Thursday, April 26

JAWS 8.0 second update released

Greetings. For those interested, the second automatic update for Windows XP and for the public beta of Vista has been released. Read more about the second JAWS XP update here. The heading to look for is called, "Enhancements in JAWS Version 8.0.2107 (26 April 2007)." This update looks like it addresses many issues. I can't really speak to them individually, but it is good to hear that FS has fixed and allowed access to the User Access Control (UAC) in Windows Vista. That is a big thing that needs to work with JAWS, since from what I understand, it comes up on screen each time there's an attempted change to the user account settings. From the reviews I've read about Vista, this UAC appears a lot, so its good that JFW can now work with it. For those interested, you can Read what's new with JFW and Vista. Specifically, you will want to look for the heading called, "What to Know About the JAWS Public Beta with Windows Vista." Though I'm not quite ready to take the plunge and get a new computer yet, reading over the list of improvements is really exciting and increasing my anticipation for that day when I'll have a Vista machine and can really play with it. Enjoy.

Sunday, April 22

Shopping via text message

Greetings. I'm going to go ahead and throw out the prediction that the cell phone will be the new frontier for communication and staying connected. In recent years, the cell phone has not only become the tool for talking with family, friends, and coworkers, but it has also been the tool we use to manage contacts, send and receive text messages to friends, manage appointments, and more. We have even experimented with more practical uses that perhaps go beyond the communication intent, such as a bar code reader, scanner, low cost GPS unit, taking and storing pictures, etc. Well, here's another possible use for that cell phone in your pocket: shopping. Read more from the New York Times in the article called New Form of Impulse: Shopping via Text Message. I've read futuristic novels from Tom Clancy where the characters use an all in one communication device for phone calls, video conferencing, appointments, and much more. Its looking more and more like the cell phone will be that sort of device for us in a few years--or perhaps it already is now. Enjoy.