Hi Olusegun, I usually don't join in on this list but I read your post with interest. I never expressed any view on the downfall of WE but as I observed what was going on, I had a strong feeling that WE was no longer going to be a viable tool for those of us without vision. Having worked in the tech field for 3 decages, and having been a user of WE for 2 of them, I realized that the rapidly changing tech world and the internet, was making it very difficult for software created in an earlier era to survive. In its attempt to keep up with these changing technologies, we could observe the difficulties being encountered by We with such things as MSAA and aria and dynamic webb pages, as well as the frustrations of users who were trying to use many new software products. In my humble opinion, I think that the alternative windows screen reader, born in the same era as WE and probably incumbered with the same deep rooots in the older technology, will ultimately fall victum to the same fate. We shouldn't be surprised, though, just look at MS for an example and note how they had to bite the bullet and purge many of the long time developers of Windows so they could begin the process of remaking it to cope better with the new technology. Also note they have put to death IE and other products. Now that brings me to the point where I, like you, have to decide on what to do. Because of my feeling that the other screen reader will not survive in the long run, I spent some time pondering the alternatives. Hearing the echoes of many postings on this expressed by users pleading that what we want is for manufacturers of operating systems to include native screen readers into their systems, I considered the three currently prominent alternatives: Narrator, Voiceover, and Talkback. About five months ago, I needed a new cell phone and I considered several options. I finally decided to purchase the Google Android Nexus 5 and to move from Verizon cell service to Google FI, primarily because was so much less expensive for me. I was a bit uncertain as to how long it would take to climb the learning curve of Android and of using a touch device. I was amazed that within only a few hours, spread over a couple of days, that I had become quite proficient with both the device and with the OS. So, now when we all know that we have to find a new forward with screen readers, I have decided to do some experimenting and have decided to roll the dice with Android. So, just in the past day, I have pruchased new very low cost Android Tablet. For the money, I am very impressed. Having used the Android phone,I had no difficulty finding my way on the tablet. I have more work to do but I am confident that it will go well. In order to move completely off of Windows, I will have to determine if the Google apps for the MS office equivalents, are accessible. On my phone, I have given a first look at the Docs app anbd it does appear usable.My new tablet has a detachable keyboard so when I need to be a power data inputer, it will help. I also no that Android Talkback does have many keyboard shortcuts which is something that we all like. With that said, I am quite comfortable with using the touch screen for many of the things I do. And, now you know that like you I have chosen to ultimately move to the Android eco system. However, I also plan to take a closeer look at Voiceover on the Mac. For me, the one big drawback is the limited number of devices from which to choose and they are all quite expensive. Finally, if you think I can be of any help to you with your Android experience, let me know.
On 7/15/2017 8:51 AM, Olusegun -- Victory Associates LTD, Inc. via Talk wrote: > Butch, you didn't break any confidence when you discussed the death of > Window-Eyes long before the fan base saw the handwriting on the wall! You > know what it is with the blind: Denial! It's a good pain killer pill and > only the brave refuse to take it. > > Even when Sis Reeva posted Tweeter notes that finally announced > Window-Eyes's obituary, she was hounded and, if she had been Jesus, she > shall have been crucified on the cross of false pretense even when the proof > of the eating was already in the pudding! > > Sadly, the truth hardly ever make blind folks free; rather, it keeps most of > us in solitary confinements! It was easy to know that Window-Eyes was > comatose and dying! The disappearances of those who were regular helpers on > the list was a good telltale sign that something was terribly wrong upstairs > in GW Micro land! When the merger with AI Squared was announced, I was > miffed beyond proportions. I knew that the lightning had stricken and the > wildfire season for Window-Eyes was real. Anyway, you and I and many others > who saw the London bridge falling down can find solace in the truth we stood > for long before the world knew it. > > Ok, back to my regularly scheduled program which is learning to use an > Android tablet. It has been a slow process for me, but I'll get it! With > Window-Eyes dead, anything Windows is DEAD for me as well. I'll keep my > Windows machines until the hard drives DIE NATURALLY, and Window-Eyes will > keep NURSING THEM to health until they both retire and find the Recycle Bin! > In a few short months, it shall be Android only for me! No shark, I don't > want to eat or taste shark fins! > > Sincerely, > Olusegun > Denver, Colorado > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > _______________________________________________ > Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author > and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared. > > For membership options, visit > http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/bernie.perella%40outlook.com. > For subscription options, visit > http://lists.window-eyes.com/listinfo.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com > List archives can be found at > http://lists.window-eyes.com/private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com > _______________________________________________ Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared. For membership options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/archive%40mail-archive.com. For subscription options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/listinfo.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com List archives can be found at http://lists.window-eyes.com/private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
