Mobile Magnifier for Seniors with Weak Vision
Several posts ago, I blogged about an AT&T service that is aimed towards seniors and persons who have disabilities. These services are offered on mobile phone for seniors and they aim to make handsets more user friendly towards the elderly. I blogged about Mobile Speak a few months ago and I felt that its time to talk about AT&T's Mobile Magnifier.But before that let me give a quick recap on Mobile Speak. AT&T's Mobile Speak service for seniors is a a powerful full-fledged screen reader with an easy-to-learn command structure, intuitive speech feedback in several languages. This service automatically detects information that the blind user should know, just as a user with sight would easily find highlighted items or key areas of the screen at a glance. You can click here to see my full post on Mobile Speak.
Now let's move on to Mobile Magnifier. Like mobile Speak, this application is designed to help make good mobile phones for seniors. It is is a flexible, full-screen magnification application that supports low and high resolution screens. Mobile Magnifier can be used with or without speech feedback.
As it's name indicates, mobile Magnifier acts like a magnifying glass and enlarges the information a a mobile phone's screen. This magnification software is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices. A mobile phone equipped with this application would be a suitable mobile phone for seniors.
Here are the main features of this cell phone service for seniors:
- Magnification levels from 1.25x to 16x
- Font-smoothing for easier readability
- Three different layouts: full-screen, split and distributed view
- Different color schemes, including inverted color
- Automatic panning and cursor-tracking
- Automatic zoom function that detects areas of interest on the screen
Here are the devices that currently support this service (Additional compatible devices will be available soon):
- Nokia N75
- Nokia E62
- Cingular 3125
- Samsung BlackJack (Windows Mobile version 5)
- Pantech Duo (Windows Mobile version 6)
I hope that many similar programs and applications will be developed by mobile phone makers and developers. Paul Schroeder, vice president of Programs and Policy, American Foundation for the Blind says that, "There is a real need for more wireless options for Individuals who have vision loss.We value AT&T for its leadership in addressing the needs of this community." Other companies should follow AT&T's lead.
Tune in to to this blog for more mobile phone for seniors news and info.
Mobile Magnifier for Seniors with Weak Vision
Several posts ago, I blogged about an AT&T service that is aimed towards seniors and persons who have disabilities. These services are offered on mobile phone for seniors and they aim to make handsets more user friendly towards the elderly. I blogged about Mobile Speak a few months ago and I felt that its time to talk about AT&T's Mobile Magnifier.But before that let me give a quick recap on Mobile Speak. AT&T's Mobile Speak service for seniors is a a powerful full-fledged screen reader with an easy-to-learn command structure, intuitive speech feedback in several languages. This service automatically detects information that the blind user should know, just as a user with sight would easily find highlighted items or key areas of the screen at a glance. You can click here to see my full post on Mobile Speak.
Now let's move on to Mobile Magnifier. Like mobile Speak, this application is designed to help make good mobile phones for seniors. It is is a flexible, full-screen magnification application that supports low and high resolution screens. Mobile Magnifier can be used with or without speech feedback.
As it's name indicates, mobile Magnifier acts like a magnifying glass and enlarges the information a a mobile phone's screen. This magnification software is compatible with a wide range of mobile devices. A mobile phone equipped with this application would be a suitable mobile phone for seniors.
Here are the main features of this cell phone service for seniors:
- Magnification levels from 1.25x to 16x
- Font-smoothing for easier readability
- Three different layouts: full-screen, split and distributed view
- Different color schemes, including inverted color
- Automatic panning and cursor-tracking
- Automatic zoom function that detects areas of interest on the screen
Here are the devices that currently support this service (Additional compatible devices will be available soon):
- Nokia N75
- Nokia E62
- Cingular 3125
- Samsung BlackJack (Windows Mobile version 5)
- Pantech Duo (Windows Mobile version 6)
I hope that many similar programs and applications will be developed by mobile phone makers and developers. Paul Schroeder, vice president of Programs and Policy, American Foundation for the Blind says that, "There is a real need for more wireless options for Individuals who have vision loss.We value AT&T for its leadership in addressing the needs of this community." Other companies should follow AT&T's lead.
Tune in to to this blog for more mobile phone for seniors news and info.
Google moves closer to home entertainment market
Google is all set to bridge the gap between Google and your TV. It recently released a new gadget for Google Desktop called Google Media Server allows you to take content found on your computer or any of the online Google services like YouTube and Picasa Web Albums and shares it with UPnP compatible devices like the PS3.
It uses Google Desktop technology such as Desktop gadgets for the administration tool
and Google Desktop Search to locate media files. All you need is a PC running Google Desktop and a UPnP-enabled device (e.g. a PlayStation 3).
With this release Google moves closer to an area of the home entertainment market coveted by Microsoft and Apple.
Both companies have software within their respective operating systems for connecting a Windows Vista PC and Mac, respectively, to a TV. More details on the Google Media Server can be found here.
Friends check out this gadget and share your views...
It uses Google Desktop technology such as Desktop gadgets for the administration tool
and Google Desktop Search to locate media files. All you need is a PC running Google Desktop and a UPnP-enabled device (e.g. a PlayStation 3).With this release Google moves closer to an area of the home entertainment market coveted by Microsoft and Apple.
Both companies have software within their respective operating systems for connecting a Windows Vista PC and Mac, respectively, to a TV. More details on the Google Media Server can be found here.
Friends check out this gadget and share your views...
Skype releases its beta 4.0 version
Recently Skype beta 4.0 has been released, so thought of sharing a quick review. The new Skype is all about making it easier to stay in touch and feel closer to friends who are far away.
Skype's Beta (or Windows PC only)has significantly changed the layout
with more emphasis on communication instead of voice.
The peer-to-peer technology ensures good quality video, and there is more space available for text chatting or sending files while the conversation is going.
The other major change in Skype 4.0 is that the entire experience is now centered around conversations and managing those conversations, whether those are with groups or individuals.
Skype, which is owned by eBay, boasts 309 million registered users and had $126 million in revenues in the first quarter.
To download click here
Skype's Beta (or Windows PC only)has significantly changed the layout
with more emphasis on communication instead of voice.The peer-to-peer technology ensures good quality video, and there is more space available for text chatting or sending files while the conversation is going.
The other major change in Skype 4.0 is that the entire experience is now centered around conversations and managing those conversations, whether those are with groups or individuals.
Skype, which is owned by eBay, boasts 309 million registered users and had $126 million in revenues in the first quarter.
To download click here
Gemalto SIM STK
I found that Gemalto sell excellent development kits that allow developers to develop applications that run on SIM cards. These applications can be downloaded on the SIM cards and can perform powerful functions like intercept primitive radio messages and send data to other servers. Amazing stuff! Because these applications reside on the SIM card, they can run on any phone. No more special operating systems, and applications build for the Blackberry or iPhone only. The same application runs on all phones. Now any-one can build an application and download it on their SIM card.
Only problem is the cost ot the development software. Why do Gemalto sell the software? What are they thinking? Surely by distributing the software for free, more people would see the benefit and utility of the SIM card?
LG Flare: A Good Phone for Seniors
I found out that I had received a wonderful from a reader who has appreciated the info offered by this blog on cell phone for seniors. After reading that wonderful comment, I felt obliged and inspired to make another post on a suitable mobile phone for old folks.After spending a several minutes o9n the web, I decided that the LG Flare LX175 will be a good cell phone for senior citizens. Let's break down the elements that make this phone suitable for the elderly.
Despite having a flashy name, the LG Flare is a simple entry-level phone. Not that it's a bad thing. Simplicity is one of the essential elements that make a good handset for the elderly because complicated and flashy features will often confuse them. Even this handset's design is simple or basic and offers an all-black exterior that exudes simplicity.
The LG Flare LX175 is a bit curved on the side which offers a nice feel when the device is being held. The curves also make the Flare easy to grip. Seniors usually have poor grips or weak fingers so the curves are a beneficial attribute.
Lets move on to the displays. Unlike most basic phones, the LG Flare offers two displays, an external display and a bigger internal display. The external display measures 1-inch across and offers information on the standard date, battery, signal-strength and time. On the other hand, the external display that's 1.75-inch across that is big enough to offer a good view to seniors.
Senior users can adjust the font size for the messaging, browser, and notepad applications if they feel that they are too small. The backlight time, the foreground (clock/calendar or a greeting), the menu styles (list or grid) and the incoming call screen can also be changed to make them easier to see. Being able to adjust these features is a key element for any mobile phone for seniors.
The key pad of the LG Flare offers large buttons. However, they are a bit too crowded and are quite close to each other. Many have also observed that , the keys don't have a lot of give and need a bit more push than most even if they are tactile. This is the glaring weak point of the LG Flare when it comes to being a good cell phone for seniors.
Since the LG Flare is a simple or basic phone, it onle offers a limited number of features. It offers a decent-size phone book, text messaging, a speakerphone, a vibrate mode, a notepad, a scheduler, an alarm clock, a tip calculator, a regular calculator, a world clock, a voice memo recorder, notepad, voice dialing and Bluetooth support. The LG Flare do not have to offer a staggering amount of features to be a good phone for seniors because the elderly do not require them.
There you have it. Another good phone for seniors. But before I end this post let me add that the LG Flare LX175 is offered at $29.99, with no contract required. This is a cheap mobile phone for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more ingfo on cell phone for senior citizens.
LG Flare: A Good Phone for Seniors
I found out that I had received a wonderful from a reader who has appreciated the info offered by this blog on cell phone for seniors. After reading that wonderful comment, I felt obliged and inspired to make another post on a suitable mobile phone for old folks.After spending a several minutes o9n the web, I decided that the LG Flare LX175 will be a good cell phone for senior citizens. Let's break down the elements that make this phone suitable for the elderly.
Despite having a flashy name, the LG Flare is a simple entry-level phone. Not that it's a bad thing. Simplicity is one of the essential elements that make a good handset for the elderly because complicated and flashy features will often confuse them. Even this handset's design is simple or basic and offers an all-black exterior that exudes simplicity.
The LG Flare LX175 is a bit curved on the side which offers a nice feel when the device is being held. The curves also make the Flare easy to grip. Seniors usually have poor grips or weak fingers so the curves are a beneficial attribute.
Lets move on to the displays. Unlike most basic phones, the LG Flare offers two displays, an external display and a bigger internal display. The external display measures 1-inch across and offers information on the standard date, battery, signal-strength and time. On the other hand, the external display that's 1.75-inch across that is big enough to offer a good view to seniors.
Senior users can adjust the font size for the messaging, browser, and notepad applications if they feel that they are too small. The backlight time, the foreground (clock/calendar or a greeting), the menu styles (list or grid) and the incoming call screen can also be changed to make them easier to see. Being able to adjust these features is a key element for any mobile phone for seniors.
The key pad of the LG Flare offers large buttons. However, they are a bit too crowded and are quite close to each other. Many have also observed that , the keys don't have a lot of give and need a bit more push than most even if they are tactile. This is the glaring weak point of the LG Flare when it comes to being a good cell phone for seniors.
Since the LG Flare is a simple or basic phone, it onle offers a limited number of features. It offers a decent-size phone book, text messaging, a speakerphone, a vibrate mode, a notepad, a scheduler, an alarm clock, a tip calculator, a regular calculator, a world clock, a voice memo recorder, notepad, voice dialing and Bluetooth support. The LG Flare do not have to offer a staggering amount of features to be a good phone for seniors because the elderly do not require them.
There you have it. Another good phone for seniors. But before I end this post let me add that the LG Flare LX175 is offered at $29.99, with no contract required. This is a cheap mobile phone for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more ingfo on cell phone for senior citizens.
Crude politics: Oil policy - Les politiques du pétrole
Interactive charts - Graphiques interactifs (Source: FT.com)
Absa Mobile Banking on the Worldstage
As I follow mobile banking events all the time, I found the following two news-items interesting. The first is a reference of my friend Christo Vrey (head of Absa Mobile Banking) that would be traveling to abroad to "teach the US cellphone banking". Just to state my position, I am of the opinion that South African mobile banking experts can teach a lot of people a lot of things regarding cellphone banking. However, I would not be as bold to brief a reporter to write such an article as this. Anyhow, intrigued as I am about the conference, I checked the speakers. The official website of the conference that Christo will "address ... in New York on the issue" did not have him on as a speaker. Mmmm...
Inflation: Zimbabwe vs Weimar Republic
And the winner is .. ZIMBABWE ? : 1 US Dollar = 594,187,320 Zimbabwe Dollar (June 4, 2008)
USA: Bank failures - Faillites bancaires
So far in 2008, they are only till now 3 bank failures in USA - A ce jour, il n'y a que 3 faillites bancaires en 2008 aux USA
Cellphone security re-think
I found the case study of how not to implement mobile banking security as described on the Digital Soapbox very interesting. It is a fact that we cannot implement Internet banking security paradigms directly (as is) on the mobile phone. This is because of the following reasons:- Many security advances on the Internet (like virus checkers, firewalls, security warnings etc.) have not been implemented on phones. It is also unlikely that these will be implemented on phones as the capacity and computing speed is such that it cannot mimic computer functionality.
Phones have characteristics that computers don't have that can be utilised to make security more powerful. Think of the characteristics of the SIM card, the uniqueness of the Phone ID, or cellphone number. (Computers do not have this). GSM have built-in security on the bearer channel where-as computers have to switch their's on with SSL. One should think about using cellphone characteristics in mobile banking.
The most classic pitfall (as is described on the Digital Soapbox) is where Internet banking security is enhaced through the cellphone channel and this is then transported as is to celllphone banking. Security that have been based on dual channels is suddenly reduced to one channel with inferior security protection... Problem.
Some cool Animation Vs Animator video series
I came across these creative and amazing creations from Alan Becker. These are some real cool animation from the Animation Vs Animator series. Play it complete and enjoy...
The above video is also available on Youtube. You can also download the Youtube video on your computer. Or you can download the Flash file (Swf format) here
And the below is the latest, second in the series.. worth watching..
This video is also available on Youtube, and also to download as a Flash file (Swf format)
Friends.. if you have come across any similar kind of animation, do share me the link with your name.. will try posting it on http://askwiki.blogspot.com
Looking forward to your feedback!!
And the below is the latest, second in the series.. worth watching..
This video is also available on Youtube, and also to download as a Flash file (Swf format)
Friends.. if you have come across any similar kind of animation, do share me the link with your name.. will try posting it on http://askwiki.blogspot.com
Looking forward to your feedback!!
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