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.
Don’t be Instantly Scared of Your Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a kitchen appliance that seems like it’s magical, from another dimension … put food in, press a button, and let a rip! That’s how it works, right?
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.
Cool Picks- January 21, 2017
Join Joel Ramos, Nelson Régo and guest host Hugo Gallegos as they discuss their latest Cool Picks.
Alexa is on Fire!
Amazon’s virtual assistant was first introduced on the Echo, as well as the Echo dot. It only made sense that Alexa would eventually expand onto the rest of Amazon’s devices. If you own any of the new fire tablets including the fifth generation—or the hd tablets, you have access to Alexa, including her skills!
In this podcast, Leo demonstrates several ways to interact with the virtual assistant on the Fire tablet. Keep in mind that your tablet will need to run the latest version of Fire OS.
What do you think of Alexa on Fire tablets? Let us know in the comments!
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.
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