Seems noone really knows, what is going to happen in the coming. Doug -
one of the "old-time" staff - recently sent a message on the list, that
informed us, apparently things have not yet been fully worked out. At
least, that is how I read his message.
How long will you be able to use your product? Hmm, guess it would
depend. If you are among the ones using the free Office offer, it will
last as long as
1) Microsoft accepts it running;
2) The VFO team and Microsoft uphold their agreement;
3) The screen reader of Window-Eyes as a single product exists;
or,
4) who knows what other clauses need be met...
On the other hand, are you a fully paid-for user, picture is a bit
different. I am, at least, not aware anything that would prevent you
from continued usage of the software, even should worst thing happen and
the product be discontinued. You would not see new updates, the apps
might - or might not - be updated and smoothened, should new scenarios
arise. And, eventually your screen reader would get obsolete, compared
to modern software design, and hardware functionality and technology.
How long would it take for the screen reader to get obsolete on your
system? Would depend on how, and for what, you use your screen reader.
But likely you would be good to go for quite a wile.
Would the mailing list still be running, that you could ask help from
other users? Again, who knows. If VFO decides to discontinue, someone
else might open a mailing list. Or, the net would see numerous web forum
explaining how to use Win-Eyes for this or that specific operation. Or,
you might see certain - more closed groups, coming around.
Sure, there was a load of rumors and speculations, but it all came to a
rest, once we got a message from the staff. And, hopefully your mail
will not start a new, prolonged arguing to what extend anything has been
decided on. OK, we all would like to know, and sure thing is, it would
have been smart for the VFO leading team to have been on the list and
informed their users of the future plans, but such is not the case, and
likely won't be either.
Are we left on our own?
Not exactly. Like I have already stated, Doug posted a message here
about a week ago. And I see a few messages from other staff member as
well. But it definitely is noticeably less than it used to be in former
days. Then again, two of the people who used to be activ on the list,
with their input - Mike and Jeremy, both have left the team. Guess that
poses more work load on the ones left, and they might be just as
bewildered about the coming as the rest of us. As such, they may not
have the time, nor the info, to participate the same way they used to.
OK, we all wish the leading team would join the list, and feel the
contact with their market. Was actually one great beneft, in the old
days when GW was GW and nothing else. The community and the staff stayed
in more or less direct contact. But neither AISquared, nor VFO seem to
have that kind of touch with teir market. For them, it is a benefit,
since they can do what they want, and don't have to bother all the
complains from the market. For the market, it is a loss, in that the
community cannot get through with useful tips and wishes for future
improvements. And for the industry as a whole, it is a clear-cut drop
down, as the gap between user and manufacturer will only expand, and
eventually screen readers will become something that we "unfortunately"
have to use, but wish we could get rid of altogether.
Sure, go on dreaming. Things are changing, and raising numerous threads,
and doing loads of speculations, along with crying and complaining -
long as the REAL Leaders are not listening in, why not just forget it.
Use the screen reader long as you can, and when announcements are made
as to what future plans are to bring, make your informed decision.
Should you spend any more money on upgrades or new licenses on a product
which has an unresolved future? Don't ask, just make your personal
decision, and keep it personal. Noone could, or should, dictate such a
decision.
Sum it all up:
Sit back, await further information. Will it be given tomorrow, with
five years warning for the coming - then enjoy your well-prepared
transmission for something new. Should it be given next month, with
immediate and irrevocable effect? Well, save your tears for the day they
are needed.
Hope - and I really am sincere here - that this does not start a new
storm of speculations. We have got the info that we likely are going to
get, at this point; far as I see it. And noone - at least of the fully
paid users - will see their computer being without a screen reader when
you turn it on tomorrow morning. That is, unless the team should release
some update that simply brings your system to its knees. And what would
you do then? Except from uninstalling, reinstall the latest CD (or
downloaded) version you have at hand, and block the screen reader from
ever updating. Go on and enjoy the product for years, till technology in
general is no longer technology, but has turned into something you don't
even know of today, let alone anyone else. Even the free office version,
to my understanding, would not stop working. It likely would just go
from a fully working continuous product, to a thirty-minute at a time
version. Time enough to get something else on your computer.
On 10/29/2016 5:59 AM, Kim Lingo via Talk wrote:
> A few days ago, there was a flurry of questions and comments about the future
> of Window-Eyes. I have two questions. First, does anyone know if there is
> one or more persons monitoring this discussion list who still had something
> to do with the development of Window-eyes, or are we all on our own as users?
>
> Second, does anyone have a general idea about how long this screen reader
> would be viable to use with email, the Internet, and other software
> applications? I realize an exact prediction can’t be made, but I’m just
> wondering in general if anyone can make an educated guess.
> I’m using Windo-eyes 9.5.3.
> Kim Lingow
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