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Showing posts with label new. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

New in iOS 8 Built in Braille Keyboard for Six Dot Input


iOS 8 includes enhancements to VoiceOver, the built-in gesture based screen reader for people with visual impairments. One of the improvements is a new built-in Braille Keyboard for Six-Dot input. The new feature is similar to the BrailleTouch app released a few years ago with one major difference; the built-in option can be used to enter text into any app directly. The option can be enabled in the VoiceOver rotor. The Braille keyboard will offer VoiceOver users who are familiar with Braille an alternative, and possibly much faster text entry method. iOS 8 will also offers third-party keyboards such as Fleksy which could also offer significantly faster text input for VoiceOver users.

Once you turn the Braille keyboard on six positions will appear on screen representing the six Braille dots. When the device is held with the screen perpendicular to the floor it automatically enters screen away mode. When using this mode the user faces the screen away allowing three fingers from each hand to contact the screen. As the user begins to type the six virtual dots automatically reposition themselves to compensate for changes in your grip. The dots can also be recalibrated by holding down the three right hand fingers and then the three left hand fingers immediately after. This positions the dots directly under your fingers.

When the device is set on the table or another flat surface the Braille keyboard enters tabletop mode. This mode would seem to be ideal for an iPad can can also be used on smaller devices. It does take some care to ensure that the keyboard does not switch between tabletop and screen away mode accidentally. In both modes typing did seem difficult on the small screen, but some practice seemed to improve typing speed. This new option allows typing with contracted or uncontracted Braille. When typing a swipe right adds a space and a swipe left deletes the last character typed. This new method of typing is very sensitive a will likely require practice before mastering. If you use this feature frequently, it maybe helpful to purchase a case that boarders the screen to avoid trying to type on the bezel.

To enable the Braille keyboard go to Settings > General > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Rotor > Braille Screen Input. Then, when VoiceOver is enabled, rotate the rotor until Braille screen input is selected. It exciting to see all the new third-party keyboard options for iOS 8, but for VoiceOver users, Apples own Braille keyboard maybe the most exciting of all.

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor on the New iPhone 5s Has Major Accessibility Implications


Today Apple announced the iPhone 5s with a fingerprint sensor dubbed Touch ID. Touch ID allows users to unlock their iPhone and purchase iTunes content using just their fingerprint. The Touch ID sensor is located under the home button. This feature allows all users to secure their iPhone without typing in a passcode each and every time. This will encourage more users to secure their phone and decrease frustration when they enter the passcode incorrectly.

While the new Touch ID sensor is not exclusively an accessibility feature it will have large implications for some disabled users. Blind and visually impaired users will be one group to benefit greatly. These users use the built in VoiceOver screen reader to navigate the iPhone. Without being able to see the screen typing in even a simple four digit passcode with VoiceOver may be time consuming compared to a sighted user typing in the same passcode. (Dont take this the wrong way, VoiceOver is a fantastic feature that gives blind and visually impaired users access to their devices. It just takes longer to enter information). With the new Touch ID sensor VoiceOver users will be able to almost instantly unlock their iPhone just as quickly as any other sighted user.

The Touch ID sensor will also benefit people with cognitive disabilities who are unable to remember a passcode, but still need to protect their device. People with cognitive disabilities can benefit greatly from various iPhone apps, but may not be able to remember a passcode to protect their device. Now with the Touch ID sensor cognitively impaired users can easily unlock their iPhone with their finger.  It eliminates the fear and possibility of forgetting your passcode.

The iPhone 5s will also include iOS 7 which includes new accessibility features. Click here to learn more about iOS 7 accessibility. Click read more below to view videos about the iPhone 5s.




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Marks PC Got a New CPU!





Finally Ive got a new system unit! I purchased the CPU in April 02, 2014. I was very busy with transferring my files from old PC. So I didnt get enough time to write about my new CPU. In this post Im gonna share my experience with you. And I also would like to give you some tips which you can follow before and after buying a new PC. 


In fact, Im suffering with my old PC for more than a year. It shuts down without notice. And there is no definite pattern of shutting down. Actually the parts are 5.5 years old. So I didnt think about repairing. Ive purchased a new system unit. 


I would like to start with my CPU configuration:

  • Processor: Intel Core i3-3220, 3.3 GHz (4 CPUs), 3MB Cache
  • System/Mainboard: GIGABYTE H61M-S2PV, LGA 1155 (Ultra Durable)
  • Memory: Team Elite 4GB DDR3 RAM with 1600 Bus Speed
  • Hard Drive: Samsung 1 TB HD 103SM
  • DVD Drive: HP DVD Writer 1265
  • Casing: San ATX Casing (E011B) with High Watt Power Supply

After assembling the CPU, the seller asked me to power on the system. I pushed the power button but it didnt run! Then he checked the connectors, power cords and everything. My father was there. He advised to check the power switch. 

Then the seller used reset switch to turn on the system. And it worked! What happened actually? There was a fault in the power button. After changing the internal connector of  the power button, it worked fine. 


Total Cost is approximately $ 340. 3-year warranty for Mainboard and CPU. Product lifetime warranty for RAM. Hard Disk and DVD writer get 1 year warranty. 

Here is my system rating: 

Windows 8 System Rating



Now Id like to discuss what to do before and after buying a new PC. 


Before you Purchase - Think
  • What do you do using PC?
  • How much heavier your tasks are? Gaming, Graphics or Official Tasks? 
  • How much you know about configuration? Are you an expert or novice? 
  • Do you have a familiar PC shop which you can trust? How much expert they are?

Before buying a PC, you must think about these questions. You should also think about warranty. Because computer equipments could be damaged any time. Even best quality product cant guarantee that it wouldnt be damaged. But a good brand can ensure warranty service.  


You must think about your activities before purchasing a PC. What type of PC you should buy depends on your tasks. Heavier tasks like graphics, gaming requires a heavier system. But if you only browse Internet and work with Microsoft Office, then dual core PC with 2 GB RAM is enough for you. 


If youre expert about PC, then its okay. But if youre just a beginner or dont have much idea about configuration, then you should talk to an expert. Or at least you can talk to a friend who has a good idea. 


Finally, choose a better outlet from where you will buy the computer. Never choose a shop which offers low price PC. I swear, you have to suffer with defective parts. Just tell the seller one thing - I need a quality CPU. Price doesnt matter. Because some sellers cut the price to match your budget. And often they give you poor quality parts to reduce the price. 


You must also ensure that you will get warranty for important equipments like Motherboard, Processor, RAM, Hard Disk etc. 



When you Purchase - Observe

When youre at the purchase point, you should observe the assembling procedure. Make sure that, the person assembling your CPU is an expert. Otherwise equipments could be damaged due to the wrong handling. 
  • Be sure that every equipment is new. Check the packet before opening an equipment. Make sure that the product is properly sealed in the packet with sticker. If the seal is broken, inform the seller and ask him to give you a new one. 
  • Check the installation of processor. Make sure that, CPU fan is properly installed.
  • There are usually 06 points in a motherboard. Make sure all of them are properly inserted into the casing.
  • Be sure that internal connectors are properly connected. 
  • Check the USB ports with a flash drive if possible and necessary.
  • Any loose connections may be the cause of danger. So be sure, there is no loose connections.
  • When the assembling is complete, turn on your system properly. And make sure everything is working perfectly. 

Before leaving the shop, dont forget to pack your equipments properly. Take the necessary documents - warranty papers, money receipt etc. Take the CD/ DVDs that come with the products. Ask the seller for any advice that can increase your computer life so that you shouldnt come back for warranty! 


After you Purchase - Ensure Proper Maintenance

A computer could be a machine. But it needs proper maintenance just like a human body. And you must take some precautionary measures to avoid any occurrence. Here are some tips for you: 
  • Place the system in a cool and dry place. 
  • Keep the surrounding area clean to keep the dust minimum.
  • Use Voltage Stabilizer and UPS to avoid any damage. 
  • Connect the cords using a good quality multiplug. 
  • Place the CPU in a way so that it doesnt touch any other object ie. walls, tables or any other electrical equipments.
  • Perform maintenance tasks at a regular interval.
  • Clean up your PC properly. Or take help of an expert.

Also read the following posts if necessary: 
  1. Laptop Vs. Desktop: Which One you Should Buy?
  2. Maintenance Tasks: Extend your PC Life
  3. Clean up your PC to Avoid Overheating Problem
  4. Guidelines for Using PC Properly




Stay with Marks PC Solution to get more interesting IT topics!



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Monday, September 29, 2014

Brand New iPod Touch Announced



Apple released a new version of the iPod Touch. The fifth generation device includes the same large screen as the iPhone 5. In addition to large screen the new iPod Touch has a faster A5 processor, much improved 5 mega-pixel camera, iOS 6, Siri and Loop. Read on to learn what these features mean for people with special needs.

Camera- The new improved camera is good enough to use optical character recognition (OCR) apps. OCR apps allow you to take a picture of text and have it read back to you using text-to-speech. One great OCR app is Prizmo.

iOS 6- iOS 6 will improve the already great accessibility features of the previous versions. The new operating system will include features such as Guided Access and Speak Selection with synchronized highlighting. To learn more about iOS 6 click here.

Siri- Apples voice activated personal assistant will make its way to the iPod Touch. Siri can answer questions, spell words, read messages, set reminders, check the weather and more.

Loop- Loop is a very interesting new feature exclusive to the iPod Touch. Loop is a detachable wrist strap that hooks onto the back of the iPod Touch. Loop could be a great feature for you children and people with physical disabilities. Loop is seen in the above picture.

The iPod Touch will be available in the coming weeks starting at $299. Click read more below to view more photos of the new iPod Touch.












   

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Apple Announces October 22th Event Likely to Foucs on new iPads and More


Today Apple sent invitations to members of the media for an October 22th event. The event comes just weeks after the release of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c. Rumors have suggested that the event will focus on an updated full sized iPad and an updated iPad mini. The full size iPad will likely feature a new design with smaller side bezels similar to the iPad minis design. It is also possible that the new iPad models will include some of the new features found on Apples latest iPhone possibly even the Touch ID finger print sensor. Of course all of this remains speculative until Apple officially confirms the details. If you are in the market for a new iPad it is difinitely recommended to wait and see what Apple will announce next Tuesday.
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Recover Data from corrput PDF file by copy data from a damaged fileinto a new file


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PDF files are known as one of the most secure data files because owner can set different access levels for different type of uses. PDF documents need less memory space than other documents so these can be easily send through email. But these secure acrobat pdf documents may get corrupt at the time of download or upload. In the case of PDF file corruption there are two possibilities 1) Corrupt file will open but original data will not shown 2) Corrupt file will not open.
In both type of corruption you need to apply some PDF repair methods or use PDF recovery software to access your original data.

Few methods are available to repair corrupt PDF documents. You can copy and paste corrupt data in to new file is one such method. This method works for few cases not for severely damaged cases.

Following are the steps to apply above method..

  1. Open the damaged file, and then choose Object > Path > Cleanup to remove unwanted items (for example, stray points, unpainted objects, empty text paths) from the artwork. 

  2. If the original file contains multiple layers, choose Paste Remembers Layers from the Layers Panel pop-up menu to ensure the artwork appears on the same layers when you paste it into the new file. 

  3. Using the Selection tool, drag a marquee around the artwork. 

  4. Choose Edit > Copy. 

  5. Choose File > New to create a new file. 

  6. In the new file, choose Edit > Paste In Front to paste the artwork in the correct position on the page. 

  7. Choose File > Save.
This method will probably repair your corrupt PDF file. In case this method didnt work for you then use appropriate PDF repair software to get access of original data. You need to select an advanced repair tool which is compatible with your system configuration.
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Sunday, September 28, 2014

Animated Greetings Card for Happy New Year!


Dear visitors! 
Happy New Year! Hopefully this will be a good year for all of you. Also pray for me so that I can give you my best. 

Happy New Year Greetings Card




Today Im not going to give you any computer/ blogging/ SEO tips. This is all about happy new year. I would like to wish you all. Now I will share a small file. Basically it is an e card made by adobe flash. You can share this with your dearest and nearest people. 

Download Link


Download the file from the link above. It is a zipped folder (Less than 450 KB). Unzip it first. Then click twice on it. You may need flash player. So make sure it is installed on your PC. 
  1. When you double click on the .exe file it will open in a window.
  2. Now click on the box to open it.
  3. Then click on the cake to wish.
  4. Now click on the bush at the bottom left corner.
  5. Click on the house. 
  6. Then click on the little start from the bottom right corner.
  7. Click on the tree from the right.
  8. Click on the sky. 
  9. Happy New Year! Welcome 2013. 
Share this post with your friends. Wish them. Forget the bad experiences of previous years. Try to make 2013 memorable! Best of luck. 


Stay with Marks PC Solution to get more interesting IT topics!


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iBooks Update Adds Useful New Features


Apple recently updated its iBooks app to add more add more features and make reading easier. One of features adds a night time reading theme to make reading in the dark easier on you eyes. The new update also add several new fonts and makes highlighting and taking notes easier. Yet another new feature allows you to read your book in full screen mode. iBooks is available here for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. 

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

Proloquo2Go 2 0 Released With Many New Features



Earlier this week Proloquo2Go 2.0 was released. To view the video on its original site click here. Proloquo2Go is one of the best augmentative alternative communication (AAC) apps for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Some of the new features include the ability have multiple users, new text-to-speech voice and new page layout options To review a full review of Proloquo2Go click here. To download Proloquo2Go click here.

Click read more below to view screenshots of Proloquo2Go.


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