Microsoft has announced that it will be hosting ‘Ability Week,’ a week full of workshops focused on accessibility in technology, from May 29 to June 2. Workshops range from ‘Deaf and Hard of Hearing Day: Minecraft Coding workshop’ to ‘Mobility Day, Build the Robotic Finger workshop.’ The programs will be held at Microsoft stores across Canada, U.S. and Puerto Rico. Users can check out if there are any events happening near them here.
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April showers bring updates from the Redmond towers! Reviewing the Windows 10 April update
Introduction
With another year, comes another update. Having re-written this section of the review multiple times now feels just the same as the world felt when the April update slipped it’s April 10th release schedule date. Oh, that faithful Patch Tuesday, now come and gone. Nobody really knew what caused the update to slip a full 20 days, but it was most likely for the right reasons. Twice when installing the so called released build, 17133, my humble Lenovo Ultrabook machine randomly rebooted the update from the beginning – prompting me to retry each time. Something didn’t feel quite right.
Microsoft Launching AI for Accessibility
Microsoft is launching AI for Accessibility, a $25m program to fund ways to leverage artificial intelligence to the benefit of those with disabilities. Announced at Build 2018, the five year scheme will fund and support projects that use AI to alleviate the impact of being blind, deaf, and more.
Accessibility Improvements Coming soon to Skype on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
The Skype team are addressing accessibility improvements to the Skype applications on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. The improvements are part of Microsoft’s mission to make technology more accessible and empower people to achieve more.
Microsoft’s Research Group is making AR More Tactile
Microsoft’s Research group is at it again, showing off a bunch of new controllers for augmented and virtual reality. They’re strictly experimental for now, but show a lot of potential for making AR and VR more fun and inclusive.
Microsoft’s New Soundscape app Helps the Visually Impaired Navigate Cities
Microsoft has a new iOS app out called Soundscape that uses 3D audio technology to help map out landmarks and points of interest through audio cues.
Microsoft Develops Device That Helps Blind and Visually Impaired Navigate Virtual Spaces
Microsoft Researchers have developed a device that makes virtual spaces accessible to blind and visually impaired users. The VR technology has made huge strides to become more immersive than ever.
Be My Eyes Introduces Specialized Help
Be My Eyes just announced the newest feature in the Be My Eyes app: Specialized Help – a better way to connect with businesses and organizations when you need assistance with their products or services.
TeamTalk Classic Now Available on Microsoft Store
TeamTalk for Accessibility is a popular tool among visually impaired since it allows its users to meet and chat with other people in the TeamTalk community.
Microsoft Offers Windows 10 PCs for $189 and Education Software Updates to Schools
Microsoft will offer Windows 10 PCs to schools for as little as $189 (£135) as it looks to get its hardware and services in as many classrooms as possible.
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