VitalSource Bookshelf is primarily for the education sector, providing access to the best-known higher education textbooks, study guides and classics. The release, which makes the application more usable for students with disabilities, contains extensive internal feature and function enhancements, as well as support for third-party screen-reader applications.
Android-powered devices due for release in the coming months include mobile phones by Sony Ericson, HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung. Tablet PCs and netbooks include manufacturers such as Dell, Toshiba and a large number of Chinese iPad clones. Set-top boxes are also in the process of using Android as pioneered by DISH Network, and television manufacturers are looking at directly integrating Android into their products. Google itself has also released its own Nexus One mobile phone in the US, and is currently preparing to launch an iPad competitor.
ScreenReader is designed for people who are driving, rather than people who are blind or vision impaired. As a consequence, Vlingo advises people, “Before getting on the road simply press a button, speak to the device ‘Start SafeReader’ and then all incoming messages will be delivered audibly, without fail.” We assume this means all messages will be read out to you as soon as they are received, which could prove to be an inconvenience if you are using your mobile phone in a public place without a handset.
Lightning Express is a free full-screen magnifier that can be used with Windows XP, Vista and 7. It is designed to offer an easily-accessible option for anyone needing screen magnification.
One of the great things about Lightning Express is that you do not need to install it on a computer, making it an ideal option if you are using a computer in a public place (such as a library or internet café), or if you are using a computer on which you cannot install software.
