Dear AccessWorld Editor,

Thanks for the information in Bill Holton's article, Is Accessible TV Viewing Finally on Its Way?. There are several TVs in my house, and each has a different remote. The remotes are so difficult to use, I usually have my husband fix any problem. If I want to know what is on TV, I usually ask him or go online to get listings for cable. It is a royal pain.

I know I will buy an accessible TV after 2016, and I cannot wait. Any and all improvements are welcome.

Maybe in the future cable or TV providers could add remote access to their tool chest.

I am happy that many options will soon be available at market prices.

Good job, and keep the TV information coming.

Sincerely,

Ann Medlar

Dear AccessWorld Editor,

In response to Bill Holton's article, Is Accessible TV Viewing Finally on Its Way?, my question is: What good is 50 hours of video description, which I find quite useful, if the cable company buries the option to turn on SAP in a sub-sub-sub-submenu with too many arrow movements and enters to memorize to get to it?

And, why can't cable companies make their much-advertised smartphone apps accessible, which would be helpful right now?

Tracy Carcione

Dear AccessWorld Editor,

I greatly enjoyed Bill Holton's excellent article, A Review of the Odin VI: An Accessible Feature Phone from Odin Mobile. It seems that companies such as AT&T should be encouraged to provide this phone as the basic free or low-cost option for their customers who are blind, like me! I think I read somewhere that AT&T has an accessibility office to which such a request could be made. Do you know of any such AT&T office and, if yes, the phone number? I could be the guinea pig and see if they will go for that!

Sincerely,

Tim Ford

Dear AccessWorld Editor,

Bill Holton's article, Is Accessible TV Viewing Finally on Its Way?, is fantastic. I'm hoping to purchase a new TV sometime in the next few months, and although I've attempted to research, I haven't been able to determine what the most accessible model currently available might be. I'm looking for something in the 40-inch range. Does AFB recommend any specific models or manufacturers at this time? Which companies seem most likely to follow the FCC guidelines? I understand that there might not be anything perfect out there yet, but I would really appreciate any recommendations you may have. Thank you very much for your time.

Melissa

Response from AccessWorld Editor, Lee Huffman

Hello Melissa,

Thank you for writing with your comment and question. AccessWorld has not done a full accessibility evaluation of televisions currently on the market, so I'm not able to offer any recommendations at this time. We are seeing increased interest in the topic of accessible TV from our readers, so we will be updating our information when we have more to share. Stay tuned to AccessWorld!

Dear AccessWorld Editor,

The AFB AccessNote Notetaker App is exceptionally great! I have been using it on my iPhone 4S, and I recently upgraded to an iPhone 5C and now an iPhone 6. I have to say that it really is fast on the iPhone 6.

There is one feature that this notetaker app is missing and that is the capability to save to locations other than Dropbox. I realize that it saves files in its native location, but it would be nice if [files] were able to be saved to external drives such as those that can be used on the iPhones and the iPad. There's really no need to keep cluttering up your iPhone's memory just to save notes and such, especially if you are an extensive notetaker like I am. Being able to access drives other than the iPhone itself and Dropbox would be really nice to have.

Other than that, AccessNote is the perfect note-taking app!

If you could save your notes to other external drives like those that are connected via Wi-Fi, then you would have the perfect tool to use in business and in school. It would be the best free notetaker ever!

Thanks,

Donald Brown

Dear AccessWorld Editor,

Screen readers are not keeping up with cloud-based computing. More and more, users are expected to interact with, create, modify and share data in the cloud. Whether it's for an employer, a school, or an organization for which someone volunteers, we're expected to view a handout in Google docs, join an online meeting, maintain a group calendar, change a spreadsheet in Office 365, post an update to Facebook, consult a corporate database or join a Yahoo group. Even if you aren't into social networking, you'll have to interact with cloud-based applications to work, get educated, or function as a citizen.

Sadly, the three Windows screen readers I use are still heavily invested in virtual cursors and keystroke element navigation. If a page is properly marked up with lists and headings for structure, and if interacting with that page involves clicking on a link, then all is good.

But there are many clickable elements on pages that screen readers don't recognize. There are elements that can be dragged that a screen reader does see but with which the user cannot interact. There are aria regions labeled "region" and pages that dynamically change without the screen reader being aware that new content has appeared. There are unlabeled buttons, empty tree views and scrollable areas that can be read only partially.

Even when that online application has keystroke access, you have to toggle off the screen reader's browse mode and potentially miss reading important information while you press the application's hotkeys. And how does a poor user even know when they are supposed to issue the application's keyboard shortcuts, and when they should use the screen reader's hotkeys? Also, it's all too easy to inadvertently navigate outside a cloud-based app and start issuing keystrokes to the browser's interface. I've often discovered I've tabbed into the browser's address bar, or am arrowing through its history list, when I actually wanted to tab and arrow through a tree view in that cloud-based application.

Even for apps like Gmail, whose accessibility has greatly improved, the poor user is obliged to rummage through online help to locate the settings, keystrokes, and techniques needed to effectively work with the application.

There are many complex political and technical issues to resolve here. But I believe there are six basic steps screen reader vendors can take that would simplify the situation:

1. Add a method to restrict the user to the cloud application's interface. No matter what keystroke is pressed, this feature would make the browser interface off-limits until the user toggled this restriction feature off. The user would be confident that all key presses were being sent to the cloud-based application and not the browser! Already, the user can bypass the screen reader to directly send keystrokes to an application, and here, I'm suggesting they sometimes need to bypass both the screen reader and the browser.
2. Add a virtual title bar. In conventional Windows software, all screen readers tell users where they are focused by giving them a command to read the current line (or focused control) and a command to read the title bar. In the browser, a similar command is needed. There should be a screen reader keypress to inform the user whether he's focused in the application or the browser interface, and if possible, which pane, window or frame of the application's interface has his focus. This way, users would know whether they were interacting with the browser or the cloud-based application. They'd also know if the screen reader itself had lost contact with where a user was focused. Why is it that none of the Windows screen readers have a truly useful "where am I" key that works in cloud-based applications?
3. Bring back the mouse cursor. Since Windows 7, the ability to position the mouse on an element within the browser has disappeared. This means the user is stuck working with keystrokes, even if he can effectively use the mouse in traditional applications.
4. Do a comprehensive job documenting how to function within popular cloud-based applications. A user should not need to sort through irrelevant online help to locate the few pages that could assist him as a screen reader user in mastering the basics. If a sighted person can update a shared calendar with a few simple clicks, the screen reader user should be able to find the equivalent keystrokes with a minimum of hassle. Because the interfaces of cloud-based apps change frequently, updating this documentation regularly is also crucial. These guides could be subscription based and possibly create more revenue for screen reader vendors. Corporate users could subscribe to fee-based blogs for using Microsoft Office Online, and a cheaper fee-based blog might support users of Facebook. A free teaser-based blog could be offered to demonstrate how to use Gmail or Yahoo groups.
5. Provide a Web analysis tool that a user can run to determine why they are having trouble with a site. I often ask myself if it's my lack of knowledge, the site's lack of accessibility or does my browser need updating. A diagnostic utility that could analyze the situation could go a long way to remedying this. And if it generated a standardized, detailed report, a user could easily mail it to the feedback address for the organization with the inaccessible site. Such precise reports would help better publicize the lack of accessibility many popular sites exhibit.
6. Lastly, vendors of screen readers should not be shy about publicizing the access problems with a site. The screen reader vendors should take a leadership role in encouraging mainstream designers to make their sites more accessible. Just as the service dog schools have helped us advocate for better access to public venues with our dogs, screen reader vendors need to step up to the plate as well. This mission might involve creating a nonprofit foundation, because it's unfair to expect commercial companies to take on such a task.

It's time to stop blaming webmasters for inaccessible sites, when most of them have no idea how to make their site accessible, let alone even knowing that screen readers exist.

It is time for us, as consumers, to start pressuring the vendors of screen readers, on which we depend, to actively involve themselves in bringing greater access to cloud-based computing!

Best regards,

Deborah Armstrong

Dear AccessWorld Editor,

While John Rempel's article, Comparing the Accessibility and Screen Enhancement Features of Google Android Lollipop 5.0 and Apple iOS 8.1.1 for People with Low Vision, is well written, the author did not mention the new Zoom Controller capability in iOS8.1.1.

This controller, when active, leaves a small circle of adjustable transparency on the screen. It can be moved to a less conspicuous part of the screen by touching and dragging.

Tapping it once opens a menu that presents a Zoom Magnification slider at the bottom, as well as touch controls to turn zoom on and off and adjust contrast to several presets. Tapping outside this menu window closes it again.

Most importantly, when the Controller is touched and the finger is quickly moved in any direction, it turns the controller into a joystick that allows for scrolling the text in any direction and at easily controlled speeds.

This eliminates the issue with 3 fingers and the resulting image jump that often occurred.

The scrolling seems to give text the same scrolled capabilities and smoothness as many of the portable video magnifiers on the market today.

While not perfect, this is a huge step in the right direction for text control and scrolling when using zoom.

Respectfully,

Bill

Announcing the Release of AccessNote for Android!

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is proud to announce the release of the AccessNote notetaker for the Android platform, which we are making free to all users thanks to generous support from the Motorola Mobility Foundation. AccessNote, previously only available on the iOS platform, is a notetaking app that has been designed to take advantage of Android's built in screen reader, TalkBack. The app has also been optimized to work with wireless Bluetooth keyboards by implementing keyboard shortcuts and an easy to navigate interface. As Android devices become more popular among people with vision loss, AFB strives to bring some of the capabilities of stand-alone notetakers to the Android platform.

AccessNote for Android includes all of the features found in the iOS version of the app, but for this version we were able to add several other advanced features that we hope you find helpful. For example, now you can make your own custom folders and freely organize and move notes. We have also added a custom spell check system that will allow you to step through all of the misspelled words in a document and provide suggestions for each. In addition to the TXT and BRF file formats, AccessNote for Android can import rich text documents (RTF) and allows you to use the Markdown markup language to add rich content to documents that can be viewed in its translated state through the Review Mode. This adds support within AccessNote for headers and lists and makes navigation much more convenient!

Feedback is invaluable for us to make our apps as useful to our users as possible. If you would like to suggest an enhancement to AccessNote for Android, please send an e-mail.

Register for the 2015 AFB leadership Conference!

The American Foundation for the Blind's annual Leadership Conference covers the most pressing and relevant topics in the field of blindness and offers many opportunities to learn from the best and brightest minds in our field, make new connections, and reunite with old friends while earning ACVREP and CRC CEUs.

Join us in Phoenix for the joint 2015 AFB Leadership and Arizona AER Conference and make your reservation today at the beautiful Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel to lock in a special group rate of just $179/night. This rate expires on March 19, so don't delay. Visit the Marriott reservations page or call 1-800-309-8138 to book your room today.

Registration is now open; register today and take advantage of our early-bird rates! And check out our amazing program for this year's conference. The popular Thursday half-day summits are back, along with numerous exciting break-out sessions on a wide range of topics. We are still perfecting this program, so check back often for updates!

The 2015 Joint AFB and Arizona AER Leadership Conference is proudly sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co., Delta Gamma, Google, IBM, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, CTIA, Actuate, AT&T, NIB, American Printing House for the Blind, Humanware, and Helen Keller Services for the Blind.

30th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference (CSUN)

The 2015 CSUN Conference will be held in San Diego, CA from March 2 to March 7, 2015 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. Please visit the Registration Information page for more information about registration policies and pricing. The General Sessions Schedule for the 30th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference is now available. Please note that the schedule is tentative and is subject to change. The Directory of Exhibitors at the 30th Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference is available. Please note that this list is preliminary and is subject to change.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available through the AAC Institute for many of the Pre-Conference Workshops and General Sessions conducted during the conference. Please be sure to follow instructions on applying for CEUs through the AAC Institute. For more information, visit AAC Institute's website.

Contact Information
CSUN Center on Disabilities
18111 Nordhoff St.
BH-110, Center on Disabilities
Northridge, CA
91330-8340

E-mail: conference@csun.edu
Phone: (818) 677-2578
Fax: (818) 677-4929

2015 M-Enabling Summit: Conference and Showcase

The 2015 M-Enabling Conference will be held June 1–2, 2015 in Washington DC at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel.

The two day high-level conference and showcase is entirely dedicated to solutions promoting and implementing accessible mobile communications and services for senior citizens and people of all abilities. During the Summit, participants will gain insight into how accessible mobile applications and services transform customer relations for the private and public service sectors. Further, the Summit will provide the opportunity to network with influential industry and government leaders from around the world.

For more information, visit the M-Enabling webpage for additional details, or contact:
Ron Akins
Tel. 301-493-5500, ext. 3310
akins@ejkrause.com

Pat Hazan-Tessler
Tel. 301- 493-5500, ext. 3386
tessler@ejkrause.com

Francesca Cesa Bianchi
Vice President, Institutional Relations
G3ict
Tel. 678-534-8518
fcesabianchi@g3ict.org

This article marks the beginning of a series about the hospitality industry and people who are visually impaired. This article will focus on hotels—specifically the online reservations websites for Marriott and Hyatt Hotels. Telephone customer service will also be reviewed.

For this article I used Windows 7, Internet Explorer, and Window-Eyes 9.0. The websites described can also be used with Safari.

Using the Marriott Hotels Online Reservation Website with Screen Access Technology

The Marriott homepage has many links, almost all of which are labeled. There is a clearly labeled Sign In form and an option to join Marriott Rewards. Moving down the pate, there is a Help link. Below the Help link is a button labeled "Open Find Reserve" and a link with the same label directly underneath the button. Next is a button labeled "Open Reservations" and then a link with the same name. Below that link is a form for entering information about travel dates and destination.

The first part of the form is an edit box to enter the city or airport code for your destination. For this article, I chose Los Angeles. Next are edit boxes for entering dates for check-in and check-out. Although there is a calendar to display dates on the website which is convenient for fully sighted customers, it was not accessible with Window-Eyes or with VoiceOver using Safari. Next is a checkbox for whether the dates are flexible, which I left unchecked (the default setting) for my testing purposes.

Next is an edit box for entering a Marriott Rewards number if you have one. Then there is a link to choose a hotel by brand, since Marriott owns a range of hotel chains. Activating this link loaded a form to make a selection using checkboxes. By default the box for all brands is checked. The last control is a "Find" button to execute the search.

Advanced Search

The home page has an Advanced Search link below the Find button on the standard search form. This reservation method offers the user different categories such as type of vacation, ski resort, family friendly, and beach hotels. There are radio buttons to search for specific discounts such as senior citizen and military. There are links for all inclusive vacations and links for top destinations.

Search results can be found with the headings hot key. There were 98 results matching my search criteria. Before the hotel listings there were tabs to search for a specific address or airport. There was an edit box to enter a location. Los Angeles was already in the edit box. I deleted that and entered "Universal Studios." There was a form control to update the search. Now, my search was narrowed, and I only had nine hotels to review.

Each listing included the hotel's name, distance from Universal Studios Hollywood, and address. Also listed were hotel amenities, such as whether the hotel had a pool, fitness center or free Wi-Fi. The lowest rate was also listed.

Activating the link for a specific hotel brought up a page with photographs.

Activating the "View Rates" link loaded a new page that contained the hotel's address and direct phone number. There was a link to view photographs and a link labeled "hotel details." This link brought up a page with information about the hotel, including how many rooms, the hotel's smoke-free policy, and the hotel's fitness center. There were many other links to review.

The different room options could be found with the headings hot key. Each option gave a very brief description of the room. Activating the "Room Details" link loaded a page with a very detailed description of the room including room size, bedding, air conditioning, and mini-refrigerator. The description was quite detailed and easy to navigate.

Underneath the room description was the heading "Hotel Highlights." Information in this section included when the hotel was built, when rooms were last renovated, and amenities.

Next there was a link labeled "Preferences and Accessibility." This link loaded a new page with a variety of combo boxes with options for choosing preferences such as types of pillows and location. There was also an accessibility preferences combo box, but this referred to hearing and mobility access. Underneath the combo boxes were buttons for selecting the various rooms.

I decided on a room and activated the appropriate button. If I hadn't viewed the preferences and accessibility combo boxes, I could have also made my choice from the page with the initial description.

When this new page loaded, information about my reservation was presented, including hotel, dates, and room type. I had not selected any room preferences and I was given the option to go back and do so. I went back into preferences and chose a room near the elevator. Once I updated my reservation, I was brought back to the page for reviewing the reservation and entering personal information.

This page was readable with arrow keys, headings, and form controls. A "Hotel Details" link, a "Room Details" link, and a Continue button were available. The Continue button brought me to a page for entering personal information including name, address, and credit card information. There was also an edit box labeled "Anything we need to know." The cancellation policy was clearly displayed and it indicated that I would not be charged if I canceled my reservation prior to the arrival date.

All the edit boxes and form controls were clearly labeled. Once the information was submitted, the next page showed that my reservation was confirmed and that I would receive an e-mail with the details. Within a couple of minutes, the confirmation was in my inbox.

Marriott Hotels Phone Reservation

My phone call to the reservation center at 888-236-2427 was answered quickly. The agent was extremely helpful and said I would receive any discounts available on the Marriott website. She checked several hotels for me and discussed each hotel's amenities and rates. She was extremely patient and friendly. My experience was very positive.

Using the Hyatt Hotels Online Reservation Website with Screen Access Technology

The Hyatt homepage loads with many links including a link to log in with your Hyatt Gold Passport number or the choice to join to get one, a customer service link, and a reservations link. There is also a link for special offers. There is a form on the page to enter destination, attraction, or airport code. I entered Universal Studios, California. Next were two edit boxes for entering arrival and departure dates. When entering arrival and departure dates, be sure to enter a slash between the month and date and date and year (MM/DD/YYYY). The calendar for choosing dates on this website was also inaccessible to customers using screen readers.

Below the date selection options was a "Find Hotels" button.

Below the button was a checkbox that said, "Accessible room options off." There was an unlabeled combo box that, when opened, displayed what appeared to be the number of accessible rooms, but this wasn't clear. The accessible rooms were designed for people with mobility impairments. Below the combo box was an information link, but this link was about booking reservations rather than room accessibility.

Combo boxes for number of rooms, adults, and children were located below the information link. Not all combo boxes were clearly labeled. For example, next to the "children" combo box the text read was "Information combo box." There was no indication that the combo box was for indicating the number of children. Next the text said, "At time of stay combo box." The combo box just contained numbers. With sighted assistance I learned that the combo box was for the ages of any children that were staying in the room. After making selections, the "Find Hotels" button was activated.

The beginning of the search results could be found with the headings hot key. There was a sorting combo box that included distance from Universal Studios and price. Finding each listing could be done by typing the link hot key several times to get through each listing. Each listing included the name of the hotel, distance from attraction, lowest rate, address, phone number, and a link to check rates. There were also links to review the hotel's amenities and features. Activating the hotel's main link loaded a description of the hotel including features and amenities. The room link loaded a page with descriptions of the various rooms, but they were not detailed at all. Activating the link for a particular room loaded a very detailed description. Underneath the description was a button to check for availability.

Once the button was selected, a new page loaded with all room options listed again, and a button to select the desired room. The listing was not displayed by price.

Once the button for the room I wanted was selected, a new page loaded for entering name, address, phone, and credit card information. This form was clearly labeled.

After credit card information is entered, Hyatt's deposit and cancellation policy is presented. Make sure you read it carefully. I'm glad I did. The text said, "Non-refundable/full prepayment/no changes." Below was deposit information indicating that I needed to make the deposit on the same day as I made the reservation and the deposit would be charged to my credit card. Below this was a checkbox for indicating that you accept Hyatt's cancellation and deposit policy. Below that is a button to book the reservation. I tried several other Hyatt hotels, but got the same cancellation policy. I did call Hyatt reservations and was informed that many of their hotels have this requirement.

Hyatt Hotels Phone Reservation

In the first part of my call to Hyatt's reservation phone number (888-591-1234), I told an automated computer voice where I wanted to go and my arrival and departure dates. The voice verified what I had said and told me to hold for a representative.

Within a few seconds I was connected to an agent. I informed her that I was blind and asked if I booked my reservation on the phone rather than online, would I still get the online discount. She responded that if a discount was only available on hyatt.com, she couldn't give it to me over the phone.

I continued getting information about several hotels. The agent was very business-like and did answer all my questions.

Conclusion

Both of these major hotel websites contained a lot of information requiring good Internet browsing skills. Even if you don't want to book the hotel online, you might want to take some time to review each hotel's amenities, features, and especially the cancellation policy, and then make a phone reservation.

I found the Marriott customer service representative more cordial and willing to assist. Her voice was friendlier and she said that I would get any discounts on the phone that were available on the Marriott website. Unfortunately, Hyatt wouldn't extend that same courtesy.

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When it comes to mobile devices, technical and access support play a vital role in the customer experience.

In the January issue of AccessWorld, we introduced you to the Odin VI, a voice-guided feature phone offered by Odin Mobile for use with either the T-Mobile or AT&T mobile network. One of the extras that led us to give this phone a thumbs-up review is the availability of free technical support and, even better, access to technicians who are knowledgeable about voice guides and screen readers.

Apple iPhones also score well in the support area. Apple provides a dedicated support phone hotline (877-204-3930) and e-mail address where users of VoiceOver and other accessibility features can get help from a knowledgeable service rep.

These examples of excellent technical support are only some of the resources that may be available to you. Did you know that you can probably also get accessibility assistance from your phone service carrier? Three of the four major mobile service providers offer accessibility hotlines and/or e-mail addresses where customers can reach a consultant who has been trained in accessible equipment and screen readers.

AT&T Customer Service for People with Vision Loss

At the AT&T National Center for Customers with Disabilities, customer service representatives offer specialized product and service support for individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired. Representatives can be reached by phone Monday through Friday, 7 am to 9 pm Eastern, at 866-241-6568 or by e-mail.

AT&T focuses most of its current accessibility support on smartphones, including iPhones and various Android models. It also offers its Android phone customers a free copy of Code Factory's Mobile Access for Android. AT&T does not yet offer any voice guided feature phones. If you need to use a feature phone on AT&T, consider the Odin VI, which can be purchased unlocked to run on the AT&T network.

Sprint Customer Service for People with Vision Loss

Sprint Support for Customers with Disabilities specializes in providing customer care and support for individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired.

You can reach a representative by phone from 6 am to 11pm Central at 855-885-7568, or by e-mail.

Sprint offers two voice-guided feature phones: the Kyocera Kona and the Kyocera Verve.

Blind customers may also obtain recommendations for accessible devices at Sprint.

Additionally, Sprint also offers dedicated customer care support for individuals who are interested in registering for Sprint IP Relay. IP Relay is a form of text-based telecommunications relay service (TRS) that allows individuals who are deaf, deafblind, or have hearing loss or speech disabilities to place relay calls over the Internet via a computer. Currently, Sprint is the only IP Relay service provider in the US.

To register, visit MySprintRelay or send an e-mail.

Types of Support Offered by AT&T and Sprint

AT&T and Sprint representatives can provide support for:

• Device activations, setup, and support
• Plans and services
• Suggesting devices that best meet your individual accessibility needs
• Braille, large print, and audio product documentation
• Troubleshooting information, including help with accessibility software
• Questions about your account, transactions, or service
• Braille or large print billing

T-Mobile Customer Support for People with Vision Loss

T-Mobile refers most accessibility questions to the device manufacturer. They do not offer voice-guided feature phones directly, but T-Mobile customers who prefer feature phones should check out the Odin Mobile website or call Odin at 855-217-9459. Odin offers service and cell phones customized to meet the accessibility needs of blind individuals. They offer accessible feature and smartphones that run over the T-Mobile network. Both subscription and pay-as-you-go plans are available. Tech support is free, including help from the company's accessibility representative.

Verizon Customer Service for People with Vision Los

Verizon recently opened its National Accessibility Customer Service Center and phone hotline, 888-262-1999.

Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5:00 pm Eastern.

The Verizon Wireless National Accessibility Customer Service center is staffed with specialized representatives to support customers who may need additional assistance due to a physical or cognitive impairment. Verizon offers and supports both iPhones and various Android models. Representatives can provide support for:

• Products and services
• Suggested devices that work best with accessibility
• Calling and data plans
• Braille, large print, and audio product documentation
• Troubleshooting information, including help with accessibility software
• Questions about your account, transactions or service

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The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) annual conference, held each January in Orlando, is referred to by many in the assistive technology field as the unofficial start to the conference season. It's often a company's first chance to debut new products, show prototypes, or just exchange ideas with others. And while this year's conference wasn't brimming with new technology, there were several new products on display that are worth discussing. Here's an overview of a few products that caught our attention.

A New Smart Beetle Braille Display from HIMS

With the ATIA conference primarily focused on educational sessions for teachers and rehabilitation counselors, it seems only appropriate that HIMS would seize the moment to debut its new 14-cell Smart Beetle braille display. It's so-named because it can be connected simultaneously to up to six devices at once, including five Bluetooth and one USB. In other words, one could connect an iPhone, Android tablet, Windows computer, and two Macs and still have an extra slot to spare.

The idea of simultaneous connections originated with Baum's VarioUltra, a larger display announced last year. While Baum's display is available in 20- and 40-cell models, the Smart Beetle is the first 14-cell display to include these features.

Switching between devices is accomplished by pressing a hotkey on the display itself, and takes place within a second or two. As for construction, the display felt durable to the touch, despite having a plastic housing. A case for the display is also available and recommended for those who will be using the unit while on the go, which is exactly the type of people HIMS is targeting with this model. It'll be available in early spring for $1,299.

A New Blaze with a Keypad

Keeping a much lower profile in the HIMS booth was the second of the Blaze portable DAISY players that also include optical character recognition. Unlike the original Blaze EZ, which included a simplified key layout, the Blaze ET features a telephone keypad design similar to the BookSense models. This allows for easier use of some applications such as a calculator and dictionary.

The Blaze ET was being shown as an early prototype, so many of the features were not yet available for testing. HIMS experienced some initial delays in shipping the Blaze EZ and is still working with the National Library Service to finalize support for downloadable book titles, so they are being understandably cautious with the release of this model. The unit will retail for $795, but no release date was given. Keep this one in the back of your mind for when it's released later on. Dave Wilkinson from HIMS discusses both of these items in an interview recorded at ATIA for Blind Bargains.

The New VOXbox, an All-in-One Reading Machine from Reinecker Vision

Speaking of books, Reinecker Vision was demonstrating a new simplified reading machine designed especially for those who primarily use audio. The VOXbox is an all-in-one box that consists of a small minitower in the back and a camera arm that extends out to take a picture of text. The unit is controlled by a small wired remote that has several tactile buttons to start and stop reading, control the rate of speech, or change voices or languages. In a quick test of the machine, it took about six seconds for a page of text to begin reading after pressing the button to take a picture.

For low-vision users, a screen can be attached to display text, which would enable basic highlighting and contrast adjustment features. After spending a few minutes with the unit, it was evident the design aims for simplicity in form and function as opposed to the inclusion of features that many users would never need or care for. Pricing information will be announced at the CSUN conference in March.

Freedom Scientific's Topaz PHD Portable Video Magnifier and Optelec's New ClearView C Desktop Video Magnifier

Video magnifiers traditionally have been available in two major categories: desktop CCTVs with large monitors that are a bit unwieldy to move around, and handheld video magnifiers with 3- to 5-inch screens that can enlarge text and provide simple adjustments to brightness and color. More recently, a new type of magnifier has been gaining traction, offering the flexibility of a desktop unit with the portability of a handheld.

Freedom Scientific's Topaz PHD is one of this newer breed of magnifiers. Unfolded, it features a 12- or 15-inch display that operates like a traditional CCTV. An optional X-Y table, traditionally used to move around a printed page, sets into the base of the unit. The entire package folds down into a case that resembles an oversized laptop case, and can be carried in the included messenger bag. The 12-inch model weighs approximately 8.5 pounds and can be easily carried over the shoulder.

In addition to its portability, the Topaz PHD features an SD card slot for storing images, a removable battery that lasts for approximately four hours, and a front-facing camera. It's also compatible with the optional GEM Image Management Software, a $295 add-on that allows for split-screen image viewing and image manipulation. Pricing starts at $2,095 for the 12-inch model and $2,295 for the 15-inch model, with shipping anticipated to start in March.

In related news, Optelec demonstrated its new ClearView C desktop video magnifier. As Optelec's President Stephan Terwolbeck explained to me, the magnifier gets its name from its shape, which is designed to better accommodate larger items, like newspapers, that normally bump up against the backs of other units. The new ClearView is shaped like a C with the arm on the left side, allowing for more unrestricted movement and flexibility in reading a variety of documents. Prices range from $2,895 for the basic model to $3,995 for their most advanced model with OCR and text-to-speech capabilities. The ClearView C is available now.

A Big Change for Window-Eyes

AI Squared, which now also includes the products of the former GW Micro, demonstrated version 9 of its venerable Window-Eyes screen reader—the biggest update since scripting support was added a few years ago. The biggest change revolves around the handling of complex websites and webpages, including rich Internet applications and dynamic content.

While most of the commands for interacting with webpages have remained the same, spoken information is now provided based on the real time, live page, as opposed to a stored pre-loaded copy of the page as was done previously. Window-Eyes 9 excels on modern websites like Facebook and with many of the Google services such as Docs. There is now no need to enter a separate table mode when encountering a table on a webpage. Instead, table navigation commands can be activated directly from the page, allowing for a seamless experience. The current Web support extends to Internet Explorer and Firefox, with support for more browsers planned in the near future.

Version 9 includes a host of additional changes including a recovery mode to avoid times where the computer becomes silent, increased responsiveness, and more direct keyboard integration. Anyone who has accidentally pressed a key that changes their monitor to an upside-down view will appreciate this latter point. The product also includes enhanced support for the accounting package QuickBooks, thanks in large part to its partnership with MyBlindSpot.

With the merger of Ai Squared and GW Micro now largely complete, it appears that early steps are being taken to offer some cohesion between Window-Eyes and Ai Squared's ZoomText magnification suite. Many users wish to make the transition from magnification to speech, and having a single platform that supports the transition from ZoomText to Window-Eyes would be a welcome addition. It's worth noting that it has taken several years for Freedom Scientific to offer some symmetry between the JAWS screen reader and the MAGic screen enlargement package, so it'll likely take some time for any integrations to come to fruition.

Window-Eyes 9 is available now and retails for $895. Users of Microsoft Office 2010, 2013, and Office Online can still obtain a free copy of Window-Eyes through Ai Squared's partnership with Microsoft. You can learn more by listening to this interview with Ai Squared's Jeremy Curry.

Voice Dream Writer: A New Text Editor for the iPhone

Voice Dream Reader has long been one of the most popular apps on the iPhone and iPad for reading a variety of formats. Now, Voice Dream has moved into the world of text editing with Voice Dream Writer. The recently-released program includes several features in an attempt to set it apart from other text editors and built-in apps.

Voice Dream Writer's focus is on simplified navigation and proofing, which is made evident by the built-in spell-checking feature. Here you can move through misspellings word by word and input corrections. A phonetic spell search feature is useful for times where you might know how a word sounds but are unsure of how to spell it. The developer has also tackled other situations where VoiceOver has typically come up short, including ways for quickly selecting and copying text, and enhanced navigational controls. In addition, if you are a user of Voice Dream Reader, any purchased voices can also be used for the writer app without the need to repurchase them. Voice Dream Writer is available now from the iTunes App Store for $9.99.

NFC Signs from Signaids

Signaids has been producing accessible braille signage for many years. Now, they've added an additional feature that can benefit those who don't read braille or who wish to gain additional information about a sign. This is accomplished using a technology known as near field communication (NFC) along with an Android smartphone or tablet. Signs using the technology bear a raised NFC tag ion the bottom right corner. One simply touches their phone to this tag to hear information related to the sign or location spoken, such as the sign's text, or directory information.

What really stood out about the company was the cost of the technology, an extra dollar per sign. We've seen other systems designed to provide accessible information cost hundreds of dollars for a very basic implementation.

This system uses a free app and service in conjunction with the aforementioned tags to provide a very affordable option. The biggest hang-up currently is lack of support for the iPhone. This is currently due to restrictions placed by Apple on the NFC technology that is used to read the tags from the signs. The company is hopeful that Apple will allow for such uses in the future.

There are still a lot of ideas floating around when it comes to creating access to navigational information and travel tools, and Signaids seemed very open-minded to feedback and ideas for potential uses. The signs themselves start at around $20.

Conclusion

The exhibit hall included over 100 booths this year, and it's impossible to cover them all in one article. Hopefully this overview will give you an idea of some of the latest trends in assistive technology and the products or types of products that might be on the horizon. ATIA is the first major conference of the new year, and often where companies start to dip their toes in the water when it comes to new products and concepts. It's often seen as a precursor to the annual CSUN conference, presented each March in San Diego and the largest conference for technology and disabilities in the world. Be sure to follow AccessWorld for more conference news and reviews as the calendar turns toward spring.

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HIMS recently introduced the E-bot PRO, a video magnifier that is packed with an array of customizable features and is capable of operating on several platforms. As its name implies, the E-bot PRO is a highly advanced video magnifier that more closely resembles a remote controlled robot than a traditional video magnifier. This review looks at how this technologically advanced video magnifier performs on everyday tasks and situations in conjunction with multiple platforms.

It's important to be aware that HIMS provides three offerings within its E-bot product line. All three products provide close-up and distance viewing, wireless iPad and Android tablet compatibility, USB 3.0 compatibility, and auto-brightness. The major differences between the three devices are as follows:

• E-bot does not offer remote control or built-in OCR
• E-bot ADV offers remote control and built-in OCR
• E-bot PRO offers remote control with joystick camera control and built-in OCR

This review focuses specifically on the E-bot PRO.

E-bot PRO Physical Design

The E-bot PRO has a white camera, adjustment arm, and base, and comes with a sturdy black reading table. When collapsed, the E-bot PRO rests securely on the reading table, and slips easily into the included carrying case. When unfolded, the E-bot PRO has a relatively small footprint. It stands at 15.2 inches tall, and measures 15.9 inches deep by 9.3 inches wide. As is becoming increasingly common with video magnifiers, the E-bot PRO's built-in OCR capabilities eliminate the need for the traditional X-Y tray. The base itself contains only a few controls. On the side of the unit, a rotor dial adjusts the volume of audio output and a switch allows quick and easy enabling and disabling of Wi-Fi. The two controls on the top of the E-bot PRO include the power button and the button to turn the unit's light on and off. Two small LED lights also indicate the status of the Wi-Fi and battery level. The back side of the unit contains a number of ports, including USB, HDMI, DC in, and DC out. There is also a very small channel switch used to synchronize with the remote control included with the unit.

The E-bot PRO also comes with the following: two AA batteries for the wireless controller; AC adapter; USB 3.0 and HDMI cables; HDMI to DVI adapter; carrying case; headphones; 16 GB SD card; user manual, and PC and Mac installation CD. The E-bot PRO does not include a monitor or tablet.

Caption: Photo of the E-bot PRO in use with a tablet computer

E-bot PRO System Requirements and Set Up

According to the HIMS documentation, the available E-bot PRO drivers allow it to interface with Windows 7, Windows 8, and OS X. It was necessary to manually install the Windows 8 driver for the E-bot PRO, since the installation wizard failed to properly install it using the Windows 8.1 Pro operating system. This manual installation involved approximately a dozen steps, including entering a specific command line within the Run command. It took some digging to find these additional instructions for manually installing the Windows driver on the HIMS website. It was necessary to access the HIMS Resource Center, and from there locate the E-bot PRO page. At the bottom of the page was a set of instructions under "USB Connection Failure." The documentation included a detailed .docx file that provided step-by-step instructions for manually installing the Windows 7 and Windows 8 drivers. After carrying out the steps, the E-bot worked successfully.

In order to streamline the installation process, HIMS could make these files easier to locate, using a link labeled along the lines of "Troubleshooting Installation." It would also be helpful to include the file as an accessible PDF as an alternative to a Word file.

I was unable to successfully get the E-bot to work with the Mac drivers using USB 3.0 on a Mac Mini, even after multiple attempts while following the instructions in the user manual.

Recommended Specifications for Connecting to a PC or Mac

HIMS suggests the following specifications for optimal use for the E-bot PRO:

• USB 3.0 support
• 4 gigabytes of RAM
• 1 gigabyte graphics card
• I5 CPU or faster

HIMS also warns that Windows-based computers running USB 2.0 will offer a low-resolution image. HIMS acknowledges in their documentation that at this point the E-bot PRO is not supported with USB 2.0 or Wi-Fi on the OS X platform. The E-bot PRO also does not run on the Windows RT platform.

Connecting the E-bot PRO Directly to a Monitor

The E-bot PRO comes equipped with a DC Out port, and an HDMI cable and DVI adapter to connect directly to an external monitor with HDMI or DVI connection. Though connecting directly to a monitor was straightforward, and no technical problems were encountered, there appear to be two major advantages of connecting the E-bot PRO to a PC or Mac (assuming the installation process of the E-bot Viewer is successful). First, the same monitor being used on the computer is also being used with the E-bot PRO. This allows for the ability to multitask between the E-bot Viewer and any other applications running on the computer. Multitasking worked seamlessly using the E-bot PRO with Windows 8.1. Second, when connected to a computer you are able to access and control the E-bot PRO itself using the computer keyboard and mouse, which is highly efficient since the keyboard and mouse are presumably already being used with other applications.

Connecting to an Apple iPad or Android Tablet

According to HIMS, the E-bot PRO will interface with iPads running iOS 7 or higher, and Android-based tablets running Android 4.3 or higher. In fact, the E-bot PRO also worked with smartphones running these same operating systems such as the iPhone 6 and Nexus 6. HIMS does not promote this fact in their literature, presumably since the smaller visual displays on smartphones are less effective than the larger tablets for individuals with low vision. I would assert that in some cases, and with specific individuals, syncing the E-bot PRO with larger smartphones could certainly serve a purpose. Downloading the E-bot Viewer app from Apple and Google's respective app stores is required in order to run the E-bot Viewer on a smartphone or tablet. Built-in accessibility features for low vision users, such as the Zoom and Magnifier tools, worked very well when running the E-bot Viewer app.

Using USB or Wi-Fi to Connect to a Computer or Tablet

Connecting to a computer via USB is straightforward. The E-bot PRO also offers a wireless method of connecting to a PC or tablet using Wi-Fi. The E-bot PRO actually provides its own hotspot that makes this possible. In order to set this up, you simply search for and select "Ebot…" within the list of Wi-Fi connections. You will be required to enter a predetermined password the first time you set up the E-bot PRO Wi-Fi connection.

Charging the E-bot Battery

The E-bot PRO is equipped with a removable Lithium-Ion battery. When fully charged, the battery will last for approximately four hours. The user manual suggests a five-hour charge when used for the first time using the power supply and DC jack located in the back of the device. The battery can also be charged using a USB connection. The user manual suggests a minimum of 25 hours of charging time, since this is a much slower process.

Documentation

The E-bot PRO comes with a comprehensive 101-page user manual that incorporates several colored images and hand-drawn graphics throughout. A detailed table of contents allows for quick access to any section of the user manual. The manual uses 14-point type for the headings and 12-point type for the regular text. Increasing the font size to 18, and providing a separate two- or three-page "Getting Started" guide with the most basic setup instructions, would increase the ease of use for the low vision population. HIMS provides a number of resources online for the E-bot PRO, including the brochure, the user manual, and the E-bot Viewer software for both the PC and Mac. These resources are located within the Resource Center link, and then within the E-bot PRO link. Providing a single link on the main E-bot PRO page itself called "E-bot PRO Resources" would make these electronic documents easier to locate. HIMS may also wish to consider providing a YouTube video on its site that demonstrates the initial setup and overall operation of the E-bot PRO. Providing such instructional videos is quickly becoming the norm for companies distributing access technology devices including video magnifiers.

Portability of the E-bot PRO

The E-bot PRO weighs just under seven pounds, including the battery. When completely collapsed, it measures 9.3 inches wide, 15.9 inches long, and 2.7 inches high. Unfolding the E-bot PRO is relatively easy, although the first couple of times it may take some practice to get the locking mechanism to secure the unit properly.

The E-bot PRO's battery and Wi-Fi capability make for rapid setup and use in a variety of settings—one of the unit's strongest selling points. It's important to keep in mind that the means to establish the optimal focal point of the tablet, computer, or monitor that is being used in conjunction with the E-bot PRO will need to be considered. One of the photos displaying the E-bot PRO on the HIMS website shows a tablet conveniently set up on a stand next to the E-bot PRO. The E-bot PRO does not include any additional stands of any kind for viewing purposes.

Various Methods of Controlling the E-bot PRO

The E-bot PRO can be controlled in a variety of ways, including via a PC or Mac, an iPad or Android tablet, or a remote control with joystick.

Controlling the E-bot PRO Using a Computer Keyboard and Mouse

The E-bot PRO user manual includes a long list of computer keyboard and mouse commands for activating specific functions such as OCR, and for controlling the movement of the device. For instance, the camera can be moved using any one of the four Arrow keys on the keyboard, or by using the left-mouse button and gesturing in the desired direction. The response time is fast with either the USB or Wi-Fi connection.

Controlling the E-bot PRO Using a Tablet

The response time is also fast when controlling the E-bot PRO using a tablet. An older iPad 2 was used for testing purposes, and the results were impressive. More than a dozen gestures are available to manipulate the movement and operation of the E-bot PRO. The intuitive pinch and reverse-pinch gestures decrease and increase the viewable area, and moving the camera can be achieved by simply tapping and flicking in the desired direction. When using the iPad 2, it was necessary at one point to restart the E-bot PRO and the app because the software locked up. This may be related to the slower processing speed of the iPad 2.

Controlling the E-bot PRO Using the Remote Control with Joystick

As its name suggests, the E-bot PRO comes with a joystick control that allows the user to remotely access and control the video magnifier. The remote control contains a total of ten buttons, not including the center joystick. The buttons are labeled using a combination of four colors for easier identification. They are also labeled with print, and have been designed with multiple shapes. It's clear that a lot of thought went into designing the buttons to accommodate the needs of people with low vision. The remote control with joystick runs on two AAA batteries, and fits securely in the palm of an average-sized hand. The response time with the remote control is also fast. It is also not dependent on a Wi-Fi connection, which allows for quicker and easier access when needed.

Magnification with the E-bot PRO

The E-bot PRO provides a broad range of magnification. The exact level of magnification, which is prominently displayed in large, high-contrast text near the bottom center of the display, ranges from Zoom 1 (minimum zoom) through Zoom 62 (maximum zoom).

On a 22-inch monitor, when in Near View mode—which is the mode used when reading material resting on the reading table—at Zoom 1, 11-point type appears an eighth of an inch in height. At Zoom 62, this same 11-point font is displayed at four and a quarter inches in height. These sizes will inevitably be smaller when using a tablet or smaller monitor, due to the decreased viewable area. The E-bot PRO also provides the option (easily turned off) of audibly announcing the exact level of magnification being used.

The level of magnification available with the Distance Viewing Mode was impressive, along with the camera's range of movement when panning a room. In Distance Viewing Mode, two angle modes are available to choose from: Normal Angle Mode and Maximum Angle Mode. Normal Angle Mode limits the movement to 45 degrees to the left, and 30 degrees to the right. In Maximum Angle Mode, the movement is increased to 90 degrees to the left. The motion of the panning speed is also significantly reduced for distance viewing, which helps stabilize the image, since even a small amount of camera movement when viewing objects in the distance can shift the viewing area.

E-bot PRO Image Quality

Four LED lights strategically positioned around the camera of the E-bot PRO serve their intended purpose of providing sufficient light to maximize the contrast level of the material being read for Near View mode. When there is sufficient lighting in the room, and the LED lights are not needed, the user can quickly and easily turn the lights off using a control on the base of the unit. Overall, the image quality is excellent when in Near View Mode. For Distance View mode, the E-bot PRO performed well in brightly lit environments, but under less optimal lighting environments image quality was noticeably reduced.

E-bot PRO Color Schemes and Contrast

The E-bot PRO offers a total of 56 color combinations. The choices include frequently used selections such as natural color, white on black, black on white, yellow on black and grayscale. It also provides a wide range for adjusting the contrast level. On a scale of 1 through 40, the default setting is 20. This range can be very useful when enhancing the contrast level of materials with different foreground and background contrast levels.

E-bot PRO OCR Capabilities

OCR is used for Near View mode only, as is typical with video magnifiers offering this feature. Running OCR on a single page of text takes just under 10 seconds. Within the OCR options, you can choose to have the scanned page displayed by word, line, whole text, or the actual image as it is read aloud. The speech synthesizer provides very clear speech output.

Saving and Retrieving Documents

The E-bot PRO includes a 16-gigabyte SD card for saving and retrieving images for future use. This media format is especially convenient, since the SD card can be easily removed from the E-bot PRO, and the saved images can then be transferred to any device capable of reading an SD card.

Overall Control and Noise Level

Control of the camera movement, adjustment of magnification level, and access to the various menu options of the E-bot PRO are designed well across all compatible platforms. The ability to also control and modify the panning speed of the camera as needed allows for a highly customizable experience that is conducive for a range of environments and personal preferences. The noise level of the E-bot PRO, particularly when initially setting it up, is a little loud and potentially distracting.

It takes approximately 18 seconds for the video magnifier to initialize for use after it is unfolded and first turned on. Once the E-bot PRO is initialized, it takes an additional minute or two to set everything up for operation. Although this isn't a particularly long time, it is not anything close to an "instant on" experience.

The Bottom Line

HIMS has made a valiant attempt to make the E-bot PRO video magnifier all things to all platforms. It has been on the market for a short amount of time, and for the most part, I believe HIMS has accomplished its objective. The E-bot PRO has a straightforward design while meeting the needs of people who use multiple platforms. There are clearly some improvements to be made, since HIMS acknowledges that the E-bot PRO is unable to use USB 2.0 or Wi-Fi when connected to a Mac. The installation process and instructions could also be improved by refining the software installation process, offering YouTube videos, and by providing a basic setup guide for an easier out-of-the-box experience.

The portability of the E-bot PRO, along with its ability to provide a wireless experience and to connect with two of the most commonly used operating systems for tablets, pushes the envelope when it comes to the versatility and features of a video magnifier. The E-bot PRO represents an impressive combination of both innovation and portability.

Manufacturer Comments

Comments from HIMS Inc., Austin, TX

We thank John Rempel for sharing his experience reviewing the E-bot PRO (and E-bot ADV) as well as all the staff at AccessWorld for sharing its monthly assistive technology reviews with blind and low vision consumers and professionals.

During the ATIA 2015 Conference in Orlando, FL, January 28-31, HIMS released updated E-bot firmware and Viewer Apps that enhance the Wi-Fi connection to tablets and PCs. These updates also enhance certain image quality imperfections, particularly in Color image mode, and all E-bot firmware and Viewer Apps are free at the Resource Center of our website.

We plan to make YouTube videos available on our website in the near future. John Rempel's comments encourage us to make these videos available soon. And, we agree to make a Quick Start Installation Guide available. Also, we will discuss the PC and Mac installation process with our engineers to possibly simplify the process or steps in a future release. E-bot's versatile compatibility is one of its powerful features for users as it interfaces with more devices than any other product in its class.

Product Information

Product: E-bot PRO
Price: $3,895.00
Available From: HIMS, Inc.
4616 W Howard Ln, Ste 960
Austin, TX 78728
888-520-4467
sales@hims-inc.com

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Many iPhone users with visual impairments use a video FaceTime or Skype call with a friend for a brief session of sighted help—to find a hotel room door, for instance, or to help set the controls on a washer or dryer. But what if your friends or family members are not available when you need assistance? Or maybe you call the same person again and again, and you worry you might be overstaying your welcome?

Mobile identification and text recognition apps such as TapTapSee, Talking Goggles, and the KNFB Reader can take up a lot of the slack, but there are times when you really do need a working pair of eyeballs. Now, thanks to a new iOS app called Be My Eyes, sighted help is just a tap away.

How Be My Eyes Works

Be My Eyes pairs sighted volunteers with visually impaired individuals who would appreciate a bit of remote assistance. The app is free both to download and to use.

For visually impaired users, the app could not be simpler to use. Most of the screen is taken up by a single control to connect you to the first available helper. Double tap this button and your device will announce, "Creating connection request." A few seconds later a sort of electronic ring tone begins to play, and soon you are connected to a sighted volunteer through a two-way audio and one-way video connection using the opentok/tokbox video platform.

The volunteer can view your environment through the higher-resolution rear-facing camera. With a connection established, you can converse with the volunteer, introduce yourself (if you like), and ask for help with whatever identification task is at hand. You can disconnect at any time.

When you first open the app you are asked if you need assistance or wish to provide it. In either case you are required to register. You can do this using your Facebook credentials, or you can create a Be My Eyes account with your name, e-mail address and the password of your choice. More about this later.

If you register as a helper, you merely need to leave the app running in the background. When it's your turn to offer assistance, the app will alert you. If you don't respond within 10 seconds or so, the app servers will move onto the next person in the queue and alert them. "At first we tried pinging ten people at once, so people requesting assistance would not have to wait so long for a response, but we started getting e-mails from volunteers who were frustrated because they wanted to help, but were not the first to respond," says Hans Jørgen Wiberg, the service's founder.

Turning an Idea into a Service

Like many of us, after a few remote FaceTime sessions, Wiberg had the idea that we could more easily obtain sighted help if there were only some way to tap into a wider network than just our friends and family. Unlike most of us, however, Wiberg put action to thought, and he isn't even a programmer. Wiberg, who lives in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a part-time upholsterer and Regional Chairman of the Danish Association of the Blind.

Wiberg took his idea to a local startup meeting, where people come together to exchange and refine ideas for new businesses and services. There he teamed up with seven others, none of whom were programmers. They formalized their idea and began searching for grant money.

With just a few thousand donated Danish Krone, the group hired outside developers to create an iOS app. They released it in the Danish App Store in November of 2014, and beta tested it with just a handful of users. After the user base reached 150 blind users and 400 helpers, the group was awarded a substantial grant from Velux, a Danish window and skylight company. Development continued until January 15, when the Be My Eyes app and service were released worldwide.

"The response was more than we dreamed," says Wiberg. "In just a few days we had over 60,000 users, most of them potential helpers," he says. "The signups came so fast, by the end of the second day we had to suspend the service while we moved to the largest server our provider can host."

The main app screen displays a running count of the number of sighted and blind users who are registered. It also displays the number of individuals who have been helped—over 10,000 in the first six days. A future app update will also include the numbers of volunteers who are currently available. "This will help users have some idea of how long it will take to either offer or receive help," says Wiberg.

Putting Be My Eyes Through its Paces

I first tried Be My Eyes just a few days after it was released. The first two attempts were unsuccessful: after 20 minutes I had not yet been connected to a volunteer. I was using the app late on a Sunday evening, around the time when the servers were being swamped with setup requests, so those circumstances may have played a part in the delays.

The next day I tried the app several times, and each time I was connected within 2 minutes. According to Wiberg, this is the norm. "There are going to be people who for some reason cannot answer an alert in time, and we have to connect to several different helpers, one at a time, before a request is answered. Other times there may be server problems caused by our rapid growth. My advice to users seeking help is that if there is no response within 3 or 4 minutes, disconnect and immediately try again."

My first Monday call was answered by a woman in Britain. My question was simple: "Is this package of teabags caffeinated or decaf?" "Caffeinated," came the reply, and after a quick "thank you," I disconnected. Total time: less than 2 minutes from start to finish.

My second request was answered by a man in California. He helped me access my thermostat and find the LCD off setting.

My third session was answered by a man in Germany. I had inadvertently left the plastic cover to a vegetable seed starter on the patio table, and sometime during the night it had blown away. Together the volunteer and I search the backyard for it. We did not find it, but the help was still useful as it saved me the considerable time I might have spent walking around the yard, hoping to encounter it.

One task I did not try, and hope I do not have cause to for some time to come, is getting help with the computer error message that has in the past locked up my screen reader or prevented it from booting. My computer seems to know when all of my friends and family are unavailable. It must—why else would it always choose those times to crash?

On initial setup, the Be My Eyes app uses your iOS device's default language setting to direct your calls. English speaking helpers are always connected with English speaking help requesters, French with French, and so forth. But the app's Setting menu offers you the ability to add additional languages, which is how I was able to connect with an English speaking helper in Germany.

Privacy

According to Wiberg, your personal information is not shared with the helper. You may then wonder why you need to enter your name and e-mail address to create a Be My Eyes account. When I posed this question, Wiberg replied, "Both the helper and user can report a problem member, and we can then block that [account] and prevent [the user] from returning." Unfortunately, the version I tested, 1.2 (45), did not require any e-mail verification, which means someone could make up a series of false accounts and cause mischief. Perhaps verification will be a part of an update in a future version.

Common sense would dictate that Be My Eyes users avoid asking questions about bank or credit card statements, medical reports, or any other information you want to remain private. Wiberg offers a useful rule of thumb: "If you were walking down a street and needed to know what you are considering asking [a Be My Eyes helper], would you feel uncomfortable asking a stranger?" If so, find some other way to obtain the information. Some may wish to consider the opposite scenario: Perhaps there is something you wish to keep private from your friends and family?

It's probably best to avoid asking a Be My Eyes helper to assist in orientation at a busy intersection or other potentially dangerous scenario. Currently, the app contains no rating system for users to weed out what I can only believe would be a very few bad apples.

What's Ahead for the Be My Eyes App

Wiberg is determined to keep the service free. He states that currently they have enough money to pay for development and server resources through next September. Consequently, I would not be surprised to see a Donate button pop up in a future release of the app, on the company's website, or both.

The app is currently available only for iOS devices. There are no immediate plans to create an Android version.

Ironically, the biggest hurdle Be My Eyes currently faces is finding enough blind users. "The response to the opportunity to become volunteers has been overwhelming," says Wiberg. "If they don't get the chance to become fully involved, they may grow frustrated and uninstall the app."

Until I uninstalled it, I had a dinosaur app on my iPhone to entertain my granddaughter. Every so often, even when the app was not running, I received an alert asking if I wanted to play. I can see many potential helpers who might reset their phone or change devices, and forget to restart the app. Perhaps a future update might include a similar gentle reminder to those with the app installed but left closed for several weeks?

I also hope Wiberg and his colleagues publish a Be My Eyes API that would enable other apps to seamlessly link to the app. BlindSquare, which we reviewed in the July 2014 AccessWorld, offers the ability to reach out to someone in your contact list for a bit of e-mail or text message help. Imagine how much more powerful BlindSquare, or the Seeing Eye App for iPhone, would be if users could request sighted help directly from within their accessible navigation app?

As it is now, Be My Eyes is an extremely powerful platform whose time has come. I will still keep both TapTapSee and KNFB Reader on my iPhone home screen, but Be My Eyes will definitely be my fallback—and in many instances, my go-to—resource for those times when greater independence can best be achieved by knowing when and how to ask for help.

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