Mat,
There are millions of people who cannot afford a car or petrol to go in
it,
yet the owners of said companies all have private jets etc, shall we burn
them at the stake too?
I didn't realise that accessibility companies and organisations were
barred
from making profits... where is that written?
Agreed it does seem a little immoral, but we in the blindness community
seem
to think it's against some unwritten law to turn a profit when selling to
disabled folk, it's not, and as a capitalist myself I don't see the
problem.
If you don't like FS don't buy their stuff, if you want a cheaper solution
do it yourself, one thing I can assure you of, is if you invent a way of
cleaning up drinking water or a cure for aids next week, you yourself do
this, are you going to give it away free, are you going to charge
something
which only gives you a tiny margin, or are you going to charge what the
market can give you for your product?
It's about time that we stopped thinking as ourselves as poor and
defenceless, there are alternatives, Windows and MAC both come with built
in
free of charge screen readers, granted their not as good, but they are
there, options exist to avoid having to line the pockets of FS etc, if you
don't like their practices don't buy from them.
Gosh.
---Neil Barnfather
TalkNav
TalkNav is a Nuance Accessibility software reseller and authorized
distributor of Wayfinder products, with product activation codes delivered
direct to your mailbox, why not try TalkNav today?
www.talknav.com
www.wayfinderaccess.com
Telephone from the UK: 0844 412 1062
Telephone outside the UK: +44 161 277 7997
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Matt Brown
Sent: 27 September 2009 11:52
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: FW: Re: Any more news...
Neil I'd agree with your argument 100 percent, if I hadn't been recently
made aware that the CEO of Freedom Scientific has his own private jet! So
while a large number of blind people around the World are living under the
poverty line and struggling to make enough money to be able to afford Jaws
or a Braille display, there's a guy out there swanning around in his
private
jet and playing golf off the profits.
Now I'm 100 percent capitalist. I'm running a company and fully intend to
be
a millionaire myself before long lol! But at least I'm fleecing everyone,
companies like Freedom Scientific are only fleecing the blind market and
growing fat off the results.
More and more as I listen to better and better reviews of Voiceover
running
on the Mac, I'm considering switching my day to day computing to a
MacBook.
I currently run a Windows desktop for day to day, and a Windows desktop in
the recording studio. But I was thinking of getting rid of my day to day
desktop in favour of a more environmentally friendly NetBook because all I
do is word process, spreadsheets, Internet, listen to music or books,
watch
movies and Email. There's just no need for a big desktop for that stuff
anymore.
But then I'm starting to hear about how good Voiceover is in the new
version
of the Mac OS, so I'm asking myself, Windows or Mac then?
If I go for a MacBook, I'll never have to worry about paying for a Jaws
upgrade again! I think that's the thing that sickens me about Jaws most of
all, is the SMA we're forced to pay! Windoweyes is a major competitor for
Jaws, equal in functionality and usability, and yet its much less money
and
upgrades aren't priced anything like as high as the Jaws ones. Only reason
I'm using Jaws at all is that Windoweyes support for Cakewalk Sonar isn't
brilliant yet, nowhere near what it is for Jaws, but what makes me laugh
is
that Cakewalk Sonar support through Jaws is actually not provided by
Freedom
Scientific at all but by a third party developer, and it cost even more
money on top of Jaws lol!
I know this is getting off topic now, but I raise these points because the
issues with the KNFB reader software that started this thread have to be
placed in the context of the entire accessibility theatre in order to be
viewed objectively.
There can be no doubt that the high price tag of KNFB reader is putting
the
majority of blind mobile phone users off! That's a fact Neil, it can't be
argued with. If the price was slashed in half, I would be prepared to bet
that sales would at least triple. The company would still make their money
but would be reaching out to more customers thus building a stronger
market
base for the future.
The sales model they've adopted is just wrong, Nuance and Code Factory are
proving that its the wrong model with every new copy of their products
that
they sell!
Matt
--------------------------------------------------
From: "Neil Barnfather - TalkNav" <talks@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:21 AM
To: <talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: FW: Re: Any more news...
Darren,
Perhaps there marketing point is to keep exclusivity? You're assuming
they
want to sell it...
Just another slant, you seem to forget just how much research and
development actually costs.
When you're developing and researching, but you're going to sell your en
product to millions, then it's likely your end price is lower, when
you're
selling to small r groups then your price is higher.
Gosh I thought you did economics, prices for accessibility technology is
high, higher than I'd like, but do you want access companies to magic
research and development which costs millions out of fin air?
---Neil Barnfather
TalkNav
TalkNav is a Nuance Accessibility software reseller and authorized
distributor of Wayfinder products, with product activation codes
delivered
direct to your mailbox, why not try TalkNav today?
www.talknav.com
www.wayfinderaccess.com
Telephone from the UK: 0844 412 1062
Telephone outside the UK: +44 161 277 7997
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Darren Harris
Sent: 25 September 2009 20:38
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: FW: Re: Any more news...
It's simple logic. If you can't afford it because the kids come first
then so be it. It wouldn't be as bad if like gw micro they offered a
payment plan. They don't. unless you get the n82 and talks as a bundle
but if you already got a phone then why go down that road so where's the
flexibility in that? Sorry but 600 quid is way too much for the majority
of people to shell out on and it's stupid to expect a ton of people to
buy it.
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Steve Dryden
Sent: 25 September 2009 20:33
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: FW: Re: Any more news...
My god, what an archaic attitude! With that, we'd all be in the
ghettos! I
mean, before we had computers with speech, we had manual typewriters,
blind
people did ok then as well! In fact, what's the point of progression
anyway? Haha, not starting an argument, just putting my point over! To
be
honest, yes, KNF is a bit expensive but as with most of this type of
technology, it's all expensive because of the R & D. And, sorry, you
just
can't get away from it.
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Darren Harris" <darren_g_harris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 7:01 PM
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: FW: Re: Any more news...
Well like I've said before, take a family of 4, 1 or both parents are
blind and both have phones. So who goes without if they can either
afford ecentials for the kids or a little programme which is at a
ripoff price and quite a few people in prominent potisions just
wouldn't recommend it for the price. It's way to much money for what
it is. I mean what's the hastle in taking something to your desktop
scanner and getting it to read that? Ok it may not be able to do tins
and the like bla bla bla but being honest blind people have coped
without that for years so why worry about it now
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of DurDevil
Sent: 25 September 2009 18:01
To: Talks-Uk Email group
Subject: [talks-uk] FW: Re: Any more news...
Hi neil. I agree that we dont want to start a arguement but if it was
slightly more affordable then it would reach more customers and now
the main idea has been developed it surely could come down in price.
Jaws for a pc is expensive and Talks for mobiles puts similar
functionality into peoples pockets but if Nuance expected pricing like
FS it would not reach as many people. These programs are worth their
weight to blind people but just think of how many peoples lives could
be improved if it was all more affordable. Cheers. Pete
-original message-
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
From: "Neil Barnfather - TalkNav" <talks@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: 25/09/2009 5:47 pm
Darren,
KNFB Mobile Reader is I'm afraid well worth the price, I don't want to
get into a shouting match about this, but when you consider the cost
of Kertzvil standard PC software and a scanner, verse that of a phone
which can go with you anywhere and read odd shaped products it's well
worth every penny.
---Neil Barnfather
TalkNav
TalkNav is a Nuance Accessibility software reseller and authorized
distributor of Wayfinder products, with product activation codes
delivered direct to your mailbox, why not try TalkNav today?
www.talknav.com
www.wayfinderaccess.com
Telephone from the UK: 0844 412 1062
Telephone outside the UK: +44 161 277 7997
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Darren Harris
Sent: 25 September 2009 16:17
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
Lol with 3 letters gone are they going to reduce the price as well to
make it worth buying?
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jackie Cairns
Sent: 25 September 2009 16:16
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
Hi Neil
K-Reader is now known officially as the software that used to be
called K-NFB Reader, least that's my understanding.
Jackie Cairns
Braille Specialist
Email: jackie.cairns@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sight and Sound Technology Ltd
Welton House North Wing
Summerhouse Road
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6WD
Tel: 01604 798024
Mob: 07887 883815
www.sightandsound.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Neil Barnfather -
TalkNav
Sent: 25 September 2009 14:07
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
Jackie,
Do you mean K Reader or KNFB Reader, they are two different products?
---Neil Barnfather
TalkNav
TalkNav is a Nuance Accessibility software reseller and authorized
distributor of Wayfinder products, with product activation codes
delivered direct to your mailbox, why not try TalkNav today?
www.talknav.com
www.wayfinderaccess.com
Telephone from the UK: 0844 412 1062
Telephone outside the UK: +44 161 277 7997
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Jackie Cairns
Sent: 25 September 2009 13:39
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
Hi Steve
I now have the K-Reader on my N86, and will run it alongside my work
N82 at the weekend for a comparison. I love the N86's chunky feel,
and the buttons are so much more tactile all round than the N82.
Often, customers struggle with the Talks/Menu button on the N82, and
the soft key positions. They shouldn't experience the same issues
with the N86 as the buttons are so nicely spaced out.
I've tried the FM transmitter, and this works a treat if you keep the
phone fairly close to the radio or system you are putting it through.
I'm looking forward to spending more time with it and the N82 this
weekend.
Jackie Cairns
Braille Specialist
Email: jackie.cairns@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sight and Sound Technology
Ltd Welton House North Wing Summerhouse Road Moulton Park Northampton
NN3 6WD
Tel: 01604 798024
Mob: 07887 883815
www.sightandsound.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 25 September 2009 11:48
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
Hi Jackie,
The processor is faster in the N86 than either phone, the camera is
obviously better, and if you have tried KNFB Reader on it, you would
see that it is miles faster than the N82.
It is a little heavy in my view, but the butoons on it are just as
nice as the N82, if not a bit wider.
An all-round good phone, and the battery life is even better than the
N82 in my experience.
The N79 is pretty good, but it doesn't have the 8MP camera which helps
KNFB, and KNFB won't let you run it on the N79, I think they are just
being paranoid and will have to do something soon, because TextScout
is excellent on it.
All the best
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Jackie Cairns
Sent: Friday 25 September 2009 11:45
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
Hi Steve
So you've got the N86? What do you love about it, and how do you
think it compares to the N82 and N79? Really interested in what you
have to say.
Jackie Cairns
Braille Specialist
Email: jackie.cairns@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Sight and Sound Technology
Ltd Welton House North Wing Summerhouse Road Moulton Park Northampton
NN3 6WD
Tel: 01604 798024
Mob: 07887 883815
www.sightandsound.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 25 September 2009 11:20
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Re: Any more news...
Hi Matt,
No news yet. But I love my N86.
All the best
Steve
-----Original Message-----
From: talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:talks-uk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Matt Brown
Sent: Friday 25 September 2009 11:08
To: talks-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [talks-uk] Any more news...
Hi, is there any more news about N97 and Talks? I'm getting to a point
where
I really have to make a decision, N86 or N97! I don't want to be
lumbered with an N97 if speech is months and months away if it comes
at all, but of the 2 handsets it has the feature set I'm looking for!
Apart from the 8 MP camera the N86 doesn't look a whole lot more
powerful than the N82 in reality, whereas the N97 is massivo!
Matt
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