Category: Cool Tools

Here it is! Official ZoomText Reader release

Published April 6, 2011 by L. Legendary

Since I’ve been hinting around about the release of the Zoomtext Reader product for awhile, I thought I’d post the official release notice from AI Squared:

It’s finally here! You have been hearing about ZoomReader for a couple of months now, and we are pleased to officially announce that our ZoomReader app is available for purchase in the iTunes App Store for just $19.99!

So what exactly is ZoomReader? Using your built-in camera on the iPhone 4, you can zoom in on printed text or apply a color filter to make everything easier on your eyes. It’s not just a video magnifier; you can also snap a picture of something and ZoomReader will convert it into text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology and then read the text back to you!

Many of the features in ZoomReader are available via voice control, too – just say "take picture" and seconds later it’ll appear on screen.

Just think – now you can read the small print on a receipt, box, menu, or pill bottle. Whether you’re on the go or using ZoomReader to help you read a newspaper in the comfort of your living room, this quick and powerful program does everything a dedicated video magnifier can do and then some – from the convenience of your iPhone and at a much lower price.

Get your copy today in the iTunes App Store. If you’d like more information, you can visit our mobile website where you’ll find a bunch of how-to videos. Or, check out our overview video right here:

Ai Squared Manchester Center, VT (800) 859-0270 www.aisquared.com

:I’m really interested to know what you think, so if you try it out, comment below and share your experience..

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Here’s an accessible desktop app to help you weave a web of words

Published March 7, 2011 by L. Legendary

Ever since I began writing regularly, I’ve been searching for an enhanced dictionary and thesaurus tool that would be available inline with my word processor. Unsure of exactly what I wanted, I was willing to go the CD ROM route, but I preferred a plug-in that would not necessitate leaving the desktop; perhaps a software download that would allow me access to a better selection of definitions and synonyms than those available in the various writing programs that I use. the issue, as always, has been one of accessibility. There are some great editor’s products and writing tools available, but not to me, since I use a screen reader. I finally found one in the form of a free download called Word Web.

Word Web is a little gem that can plug in to almost any word processor you are using. One feature that was important to me is the ability to stay on the desktop, and not be forced online to get a synonyms list, if my word processor did not have a built-in thesaurus. Case in point, Jarte, which is one of my favorite programs. When in Jarte, I can now just click on the thesaurus option and Word Web pops right up in my document. It is easy to use, although I do admit that it is not necessarily intuitive, until you realize that the menu structure is that of a system of tabs. You can tab to various options, then make your choice from what appears in the tab.

Word Web offers a free download, subject to the user agreement. The basic paid version, Word Web Pro, without add-ons, is only $20. While the free version will certainly get you where you need to go, I recommend the paid version if you are a serious writer who needs access to advanced tools such as collegiate dictionaries and an augmented selection of words, pronunciations and variations.

What makes Word Web unique is that you are not stuck with the short list of obvious choices that are typically found in most word processors. You are also given a list of examples of usage, nearest words, synonyms, and other types of the chosen word. I have found this particularly useful when I’ve written myself into a corner, produced a perfectly horrible sentence, and have needed a way out. By showing me other versions of the same word, and examples of how I might use it, I can obliterate the offending prose and rework the sentence to my satisfaction. If you purchase Word Web, there is an included list of audio pronunciations that is professionally recorded and would be very useful to anyone, but especially non-native English speakers. What a great idea. Also,since there are times when the text-to-speech synthesizer in a screen reader program doesn’t get the pronunciation exactly right, having the Word Web audio as verification could be a lifesaver.

Get it here: Word Web

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A new and accessible way to fully interact with Facebook via email

Published February 24, 2011 by L. Legendary

I’ve now written a few reviews of apps or services that will allow you to conduct some aspect of your business or social networking life by way of your email inbox. If you are like me and spend more time communicating on your desktop than on the web, then you likely have tried a couple of these services. My latest foray into this particular product genre had been Tweety Mail, which enables users to use Twitter through any email inbox.

If you have used an app with a more limited scope such as Tweet Beep, or have tried a more robust option such as Nutshell mail, you may want to take a look at this new offering by the people who brought you Tweety Mail. It’s called the Friend Mail, and the current version is a beta release. However, the site claims this stage will be a short one, and the service will be fully realized in just a few weeks.

Right now, the service is free, although a pay for premium features version will likely soon follow. As the name suggests, The Friend Mail allows you to fully interact with your Facebook account via your email inbox.

What makes this service attractive for me is the ability to post updates and review activity not only on my FB profile account page, but I can access my fan pages as well. By sending an email to page@thefriendmail.com, you can post an update to all of your fans. By sending an email to news@thefriendmail.com, you can collect twenty updates from your account profile news stream. There are email addresses for specific activity whether posting and commenting or sharing and liking. You can even schedule activity for maximum engagement throughout the day. The sign-up process takes only a minute, the process is accessible, and so far all of my efforts to interact with my FB account and pages have been a breeze. If you’ve been looking for a way to post a Facebook update to your fan page via email, The Friend mail is for you.

Go here to check it out: The Friend Mail

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Videos of the new Zoom Reader app

Published February 1, 2011 by L. Legendary

Here’s a couple of vids from AI Squared of the new Zoom Reader app. One is from the ATIA event in Orlando, the other is a quick demo.

Quick demo

Zoomed In blog Zoom Reader Big Hit at ATIA

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What is your favorite disability resource? Help build a directory

Published January 27, 2011 by L. Legendary

Most bloggers and webmasters use analytics tools to evaluate the scope of their reach. The particular tool one might use is selected on the basis of the volume and specificity of the information desired. Since I am no analyst myself, I use a simple tool for my blog and web sites. The only information collected tells me where my readers are coming from, whether referred by a social network or a search engine. One of the more interesting categories of data the tool provides to me is a list of the search terms used to find my blog. What is interesting about these search terms is the vague or awkward language often used in the query. I experimented with a few of these search terms, and was surprised at how little relevant information was returned. I tried a few more queries, but was unable to retrieve a robust list of web sites and blog’s that pertained to sites specifically about blindness and low vision.

Yes, there were some, of course. However, I was surprised that some of my own favorites were not listed on the first two pages of the search results. Setting aside the conversation about SEO and marketing, I found myself wondering how a person who is entering into their senior years or a person who has recently struggled with vision loss might find the most useful information about how to thrive when learning to live with low or no vision.

While I would not dispute the value of governmental or health related web sites, it occurred to me that the best sources of the kind of information that I believe to be the most relevant comes directly from those who are living the experience. Is the National Institute of Health web site really the best place to find information on how to use technology to continue to run a business while losing eyesight? Is a site advising a person on how best to collect government disability payments the best place to learn how to navigate city streets, cook for oneself, or stay connected online?

In my opinion, no. The above examples contain more general educational information or theory than realistic day-to-day solutions. That’s why I want my brilliant readers to help me to build a directory of web sites and blog’s that a person who is seeking useful information on coping, communicating, or care giving can turn to for real world advice. Further, the best people to ask are those who avail themselves of these resources. Therefore, I’m asking you to help build a directory that anyone can use to get real insights into how we live every day.

Please respond by either submitting a comment or using the accessible contact form link at the top of the page. Please respond to the following questions:

1: What is your favorite site for finding information about blindness or low vision?
Note that the site can be a tech, issues, accessibility or independent living site.

2: Why do you value the site?

3: does the site or blog also have a social media counterpart? Please provide links.

Finally, I’d just like to point out that this is NOT a vote. I’m putting together a directory, not a popularity poll. think of it this way: If you could dictate the Google search results for the search term "best sites for blindness and vision loss," what would the first page look like?

By the way, it’s okay to submit your own web properties. Brag a bit! I’m here to support your efforts.

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Improve your writing with an old gem made modern

Published January 15, 2011 by L. Legendary

For bloggers and amateur writers, especially those who are somewhat, um, removed from English Comp in middle or high school, crafting your message with surgical precision can be frustrating. I just finished reading a book that I cannot recommend highly enough. If you are a writer who wishes to improve your technique yet who cringes at the thought of returning to school, this is a great read. You may recall from the aforementioned school that a textbook called "The Elements of Style" was used in many English composition classes. If you want to take a quick refresher course on the subject, get this book and read it again. You will be amazed, as was I, at how much you will benefit. After finishing the book, I immediately returned to page one and began rereading. So inspiring is this little book that I have now embarked upon a reading binge consisting entirely of books about writing.

It is hard to find the time to join a writing club, take a college course through an extension or online program, or to find a teacher willing to regularly critique or correct your work. This short text is the next best thing. I bought my copy from Audible.com. Getting the book in audio format is advantageous for several reasons. One reason is the convenience for commuters and people with print disabilities. another reason this alternative format is useful is that the reader is encouraged to use his or her ears as a scalpel when editing. It is valuable to hear the provided examples, along with the rules for effective English usage. Further, the notion of listening to your composition as you revise your drafts makes use of my own writing secret weapon.

At first, you may believe it to be a tip benefiting only writers who are blind, but I assure you my secret will benefit anyone. give it a try. It is simply a twist on the old advice to read your work aloud. My secret is that I use a screen reader to read aloud everything that happens on the computer. A person who is blind and who uses a computer must do so with the aid of this assistive tool. Menus, icons, error messages, dialogue boxes, email, and word processing documents are read aloud by a text-to-speech reader. The screen readers specifically for people who are blind are in most cases prohibitively expensive, but you can find simpler and cheaper text-to-speech readers that are not necessarily meant to be accessible for blind PC users.

How will this improve your writing? If you do not have a friend at hand each time you complete a draft, or you have difficulty in reading aloud while maintaining aural objectivity, the synthesized voice will be a helpful means by which to hear your prose. Now I depend entirely on my hearing to revise my work, but I remember from earlier sighted days that there seemed to be a point at which I could no longer reliably look at my text and catch the mistakes. I would often overlook punctuation and grammar errors, simply because I had reviewed the work countless times with fatigued eyes, thus diminishing accuracy.

Here’s the link to the book in audio:

The Elements of Style, revised.

Do you have a favorite book on writing to suggest? I’ll be glad to post your recommendations below. For me, writing is a great pleasure in life, partly because unlike life, I can edit, revise or delete the unacceptable. Beautiful.

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Google to abandon voice recognition directory assistance Goog 411

Published October 23, 2010 by L. Legendary

On November 12, 2010, Google will no longer offer their voice-powered directory assistance service Goog 411. The service began back in 2007, enabling mobile users or anyone who preferred voice recognition to call toll-free and be connected to businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Goog 411 service was the first of it’s kind for Google, and it has served as a platform for other services, now available on Smartphones. In fact, Google plans to speech-enable all of their future products and services.

Right now, if you do not use a Smartphone, and you want to call a business, you can send the name and location of the business via text message to 466453 (GOOGLE) and you will be texted the information, or you can use the free calling features on gmail.

Want to get more info and Google apps? Click here.

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Jarte 4.1 now available! Accessible freeware works your words

Published October 1, 2010 by L. Legendary

If you are a screen reader user and have had difficulty finding an accessible word processor ever since you upgraded to Windows Vista, take a look at Jarte. There are plenty of reasons to like Jarte, which by the way, is spelled with an ‘e’ at the end for my text-to-speech friends. It’s by Carolina Road Software, and it’s free. The newest version, 4.1 has lots of great new features, some of which have previously appeared only in the paid version, Jarte Plus.

I’ve tried using Open Office, but I found that it did not work well with my version of ZoomText. Perhaps one might have better luck with JAWS, but I’ve tried several versions of both Open Office and ZT with no result. One of the aspects of Jarte I appreciate is that it supports a screen reader mode that seems to happily cohabitate with ZoomText, and Jarte behaves very similarly to the old versions of MS Word from the XP days.

Here is the “what’s new” list, taken directly from the jarte.com web site:

An optional Quick Bar feature has been added that provides instant access to a number of frequently used features.
In addition to left aligned tabs, Jarte’s ruler now supports right, center, and decimal aligned tabs.
A new Stay on Top option has been added to the Options menu.
A global hot key can be defined for the Clip List menu. This makes it easy to access the Clip List while using programs other than Jarte.
A new Paste Board feature displays a special document tab that automatically records everything copied to the clipboard.
A new Line Guide feature displays a colored, translucent, moveable, horizontal bar that can be used to highlight a line of interest in a document.
Jarte’s interface background pattern can be changed to one of the installed backgrounds, extra backgrounds provided on the Jarte web site, or to any custom background. Previously, this feature was exclusive to Jarte Plus.
Jarte’s various color selection palettes now include a new row of color selection buttons to which the user can assign custom colors.
Jarte now supports the keyboard’s Scroll Lock key. When Scroll Lock is enabled document scrolling can be performed using the up and down arrow keys. The Scroll Lock state is displayed in the status bar. This feature can be disabled.
Jarte will now automatically mirror the left and right page margins, and the header and footer lines, between odd and even pages when printing double-sided printouts.
If the "underline" font attribute is selected for the header/footer font then Jarte will draw a solid line across the printed page under the header line and above the footer line.
Jarte will now perform a descending order sort when the Sort feature is selected while pressing the Shift key.
Clicking the "Go to Top" button on the Find Bar while pressing the Shift key will now cause the text cursor to move to the bottom of the page instead of the top.
Pressing the Shift key while the mouse is positioned over a tab causes the full file path of the document to be displayed in Jarte’s title bar.
The position of a table column can now be easily moved via the Edit Table window.
The Options menu on Jarte’s Find Bar now includes "Insert Carriage Return" and "Insert Tab" items which make it easy to include those characters in the search text.
The status bar can now switched to a text based status bar. This may be preferred by users who use Jarte’s Minimal Layout. Right click on the status bar and select "Use Text Status Bar".
Double clicking an empty area next to the tabs will now start a new document.
Many other small tweaks and enhancements have been added.

Here’s the link:

Download Jarte

Considering that this little gem is free, it is wonderfully robust and feature-rich. Happy writing!

LL

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Augment your e-reading with Audible.com

Published July 15, 2010 by L. Legendary

Why Sign Up for an Audible Account?

If you are a voracious reader, and love nothing more than to curl up on your favorite chair with a cup of hot cocoa and your newest literary masterpiece, then perhaps you’ve not hitched yourself to the audio book bandwagon. Yet, audio books are a fast-growing business, and the variety of digital reading and audio devices, which are now omnipresent in our lives, make listening to books more appealing. For people who are blind or who have low vision, the world of reading for pleasure has opened up, thanks to the proliferation of reading devices specifically designed to meet the needs of a growing population.

There are now several places on the web from which to download digital audio books. Years ago, I used to scour brick and mortar bookstores in the vain hope of finding a decent selection of books on cassette tape. There were some real drawbacks to books on tape back then, not the least of which was the price. An unabridged version of a book of any length was prohibitive. Some came in large boxes and consisted of dozens of cassettes. I purchased a tape of Stephen King’s ‘The Stand," and as I recall, the price was over fifty dollars. For me, that was a lot of money to pay for a book, when my sighted counterparts could pick up the same book at a garage sale for fifty cents.

Of course, the book was read by the author, and he is worth every penny.

Due to the expense of recording and packaging all those tapes, a great many books were only available in abridgements. I found this to be endlessly frustrating. To me, it was flat out censorship, I did not want someone else to choose for me which were the "bad parts," and which were suitable for including in the taped version.

Problem solved. Digitally recorded books are usually compressed to a tight file format that takes up very little room on your reading device, and is fast downloading. The sound quality is great, and the narrators are skilled professionals who can bring a book to life as expertly as any great actor. Some books are read "straight," with no particular emphasis on acting out the character parts, while others are full dramatizations. Whichever suits your taste, you’ll find just about everything on Audible.com.

Audible is also right on top of best sellers, book club selections and periodicals. You can even subscribe to podcasts offered by names you know. Audible has an easy, straightforward search engine that allows you to nose around in all of your favorite genres. Best of all, once you buy a book, it’s yours, period. You are not required to maintain a subscription so that you can keep the books. Your downloads are not ‘shut off" if you cancel your subscription. Or, if you prefer, you can purchase "a la carte" and not subscribe at all. Members do get discount prices as well as some "freebies" that you may enjoy, such as a subscription to the New York Times or Wall Street Journal. Yes, even the newspapers are read to you out loud. It’s a beautiful thing. Even if you are not visually impaired, think of the time you’ll save catching up on the morning headlines while you shower and dress for work.

Finally, you’ll have no difficulty in using your favorite device. Audible supports many different manufacturers, including accessible devices, MP3 players and even phones. Check out what’s on Audible’s bookshelves.

www.audible.com/

Happy listening.

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