FreeLists / ossrp-control / [ossrp-control] Re: What Will LongHorn Offer For A Reader

["Will Pearson" <will-pearson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Tony,

I don't think anything's been mentioned publically about Microsoft's
intentions for Narrator and Magnifier under LongHorn.  However, the
speculation that has been around for a few years now, is that it won't be
developed much further than it already is.

I think the issue is one of anti-trust legislation.  As you probably
remember, Microsoft were involved in a big court case over Internet Explorer
and it's bundling with Windows.  Recently, Microsoft lost a similar case in
the European Union regarding Windows Media Player, although they're
appealing that case at the moment.  So, whilst offering equal access to
their platform would be ethically the right thing to do, it would appear
that legislation designed to protect commercial competition may prevent them
from doing this.

I do know that Microsoft are working hard to make developing access
technology for Windows easier and more reliable.  The features offered by
User Interface Automation look to be promising and more functional than
previous accessibility related technologies, such as Microsoft Active
Accessibility.

However, Microsoft operate a program, the Microsoft Access Technology Vendor
Program, which is designed to assist access technology vendors in developing
access technology for the Windows platform.  I've submitted an application
for membership of this program, on behalf of the project, and should hear
the results within a week or two.

Will
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tony Broome" <tb777@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ossrp-control@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2005 4:31 AM
Subject: [ossrp-control] What Will LongHorn Offer For A Reader


> Hi, Wil and all.  Well, we've already started talking about LongHorn,
> and I think that's good.  By the way, as a little side note, I write it
> as one word, but capitalize the L in Long and the H in Horn so as to
> make the speech pronounce it correctly.  Now, back to the issue.  I'm
> glad to see folks already talking about LongHorn, but here's a question
> which might need to be posted.
> What does LongHorn plan to offer itself for accessibility.  Surely, it
> would be enhanced from Narrator, don't you think?  That one might be
> able to build off of what they do would be a jumpstart, but I suppose
> that would really be a dream.  Talk has been out that people wanted to
> develop Narrator further, but Microsoft wasn't interested.  Again, this
> isn't putting down on anyone, but we have to offer these commentaries
> to project information.
> Still, it would be nice if there were some sort of idea as to what kind
> of screen reading capabilities are expected.
> As for the earlier post about magnifiers, I too, would like to see an
> all-around accessibility solution.  However, it is my understanding,
> that there are already magnification applications which are quite good
> and are not all that expensive.
> Tony
>
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