[Athen] Audible sync for Windows discontinued

[Top Tech Tidbits via athen-list]

Karen,

 

I’m so sorry to hear that you’re facing these challenges. The discontinuation of the Audible Sync app for Windows has put many long-time customers, especially those who rely on devices like the Victor Reader Stream, in a difficult position. Your frustration is completely understandable, particularly given how integral these tools can be for users who need a tactile, screen-free experience.

 

Why This Matters


The Victor Reader Stream’s button-driven navigation is invaluable for people who are blind, have low vision, or simply prefer a dedicated device rather than a smartphone or tablet. The shift toward relying solely on mobile operating systems (iOS or Android) does indeed reduce user choice, which can disproportionately affect those who have used the same accessible workflows for decades.

 

Historical Precedent


It is encouraging that previously, a grassroots petition was able to bring Audible and HumanWare (the maker of the Victor Reader Stream) to the table to restore compatibility. This shows that user voices can influence corporate decisions, especially when you have a critical mass of supporters and clear communication about the real-world impact of these changes.

 

Potential Next Steps

 

1.	Petition and Advocacy:

*	Start or join a new petition: Websites like Change.org or dedicated advocacy platforms for accessibility issues can help garner widespread support.
*	Leverage social media: Post your concerns on social media platforms and be sure to tag both Audible and Microsoft, as well as disability rights organizations, to draw attention to the issue.

2.	Engage with Official Channels:

*	Contact Audible Customer Support: Call or write to Audible explaining how this decision affects you and others who rely on accessible hardware. If enough customers underscore the importance of Victor Reader Stream support, it might prompt Audible to reconsider.
*	Email HumanWare: Let them know what the loss of Audible Sync on Windows means to you. They might have insights into ongoing discussions or potential workarounds. Since HumanWare previously worked with Audible to restore compatibility, their involvement may again be crucial.
*	Approach Microsoft’s Accessibility Team: Microsoft does have accessibility advocates. While Microsoft may have less direct control over Audible’s decisions, highlighting that the removal of the Windows app erodes accessibility can put pressure on both companies.

3.	Engage with Consumer Advocacy Organizations:

*	Reach out to organizations that specialize in digital accessibility and disability rights. Groups like the National Federation of the Blind, American Council of the Blind, or the RNIB in the UK might be interested in championing this issue or advising on next steps.
*	Technology publications and advocacy-focused blogs, podcasts or newsletters like our own would likely be interested in your story. Journalistic coverage can spur public pressure.

4.	Consider Alternative Workarounds (Short-Term):

*	If you have older versions of the software, they might continue to work for a while, though this is not a long-term solution.
*	Some users have explored third-party conversion tools or screen-reader friendly apps to manage and playback their files. While this isn’t ideal and may violate Audible’s terms of service, it’s worth researching any accessible, legitimate, third-party audiobook management solutions.

5.	Make the Accessibility and Usability Case Clearly:

*	In communications, emphasize why a dedicated hardware device is so much more accessible for certain tasks. Clarify how button navigation, tactile feedback, and not having to rely on a touch screen directly improves the listening experience, safety, and independence.
*	Highlight the longevity and loyalty of customers who’ve used Audible content through devices like the Victor Reader Stream for 10-20 years.

 

Longer-Term Outlook


Companies often claim that discontinuing certain platforms is due to maintenance costs or the complexity of supporting multiple ecosystems. Demonstrating that there’s a dedicated user base dependent on this functionality for accessibility reasons can sometimes convince them that continuing support is not just a business decision but a moral and inclusive one.

 

Given your history of successful advocacy, this situation, while discouraging, can potentially be reversed or mitigated with enough organized effort. It shouldn’t take petitions and public pressure to maintain accessible options, but until the industry fully commits to universal design, advocacy remains our strongest tool.

 

Wishing you the very best in your efforts. Don’t hesitate to rally others to ensure that these companies understand the real human impact of their decisions. We’re here to help spread the word if you need us. https://toptechtidbits.com. https://accessinformationnews.com. https://at-newswire.com.

 

Aaron Di Blasi,  <https://www.pmi.org/> PMP

 

 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarondiblasi/> 

 

“The greatest barrier to accessibility is indifference.” 💡

 

PR Director (2024-Present)

AT-Newswire

Access Technology's Digital Newswire

 <https://at-newswire.com> https://at-newswire.com 🌐

 

Publisher (2024-Present)

AI-Weekly

The Week's News in Artificial Intelligence

 <https://ai-weekly.ai/> https://ai-weekly.ai 🌐

 

Publisher (2022-Present)

Access Information News 

The Week's News in Access Information

 <https://accessinformationnews.com> https://accessinformationnews.com 🌐

 

Publisher (2020-Present)

Top Tech Tidbits

The Week's News in Access Technology

 <https://toptechtidbits.com/> https://toptechtidbits.com 🌐

 

Sr. Project Management Professional (2006-Present)

Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd.

 <https://mvsltd.com/> https://mvsltd.com 🌐

 

Certified:

Digital Marketing Associate,  <https://mvsltd.com/news/aaron-di-blasi-pmp-mind-vault-solutions-ltd-awarded-digital-marketing-associate-certification-by-meta/> Meta Certified (2022 - Present)

Social Marketing Professional,  <https://mvsltd.com/news/aaron-di-blasi-pmp-mind-vault-solutions-ltd-awarded-social-media-marketing-certification-by-hootsuite-world-leader-in-social-media-marketing-solutions/> Hootsuite Certified (2020 - Present)

Email Marketing Professional,  <https://mvsltd.com/news/aaron-di-blasi-pmp-mind-vault-solutions-ltd-named-a-constant-contact-certified-solution-provider/> Constant Contact Certified (2019 - Present)

 

Specializing in:

Digital Strategy and Content Marketing

Social Media Advertising

Online Fundraising

 <https://www.ada.gov/> ADA,  <https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/> WCAG and  <https://www.justice.gov/crt/section-508-home-page-1> Section 508 Compliance

 

Website:  <https://mvsltd.com> https://mvsltd.com 🌐

Email:  <mailto:ad at mvsltd.com> ad at mvsltd.com 📧

Toll Free:  <tel:+18555786660> +1 (855) 578-6660📱️

 

Schedule A Meeting:  <https://calendly.com/aarondiblasi> https://calendly.com/aarondiblasi

News:  <https://mvsltd.com/news> https://mvsltd.com/news

Services:  <https://mvsltd.com/services> https://mvsltd.com/services

Testimonials:  <https://mvsltd.com/testimonials> https://mvsltd.com/testimonials

Facebook:  <https://mvsltd.com/facebook> https://mvsltd.com/facebook

X (Formerly Twitter):  <https://mvsltd.com/x> https://mvsltd.com/x

LinkedIn:  <https://mvsltd.com/linkedin> https://mvsltd.com/linkedin

Instagram:  <https://mvsltd.com/instagram> https://mvsltd.com/instagram

YouTube:  <https://mvsltd.com/youtube> https://mvsltd.com/youtube

Google:  <https://mvsltd.com/google> https://mvsltd.com/google


CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail and attachments, if any, may contain confidential information, which is privileged and protected from disclosure by Federal and State confidentiality laws, rules, and regulations. This e-mail and attachments, if any, are intended for the designated addressee only. If you are not the designated addressee, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this e-mail and its attachments, if any, may be unlawful and may subject you to legal consequences. If you have received this e-mail and attachments in error, please delete the e-mail and its attachments from your computer.

 

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Karen McCall via athen-list
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2024 9:21 AM
To: webaim-forum at list.webaim.org
Cc: ATHEN <athen-list at u.washington.edu>
Subject: [Athen] Audible sync for Windows discontinued

 

Morning!

 

I've been having problems with the Audible sync app on my Windows 11 desktop computer. I found out on the weekend that support for the audible app for windows was discontinued in March 2024 with the final date being March 2025.

 

 There are many of us who use a victor reader stream as our listening device and have subscribed to audible content for years.

 

The Audible sync app was the only means we have of activating our MP3 player and now this is no longer available.

 

The advantage to using a tool like the victor reader stream is that there is no display and we can operate it completely with buttons.

 

The trend seems to be to force us to use either android or iOS devices to consume our audible content.

 

 This removes choice. This also means that using some of the features of the audible apps on mobile device devices is awkward, especially when listening while falling asleep, or waking up in the middle of the night. We can't simply press buttons and set timers or move to chapters.

 

We may have to unlock devices, locate the app, and then perform the task we want.

 

I've been using Audible content with a victor reader stream for around 20 years and this is significantly going to impact my ability to purchase audible content and to read it.

 

 I'm not sure why Microsoft has done this, however, perhaps they can be persuaded to backtrack.

 

https://help.audible.com/s/article/audible-app-download-discontinued-on-win11?language=en_US

 

When Audible and human wear refused to work together to support the victor reader stream with audible sync, there was a Grass roots petition that finally comma after three or four years, got the two of them working together so that we had support for the stream in Audible sync.

 

Maintaining accessibility and inclusion in design should not be this difficult! We shouldn't have to sign petitions. Every time tools are removed.

 

Cheers, Karen





 

 

 

Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman12.u.washington.edu/pipermail/athen-list/attachments/20241209/1758c7f6/attachment.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 94349 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://mailman12.u.washington.edu/pipermail/athen-list/attachments/20241209/1758c7f6/attachment.png>