Hello Vaughan, Great observations!
" Where is the reference to Window-Eyes being regarded as the top screen reader?" No reference, just my personal observations over the past decade as a user, as a researcher on access technology, and as a reseller of access technology. "There seems to be a lack of analysis of the consequences of Window-eyes being free" Yeah, you got that right! You can ask Microsoft as well how it plans to make money giving Windows 10 and Office 2016 away for free. I have no clue. My guess is that Microsoft is funding AI Squared somehow so development can continue. It's likely cheaper for Microsoft to subcontract accessibility development. "red hot news" I missed that announcement. The comments about it are way out-of-line! Let's wait and see what AI Squared says. Thanks, Peter -----Original Message----- From: Vaughan Dodd [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 3:54 PM To: 'Peter Duran'; 'Window-Eyes Discussion List' Subject: RE: Red Hot news: Perhaps Windows 10 with Window-Eyes Hi Peter. A voice of reason amidst the noisy chaos, but there are a couple of things about which I disagree or am otherwise unclear. Where is the reference to Window-Eyes being regarded as the top screen reader? Certainly, the most recent WebAim web access survey reports an increase in Window-" eyes usage, so maybe I've just missed something about other aspects of its success. Secondly: There seems to be a lack of analysis of the consequences of Window-eyes being free for users of Office. I have always believed that apart from constructively ensuring that screen reader access is more available to more blind people, it sends a signal about lack of investment as it no longer generates its own revenue. Version 9.2 sent a signal to me that Window-Eyes will remain with us for a while yet, and there are other indicators of on-going development, but how are such things paid for? I used to be sympathetic to the notion of Window-eyes being integrated into Windows, in the same way tha tVoiceOver is part of Apple products. Whilst this might happen, Microsoft's track record of buying out software companies and thei r products has been less than positive with respect to accessaibility and new access features. There is a lot to be said for the small, innovative specialist companies, but the work is challenging and the costs of development, marketing and distribution are high. I share the view that the "Red Hot News" was a gaff, but mistakes get made and those who make them are charged with correcting them. We will get positive, easy to read news soon - of that I am certain. Vaughan. -----Original Message----- From: Talk [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Peter Duran via Talk Sent: Wednesday, 21 October 2015 9:31 p.m. To: Talk Subject: Red Hot news: Perhaps Windows 10 with Window-Eyes There are a lot of silly e-mails on this topic from no more versions of Window-Eyes to AI Squared is sending out spam. Most of you don't think things through before you post dumb e-mails. Recall that Window-Eyes has won the screen reader wars! It is free to any person with a computer running Microsoft Office; that's most every computer around the world. The only situation that could be better is if Window-Eyes were a part of Windows 10. (Don't let this surmise of mine become another unfounded rumor.) I would guess that version 9.3 of Window-Eyes will make its appearance in a couple of weeks, and then the stupid claims about its demise will cease. BTW: AI Squared and Face book are having a webinar this Thursday afternoon on how you can use Window-Eyes to access Facebook features. It would seem from that Window-Eyes is not going away but instead consolidating its dominant position. Peter Duran _______________________________________________ Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared. For membership options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/vaughan.dodd00 1%40msd.govt.nz. For subscription options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/listinfo.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com List archives can be found at http://lists.window-eyes.com/private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com ------------------------------- This email and any attachments may contain information that is confidential and subject to legal privilege. 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