In the most recent update, the Google Home has gained the ability to function as a Bluetooth speaker. Although many apps allow you to cast to your Google Home, not all of them do. So this is a feature that many people may want to use.
Cortana and Alexa Join Forces in the Battle of the Voice Assistants
In a stunning move, Microsoft and Amazon announced that Cortana and Alexa will now be able to work with one another. By the end of the year, you will be able to have Cortana open Alexa on your computer or mobile device, and you will be able to have Alexa open Cortana on your Alexa enabled device.
Future Versions of NVDA Will Not Support Windows XP or Windows Vista
NV Access, the makers of the popular NVDA screen reader, will no longer be able to support older versions of Windows, such as Windows XP and Windows Vista. The change will take place with the release of NVDA 2017.4, which should be released at the end of November. NV Access will continue to offer NVDA 2017.3 for people who can not update to a newer operating system.
VIP: It’s Better to Look Good Than to Feel Good
In this week’s VIP, Nelson and James bring you the top stories from Cool Blind Tech. And of course, it wouldn’t be a VIP without their Cool Picks.
Introducing GLAS: a Microsoft Cortana Powered Thermostat
Johnson Controls has built a new smart thermostat that uses Microsoft’s Azure cloud services and is powered by Cortana, Microsoft’s voice activated assistant. GLAS is a beautiful device for your home or business. It displays the temperature, air quality, and your calendar. It is activated by a touch screen or by voice. The thermostat is able to monitor the air quality outside the home, and it can also tell when someone is in the room. It uses this information to better control the environment and be more energy efficient. GLAS should be available later this year, or sometime next year.
Walmart is Coming to Google Home
Using a voice activated speaker to do your shopping is becoming more popular, which is exactly what companies like Amazon were hoping would happen. Currently, Google Home users can shop with their device for products from companies that are connected with Google Express. Google Express features companies like Target, Costco, and Walgreens. And now, Walmart will be a part of Google Express by the end of September. Also, Google Express is dropping its membership fee in an attempt to generate more participation.
Handsfree Calling Comes to Google Home
If you have a Google Home voice activated speaker, you can now make calls in the U.S. and Canada to anyone in your contacts list and local businesses. Just say things like:
VIP: Those Who CeekTechnology, Shall FindTechnology
In this week’s VIP, Nelson and James are joined by Christopher McMillan. Listen in as they discuss the top stories on Cool Blind Tech, and as always, they will bring you some great Cool Picks.
Spotlight with James Teh: Former Director at NVAccess
In this Spotlight Interview, James Oates sits down with James Teh, prior to his departure from NVAccess, to discuss the following subjects:
VIP: If I Had a Hammer
In this week’s VIP, Nelson and James discuss the top stories on Cool Blind Tech, and as always, they announce their Cool Picks for the week.
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