The FSCast discussing this is here: http://podcast.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/episodes/FSCast127-David_Wu.mp3 -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Justin Romack Sent: Wednesday 15 June 2016 17:10 To: jheim@math.wisc.edu; 'Blind sysadmins list' <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Merger between VFO group and AI Squared. Yes, I think compliance is a driver for Apple's pursuit of universal access features -- especially as it pertains to sales in the education and government markets. But the fact they go beyond just rudimentary access (read: What Narrator has been for Windows), coupled with their company culture of excellence, innovation and inclusion, I think Apple is committed far beyond what they're obligated to do -- because it's the right thing, not the required thing. Please know this comes from the mouth and mind of a full-time Windows user. I couldn't stay productive without my Win machines, as much as I love my iOS and Macbook devices. I think there are a number of layers to this buyout -- and while we're certainly going to have to wait and see how it shapes up, I hope it's for the benefit of the individual. Prices need to come down, new ideas need to come forth, etc etc, and I find it hard to believe any of this will happen as players come off the board and out of the marketplace -- but their words say they're committed to making it so, and I'm eagerly awaiting their actions to reflect the same. Change is hard for just about everyone -- but the community of individuals with sensory disabilities tend to respond to change with a bit more resistance (and that's understood.) I'm curious to watch this play out -- and will reserve my frustration for when changes are substantiated and there is good reason. Anything else is speculation, and that's not fair to anyone. Justin Romack Hero House Creative justin@herohousecreative.com -----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins [mailto:blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of John G Heim Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2016 10:31 AM To: Blind sysadmins list <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Subject: Re: [Blind-sysadmins] Merger between VFO group and AI Squared. I already mentioned in my previous post that several years ago, Microsoft was asked not to develop a screen reader by blind advocacy groups. This was about the same time that Microsoft was in court under an anti-trust action for including a browser in it's operating system. I don't think it was difficult to talk Microsoft out of including a screen reader that might have driven the other screen reader developers out of business. We should also be careful about giving Apple too much credit for including a screen reader in it's operating system. Under US law, they couldn't sell computers to schools, colleges, and universities unless there was a screen reader. It is probably not a coincidence that Apple came out with voiceover shortly after the only other screen reader for Mac OS went out of business. I will give Apple credit for not charging extra for voiceover and for having the foresight to put it on their IOS devices. They are now required by law to have a screen reader on their IOS devices but they had it way before it was required. Microsoft still hasn't caught up. Like I said in my other message, I think it's all about enforcement. We have been depending on the NFB suing universities to keep them from ignoring federal laws and regulations and hoping that has a trickle down effect on the industry as a whole. Not a very sound system, IMO. On 06/15/2016 09:17 AM, Scott Granados wrote:
I just wish Microsoft would include accessibility and put the whole lot out of business. Personally, all this talk makes me so happy I jumped off the windows bandwagon in 2008. VoiceOver has treated me better and fit in to my work flow better which works for me but everyone is different with different requirements. I’m just glad I don’t have to worry about my access solution being discontinued.
All that said, pending Microsoft entering the market and doing what they should have years ago I hope someone with quality products persists. Windows access is vital to us. It scares me one major competitor is disappearing.
On 6/15/16, 9:50 AM, "Blind-sysadmins on behalf of Ryan Shugart" <blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org on behalf of rshugart@ryanshugart.com> wrote:
As a Window-Eyes user, am I nervous? Absolutely. On the other hand though, the papers have been signed, AISquared as a business entity is no more, and there’s just not much we can do at this point. Do I have concerns? Yes. But, I don’t know what’s happening behind the closed doors, and in the end the market will shape out how it will shape out. A lot of people, myself included, have been saying the desktop screen reader market has needed a big shakeup for some time now. Well, we got it. Not quite what I was thinking but hey. For the moment we’re just in wait and see land, and things will fall as they will. I suspect this is probably just as much a shock for the devs on the JAWS side, and there’s probably as many questions going through their minds as on the Window-Eyes side. I don’t think Window-Eyes will continue as the product we know. But the same could be said for JAWS too, I have no idea what will end up happening but I predict it will be a change on both the JAWS and Window-Eyes sides. As for NVDA, I’m not sure there’s anything for them to be scared of really. I mean yes, there’s a big force now in the screen reader market, but my feeling is those who supported NVDA will continue to do so for the same reasons they always have, and NVDA will continue as a product just as it always has. And that is a good thing, it insures there’s still some competition out there. So my guess is it will be business as normal in NVDA land. And that’s fine with me. Ryan
-----Original Message----- From: Blind-sysadmins <blind-sysadmins-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> on behalf of Darragh Ó Héiligh <d@digitaldarragh.com> Reply-To: Blind sysadmins list <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 5:38 AM To: Blind sysadmins list <blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org> Subject: [Blind-sysadmins] Merger between VFO group and AI Squared.
AI Squared has been merged into VFO group. I'm sure you've heard at this stage.
So, what do you think?
Are those of you who use Window Eyes worried? Do you see the VFO group retaining both Jaws and Window Eyes?
I think this has the potential to be huge news. _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins
Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins
Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins
-- -- John G. Heim; jheim@math.wisc.edu; sip://jheim@sip.linphone.org _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins _______________________________________________ Blind-sysadmins mailing list Blind-sysadmins@lists.hodgsonfamily.org https://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/blind-sysadmins