Category: Geeks r Us
So has anyone had the chance to try out Google's new browser? I hear it's only for windows right now but they're working on a mac version. Best of all, they're really taking accessibility into account here. If you're interested, check out the site at
http://www.google.com/chrome
If you've tried it, what did you think? What screenreader and version of Windows were you using?
I've heard mixed reviews on this, some saying its good, some saying its bad. I haven't given it a shot yet though.
Hi. I just tried Google Chrome, as I had also recently heard about it. I use Windows XP with SP2, and I tried it with JAWS 7.0 including using the JAWS cursor. I also tried it with System Access To Go, Microsoft Narrator, and NVDA 6.1. I realize that some of them would probably not work with much else other than what they say they work with, but it was still worth a try. Anyway, none of them worked. The only thing I managed to figure out was how to get to other web pages, which is with "alt l", and that while you're typing in the address, it tries to guess what you're going to type, I guess that auto complete thing. But I couldn't get to any real menus, could not figure out any other shortcuts, or navigate any pages I was on with it. I do know it is still in the beta stage though, so I'm thinking it will get much better from where it is now, or maybe someone else has tried it out with the same or another screen reader/version, so yeah. It says it works with Windows XP and Windows Vista by the way.
Oh I guess I should add that I actually just went straight to trying to figure things out myself, I often do that. *smile* But yeah, I just uninstalled it now and am reading the help pages using Firefox. I might try it out again to see if I can use it after all. I don't know if you can customize it to make it easier to use with a screenreader or anything like that, so yeah I'll try it out again after having read the help pages. I don't know that that will change how accessable or not that it is, but yeah. It will be cool to know if anyone else tried Google Chrome and how it went for them.
OK. I looked thru the help pages, but so far, I personally couldn't find anything about accessibility yet. Some of the features do sound interesting though, so I'll likely check it out sometime in the future. So for now, my evaluation of it is still what I said in Post 3. OK, I'll stop posting now and let someone else talk, *smile*, until whenever I try it ut again. *smile*
I to, have heard mixed reviews on this. I heard it was a memory pig, but don't know how true that is. As for trying it, I think I'll wait until they work all the bugs out of it.
I think you may need a higher version of jaws to run it.
Aw darn. I just realized an error in my 1rst post to here. *smile* I meant "control l", and not "alt l". Sorry. And to Post 7 yeah you're probably right since that's obviously an older version of JAWS. Didn't think of that one. *smile*
I wonder how it works with Hal? Have to try that. Surprised it didn't work with System Access to Go or NVDA. I usually find both to be very reliable.
Doesn't work with JAWS no matter what version.
I've seen an E-Mail circulating various mailing lists that Google is going to include scree reader sppport. It's in the planning stages. They didn't forget us Windows/Mac screen reader users! Doesn't work with any screen reader.
HTH
Hi all,
I tried it. I use ZoomText and even with ZoomText, Google Chrome is not very accessable. I found it a bit aucword to keep having to use the mouse with everything. I'm use to programs having a menu bar and Google Chrome doesn't, at least not at the moment. I hope it will get better and I'm sure it will.
But here's the hope for mac users. Google Chrome is built on WebKit the foundation of the safari browser used on the Mac. Now, my hope is that since this is the case when it comes out for Mac accessibility should be already supported since the route of the browser is what Safari is already using. Hmm, should I snicker now or wait until it comes out? Woof diving under a chair before someone can step on his tail.
I suggest everyone who wants better accessibility with Google Chrome wait for about 3 more months. There are plans on adding more features and making things more accessible but still not there yet..You can navigate basic things for now though thats about it..
- Raj