Hi Tom and all, I agree entirely, which is why, in my previous note, I specified that the mess isn't just for screen reader users. Windows 8 is widely getting slammed by users because it is a mess, but that has nothing to do with the accessibility. Microsoft is improving with access, even if it is extremely late to the party.
On Apr 30, 2013, at 11:04 AM, Thomas Ward <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi Dallas, > > Correct. One of the things Windows 8 brings to the table regarding > accessibility is Microsoft Narrator is vastly improved over prior > versions.Wile I wouldn't take it over something like NVDA it is far > better than anything else Microsoft has provided before. Better screen > review commands, and better Sapi voices as well. Some of the new > Microsoft voices on Windows 8 are easily as good as the Vocalizer > voices and they come free with the OS. I've used Microsoft David with > NvDA and Narrator and it isn't too bad. > > Further more Microsoft has replaced MSAA with U.I. Automation which is > a far better API than MSAA ever was. U.I. Automation is the way of the > future and will revolutionize access on Windows 8 and beyond. As a > result of technologies like U.I. Automation screen readers like Jaws > and Window-Eyes no longer need off-screen models and video drivers to > read the screen because they can get it from the Windows API directly. > This will only aid not hinder access. > > Bottom line, the user interface has changed drastically in Windows 8 > since Windows XP, but different is not the same as inaccessible. The > statement that Microsoft is getting less accessible is just propaganda > bandied about by people who are trying to justify not upgrading to > Windows 8. > > Cheers! > > > On 4/30/13, Dallas O'Brien <[email protected]> wrote: >> Hi, also, I'm not too sure where the idea that Microsoft has not been >> helping accessibility in more modern versions of windows. >> In fact, Windows 7, and more especially windows 8, are far more accessible >> than XP ever was. And their knew protocols, and APIs, that provide better >> accessibility now, then before. So again, not sure where this one came from. >> And I agree,, having an old machine with the older OS, is often the better >> option. Obviously, if you're fine with what you have now, then stay with it. >> However, XP will be losing support as of this time next year. So I would >> suggest, that you start looking at moving ahead now, before you're forced >> to. >> Mainly, because of the security risk you will be dealing with, when XP no >> longer is being provided the security updates. And in this modern world, >> where you are connected so much, to the Internet, it would be pointless to >> remain in a less secure OS. >> I myself, am seriously considering going with a Mac for my next computer, >> and dual booting windows on it. Best of both worlds. The only problem with >> that, is the cost of a Mac out right. Anyway, on with the games. LOL. >> Regards: >> Dallas > > --- > Gamers mailing list __ [email protected] > If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [email protected]. > You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at > http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. > All messages are archived and can be searched and read at > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]. > If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, > please send E-mail to [email protected]. --- Gamers mailing list __ [email protected] If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to [email protected]. You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to [email protected].
