Theo Holroyd loves nothing more than coding. But being blind stopped him until he got his hands on some new technology. Innovative pods hook together to trigger commands and create computer programs.
Microsoft
UI Professor Develops App for Visually Impaired People to Walk Around Track
UI computer science professor Kyle Rector is developing a phone application to help visually impaired people walk around a track with help from an AI for accessibility grant from Microsoft.
Microsoft Helping Blind and Visually Impaired Children Learn to Code with Physical Blocks
Microsoft has been working on a physical programming language for children who are blind or visually impaired. Dubbed Code Jumper, it allows children to learn coding by connecting physical blocks together. Each block is around the size of a softball, and brightly colored. There are different sizes for different commands, and children can connect them together to build a program.
Caltech Develops New Headset to Help Blind People Navigate
Caltech is using mixed reality to improve the lives of blind people. New research combines augmented reality with computer vision algorithms that will allow developers to build software that will enable objects to “talk.”
Microsoft Introduces Alexa and Cortana Skill for Xbox One Owners Using Voice Commands
Microsoft has enabled Alexa and Cortana support for the Xbox One, opening up the console to voice commands from hundreds of millions of smart devices.
Young Entrepreneur Secures Investment from Microsoft for Smart Cane
Riya Karumanchi, 15, has secured around $56,000 in funding for a smart cane, including an investment from Microsoft.
Microsoft’s Disability Answer Desk Now Available 24/7
Microsoft just announced that they are expanding technical support to blind or visually impaired users through Disability Answer Desk by offering Be My Eyes customers technical help 24/7.
Skype 8.0 Finally Adds Call Recording
Microsoft has launched Skype 8.0, the latest desktop version set to replace Skype 7.0, also known as “Classic.” The company is encouraging users to update to the newest version, warning that they have only until September 1 to make the transition. Once that date arrives, Skype Classic will stop working, forcing any remaining users to install version 8.0.
Xbox Accessibility Controller is Available for Pre-Order for $100 and Ships in September
Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller for the Xbox was designed with accessibility in mind. It brings the needs of people with disabilities to the forefront, ensuring that they can use their existing accessibility tools with a gamepad that was designed with them in mind.
HoloLens Can Now Guide Blind Users Inside Buildings
Microsoft’s HoloLens has an impressive ability to quickly sense its surroundings, but a group of scientists found it’s really good at helping blind people find their way through buildings and offering a better sense of where objects are around them.
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