SpeechImpairment
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Amazon’s Echo Show lets users tap the screen to access Alexa
Amazon is making it easier for those with hearing and speech impairments to utilize Alexa. Starting today, the Echo Show will have an option to toggle on a new feature called "Tap to Alexa," which will let users tap the device's screen to access the digital assistant. The feature includes shortcuts to common Alexa items like weather, timers, news and traffic, and users can also type out Alexa commands. Additionally, while Amazon launched its Alexa captioning feature in the US a few months ago, it's now releasing that feature to users in the UK, Germany, Japan, India, France, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
DynaVox Xpress handheld communication device boasts WiFi, Bluetooth
Pittsburgh-based company DynaVox Mayer-Johnson has been making handheld communication devices (for those who have speech impairments or lack the ability to speak altogether) for years, but its newest device -- the DynaVox Xpress, is really stepping up the game. The Xpress, which weighs in at 1.5 pounds and has a 5-inch touchscreen, is mainly used to for "talking," and as such, boasts a menu of icons with various phrases and vocabulary, with speakers to vocalize the communications. The Xpress doesn't stop there, however. It also boasts an MP3 player, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, which gives it email capabilities, an integrated calendar, and the ability to download new vocabulary to the device. Pricing and availability for the handheld is expected next week.[Via CNET]
