Web²Access

Results for Windows Live Messenger

Description

Windows Live Messenger is instant messaging software that allows you to communicate and manage documents, Photos, and contacts. It is possible to chat with groups, use mobile settings, video and play games as well as share a whiteboard.

Accessibility Testing Results

Overall, Windows Live Messenger is accessible for most assistive technology users and is relatively easy to learn. The keyboard access is good and screen reader users can access the main features. Text messaging, audio alert and layout of software can be changed to suit user preferences.

#	Test	Score	Summary
16	Built in accessibility checks		Menu and additional features respond to built in AT
17	Application works with External Assistive Technologies		Keyboard access is good and screen reader access is also easy for those main elements most often required for chat. Problems arise with some of the additional features.
18	Text or other alternatives for image elements.		When images are uploaded to share with others text can be used to describe the image in the chat area. Images need to be saved with helpful file names.
19	Keyboard / Alternative input with focus		Keyboard access is good but some actions can be completed more easily by mouse.
20	Labels for objects, fields or controls		Labels are well placed and descriptive.
21	Audio alerts have visual cues		All audio alerts can be customised by changing the options.
22	Alternatives for Video / Animation		Videos that are uploaded need to have captions and descriptions already included but text can be added to the chat. Not forgetting the number of characters per chat is 250
23	Media events offer user control		Clear standard interface design with standard controls for all media elements.
24	Textual Information for screen reader		Screen reader users can reach all textual elements.
25	Keyboard shortcut keys offered		Some instructions available and shortcut keys work well with standard keyboard shortcuts and assistive technology.
26	Save user preferences for style and zoom		The messaging text and layout of software can be changed to suit user preferences.
27	Timed events can be altered		There are no timed events other than those linked to connections. So this is not applicable to this application.
28	Change colours and contrast		It is possible to change the menu contrast levels with built in or other assistive technologies. The text area can also be changed to suit user preferences without altering the main desktop.
29	Uniform and standardised presentation		The menus are easy to use and well laid out
30	Documentation		Instructions are clear, easy to read and a good help file is available online.

Disability-Tailored Results

The following table shows how well the product performs for people with disabilities, as listed in the Disabilities section.

Percentages do not indicate how much of a site is accessible. They indicate the average figure of test results relevant to each disability. Select a disability to see which tests are relevant to it.

Activities you can do with Windows Live Messenger

• Image Sharing
• Group Discussion
• Comments and Sharing Views
• Video Sharing
• Q&A
• Extend Existing Service
• Collaborative Writing
• Real-Time Communication