Re: Is Android Programming Accessible?
- From: Dave <davidct1209@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:44:07 -0700
Ah, that's true; then any phone really would work for his purposes.
On 7/31/10, The Elf <inthaneelf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Dave,
>
> some buss networks have a dial in standard phone call schedule service and I
> think this is what he is checking so does not need an internet plan
>
> elf
> Moderator, Blind Access Help
> Owner: Alacorn Computer Enterprises
> Specialists in customized computers and peripherals
> - own the might and majesty of a Alacorn!
> www.alacorncomputer.com
> proprietor, The Grab Bag,
> for blind computer users and programmers
> http://grabbag.alacorncomputer.com
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dave" <davidct1209@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: <programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2010 4:17 AM
> Subject: Re: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>
>
>> Imo, what you're asking for here would require more than a pay as you
>> go voice plan depending on where you need to check bus times. If
>> you're able to limit your web browsing over WiFi, then Mobile Speak
>> plus any of their supported modern phones with built in wifi could
>> work (Nokia n82, n86, e72, etc.). This would require purchasing the
>> screen reader on top of purchasing the phone (without contract since
>> you don't want the monthly commitment). If you want to check bus
>> times while out and about, then you'll need to subscribe to a 3g
>> dataplan (monthly charge).
>>
>> The other option is to get a pre-used iPhone. Imo, iPhone has the
>> best out of the box user experience out of all phones out there
>> currently. Since the device is so tightly controlled (app store,
>> simplified UI, etc.), the UI within app's stays fairly conformant to
>> UIKit standard controls. You also have the advantage of a built-in
>> screen reader, VoiceOver, that imo has the best fundamentals of any
>> mobile screen reader out there. It gives you nuanced feedback via
>> sound icons and appropriate speech feedback without getting too
>> verbose. It also is the most responsive out of the bunch and supports
>> braille. It also works with far more applications than any screen
>> reader combo coupled with any other platform out there (just take a
>> look at the VIPhone googlegroup).
>>
>> Android, at the moment, tends to be very spotty and has a few places
>> that simply dont' work. I would say the learning curve therefore to
>> learn all the workarounds is fairly high. However, many of the folks
>> on this list like its openness and thus its hackability. You do
>> basically have the power of linux in your pocket; you can shell into
>> the device, modify the fs or rewrite/recompile the entire stack
>> (system, kernel, and more). You can easily write and deploy your own
>> app's and do something about the inaccessibility. But, it's
>> definitely not meeting the same bar set by Mobile Speak or the even
>> higher bar set by iPhone. It, for example, has poor screen reader
>> functionality (responsiveness, navigation/linearization of focus,
>> appropriate speech feedback for on-screen events, etc).
>>
>> On 7/30/10, Bryan Schulz <b.schulz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>> hi,
>>>
>>> thanks, can you explain how much something like this is per month?
>>> all i want is a phone that talks and all i use it for is to call a
>>> client/check if they will be home, and occasionally check bus times and
>>> don't want another charge per month.
>>> a pay as you go recharge of $100 lasts me at least 4-6 months.
>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Joseph Lee" <joseph.lee22590@xxxxxxxxx>
>>> To: <programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>> Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 10:54 PM
>>> Subject: RE: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>>>
>>>
>>>> Hi Brian,
>>>> Few things and answers:
>>>> * Code Factory just announced that Mobile Speak now supports HTC HD2, a
>>>> completely touchscreen device running Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional.
>>>> * Windows Mobile phones are still readily available (I have a Windows
>>>> Mobile
>>>> phone (HP iPAQ Glisten) with a touchscreen and a QWERTY keyboard).
>>>> * We at the Mobile Speak list had a debate about why Code Factory does
>>>> not
>>>> support all devices. In the end, the general conclusion was diversity of
>>>> device design and software compatibility. For instance, a guy who uses a
>>>> particular carrier version of HTC Touch Pro 2 couldn't answer a phone
>>>> call
>>>> via Send key. He called the company and was told that this issue was
>>>> duplicated. Other folks who use the same device on other carriers report
>>>> that they don't experience this problem. Same went with HTC HD2 support:
>>>> people requested that CF should support it - in the end, some users sent
>>>> their phone to be examined by CF, and today (Friday) CF announced its
>>>> result
>>>> - support for this phone via a new build of Mobile Speak 4.5 (I think it
>>>> was
>>>> a device dat file that was created to be included in the executable
>>>> image).
>>>> * When Mobile Speak is installed, part of its routine is to get device
>>>> info
>>>> (model name, firmware, OS version, etc.) to optimize user interface
>>>> layer
>>>> for that particular device, and if possible, to check if the device
>>>> specs
>>>> match existing database of supported devices. Here, "optimizing user
>>>> interface layer" means getting the display info (for touchscreen devices
>>>> to
>>>> correctly calculate placement for gesture keys) and whether to activate
>>>> touch functionality (part of mspinputsvr.exe) depending on if it is a
>>>> Windows Mobile Classic, Standard or Professional device.
>>>> As for Motorola Q, think of it as a wider phone with QWERTY keyboard,
>>>> similar to a laptop computer's layout when the screen is opened.
>>>> However,
>>>> to
>>>> compensate for smaller size, not all keyboard keys are there and the
>>>> directional keys are between the screen and the keyboard.
>>>> In my case, I do prefer "computer in a pocket", since I want to perform
>>>> more
>>>> than just call and read SMS messages with my phone. In addition to
>>>> sending
>>>> and receiving phone calls and SMS messages, I browse the web, read
>>>> email,
>>>> set alarms, listen to music and use third-party programs (specifically
>>>> games
>>>> and a small utility to clear temp files from my phone). This is the
>>>> exact
>>>> same argument (ability to run third-party software) that a specific
>>>> blindness product is advertising, but we (the engineers) are not fooled
>>>> by
>>>> the company since we do know what the limitations of that device is and
>>>> the
>>>> list for that device is debating the future of that particular PDA at
>>>> the
>>>> moment.
>>>> In connection with the subject here, in order for the "computer in a
>>>> pocket"
>>>> to come alive with Android, I believe more developments and awareness of
>>>> accessibility among software developers would be needed. This could be
>>>> enhancements to Talkback (which is most likely route) or a port of
>>>> existing
>>>> solutions over to Android (somewhat possible).
>>>> Hope this helps.
>>>> Cheers,
>>>> Joseph P.S. No wonder why my sighted friends are questioning how a blind
>>>> guy
>>>> can learn programming...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>> [mailto:programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bryan Schulz
>>>> Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 4:46 PM
>>>> To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>> Subject: Re: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>>>>
>>>> ok,
>>>> can anyone tell me what the motorola q looks like?
>>>> is it a regular phone where you hit 1-9 instead of certain keyboard
>>>> letters?
>>>> why did mobile speak restrict themselves to not running on phones like
>>>> the
>>>> razr v3?
>>>> i asked about android stuff because windows mobile phones seem hard to
>>>> find.
>>>>
>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Jared Wright" <wright.jaredm@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>> To: <programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>> Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 6:26 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Android is probably not up your alley, then. It's going for the
>>>>> computer
>>>>> in your pocket thing.
>>>>>
>>>>> On 07/30/2010 07:24 PM, Bryan Schulz wrote:
>>>>>> seems all of what you mention is web based.
>>>>>> all i want is to have a talking phone with sms texting.
>>>>>> i'll use a laptop for the rest and save $40+ a month.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Cox" <waywardgeek@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>> To: <programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>> Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 11:42 AM
>>>>>> Subject: Re: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I wouldn't say it speaks "all" other menus, but it does seem pretty
>>>>>> close. There are annoying gaps in some popular applications. The
>>>>>> microphone icon on the search bar is not spoken, and neither are other
>>>>>> icons on most other widgets. Some desktop widgets are not accessible
>>>>>> at all. There's not quite enough of the right kind of information
>>>>>> spoken, like what row and column you're on when browsing the desktop.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> However, the progress is very encouraging, and at some point I suspect
>>>>>> blind programmers will get involved and progress will accelerate.
>>>>>> What has to happen first is for Android to become the platform of
>>>>>> choice for the blind. I think that will happen.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Bill
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Fri, Jul 30, 2010 at 12:05 PM, Alphonso McFadden
>>>>>> <techsales2@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>>>> So does this mean it speaks all other menue's?
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Cox" <waywardgeek@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>> To: <programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>> Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 12:04 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi, Bryan. Talkback in Android 2.2 is getting close to usable, but
>>>>>>> not quite there. The main problem remaining is that the browser and
>>>>>>> e-mail applications are not accessible, both of which I think use
>>>>>>> webkit. Work on making it accessible is underway. I think we can
>>>>>>> count on Google to get it where it needs to be, but I can't estimate
>>>>>>> the timeline.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Bill
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Thu, Jul 29, 2010 at 10:20 PM, Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>> <b.schulz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> hi,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> i called a local at&t wireless store and most of what they sell are
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> android operating system.
>>>>>>>> will mobile speak be created for this system or will there possibly
>>>>>>>> be
>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>> free open source app to make these phones talk?
>>>>>>>> i would like to get an unlocked phone with no monthly fee off ebay
>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>> a
>>>>>>>> low
>>>>>>>> talk time charge when needed solution.
>>>>>>>> Bryan Schulz
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave" <davidct1209@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>>> To: <programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 8:22 PM
>>>>>>>> Subject: Re: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> I'm relatively new to Android land as well, but from what I've done
>>>>>>>>> so
>>>>>>>>> far, yes, it's accessible depending on your experience.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Android comes with a variety of development tools; there's, as you
>>>>>>>>> mentioned, a plugin for Eclipse to help streamline the development
>>>>>>>>> experience (auto generated project files).
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> However, all of this can be done by hand via the Android SDK using
>>>>>>>>> command line tools. One can also specify UI elements within an
>>>>>>>>> AndroidManifest xml file.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> The learning curve isn't too bad as long as you are fairly
>>>>>>>>> comfortable
>>>>>>>>> with exploring the technology stack (from the tools, to the SDK, to
>>>>>>>>> the application concepts such as intents, broadcasts, services,
>>>>>>>>> etc.
>>>>>>>>> and finally to managing a real device such as flashing, rooting,
>>>>>>>>> etc.).
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Hth.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On 7/29/10, David Engebretson Jr. <d.engebretson@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> I asked the same question a week back or so and didn't get a
>>>>>>>>>> response.
>>>>>>>>>> Maybe we'll need to explore it together. try eyesfree.google.com
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> cheers,
>>>>>>>>>> david
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> David Engebretson Jr., CTO Peace Weaver Hosting
>>>>>>>>>> Need web hosting?
>>>>>>>>>> Come visit us at PeaceWeaverHosting.com
>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>>>>>> From: "Robert Jaquiss" <rjaquiss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>>>>> To: <programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 5:13 PM
>>>>>>>>>> Subject: Is Android Programming Accessible?
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Hello:
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> I am looking at a possible project that requires programming for
>>>>>>>>>>> an
>>>>>>>>>>> Android based device. Has anyone done this? My research to date
>>>>>>>>>>> indicates
>>>>>>>>>>> that Java is used with the Eclipse IDE and an Android SDK.
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Regards,
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Robert
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> __________
>>>>>>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>>> ----
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>>>>>>>> Version: 8.5.441 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3036 - Release Date:
>>>>>>>>>> 07/29/10
>>>>>>>>>> 06:34:00
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> __________
>>>>>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> __________
>>>>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> __________
>>>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> __________
>>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> __________
>>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>> __________
>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>
>>>>>> __________
>>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> __________
>>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> __________
>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>
>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>>>> Version: 8.5.441 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3036 - Release Date: 07/30/10
>>>> 13:13:00
>>>>
>>>> __________
>>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>>
>>>
>>> __________
>>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>>
>>>
>> __________
>> View the list's information and change your settings at
>> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>>
>
> __________
> View the list's information and change your settings at
> //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
>
>
__________
View the list's information and change your settings at
//www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind
Other related posts:
