Access IT is the monthly magazine about technology for blind and partially sighted people. You will find it useful whether you are just getting started with IT or are an experienced user. It is packed with articles about new services, the latest software, internet developments and what's happening with digital TV.
Available monthly on subscription in braille and electronically and costs 71p per issue. To order Access IT contact RNIB on 0303 123 9999 or email shop@rnib.org.uk
To contact us about the content of Access IT email editorial@rnib.org.uk or write to us in braille or print to:
RNIB Editorial Department
PO Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS
In this issue - May 2013
-
RBS and NatWest to roll out talking ATMs
-
Libraries to lend ebooks under new pilot scheme
-
Exploring accessible publishing for the print disabled
-
Review: Dell Latitude 10-inch tablet
-
Nook - RNIB app of the month
-
iPads and tablets in the classroom
-
Google adds accessibility features to Gmail, Drive and Chrome
-
*logs on to Twitter* *seeks out #AccessChat*
-
Mobiles bring disabled people together
-
All with my iPhone - RNIB website of the month
-
UK government funding for assistive app Georgie
-
Handling erratic behaviour with JAWS
-
Review: online catch-up TV services
-
Mac, PC, or both: Choices for blind and visually impaired computer users (Part 2)
-
Dropbox dropped the ball, but they are working to recover it.
From the cutting room floor
Accessible Kindle app for ioS opens up reading for blind and partially sighted people
The latest Kindle app from Amazon is the most accessible version yet and will improve accessibility to more than 1.5 million titles for blind and partially sighted readers.
The new accessible Kindle app means that, for the first time, readers with sight loss can now read the full range of Kindle books, newspapers and journals.
The app works with the in-built magnification and speech functions in iPhones, iPads, iPod touch and iPad mini devices. Booklovers can also use the app on these devices to read books via an electronic braille display.
Previously, the Kindle library has not been fully accessible to blind and partially sighted people as earlier versions of the Kindle reading apps have not been compatible with Apple's accessibility features.
Amazon, the largest eBook retailer in the UK, consulted blind and partially sighted people during the development and testing phase to ensure the final app has become accessible and user-friendly.
Exploring accessible publishing for the print disabled
Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday signposts an interesting article called Exploring Accessible Publishing for the Print Disabled.
Tech giant launches smartphone for older people
(From
E-Access Bulletin, 3/13) A smartphone designed for elderly people has been developed by global technology company Fujitsu.
When setting up the Stylistic S01 phone the user inputs their age, which customises some aspects to work differently. For example, the audio frequency range will be optimised for older people so they can clearly hear the voice of the person they are speaking to, and the phone can also slow down the speech of a caller without losing audio quality, again making it easier to understand.
The Stylistic also features a forgiving touch-screen which highlights icons if they are only touched lightly. This means that accidental touches - common by people not familiar with smartphone controls - will not immediately lead to an undesired function.
Each sub-screen on the phone also contains a question mark icon which gives the user guidance for that page.
"People are living longer, have access to better healthcare and want to have access to the same communications channels (email, social media) that their younger family does," said James Maynard, product marketing director at Fujitsu.
The Stylistic S01 phone will be released in France in June. The cost has not been confirmed, but it will be priced as a "mid-range handset", Maynard said. The phone's release in other countries is under discussion between Fujitsu and telecommunications partner Orange.
[Reproduced with permission from
E-Access Bulletin, the free email newsletter on access to technology by people with impaired vision.]