Category: Geeks r Us
Lee and I always use Skype for our voice chats. But I use GW Connect to access it, and I just learned that it doesn't work with Windows 8.1, and the same holds true with the Skype part of the Socializer in Samnet. Apparently, this is due to the Skype Kit not being compatible with Windows 8.1. Windows Live Essentials was preinstalled on this machine, and if Windows Live Messenger is on here, or if I can download it, I have something called Messenger Reviver, which will let me use it. But I've only tried that on XP. Lee got it to work on 7, but I'm n ot sure if it will work on 8.1. So I am seeking a free and accessible alternative for voice chat. I would prefer something that's relatively simple and easy to use, though if it does have unnecessary features, I can just ignore those. Thanks.
Messenger is not a part of the accentuals. Microsoft has Skype set up, but the version you are seeing is Skype app, not Skype for desktops.
I've posted much about how to set it up, so search for that. Ifi you don't find it here say.
Basicly, got to skype.com, and get the desktop version.The call it Skype for Windows.
Do not install Skype for Windows 8, but Skype for Windows, or the desktop version.
Next if that worked with NVDA you do exactly the same thing you did before in setting it up.
I use Jaws, so I add the scripts, but these won't work with NVDA.
If GW works with the desktop version, use it on Windows 8 as well.
The problem that I had with regular Skype on 7 is that I could never get both NVDA and Skype to run through my headphones, no matter what I did. I also don't really like the interface of Skype. But I'll try it. I tried installing it on my new machine, with Ninite, and it wouldn't even let me close the program.
The problem with Skype and screen reader don't run through on the headphone for 7 is deal to the audio setting on the computer itself, have nothing to do with Skype. Depending on which, either Skype or the screen reader must have been set as default on speaker, and when you have a Skype call, one of them will make it to be headphone, and another will make it to be speaker. It is quite nice when say, playing a music on the computer softly while having some boring Skype conversation. But of course, it can also confuse some as well.
I tried mainstream Skype and it actually worked perfectly I was confused at sign-in, because it said something about Skype username and then Microsoft account, without giving me the option to enter my Skype password. But once I hit enter on Skype username, the field was present. I also configured it so that both NVDA and Skype are working through my headphones and made the speaker and microphone volume constant. This works far better on 8.1 than on 7. *smile*
Having said that, I am still curious about voice chat options, just for the sake of experimentation. So if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to make them.
I'll second post 4.
On Windows 7, it wasn't Skype, but the way your sounds were configured. It works exactly the same on 7 as 8.1 if you have the correct version.
The reason you saw Microsoft account, os because Microsoft owns it now and has migrated all the MSN messenger and such in to a Microsoft account.
Remember Windows 8 ask if you want a local or Microsoft account?
Signing in with your Microsoft account can connect all services related to that account, if you have one.
Skype allows Facebook, MSN messenger, Skype, Outlook contacts to be roled all in there.
It is the best, in my opinion, free and accessible voice chat program.
You can try AOL, and it's good, Yahoo messenger, and it works too.
Now, with NVDA I don't know, but I'll bet they work just fine.
Ventrilo?
I was, as I said, able to use Skype last night. It enables me to chat with people and to call them. But the interface truly is horrible, especially when I want to go from a chat to the main window, and there is an incredible amount of extra and unnecessary features. It also doesn't allow me to see messages from yesterday. It says something about hitting tab to change history, but there is no way for me to view messages older than today. Finally, there is no exit option. I can sign out through Skype, but in order to exit, I have to go to the running applications list, hit the applications key on Skype and then go to quit, and then go to the Skype window and hit quit again. This is ridiculous! I really hope that they fix the Skype Kit soon, so that I can go back to GW Connect or Samnet Socializer.
Thank you, Ed. I will try Ventrilo. Does anyone know if For The People is still around and still free? I think they had unmoderated rooms for only two people.
What about Zello, or is that just a community chat program? Still, I may want to try that to see what it's like.
Your problem is you don't understand how Skype works.
Extra features might not be useful for you, but they are for others?
If you wish to close Skype completely, put it in your systems tray. In the trey with Jaws if I get to it hit my space bar or enter key, I can open it, close it, or exit it completely or change my status.
You see, Windows 7 up allow you to move away from a program and not close it. It is a feature so the programs are not in the way, but at easy access.
Wigh Skype in the background, and if I've got it connected to Facebook or something, I get alerts that are not in my way, but easy to see and if I want to answer, I can.
These alerts can be made audio as well, and I can have different sounds depending on what kind of alert/message I have waiting for me.
It used to be a very nice program before they made all of these changes. At any rate, is there anything I can do to make navigation easier and to let me see posts older than today?
If you used Jaws I could direct you to my post that explains all this.
I run Skype in compact view. That make lots of things better.
You have not changed this, so you are in default view.
Let me find my post. If I can I'll just post it here.
Okay. You know there is a search topics on the boards. I found 127 Skype topics. I'll bet if you do some reading on these you'll find Skype is actually a better program due to changes than not.
It's still nice.
Enjoy.
something else to keep in mind. MSN reviver works in 8.1 if you like. also Teamtalk is another option for free voice chats.
Hi,
The zello is also a free voice chat programs. it is accessible with screen reader users.