27b56beb-b85f-f653-6872-db30249f607d/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/27/b5/6b/27b56beb-b85f-f653-6872-db30249f607d/screen480x480.jpeg" width="320" /></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/Purple3/v4/57/9a/64/579a641b-3d1e-f59f-07da-deb73a73ff98/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple3/v4/57/9a/64/579a641b-3d1e-f59f-07da-deb73a73ff98/screen480x480.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div></div></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

New in iOS 8: Hands-Free Siri and Improved Dictation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wpuploads.appadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Featured24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://wpuploads.appadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Featured24.png" title="Screen shot of Siri" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazadesign.com/uploads/3/2/8/1/3281636/2492075_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="75" src="http://www.amazadesign.com/uploads/3/2/8/1/3281636/2492075_orig.jpg" title="Siri icon" width="75" /></a><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">Apple's</a> voice activated features have received some new features as part of <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a>. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-in-ios-7-ask-siri-to-turn-on.html">Siri</a> is a virtual voice activated personal assistant that can answer your questions, call your friends, check the weather, and much more.  Now it can  be activated hands free by saying, "Hey, Siri." Previously, users would have to press and hold the home button to activate Siri. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The new feature will allow people with physical disabilities to easily activate Siri. The hands-free activation feature does have one major caveat: the device must be plugged in and charging. Users who need or want to access this feature on- the- go can purchase a battery case to utilize this feature. It is possible that future <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-in-ios-7-ask-siri-to-turn-on.html">iOS</a> devices will not require a power source to use the "Hey, Siri" feature.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition, when dictating a question to Siri or dictating text into an app the recognized words appear almost instantly after being spoken. To use dictation bring up the keyboard and then press the microphone icon next to the space key. With words appearing as you speak it is easier to identify mistakes which makes the dictation process faster. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/10/os-x-mavericks-enhanced-dictation.html">Dictation</a> can be a useful feature for people who struggle with spelling and people who have difficulty using a keyboard. These features are available for devices running iOS 8.</div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

New in iOS 8: Greyscale Mode

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFcvyXicmXP47Jy-sjidHbPUTagRwbKBuNi257Ne9VRV0W0G4DWr4DApbYoh8zEpcw_LiwBWbyBZDR7ZkkGCKf4khmpQGDjDaEu4_7qPpm4zuNA99pvTKmGVORl-26o2mNT5LBdKuXdA/s1600/grayscale.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Altered image not an iOS 8 screenshot" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFcvyXicmXP47Jy-sjidHbPUTagRwbKBuNi257Ne9VRV0W0G4DWr4DApbYoh8zEpcw_LiwBWbyBZDR7ZkkGCKf4khmpQGDjDaEu4_7qPpm4zuNA99pvTKmGVORl-26o2mNT5LBdKuXdA/s1600/grayscale.bmp" title="A greyscale iOS homescreen" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a> includes a new greyscale mode that could benefit people with visual impairments. The new mode is included in addition to inverse color which was previously available. The new option will reduce the bright colors and possibly reduce glare to make the screen easier to see. Greyscale and inverse color can be enabled simultaneously for further visual changes. Even for people without visual impairments greyscale maybe made the screen slightly easier to view outdoors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>To enable greyscale navigate to Settings > General > <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/apple-begins-hosting-free-accessibility.html">Accessibility</a> > Greyscale. Please note that the above screenshot is an altered colored screenshot.

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

New in iOS 8: Improved Guided Access with Timers and Touch ID Integration

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3xHRShjRTfmp_XSMEAfc3cMUwOXSxhwwPv943DVJEEkap-sK6WNrRKAi8IrQ-fUJY8RUahSi4sWjmjJINrks-pnAmaoyW2IN5l3zLq8oUveEpi86i9NNy6Of6N3HXKLe2jGa__gyxPw/s1600/Guided+Access+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3xHRShjRTfmp_XSMEAfc3cMUwOXSxhwwPv943DVJEEkap-sK6WNrRKAi8IrQ-fUJY8RUahSi4sWjmjJINrks-pnAmaoyW2IN5l3zLq8oUveEpi86i9NNy6Of6N3HXKLe2jGa__gyxPw/s1600/Guided+Access+1.png" title="Guided Access settings" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbEH4TXXA5PNcQMnl7QFvFUiIAAGx66eGLdjIn2aZI9IOqa3dNUDviPiCRauNmLrgMg6-ixmfXGiDjz05RoORiQG7xg23ekyHHZrv7YBhsFEaTDmbasdsmhuLJPjaYDqdIXOrGzwItxU/s1600/Guided+Access+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbEH4TXXA5PNcQMnl7QFvFUiIAAGx66eGLdjIn2aZI9IOqa3dNUDviPiCRauNmLrgMg6-ixmfXGiDjz05RoORiQG7xg23ekyHHZrv7YBhsFEaTDmbasdsmhuLJPjaYDqdIXOrGzwItxU/s1600/Guided+Access+2.png" title="Message indicating time has expired" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Guided Access is one of the many <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS</a> features being enhanced in <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/06/ios-8-more-accessible-than-ever.html">iOS 8</a>. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">Guided Access</a> is used to keep a someone on a single app using  a password. For example, if you want your child to read a book and not watch a video you can lock them into the reading app, eliminating the ability to navigate to other apps. With <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">Guided Access</a> enabled, a child or student will need a passcode in order to enter another app. To learn more about Guided Access <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">click here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the enhancement allows users to end a Guided Access session with their finger print using Touch ID. Similar to how third-party developers can implement <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor-on-new.html">Touch ID</a> authentication, <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-guided-access.html">Guided Access</a> will also take advantage of finger print reading technology. Instead of entering a passcode, users with a <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor-on-new.html">Touch ID</a> enabled device will be able to end the session simply by placing their finger on the Touch ID sensor. This feature will simplify the processes of ending Guided Access and potentially eliminate the frustration resulting in forgotten passcodes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other enhancement allows students and parents to set a time limit. After the time expires the app will not respond until the correct passcode or finger print is entered. Periodically a small message appears showing how much time is remaining. This feature could be perfect for test taking by ensuring students stop answering questions after the allotted time expires, or for setting a time limit for playing games- when the time limit is reached, the app will not respond.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To enable Guided Access navigate to Settings > General > <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/05/apple-begins-hosting-free-accessibility.html">Accessibility</a> > Guided Access.</div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii