The tech scene saw interesting developments between Monday July 3 and Sunday July 9, 2017.
But let’s kick off Tech Briefing 21 with some useful resources and tips in the world of accessible technology for the blind.
Useful Accessibility News, Tips and Resources
Next Victor Reader to come GPS-ready
A new digital reader is coming soon from Humanware as part of the already well-known line of Victor Reader Stream.
Victor Reader Trek will have as its unique feature built-in GPS capability.
Ahead of that release, Blind Bargains has put together a podcast containing an interview and demonstration of the numerous features of the soon-to-be-released device.
Visual assistance has come a long way
An article in the July 2017 edition of the Braille monitor explores the progress made so far in rendering visual assistance to the blind via digital means.
The article titled “Need Vision on Demand? There’s An App For That” makes for an interesting read.
Information on Chrome accessibility now available on Youtube
The Chrome team at Google is constantly updating the Chrome and Chrome OS Accessibility Youtube channel with relevant videos.
The videos provide information on accessibility improvements in Chrome and Chrome OS along with other useful materials.
In other news
Today widget now available for Google Calendar on iOS
Google Calendar app for iPhone and iPad got a new feature last week: It’s the ’Today Widget’.
The new feature which came in the app’s latest update for iOS brings a quick view of calendar events from the app into the iOS search screen when swiping to the right from the home screen.
9to5Mac reports that the Today Widget for Google Calendar will show the next two events you have in your calendar by default. A “Show More” button in the upper right will reveal another two.
upcoming events.
The new feature is available when you update to Google Calendar version 2.4.0 for iOS.
Google Allo web client to arrive soon
Our long wait for Google Allo’s web/desk client may end in a few weeks, according to the Head of Product for Google Allo and Duo Amit Fulay who responded to a Twitter query last week.
Allo which was released to the public in September 2016 is Google’s latest consumer messaging app.
When its web/desk client makes it to the public, it is expected to work like WhatsApp, requiring users’ to activate the client by scanning a code on the app on their phones.
‘4:44’ now on Apple Music
If you love music, it is very likely you know artiste-and-businessman Jay-Z.
The rapper’s highly-anticipated ‘4:44’ album finally made it to Apple Music last week following its exclusive release on Jay-Z’s Tidal music service.
The album is already a success, going platinum in five days.
The availability of the album on Apple Music further highlights the intensive battle for subscriber numbers and revenue by the major platforms.
Google makes accessibility priority in Maps and Search
Adding and finding accessibility information about a location in Google Maps and Search are now easier, thanks to the crowdsourcing power of the maps app.
Already, users have added accessibility information including wheelchair accessible elevators, entrance, parking lot,, restroom and seating to more than 7 million locations around the world, according to Google.
Next iPhone reported to come in four colour choices
We already know quite a bit about the next iPhone, Apple’s flagship device even though most can simply be classified as guesses or rumours.
For instance, we have heard previously that the iPhone this year will have an OLED screen, an all-glass design, wireless charging, and much more.
But last week, Twitter leaker Benjamin Geskin claimed that the device will come in four colors – one of which is a new mirror-like option.
Well, only time – and of course Apple – can confirm which of the numerous claims flying around are true. And certainly, we will have to wait till then!
Facebook’s “Find Wifi” goes global
Facebook’s ‘Find Wifi’ feature has begun rolling out to the social network’s 2 billion users around the world following the company’s earlier announcement of its global availability.
“Find Wi-Fi helps you locate available Wi-Fi hot spots nearby that businesses have shared with Facebook from their Page,” the company posted on its web site. “So wherever you are, you can easily map the closest connections when your data connection is weak”.
The service proves particularly helpful in areas with poor internet network or when you are traveling.
To find Wi-Fi hotspots:
- Open your Facebook app.
- Click on the “More” tab and then “Find Wi-Fi.”
- Turn on the “Find Wi-Fi” service if it previously was not on.
- You can then browse the closest available hotspots on a map, and learn more about the businesses hosting them.
Sound off
So, have you used the ‘Find Wifi’ service? How about the Today Widget in Google Calendar for iOS? How are you using the accessibility feature in Google Maps and Search?
Please share your thoughts, experience and opinions in the comments section about the highlighted news.
Thank you.
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