Hello All, 

With the latest release of TalkBack, Google’s free screen reading solution for the blind and low vision, I now have reasonable access to all areas of my Samsung Nexus S touch-screen-only Smartphone.  For the record, this is an unbranded/unlocked GSM device currently running Android version 2.3.  In short, this means that the phone has no software interface modifications that some wireless providers insist upon making before agreeing to sell a product.

This is neither good or bad, it just is.  In fact, I would argue that for many, the user interface modifications that companies such as Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless make only serve to enhance the user experience for the average Smartphone owner.

Be that as it may, I prefer the simple, smooth, unencumbered feel of an unlocked/unbranded device. 

One of the drawbacks of a simple, smooth, unencumbered unlocked/unbranded device is that some features that many Smartphone owners take for granted, such as showing an incoming call’s Caller ID, may not be included in the software.  Such is the case with my beloved Samsung Nexus S.

“What?”

“Yep!  It’s true!”

Now before I go any further with this tale, I want to make it clear that I continue to adore my beloved iPhone 4 with it’s consistent, stable, elegant and, most importantly, trusted and unbelievably accessible OS.  I write this because I have received many enquiries as to where my loyalties lie.  I kid you not.  My friends, when it comes to accessible technology for the blind and low vision, the only thing to which I am loyal, is the truth. 

(Now back to our story.)

So, being that there is no out-of-the-box incoming call Caller ID on my Nexus S, I decided to obtain one from the Android Market. 

Unlike on other platforms, Android device owners may now shop and purchase Apps on their desktop/notebook computers and have their purchases automatically installed to the intended device OTR (over the air); no cables required.  For best results, I strongly recommend that the android device be connected via WiFi as wireless provider data charges can be outrageous; further at the time of this article, downloading software via a wireless provider’s network can be extremely slow.

So, last night, after consulting with a very supportive group of blind and low vision Android device owners as to which talking Caller ID solution I should consider, I logged onto the web version of the Android Market located at http://market.android.com/ on my desktop computer. 

After only a few minutes, I found Call Announcer, the App that many in the support group recommended.

After setting up the payment method, I confirmed my selection and Clicked the purchase button. 

In less than 5 seconds, my Samsung Nexus S began to vibrate and I heard TalkBack say, “Installing.” 

Now even though I have long heard about OTR installations, this was my first time experiencing it; I swear–it was like magic.  I couldn’t stop grinning. 

Like a kid in a candy store, I wanted to see it do this again so I decided to purchase another App and again, the result was the same only better because I did not have to reenter my payment information.

I remember thinking, after I purchased the third App, “Apple, take a lesson!!!” 

It was all I could do to log-off the site in order to prevent myself from buying every accessible and cool-looking App.

I am delighted to inform you that I now have talking caller ID on my beloved Samsung Nexus S touch-screen-only Smartphone. 

Please be aware that Code Factory’s Mobile Accessibility interface includes an excellent talking caller ID feature.

Many of you may wonder why I took the time to write this article; after all, when it’s all said and done, what I have relayed to you is not exactly cutting edge technology by today’s standards. 

The answer is Simple; even though I have over 30 years of experience dealing with computer technology, I still find it to be one of the most thrilling areas of the human condition.  Does that sound to “high-brow”?  OK, try this; sometimes things that so many of us take for granted, such as the scenario described above, is nothing less than pure magic.  After all, what is magic?  In its simplest form, magic, as defined by Candle Shore Publishing, is an effect that is the result of an action governed by an unknown or as yet unknown law, skillfully or artistically executed. 

Did I say simple?  (Big Smile) 

If the above definition holds, then Google has created nothing less than magic with its launch of the web version of the Android Market.

When it’s all said and done, we, all of us, should never forget to stop to not only smell the proverbial flowers from time-to-time but to also feel the magic of all the wondrous technologies we now enjoy.

Most Sincerely,

Mark