Hi
As Lynne commented on our sister group "Windows Access" earlier
this morning, this is quite old news. I am also a little
confused as to the point of the post, given that the majority of
members reside outside of the publication's market area and
probably have no access to it.
Hopefully though, Microsoft will bough to public demand, and
restore at least the option to retain the classic appearance of
Windows 7 and earlier. The "Start Screen" didn't go down too
well with the majority of customers it would appear. But as we
have discovered in the past, Microsoft, like Apple, is a law unto
itself. They seem just as keen to upset the apfle cart, (if
you'll pardon the pun), and make arbitrary changes as they see
fit, without first offering customers the option of reverting to
what they know.
In terms of accessibility, there are some significant changes
in Windows 8.1 framework. It is my understanding that NVDA is
not yet ready for the new operating system. I believe that an
update to Jaws 14 is imminent, probably a free update for SMA
holders at least. Supernova and Window-Eyes are already Windows
8.1 ready so users of either Dolphin Computer Access or Gw Micro
flagship products have no need to worry. Based on past
experience, System Access will be ready in time for the launch
date. System Access is, in my opinion, amongst the best of the
bunch as far as Windows accessibility solutions go. I just wish
I could figure out how to get my Braille display working with it.
I have to say that I have found System Access to be extremely
responsive, intuitive and reliable in situations where other
products are not. Even NVDA doesn't always work in some
sircumstances where System Access does.
Of course, GW Micro customers will need to upgrade to
Window-Eyes 8.3 if they wish to migrate to Windows 8.1. Happily,
that upgrade is free for those who purchased the 8.0 release, or
those who hold a "Lease to Own" lisence.
Anyway, most of the major notebook providers will likely
already be working on revisions for their potential customers.
Whether or not they choose to roll out upgrades for their
existing customers is quite another matter.
I personally own a high-end Samsung 17' notebook machine, an HP
Pavilion G6 and an Asus Netbook. The latter will most likely not
be upgradable due to its age. However, I would certainly hope
that my Samsung and HP machines are, as they are both quite new.
The HP was bought for me for work purposes when I was working on
the Vodaphone Foundation placement earlier this year. So it
should be elligable for the upgrade.
Anyway, I am rambling. I hope to upgrade at least one of my
machines to Windows 8.1 on or around the Windows 8.1 release
date. If members of our sister group are interested I will let
them know how I find things.
On a different though related topic, I'm seriously thinking of
treating myself to one of those quite recently released "Rasberry
Pie" machines. Has anybody tried them for accessibility yet?
Kind regards
Gordon
----- Original Message -----
From: Dane Trethowan <[email protected]
To: "Techno-Chat ... Technology Enthusiasm!"
<[email protected]
Date sent: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 10:13:27 +1000
Subject: Windows 8.1
Hi!
Just in case you didn't know, Windows 8.1 will be released on
October 18? Well that's the last official release date I read in
the Age Green Guide this morning.
You can read more about Windows 8.0, its problems and hopeful
solutions in Windows 8.1 in the from the "Bleeding Edge" column.
**********
Dane Trethowan
Skype: grtdane12
Phone US (213) 438-9741
Phone U.K. 01245 79 0598
Phone Australia (03) 9005 8589
Mobile: +61400494862
Fax +61397437954
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