Well, CJ, points well taken. In my current sadistic mood, I allow that it will be very amusing if Freedom Scientific tried to take legal action against GW Micro for doing this. Now that would make a story would it not?
Sent from my Mac, the only computer with full accessibility for the blind built-in! Sincerely, The Constantly Barefooted Ray, still a very happy Mac and Iphone 5 user! On Jan 18, 2014, at 10:44 PM, CJ Daniel <[email protected]> wrote: > Ray, > > While in specific it is an “OT” post, I think any development of this > magnitude is of interest to just about any computer related blind list. The > offering of Window-Eyes as a pseudo-free screen reader for MS Windows, in > itself, is not earth-shattering. How it may continue to shape the adaptive > software arena for the blind is, however, potentially huge. > > If Window-eyes remains a commercial grade package for the price of adding > Office 2010 to a Window’s based machine, the question then becomes “what will > Freedom Scientific do?” I suspect there is a chance of legal action in the > offing or maybe not. Perhaps, for the first time, Freedom Scientific will > have to deal realistically with blind consumers & stop setting their > price-point @ ridiculous levels, which—let’s all face it—has always been a > marketing strategy aimed @ Federal & state purchasing agencies. > > This is all of interest to Apple user’s & the members of this list, in my > opinion, because the government mandated it, Apple responded, & people like > those on this list picked up the torch & ran with it. That’s right! Every > person, who has said “enough all ready. I’m tired of paying outrageous > prices for something that sighted people obtain with their original purchase > price. I’m tired of paying for expensive adaptive software upgrades, in > addition to my operating system upgrades.” People who, in some cases, fought > state agencies & insisted on something other than a Windows based machine & > the highly ubiquitous JAWS. Then, those same people strapped themselves in > to the roller coaster of change, sweated through the learning curves, & left > all that hard-won Windows expertise behind to make it all happen. > > What I’m trying to express, I suppose, is that it is of great interest, > because people like you & me made it happen. In effect, the American system > of free enterprise, with a little watch-dogging from the federal > government—their real job I believe—has started to work in this situation. > I.E. the blind consumer has spoken with his/her purchasing dollars & > MicroSoft & GW Micro have taken note. > > Am I saying that we’re a threat to Windows? Absolutely not. But, we are a > market share &, in this economy, every little bit counts. After all, it was > only a couple of years ago, that for the first time in history, a private > company—Apple Incorporated—had more money than the federal government. If > you don’t think Micro Soft sat up & took note of that, then you don’t know > how these companies think. I shouldn’t be surprised @ all if Micro Soft > isn’t determined to win every little segment of the market possible. But, I > digress. > > In short, we & NVDA users should be a little proud, I think. We’ve had an > impact & opened up some doors for a lot of blind folks. We’ve gotten some > corporate attention & it looks like some real changes may be in the offing. > So, to all the users on the list, I say “thanks & well done.” > > Sincerely, > > CJ > > > On Jan 18, 2014, at 10:19 AM, Ray Foret Jr <[email protected]> wrote: > >> Uh, maybe: however, doesn’t one have to buy a full copy of Microsoft Word >> to get this? Seems like one gets a stripped down version with just one >> voice and I really have to say that while GW Micro deserves a favorable >> mention for this, it’s got presious little to do with those of us who don’t >> and will never ever ever install windows on our Macs. >> >> >> Sent from my Mac, the only computer with full accessibility for the blind >> built-in! >> >> Sincerely, >> The Constantly Barefooted Ray, still a very happy Mac and Iphone 5 user! >> >> On Jan 18, 2014, at 11:06 AM, Teresa Cochran <[email protected]> >> wrote: >> >>> Well, actually, some folks use Bootcamp or Fusion, and could probably >>> benefit from not having to buy a full copy of WindowEyes when they do so. >>> >>> HtH, >>> teresa >>> >>> Slow down; you'll get there faster. >>> >>> On Jan 18, 2014, at 8:38 AM, Ray Foret Jr <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>>> For my part, I’m wondering what this has to do with us Mac users? >>>> >>>> >>>> Sent from my Mac, the only computer with full accessibility for the blind >>>> built-in! >>>> >>>> Sincerely, >>>> The Constantly Barefooted Ray, still a very happy Mac and Iphone 5 user! >>>> >>>> On Jan 18, 2014, at 5:51 AM, Sandi Jazmin Kruse <[email protected]> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> hi Chris. Am not sure why they use W E for that, I can't decide if i >>>>> believe it a good or bad thing either. The only thing i kinda wish i >>>>> could get from nvda was a more jaws like voice, that is all really, it >>>>> is simple and too the point. >>>>> It could be that W E got something NVDA don't? As others have said it >>>>> shall indeed be interesting finding out how it plays out. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Sandi >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 1/17/14, Chris Blouch <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>>> I wonder why they went with WindowEyes. Maybe less outcry when the #3 >>>>>> gets picked for inclusion. As it normally goes for $900 a pop I could >>>>>> see MS giving them $9 each which would be made up for in quantity. Last >>>>>> WebAIM survey had Primary Screen Reader use with Jaws at 49%, WindowEyes >>>>>> at 12% and Voiceover at 9%. NVDA was actually second with nearly 14%. >>>>>> >>>>>> http://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey4/#primary >>>>>> >>>>>> CB >>>>>> >>>>>> On 1/17/14 8:59 PM, Sandi Jazmin Kruse wrote: >>>>>>> i am kinda wondering what they will gain by doing it like that? >>>>>>> Not that i will ever have too find out, the absolutely only thing i >>>>>>> use windows for is scanning , when done i can copy paste it over in >>>>>>> textedit directly. >>>>>>> I have thought long and hard over if i really needed something newer >>>>>>> than xp for OC'ring and stuff like that, and i simply can't justify >>>>>>> it, not right now at least. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Sandi >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 1/17/14, Eileens Misrahi <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>>>>> Hi All, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I just want to point out that I have had a paid copy of Window-Eyes for >>>>>>>> a >>>>>>>> few years. Last year though, if I wanted the Vocalizer voices I needed >>>>>>>> to >>>>>>>> pay for them. Also, I listened to a recent podcast from GW micro on >>>>>>>> how >>>>>>>> to >>>>>>>> get started with the WE version for Office and it was mentioned in >>>>>>>> there >>>>>>>> that other synthesizers could be purchased. I am taking a wait and see >>>>>>>> approach on how all this will play out. I provide training to my >>>>>>>> clients >>>>>>>> in >>>>>>>> all areas of vision rehab, so this could be advantagious for those I >>>>>>>> service >>>>>>>> who require a screen reader. JMO. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best, >>>>>>>> Eileen >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Jan 17, 2014, at 3:12 PM, Terje Strømberg <[email protected]> >>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Speech Syntherzises is very important for my self i.e. the choice of >>>>>>>>> installing from developers. This is a very bad mistake by GW Micro. >>>>>>>>> Free >>>>>>>>> speech!! >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Take care >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 17. jan. 2014 kl. 22:22 skrev Buddy Brannan <[email protected]>: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Licensing costs, most likely. You will also get no free technical >>>>>>>>> support >>>>>>>>> beyond installation. >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA >>>>>>>>> Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Jan 17, 2014, at 4:18 PM, Karen Lewellen <[email protected]> >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> indeed? if this is a fully functional edition with all other >>>>>>>>>> programs, >>>>>>>>>> does not that mean the speech choices you would get with window eyes >>>>>>>>>> in >>>>>>>>>> general? Why are they only offering one synthesizer I wonder? >>>>>>>>>> Kare >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Fri, 17 Jan 2014, Alex Hall wrote: >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> I haven't followed this thread very closely, so I'm sorry if this >>>>>>>>>>> has >>>>>>>>>>> come up. You seem to be forgetting about NVDA, a free screen reader >>>>>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>>>>> has very good Office support and can also be scripted. A common >>>>>>>>>>> complaint about NVDA is that people don't like Espeak, the >>>>>>>>>>> synthesizer >>>>>>>>>>> it comes with, but a blog post I read said that Window-Eyes will >>>>>>>>>>> also >>>>>>>>>>> come with Espeak in this deal. So, the idea that this Window-Eyes >>>>>>>>>>> offer >>>>>>>>>>> opens more doors seems odd, since NVDA is already available, no >>>>>>>>>>> matter >>>>>>>>>>> which version of office you have, or if you don't have Office at >>>>>>>>>>> all. >>>>>>>>>>> Some comments I've heard even suggest that Window-Eyes does not >>>>>>>>>>> offer >>>>>>>>>>> very good Office support compared to other screen readers. >>>>>>>>>>> On Jan 17, 2014, at 2:38 PM, Maria and Joe Chapman >>>>>>>>>>> <[email protected]> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Hi. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Just had another thought. This might be a good thing for those of >>>>>>>>>>>> us >>>>>>>>>>>> looking for volunteer work. If we can use window eyes as long as >>>>>>>>>>>> they >>>>>>>>>>>> have office 2010 or later on their system. How well does window >>>>>>>>>>>> eyes >>>>>>>>>>>> and office work together I wonder? >>>>>>>>>>>> Warm regards and blessings >>>>>>>>>>>> Maria, Joe and FurBabies >>>>>>>>>>>> Email: iMessage:[email protected] >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> On 15 Jan 2014, at 6:21 am, Bill Holton <[email protected]> >>>>>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> Jan-14-2014 >>>>>>>>>>>>> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE >>>>>>>>>>>>> Fort Wayne, Indiana (January 14, 2014) - GW Micro, Inc. >>>>>>>>>>>>> (www.gwmicro.com) is proud >>>>>>>>>>>>> to make a revolutionary announcement. GW Micro and Microsoft Corp. >>>>>>>>>>>>> have partnered >>>>>>>>>>>>> to make Window-Eyes available to users of Microsoft Office at no >>>>>>>>>>>>> cost. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Window-Eyes >>>>>>>>>>>>> is a screen reader that enables people who are blind, visually >>>>>>>>>>>>> impaired, or print >>>>>>>>>>>>> disabled to have full access to Windows PCs and makes the computer >>>>>>>>>>>>> accessible via >>>>>>>>>>>>> speech and/or Braille. >>>>>>>>>>>>> To better deliver Window-Eyes to the people who need it most, GW >>>>>>>>>>>>> Micro >>>>>>>>>>>>> and Microsoft >>>>>>>>>>>>> have collaborated on this global initiative, available in over 15 >>>>>>>>>>>>> languages, to enable >>>>>>>>>>>>> anyone using Microsoft Office 2010 or later to also use >>>>>>>>>>>>> Window-Eyes >>>>>>>>>>>>> for free. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Access to technology is critical to people who are blind or >>>>>>>>>>>>> visually >>>>>>>>>>>>> impaired in >>>>>>>>>>>>> order to have the same opportunity to compete in the workplace. As >>>>>>>>>>>>> such, this initiative >>>>>>>>>>>>> between GW Micro and Microsoft has the potential to reduce >>>>>>>>>>>>> barriers >>>>>>>>>>>>> for millions >>>>>>>>>>>>> of people who are blind or visually impaired around the world. >>>>>>>>>>>>> As the population ages, technologies like Window-Eyes will become >>>>>>>>>>>>> more >>>>>>>>>>>>> and more important >>>>>>>>>>>>> as the number of people with age-related macular degeneration and >>>>>>>>>>>>> other retinal degenerative >>>>>>>>>>>>> diseases increases. " >>>>>>>>>>>>> This significant change in the way we are doing business reflects >>>>>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>>> changing perception >>>>>>>>>>>>> of accessibility and also technology in general. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Rather than wait for the world to change, Microsoft and GW Micro >>>>>>>>>>>>> are >>>>>>>>>>>>> leading the >>>>>>>>>>>>> way >>>>>>>>>>>>> ," said Dan Weirich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for GW >>>>>>>>>>>>> Micro. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Weirich believes this technology can help millions of people gain >>>>>>>>>>>>> access to their >>>>>>>>>>>>> PC, and that providing it free of charge will open a whole new >>>>>>>>>>>>> world >>>>>>>>>>>>> of assistive >>>>>>>>>>>>> technology to many people. >>>>>>>>>>>>> In light of the rapidly changing face of technology and >>>>>>>>>>>>> specifically, >>>>>>>>>>>>> the changing >>>>>>>>>>>>> face of assistive technology, the combined efforts of GW Micro and >>>>>>>>>>>>> Microsoft have >>>>>>>>>>>>> the goal of providing accessibility to people who are blind and >>>>>>>>>>>>> visually impaired >>>>>>>>>>>>> for the long term. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Microsoft continues to take accessibility seriously. >>>>>>>>>>>>> “By partnering with GW Micro in this endeavor we are demonstrating >>>>>>>>>>>>> Microsoft’s ongoing >>>>>>>>>>>>> commitment to provide all of our customers with the technology and >>>>>>>>>>>>> tools to help >>>>>>>>>>>>> each person be productive in both their work and personal lives.” >>>>>>>>>>>>> said Rob Sinclair, Chief Accessibility Officer for Microsoft. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Eligible customers, using Microsoft Office 2010 or higher, will be >>>>>>>>>>>>> able to download >>>>>>>>>>>>> a full version of Window-Eyes starting today at >>>>>>>>>>>>> www.WindowEyesForOffice.com >>>>>>>>>>>>> . >>>>>>>>>>>>> The website provides download instructions as well as additional >>>>>>>>>>>>> details about this >>>>>>>>>>>>> offer. >>>>>>>>>>>>> GW Micro, Inc. (www.gwmicro.com) has been a trusted pioneer in the >>>>>>>>>>>>> adaptive technology >>>>>>>>>>>>> industry since 1990, and continues to lead with innovative, >>>>>>>>>>>>> customer >>>>>>>>>>>>> driven solutions. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Contact: >>>>>>>>>>>>> Dan Weirich, VP of Sales and Marketing >>>>>>>>>>>>> [email protected] >>>>>>>>>>>>> (260) 489-3671 >>>>>>>>>>>>> ### >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>>>>>>>> Groups "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, >>>>>>>>>>>>> send >>>>>>>>>>>>> an email to [email protected]. >>>>>>>>>>>>> To post to this group, send email to >>>>>>>>>>>>> [email protected]. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries. >>>>>>>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are 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Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries. >>>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>>>> Groups >>>>>>>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>>>>>> an >>>>>>>>> email to [email protected]. >>>>>>>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>>>>>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries. >>>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>>> Groups >>>>>>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>>>>> an >>>>>>>> email to [email protected]. >>>>>>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>>>>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries. >>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. >>>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ >>>>>> >>>>>> -- >>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>>>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>>>>> email to [email protected]. >>>>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries. >>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>>>> "MacVisionaries" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>>>> email to [email protected]. >>>>> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >>>>> Visit this group at 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