Sunday, 20 April 2014

PNR Status App

PNR Status App
If most train apps come with the feature to track your PNR Status, why do you need a PNR Status app? There are countless reasons and now is the time to start discovering the various uses of a PNR status app! ixigo�s smart and intuitive PNR app identifies and fixes a problem you never understood you were facing. By scanning your inbox for messages from both IRCTC and other merchant websites, ixigo detects your PNRs for trains as well as flights. You no longer have to open your ticket in one window and then copy and paste the PNR into another tab, you can find the status for all your trips at the tap of one button! That�s why, ixigo PNR app is called automagical!

The trips identified by the ixigo PNR app you can easily manage your trips in 2 sections out of which one is the Upcoming Trips and the other is Previous Trips. The status for upcoming trips is checked at regular intervals by the app automatically, and in case you have tickets that are Wait Listed, the app keeps checking their status in the backend, and send you a notification whenever the status changes! Now that�s what we call a smart PNR status app! The best part that the app is well optimised for even slower internet connections for when you�re on the go, which means you never have to wait too long for updates!

The ixigo PNR app is not behind when it comes to managing your flight details on your smartphone. In case your flight status changes, it�s delayed or cancelled, you receive notifications. Similarly, you also get notifications for when your flight web check in opens, and you can do a web check in and select a seat of your choice, through the app! How many PNR status apps offer this feature?

What we loved about the ixigo PNR app was also that the app provides one tap access to your train booking sms - which means you don�t have to scan your entire sms inbox anymore to show the TT your ticket! Now, isn�t that thoughtful? Apart from reviewing and managing all your trip details on one screen, the PNR app also provides you Train Delay alerts, just like the ones for flight! When all these features come on an app that takes less than 2 MB of space on your smartphone, is free of cost and has no annoying advertisements, do you really need to think twice about downloading it?

After reading this exhaustive list of features it�s not unlikely to be wondering if the app is too complicated to use. The truth is, there are hardly any apps that provide such a flowy design that is easy to use like the ixigo PNR status app. That�s why we call it intuitive, because it perceives your need and provides you a solution, before you can even say it. What makes this PNR status app smart is its ease of use, which is impossible to find in most train or travel apps.

This is one ultra futuristic PNR status app you need on your phone, every time you travel! Get it at the Google Play Store now!



Author Bio:
This post is submitted by Chandralekha. This time she has written information about PNR status App for Android. In order to make your trip hassle free use PNR app, train booking app etc. Hope the information shared about the Pnr App may help to plan your trip.

PNR Status App

PNR Status App
If most train apps come with the feature to track your PNR Status, why do you need a PNR Status app? There are countless reasons and now is the time to start discovering the various uses of a PNR status app! ixigo’s smart and intuitive PNR app identifies and fixes a problem you never understood you were facing. By scanning your inbox for messages from both IRCTC and other merchant websites, ixigo detects your PNRs for trains as well as flights. You no longer have to open your ticket in one window and then copy and paste the PNR into another tab, you can find the status for all your trips at the tap of one button! That’s why, ixigo PNR app is called automagical!

The trips identified by the ixigo PNR app you can easily manage your trips in 2 sections out of which one is the Upcoming Trips and the other is Previous Trips. The status for upcoming trips is checked at regular intervals by the app automatically, and in case you have tickets that are Wait Listed, the app keeps checking their status in the backend, and send you a notification whenever the status changes! Now that’s what we call a smart PNR status app! The best part that the app is well optimised for even slower internet connections for when you’re on the go, which means you never have to wait too long for updates!

The ixigo PNR app is not behind when it comes to managing your flight details on your smartphone. In case your flight status changes, it’s delayed or cancelled, you receive notifications. Similarly, you also get notifications for when your flight web check in opens, and you can do a web check in and select a seat of your choice, through the app! How many PNR status apps offer this feature?

What we loved about the ixigo PNR app was also that the app provides one tap access to your train booking sms - which means you don’t have to scan your entire sms inbox anymore to show the TT your ticket! Now, isn’t that thoughtful? Apart from reviewing and managing all your trip details on one screen, the PNR app also provides you Train Delay alerts, just like the ones for flight! When all these features come on an app that takes less than 2 MB of space on your smartphone, is free of cost and has no annoying advertisements, do you really need to think twice about downloading it?

After reading this exhaustive list of features it’s not unlikely to be wondering if the app is too complicated to use. The truth is, there are hardly any apps that provide such a flowy design that is easy to use like the ixigo PNR status app. That’s why we call it intuitive, because it perceives your need and provides you a solution, before you can even say it. What makes this PNR status app smart is its ease of use, which is impossible to find in most train or travel apps.

This is one ultra futuristic PNR status app you need on your phone, every time you travel! Get it at the Google Play Store now!



Author Bio:
This post is submitted by Chandralekha. This time she has written information about PNR status App for Android. In order to make your trip hassle free use PNR app, train booking app etc. Hope the information shared about the Pnr App may help to plan your trip.

Thursday, 17 April 2014

EU Regulation Requiring Hybrid and Electric Cars to Make Artificial Noise Will Improve Safety for Blind Pedestrians



Hybrid and electric cars pose a major safety challenge for pedestrians. The cars, which use electric motors, make very little noise, making them almost impossible for blind pedestrians to detect. Electric cars are gaining in popularity due to their energy savings and improving affordability. In response to the increased threat quite electric cars are posing, the European Union (EU) is preparing to mandate electric and hybrid cars have noise alerts for pedestrians. By 2019 cars sold in the EU will be required to include audio alerts. While the implementation of the rule is still four years off the importance is sure to only grow as electric cars become more and more popular.

America has yet to require audio alerts for electric cars, but legislation has been proposed. Hopefully, the EU's changes will spur electric car makers to add audio alerts to their cars and improve the safety for pedestrians everywhere. As seen in the above video some cars such as Nissan's electric car already offers pedestrian alerts.

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Windows 7 Ultimate 32 And 64 bit keys 2014

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit Key

FHY4Q-VB63H-XK8VD-9Y68P-RFQ43
49PB6-6BJ6Y-KHGCQ-7DDY6-TF7CD
BCGX7-P3XWP-PPPCV-Q2H7C-FCGFR
J6C9R-C9HHG-3CWTY-Y4MPW-CD72J

Sorry this keys does not work now for new working keys please visit Areaoftricks or CLICK HERE to get those keys for free.


342DG-6YJR8-X92GV-V7DCV-P4K27 
FJGCP-4DFJD-GJY49-VJBQ7-HYRR2 
342DG-6YJR8-X92GV-V7DCV-P4K27
22TKD-F8XX6-YG69F-9M66D-PMJBM 

P72QK-2Y3B8-YDHDV-29DQB-QKWWM

Updated Keys OF Windows 7 Ultimate Are Here.

Monday, 14 April 2014

How To Do SEO In 2014


How To Do SEO In 2014
Search engines apparently seem to be on a war footing to weed out ineffective sites that offer nothing of value to people searching for specific information. Google seems to have set a pattern with one update after another and then fine tuning them with further updates. It seems to be an endless circle dissuading many from getting into the SEO game. However, businesses desperately need an online presence and quickly to be available when the shift by consumers towards smart phones and tablets make a major impact. So how do you do SEO in 2014?

The question needs to be answered by analysing ranking in 2013 and then build on factors producing positive effects. Search engines have definitely taken major steps to stop spam from adversely affecting search experience. Time spent on a website is money for the search engines, as visitors are likely to click on a paid ad.

Increasing Role Of Social Signals

One way of enhancing experience is to provide a platform that encourages shared content, which is why social networking is gaining ground. Search engines established parameters to recognise good content strategy associated with ethical SEO including social signals derived from active engagement, authorship or value of content directly connected to the author, regular updates recognised by increasing readership, and frequent updates giving signs of a healthy website. Relevance does play an important part, and businesses recognise the fact they need to build authority where it matters.

Content Strategy For SEO In 2014

Debate on whether content plays an important role is no longer valid. Search engines have indicated in clear terms fresh information is relevant. The question then arises whether good SEO content strategy involves writing long or short articles. If other factors are analysed, relevance is definitely given to good content keeping visitors glued to the website. Articles averaging 2,000 words are finding prime spots in Google search. However, due consideration must be given to the fact mobile users have increased tremendously, and it is a bit difficult to read long articles on a smart phone.

The long-term strategy is valid, as tablet sales are on the rise. Developing content strategy for 2014 is a must, and the logical way to go about it is to generate more interest among visitors to build a strong fan base for the long term. Will content in specific niches play a dominant role depending on user interest? Ideally, a wait-and-watch approach is warranted inclined towards following leaders in the same niche.

People frown upon guest blogging as a Black Hat strategy no longer having relevance in 2014, which is far from the truth. Quality back links will play a vital role in improving rankings, and one way to look at getting links from authority sites is to continue writing relevant content.

The concept is changed a bit wherein high quality content finds natural resources in authority sites willingly offering to share the author�s content. In other words, the author does make a difference, both in the eyes of an authority site and search engine. A good author readily finds resources to post an article. The next link is always easier, as other sites recognise value in promoting what the authority writer now has to offer.

Image Credit: digitalart

How To Do SEO In 2014


How To Do SEO In 2014
Search engines apparently seem to be on a war footing to weed out ineffective sites that offer nothing of value to people searching for specific information. Google seems to have set a pattern with one update after another and then fine tuning them with further updates. It seems to be an endless circle dissuading many from getting into the SEO game. However, businesses desperately need an online presence and quickly to be available when the shift by consumers towards smart phones and tablets make a major impact. So how do you do SEO in 2014?

The question needs to be answered by analysing ranking in 2013 and then build on factors producing positive effects. Search engines have definitely taken major steps to stop spam from adversely affecting search experience. Time spent on a website is money for the search engines, as visitors are likely to click on a paid ad.

Increasing Role Of Social Signals

One way of enhancing experience is to provide a platform that encourages shared content, which is why social networking is gaining ground. Search engines established parameters to recognise good content strategy associated with ethical SEO including social signals derived from active engagement, authorship or value of content directly connected to the author, regular updates recognised by increasing readership, and frequent updates giving signs of a healthy website. Relevance does play an important part, and businesses recognise the fact they need to build authority where it matters.

Content Strategy For SEO In 2014

Debate on whether content plays an important role is no longer valid. Search engines have indicated in clear terms fresh information is relevant. The question then arises whether good SEO content strategy involves writing long or short articles. If other factors are analysed, relevance is definitely given to good content keeping visitors glued to the website. Articles averaging 2,000 words are finding prime spots in Google search. However, due consideration must be given to the fact mobile users have increased tremendously, and it is a bit difficult to read long articles on a smart phone.

The long-term strategy is valid, as tablet sales are on the rise. Developing content strategy for 2014 is a must, and the logical way to go about it is to generate more interest among visitors to build a strong fan base for the long term. Will content in specific niches play a dominant role depending on user interest? Ideally, a wait-and-watch approach is warranted inclined towards following leaders in the same niche.

People frown upon guest blogging as a Black Hat strategy no longer having relevance in 2014, which is far from the truth. Quality back links will play a vital role in improving rankings, and one way to look at getting links from authority sites is to continue writing relevant content.

The concept is changed a bit wherein high quality content finds natural resources in authority sites willingly offering to share the author’s content. In other words, the author does make a difference, both in the eyes of an authority site and search engine. A good author readily finds resources to post an article. The next link is always easier, as other sites recognise value in promoting what the authority writer now has to offer.

Image Credit: digitalart

Sunday, 13 April 2014

Learning Ally Audio Update Includes Background Audio Support



Learning Ally, a provider of audio books for the blind and dyslexic, recently updated their iOS app. The free apps allows Learning Ally members to listen to their audio books while on the go. The new update brings a valuable  new feature to the app. Now, the app allows users to listen to their audio books while using other apps at the same time, a feature commonly called background audio. The update provides a more consistent experience for users who have come to expect background audio support in all apps. With the update users can listen to an audio book while looking up information on the internet, reading a note page, or even responding to an occasional text message. Along with background audio support comes the ability to control playback using control center or a headphones with a remote. The update is available for free and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. To take advantage of the app users must be members of Learning Ally. To learn more about Learning Ally click here.

Saturday, 12 April 2014

How To Recover Releted Files From Recycle Bin

1) Go to My Computer
2) Go to Local disk (C:) 
3) Go to Users 
4) Click on You account name
 5) Right Click on the folder from where you have deleted files
6) Go to Properties 
7) Click On previous Version
8) Choose the time when you have deleted your files 
9) Right click on it and then copy it

  CLICK HERE TO LEARN FROM LIVE VIDEO

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Factors To Consider Prior Blogging


Factors To Consider Prior Blogging
In recent times blogging yes become a very popular thing. That's probably the case because blogging is one of the most effective methods to market your product, business, or service. Another reason could be that people are using their extra time to be expressing themselves more. No matter what the reason, starting your own blog should be taken rather seriously.

The problem with most blogs is that they are started without the blogger thinking through it. Below are a few pointers the blogger needs to keep in mind before he starts blogging.

Focus on a specific topic

Before starting the blog, zero in on a specific topic to write. The topic you decide to write on should showcase your passion, area of expertise and skills that will let you share your knowledge with others. After determining kind of content you want to blog on, it is important for all your articles to revolve around the topic you choose. If you write about topics your audience is not interested in, you would just be losing traffic and readership, that too rather rapidly. Select a topic that no one is writing about and audiences would be interested in reading about. The topic should be good and niche because if you take up a subject that everyone else is writing about, then it will be difficult for you to stand out. Be exclusive and have your audience�s pulse for your blog to succeed.

Investing your own money in the blog

Blogging is a means of making money for a most people but they are usually not willing to shell out any from their pocket. Give it a good thought before starting your blog. You need to yourself fork some moneybout before expecting investment from someone else. If you wish for monetary returns from your blog, you need to see it as a business and spend money on it.

You�re a lone ranger

You will be handling all the aspects of your blog single-handedly, whether it is design, development, or online marketing unless you can afford to give it out to a third party. You will also be responsible for uploading new content and new information, uploading images, editing, cleaning up the website and taking care of marketing campaigns. You won�t do too well as a blogger if you are a shirker because blogging needs commitment to your craft.

Dedicated time

If you do not have time to dedicate to your blog, then avoid starting it. This is a very common and frequent mistake made by most marketers. Starting the blog, writing a couple of blogs for the first few weeks and then putting it on the backburner is a rookie mistake; blogging actually has a science behind it and you must begin only if you can give it adequate time. It�s important to update the blog at least every other day in a week and one post a day is the ideal way to begin. It will work really well for you if you can commit to your blog. You need to set aside a time and place to work on it every week.

Your blog host should be reliable and competent

The success of your blog critically depends largely on how reliable your blog hosting service provider is. It is important that your blog can be accessed from anywhere and anytime with fast loading time. The security of your website data and user data can be guaranteed by only a reliable blog hosting provider. The server security configuration should be high level to prevent hacking. A good blog host will also back up your blogs frequently, maybe on a daily basis, so that if you lose data it can be restored from a specific date that you need.

No blog becomes a success overnight

Your blog will not be successful instantly. A lot of people give up blogging sooner than later when they do not see positive results. But this is a part and parcel of starting a blog. You need to give it enough time to do well just like you would to a business. Any successful blog that has been around for years will tell you that the initial stages of blogging are the most difficult also. Increase the traffic to your blog slowly and new audiences will discover your blog gradually. Don�t give up even if you see very less traffic even after a few months.

Publicise the blog on social media platforms

If you want maximum returns from your blog, then promote the blog as well as the content regularly wherever you can. Social media platforms are actually the best place for doing that. You need to spend enough time on social media outlets to consolidate your presence and proof there. This will help in telling the visitors that you are influential in your area of expertise. It is possible to drive in hundreds or even thousands of visitors to your site over a period of time if you use it properly and regularly.

Write for readers first then search engines

For the benefit of your blog, it is important that you understand search engine optimization, use relevant keywords and write Meta titles other than implementing Google Authorship so that you can gain search engine traction for your blog. But you cannot limit your efforts to just driving traffic to your blog. Your readers must come first when it comes to writing content, optimizing should follow.

Blogging can be as big a challenge as it is exciting for you to embark on. You will not only have fun writing the blog but it will also be a gratifying experience if you get all these tips right.
Image Credit: Stuart Miles


Author Bio:
I am Ramya Raju a freelance web design writer with 8 yrs of extensive blogging experience on a variety of online publishing and social-media platforms. I generally write high-quality articles on travel, photography, SEO, Web design, English courses, and generic topics too. I�m also an extrovert with a passion for photography, anthropology and travelling to different countries to learn the culture and living of the local inhabitants.

Contact:
Ramya Raju
E-mail id: ramyaraju896[at]gmail.com
Website: http://www.colorcharacter.com/uk/services

Factors To Consider Prior Blogging


Factors To Consider Prior Blogging
In recent times blogging yes become a very popular thing. That's probably the case because blogging is one of the most effective methods to market your product, business, or service. Another reason could be that people are using their extra time to be expressing themselves more. No matter what the reason, starting your own blog should be taken rather seriously.

The problem with most blogs is that they are started without the blogger thinking through it. Below are a few pointers the blogger needs to keep in mind before he starts blogging.

Focus on a specific topic

Before starting the blog, zero in on a specific topic to write. The topic you decide to write on should showcase your passion, area of expertise and skills that will let you share your knowledge with others. After determining kind of content you want to blog on, it is important for all your articles to revolve around the topic you choose. If you write about topics your audience is not interested in, you would just be losing traffic and readership, that too rather rapidly. Select a topic that no one is writing about and audiences would be interested in reading about. The topic should be good and niche because if you take up a subject that everyone else is writing about, then it will be difficult for you to stand out. Be exclusive and have your audience’s pulse for your blog to succeed.

Investing your own money in the blog

Blogging is a means of making money for a most people but they are usually not willing to shell out any from their pocket. Give it a good thought before starting your blog. You need to yourself fork some moneybout before expecting investment from someone else. If you wish for monetary returns from your blog, you need to see it as a business and spend money on it.

You’re a lone ranger

You will be handling all the aspects of your blog single-handedly, whether it is design, development, or online marketing unless you can afford to give it out to a third party. You will also be responsible for uploading new content and new information, uploading images, editing, cleaning up the website and taking care of marketing campaigns. You won’t do too well as a blogger if you are a shirker because blogging needs commitment to your craft.

Dedicated time

If you do not have time to dedicate to your blog, then avoid starting it. This is a very common and frequent mistake made by most marketers. Starting the blog, writing a couple of blogs for the first few weeks and then putting it on the backburner is a rookie mistake; blogging actually has a science behind it and you must begin only if you can give it adequate time. It’s important to update the blog at least every other day in a week and one post a day is the ideal way to begin. It will work really well for you if you can commit to your blog. You need to set aside a time and place to work on it every week.

Your blog host should be reliable and competent

The success of your blog critically depends largely on how reliable your blog hosting service provider is. It is important that your blog can be accessed from anywhere and anytime with fast loading time. The security of your website data and user data can be guaranteed by only a reliable blog hosting provider. The server security configuration should be high level to prevent hacking. A good blog host will also back up your blogs frequently, maybe on a daily basis, so that if you lose data it can be restored from a specific date that you need.

No blog becomes a success overnight

Your blog will not be successful instantly. A lot of people give up blogging sooner than later when they do not see positive results. But this is a part and parcel of starting a blog. You need to give it enough time to do well just like you would to a business. Any successful blog that has been around for years will tell you that the initial stages of blogging are the most difficult also. Increase the traffic to your blog slowly and new audiences will discover your blog gradually. Don’t give up even if you see very less traffic even after a few months.

Publicise the blog on social media platforms

If you want maximum returns from your blog, then promote the blog as well as the content regularly wherever you can. Social media platforms are actually the best place for doing that. You need to spend enough time on social media outlets to consolidate your presence and proof there. This will help in telling the visitors that you are influential in your area of expertise. It is possible to drive in hundreds or even thousands of visitors to your site over a period of time if you use it properly and regularly.

Write for readers first then search engines

For the benefit of your blog, it is important that you understand search engine optimization, use relevant keywords and write Meta titles other than implementing Google Authorship so that you can gain search engine traction for your blog. But you cannot limit your efforts to just driving traffic to your blog. Your readers must come first when it comes to writing content, optimizing should follow.

Blogging can be as big a challenge as it is exciting for you to embark on. You will not only have fun writing the blog but it will also be a gratifying experience if you get all these tips right.
Image Credit: Stuart Miles


Author Bio:
I am Ramya Raju a freelance web design writer with 8 yrs of extensive blogging experience on a variety of online publishing and social-media platforms. I generally write high-quality articles on travel, photography, SEO, Web design, English courses, and generic topics too. I’m also an extrovert with a passion for photography, anthropology and travelling to different countries to learn the culture and living of the local inhabitants.

Contact:
Ramya Raju
E-mail id: ramyaraju896[at]gmail.com
Website: http://www.colorcharacter.com/uk/services

Monday, 7 April 2014

How To Speed Up Youtube Videos By 1.5x Or 2x Speed - Jpt Videos

How To Speed Up Youtube Videos By 1.5x Or 2x Speed . Watch Youtube Videos At 2x (Double) Speed..This Method Is The Easiest And Best Method For Watching Youtube Videos At Your Own Speed.You Can Slow Down As Well As Increase The Videos Speed After Watching This Video. http://itstrickszone.blogspot.com Subscribe For More Such Videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/jptv1dz?annotation_id=channel%3A54640200-0000-2ee8-8053-001a113dc044&feature=iv&src_vid=aUZJzIU9LeE Speed Up Youtube Videos By 1.5x Or 2x Speed Links: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ http://facebook.com/suraj.pandey.3532 http://instagram.com/canugod http://itstrickszone.blogspot.com http://youtube.com/user/jptv1dz How To Watch Youtube Videos At 2x (Double) Speed Watch youtube videos at 2x speed or double speed. Double your youtube video speed. How To Speed Up Youtube Videos By 1.5x Or 2x Speed Speed Up Youtube Videos By 1.5x Or 2x Speed Live Video:-

Friday, 4 April 2014

iPad mini, Nexus 7, or Kindle Fire HDX: Which Tablet is Best for People with Dyslexia?



Over the past couple of weeks I have been lucky enough to review three of the most popular tablets- the iPad mini, the Nexus 7, and the Kindle Fire HXD. Instead of focusing on battery life, pixel density, and processor speed, I took a look at the features that would help people with dyslexia and other disabilities. All three tablets have some features that are perfect for dyslexics. To figure out which one is right for you, think about which features are most important to you as you read the reviews.
Overview:

When looking for a tablet for someone with dyslexia, there are a number of important factors that must be considered to make sure you get the features that are most important to the user, and get the best value for your needs. First, you want to consider what the tablet will be used for. Will it be used primarily for reading books and browsing the web, or will it be used to type documents, read email, and edit movies. 
Generally, for people with dyslexia, it is important that the tablet have built in text-to-speech with a high quality voice. All three of these tablets have text-to-speech, but the way text-to-speech is implemented is different from tablet to tablet. The iPad allows text-to-speech to be activated in a few taps when reading webpages and text in apps including Safari, Mail and many third party apps including The New York Times. The other tablets require a more time consuming process to activate text-to-speech in all apps.

Next, app quality and quantity is also an important consideration. Currently, the iPad is ahead in terms of app support, but the Nexus 7 is not too shabby in terms of third party app selection either. Apple's lead in terms of third party app selection continues to narrow. See the ecosystem and apps section below for more information about app selection. If the person with dyslexia uses Bookshare or Learning Ally, it is important to make sure that the tablet has apps to support those services. Bookshare is a service that provides accessible e-books for people with print disabilities and Learning Ally provides audio books – some with text - for people with print disabilities. Both the Nexus 7 and iPad mini have Bookshare and Learning Ally apps. The iPad does have better Bookshare support than the Nexus 7.


Design:

The software that runs on the tablet is far more important than the shell on the outside, but you still have to be happy with the way your tablet looks and feels. The iPad mini is the largest of the tablets, but it is still easy to hold in one hand, but not as easy as the smaller Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX 7". The iPad mini has an all metal and glass design that makes it feel worthy of its higher price tag. Both the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX have plastic backs that feel nice in the hand, but feel slightly less classy then the iPad. The look and feel of the back may not matter much for many users who use cases for protection. The look and feel of the back may not matter much for many users who use cases for protection. All of the tablets are remarkably light, so holding them for long periods of time should not be an issue for most people. 
For people who plan to use the tablets for text-to-speech and audio books, speaker quality, and where the speaker is positioned are other important considerations. For their size, all three of these tablets have good speakers. They all include dual speakers and have good sound quality. The Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire both have speakers at opposite ends of the device to make it difficult to block the sound with your hands while you are holding it, but the iPad speakers are both at the bottom of the device, making it possible, although not likely that you could block the speakers depending on where you position your hands. While the placement of the speakers may not be an issue for you, the differences are worth noting.

Operating System:


All three tablets have different operating systems meaning their software behaves differently. The iPad mini runs iOS 7 which easy to use and smooth. iOS has the best built in accessibility features of the bunch with a well polished screen reader called VoiceOver that can read almost anything on screen aloud using text-to-speech. iOS also includes Speak Selection which allows users to highlight text and have it read aloud using text-to-speech.


Android 4.4 KitKat which runs the Nexus 7 is another solid operating system. Without getting too much into the iOS vs. Android debate, the Android is a little less intuitive to use, but allows for more customization than iOS. iOS has a simple user interface that is easy to use, while Android allows for home screen widgets which can be useful but can also clutter the home screen and make it more confusing to use. Android also includes a screen reader called TalkBack, but it is not as polished as VoiceOver. One of Apple’s VoiceOver's biggest advantages is that it works with more apps than TalkBack.

The Kindle Fire HDX runs Fire OS 3.0 which includes a screen reader much like Android’s TalkBack and locks you into the Amazon ecosystem. If you buy a Kindle you have to buy books, magazines, and apps from Amazon so your options are somewhat limited. The Kindle Fire has an interface that is easy to use an puts your content at the forefront. Your apps, books, magazines, music, and movies are featured prominently on the home screen for quick access.

Reading Features:


These tablets all have unique reading features that differentiate them from each other, but each of the devices  allow users to highlight and annotate books, and define an unfamiliar word with just a couple of taps.


One of the best and most appealing features is on the Kindle Fire HDX and is called Immersion Reading. Immersion Reading syncs highlighted e Kindle text with professionally narrated audio from Audible for a seamless and elegant reading experience. Immersion Reading gives you the best of both worlds by allowing you to listen to professional narration while following along with the text. The one negative of Immersion Reading is that you must own both the Kindle text version and the Audible audio version of a book. The costs add up quickly if you use Immersion Reading frequently. The Kindle Fire HDX also allows you to read select books using text-to-speech. The text-to-speech voice sounds good - better than the Android and iOS default voice - but you can't speed up the speaking rate.




The Nexus 7 also includes reading features that can benefit people with dyslexia. Google Play Books, which is Google’s e-book store, allows you to read books with text-to-speech with synchronized highlighting. The default voice isn't as good as the Kindle's default voice, but you can download higher quality voices. For users of Bookshare and Learning Ally, the Nexus 7 has Android apps for both of these services. Unfortunately, the Bookshare app for Android (GoRead) is not as good as the Read2Go app for iOS or Voice Dream Reader, another app that can read Bookshare books. The iOS apps generally have more polished user interfaces and more advanced annotations options.

The iPad has the best third party app support for reading. Users of Bookshare and Learning Ally can read their books with great iPad optimized apps. The iPad app Voice Dream Reader lets you read many documents and books, including Bookshare books, using text-to-speech. Voice Dream is the best text-to-speech app for mobile devices right now and is only available for the iPad and iPhone. The iPad can access Kindle books using the Kindle app and they can be read aloud with text-to-speech using VoiceOver. However, VoiceOver does not highlight the words as they are spoken. Apple's own iBooks app underwhelms in terms of accessibility features for people with dyslexia. iBooks can be read with text-to-speech using VoiceOver, but VoiceOver does not highlight as it reads and it takes time to learn how to use it properly.

The iPad's Speak Selection feature makes it easy to read webpages, emails, and documents using text-to-speech. To use Speak Selection, just highlight the words you want read aloud and press speak. Speak Selection can also highlight words as they are spoken so you won’t lose your place in the text.

Other Helpful Features:


All of these tablets have other useful features; both the Kindle Fire HDX and Nexus 7 include comprehensive multi-user support. On the Nexus 7 you can create a separate account for a student or child that only allows them to use certain apps on the device. Even if multiple users use the same apps, each user can set them up the way they prefer.


The Kindle Fire HDX includes Amazon Free Time which allows you to restrict the time your child or student can use the device for certain tasks. For example, you could allow only 30 minutes of video watching, but allow for unlimited reading of a Kindle book. Amazon Free Time also allows adults to limit which apps and content are available for children. The iPad has a similar feature called Guided Access, but you can only allow the child to use one app at a time using the guided access feature.

All three tablets also include speech recognition that allows you to speak into the tablet and then have your words appear as text. The Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HDX allow you dictate even when you are not connected to the internet. The iPad requires an internet connection in order to use dictation.

The Kindle Fire HDX includes a really cool feature called Mayday. If you are having trouble doing anything with your Kindle Fire HDX, you can press the Mayday button to be connected with a live agent in about a minute. You can see the support agent's face and he or she can see your Kindle Fire's screen. They can then walk you through the steps needed to resolve you difficulties. I found the support staff knowledgeable and able to help out quickly. Mayday is how tech support should always work.




Ecosystem and Apps:


It's important to consider the ecosystem of each tablet. The ecosystem determines which apps, books, magazines, and songs are available for your device. The iPad has the best app selection especially for assistive apps. If you want the best apps, the iPad is the way to go. To see a list of the apps I use as a dyslexic student click here.

The Nexus 7 utilizes the Google Play store for apps and its offerings are solid. Currently, you will not find some of the top assistive apps on the Nexus 7, but you will likely be able to find almost all of the big name apps.

The Kindle Fire HDX has good app support, but it falls behind both other tablets. The Kindle is locked into Amazons ecosystem for all apps and books, while the other tablets can download content from multiple sources.

Conclusion:

All of the tablets have solid reading features for people with dyslexia. Which tablet would be best for you, your students, or your child? If using Bookshare or Learning Ally on the tablet is important to you, you should not consider the Kindle Fire HDX. Both the Nexus 7 and iPad support Bookshare and Learning Ally, but the iPad apps offer a better experience for using those services. If you’re not a Bookshare or Learning Ally user and have money to spend of Immersion Reading books, the Kindle Fire may be the best option for you. Just keep in mind that the Kindle does not have quite the app selection of the other tablets. If you want a full-featured tablet and you’re on a budget, the Nexus 7 is a very good option. If you have the money to spend on the iPad, with it unmatched app selection and robust built-in accessibility features, is your best bet.

Pricing and Availability:


The Kindle Fire HDX 7" is available for $229 from Amazon.com. The other Kindle Fire varieties also have Immersion Reading, but only the HDX models have the Mayday support. The iPad mini starts at $399 from Apple and the Nexus 7 costs $229 from Google Play.




Thursday, 3 April 2014

Apple Announces WWDC 2014: Will Accessibility Enhancements Take Center Stage Once Again?

picture of colorful Apple logo made from varying sized rounded squares

Apple announced that their World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place from June 2nd - 6th in San Francisco, California. At the event, Apple will preview the future versions of iOS and OS X. It is unknown what these changes will entail, but if history is any indication Apple will preview iOS 8 and OS X 10.10. Consistently, over the past few years Apple has steadily improved the accessibility features of both iOS, which runs the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch and OS X, which runs on Mac computers. Last year with OS X 10.9 Mavericks, Apple added Switch Control, large text, VoiceOver enhancements, customizable closed captioning, and enhanced dictation. iOS 7 added Switch Control, improved Siri, and ability for developers to utilize system text-to-speech voices.

At WWDC 2012, Apple devoted precious time during their Keynote to detail improved accessibility features found in iOS 6. With millions of users any accessibility improvements can have a dramatic impact on many users. Hopefully, Apple can continue to improve their current accessibility options while continuing to insure that any possible future devices are also accessible to people with all abilities. For attendees, the venue is fully ADA compliant.

Stay tuned to the Assistive Technology Blog to learn all about how the WWDC 2014 announcements impact accessibility.