Hello to all, and YES… You heard me right, We have….. ACCESSIBILITY for Komplete Kontrol! :)
So, why am I posting this now? Well, if anyone's seen two posts from me, You'll likely understand why I've been rather cutting over a situation lasting nearly 2 years, but now. I think it's time to let certain things go and welcome in some new and positive changes, etc.
A few days back, it was made official and public that a combination of new major updates were released by NI, which allow the Komplete Kontrol series hardware to finally provide blind musicians like myself with the accessibility we once had in the MK2 series under older software. Now, we've finally got it.
So, what have we witnessed?
Latest releases of Hardware Control Service, we need this regardless of being blind or not, because this provides DAW functionality support, etc.
New KKS3 series firmware upgrades 2..04 onwards which officially support the Accessibility Helper tool. This firmware also provides further enhancements and fixes and anyone owning a Komplete Kontrol S series 3 should DEFINITELY UPGRADE NOW!
Accessibility Helper toolkit… YES, I know, but for those of us who struggle to see or like me, completely blind, this tool is the lifeline behind an accessible studio.
OK, this is the first public version, we have more work to do, this is where our amazing team at NI, who in fairness, I've given them a hard time over this and I'm really sorry for that, They've produced a miracle at last. Those of us supporting the efforts including private beta testers with specialist knowledge, we try to show what could be achieved and positively encourage our amazing people here to find solutions to the problems faced. the guys and girls at NI have done this and more.
Yes, there's some challenges till to face, like fixing the bugs with the GUI of Komplete Kontrol, Kontakt 8 and Guitar Rig 7, but I reckon w're close to a fully accessible ecosystem that will change the lives of blind and visually impaired musicians worldwide for the better.
So, whether you're a mac user using logic and VoiceOver, or a Windows User using another DAW and choice of screen reader, NI's accessibility helper tool is there to make life easier and DAW mode support is there to make your workflow better.
Of course, this is still early days, there's things still to iron out, functions and features to add and talk about, but all I can say is. Thank You NI, Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and the heart of my bottom lol. Thank you for giving me the freedom and independence again.
Keep up the amazing work.
I have sent over some screen recordings through our developer portal which highlight the issues we face with screen reader support and talking about how we could solve things. Those videos are only available to NI staff and private beta members.
All the best and thank you for giving me that freedom I've missed for a couple of years. I owe you a lot, trust me, I do. and I know I've not made things easy lately, for that I'm truly sorry.
Next thing for us to do, we need to produce an NI video showcasing the new Accessibility helper, which by the way is UNIVERSAL for both Maschine and Komplete Kontrol series hardware.
Accessibility in music gives us freedom to create, regardless of boundaries. Let's make it HAPPEN!!!!
lew
