Hello Everyone, 

Recently, I attempted to locate the Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) user guide in either HTML or Plain Text format in order to more easily read it with a software screen reading solution for the blind and low vision.

As I was unsuccessful in locating such a version, I decided to publish my own. 

Click Here to either download or view the Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) User Guide in HTML/Plain Text document format, complete with Hyperlinks. 

Although this document contains the entire text found in the original PDF version, I have omitted example images and diagrams.  In short, the formatting ain’t pretty but it works just fine for anyone using a screen reading software solution for the blind and low vision.

The document is quite large so it may take up to two minutes for it to load into your browser, be patient.

Enjoy,

Mark

Hello Everyone, 

You know, we live in exciting times evidenced by the following information that brings a smile to my face and puts a song in my soul. 

Best of all, it really works!!! 

Mark

Google recently released Cloud Print, a web feature that allowed you to print documents on your home printer from anywhere. Today, they’re going to start rolling out that feature for mobile Gmail, so you can print straight from your smartphone.  Read the rest of this entry »

Hello Everyone, 

When I purchased my Nexus S, it was with the mindset that I would, once again, be taking a step into the wild frontier; not at all like the beautiful, smooth, and graceful universe of the iOS environment that I have come to know and love.

So, then, you can imagine my surprise at  receiving a message upon turning on the Nexus that a OS upgrade was available and ready to be downloaded and installed.

In less than 1 minute, including the automatic reboot of the phone, I was informed that my upgrade was successful. 

So, now, Boys and Girls, I am now running Android 2.3.2. 

Not Bad, Google, Not Bad At All.  (Smile) 

Mark

Hello Everyone,

As I have spent the last 8 hours or so experimenting on how to pair my Apple Bluetooth keyboard with my Nexus S in order to not only bring the convenience of adding a hardware keyboard to the device but to also enhance Android’s limited yet functional out-of-the-box accessibility for the visually impaired, I will keep this extremely short by simply stating that I have done it and am amazed at how effective and fluid the built-in accessibility feature of Android is. 

In my next post on this subject (Part 2) I will provide more details on how I paired my keyboard to Android.

I will also list some “out-of-the-box” limitations that I am sure you will find interesting.

Now keep in mind that, at the time of this post, I have not downloaded any third-party accessibility solutions. 

I think I am truly going to enjoy discovering Planet Android.

Mark

Hello All,

Just a quick note to let you know that I am the proud owner of a true Google Phone, the Nexus S.

No, I did not sign up for a T-Mobile account. 

So, stay tuned for Android focused articles. 

Don’t’ worry, I am still completely and totally in love with my iPhone but one has to stay versatile.

Mark

Hello Everyone,

Get what you DON’T pay for: Here are a whopping 196 programs, courtesy of PC Magazine, that cost absolutely nothing, but will make your computing life much richer.

Click Here To Continue …

Mark

Hello All,

The following article by PC Magazine will help those of you needing more battery life for your iPhone 4:

The Best iPhone 4 Battery Cases
Sure, you can get that cute, hot pink bumper band for your new iPhone, but why not get something that does more than just look good. These handy cases will not only protect your iPhone 4, they’ll provide extra juice to supplement your phone’s battery.  Read Article.

Mark

Hello Everyone,

Here is a “must-read” article from PC Magazine:

THE EBOOK GO-TO GUIDE
Once upon a time—like two years ago—electronic books (ebooks) were strictly for die-hard bibliophiles, those dedicated enough to spend extra time in front of a computer screen to read a book on the cheap, or to make an investment in an over-priced ebook reader. In the last year, apps for mobile phones and an explosion of ever-cheaper ebook hardware has changed all that, creating a hugely competitive ebook market. In the first eight months of 2010, ebooks made up 9 percent of total consumer book sales, according to the Association of American Publishers (AAP), and Amazon …  Read The Rest of This Article: 

Mark

Hello All,

In this approximately 13 minute episode of the Candle Shore Podcast, I demonstrate the Nike+ heart monitor, with VoiceOver (Apple’s software screen reading solution for the blind and low vision) on the iPod Nano 6th Generation.

Enjoy,

Mark
Episode:  A Demonstration of the Nike+ Heart Monitor With VoiceOver On The iPod Nano 6th Generation

Hello All,

While I will be releasing an audio demonstration shortly, I just want to confirm that the Nike+ WearLink Heart-Rate Monitor does, in fact, work perfectly on the iPod Nano 6th generation which features VoiceOver, Apple’s software screen reading solution for the blind and low vision. 

My compliments to Apple, Nike, and Polar, the makers of the WearLink Heart Monitor. 

Within minutes, without any sighted assistance or visual magnification, I was able to assemble, link, and configure the Nike+ system with my Nano 6.

Oh!  In case your curious, the Nike+ and VoiceOver combination provide more feedback than I would have ever dreamed possible.  Bravo!!

Nano 6 users will needs the following hardware in order to Get Started:  Read the rest of this entry »