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Nokia has announced a screen reader this week at Nokia World 2011, in
addition to a number of accessibility apps. These new products matter
because they will make it easier for people with disabilities to use Nokia
devices.
The software supplier for the Nokia Screen Reader is Code Factory
<http://www.codefactory.es/en/> , based in Spain. The CEO Eduard Sánchez
describes the situation:
For a blind person, the only way to use a mobile phone without accessibility
software is to know it by heart. That is, you need to know that if you press
the Menu key and scroll down four times, you will be at the Message folder.
And, when you get there, it is necessary to press the right softkey to open
Options. Its difficult to learn the different functions and memorize them.
This makes the phone largely inaccessible. The Nokia Screen Reader provides
a great alternative.
The Nokia Screen Reader is an application that converts screen content into
speech. Its helpful not only for users with sight limitations, but anyone
who is not able to dedicate their attention to the screen. For example, it
allows you to listen to text messages when you exercise.
Besides calling and texting, the screen reader is helpful for browsing the
internet, accessing call lists and contacts, and managing the calendar. It
works on touch screen devices and those with a physical key pad. The reader
features a simple command structure which is easy to remember, as well as a
configurable control panel. Its available at launch in eight different
languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Finnish, Swedish
and Italian.
The Nokia Screen Reader can be downloaded from the Nokia Store free of
charge. It will be available before the end of the year for the C5 5 MP,
Nokia 700 and Nokia 701 with Symbian Belle. Were also exploring
opportunities to bring screen reader technology to feature phones to reach
as many customers as possible.
The launch of the Nokia Screen Reader coincides with another important
development: the new Accessibility Channel
<http://store.ovi.com/channel/1939> in the Nokia Store. This channel
aggregates apps that can assist people with vision, hearing and speech, as
well as cognition and dexterity problems.
So what kind of apps are available? Well, there is Vlingo, a voice
recognition app that carries out commands on the device. Or T9 Nav, which
finds information on your device when you type what youre looking for. Or,
if you left your glasses at home, try Font Magnifier, which allows you to
zoom the text by 140%. There are now some 50 apps available for download
from the Nokia Store for selected Nokia devices.
If you need assistance downloading the Nokia Screen Reader, please call
Nokia Customer Care in your country, or send them a message on Twitter
@NokiaHelps.
Sourec: Nokia
<http://conversations.nokia.com/2011/10/27/nokia-rolls-out-new-screen-reader
/>
Carl Jarvis
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Too long have the workers of the world waited for some Moses to lead them
out of bondage. I would not lead you out if I could; for if you could be led
out, you could be led back again. I would have you make up your minds there
is nothing that you cannot do for yourselves. --Eugene Victor Debs
1855-1926
"I am opposing a social order in which it is possible for one man who does
absolutely nothing that is useful to amass a fortune of hundreds of millions
of dollars, while millions of men and women who work all the days of their
lives secure barely enough for a wretched existence."
Eugene Victor Debs
check out my blog
www.curiouscarlscorner.blogspot.com
*************
Too long have the workers of the world waited for some Moses to lead them
out of bondage. I would not lead you out if I could; for if you could be led
out, you could be led back again. I would have you make up your minds there
is nothing that you cannot do for yourselves. --Eugene Victor Debs
1855-1926
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ATI (Adaptive Technology Inc.)
A special interest affiliate of the Missouri Council of the Blind
http://moblind.org/membership/affiliates/adaptive_technology
