Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 Worth the Upgrade?

 

Learn about what’s new in iPhone 4, iOS 4 software update, and what Serotek will soon be bringing to the iPhone and iPod Touch.
View Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 worth the Upgrade Via Accessible Event

Listen to Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 Worth the Upgrade?

View Show Notes for Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 Worth the Upgrade?

Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 Worth the Upgrade?
mlauf
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:27:22 GMT

Free PDF To Word Converter For OS X

 

A PDF to Word converter will only work on text-based PDFs, not image-based ones, but it’s very useful if there is a PDF that you need to convert back to a document format so you can edit it.

You can identify if a PDF is image-based or text-based by opening it in preview and seeing if you can select some text with the mouse. If you can select text the same way you would on a web page or in a word processor, it’s a text-based PDF and the converter should work fine.

Incidentally, using the PDF to Word converter is not a bad way to check a PDF for accessibility – it reads through the PDF using similar techniques to accessibility software, so if your PDF is not accessible then converter won’t work.

Amplify’d from www.anypdftools.com

How to Get AnyBizSoft PDF to Word for Mac for Free
The giveaway is exclusive for AnyBizSoft’s fans on Facebook page, so anyone who wants to grab a license for free is recommended to visit AnyBizSoft’s Facebook page and click Like button to become a fan, then fill in your name and email address to get a license for free. Please note that the free license is only for personal usages.
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AnyBizSoft?v=app_6009294086
Product Page: http://www.anypdftools.com/pdf-to-word-for-mac.html

Key Features of AnyBizSoft PDF to Word for Mac
1. Support conversion of restrictions encrypted PDF files directly, and password protected ones by entering password
2. 2 Conversion Modes: Batch (up to 50 files at once), Partial (by selecting individual pages) and Right-click conversion modes
3. Preserves text, tables, images and hyperlinks individually in generated Word files as original layouts

Read more at www.anypdftools.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/cTtrRd

If you get this software, let me know how it works for you – I have picked up my copy but haven’t really used it much yet.

– Ricky Buchanan

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This article was originally published at "Free PDF To Word Converter For OS X" and is copyright (C) Ricky Buchanan 2010. Please do not republish without permission.

Related posts:

• PDFpen
• Simple: Automatic Word Completion
• VisioVoice 1.1

 

Free PDF To Word Converter For OS X
Ricky Buchanan
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:16:00 GMT

Apple Announces Magic Trackpad

 

I’ve had “wireless multi-touch trackpad” at the top of my person Apple wishes for several years now, so I was thrilled at Apple’s announcement announcement of the Magic Trackpad yesterday. The announcement itself was somewhat hidden amongst announcements of updates to the iMac series, which now have faster processors and better graphics capabilities, but the Magic Touchpad is of special interest to users with disabilities.

From Apple’s website:

Desktop users, your time has come. The new Magic Trackpad is the first Multi-Touch trackpad designed to work with your Mac desktop computer. It uses the same Multi-Touch technology you love on the MacBook Pro. And it supports a full set of gestures, giving you a whole new way to control and interact with what’s on your screen.

And by “full set of gestures” they really mean all of them – this device uses the same preference pane as the MacBook touchpads use. This is fantastic news especially for iMac and Mac Pro users who use the VoiceOver screen reader, as the revolutionary “touchpad as screen” where you can control the screen reader using gestures like an iPhone or iPad.

Daniel Rowe, from the MacVisionaries group – a mailing list for blind Mac users, took the plunge yesterday and bought himself a Magic Trackpad. He said:

I’ve only used VO [VoiceOver] with multi-touch trackpads briefly before as I have an iMac. But because I use the iPhone I could see the benefits such an interface would bring to Mac OS.

Having spent nearly two days with the trackpad, I personally thing that it is the best thing to happen in assistive technology recently. To be able to visualise how things are laid out on the screen is just amazing. It’s larger size is also an advantage. It has really changed the way how I use my Mac and I won’t be going back to using the numpad commander unless I have to.Daniel Rowe

He mentions the larger size – I can’t find any specific dimensions on Apple’s website but from looking at their photos of the Magic Trackpad beside a bluetooth keyboard and judicious use of a ruler on my own Apple bluetooth keyboard I think the active area on the Magic Trackpad must be close to 11cm by 11cm, or just under 4 1/2 inches in either direction. That’s a lot larger than the MacBook trackpads, which should also help those who have trouble with fine motor control, or find making small gestures difficult for any reason. Reviewers on the Apple website also mention it makes it possible to use two hands to make gestures needing more that one finger.

You can see the size in this photo with the Magic Trackpad beside an Apple wireless keyboard.

The Magic Trackpad also has a physical click (the entire trackpad depresses if you click it) as well as a tap-to-click, either of which can be enabled or disabled as desired. Many other features can be customised to fit the users needs and preferences too. I’m sure I’ll be writing more about the options and set-up when mine arrives, but until then here’s a peek at the preference pane:

Preference pane for the MacBook and Magic Trackpads.

The Magic Trackpads seem to be available from all Apple stores around the world immediately (including online stores), but those countries served by non-Apple-branded stores will have to wait a few weeks. The Australian online Apple store is shipping these currently and estimating 24hr delivery time, for example, but my local Mac-licensed stores are estimating the end of July as the earliest they’ll have stocks available.

Website: Magic Trackpad

– Ricky Buchanan

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This article was originally published at "Apple Announces Magic Trackpad" and is copyright (C) Ricky Buchanan 2010. Please do not republish without permission.

Related posts:

• Ignore laptop trackpad
• pearPad – iPhone as a trackpad/keyboard for your Mac
• Touchpad Pro

 

Apple Announces Magic Trackpad
Ricky Buchanan
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:20:42 GMT

Updated: Best Free Download Manager

 

One of the delights in operating a community website is finding constantly finding new or updated pages on the site that I was not even aware of. So it was when I went to check out our best free download manager section and discovered that not only do we have a new Top Pick but I have never even heard of the recommended product. I quickly downloaded it and can totally agree with editor Jojo that it is an outstanding product.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-download-manager.htm

Updated: Best Free Download Manager
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:18:28 GMT

Books from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Are Now Accessible on the Intel Reader

 

Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic® (RFB&D®), the nation’s largest provider of educational audio textbooks, announced that its more than 270,000 members can now use the Intel® Reader to access and enjoy its entire collection of DAISY-formatted audiobooks.

(PRWeb July 29, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/07/prweb4328054.htm

Books from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Are Now Accessible on the Intel Reader
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:34:50 GMT

Internet Explorer 9 beta to arrive in September

 

Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner revealed today at the company’s annual financial analyst meeting that the first beta of the Internet Explorer 9 Web browser is planned for release in September. This is a little later than expected; leaked documents that emerged last month pointed at an August release date for the beta.

Some apparently authentic screenshots of Internet Explorer 9 have leaked, though perhaps surprisingly, they show few changes from the current version. Microsoft has shipped three platform previews to show off the Internet Explorer 9 engine, but these previews used a simple, bare-bones interface; the company wanted to wait before revealing Internet Explorer 9′s look and feel. If the new browser really is just a minor evolution of the old browser’s interface, that decision seems a little peculiar.

The new browser is eagerly anticipated, especially by Web developers; Internet Explorer 9 is a big improvement on Internet Explorer 8, with considerably improved standards compliance and functionality. News of the beta is certainly welcome, but there’s still a marked contrast between Microsoft’s release policy and the more frequent updates of browsers like Firefox and Chrome. For all of its improvements, there’s a good chance that Microsoft’s browser will have been surpassed by its competition by the time it finally ships.

No release date has been announced, but most believe that the final version will not arrive until 2011.

Read the comments on this post

 

Internet Explorer 9 beta to arrive in September
peter.bright@arstechnica.com (Peter Bright)
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:04:00 GMT

Cambium Learning Group Drops Kurzweil 1000 Site Licenses, Raises Cost by over $5,000

 

Without fanfare, Cambium Learning Group has raised the cost of Kurzweil 1000 licenses for 10 users to $7,950. This drastic change has occured due to the elimination of the 10-seat site license, formerly available for $2,895 for up to 10 computers in a single location. Now, those needing multiple licenses must pay $795 per license (minimum of 5) or $995 per license for quantities under 5. We reached out to Cambium’s Director of Product Management Roger Steinberg who states the reason for the change was twofold. First, some users were abusing the old system and license terms. In addition, Steinberg said many dealers were requesting a change in pricing structure. In addition to the $5,055 price increase for 10 licenses, it positions the product at nearly $2,000 over a similar license for Freedom Scientific’s openBook software. Customers under the old Kurzweil 1000 site license can upgrade to version 12 for $375, but will need to pay per license to upgrade to future versions. Was the old license too cheap, or is this price increase way out of line? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Cambium Learning Group Drops Kurzweil 1000 Site Licenses, Raises Cost by over $5,000
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:55:16 GMT

KNFB Reader 6.4.1 Adds Support for Two New Nokias

 

KNFB Reading Technology has released a free update to the KNFB Reader Mobile. Version 6.4.1 supports two new Nokia handsets, both of which are cheaper than most of the existing models. Both the Nokia C5 and Nokia 6700 Slide include a numeric keypad, though the Slide includes a better 5 megapixel camera compared with the 3.2 megapixel camera on the Nokia C5.

KNFB Reader 6.4.1 Adds Support for Two New Nokias
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:18:28 GMT

An iTouch App we Like!

 

We’ve just stumbled upon a really cool new iTouch app…. Read To Me. Not only does it do the obvious, read the text aloud, but you can import text from Google Docs or the Web! Less that $5.00!

An iTouch App we Like!
Fran Smith
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:54:42 GMT

Dolphin Guide version 6 release

 

We are pleased to announce the release of Dolphin Guide v6. Designed to help users retain independence, Dolphin Guide presents simple menus accessed with single key presses to make using a computer much easier.

Mary McMahon of Dolphin Computer Access North said: "For many people computers seem daunting and they just don’t know where to start. For a person with reduced sight, they can be even more intimidating. Our software helps them to start to use a computer quickly and easily. We launched Dolphin Guide many years ago and it has become a firm favourite with users who just want to use computers without asking for help. With version 6 we have made it even easier to use, giving people with low vision access to computers, while delivering peace of mind every step of the way."

Dolphin Guide v6 allows the user to:

• Send & Receive email
• Browse the Internet
• Write Letters & Documents
• Listen to Podcasts & Internet Radio
• Play CDs and MP3s
• Scan and Read printed materials
• Play Games

Mary said: "What Guide v6 does is return independence to people despite their failing sight. Computers are part of everyday life now and for people losing their sight, the thought that they might have to give up using them is a major concern. Our software means that they do not need to do that. Guide v6 has been designed with simple, easy computing at its foundation. It is so simple that even people with little or no computer skills can start using a computer."

Gil Smith, who runs Low Vision Supplies of Billingham, Teesside, is one of the expert practitioners who recommend Dolphin Guide software on a daily basis for clients with conditions including macular degeneration.

He said: "Dolphin Guide enables my clients to do the things they did on the computer before they started to lose their sight, like writing documents, reading emails and accessing websites. The web is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family near and far, and the Dolphin Guide software allows users to do just that."

For more information please contact the Dolphin Guide sales team or read what’s new in version 6 on the Dolphin Guide product pages where you can also download a free trial.

Dolphin Guide version 6 release
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:27:22 GMT

NAD Announces New Board of Directors

 

Continuing and new members of the NAD Board of Directors were sworn in on Saturday, July 10, 2010 by Past President Mervin D. Garretson, during the conclusion of the Council of Representatives session at the 50th Biennial NAD Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Four officers were voted in by delegates to the Council of Representatives for the 2010-2012 term. Bobbie Beth Scoggins and Christopher D. Wagner were reelected to their third term as president and vice president, respectively. Sheri Farinha and Michael Michner were elected as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

NAD Announces New Board of Directors
admin
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:20:02 GMT

United Spinal Sues For Access To New York City Polling Places

 

New York, New York – A lawsuit filed last week in Federal District court in the Southern District of New York alleges that the Board of Elections in the City of New York discriminates against registered voters with mobility and vision disabilities, because it fails to ensure that polling places are accessible on Election Day.

The lawsuit, which seeks no damages, aims to end New York’s systemic failure to provide access to polling sites for disabled voters.

Ramps at New York City polling places are commonly inaccessible, and sometimes there are no ramps at all. Even when people with disabilities can enter a site, all too often they face additional barriers inside that prevent voters from getting to voting machines to cast a vote.

New York City also fails to provide its poll workers with training on how to set up an accessible polling place or on how to assist New Yorkers with disabilities who wish to cast a ballot. Despite complaints from individuals and advocacy groups alike, year after year the City chooses polling places which do not provide access for disabled voters.

The suit, which was filed on the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is brought by United Spinal Association and Disabled in Action – two groups which work to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated into their communities and live as independently as possible. Both groups have a long history of advocacy work to protect people with disabilities right to vote.

“In a time when a handful of votes can elect a President or Senator, it is imperative that the votes of all 55 million people with disabilities be counted,” said Paul Tobin, President and CEO of Plaintiff, United Spinal Association.

Inspections of New York polling places conducted over the past decade by the Center for Independence of the Disabled , NY (CIDNY), demonstrated that logistical and physical barriers were pervasive and present significant problems for people with disabilities.

“For years we’ve had to struggle with ad hoc remedies and rationales for why more could not be done. It’s time for New York to comply with federal civil rights law and time for the Courts to enforce the law,” said Susan M. Dooha, J.D., Executive Director of CIDNY.

The Plaintiffs are represented by Disability Rights Advocates (“DRA”), a non-profit law center that specializes in civil rights cases on behalf of persons with disabilities. The suit alleges that the Board of Elections is violating Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

“These practices disenfranchise a minority group which has long struggled against discrimination, and in doing so barricades New York voters with disabilities from having a voice, a presence, and a place in our political system,” says DRA attorney Julia Pinover.

Plaintiffs request that New York City change the way in which polling sites are selected and operated so that registered voters with disabilities may freely exercise their right to vote.

Media Contacts:

Ahvi Spindell
United Spinal Association Media Relations
(212) 580-4567, aspin4eiscom@aol.com

Margi Trapani
Director, Communications & Education
Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY (CIDNY)
646-442-4154
mtrapani@cidny.org

Julia Pinover
Disability Rights Advocates
212-644-8644, jpinover@dralegal.org

United Spinal Sues For Access To New York City Polling Places
Administrator
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:15:09 GMT

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Releases Fair Housing Report

 

HUD has released its annual State of Fair Housing Report for 2009. It highlights the agency’s progress in enforcing the Fair Housing Act, identifies challenges that remain and shows HUD’s commitment to ending housing discrimination. The report covers the last full fiscal year of HUD’s complaint investigations and fair housing activities. Discrimination based on a person’s disability status continues to be the largest-single category for complaints. Of the 10,242 complaints filed with HUD and its fair housing partners during fiscal year 2009, 44 percent alleged disability discrimination. The report is available in PDF format.

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Releases Fair Housing Report
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:47:26 GMT

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Seeks Public Input to Strengthen Disability Regulations

 

DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs wants input from the public on ways to strengthen its regulations requiring federal contractors to take affirmative action to hire and advance the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities. In an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking the agency invites the public to help revise the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Input is requested on topics that include what employment practices have been successful in finding, hiring and advancing qualified individuals with disabilities, and what data is available that can be used to create hiring goals and determine their effectiveness. Comments can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Deadline for comments is September 21, 2010.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Seeks Public Input to Strengthen Disability Regulations
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:47:26 GMT

Has Someone been Using Your PC? How you can find out

 

With USB sticks so common it’s very easy for somebody to take information from your PC even if you are away from your desk for a just few minutes. Worse still, you’d never know your data was stolen.
Our Hot Finds editor Robert Schifreen has located a free utility that will gives a full history of the USB devices that have been plugged into your PC. Apparently this information is stored in Windows and this utility simply reports this information in an easy to use form. Sounds pretty handy to me.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/find-out-which-usb-devices-have-been-used-your-pc.htm

Has Someone been Using Your PC? How you can find out
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:47:26 GMT