Before we all start cheering loudly for Apple, I joined a blind Mac users list to get an idea of how blind folks are using their Macs, access concerns, etc., and found that just about all of them are still using Windows for some tasks, either by running it in a virtual machine on the Mac, or on another PC. This is because Voiceover does not always provide complete access, especially with 3rd party programs, but even to advanced functions of some of apple's own software.
Andy From: David [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 10:34 PM To: Baracco, Andrew W; [email protected]; Chris Tekell Subject: Re: iTunes 10? And, don't you think, your sidenote namely backs up the statement, that for a major developer like Microsoft or Apple to build screenreaders, will never substitute third-party stuff. Guess, there is too much money, in making only so much accessible on your system. If they made it, so that the user could use the competitors stuff, WOOPS, there goes their profit... Agreed, would have been nice, if there was a law, saying that every tech stuff released, shyould have been fully accessible. Then we would be able to go to the nearest electrical equipment store, and pick up our talking, Braille labeled microwave oven, our fully talking GPS, our fully accessible computer, and our stereo or mp3 player, fully workable in all menus, for the visually impaired. GREAT! But unfortunately, not realistic. After all, hasn't Microsoft already taken steps? Narrator? And, how far did that take us? And here, your sidenote just confirms, Apple including FULL accessibility - or whatever they want to name it - by a screenreader on their computer, and then simply breaks it all, by not following up on the extras. Imagine, Windows 8 including a screen reader. Tomorrow, Microsoft releases a new version of Internet Explorer, or Office, or whatever, and it is not supported by their own screen reader? Well, you smile! But, experience - I do think - has told its own story. Too many of us, have been in the game a bit too long. Co competition, YES! Lower price, FINE! Better accessibility being the primary foundation for any tech developer around the world, JUST PERFECT! So, let them build-in a screen reader in next version of Windows. Maybe, by then, we will be able to drop over, and help next-door with his troublesome computer, or quickly drop-in by the local library, when traveloling, and check our mailbox. But really WORK the computer, with a bult-in screen reader? OK; maybe, but not as things look like now. NVDA, is a nice scrren reader, that does a good job - and certain times even might prove itself over Window-Eyes. But would anyone here trade it? So, I welcome the idea, that first Microsoft, Apple or whoever, are building software, let them make it accessible. If not by any other means, let them go ahead and include a screen reader. After all, whow many sighted people would by a computer, that showed nothing on the screen? But, better yet, would be if the companies realized, that real accessibility comes far earlier than a screen reader. You know, a screen reader is no more than a mere fix, or repair, to a broken accessibility. Imagine, the big car producers, making for sale, a brand new car model, with an engine that was too weak, to drag the car up even the slightest hillside. Then, they offered you an attachable box, that would hold an engine-booster. Now, your car could crawl the hillsides, but would stop everytime it solopes more than 20 degrees. HMM! wonder how many cars will be sold, the next three months! (smile!) ----- Original Message ----- From: Chris Tekell <mailto:[email protected]> To: Baracco, Andrew W <mailto:[email protected]> ; [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 10:41 PM Subject: RE: iTunes 10? iTunes 10 is indeed now available, or at least according to the announcement at the event. There seems to be a lot of people discussing their inability to download it on various article discussions. Hope it doesn't suffer any major accessibility breaks with WE. On a side note, I was disappointed to hear that the new AppleTV settop box does not use iOS. I was really hoping it would support Voiceover, it is going to include Netflix streaming and having an accessible settop that would allow me to use Netflix's View Instantly on my TV and home theater system would have been really nice. Not to mention that the device will allow wireless streming from your PC, but if you can't control the device with Voiceover I can't see it working well for blind users. Regards, Chris At 01:46 PM 9/1/2010, Baracco, Andrew W wrote: Itunes 10? I checked the other day, and the current version is still 9.2.1. Andy From: Traci [ mailto:[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> ] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 12:35 PM To: gwInfo Subject: iTunes 10? *Grin,* you had to know it was coming. How are things working with win-eyes7.2 and iTunes 10. GwMicro is still mentioned on apple's accessibility site, but I wanted to double check before updating. Thanks all, Traci If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. GW-Info messages are archived at <http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo> http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage your list subscription at <http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv. If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. GW-Info messages are archived at <http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo> http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage your list subscription at <http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv> http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv. If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. GW-Info messages are archived at http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage your list subscription at http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv. If you reply to this message it will be delivered to the original sender only. If your reply would benefit others on the list and your message is related to GW Micro, then please consider sending your message to [email protected] so the entire list will receive it. GW-Info messages are archived at http://www.gwmicro.com/gwinfo. You can manage your list subscription at http://www.gwmicro.com/listserv.
