New Add-On for OneNote Benefits Students with Dyslexia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5kETXk4C15R3wOjSTXNimvXIgaTOKqC9OWGvb2LHPKdS_KG_yALNk39bVMAEbEV5a6A5_bLSpEz3Vz5W5iIqj4w0rHaonQL7Ba5hhaEysqettuXQMqT3kuIaIBswA-d6RBmEdEz6Yec/s1600/CZwGP8QWEAAXk6h.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5kETXk4C15R3wOjSTXNimvXIgaTOKqC9OWGvb2LHPKdS_KG_yALNk39bVMAEbEV5a6A5_bLSpEz3Vz5W5iIqj4w0rHaonQL7Ba5hhaEysqettuXQMqT3kuIaIBswA-d6RBmEdEz6Yec/s400/CZwGP8QWEAAXk6h.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_YrAFY4SwN94sB7lnxUUAB-C3efgg3A-UUEwBsxTBjwaz4O0tjCzFpNLAlqY5Wm1ffshQ11G2-CAhSDLeYUSOPtY4f42VAL6HymO83yG_kuKVMv1bSC4FtJWodBylRx4XKs_IJxD-zU/s1600/Microsoft_OneNote_2013_logo.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Microsoft OneNote Icon" border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_YrAFY4SwN94sB7lnxUUAB-C3efgg3A-UUEwBsxTBjwaz4O0tjCzFpNLAlqY5Wm1ffshQ11G2-CAhSDLeYUSOPtY4f42VAL6HymO83yG_kuKVMv1bSC4FtJWodBylRx4XKs_IJxD-zU/s320/Microsoft_OneNote_2013_logo.svg.png" title="" width="75" /></a><br />Microsoft recently made a new add-on available for its <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/09/voice-recording-in-office-2010-2007.html">OneNote</a> software which aims to help students with dyslexia. The add-on works within Microsoft's note taking software and is currently available to download as a beta. Once installed, a new tab appears which gives users the option to read content using text-to-speech or dictate using speech-to-text. While both of the features have been available before it is nice to have a free option that can be used directly within OneNote: an application that many schools and parents already have installed as part of the Microsoft Office suite.<br /><br /><br />The <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/12/add-quick-text-to-speech-button-to.html">text-to-speech</a> reader mode is called "immersive reading mode" and includes some handy features. When activated the reader fills the entire screen with text from your OneNote notebook. While reading text is highlighted as it is read aloud. Users have the option to change the background color and text size in order to create a more comfortable reading experience. The add-on also includes the ability to highlight nouns, verbs, and adjectives in different colors; a feature that could be helpful for younger students. Microsoft even includes the ability for users to break words up into syllables.<br /><br />It is exciting to see the fruits of Microsoft's enhanced accessibility initiatives. While the new features are not novel they seem easy to learn. Since the "Learning Tools" are free for OneNote users and easy to learn they may prove to be a great starting point for people new to assistive technology. Microsoft seems to be increasing their focus on accessibility. Recently, the company announced a new Chief Accessibility Officer and a reorganization of accessibility teams. Hopefully, with the new reorganization, "Learning Tools" is just the beginning of Microsoft's accessibility improvements.<br /><br />The "Learning Tools" add-on available as a free download for Windows. <a href="https://www.onenote.com/learningtools">Click here</a> to learn more and download the add-on.

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

Kindle App for iOS and Android Adds Whispersync for Voice

<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Audible/en_US/images/creative/amazon/amzn_featuredoc/KCP_FeatureDoc_DeviceSwap._V350602784_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="202" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/Audible/en_US/images/creative/amazon/amzn_featuredoc/KCP_FeatureDoc_DeviceSwap._V350602784_.jpg" title="image of two white iPhones running the Kindle app" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMbNr6D8LuwUd-3fgIxiYhjhAs6x0-9S_A-X6MaVfewPZYlJ3tLP5Ig3ZP0OJxnxCVhrlX0WN9uD0ApZJFFi7uu0JA7wzK89-GsLJ0mxZDa_cisGDzSM0gHmyf1pe6zyPc1vAt-ikcFc/s1600/Kindle.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/AVvXsEiOMbNr6D8LuwUd-3fgIxiYhjhAs6x0-9S_A-X6MaVfewPZYlJ3tLP5Ig3ZP0OJxnxCVhrlX0WN9uD0ApZJFFi7uu0JA7wzK89-GsLJ0mxZDa_cisGDzSM0gHmyf1pe6zyPc1vAt-ikcFc/s1600/Kindle.png" width="75" /></a><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/04/ipad-mini-nexus-7-or-kindle-fire-hdx.html">Amazon's Kindle</a> app for <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2014/03/apple-releases-ios-71-with-numerous.html">iOS</a> and <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/08/learning-ally-audio-app-available-for.html">Android</a> was recently updated to integrate audio books from Audible. The update, which is available for free, allows users to seamlessly switch between reading the Kindle text version of a book to listening to the Audible audio version of a book. For example, if you read part of the book and then switch to the audio version the recording will pickup right where you left off. The new feature even allows users to listen to the audio book while following along with the text version. Audio speaking rate can be increased or decreased according to user preference. Unfortunately, unlike Immersion Reading on Kindle Fire tablets, the Kindle app for iOS and Android does not highlight the text as it is being read allowed. While this may not be an inconveniences for some users, it could be a major omission for users with tracking difficulty. For now, users will need a Kindle Fire tablet to take advantage of the full Immersion Reading experience. To learn more about Immersion Reading <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/10/amazon-improves-accessibility-features.html">click here</a>. There is one another major caveat: price. In order to take advantage of Whispersync for Voice or Immersion Reading on a Kindle Fire, you must purchases both the Kindle and Audible versions of a book. This can become extremely expensive for the occasional reader let alone a book worm.<br /><br />To download the app for iOS <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kindle-read-books-ebooks-magazines/id302584613?mt=8">click here</a> and to download the app for Android <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.kindle">click here</a>. To view screenshots of the app in action click read more below.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/cb/41/a2/cb41a27e-1292-3e74-1557-56f56102c677/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/cb/41/a2/cb41a27e-1292-3e74-1557-56f56102c677/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/Purple6/v4/69/fc/18/69fc185c-58d8-3fdd-3af3-8c07bd471a1d/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/69/fc/18/69fc185c-58d8-3fdd-3af3-8c07bd471a1d/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/Purple6/v4/c4/f8/43/c4f843fb-e638-9806-55e7-a3a26f9653f6/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/c4/f8/43/c4f843fb-e638-9806-55e7-a3a26f9653f6/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/v4/52/25/52/522552b9-de32-ae1c-5008-ffee00e6380f/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/52/25/52/522552b9-de32-ae1c-5008-ffee00e6380f/screen568x568.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

PDF Expert 5: Well Designed PDF Management App with Text-to-Speech

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hhUjUEOHR_U?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thesweetsetup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pdf-expert-ipad-icon-256.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="75" src="http://thesweetsetup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/pdf-expert-ipad-icon-256.png" title="PDF Expert 5 Icon" width="75" /></a>PDF Expert 5 is a well designed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fclaropdf-app-pdf-text-to-speech-and.html&ei=1SvDUu-2H7OgsATSpoHQDQ&usg=AFQjCNHW8KJ6dTOvV_9lysjiDJ8l7YwEGg&sig2=QADsIR73ZpzRi9CgRY1oVQ&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">PDF</a> management app for the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Finspiration-maps-for-ipad-mind-mapping.html&ei=8SvDUrT-PMzKsQSU6YDYDQ&usg=AFQjCNEtGo-Cx-xQDAmSaPVmzzOW3_anPw&sig2=_RIkG1GcZSPaT-MG163-pw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">iPad</a>. The app includes many useful features that allow you to read, edit, and annotate PDF documents easily. Unlike some other feature -rich apps, PDF Expert 5 does not feel cultured. The elegant design makes the app easy to use. PDF Expert is an assistive app because of its <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fhave-you-ever-wondered-how-text-to.html&ei=SizDUrPCI43lsASquoCYDQ&usg=AFQjCNGSgCAsv7qFtTJQLv7hwyWUVm1fFg&sig2=FQZnaryAA4yPQYMyKfC_Xw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">text-to-speech</a> integration with the added benefit of extra features.<br /><br />One caveat, while the app is good for non-disabled and dyslexic users, I would not recommend the app for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CD8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fios-6-voiceover-compatiblity-with-maps.html&ei=CCzDUoWZCOjLsQSE84LADA&usg=AFQjCNEJy3pGsCo9ogZPfPGd_al3jPC07A&sig2=2DnbkHBHEOLIJBo14aqhAA&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">VoiceOver</a> users because of some <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CD8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fios-6-voiceover-compatiblity-with-maps.html&ei=CCzDUoWZCOjLsQSE84LADA&usg=AFQjCNEJy3pGsCo9ogZPfPGd_al3jPC07A&sig2=2DnbkHBHEOLIJBo14aqhAA&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">VoiceOver</a> problems I have found. <a href="http://readdle.com/">Readdle</a>, the maker of the app, should work on fixing these VoiceOver problems so blind and visually impaired can also benefit from the app. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PDF files can be imported from numerous cloud storage services including Google Drive, Drop Box and SkyDrive or using the "open-in" feature of many other <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fnew-in-ios-7-system-wide-large-type.html&ei=NizDUrLhNZHFsASG8YDIDA&usg=AFQjCNEYLdvoU1YWeueHQsssEJrSHJsJoQ&sig2=WTo9r3W6h-q5wKDmmxc_xQ&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">iOS apps</a>. You can also view other file types, but the built in text-to-speech reader is only available for PDF documents. Files can be organized into folders or dragged and dropped into different sections.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PDF Expert's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fhave-you-ever-wondered-how-text-to.html&ei=SizDUrPCI43lsASquoCYDQ&usg=AFQjCNGSgCAsv7qFtTJQLv7hwyWUVm1fFg&sig2=FQZnaryAA4yPQYMyKfC_Xw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">text-to-speech</a> function works with any PDF with digital text. It does not work with PDF documents that have text within images. To read a compatible PDF, turn on text-to-speech in the reading mode menu and then press play. You can start reading at the middle or end of a page by highlighting a word and pressing "read from here." Text is read with the default iOS voice that many may recognize as the voice of Siri. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase additional higher quality voices. The app also requires you to re-enable <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fhave-you-ever-wondered-how-text-to.html&ei=SizDUrPCI43lsASquoCYDQ&usg=AFQjCNGSgCAsv7qFtTJQLv7hwyWUVm1fFg&sig2=FQZnaryAA4yPQYMyKfC_Xw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">text-to-speech</a> every time you switch PDF documents. This is inconvenient if you switch are between PDF documents quickly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Click read more below to continue reading about PDF Expert.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name="more"></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Viewing a PDF document is also a breeze. PDF Expert includes a quick scrolling mode and thumb nail view to allow you to easily navigate large PDFs. You can also change the background to sepia or night for easier viewing.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.appleinsider.com/1203-appupdates-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="192" src="http://cdn1.appleinsider.com/1203-appupdates-1.jpg" title="screenshots of PDF Expert 5" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://readdle.com/design/blank.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://readdle.com/design/blank.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aside from the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fhave-you-ever-wondered-how-text-to.html&ei=SizDUrPCI43lsASquoCYDQ&usg=AFQjCNGSgCAsv7qFtTJQLv7hwyWUVm1fFg&sig2=FQZnaryAA4yPQYMyKfC_Xw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">text-to-speech</a> features PDF Expert includes a number of editing and annotation features. Annotation options include highlighting, underlining, shapes, strike-through, stamps, signatures, and text. These annotation options are intuitive to use and you can easily can the color of highlights and other annotations. If you would like to add text to a PDF document you do not need to worry about overlapping any original text because the app automatically wraps your text so it will not overlap. Unfortunately, the app will not read your text annotations back to you using the built in reader, but you can always use the built in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F10%2Fhow-to-use-ios-6-speak-selection-with.html&ei=6rfJUvjaO-3gsASYqoK4DQ&usg=AFQjCNE9ReTFISWFDS6P8UzZHmWGp8zHhw&sig2=X3cNUhJNRScKf3Us1haq3Q&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">Speak Selection</a> feature.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PDF Expert also includes a review mode which allows you to edit and markup existing PDF documents. To learn more about this feature see the below video.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With PDF Expert's easy to use annotation and editing features and its built in text-to-speech reader PDF Reader is an ideal app for any iPad user who wants increase productivity. PDF Expert 5 is compatible with iPads running iOS 6 or higher and is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pdf-expert-5-fill-forms-annotate/id743974925?mt=8">available for $9.99 in the App Store</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/80870248" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/8a/ba/0e/8aba0e33-4a8c-71a5-eb75-2eb1f3fceb49/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/8a/ba/0e/8aba0e33-4a8c-71a5-eb75-2eb1f3fceb49/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/Purple4/v4/2e/0d/56/2e0d5690-b92c-ca92-8c5c-e24feacf330c/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/2e/0d/56/2e0d5690-b92c-ca92-8c5c-e24feacf330c/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/Purple4/v4/78/12/8c/78128ca3-51a8-badf-b56c-1fbe39037cfe/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/78/12/8c/78128ca3-51a8-badf-b56c-1fbe39037cfe/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/Purple4/v4/78/12/8c/78128ca3-51a8-badf-b56c-1fbe39037cfe/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/78/12/8c/78128ca3-51a8-badf-b56c-1fbe39037cfe/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/Purple4/v4/a4/a2/c9/a4a2c905-0f09-5d76-a902-9a4bcd72cab5/screen480x480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple4/v4/a4/a2/c9/a4a2c905-0f09-5d76-a902-9a4bcd72cab5/screen480x480.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Use If This Then That (IFTTT) to Automate Simple Tasks

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ifttt.com/images/promo_app/pocket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="181" src="https://ifttt.com/images/promo_app/pocket.png" title="image of IFTTT running on iPhone" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://ifttt.com/">If This Then That (IFTTT)</a> is a simple app for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F09%2Fthe-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor-on-new.html&ei=CJjAUvmvOaPfsASFwIK4DQ&usg=AFQjCNESOg5Q-1UIJFSKN5m4uvu5CQXkTw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">iPhone</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbdmtech.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Flearning-ally-audio-app-available-for.html&ei=FJjAUrXiFoWhsAS1ioDgDQ&usg=AFQjCNFCzbKaXNPL6c8c_uAPo21QwC-fMw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWc">Android</a> that allows you to automate simple tasks. If you want to email every picture you take to your grandparents or tweet about every breaking news story IFTTT can do it for you automatically. The IFTTT app integrates with many other apps and services which allows it to help with a variety of  tasks. IFTTT can integrate with reminders, contacts, photos, messages, Twitter, Google Drive, Facebook, Blogger, Evernote, and many more services.<br /><br />To start using the app you can choose from hundreds of pre-made recipes or make your own. A recipe could say " If I post a new post on Blogger, tweet its title and a link, "or  "when I arrive at school,text my mom" The app constantly checks your recipes and completes the action at the correct time. It reduces the need to do many monotonous tasks. It also bridges the gap between different web based services allowing you to spend more time using the services and less time managing your digital life.<br /><br />IFTTT also integrates with certain connected home systems. Using IFTTT in concert with the WeMo connected home platform you can have your lights turn on automatically when you get close to home or turn off the TV when you are far from home.<br /><br />Some of these recipes can be helpful for people with executive functioning difficulties. For example, the app can automatically check the weather, and if it is going to rain remind you to wear a jacket. The possibilities are almost endless because of the customization the app offers. The app can also complete actions based on your location. You can set up the app to call, email, or text message someone when you arrive or leave a certain location. This could be helpful for parents who need to makes sure their kid has arrived to school safely in the morning. For example, you could set your childs iPhone to email you everytime they arrive or leave school.<br /><br />IFTTT has an <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ifttt/id660944635">iOS app</a> and <a href="https://ifttt.com/">website</a> both are free of charge. Click read more below to view screen shots of the IFTTT app in action.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/9c/2d/1f/9c2d1fc3-70ce-f05a-de08-5b698e3ebc22/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a3.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/9c/2d/1f/9c2d1fc3-70ce-f05a-de08-5b698e3ebc22/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/Purple/v4/c6/b1/c0/c6b1c02d-5cb3-a3f6-6593-6722eb84a848/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple/v4/c6/b1/c0/c6b1c02d-5cb3-a3f6-6593-6722eb84a848/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/Purple/v4/2c/39/a2/2c39a2a1-105e-54b1-8257-b69a41010d9d/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a5.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple/v4/2c/39/a2/2c39a2a1-105e-54b1-8257-b69a41010d9d/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://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/b4/66/ff/b466ffeb-17b0-34f7-1c83-7414b3a85a08/screen568x568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r30/Purple6/v4/b4/66/ff/b466ffeb-17b0-34f7-1c83-7414b3a85a08/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;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Bookshare Offers Free Membership to Disabled Veterans Attending School

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://communications.bookshare.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/veterans-banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://communications.bookshare.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/veterans-banner.png" width="400" /></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/2013/07/bookshare-reaches-200000-accessible.html">Bookshare</a> recently announced that they will be providing free membership for disabled veterans who are currently attending a United States college or university. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/06/bookshareorg-great-resource-for.html">Bookshare</a> also serves disabled civilian students and others with print disabilities by providing free downloadable accessible books. Veterans who qualify, but are not enrolled in school will have access to a 30 day free trial. After the trial veterans continue using Bookshare for a $50 yearly membership fee. Especially on Veterans Day it is great that veterans who are disabled will be able to access over 215,000 accessible books from the Bookshare library. Bookshare's press release says,</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Accessible books can break down reading barriers and open a new lifeline to reading to go back to school, learn a new vocation or read for pleasure."</span></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A membership provides an individual with electronic books that can be read with <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/10/have-you-ever-wondered-how-text-to.html">text-to-speech</a> or used with a braille device. This makes reading possible for people who are blind, low vision, physically disabled, or dyslexic. Interested veterans can find more information by visiting <a href="http://communications.bookshare.org/veterans2013free/">Bookshare's veterans site</a>. People interested in Bookshare who are not veterans can visit <a href="http://bookshare.org/">Bookshare.org</a>.</div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

New in iOS 7: Redeem iTunes Gift Cards with the Camera

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0XH-59-zL9Y?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Apple’s new mobile operating system for <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-touch-id-fingerprint-sensor-on-new.html">iPhone</a>, </span></span>iPad<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">, and </span></span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/brand-new-ipod-touch-announced.html">iPod</a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/09/brand-new-ipod-touch-announced.html"> Touch</a> includes the ability to redeem </span></span>iTunes<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> gift cards with the camera instead of manually typing long codes. To redeem a gift card with the camera go to the </span></span>iTunes<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Store, App Store, or </span></span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/12/ibooks-update-adds-useful-new-features.html">iBooks</a> Store<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and hit redeem at the bottom of the featured page. Then choose to redeem the gift card with the camera. You can use either the front facing or rear facing camera. To redeem the gift card just point the camera at the back of the gift card and the code is automatically redeemed. This new feature makes it possible for the blind and visually impaired to redeem gift cards without sighted assistance.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Also, </span></span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/06/ios-7-accessibility-overview-what-we.html">iOS</a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/06/ios-7-accessibility-overview-what-we.html"> 7</a> eliminates the need for sighted users to type in long and complicated codes. </span></span><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/06/ios-7-accessibility-overview-what-we.html">iOS</a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/06/ios-7-accessibility-overview-what-we.html"> 7</a> is </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">available</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> now for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.</span></span></span><br /><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXo1z4Ge6bRMGOFXYyREKQuCRPoBPhIvMjkAAlo8sf5ashnnb01fWNsoT00KXdBLQL_yVxcsmfwFiNsx2nTd73OGZA2x16g7mwcJabsWEA5-F2OJup7DvbjsWGfCyjCIzP6d5bfnU0_s/s1600/photo+2+(5).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 18px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXo1z4Ge6bRMGOFXYyREKQuCRPoBPhIvMjkAAlo8sf5ashnnb01fWNsoT00KXdBLQL_yVxcsmfwFiNsx2nTd73OGZA2x16g7mwcJabsWEA5-F2OJup7DvbjsWGfCyjCIzP6d5bfnU0_s/s320/photo+2+(5).PNG" title="Redeem gift card with camera screen in iOS 7" width="211" /></a></span></div>

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii

Amazon, Sony, and Kobo Don't Want to Make Their E-Readers Accessible

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chipkidd.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/kobo-nook-sony-kindle-ebook-readers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="176" src="http://chipkidd.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/kobo-nook-sony-kindle-ebook-readers.jpg" title="Image of readers with skull and cross bones" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://icannwiki.com/images/1/10/Fcclogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="75" src="http://icannwiki.com/images/1/10/Fcclogo.gif" title="FCC logo" width="75" /></a>Some of the top names in the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/06/e-reader-show-down-kindle-vs-nook-vs.html">e-reader</a> market are asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to waive the <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/06/ios-7-accessibility-overview-what-we.html">accessibility</a> requirements for their devices. <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/10/is-kindle-fire-accessible.html">Amazon</a>, Sony, and Kobo have all petitioned the FCC to waive the accessibility requirement for their e-readers. They do not want to have to make their devices "accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities."<br /><br />The FCC requires advanced communication services (ACS) to be accessible to people with disabilities. The e-reader companies are arguing that their devices do not fall under the ACS classification because they are dedicated to <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2012/04/smart-ebook-interface-makes-navigation.html">e-book</a> reading. The three companies also claim that adding <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/12/ios-5-camera-accessibility.html">accessibility</a> features would decrease battery life, increase cost and increase bulk. They claim in the FCC document,<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21.4375px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rendering ACS accessible on e-readers would require fundamentally altering the devices and it may not be possible to meet that requirement and maintain e-readers as inexpensive mobile reading devices, and yet the necessary changes, if they were made, would not yield a meaningful benefit to individuals with disabilities. It’s not merely cost but the very nature of a specialized e-reader device that is at issue."</span></span></blockquote>Disabilities rights advocates content that because e-readers are not only being used for leisure, but also education the devices should be required to be accessible. Furthermore, Amazon has over a 100 million Kindle-exclusive titles according to the <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2012/08/28/amazons-kindle-exclusive-books-surge-past-100-million-mark/">Wall Street Journal</a>. If <a href="http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2013/05/kindle-app-for-ios-updated-with.html">Kindle</a>s are not usable by the blind and people with other disabilities such as dyslexia they are shut out from this content.<br /><br />It is questionable if adding accessibility features will really slow down and bulk up e-readers as the companies claim. A more realistic possibility is that the companies see adding accessibility features as an unwanted cost and challenge. Instead of requesting waivers from the government these e-reader companies should focus on making devices that are usable to the masses. Adding accessibility feature to devices is important and benefits the consumer as well as the company. With accessibility features e-readers can be purchased in public school, there are more potential customers, and the public will view the company in a better light.<br /><br />The FCC is requesting the public's input in this matter through Tuesday, September 3. People interested in making a comment can do so by <a href="http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=1yu81">clicking here.</a> The full petition can be read <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/document/petition-waiver-access-acs-services-and-equipment-0">here</a>.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> Amazon's newest Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire HDX include new accessibility features. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000632481">Click here</a> to learn more about the new accessibility features.

Diposting oleh Abdullah Syafii