As parents, we know how important it is to get our children interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. So, it is exciting to see that Amazon has launched a new subscription service to help make learning these subjects fun.
Amazon’s STEM Club subscription costs $19.99 per month. It is available for children 3-4 years old, 5-7 years old, and 8-13 years old. Each month, your child will receive a different toy selected by Amazon. The subscription can be canceled at any time.
Star Trek Fans: How to Make “Computer” the Wake Word for Amazon Echo.
For fifty years, We have watched Star Trek characters use the voice command, “computer”, to begin interacting with the ship’s computer. Now you can interact with your Amazon Echo in the same way. Below are step by step instructions on how to change the wake word on your Echo. Enjoy, and have fun.
Co-Pilot and Other Accessibility Improvements Coming to Xbox One Insiders.
A new update to Xbox One is slowly rolling out to insiders. One of the coolest new features is co-pilot. Co-pilot allows two Xbox controllers to function as one controller. This will allow people with disabilities to use alternative methods to play a game. They can use a hand and a foot, hand and chin, hands far apart, etc. Blind gamers will also be able to have a sighted co-pilot play alongside, helping as the game goes along. There are also new features being added to Magnifier and Narrator. Gamers will also have more control over sound output and rumble settings using a standard controller.
To see a list of all the new features in this Xbox update, visit here.
Android Apps Will be Available on all Chromebooks Released in 2017.
Chromebooks are an affordable alternative to PC’s and Mac’s, but they are limited by an inability to install many apps. Google has announced that all Chromebooks released in 2017 will have the Play Store and the ability to install Android apps. This makes Chromebooks more flexible in what they can do. Below is a list of current Chromebook models that can run Android apps, and Chromebook models that will receive an upgrade in the future.
Today’s Google Doodle Pays Tribute to an Early Leader of the Disability Rights Movement, Ed Roberts.
Many people were happy to see that Google honored Ed Roberts on what would have been his 78th birthday today. Read Google’s bio on Roberts below.
Unboxing and Setting Up the Google Pixel Using TalkBack.
In this episode, James Oates gets out of his comfort zone, and tries out his first ever Android phone. He describes the Pixel, shows us how to start TalkBack, navigates through the TalkBack tutorial, and shows us how to setup the phone.
Microsoft Launches EBook Store as Part of Windows 10 Insider Build 15014.
When you open the Windows Store on your PC, tablet, or phone, you will see a section labeled books. Here you can purchase, download, and read your favorite books. Microsoft uses Edge to read and store your collection. You can access the books from the hub on the Edge toolbar. The new eBook store is being tested as part of insider build 15014, and should be ready to be a part of the Creators Update that will come out in April for everyone else. Here is more information from the developer.
Dictation Bridge Brings NVDA Users Access to Speech Recognition Software.
Dictation Bridge is an add-on that works with NVDA to make using speech recognition software more accessible. Anything that you dictate will be read back to you automatically by NVDA. I find this to be a very useful feature because it lets you know if what you said is what was entered on the screen. You can also select text and ask Dictation Bridge to check spelling. I don’t see this being very helpful for Microsoft Word users, but perhaps it can be helpful when working in other applications.
These features work with both Microsoft Speech Recognition and Dragon NaturallySpeaking, but the following only work with Dragon.
You can use your voice to control NVDA and also check to see if your microphone is active. Here is a more complete description:
A New Way to Share on YouTube: Canadians Only for Now.
The biggest story here is that Canada received a new feature before anyone else. This almost never happens. The YouTube mobile app has a new share tab that allows you to add friends and family as contacts and create groups. Once that is done, you can share your favorite videos with a group or people from your contacts.
Watch this video on the new feature.
Source.
Vizio SmartCast Devices and LG MusicFlow Speakers Now Have Google Home Compatibility.
If you are a person who loves Google Home, or you are considering getting one, here are two more reasons to spend $129 on an amazing voice assistant speaker. LG MusicFlow Speakers and Vizio devices will now be able to play music and video content when you cast your request from Google Home.
Amazon Echo got a big jump start on the in home voice activated assistant, but Google Home is rapidly catching up. The announcements from LG and Vizio are printed below.
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