Global Blind Population Set to "Triple by 2050:" Study
"Researchers in a study have warned that the global blind population will triple by 2050 due to a growing population of aging individuals." Read more about this study.
American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and HumanWare Announce the MATT Connect, a Combined Video Magnifier, Distance Viewer, and Accessible Educational Tablet
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and HumanWare have announced the MATT Connect, a combined video magnifier, distance viewer, and accessible Android tablet with included software. The device consists of the magnifier/tablet, a folding stand, and wireless camera for distance viewing. The video magnifier allows for 24X magnification while being used live. Magnification levels up to 80X are available for captured images. OCR is also possible. The wireless camera for distance viewing can provide magnification to a maximum of 40X. The device retails from APH for $2,995 and, if a customer purchases the MATT Connect from APH before September 29, the purchase will include an extended care plan from HumanWare at no additional charge.
NV Access Releases NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) 2017.3
NV Access, the developers of the free and open source NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) screen reader, have announced the release of NVDA 2017.3. This update includes some significant new features, including the ability to use Microsoft's OneCore Text-To-Speech voices, the ability to write in contracted braille, and the integration of Windows Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for those using the Windows 10 operating system.
Freedom Scientific Releases New Focus 40 Blue Braille Display
Freedom Scientific has announced the release of a new generation of their Focus 40 Blue braille display. The new device has been engineered to be resistant to falls and impacts. The exterior casing, keyboard, braille cells, and ports have all been engineered to contribute to the overall ruggedness of the device. The new display also uses a USB3.1C connector; this connection type has the benefit that the connector is always in the proper orientation when connecting it to the device. Freedom Scientific has provided a press release describing the features of the Focus 40 Blue.
HumanWare Announces the Release of the explorē 8 Handheld Electronic Magnifier
HumanWare has announced the release of the explorē 8 handheld video magnifier. This magnifier contains an 8-inch display with magnification up to 30X. The magnifier has two cameras, one for close viewing and a second for distance viewing. The magnifier is equipped with a touchscreen as well as physical buttons for changing contrast and magnification. The explorē 8 can be purchased from HumanWare for $1,099.
AFB Press Announces Publication of Orientation and Mobility Techniques: A Guide for the Practitioner, Second Edition by Diane L. Fazzi, PhD and Janet M. Barlow, MEd
This very first techniques book in orientation and mobility has been completely revised and updated for today's fast-changing world, while remaining true to Hill and Ponder's simple organizational principles that generations have known and loved. A new, easy-to-read color format, accompanying photographs, updated information on street crossings at complex intersections, and a new chapter on O&M for people with low vision make this revised edition a must-have in your O&M library.
Orientation and Mobility Techniques, Second Edition is 290 pages long and is now available in paperback for $54.95; the electronic formats: e-books priced at $38.95; and online subscription priced at $32.95, are coming soon.
