[nfbcs] Amazon and Sony Are Requesting That The AccessibilityRequirement Be Waived for E-Book Readers

Sat Aug 10 17:20:27 UTC 2013

I use the app and it is very accessible.

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> Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 12:49:10 -0400
> From: jdashiel at shellworld.net
> To: nfbcs at nfbnet.org
> Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Amazon and Sony Are Requesting That The AccessibilityRequirement Be Waived for E-Book Readers
> 
> How accessible is kindle's iphone app?  If it's as brain damaged as the 
> hardware it won't be worth using for several years given present 
> corporate attitudes.  
> 
> On Sat, 10 Aug 2013, Tami Jarvis wrote:
> 
> > Tracy,
> > 
> > I've noticed that about my sister's and niece's Kindles. They will read the
> > books out loud, but the controls and menus are completely inaccessible. But
> > the Kindle is so much cheaper than the iPad! It makes a difference for me at
> > this point, since the resources for the iPad I was within a day of buying went
> > elsewhere on family stuff that requires me to do a lot of sitting around being
> > present... And bored to within an inch of my life. And unproductive and...
> > Aargh! So very frustrating.
> > 
> > Also, noting that Amazon has gone part way with the Kindle but refuse to add
> > the rest gives me a real bad attitude and I think bad things about them. Their
> > cavalier assertion that I should have to buy something more expensive to
> > access their content just makes me want to scream. Also, I scratch my head
> > wondering if there's
> > 
> > I am wondering, though, if some of the added weight they mention would be for
> > adaptations for people with motor difficulties who can't use the existing
> > controls?
> > 
> > Tami
> > 
> > On 08/10/2013 08:31 AM, Tracy Carcione wrote:
> > > My sister's Kindle already has a speaker built-in; I heard her listening
> > > to books with speech turned on.  So it seems to me that Amazon has gone
> > > part way to accessibility, and it annoys me that apparently we have to
> > > kick them to go the rest of the way.
> > > I like my sister's Kindle, and I'd get one myself, if I could actually
> > > use it.
> > > Tracy
> > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Fjelsted" <kfjelsted at gmail.com>
> > > To: "NFB in Computer Science Mailing List" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
> > > Sent: Friday, August 09, 2013 7:55 PM
> > > Subject: Re: [nfbcs] Amazon and Sony Are Requesting That The
> > > AccessibilityRequirement Be Waived for E-Book Readers
> > >
> > >
> > > Requiring speakers or headphone just puts limits on the approach.
> > > Remember when we were told that touch screens cannot be used by the BLind?
> > > One way to get around the accessibility issue is to send the speech info
> > > out the same wireless that the books come in on i.e., such as via
> > > Airplay protocol, which can be picked up by many cell phones.
> > > So much of the work is done in software that trying to classify a device
> > > by speakers?  has some import ants but it certainly should not be used
> > > as an excuse to avoid speech.
> > > Perhaps we should take the reverse and ask that if accessibility is
> > > permitted to be removed that indeed it should be mandated as removed
> > > including the ability to have large print fonts.
> > > After all, perhaps those with less than 20-20 vision don't really need
> > > to use these devices if so why permit the fonts to be made large enough
> > > for large print users?
> > > Perhaps if a device is permitted not to be accessible then a descriptive
> > > label should be mandated i.e.,
> > > "Reading tablet " not fore the BLind or anyone with less than 20-20
> > > vision" Caution, for those with 20-20 vision the font is small but
> > > readable, make sure to limit your use of the device to avoid eyestrain.
> > > -Kevin
> > >
> > > On Aug 9, 2013, at 6:44 PM, Jim Barbour <jbar at barcore.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Aaron, I want to thank you very much for these talking points.  I hope
> > > > you don't mind if I add to them.
> > > >
> > > > I agree with a lot of your commentary.
> > > >
> > > > > 1. E-readers are different than tablets.
> > > >
> > > > There is a real problem with this argument.  Amazon is trying to say
> > > > that their e-readers are outside the definition of a tablet, but
> > > > aren't defining how.  If this stands, it will be much easier for
> > > > other hardware providers to say "hey, my thingy is a book reader too
> > > > and not a tablet.  Pay no attention to those apps, they're just icing
> > > > on the cake."
> > > >
> > > > I would actually be okay with the FCC saying that if it doesn't have
> > > > speakers, headphone jack, and enough CPU/memory to support text to
> > > > speech;
> > > > then it's not a tablet.  That would include the paper white.
> > > >
> > > > > 2. E-readers are marketed and used for reading, and are not designed
> > > > > for accessibility, even on a secondary basis.
> > > >
> > > > I agree, this is not relevant to their case.
> > > >
> > > > > 3. Adding accessibility features would fundamentally alter the devices.
> > > >
> > > > I agree this isn't talked about in their submission.  If the device
> > > > must be given speakers, a headphone jack, a larger CPU, and more RAM to
> > > > support a screen reader and onboard text to speech, then it does alter
> > > > the device.
> > > >
> > > > > 4. Adding such features would not help the blind or visually
> > > > > impaired, as they have alternatives.
> > > >
> > > > So, I don't think Amazon and Sony have standing to make this argument,
> > > > but it is one that we should pay attention to.
> > > >
> > > > If we can read Kindle material using their tablet app, then we need
> > > > to be very clear about why we're also asking for their hardware
> > > > solutions to be made accessible.
> > > >
> > > > The reasons I'm aware of are...
> > > >
> > > > * Cost (paper white is significantly cheaper than an iPod touch)
> > > > * Availability (blind students should be able to use the same hardware
> > > > as their sighted counterparts)
> > > >
> > > > Are there other arguments to the point that we shuuld have access to
> > > > hardware, as well as software, solutions?
> > > >
> > > > Jim
> > > >
> > > > > On 8/7/13, David Andrews <dandrews at visi.com> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > From: Howell, Scott (HQ-LE050)
> > > > > > > Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2013 5:00 AM
> > > > > > > To: Moore, Craig E. (MSFC-EV43)
> > > > > > > Subject: Fwd: Amazon and Sony Are Requesting
> > > > > > > That The Accessibility Requirement Be Waived for E-Book Readers
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Craig,
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Sharing as information.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Begin forwarded message:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Amazon and Sony Are Requesting That The
> > > > > > > Accessibility Requirement Be Waived for E-Book Readers
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Details
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > The ) Twenty-First Century Communications and
> > > > > > > Video ) Accessibility Act of 2010 requires
> > > > > > > companies who make electronic devices to make
> > > > > > > them accessible to people with disabilities. At
> > > > > > > this time, none of the Ebook readers that are on
> > > > > > > the market meet this requirement. Since many
> > > > > > > companies feel that this requirement should not
> > > > > > > apply to Ebook readers, Amazon, Kobo, and Sony
> > > > > > > have submitted a petition to the FCC asking for
> > > > > > > a waiver. According to the petition, this is the
> > > > > > > definition of an Ebook reader: "E-readers,
> > > > > > > sometimes called e-book readers, are mobile
> > > > > > > electronic devices that are designed, marketed
> > > > > > > and used primarily for the purpose of reading
> > > > > > > digital documents, including e-books and
> > > > > > > periodicals." Since Ebook readers are primarily
> > > > > > > designed for print reading, the companies are
> > > > > > > arguing that the disabled community would not
> > > > > > > significantly benefit from these devices
> > > > > > > becoming accessible. They also argue that
> > > > > > > because the devices are so simple, making the
> > > > > > > changes to the devices to make them accessible,
> > > > > > > would cause them to be heavier, have poorer
> > > > > > > battery life, and raise the cost of the devices.
> > > > > > > Finally, these companies argue that since their
> > > > > > > apps are accessible on other devices such as the
> > > > > > > iPad and other full featured tablets, that they
> > > > > > > are already providing access to their content.
> > > > > > > We've posted the complete filing from the FCC's
> > > > > > > website below. Here is a
> > > > > > > <http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7022314526>link to the
> > > > > > > original
> > > > > > > .PDF
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Before the
> > > > > > > FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
> > > > > > > Washington, D.C. 20554
> > > > > > > In the Matter of )
> > > > > > > )
> > > > > > > Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the ) CG Docket No. 10-213
> > > > > > > Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the )
> > > > > > > Twenty-First Century Communications and Video )
> > > > > > > Accessibility Act of 2010 )
> > > > > > > )
> > > > > > > )
> > > > > > > Petition for Waiver of Sections 716 and 717 )
> > > > > > > of the Communications Act and Part 14 of the )
> > > > > > > Commission?s Rules Requiring Access to )
> > > > > > > Advanced Communications Services (ACS) and )
> > > > > > > Equipment by People with Disabilities )
> > > > > > > To: Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> > > > > > > COALITION OF E-READER MANUFACTURERS
> > > > > > > PETITION FOR WAIVER
> > > > > > > Gerard J. Waldron
> > > > > > > Daniel H. Kahn
> > > > > > > COVINGTON & BURLING LLP
> > > > > > > 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
> > > > > > > Washington, D.C. 20004-2401
> > > > > > > (202) 662-6000
> > > > > > > Counsel for the Coalition of E-Reader
> > > > > > > Manufacturers
> > > > > > > May 16, 2013
> > > > > > > TABLE OF CONTENTS
> > > > > > > I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
> > > > > > > ...............................................................................
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > 1
> > > > > > > II. E-READERS ARE A DISTINCT CLASS OF EQUIPMENT
> > > > > > > ...........................................
> > > > > > > 2
> > > > > > > III. E-READERS ARE USED PRIMARILY FOR READING
> > > > > > > ...............................................
> > > > > > > 3
> > > > > > > A. E-Readers Are Designed and Marketed for
> > > > > > > Reading ..............................................
> > > > > > > 4
> > > > > > > B. E-Readers Are Not Designed or Marketed for
> > > > > > > ACS ...............................................
> > > > > > > 6
> > > > > > > IV. THE REQUESTED WAIVER WILL ADVANCE THE PUBLIC INTEREST
> > > > > > > ................
> > > > > > > 8
> > > > > > > Before the
> > > > > > > FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
> > > > > > > Washington, D.C. 20554
> > > > > > > In the Matter of )
> > > > > > > )
> > > > > > > Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the ) CG Docket No. 10-213
> > > > > > > Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the )
> > > > > > > Twenty-First Century Communications and Video )
> > > > > > > Accessibility Act of 2010 )
> > > > > > > )
> > > > > > > )
> > > > > > > Petition for Waiver of Sections 716 and 717 )
> > > > > > > of the Communications Act and Part 14 of the )
> > > > > > > Commission?s Rules Requiring Access to )
> > > > > > > Advanced Communications Services (ACS) and )
> > > > > > > Equipment by People with Disabilities )
> > > > > > > To: Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> > > > > > > PETITION FOR WAIVER
> > > > > > > I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
> > > > > > > Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. ? 617(h)(1) and 47
> > > > > > > C.F.R. ?? 1.3, 14.5, the Coalition of E-Reader
> > > > > > > Manufacturers
> > > > > > > 1
> > > > > > > (hereinafter, ?Coalition?) respectfully
> > > > > > > requests that the Commission waive the
> > > > > > > accessibility requirements for equipment used
> > > > > > > for advanced communications services
> > > > > > > (ACS) for
> > > > > > > a single class of equipment: e-readers. This
> > > > > > > Petition demonstrates that e-readers
> > > > > > > are devices
> > > > > > > designed, built, and marketed for a single
> > > > > > > primary purpose: to read written material
> > > > > > > such as
> > > > > > > books, magazines, newspapers, and other text
> > > > > > > documents on a mobile electronic device.
> > > > > > > The
> > > > > > > public interest would be served by granting this
> > > > > > > petition because the theoretical
> > > > > > > ACS ability of e-
> > > > > > > readers is irrelevant to how the overwhelming
> > > > > > > majority of users actually use the
> > > > > > > devices.
> > > > > > > Moreover, the features and content available on
> > > > > > > e-readers are available on a wide
> > > > > > > range of multi-
> > > > > > > 1 The Coalition of E-Reader Manufacturers
> > > > > > > consists of <http://Amazon.com/>Amazon.com, Inc.; Kobo Inc.;
> > > > > > > and Sony Electronics Inc.
> > > > > > > purpose equipment, including tablets, phones,
> > > > > > > and computers, all of which possess
> > > > > > > integrated
> > > > > > > audio, speakers, high computing processing
> > > > > > > power, and applications that are optimized
> > > > > > > for ACS.
> > > > > > > As explained below, e-readers are a distinct
> > > > > > > class of equipment built for the specific
> > > > > > > purpose of reading. They are designed with
> > > > > > > special features optimized for the reading
> > > > > > > experience and are marketed as devices for
> > > > > > > reading. Although they have a similar
> > > > > > > shape and size
> > > > > > > to general-purpose tablet computers, e-readers
> > > > > > > lack many of tablets? features for
> > > > > > > general-purpose
> > > > > > > computing, including ACS functions. E-readers
> > > > > > > simply are not designed, built, or
> > > > > > > marketed for
> > > > > > > ACS, and the public understands the distinction
> > > > > > > between e-readers and general-purpose
> > > > > > > tablets.
> > > > > > > Granting the petition is in the public interest
> > > > > > > because rendering ACS accessible
> > > > > > > on e-readers
> > > > > > > would require fundamentally altering the devices
> > > > > > > to be more like general-purpose
> > > > > > > tablets in cost,
> > > > > > > form factor, weight, user interface, and reduced
> > > > > > > battery life, and yet the necessary
> > > > > > > changes, if
> > > > > > > they were made, would not yield a meaningful
> > > > > > > benefit to individuals with disabilities.
> > > > > > > II. E-READERS ARE A DISTINCT CLASS OF EQUIPMENT
> > > > > > > The Commission requires that a class waiver be
> > > > > > > applicable to a ?carefully defined?
> > > > > > > class
> > > > > > > of devices that ?share common defining characteristics.?
> > > > > > > 2
> > > > > > > E-readers are such a class. E-readers,
> > > > > > > sometimes called e-book readers, are mobile
> > > > > > > electronic devices that are designed,
> > > > > > > marketed and
> > > > > > > used primarily for the purpose of reading
> > > > > > > digital documents, including e-books and
> > > > > > > periodicals.
> > > > > > > 3
> > > > > > > The noteworthy features of e-readers include
> > > > > > > electronic ink screens optimized for
> > > > > > > reading
> > > > > > > 2 14 C.F.R. ? 14.5(b); Implementation of
> > > > > > > Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications
> > > > > > > Act of 1934, as Enacted by
> > > > > > > the Twenty-First Century Communications and
> > > > > > > Video Accessibility Act of 2010, CG Docket
> > > > > > > No. 10-213, WT
> > > > > > > Docket No. 96-168, CG Docket No. 10-145, Report
> > > > > > > and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
> > > > > > > Rulemaking, 26 FCC
> > > > > > > Rcd 14557, 14639 (2011) [hereinafter ACS Report
> > > > > > > and Order]; Implementation of Sections
> > > > > > > 716 and 717 of the
> > > > > > > Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the
> > > > > > > Twenty-First Century Communications
> > > > > > > and Video Accessibility
> > > > > > > Act of 2010, CEA, NCTA, ESA, Petitions for Class
> > > > > > > Waivers of Sections 716 and 717
> > > > > > > of the Communications Act
> > > > > > > and Part 14 of the Commission?s Rules Requiring
> > > > > > > Access to Advanced Communications
> > > > > > > Services (ACS) and
> > > > > > > Equipment by People with Disabilities, Order, 27
> > > > > > > FCC Rcd 12970, 12973 (2012) [hereinafter
> > > > > > > Waiver Order].
> > > > > > > 3 ?An e-reader is an electronic reading device
> > > > > > > used to view books, magazines, and
> > > > > > > newspapers in a digital format.?
> > > > > > > What is an E-Reader?, wiseGEEK,
> > > > > > > <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-E-reader.htm>http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-E-reader.htm
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (last visited May 16, 2013).
> > > > > > > (including in direct sunlight) and designed to
> > > > > > > minimize eye strain during extended
> > > > > > > reading
> > > > > > > sessions. They also facilitate acquisition of
> > > > > > > e-publications and their user interfaces,
> > > > > > > both
> > > > > > > hardware and software features, are designed
> > > > > > > around reading as the primary user function.
> > > > > > > As
> > > > > > > explained more fully below, another important
> > > > > > > aspect of e-readers is the features
> > > > > > > they do not
> > > > > > > contain, which distinguishes them from general
> > > > > > > purpose devices such as tablets. Examples
> > > > > > > of e-
> > > > > > > readers include the Amazon Kindle E-Reader, the Sony Reader, and
> > > > > > > the Kobo
> > > > > > > Glo.
> > > > > > > In 2006, Sony launched the first e-reader
> > > > > > > available in the U.S. utilizing electronic
> > > > > > > ink, and
> > > > > > > since that time the number of manufacturers and
> > > > > > > models has expanded substantially.
> > > > > > > 4
> > > > > > > Seven
> > > > > > > years is a long time in the modern digital age,
> > > > > > > and the public understands that although
> > > > > > > e-readers
> > > > > > > may be somewhat similar in shape and size to
> > > > > > > general-purpose tablets, e-readers are
> > > > > > > aimed at a
> > > > > > > specific function.
> > > > > > > 5
> > > > > > > The distinctions between e-readers and tablets are explored next.
> > > > > > > 4 Michael Sauers, History of eBooks & eReaders,
> > > > > > > Technology Innovation Librarian,
> > > > > > > Nebraska Library Commission,
> > > > > > > (Oct. 14, 2011),
> > > > > > > <http://www.slideshare.net/nebraskaccess/history-of-e-books-ereaders>http://www.slideshare.net/nebraskaccess/history-of-e-books-ereaders
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > 5 Product buying guides commonly reflect this
> > > > > > > distinction. See, e.g., Brian Barrett,
> > > > > > > 5 Ways Ereaders Are Still Better
> > > > > > > Than Tablets, Gizmodo (Dec. 12, 2012),
> > > > > > > <http://gizmodo.com/5970460/5-ways-ereaders-are-still-better-than-tablets>http://gizmodo.com/5970460/5-ways-ereaders-are-still-better-than-tablets
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > ;
> > > > > > > Paul Reynolds, 5 Reasons to Buck the Tide and
> > > > > > > Buy an E-book Reader,
> > > > > > > <http://ConsumerReports.org/>ConsumerReports.org
> > > > > > > (Apr. 22, 2013),
> > > > > > > <http://news.consumerreports.org/electronics/2013/04/5-reasons-to-buck-the-tide-and-buy-an-e-book-reader.html>http://news.consumerreports.org/electronics/2013/04/5-reasons-to-buck-the-tide-and-buy-an-e-book-reader.html
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > Wikipedia, an aggregator of knowledge and
> > > > > > > therefore a useful measure of conventional
> > > > > > > understanding, differentiates
> > > > > > > e-readers from tablets, explaining that, among
> > > > > > > other differences, ?[t]ablet computers
> > > > > > > . . . are more versatile, allowing
> > > > > > > one to consume multiple types of content . . .
> > > > > > > .? It states that ?[a]n e-book reader,
> > > > > > > also called an e-book device or e-
> > > > > > > reader, is a mobile electronic device that is
> > > > > > > designed primarily for the purpose
> > > > > > > of reading digital e-books and
> > > > > > > periodicals.? Wikipedia, E-Book Reader,
> > > > > > > <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-reader>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-reader
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (last visited May 16, 2013).
> > > > > > > 6 47 C.F.R. ? 14.5(a)(ii).
> > > > > > > III. E-READERS ARE USED PRIMARILY FOR READING
> > > > > > > E-readers are ?designed primarily for purposes other than using?
> > > > > > > ACS.
> > > > > > > 6
> > > > > > > Specifically,
> > > > > > > they are designed to be used for reading.
> > > > > > > Moreover, they are marketed as tools for
> > > > > > > reading, and
> > > > > > > reading is their predominant use. Conversely,
> > > > > > > e-readers are not designed or marketed
> > > > > > > as tools for
> > > > > > > using ACS.
> > > > > > > A. E-Readers Are Designed and Marketed for Reading
> > > > > > > In contrast to general-purpose tablets, the
> > > > > > > features in e-readers are designed and
> > > > > > > built
> > > > > > > around reading as the primary function. Features
> > > > > > > that e-readers possess for reading
> > > > > > > optimization
> > > > > > > include:
> > > > > > > ? Screens optimized to reduce eyestrain and prevent glare;
> > > > > > > 7
> > > > > > > ? Low power consumption and extremely long
> > > > > > > battery life to facilitate long reading
> > > > > > > sessions and use during extended travel;
> > > > > > > 8
> > > > > > > ? Navigation that place reading features,
> > > > > > > including e-publication acquisition, front
> > > > > > > and center;
> > > > > > > 9
> > > > > > > and
> > > > > > > ? Built-in reading tools such as highlighting,
> > > > > > > bookmarking, and lookup features.
> > > > > > > 10
> > > > > > > 7 See Dr. Shirley Blanc, E-readers: Better for Your Eyes?, Medcan
> > > > > > > Clinic,
> > > > > > > <http://www.medcan.com/articles/e->http://www.medcan.com/articles/e-
> > > > > > > readers_better_for_your_eyes/
> > > > > > > (last visited May 16, 2013) (?E-readers have
> > > > > > > improved the level of text/background
> > > > > > > contrast, and the matte quality of the screen
> > > > > > > can reduce glare even in bright sunlight.?).
> > > > > > > 8 See Greg Bensinger, The E-Reader Revolution:
> > > > > > > Over Just as It Has Begun?, Wall St.
> > > > > > > J., Jan. 4, 2013,
> > > > > > > <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323874204578219834160573010.html>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323874204578219834160573010.html
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (stating that compared to
> > > > > > > tablets, ?dedicated e-readers have . . . a
> > > > > > > different style of display [that] improves
> > > > > > > their battery life?).
> > > > > > > 9 See John P. Falcone, Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad:
> > > > > > > Which E-book Reader Should You Buy?,
> > > > > > > CNET (Dec. 17, 2012),
> > > > > > > <http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20009738-1/kindle-vs-nook-vs-ipad-which-e-book-reader-should-you-buy/>http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20009738-1/kindle-vs-nook-vs-ipad-which-e-book-reader-should-you-buy/
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (noting that an advantage of e-readers is
> > > > > > > fewer distracting features not focused
> > > > > > > on reading).
> > > > > > > 10 See Levy Smith, Using a Kindle or eReader as
> > > > > > > a Leadership Tool (Sept. 13, 2010),
> > > > > > > <http://www.itsworthnoting.com/productivity/using-a-kindle-or-ereader-as-a-leadership-tool/>http://www.itsworthnoting.com/productivity/using-a-kindle-or-ereader-as-a-leadership-tool/
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (?With an eReader, you
> > > > > > > can effortlessly highlight and comment as you
> > > > > > > read and either share quotes or musings
> > > > > > > real time. . . .?).
> > > > > > > 11 Falcone, supra note
> > > > > > > 9
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > 12 See Barrett, supra note
> > > > > > > 5
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > Product reviews emphasize the centrality of
> > > > > > > reading to the design of e-readers.
> > > > > > > For
> > > > > > > instance, technology review site CNET explains
> > > > > > > that ?[i]f you want to stick with
> > > > > > > ?just reading? . .
> > > > > > > . an e-ink reader is probably your best bet.?
> > > > > > > 11
> > > > > > > Similarly, popular technology blog Gizmodo
> > > > > > > explains that e-readers ?do one thing well . . .
> > > > > > > reading. And that?s a blessing.?
> > > > > > > 12
> > > > > > > Consistent with these features, e-readers are
> > > > > > > marketed to readers with one activity
> > > > > > > in
> > > > > > > mind: reading. For example, on the Amazon
> > > > > > > product listing for the 5th generation
> > > > > > > Kindle E-
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > Reader, all nine bullets at the top of the page
> > > > > > > describing the device contain phrases
> > > > > > > referring to
> > > > > > > books or reading, including ?lighter than a
> > > > > > > paperback,? ?for easier reading,? ?[r]eads
> > > > > > > like paper,?
> > > > > > > ?[d]ownload books,? ?[h]olds over 1,000 books,?
> > > > > > > ?[m]assive book selection,? ?books
> > > > > > > by best-
> > > > > > > selling authors,? ?[s]upports children?s books,? and ?[l]ending
> > > > > > > [l]ibrary.?
> > > > > > > 13 Amazon Kindle 5th Generation E-Ink Product Listing,
> > > > > > > <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HCCNJU/>http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HCCNJU/
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (last
> > > > > > > visited May 16, 2013).
> > > > > > > 14 Id.
> > > > > > > 15 Kobo Aura HD Overview,
> > > > > > > <http://www.kobo.com/koboaurahd>http://www.kobo.com/koboaurahd
> > > > > > > (last visited May 16, 2013).
> > > > > > > 16 Sony Reader,
> > > > > > > <https://ebookstore.sony.com/reader/>https://ebookstore.sony.com/reader/
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (last visited May 16, 2013).
> > > > > > > 17 Sony Reader Product Listing,
> > > > > > > <http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=->http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > 1&identifier=S_Portable_Reader
> > > > > > > (last visited May 16, 2013).
> > > > > > > 18 Ofcom, Communications Market Report 2012, at 7 (July 18, 2012),
> > > > > > > <http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/cmr/cmr12/CMR_UK_2012.pdf>http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/cmr/cmr12/CMR_UK_2012.pdf
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > Not surprisingly based on this design and
> > > > > > > marketing, e-readers are used overwhelmingly
> > > > > > > for reading. An Ofcom analysis on the
> > > > > > > communications marketplace in the U.K. states
> > > > > > > that
> > > > > > > ?almost all consumers use their e-reader to read books.?
> > > > > > > 18
> > > > > > > Indicative of the utility of e-readers
> > > > > > > for reading, multiple studies show that reading
> > > > > > > electronically on an e-reader increases
> > > > > > > the amount
> > > > > > > of time individuals spend reading.
> > > > > > > for reading, multiple studies show that reading
> > > > > > > electronically on an e-reader increases
> > > > > > > the amount
> > > > > > > of time individuals spend reading.
> > > > > > > for reading, multiple studies show that reading
> > > > > > > electronically on an e-reader increases
> > > > > > > the amount
> > > > > > > of time individuals spend reading.
> > > > > > > 19 See id. (?E-readers have a positive impact on
> > > > > > > the amount people read.?); Lee Rainie
> > > > > > > et al., Pew Internet &
> > > > > > > American Life Project, The Rise of E-Reading, Apr. 4, 2012,
> > > > > > > <http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/04/04/the-rise-of->http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/04/04/the-rise-of-
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > e-reading/
> > > > > > > (?On any given day 56% of those who own e-book
> > > > > > > reading devices are reading a book,
> > > > > > > compared with
> > > > > > > 45% of the general book-reading public who are
> > > > > > > reading a book on a typical day.?);
> > > > > > > Geoffrey A. Fowler & Marie C.
> > > > > > > Baca, The ABCs of E-Reading, Wall St. J., Aug. 24, 2010,
> > > > > > > <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703846604575448093175758872.html>http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703846604575448093175758872.html
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (explaining that a study of
> > > > > > > 1,200 e-reader owners by Marketing and Research
> > > > > > > Resources Inc. concludes that ?[p]eople
> > > > > > > who buy e-readers tend
> > > > > > > to spend more time than ever with their nose in a book.?).
> > > > > > > 20 Bensinger, supra note
> > > > > > > 8
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > 21 Piotr Kowalczyk, These 12 Questions Will Help
> > > > > > > You Choose Between Tablet and E-reader,
> > > > > > > eBook Friendly (Apr.
> > > > > > > 8, 2013),
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > <http://ebookfriendly.com/2013/04/08/tablet-or-ereader-questionnaire/>http://ebookfriendly.com/2013/04/08/tablet-or-ereader-questionnaire/
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > (?E-paper screens are not meant for
> > > > > > > active usage ? their refresh rate is too low.?).
> > > > > > > 22 Bensinger, supra note
> > > > > > > 8
> > > > > > > (stating that, unlike e-readers, ?ever cheaper
> > > > > > > tablet computers can be used . .
> > > > > > > . as Web
> > > > > > > browsers, game consoles and cameras?).
> > > > > > > 23 See, e.g., Kindle 5th Generation E-Ink, supra note
> > > > > > > 13
> > > > > > > (comparing hard drive capacities of Kindle e-reader versus
> > > > > > > tablet devices).
> > > > > > > 24 See, e.g., id.
> > > > > > > B. E-Readers Are Not Designed or Marketed for ACS
> > > > > > > E-readers are not general-purpose devices and
> > > > > > > lack the features and broad capabilities
> > > > > > > of
> > > > > > > tablets. Instead, as discussed above, they are
> > > > > > > optimized only for reading and obtaining
> > > > > > > reading
> > > > > > > material. Features common to tablets that e-readers consistently
> > > > > > > lack
> > > > > > > include:
> > > > > > > ? Color screens;
> > > > > > > 20
> > > > > > > ? Screens with fast refresh rates sufficient for interaction and
> > > > > > > video;
> > > > > > > 21
> > > > > > > ? Cameras;
> > > > > > > 22
> > > > > > > ? High-capacity storage sufficient for multimedia files;
> > > > > > > 23
> > > > > > > and
> > > > > > > ? Higher-powered CPU processors and GPU processors for accelerated
> > > > > > > graphics.
> > > > > > > 24
> > > > > > > Additionally, e-readers typically do not possess
> > > > > > > microphones or quality speakers.
> > > > > > > Examination of an e-reader establishes that
> > > > > > > these devices are not designed with
> > > > > > > ACS as
> > > > > > > an intended feature, even on a secondary basis.
> > > > > > > These purposeful hardware limitations
> > > > > > > drive e-
> > > > > > > readers? primary purpose: reading. As a result,
> > > > > > > e-readers cannot display videos at
> > > > > > > an acceptable
> > > > > > > quality, and most cannot generate audio output or record audio
> > > > > > > input.
> > > > > > > readers? primary purpose: reading. As a result,
> > > > > > > e-readers cannot display videos at
> > > > > > > an acceptable
> > > > > > > quality, and most cannot generate audio output or record audio
> > > > > > > input.
> > > > > > > readers? primary purpose: reading. As a result,
> > > > > > > e-readers cannot display videos at
> > > > > > > an acceptable
> > > > > > > quality, and most cannot generate audio output or record audio
> > > > > > > input.
> > > > > > > readers? primary purpose: reading. As a result,
> > > > > > > e-readers cannot display videos at
> > > > > > > an acceptable
> > > > > > > quality, and most cannot generate audio output or record audio
> > > > > > > input.
> > > > > > > readers? primary purpose: reading. As a result,
> > > > > > > e-readers cannot display videos at
> > > > > > > an acceptable
> > > > > > > quality, and most cannot generate audio output or record audio
> > > > > > > input.
> > > > > > > readers? primary purpose: reading. As a result,
> > > > > > > e-readers cannot display videos at
> > > > > > > an acceptable
> > > > > > > quality, and most cannot generate audio output or record audio
> > > > > > > input.
> > > > > > > readers? primary purpose: reading. As a result,
> > > > > > > e-readers cannot display videos at
> > > > > > > an acceptable
> > > > > > > quality, and most cannot generate audio output or record audio
> > > > > > > input.
> > > > > > > 25 Staples, Tablet Versus eReader,
> > > > > > > <http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/technology-research->http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/technology-research-
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > centers/tablets/tablets-versus-ereaders.html
> > > > > > > (last visited May 16, 2013) (?Tablets give you far more options for
> > > > > > > multimedia as well. They can upload and play
> > > > > > > audio and of course video . . . .?).
> > > > > > > 26 See, e.g., Kowalczyk, supra note
> > > > > > > 21
> > > > > > > (?You can use [tablets] for other
> > > > > > > [non-reading] purposes, like emails, social
> > > > > > > media, web browsing, video, games.?).
> > > > > > > 27 Bensinger, supra note
> > > > > > > 8
> > > > > > > (stating that e-readers have ?more-limited
> > > > > > > capabilities, which often include monochrome
> > > > > > > screens and rudimentary Web surfing? while
> > > > > > > ?[t]ablet computers . . . have . . . full
> > > > > > > Web browsing.?).
> > > > > > > 28 See, e.g., Kindle 5th Generation E-Ink, supra note
> > > > > > > 13
> > > > > > > ; Kobo Aura HD, supra note
> > > > > > > 15
> > > > > > > ; Sony Reader Product
> > > > > > > Listing, supra note
> > > > > > > 17
> > > > > > > . Kindle e-readers offer a feature by which
> > > > > > > users and their pre-approved contacts
> > > > > > > can e-mail
> > > > > > > pre-existing document so that the documents can
> > > > > > > be read on the Kindle. However, this
> > > > > > > is a feature to facilitate
> > > > > > > reading of pre-existing documents in an E-Ink
> > > > > > > format; it is not marketed as or useful
> > > > > > > as a tool for real-time or near
> > > > > > > real-time text-based communication between
> > > > > > > individuals. See Kindle 5th Generation
> > > > > > > E-Ink, supra note
> > > > > > > 13
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > E-readers are not marketed based on their
> > > > > > > ability to access ACS. The webpage listings
> > > > > > > for e-readers do not mention or describe any ACS
> > > > > > > features such as e-mail, instant
> > > > > > > messaging,
> > > > > > > calling, VoIP, or interoperable video conferencing (or video at
> > > > > > > all).
> > > > > > > 28
> > > > > > > That is consistent with the
> > > > > > > fact that e-readers are marketed as devices for
> > > > > > > reading, not for general-purpose
> > > > > > > use. In fact,
> > > > > > > many view the absence of robust communication
> > > > > > > tools on e-readers as a welcome break
> > > > > > > from
> > > > > > > distraction rather than as a limitation. For
> > > > > > > instance, Paul Reynolds of Consumer
> > > > > > > Reports
> > > > > > > explains that ?I read with fewer interruptions
> > > > > > > (so more rapidly) on a reader--since
> > > > > > > I can?t as
> > > > > > > easily distract myself by checking e-mail or
> > > > > > > news headlines with a tap or two.?
> > > > > > > many view the absence of robust communication
> > > > > > > tools on e-readers as a welcome break
> > > > > > > from
> > > > > > > distraction rather than as a limitation. For
> > > > > > > instance, Paul Reynolds of Consumer
> > > > > > > Reports
> > > > > > > explains that ?I read with fewer interruptions
> > > > > > > (so more rapidly) on a reader--since
> > > > > > > I can?t as
> > > > > > > easily distract myself by checking e-mail or
> > > > > > > news headlines with a tap or two.?
> > > > > > > many view the absence of robust communication
> > > > > > > tools on e-readers as a welcome break
> > > > > > > from
> > > > > > > distraction rather than as a limitation. For
> > > > > > > instance, Paul Reynolds of Consumer
> > > > > > > Reports
> > > > > > > explains that ?I read with fewer interruptions
> > > > > > > (so more rapidly) on a reader--since
> > > > > > > I can?t as
> > > > > > > easily distract myself by checking e-mail or
> > > > > > > news headlines with a tap or two.?
> > > > > > > many view the absence of robust communication
> > > > > > > tools on e-readers as a welcome break
> > > > > > > from
> > > > > > > distraction rather than as a limitation. For
> > > > > > > instance, Paul Reynolds of Consumer
> > > > > > > Reports
> > > > > > > explains that ?I read with fewer interruptions
> > > > > > > (so more rapidly) on a reader--since
> > > > > > > I can?t as
> > > > > > > easily distract myself by checking e-mail or
> > > > > > > news headlines with a tap or two.?
> > > > > > > many view the absence of robust communication
> > > > > > > tools on e-readers as a welcome break
> > > > > > > from
> > > > > > > distraction rather than as a limitation. For
> > > > > > > instance, Paul Reynolds of Consumer
> > > > > > > Reports
> > > > > > > explains that ?I read with fewer interruptions
> > > > > > > (so more rapidly) on a reader--since
> > > > > > > I can?t as
> > > > > > > easily distract myself by checking e-mail or
> > > > > > > news headlines with a tap or two.?
> > > > > > > many view the absence of robust communication
> > > > > > > tools on e-readers as a welcome break
> > > > > > > from
> > > > > > > distraction rather than as a limitation. For
> > > > > > > instance, Paul Reynolds of Consumer
> > > > > > > Reports
> > > > > > > explains that ?I read with fewer interruptions
> > > > > > > (so more rapidly) on a reader--since
> > > > > > > I can?t as
> > > > > > > easily distract myself by checking e-mail or
> > > > > > > news headlines with a tap or two.?
> > > > > > > many view the absence of robust communication
> > > > > > > tools on e-readers as a welcome break
> > > > > > > from
> > > > > > > distraction rather than as a limitation. For
> > > > > > > instance, Paul Reynolds of Consumer
> > > > > > > Reports
> > > > > > > explains that ?I read with fewer interruptions
> > > > > > > (so more rapidly) on a reader--since
> > > > > > > I can?t as
> > > > > > > easily distract myself by checking e-mail or
> > > > > > > news headlines with a tap or two.?
> > > > > > > 29 Reynolds, supra note
> > > > > > > 5
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > 30 Falcone, supra note
> > > > > > > 9
> > > > > > > . Another reviewer states, ?I?m not interested
> > > > > > > in the tablet e-readers; I want a
> > > > > > > dedicated
> > > > > > > reading device without the distraction of
> > > > > > > Twitter or games or email. I want the contrast
> > > > > > > and readability of e Ink. I
> > > > > > > want access to the best and most varied content.
> > > > > > > I want a battery life the length
> > > > > > > of War and Peace (months). I want a
> > > > > > > device that is light in the hand . . . .? Laura
> > > > > > > Jane, This is My Next: Kindle Paperwhite,
> > > > > > > The Verge (Sept. 6, 2012),
> > > > > > > <http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/6/3298500/this-is-my-next-kindle-paperwhite>http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/6/3298500/this-is-my-next-kindle-paperwhite
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > 31 John Cook, Kobo Opens a New Chapter,
> > > > > > > Introduces ?Touch? To E-reader, Geekwire
> > > > > > > (May 23, 2011),
> > > > > > > <http://www.geekwire.com/2011/chapter-electronic-readers-kobo-introduces-touch-electronic-readers/>http://www.geekwire.com/2011/chapter-electronic-readers-kobo-introduces-touch-electronic-readers/
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > IV. THE REQUESTED WAIVER WILL ADVANCE THE PUBLIC INTEREST
> > > > > > > Rendering ACS accessible on e-readers would
> > > > > > > require fundamentally altering the devices
> > > > > > > and it may not be possible to meet that
> > > > > > > requirement and maintain e-readers as inexpensive
> > > > > > > mobile reading devices, and yet the necessary
> > > > > > > changes, if they were made, would not
> > > > > > > yield a
> > > > > > > meaningful benefit to individuals with
> > > > > > > disabilities. As described above, e-readers
> > > > > > > are not
> > > > > > > designed to provide ACS features and
> > > > > > > applications. Any consumer who uses a browser
> > > > > > > on an e-
> > > > > > > reader to access ACS would have a very
> > > > > > > low-quality experience. Rendering ACS accessible
> > > > > > > for
> > > > > > > disabled persons on e-readers would impose
> > > > > > > substantial and ongoing engineering, hardware,
> > > > > > > and
> > > > > > > licensing costs because the devices would first
> > > > > > > have to be redesigned and optimized
> > > > > > > for ACS. It
> > > > > > > would be necessary to add hardware such as
> > > > > > > speakers, more powerful processors, and
> > > > > > > faster-
> > > > > > > refreshing screens. It also would be necessary
> > > > > > > to revise the software interface in
> > > > > > > e-readers to
> > > > > > > build in infrastructure for ACS and then render
> > > > > > > that infrastructure accessible. In
> > > > > > > short, the
> > > > > > > mandate would be to convert e-readers into
> > > > > > > something they are not: a general purpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > It is not merely cost but the very nature of a
> > > > > > > specialized e-reader device that
> > > > > > > is at issue.
> > > > > > > Adding a substantial range of hardware and new
> > > > > > > software changes the fundamental nature
> > > > > > > of e-
> > > > > > > reader devices. A requirement to make these
> > > > > > > changes would alter the devices? form
> > > > > > > factor,
> > > > > > > weight, and battery life and could undercut the
> > > > > > > distinctive features, advantages,
> > > > > > > price point, and
> > > > > > > viability of e-readers. In particular, the
> > > > > > > higher power consumption necessary to
> > > > > > > support a faster
> > > > > > > refresh rate necessary for high-interaction
> > > > > > > activities such as email would put e-reader
> > > > > > > power
> > > > > > > consumption on par with that of a tablet,
> > > > > > > whereas today the lower power consumption
> > > > > > > and
> > > > > > > resulting far-longer battery life of e-readers is a key selling
> > > > > > > point.
> > > > > > > As a result of all of these changes, e-readers
> > > > > > > would be far more similar to general-purpose
> > > > > > > tablets in design, features, battery life, and
> > > > > > > cost, possibly rendering single-purpose
> > > > > > > devices
> > > > > > > redundant. Today, many Americans choose to own
> > > > > > > both a tablet and an e-reader. According
> > > > > > > to a
> > > > > > > recent Pew study, as of November 2012, 19% of
> > > > > > > Americans age 16 and older own an e-reader,
> > > > > > > 25% own a tablet, and 11% own both an e-reader and a tablet.
> > > > > > > 32
> > > > > > > Consistent with this purchasing
> > > > > > > pattern, Gizmodo warns its readers, ?don?t
> > > > > > > assume that because you have [a tablet],
> > > > > > > you don?t
> > > > > > > 32 Lee Rainie & Maeve Duggan, E-book Reading
> > > > > > > Jumps; Print Book Reading Declines,
> > > > > > > Pew Internet & American
> > > > > > > Life Project, Dec. 27, 2012,
> > > > > > > <http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/12/27/e-book-reading-jumps-print-book-reading->http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2012/12/27/e-book-reading-jumps-print-book-reading-
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > declines/
> > > > > > > .
> > > > > > > need [an e-reader].?
> > > > > > > need [an e-reader].?
> > > > > > > need [an e-reader].?
> > > > > > > need [an e-reader].?
> > > > > > > need [an e-reader].?
> > > > > > > need [an e-reader].?
> > > > > > > need [an e-reader].?
> > > > > > > 33 Barrett, supra note
> > > > > > > 5
> > > > > > > . As explained below, this quote does not apply
> > > > > > > to individuals who are blind or have
> > > > > > > low
> > > > > > > vision, for whom e-readers do not provide
> > > > > > > additional functionality that is not available
> > > > > > > from a more versatile
> > > > > > > smartphone or tablet.
> > > > > > > 34 Innovations developed for e-readers in recent
> > > > > > > years include that ?[t]he devices
> > > > > > > looked sleeker, they were easier to
> > > > > > > read, they weighed less, their pages turned
> > > > > > > faster, and they held more books. Wireless
> > > > > > > capability allowed users to
> > > > > > > download novels, magazines and newspapers
> > > > > > > wherever they were, whenever they wanted,
> > > > > > > and now the devices
> > > > > > > allow for reading in the dark.? Bensinger, supra note
> > > > > > > 8
> > > > > > > . More recently, ?[t]here have also been major improvements
> > > > > > > in e-readers, including touch-screen technology
> > > > > > > and self-lighting screens.? Id.
> > > > > > > 35 The Commission has recognized that ?if the
> > > > > > > inclusion of an accessibility feature
> > > > > > > in a product or service results in a
> > > > > > > fundamental alteration of that product or
> > > > > > > service, then it is per se not achievable
> > > > > > > to include that accessibility
> > > > > > > function.? ACS Report and Order, 26 FCC Rcd at
> > > > > > > 14610. The House Report similarly
> > > > > > > states that ?if the inclusion
> > > > > > > of a feature in a product or service results in
> > > > > > > a fundamental alteration of that
> > > > > > > service or product, it is per se not
> > > > > > > achievable to include that feature.? H.R. Rep.
> > > > > > > No. 111-563, at 24-25 (2010) (?House
> > > > > > > Report?). While the
> > > > > > > achievability and primary purpose waiver
> > > > > > > analyses differ, this demonstrates that
> > > > > > > Congress and the Commission
> > > > > > > recognize that requiring a fundamental
> > > > > > > alteration is not in the public interest or
> > > > > > > consistent with the CVAA.
> > > > > > > 36 House Report at 26; S. Rep. No. 111-386, at 8 (2010).
> > > > > > > In enacting the CVAA, Congress did not intend
> > > > > > > to mandate the effective elimination
> > > > > > > of a
> > > > > > > niche product primarily designed for non-ACS
> > > > > > > uses merely because of the presence
> > > > > > > of an
> > > > > > > ancillary browser purpose-built to support
> > > > > > > reading activities on some devices within
> > > > > > > the class.
> > > > > > > As both the Senate and House Reports explained
> > > > > > > in describing the primary purpose
> > > > > > > waiver
> > > > > > > provision embodied in Section 716(h), ?[f]or
> > > > > > > example, a device designed for a purpose
> > > > > > > unrelated
> > > > > > > to accessing advanced communications might also
> > > > > > > provide, on an incidental basis,
> > > > > > > access to such
> > > > > > > services. In this case, the Commission may find
> > > > > > > that to promote technological innovation
> > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > accessibility requirements need not apply.?
> > > > > > > 36
> > > > > > > The example of e-readers is just the ?incidental
> > > > > > > basis? ACS that Congress intended for the waiver provision to
> > > > > > > encompass.
> > > > > > > Finally, rendering e-readers accessible would
> > > > > > > not substantially benefit individuals
> > > > > > > with
> > > > > > > disabilities. Persons with disabilities,
> > > > > > > including individuals who are blind and
> > > > > > > wish to access e-
> > > > > > > books and other electronic publications, would
> > > > > > > have a poor ACS experience even on
> > > > > > > accessible
> > > > > > > e-reader devices. Because of the inherent
> > > > > > > limitations of browsers in e-readers, a
> > > > > > > fact that will not
> > > > > > > change without a wholesale redesign of
> > > > > > > e-readers, the ACS experience on such devices
> > > > > > > is
> > > > > > > suboptimal whether a user has disabilities or not.
> > > > > > > Further, individuals with disabilities have
> > > > > > > accessible options today, and these
> > > > > > > options will
> > > > > > > soon expand significantly even if the waiver is
> > > > > > > granted. For the niche purpose of
> > > > > > > reading, high-
> > > > > > > quality free alternatives to e-readers are
> > > > > > > available. The free Kindle Reading, Sony
> > > > > > > Reader, and
> > > > > > > Kobo eReading apps, which provide access to the
> > > > > > > same range of e-publications available
> > > > > > > to the
> > > > > > > owners of the respective companies? e-readers
> > > > > > > (and in some cases a greater range),
> > > > > > > are available
> > > > > > > for free on an array of mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and Macs.
> > > > > > > 37
> > > > > > > Makers of tablets, smartphones,
> > > > > > > and computers are working actively to make their
> > > > > > > general-purpose audio-enabled devices
> > > > > > > accessible, consistent with the CVAA. As
> > > > > > > required by the CVAA, ACS will be accessible
> > > > > > > on
> > > > > > > these devices, all of which have integrated
> > > > > > > audio, speakers, high computing processing
> > > > > > > power,
> > > > > > > and applications that are optimized for ACS.
> > > > > > > Moreover, the accessibility that is
> > > > > > > required by the
> > > > > > > CVAA will ensure that many of the ?layers? of
> > > > > > > these devices will support and provide
> > > > > > > accessibility features and capabilities that are
> > > > > > > of value beyond the purely ACS context.
> > > > > > > 38
> > > > > > > Put
> > > > > > > simply, individuals with disabilities have
> > > > > > > better ACS options on devices other than
> > > > > > > e-readers.
> > > > > > > 37 Falcone, supra note
> > > > > > > 9
> > > > > > > . Additionally, users can read books via the Web
> > > > > > > on all of the services but Sony
> > > > > > > Reader. Id.
> > > > > > > 38 See ACS Report and Order, 26 FCC Rcd at
> > > > > > > 14584-85 (identifying eight key ?layers?
> > > > > > > of devices and explaining
> > > > > > > that ?[f]or individuals with disabilities to use
> > > > > > > an advanced communications service,
> > > > > > > all of these components may
> > > > > > > have to support accessibility features and capabilities?).
> > > > > > > A waiver of the Commission?s rule is justified
> > > > > > > because, in contrast to other classes
> > > > > > > of
> > > > > > > equipment for which temporary waivers have been
> > > > > > > granted, e-readers are a well-established
> > > > > > > class
> > > > > > > that is not experiencing ?convergence? toward becoming a
> > > > > > > multipurpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > that is not experiencing ?convergence? toward becoming a
> > > > > > > multipurpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > that is not experiencing ?convergence? toward becoming a
> > > > > > > multipurpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > that is not experiencing ?convergence? toward becoming a
> > > > > > > multipurpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > that is not experiencing ?convergence? toward becoming a
> > > > > > > multipurpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > that is not experiencing ?convergence? toward becoming a
> > > > > > > multipurpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > that is not experiencing ?convergence? toward becoming a
> > > > > > > multipurpose
> > > > > > > device.
> > > > > > > 39 Cf. Waiver Order, 27 FCC Rcd at 12977-78,
> > > > > > > 12981, 12990-91 (describing possibility
> > > > > > > of convergence in classes of
> > > > > > > devices for which waivers were granted).
> > > > > > > 40 Moreover, it is generally expected that
> > > > > > > demand for e-readers will continue well
> > > > > > > into the future. One study by the
> > > > > > > Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute
> > > > > > > projects 23.0 million units of e-reader
> > > > > > > sales worldwide in 2016. See
> > > > > > > eMarketer, Ereader Shipments on the Rise (Nov. 8, 2012),
> > > > > > > <http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Ereader-Shipments->http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Ereader-Shipments-
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > on-Rise/1009471
> > > > > > > . A different study by IHS iSuppli projects
> > > > > > > worldwide sales of e-readers at 7.1 million
> > > > > > > units in
> > > > > > > 2016. See Barrett, supra note
> > > > > > > 5
> > > > > > > . Assessing the more pessimistic of these
> > > > > > > studies, Gizmodo concludes that e-readers
> > > > > > > are ?great, they?re cheap, and they're not going anywhere.? Id.
> > > > > > > 41 Accordingly, a waiver that extends across
> > > > > > > multiple generations is justified. See
> > > > > > > ACS Report and Order, 26 FCC
> > > > > > > Rcd at 14640.
> > > > > > > * * *
> > > > > > > For the reasons set forth above, and
> > > > > > > consistent with Section 716 of the Act and
> > > > > > > the
> > > > > > > Commission?s rules, the Coalition requests that
> > > > > > > the Commission grant the e-reader
> > > > > > > class waiver,
> > > > > > > as is consistent with the public interest.
> > > > > > > Respectfully submitted,
> > > > > > > Gerard J. Waldron
> > > > > > > Daniel H. Kahn
> > > > > > > COVINGTON & BURLING LLP
> > > > > > > 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
> > > > > > > Washington, D.C. 20004-2401
> > > > > > > (202) 662-6000
> > > > > > > Counsel for <http://Amazon.com/>Amazon.com, Inc.; Kobo Inc.;
> > > > > > > and Sony Electronics Inc.
> > > > > > > May 16, 2013
> > > > > > > Displaying 2 comments.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > <http://www.blindbargains.com/view.php?u=1260>jcast yesterday 11:53
> > > > > > > PM ET:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > To me, there seems to be no excuse for leave
> > > > > > > accessibility out of these devices. The claim
> > > > > > > that incorporating accessibility will make the
> > > > > > > e-book readers heavier and have less battery
> > > > > > > life is utterly ridiculous. There are so many
> > > > > > > examples of accessible mobile devices these days
> > > > > > > which work perfectly and for which accessibility
> > > > > > > is transparent or not even known to those not
> > > > > > > needing it. Amazon and Sony, do what you wish,
> > > > > > > but your actions will reflect equally on you.
> > > > > > > <http://www.blindbargains.com/view.php?u=1260>jcast today 2:25 PM
> > > > > > > ET:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > You must be logged in to post comments.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Share this Post
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > ----------
> > > > > > > <http://www.blindbargains.com/b/9286>http://www.blindbargains.com/b/9286
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Scott
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Sent from my iPhone
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> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> jude <jdashiel at shellworld.net>
> About to block another web browser version?  Ask yourself what Tim
> Berners-lee would do.
> 
> 
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