Editor's Page
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Product Evaluations and Guides
Accessibility of the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9″
by Bill Holton
With its new and improved line of Kindle Fire tablets, Amazon has taken a welcome step toward universal accessibility. Sure, there are bugs that need to be worked out, but this is a first release. If your tablet is your laptop replacement, the Kindle Fire is probably not right for you. But if you enjoy curling up with a good book or video, or if you are a budding shopaholic, check out the feature sets on the various Fire HD and HDX devices.
Evaluating Mobile Accessibility for Windows Phone on a Nokia Lumia 925
by Bill Holton
Ten years ago, Mobile Accessibility for Windows Phone would have been considered cutting edge. Today, the best that can be said is that it is several years behind accessibility solutions for iOS and Android.
A New Music Streaming Service: iTunes Radio is Here
by Janet Ingber
iTunes Radio is a new and very accessible music streaming feature for iOS devices or Macs. It lets you create your own stations based on genre, artist, or song.
A Review of the Chromecast: A Google Device for Streaming Media to Your TV
by Aaron Preece
The Chromecast is not an optimum streaming device for people who are blind or visually impaired. Accessibility varies wildly from app to app, so your access will depend on your particular arrangement. In general, the device is somewhat unstable.
A Review of Wireless Content on the Victor Reader Stream New Generation from HumanWare
by Aaron Preece
HumanWare has done an excellent job implementing wireless content into the Stream. Now that it is possible to download content directly to the Stream wirelessly, I would recommend the Stream to those who are considering a talking book player and who do not mind listening to content with Acapella voices.
Access Issues
GW Micro and Microsoft Launch Window-Eyes for Office Website
by Deborah Kendrick
There seems to be consensus in the access technology industry that this is a truly positive step forward for everyone. More blind and visually impaired computer users than ever before will have access to software that makes the Windows platform accessible.
Accessibility of IRS Free File
by Dennis Walsh, CPA
Free File and Free File Fillable are potentially wonderful resources for blind and visually impaired taxpayers. Under the current Free File model, however, until the IRS requires its private industry partners to make their products Section 508 compliant as a condition of Free File participation, individuals will likely continue to have only limited Free File choices, along with the burden to identify accessible products from year to year.
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