• Damo reflects on his eleven and a half years with Vision Australia and explains his new role with the Commonwealth’s Administrative Review Tribunal;
• He demonstrates his recently acquired fully accessible Air Hover X1 drone; and
• He explains the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses app change from Meta View to Meta AI.

To access Talking Tech, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is also a reminder to tune to next week’s program which will contain significant news about the Talking Tech program and podcast.

To access Talking Tech, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• A description of the fully accessible Yamaha FGDP30 electronic drumkit
• Advice of a battery draining issue with the WeWalk Smart Cane 2; and
• News of the most recent update to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

To access the program, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow, you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech.

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• The recently introduced Projects function included in ChatGPT for both the online and mobile app environments;
• The ‘dictate’ function in the AI tool of Freedom Scientific known as FS Companion;
• A prototype haptic device for following live sport, known as One Court which was on show at the recent CSUN Assistive Technology conference;
• Damo’s account of his back up power system, to contend with the impact of Cyclone Alfred.

To access the program, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Information about the Vision Australia Alexa Smart Home Program with inquiries welcome at voiceassist@visionaustralia.org;
• News of the latest updates to the BT Speak from Blazie Technology with further information at https://blazietech.com;
• News of the Orbit Speak from Orbit Research with further information at https://orbitresearch.com
• News of the latest software updates from Apple.

To access the program, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Then from his CSUN discoveries, Damo’s account of:

• two new distance camera low vision aids, the  Magnibot from Trisight and the Snowpad from Zoomax;
• A new braille display technology being developed by New Haptics;
• An AI mobility aid from Make Sense;

Finally, we hear of Innosearch AI assisted shopping.

To access the program, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this program he covers:

• The Glide mobility device from Glidance;
• The Echo Vision smart glasses from Agiga; and
• The Tactonom Reader Flex interactive tactile graphics reader from Tactocom.

To access the program, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Steve’s 18 year history with Vision Australia;
• His current role;
• The various activities of Access Technology team members;
• Vision Australia’s involvement in the Federal Government Job access disability employment program (Https://www.jobaccess.gov.au ).

To access the program, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To access the program, presented each week by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• News of the imminent roll out of Amazon Alexa Plus;
• Information about a blindness and low vision oriented Linux Resource at http://blindlinux.com. (Note no ‘s’ before the ‘:’).
• Damo is off to the assistive technology conference at CSUN in California and talks about his preparation for the adventure.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow, you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• News of Apples’s latest phone, the iPhone 16e;
• An update to info about the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, including news that it will soon be available from the Vision Store, shop.visionaustralia.org;
• Damo’s recent venture in to the world of Network Radio.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• News of the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 with more information available at wewalk.io;
• A little about Damo’s YouTube channel, including how he produces content with explanation of overcoming the challenges involved for a person who is blind. Damo’s channel can be found at youtube.com/@theblindtestdrive;
• News of the Be My Eyes app, including the availability of a ‘read aloud’ feature.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Further news in the wake of the announcement of DeepSeek, the Chinese based AI tool;
• News of the Access On podcast of the American National Federation of the Blind feature on Blazie Technologies, blazietech.com;
• An explanation of the recently revamped Seeing Eye app from Microsoft;
• An explanation of the Invites app from Apple;
• A reminder of the Access Technology Help Desk service from Vision Australia.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Some highlights from last week’s updates to Apple software products;
• A recent experience with Notebook LM, a Google AI tool;
• Some points to keep in mind about DeepSeek, the new AI tool from China;
• An update to Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini, which may be of interest to those who use hearing aids.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Vision Australia’s Alexa Smart Home program enabling participants to gain skills with Amazon Alexa devices. Furtherr information can be found by emailing voiceassist@visionaustralia.org;
• Updates to the BT Speak from Blazie Technologies at blazietech.com and an associated podcast from Robert Carter (the Tech Doctor) athttps://www.dr-carter.com/?p=579;
• Updates to the Stella Trek GPS aid from Humanware with more info at humanware.com;
• Further updates to the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

breakthroughs with Smart Glasses with focus on the Meta and ARX Vision products;

Release of the pockets sized BTSpeak from Blazie Technologies and Orbit Speak from Orbit Research;

The release of the Dot Pad and Monarch multi line tactile braille displays;

The expansion of AI  in particular Apple Intelligence and the FSCompanion and Ask MS Accessibility blind and low vision Windows accessibility help tools.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Damo explain availability of Vision Australia Assistive Technology and Quantum RLV services over the holiday season;
• We complete the round up of Apple software released in mid December;
• Damo explains some of the technology he uses when relaxing and holidaying;
• With technology scammers particularly active at this time of the year, There are tips to help you avoids trouble from them.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• With Apple software updates released last week, Damo explains highlights of the enhancements for iPhone and iPad IOS 18.2;
• With video description now possible through multiple apps, Damo describes a comparison he made with the performance of Seeing AI and Piccybot;
• We have news of significant  upgrades to the capabilities of the Humanware Mantis Q40 and Brailliant braille displays, with more details at humanware.com.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week:

• We have a reminder of the Vision Store at Vision Australia as a resource for your Christmas shopping at shop.visionaustralia.org;
• News of this week’s release of upgraded Apple software;
• There is news of accessible, programmable cooking devices with the Meater range of products;
• Damo explains his current use of apps and devices for assisting with GPS and associated mobility activity.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Damo has tips on purchasing a new Windows PC;
• There is info about the Humanware Mantis Q40 Braille Display upgrade to incorporate text to speech output;
• RIM the accessible Remote Incident Manager from Pneuma Solutions introduces  AI help tools.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruby explains the Tonie accessible toy; the Tape King talking tape measure and spirit level; and the Colorino color identifier and light sensor.

The Vision Store can be found at https://shop.visionaustralia.org.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• AT support available through the Vision Australia Help desk which can be reached in Australia by phone on 1300 847 466 and by email via atchelp@visionaustralia.org;
• Inclusion of BE My Eyes as an option on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses
• News of the Blind Shell Classic 3 phone, likely to arrive in Australia early in 2025.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• The November 2024 update to the BT Speak from Blazie Technologies with more information at https://www.blazietech.com/software-updates;
• Damo’s experience of AIRA with the Meta smart glasses;
• the training webinars from Vispero available online via https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/archivedwebinars

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• The 2025 upgrades to Jaws, Fusion and ZoomText from Freedom Scientific, released last week and with more info from https://freedomscientific.com;
• An update to the NVDA screen reader from NV Access with more info from http://nvaccess.org;
• The latest suite of Apple software updates;
• An explanation of Applevis, the community resource from Be My Eyes, with a wide range of Apple accessibility content which can be found at https://applevis.com.

To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• The BT Speak Braille input pocket computer from Blazie Technologies with more information at https://blazietech.com;
• The new Orcam Read Lite “point click and listen” reading device available from Quantum RLV via https://quantumrlv.com.au or Vision Australia via https://shop.visionaustralia.org;
• The Victor Reader Stream 3 from Humanware with firmware update containing further information at https://humanware.com;
• The release by Apple this week of software updates to many of its popular products;
• A look ahead to the release from Vispero later this week of is 2025 upgrades to Jaws, ZoomText and Fusion with more information and downloads from Https://freedomscientific.com.

For the podcast presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• The revolutionary Australian Sensaball white cane tip with more information at https://sensaball.com.au;
• News of the Glide mobility aid under development from Glidance at https://glidance.io;
• News of the Biped Noa mobility vest with further info via https://biped.ai;
• Damo’s thoughts on orientation and mobility features in iOS 18.

Also, we hear of the Dolphin Supernova screen access software upgrade with further info from Vision Australia’s Vision Store at Https://shop.visionaustralia.org or from Dolphin at https://yourdolphin.com.

For the podcast presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• News from Selvas BLV of the Braille Sense 6 firmware upgrade;
• Damo’s experience of the Notebook LM AI tool;
• News of the major upgrade of Windows 11 to 24H2 with further details at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
• A battery preservation tip for IOS users of the iPhone 15 Pro or higher.

For the podcast you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An experience of using Chat GPT to access a PDF user manual;

• Discussion and comparison of the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses and the ARX vision wearables;
• News of David Woodbridge joining Humanware Australia;
• News of the Australian launch of the Monarch Tactile Braille display.

For the podcast you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Explanation of the Meta Rayban smart glasses and the partnership with Be My Eyes;
• News of a major upgrade to the Humanware Prodigi low vision product;
• News of a major upgrade to he Hartgen Consultancy Jaws related Leasy product with more detail from https://www.hartgen.org;
• A more detailed look ahead to the annual upgrades to FS products JAWS, Fusion and ZoomText with more detail via freedomscientific.com;
• Acknowledgement of the final edition of the Living Blindfully podcast from Jonathan Mosen.

For the podcast you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech

To write to the show use damo.mcmorrow@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Some new accessibility features in iOS 18;
• A look ahead to the annual upgrades to FS products JAWS, Fusion and ZoomText;
• The upcoming launch on October 10 by Quantum RLV of the Monarch braille and tactile device, at a webinar with registration via Webinar Registration - Zoom.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/toniebox-starter-set-light-blue.html

New Siri verses old Siri

https://9to5mac.com/2024/08/17/new-siri-vs-old-siri/

2 Part sounds of Apple Podcast series on Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast

https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/2024/08/15/two-part-sound-of-apple-podcast-series/

Google Event 2024

https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/15/google-i-o-2024-everything-announced-so-far/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANtxj7thje7qTsBzeKbjo0R0gsmal4nTiGLdOb8gn2HU7DkAudtpTQR1BlELncmqYcddIbBz-jgkwBKdcZQ7V_KK1TxW1qvoa5cOPu1qLMLIHuBsvUsnDJa9tRP9Dx52-9DsDV7Ibaw5UZxZkkVyaLfFhf2zZr2mRf_z8899doAG

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Purple Phone Silver Fox

Large print phone for low vision, seniors or people with cognitive challengers.

In the box:

Phone, stylus, charger/charging chord, phone case, welcome booklet, Nokia booklets,   

Physical Buttons;

Emergency SOS, volume, and power.

Connectivity:

Head phone jack, USBC, and 3.5mm head phone jack.

Also Bluetooth and Wifi can be setup.

Features:

6.5 inch screen.

Trouble with touch screens, easily tap or swipe.

Talks as you touch the phone (optional).

High contrast keypad.

No spam or unwanted calls or texts (optional).

All settings hidden so users don’t get lost in phone settings. Volume is still available.

Every screen is designed for people with cognitive challengers.

Customisable, toggle on or off buttons.

Full screen notifications, picture based navigation, and contacts.

Emergency SOS call button, and the owners location is sent to their family.

Phone, messages, , one click video calls, SoS, camera/photos, torch, radio, Web browser.

Carer portal so carers can manage the phone remotely.

Live help with an Australian  customer care member at the touch of a button.

Battery:

5500 may battery.

5V charging.

Up to 3 days battery life.

Based on Nokia hardware, Android, and the  Big Purple phone launcher.

Nano SIMM.

5GB monthly data plan recommended.

Orcam in the News

Senior management at both Quantum RLV and Vision Australia/Vision Store are aware of the situation concerning Orcam, and will update us in the near future.

List of My followed mainstream and Technology podcasts

Round about 20 podcast from my apple podcasts app.

Two blokes talking techv

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/two-blokes-talking-tech/id422268706

Blind abilities

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/blind-abilities/id972152176

Braillecast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/braillecast/id1259853662

Daily tech news

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/daily-tech-news-show/id790864884

Double tap

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/double-tap/id1309267346

Download this show

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/download-this-show/id499804600

Freedom Scientific FSCast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/freedom-scientific-fscast/id292355470

Freedom Scientific training podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/

freedom-scientific-training-podcast/id1521340640

IACast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/iacast/id1070053713

ISee various tech from a blind persons perspective

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/isee-using-various-technologies-from-a-blind/id423121261

Intouch

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/in-touch/id261292201

IOS today

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ios-today-audio/id381972795

Last week in AI

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/last-week-in-ai/id1502782720

Living blindfully

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/living-blindfully/id973360653

Macbreak weekly

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/macbreak-weekly-audio/id179237749

Unmute presents

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/unmute-presents/id1646722812

Sight and sound tech podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/sight-and-sound-technology-podcast/id1437977653

RNIB techtalk

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rnib-tech-talk/id1151874507

Talking Tech

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tech-vision-australia-radio/id919830401

Techtalk

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/tek-talk/id1500954706

The AI daily brief

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-ai-daily-brief-formerly-the-ai-breakdown/id1680633614

The tech doctor blog and podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-tech-doctor-blog-and-podcast/id370507954

The Virgcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-vergecast/id430333725

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Synaptic:

Synapptic is an all in one software or app package for people who are blind or vision impaired, , that works on android smartphones and tablets.

Synaptic overview:

Find your way around with clear and bright icons.

All screens have the same look and feel.

In other words, once you have learnt one screen, you will know everything you need to know to use all other screens.

Never get lost and always find your way back to the main menu with the Red Cross at the top left corner of the screen.

Customise the main menu to display as a grid on one screen to make finding things easier, rather than several menu screens.

Touch and release touch screen control means you can move your finger up and down each menu option and it will be read out until you stop on the option you want to use.

Control Synaptic with your voice and use voice dictation if you like instead of the on screen keyboard.

Plus, you can also use a Bluetooth keyboard for navigation and typing as well.

Change the magnification level,  colour scheme, screen brightness, speech and sound settings,  and of course the menus.

help is available at the top right hand corner  of each Synapptic screen.

Make and receive phone calls and text messages (only on devices with a SIMM card).

Send, receive, and read  emails.

Use the web browser to search and read what is on the internet.

Listen to thousands of internet radio stations.

Play music, books, and other MP3 recordings from device,  memory cards or USB sticks.

Watch and enjoy what is on YouTube.

Catch up with the news and other stories efficiently.

Turn the camera in to a reading machine, hand held digital magnifier, colour detecter, access QR/Bar codes, and take and share photos.

Find out your current location, and what may be of interest near you.

Other features:

 address book.

calendar,  Reminders, and alarms.

Calculator.

Compass and spirit level.

Make and share text or voice notes.

Use the stop watch,  and timer.

Install and Run other apps such as Spotify, Zoom etc.

If all of these features interest you, a download trial is available. See the shop page for this link. You can then purchase a license to register the Synaptic software.  

For more information, please contact the Vision Store on phone 1 3 0 0, 8 4 7 , 4 6 6 or email visionstore@visionaustralia.org.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/everyday-technology/synapptic-software-for-android.html

ApleVIS Closing Down

After 14 years of volunteer operation, as of August 31 2024 Applevis will be closing down.

Great content, and it will be missed.

Site is in read only mode for now, so no new content will be available.

Speaking of Getting Help and Useful Resources

Don’t forget about the help sites from Apple, Android, and Windows, plus our fantastic at Help Desk which you can reach via the main Vision Australia number or email

athelp@visionaustralia.org

Tips on Stephen on How to listen to the 2024 Ylympics

Some great tips, as I have been finding it bit confusing myself on where to catch up on what is happening with the games.

Any Head Phone suggestions

Folks who follow me on social media will know I’m on a bit of a quest to find out suitable head phones to use when out and about, as my bone conduction Shokz just don’t work in noisy environments.

Feel free to email me your head phone suggestions that you use to my work email:

David.woodbridge@visionaustralia.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We had a campaign a while ago now which was called “when glasses no longer help”, a now a new campaign called Tech for Your eyes”.

Check it out at the Vision Store website:

Https://shop.visionaustralia.org

Biped/Noa.

A wearable over the shoulders device  (like wearing a vest) that does Navigation Obstacle (detection), and AI, hence its name NOA.

I’ve not seen something like this that I had hands on for a day last week which has impressed me so much.

Https://biped.ai

iPate a Conversational AI to scam the scammers from Macquarie Uni

As far as I can tell, a bit of a test of Ai Bots to scam the scammers.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jul/07/ai-chatbots-phone-scams

Are Visual Models Actually Blind

Actually yes they are to some extent.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/11/are-visual-ai-models-actually-blind/

How to use your Smart Phone One Handed

Great tip for Android and iPhone users when using large screen phones ththese days to enable you to pull down the icons from the top of the screen so you can reach them with one hand,.

https://www.theverge.com/24201413/iphone-android-ios-samsung-one-hand-how-to

Of course, we also talked about Crowd Strike, we’ve probably heard way to much smile.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/campaigns/mountbatten-brailler-tutor.html

Vision Pro released last week in Australia: spacial computing, access with low vision or sight.

https://www.apple.com/au/apple-vision-pro/

Samsung Unpack event last week: Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, Galaxy watch Ultra, Galaxy buds 3, and Samsung Galaxy Ring (available end of July, Ring next 

year in Australia).

https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-galaxy-unpacked-july-2024-galaxy-ai-is-here-invitation-livestream-replay/

Sent from my iPhone

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excellent wearable head torch with spotlight and flood light functions, SOS mode, and gesture on/off response.

Note - whoops from me, I got to excited and called it a head lamp rather than HeadBeam.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/headbeam-plus.html

Further Education Bursary Awards 2025

Open to Certificate IV and above, check Bursary website for details.

https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/funding/other-funding/further-education-bursary

BT Speak Pro July Update 

New Update to the BT Speak brings Games, a Phone book, and new voices.

Blazie Tech prefers that orders go through them.

https://www.blazietech.com

Orbit Research has Released Orbit  Speak.

Both a basic and plus version of the note taker with the Plus having entertainment options.

Orders are from suppliers overseas when it becomes available on 22nd July 2024.

https://www.orbitresearch.com/product/orbit-speak-plus-speech-based-braille-notetaker-and-entertainment-center/

ARX Vision

Seems to be more interest in the ARX AI Head Set picking up with V1.5 hardware  now it will soon work with iOS on iPhone 15 and above.

Note currently available on Android with ARX/Seeing AI, and Navilense. Also ARX app on the Blind Shell Classic 2.

Eleven Labs Reader

11 labs Reader app on iOS amazing human sounding voices.

Android version coming soon.

iOS

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/elevenlabs-reader-ai-audio/id6479373050

ABC Listen App for iOS/Android

ABC Listen recent update has a few issues but you can send feedback to the ABC via the app.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the main ways I can tell if a product I use is amazingly amazing, is if I keep using it over a number of years.

The Arkon Smart phone Desktop Stand is one of these. I can put my smart phone at a range of heights, and positions depending on whether I am on a video call, demonstrating a product online, videoing a product demo or using the smart phone camera to do various things like OCR, this stand delivers what I need.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shop-by-eye-condition/diabetic-retinopathy/arkon-table-stand-for-phones.html

Smart AI Apps for use with Smart Phone Camera

Both for Android and iOS

Be-My-Eyes AI Assistant,

Envision AI,

Seeing AI

Camera for iOS gives scene info.

Oddly, the Camera app on Android doesn’t have scene info.

Android

Look Out.

Blind Shell Classic 2

Envision AI.

Look Out.

IOS

iOS 18 VoiceOver Live Recognition: door detection, people, point and speak, text, 

Obstacle Detecter app for checking distance of objects.

Summing Up

Challenge in using all of these solutions for smart phone, is using the device hands free, and still being able to control the apps.

Possible solutions: chest harness to hold phone in portrait mode, head set with mic for iOS voice control/listen to app, and a small keyboard that could be used with one hand: i.e. RIVO keyboard.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ARX Vision.

Requires USBC cable connection to Smart phone or BSC2.

Basic operation requires the ARX app.

Works as a camera on Android as well with the Seeing AI or Navilens app.

iPhone compatibility coming soon (no mention of iOS Seeing AI or Navilens functionality).

Will be available in Australia in a few months.

Main features:

scan documents.

facial recognition,

Detects objects,

Describes scenes.

Seeing AI functions:

short text,

document scanning,

bar code,

face detection,

Scene detection,

Colour detection,

Light detection,

Hand writing.

Navilens functions:

Easy tag (QR) identification especially from a distance.

Envision AI Smart Glasses

Instant Text,

Scan text,

call Aira,

call Ally,

cash identification,,

light detection,

Colour detection,

scene detection,

detect people,

recognise faces,

detect objects,

Ask Envision AI.

Orcam MyEye 3

instant Text,

scan text,

smart reading,

read  hand writing,

barr code identification,

cash identification,,

colour detection,

recognise    faces.

detect objects,

browser based smart magnifier.

AI.

Note

The Meta Ray-Ban aren’t fully supported in Australia at the moment, and Vision Pro which is due on July 12 at the moment is only digital magnification and speech etc: i.e. AR/VR only.

Product Minute from the Vision Store: Cut Resistant Mesh Gloves.

As the name imply’s, protect your hands/fingers from getting cut with using knives when cooking or (like me) protect your hands when gardening (especially sharp pruning clippers smile).

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/cut-resistant-mesh-glove-medium.html

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This handheld device can read printed or digital text aloud and can act as a stationary reader when used with its stand. Connect it to a smart tablet or computer and use the AI assistance to ask questions about the text it reads or even have it summarised for you

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/orcam-read-3-with-stand.html

WWDC 2024 Beta 1 notes

Apple ID now changed to Apple Account across all OS.

Passwords app on iOS and Mac OS.

Music Recognition app on Mac, iOS, and Apple Watch.

Mac OS 10.15

New Tips app.

Under the Hearing menu from the Extras menu, each Background Sound correctly identified by VoiceOver.

New VoiceOver Tutorial.

New VoiceOver Utility Commanders screen.

Create voice shortcuts in accessibility to launch actions.

iOS 18

Power button for turning off now in the control centre.

Reorganised Settings with all the Apps now under their own Apps folder.

Haptic sound to identify that VoiceOver  is starting up..

Language options in voiceover rotor now changes to voice.

Live detection in VoiceOver rotor.

BSI now with command mode for navigation with new command to invoke.

In accessibility, new voice to vibration option for music playing.

Create voice shortcuts in accessibility to launch actions.

Watch OS

New Vitals app.

Pause Rings.

TV

Increase dialogue volume.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more info on the beta info for Vision Pro 2,  iOS 18, iPad os 18, watch os 11, TV os 18, and Mac OS 15, check out the US Apple website at:

https://www.apple.com 

Remember that these are developer betas only, public betas will be next month, and a lot of the features talked about may not appear until the end of the year.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/onsale

Blind Shell Classic 2 Ok for When Telstra Drops 3G network on August 31 2024

All is safe, your Blind Shell Classic 2 will continue to work.

Be-My-Eyes Now Available for Windows

This excellent app famous on the iPhone and Android phones, is now available on Windows.

What is in David’s Computer Bag

Haven’t done one of these for a while, so here is a look in to my computer bag.

Victor Reader Stream 3.

Stella Trek.

Brailliant BI40X.

Bt Speak Pro.

Z Flip 3.

iPhone 14 Pro.

Logitech keyboard.

RIVO keyboard.

Belkin Mini Stage Tablet stand.

MacBook Pro M2.

iPad Pro 10 inch M2.

Surface Pro with Smart Keyboard.

JBL head set.

JBL Extreme 3 portable speaker.

Shokz bone conduction head phones.

Zoom Essential H4.

XLR microphone.

Versa Slate.

Accessible 10000 and 20000 Power Bank.

AirTag.

Cables, audio adapters, SD cards, and USBC/USBA convertible sticks.

Korean Telescopic cane.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than a watch, a classic Time piece.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/campaigns/eone-bradley-mesh-silver-watch-40mm.html

The Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre is offering two PhD Scholarships. Candidates who identify as having a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

You can learn about the MATS Centre at:

https://www.monash.edu/mats/about

Emerging assistive technologies have the potential to break down many of the barriers that people with disabilities face at school, university, work and in the social sphere. Our work at the MATS Centre is guided by partnerships with the community to ensure we’re addressing real problems faced by real people and creating a lasting impact. Join us as a PhD Candidate and help to create a world that is more inclusive and equitable.

The successful candidate will explore an area of research focus within MATS and the Faculty of Information Technology. The precise details of the PhD project are open to negotiation, but it should be designed with the aim of making a positive difference to the life experience of people with disabilities.

The successful candidates will be based in the Faculty of Information Technology of Monash University at the Caulfield or Clayton campuses in Melbourne.

For more details, please go to:

https://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/665632/phd-scholarship-in-assistive-technology-and-disability

 Closing Date 

Wednesday, 3 July 2024

Microsoft CoPilot Plus PC’s event

Yep, all about AI, and the new hardware to run it on.

https://www.techmeme.com/240521/p17#a240521p17

How to Keep an Old Computer Running

If you just want to use your old computer for mail, web, and perhaps even a media server, then don’t get rid of it.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-keep-an-old-computer-running/

Where Are Floppy Disks Today, Yes They Are Still Around

I still remember my first 5.25, then 3.5 floppy disk. But as this articles says, they are still around even today running specific equipment.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/where-are-floppy-disks-today-planes-trains-and-all-these-other-places/#ftag=RSSbaffb68

Here is How Many Years Users are Keeping Their iPads

3 years or more seems to be the  trend these days, certainly longer than holding on to a smart phone.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/15/heres-how-many-years-users-keep-ipads/

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toby Walsh is Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of New South Wales, research group leader at Data61, adjunct professor at QUT, external Professor of the Department of Information Science at Uppsala University, an honorary fellow of the School of Informatics at Edinburgh University and an Associate Member of the Australian Human Rights Institute at UNSW.

Need more from Professor Toby Walsh? 

Listen to our recent Vision Australia Library presentation as part of the Melbourne Writers Festival, In conversation with Toby Walsh as he examines the possibilities and perils of emerging AI technologies, from ChatGPT to facial recognition and self-driving cars, with Elizabeth McCarthy.

https://omny.fm/shows/interview-highlights/melbourne-writers-festival-special-in-conversati-1

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OPen AI 4o Online Presentation

https://www.engadget.com/openai-claims-that-its-free-gpt-4o-model-can-talk-laugh-sing-and-see-like-a-human-184249780.html?src=rss&guccounter=1

The Chat GPT Mac Desktop app (for Chat GPT Plus Subscribers)

https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-chatgpt-desktop-app-is-more-helpful-than-i-expected-heres-why-and-how-to-try-it/#ftag=RSSbaffb68

Google IO 2024 Online Presentation

https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/15/google-i-o-2024-everything-announced-so-far/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAE5qqQ7xkej-h_vSKTZoD_QKhcqHArIMCBw4b2co7EsSJySpTBre-UgA9luH5Vjo6cxBRv_SsR91xtlo3By4aAY5a1nsWYGqnf_xejjwjRH1YsWP6QskwilwhUliJDK-nUedetwY35J6i3AyNAY21rSfyCzxlPl3Z2j4FO5iRm-b

Apple Announces New Accessibility Features for iPhone and iPad (iOS 18 coming up this year)

https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/15/apple-accessibility-features-2024/

Glide Now Available for Pre-Order for Late 2025

https://glidance.io

WeWalk 2.0 Now Available to Order (but not yet from Australia)

https://wewalk.io/en/v2-brochure/

International Council on English Braille 8Th General Assembly May 25 to May 30 2024 in NewZealand

https://iceb.org

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy to say the Mountbatten Tutor is available from both Vision Australia and Quantum RLV.

Great for pre-Braille training in to primary.

Could be used by adults as well, but not primary focus.

Braille, emboss, type in via QWERTY keyboard, see what is happening on the inbuilt screen, and link it up to a smart phone or tablet.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/campaigns/mountbatten-brailler-tutor.html

Apple Event 7 May 2024

https://events-delivery.apple.com/2403kaqfcpzjjnpkkkkmbtyqacnyrknu/m3u8/vod_index-FWvkXNNmsRMrZDXBaxokUYtHsLjfLzXu.m3u8

iPad Air, and iPad Pro 11 and 13 inch versions.

Magic Keyboard.

Apple Pencil Pro.

David and the Tech Doctors Chat About the May 7 2024 Apple Event

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-tech-doctor-blog-and-podcast/id370507954?i=1000654934950

Sonos App no longer Accessible for Users who are Blind

Always reassuring when main stream media picks up concerns to the disability community, in this case, the Sonos app is not accessible for screen reader users on either iOS or Android.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/09/new-sonos-app-breaks-accessibility-for-visually-impaired/

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) May 16 2024

I always like to remind folks that GAAD really goes a long way beyond web and app accessibility. Think of the “things” in your everyday life that is “digital” and then ask yourself could this be accessed by “everyone”.

https://accessibility.day

Telstra to Extend the 3G Shut Down Until August 31 2024

This is for Telstra customers, so may be different for your provider. However, a great time to recheck not only your SIMM card/hand set compatibility with 4G/5G, but also other devices like CPAP devices that also use SIMM cards.

https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/our-3g-closure-in-2024--your-questions-answered 

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen catch’s up with Sam Taylor (ATC) from the Va Brisbane office on a general discussion about assistive and main stream tech.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notes from 26th December 2023:

What is Computer Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In simple terms, it is making computers think like Humans.

Eg recognising speech, making decision, and recognising patterns etc.

General examples of Computer AI

Advanced Web Search Engines.

Recommendation systems.

Virtual assistance.

Speech recognition.

Automatic translation.

Automatic audio translation.

Automated speech synthesis.

Smart home.

Predictive maintenance.

Natural language processing.

Super play.

Content creation.

Image recognition.

Automated image generation.

Automated music composition.

Automated text summary.

Face detection.

Spell checking.

Word suggestions.

Weather prediction.

Cyber Security.

Medical diagnosis..

Health and well being.

Automated customer service.

Trains.

Shipping.

Aviation.

Automatic Driving Assistance.

Self driving cars.

Autonomous Drones.

Robotics.

Examples Of Computer AI for Blind or Low Vision

Object recognition.

Distance from objecgts.

Indoor navigation.

Scene description.

Currency detection.

Colour detection.

Light detection.

People detection.

Hand writing recognition.

Optical Character recognition (OCR).

Word prediction..

Bar or QR code detection.

Voice control.

Examples of Handy AI Apps for Blind or Low Vision Folks

Assistive Tech

Seeing AI (various channels/Options).

Be-My-Eyes (Virtual Assistant feature).

Envision.

Magnifier on iOS (door, People, text, and obstacle detection).

Chat GPT.

Bing/Copilot.

Bard.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Straightforward and easy to use with the Windows Kiosk application to access books and download to the plugged in player. Then unplug, and enjoy your audio book.

Remember, the Vision Australia Library is open to anyone with a print disability, and the Vision Store is available to anyone interested in vision related products such as  the Envoy Connect.

Contact the Vision Australia library or Vision Store via the main 1300 847 466 number.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/envoy-connect-audio-player-for-va-library.html

Honda Audio Scene Detection App for Travelling in the car

The beta of this app sounds quite amazing for blind or low vision car travellers who want to know what is happening around the vehicle when traveling. Computer Vision, AI, GPS, weather etc all rolled in to one experience.

Currently in beta.

https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/new-ai-based-honda-scenic-audio-app-will-help-make-the-joy-of-the-journey-accessible-to-the-blind-and-visually-impaired

Vision Australia and Acoustic Vehicle Audio System (AVAS) for Electric Vehicles

Fantastic to see Vision Australia’s extensive hard work over the last 5 years paying off getting the AVAS in to legislation for electric vehicles travelling under 25KPH for blind and low vision Australians.

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-04-19/vision-australia-commends-federal-governments-move-mandate-acoustic

aple Accessibility Update 2024 Online Event - Make it Yours, register for either May 1, 2, 8 or 9 for a one hour Session

Multiple dates/times, and various accessibility options such as CC or AD.

Always great to get an update or refresher on accessibility.

I think Apple is getting in early  or GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) later on in May.

https://events.apple.com/content/events/anz/au/en/default.html?token=xww6uj7woR0X9A3c8a4GQkNVdHioJeacopALBwoa3Nf9qRbkVl1f2R7bxjPU29UduZhb5czMzvZ9JEnGCAWlUFwYp_VRfv60aevvydumHi_QB-xfBuh_fjKoLcaRgBQ960JADmFvS09e1L-9pugzkuFIT6bQ&a=1&Locale=en_AU&l=e

WeWALK Zoom Webinar on the New WeWalk, 2, US April 25 6PM GMT.

Looking forward myself to finding out about the new features in this sonar smart cane with associated smart phone app.

Link is to register.

As far as we can tell, this is on very early Aussie time on the 26th of April at 3AM.

Here is hoping that they will post the webinar afterwards for folks to enjoy.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNQH9uwcb6kp8K1m7aoBubxvncqozcPZ5T31JIlV4uy17zg/viewform

Leather case now available for pre-order for the BT speak.

Great to see this pre-order happening to keep your BT Speak protected with an excellent case from Turtle Back..

https://turtlebacklv.com/products/blazie-bt-speak-fitted-leather-case-with-protective-key-cover-and-strap-by-turtleback

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the name suggests, it is a holder that you slide your Mini Guide in to which is attached to your cane.

I only purchased mine this week and it is one of those items which I should have purchased when it first came out, it is so handy smile.

Several links below

Two links firstly to the Va Store shop page for the Mini guide Holder, and then the link to the actual Mini guide itself on the shop site.

Mini Guide Holder

Mini Guide (itself)

After I posted the Mini Guide Holder podcast on my iSee feed, 

Podcast demo of the Mini Guide Holder

I received lots of queries about the Mini Guide itself, hence the linked demo next.

Podcast demo of the Mini Guide itself 

Microsoft testing Ads in Windows 11 Insider Build within the Start Menu

Windows is starting to sound like a Smart TV screen.

SD Cards to Hit 4TB by 2025

This sounds great for moving large files around from device to device if you need to. However, I just hope folks don’t use them as permanent storage solutions.

Apple Argues About Why it is Still Ok to sell MacBooks with 8GB RAM

I used to think this was ok, but with AI in particular wanting more computing resources, I’m wondering if this is still the case.

Apple Intends to Overhaul Entire Mac Line Up with M4 AI Chips

I think the M3 only came out 5 months ago, and at the end of this year it seems the M4 will be out.

It is going to be very interesting to see what happens at WWDC in June with AI for iOS and Mac OS.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Minute: Shokz Open Move Bone Conduction Head Phones

Two reasons why I always go back to these head phones.

Firstly of course, they are bone conduction head phones leaving my ears free to listen to what is around me.

Secondly, they use a standard USBC port which means for my ever growing collection of USBC devices plus their cables, they still fit wright in.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shokz-openmove-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-grey.html

Update from Blazie Technologies

Due to overwhelming interest in the BT Speak Pro, Blazie Technologies has decided to discontinue the Bt Speak basic.

For the moment, the company is only selling from their Own website.

https://www.blazietech.com

Another Update, Touch Pad Pro Foundation Getting Closer (sort of) to Launching the Braille Doodle 

—

Copy of Email April 5 2024

Dear BrailleDoodle Family,

We've found it incredibly challenging! We're at the point where we just can't wait any longer!

We've been hesitant to post an update without any significant progress to report. However, we're thrilled to share that recent advancements in manufacturing have been truly remarkable.

Throughout this process, we've strived to maintain transparency, and in that vain, these past few months have been frustrating and, at times, even scary. It's hard to overstate the precision required for every aspect of the BrailleDoodle to function flawlessly. With over 1600 metal beads and holes in the BrailleDoodle, even a single malfunction is simply unacceptable.

After numerous adjustments, we're finally producing fully functional BrailleDoodle samples, one after another. Below, you'll find an audio-described video showcasing the BrailleDoodle being put through its paces.

We're confident that BrailleDoodles will soon be in the hands of people within the next couple of months. We understand that many of you are disappointed by the delays, but when you finally have this product in your hands, you'll realize it was worth the wait! The BrailleDoodle is poised to be nothing short of incredible!

Despite the chaos of this journey, we're immensely grateful that you've chosen to be part of the BrailleDoodle family. As we've emphasized many times before, you're not just customers; you're the ones breathing life into the BrailleDoodle!

Warm regards,

The TouchPad Pro Team 

—

The new Owners of Voice Dream Reader (Applause) Backs down from Subscription   Model for Everyone 

Good to see what overwhelming feedback can do.

https://applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/applause-have-backed-down-purchased-voicedream-features-will-stay

Review of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Interesting, these glasses are getting closer and closer to what Envision are Orcam are doing, but only for $550 or so Australian.

https://applevis.com/podcasts/review-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses

My Chat on Studio One Fromm VA Radio Re AI and how it Would Assist Blind or Low Vision Folks

50 minute or so tech chat about AI.

https://omny.fm/shows/studio1/a-i

Trying Out my Zoom H4 Essential with the BTA1 Connection to my iPhone Via the H4 Essential Control App

As the file list on the H4 is still inaccessible via the internal guide voice, this app gives you full access to the file list and other functions of the H4 including being able to remote control it via the app say in the case of using it for lectures.

Note - there is also an app for the H6 Essential, but not for the H1.

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/h4essential-control/id646717678

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excellent bed side or wall mounted large print clock.

One thing that my wife holds on to, is our clock on the wall at home so she can just glance at the time when she needs to.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/10-inch-digital-clock-with-30-alarm-reminders.html

Another Update from CSUN Conference 2024, Sony

A lot more than just the PS5.

Google IO for May 14 2024

AI, and new hardware.

https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-io-2024

Apple WWDC for June 10 2024

AI and new hardware.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/26/24111331/apple-wwdc-2024-event-date-ai-artificial-intelligence-m4-ios-18

Wearables and Ethics

End the program today with a chat about wearables, particularly ones that use camera’s and what responsibilities users have to using them.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Very handy portable tablet sized video magnifier and OCR print reading device.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/zoomax-snow-12-with-speech-magnifier.html

A Chat About the new BT Speak and bt Speak Pro

Note taker or note taker and full desktop.

My Demo:

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2d3u25/BTSpeak_Pro_demo6d30p.mp3 

Blazie Tech Website:

https://www.blazietech.com

Zoom H4 Essential Thoughts for My Usage

Odd for me at the moment, going back to my Zoom Podtrak P4. I think I got caught up with accessibility, and not looking at my current functionality with the difference between the P4 and the H4 Essential.

Humanware Announces V2.2 for Brailliant and Mantis 

V2.2 - single USB or BT terminal mode, and better power management.

Aira Announces Beta  of Access AI Feature for Photos

AI will tell you what it thinks is in a photo, and a human will verify.

https://aira.io/aira-announces-new-access-ai-feature-at-csun/

ARX Vision 1.5 Joins up with Microsoft Seeing AI on Android (limited release)

Interesting to see how this new version of the ARX Vision goes with the power of Seeing AI and Navilense on Android. I still have some concerns about scene detection and object recognition. Like Chat AI systems, don’t rely 100 percent on what you are being told smile.

Pre-Order the Braille emotion from HIMS

New updated version of their note taker.

https://hims-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Braille-eMotion-Brochure-DIGITAL.pdf

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product minute: Manual Braille Labeller.

Nice to have around to simply label stuff in Braille.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/reizen-rl-350-braille-labeller.html

My Concerns of Using Hable One with Android

Some of the Hable One commands simply do not  work on my Samsung Z Flip 3.

Folks on the web have said it does work, and it doesn’t work on their Android devices, so I think it is one of those Android things where openness leads to issues.

I would suggest folks try the Hable One on your own Android device before purchase.

However, works fine on my iPhone, and you’ll find a demo of it on my podcast feed.

https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/hable-one-description-pairing-and-basic-navigation-on-iphone-with-voiceover/

My and Stephen’s Thoughts of using the Zoom H1 Essential Recorder 

Overall we decided great device. However, just because it’s “accessible” doesn’t mean you don’t have to learn how to use the device to get the most out of it.

Check out the excellent tutorial done by Jonathan Mosen on they Living Blindfully podcast for the Zoom H1 Essential Recorder.

Only 3 Years, And My AirPods Max Has Died

Considering how expensive they were, and only purchased in Dec 2020.

Off this week to see how much the battery will cost to be exchanged.

Good Stop Watch App for Your Mac

Great to keep track of timed events: recording podcasts, radio shows etc.

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/good-stopwatch/id1268456701?mt=12

How to Turn Off Predictive Text in Mac OS

Nice little quick tip podcast from Applevis.

https://applevis.com/podcasts/how-disable-predictive-text-suggestions-macos

You Can Access Google Gemini Via a Webpage at:

https://gemini.google.com 

NBN Upgrade for Aussie’s Towards the End of the Year 2024

With increased data usage, people in Australia want faster data, and it looks like we will get it towards the end of the year based on an article from The Age a few weeks ago.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Minute from the Vision Store

Code Jumper - a great way to teach students coding through physical play.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/code-jumper.html

A Reminder for CSUN 2024 Number 39 March 18 to 24 2024

I’m really looking forward to this years 39TH conference, especially in the realm of AI.

https://www.csun.edu/cod/conference/sessions/index.php/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi9fA3O3ghAMV0-MWBR1mrQO1EAAYASAAEgIbrvD_BwE

Some Very Interesting JAWS, and Fusion Updates for March 2024

Picture Smart AI for me is the outstanding feature in this JAWS update, using the power of AI to fully describe images on a social media page or in. A file on your pC.

https://blog.freedomscientific.com/the-march-update-to-fusion-suite-2024-is-here/

Fantastic interview with Dean Blazie from Blazie Technologies with Jonathan Mosen 

Sometimes nice to see how things workout for folks, and how things came to be.

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/blindness-technology-icon-deane-blazie-goes-down-memory/id973360653?i=1000648103827

Braille Web Word Puzzle Game

This web based Braille word puzzle game by guessing the number of dots to make up a word is fun - 

https://www.themisgames.com/brailliance/

What I believe Should be Labelled as a Bug with the Envision AI app on BSC2

If the BSC@ folks know that Google sign in on the BSC2 doesn’t work, then why let Envision AI app for the BSC2 offer it?

Apple Releases iOS and iPad OS 17.4

For me the outstanding feature for iOS 17.4 for us outside of the EU is the transcription option now in Apple Podcasts where you can jump and start listening to a spot in the podcast transcribed text, not to mention the accessibility for people who are deaf blind.

https://applevis.com/blog/apple-releases-ios-174-ipados-174-new-emoji-podcast-transcripts-major-changes-eu

Mac OS 10.4, TV OS 10.4, and Watch OS 10.4 Released

Nothing earth shattering for accessibility. However, in Mac OS, you now have the option in VO Utility for the Left/Right QuickNav option to toggle on Single key QuickNav as well as QuickNav itself.

https://applevis.com/blog/apple-releases-macos-sonoma-144-watchos-104-tvos-174

Apple Also Quietly Released 10 new Accessories

Watch bands, iPhone cases, and a welkin stand for the Apple TV 4K to enhance using your iPhone as a camera when on FaceTime calls.

• https://www.zdnet.com/articl

e/best-iphone-accessories/ 

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes I no not Tech related grin.

I’m really looking forward to trying this out with my Grandson.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/my-first-colouring-book-animals.html

Loop Ear Buds

Various ear buds for different  Environments simply using acoustic filters.

https://www.amazon.com.au/s?me=A1CVBR8PLBYTJC&marketplaceID=A39IBJ37TRP1C6

Amazon Echo Pop, new Echo

 No Thanks, simply not impressed.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Introducing-sound-compact-speaker-Charcoal/dp/B09WXH9BH7

The Blind Podmaker, Jonathan Mosen's review of the Zoom H6Essential recorder

Jonathan Mosen begins his reviews of all three recorders in the Essential series.

 The h6Essential is the most capable member of the series, providing six tracks of recording, interchangeable microphone capsules, 32 bit float, a playback mixer, audio interface capability and more.

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-blind-podmaker/id1560929891?i=1000647718635

NB all 3 demos of the H6, H4, and H1 now complete.

Using a Microphone for Speech Recognition 

Simply, better mic, better experience with voice dictation, and voice control.

https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/new-microphone-invented-speech-recognition?utm_source=toptechtidbits&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=02292024&utm_term=editorial

Envision Ai Now on the BSC2.

In some ways, still the challenge of object recognition.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yes it is in the web shop now.

Here are some notes I wrote about the Hable one, then you’ll find the link to the shop page.

Product description:  

Hable One is an external braille keyboard designed for people who are blind or have low vision to use and navigate their smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android)with ease.

No installation is needed – just pair it to your smart device via Bluetooth and start Brailling (Android or iOS will be auto detected if first time paired)..

Physical description:

TOP

6 Braille round keys laid out in standard Braille cell formation.

Key 7 next to keys 23 on left, and key 8 next to keys 56 on right (both 7 and 8 are long keys)..  

Front

On/off slider switch.

Left edge front - slot to attach wrist strap.

Back

USBC port.

Bottom

4 rubber stoppers at each corner to stop sliding on surface.

Features

Works with both iPhone and android phones/tablets.

Easily held in the hands.

Update via Hable app (free)..

Compact 8 Braille key design.

Easy to remember  Braille keyboard commands.

One handed mode available for major functions.

Menu within Hable one gives easy access to other functions: such as Switch Braille keys, one hand mode, and battery status.

Switch Braille keyboard input orientation for user preference via menu..

With Bluetooth head phones, never need to take phone out of pocket: secure and safe usage.

Lock and unlock device with keyboard.

Easily answer/hang up phone calls.

Use physical keys when typing numbers in to an automated system.

Launch personal assistant or dictation.

Quicly respond to a mesage in a noisy environment..

Easily Navigate to, and check info in apps.

Start/stop media playing.

Braille extended emails, notes, etc.

Replicate all screen reader functions (Talkback Android and VoiceOver iPhone).

Easily  check battery status via menu.

3 hours to charge internal battery via UsB, 50 hours usage.

Tips:

By default, the Braille keys on the Hable One will be upside down as you are holding the device against you with the keys facing away. If you feel the keyboard laying on a table with the on/off  button closest to you:

Dot keys 14 and 36 are switched. Your fingers when holding the Hable One will be on the correct keys, although it may not feel like it. You can switch the orientation if you like via the Hable menu.

Hable one menu  - all 6 cell main keys (123456).

When in menu,  (one command for each menu activation).

X (1436) - switch Braille keys orientation.

Lower c (36) - check battery status, vibrations denote charge level, 1 low 3 high.

1 - switch to Android.

2 - switch to iOS.

If originally paired to iOS or Android, use Hable menu to switch to other operating system.

Various languages available chosen via the Hable menu.

Multiple device pairing not currently available.

Examples of keyboard navigation:

Hold 7 then press 8 - move to the next item.

Hold 8 then press 7 - move to the previous item.

Press 36 - activate current item.

As there is no:

Space bar - key 8.

Enter key - keys 18.

And so on.

In the Box:

Hable One.

USBC to USBA cable.

Braille card with link to manuals.

Wrist strap.

Dimensions:

Hight: 0.8CM.

Length : 10CM.

Width: 4.6CM. 

Weight: 0.36KG.

Check it out on the shop page or in the store.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/hable-one.html

VA connect the vision Australia library 

I thought it was timely for a reminder that the Vision Australia Library is for anyone with a print disability as well as being blind or having low vision.

To access the library once you have joined,  The Va Connect app for both Android and iOS works well giving you access to daisy audio books, newspapers, magazines, and podcasts from the Vision Australia Radio service (including Talking Tech).

https://www.visionaustralia.org/services/library

Rice is Not Included in Apple Support document for a Wet iPhone

Yes, it is a myth, so don’t even do it if you have an Android phone smile.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/19/24077532/apple-support-document-wet-iphone-no-rice

Google Spotted Making a Move towards Seamless Updates

So rather than a big update for your Samsung phone, updates would happen seamlessly which some manufacturers don’t like.

https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/android-may-only-support-seamless-updates

The Future of AI Smart Phones

We use to worry about the power of our PC to run Assistive Tech, now it’s the power of our mobile devices to run AI and AGI in the future.

https://blogs.idc.com/2024/02/19/the-future-of-next-gen-ai-smartphones/

Foxtel Hubbl is it something useful

You probably know what the answer is for accessibility, of course not sigh smile.

Plus the fact smart TVS do the same thing as well as Fire TV, Apple TV etc.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/feb/24/doesnt-my-tv-already-do-this-is-hubbl-a-foxtel-thought-bubble-or-worth-the-trouble

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vision Store Parramatta Closed Feb 21 to April 22 Due to Building Renovations.

As of February 29, Vision Store no longer selling Apple products.

Product Spot Light: Mini Guide.

One of my most longest used sonar type devices for obstacle detection.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/miniguide-ultrasonic-echo-location-detector.html

Products that I will be investigating:

Ultra Cane.

Sonar Glasses.

Object Detection with LIDAR on iPhone 12 Pro and Above

Note I said Object Detection and not object recognition which as far as I'm concerned still has a long way to go.

Humanware and JAWS using Split View Braille

Great to see this: being able to monitor 2 separate things at the same time with a Braille display.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fei3VC_DiWY

From Six Colours, Vision Pro Accessibility in the Real(ish)  World

Excellent article about the current state and perhaps future possibilities for the Vision Pro for blind or low vision

https://sixcolors.com/post/2024/02/vision-pro-accessibility-in-the-realish-world/

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Terrain Cane.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/all-terrain-cane.html

With all the hype around AI/AR/VR etc, I thought it would be good to take a pause and look at the other tech trends that are important to us now and moving forward:

                5G Expansion and Adoption: 5G networks will become more widespread, offering faster and more reliable connectivity. This will accelerate the development and adoption of IoT devices, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and other applications that rely on high-speed internet connections.

                Edge Computing: Edge computing will gain momentum as organizations seek to process data closer to its source to reduce latency and improve efficiency. This approach will become increasingly critical for real-time applications like IoT, autonomous vehicles, and video streaming.

                Cybersecurity Enhancements: With the increasing digitization of society, cybersecurity will remain a top priority. AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, Zero Trust architecture, and advancements in encryption techniques will be crucial in combating evolving cyber threats.

                Sustainable Technology Solutions: Sustainability will be a key consideration in technology development and deployment. This includes the use of renewable energy sources for data centers, designing eco-friendly hardware, and implementing green practices in IT operations.

                Healthcare Technology Innovations: Digital health solutions, telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and AI-powered diagnostics will continue to transform healthcare delivery, improving access, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

                Privacy and Data Ethics: There will be increasing scrutiny and regulations around data privacy and ethics, driven by growing concerns over data misuse, surveillance, and algorithmic biases. Technologies that prioritize user privacy and transparency will gain traction.

This Article caught my attention, is Tech bad or am I getting in to Grumpy Old Man Status:

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/is-technology-bad-or-have-i-reached-grumpy-old-man-status/#ftag=CAD590a51e

In Other News:

Bard has changed to Gemini.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Minute - SensePlayer OCR

60 seconds for me to talk about some great VA Store stuff that I personally use.

First cab off the rank is the SensePlayer OcR.

Why I love it: FM Radio, Smart Keyboard to iPhone, Ability to Run Android Apps, and further development easily achievable.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/sense-player-ocr-et.html

New Spot Where You Can Access Talking Tech From

Last three episodes of talking tech now available on main shop Vision Australia webpage.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org

Review of the ATIA 2024 Conference from the Blind Life

Excellent run down of major product suppliers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFC8tyjKANM

Apple technical specifications for the Vision Pro

Remember, not available in Australia yet smile. However, that is great as we get to see things ironed out as it were smile.

Apple Vision Pro - Technical Specifications - Apple

Review of the Vision Pro from Daring fire Ball

Just keep in mind that these are initial reviews with a bit of shiny new toy perspective for both positive and constructive feedback. So let’s see what happens in the next month or so.

https://daringfireball.net/2024/01/the_vision_pro

SMH - Finally an Apple Product Worthwhile Talking About

Popped this review in here as it was an Aussie review, and SMH has not always been positive about Apple stuff.

https://www.smh.com.au/technology/finally-a-new-apple-device-really-worth-talking-about-20240204-p5f286.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_technology

Vision Pro Already Spotted in the Wild

Yep, some odd things.

https://www.cultofmac.com/845409/apple-vision-pro-in-public/

Apple Documents Vision Pro Accessibility Features

Just a tip, you really really have to learn the gestures for the Vision Pro, gestures are completely different to iPhone usage but of course sharing same concepts.

https://applevis.com/blog/apple-documents-apple-vision-pro-accessibility-features-including-voiceover-zoom-guides

Tim Cook Teases Apple AI Improvements Coming Later this Year at Recent Fin Quarter Update

Both hands with fingers crossed, about time Siri embraced the goodness of an LLM, keep tuned for WWDC 2024.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/02/01/tim-cook-apple-ai-ios-18/

Hands on with Perplexity, and How AI Could Lose Google’s Grip on Search Engine Market

Yep: more folks using LLM’s rather than Google search.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/technology/perplexity-search-ai-google.html

In Other News

A note about the Braille Doodle delay, and

Upcoming updates to the Blind Shell Classic 2.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week I talked about tech from the VA Store, this week this is a list of the tech I use for various reasons.

Before I do that, an updated price for the BTSpeak and BTSpeak Pro: $795 and $1195 US respectively.

Now to the tech list which I explain fully in the show.

Tile Tag.

AirTag.

Steel Series 5 Gaming Head Set.

Bluetooth transmitter.

External USB Sound card.

Zoom Podtrak P4.

USBC port hug.

External UsBC hard drive.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A reminder about the Web Aim Screen Reader Survey Closing 31 January 2024

https://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey10/

VAR Studio One Interview

My Interview On VA Radio Studio One About Tech that blind or low vision folks use.

https://omny.fm/shows/studio1/technology-and-us

Apple Vision Report Card for 2023 from AppleVis

https://applevis.com/blog/apple-vision-accessibility-2023-applevis-report-card

BTSpeak from Blazie  Technology

Yep, it’s the updated and improved Braille and Speak from the 1990’s.

https://www.blazietech.com

Apple Watch S9 and Ultra 2 Now Sold in the US without Blood Oxygen Level Sensor

Rest of world is fine.

https://www.macrumors.com/2024/01/18/apple-website-apple-watch-blood-oxygen-removal/

Vision Pro

Vision Pro Pre-orders as of 19 January, and available February 2 in the US.

Intro guide video to the Vision Pro:

https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/guided-tour/

Samsung 24 Arrives with Some Interesting AI Features

https://www.engadget.com/watch-the-samsung-galaxy-unpacked-2024-event-in-under-10-minutes-110059576.html?_fsig=w0nxZhWLO9F7G5yWgzgO_Q--%7EA

Back to Work or Study My Gadget Suggestions 

iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch SE

iPad Pro

AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

Mac Bluetooth Mini Keyboard

Arkon Desk Smart Phone STand

JAWS, Zoomtext or Fusion

Large Print USB Keyboard

Range of optical hand held magnifiers

Daylight Smart Go Lamp

Explore 12 Video Magnifier

KWF Telescopic Cane

Mini Guide

Stellatrek

Brailliant BI40X Display

Classic Perkins Brailler

SensePlayer OCR ET

One thing that Vision Australia Vision Store does not sell which I highly recommend, are either the Tile Tag for Android or iOS users or the Apple AirTags from Apple for iPhone.

And a second thing smile, is the Accessible Power bank charger from AT Guys to keep your smart phone, Stellatrek charged etc.

Oh, and one more thing, a monitor arm is amazing to bring your monitor  closer to you.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vision Pro Availability Announced by Apple

In the US only, pre-order Jan 19, and available Feb 2024.

Promo Video for the Vision Pro

https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/01/09/apple-released-a-short-video-teasing-apple-vision-pro?utm_medium=rss

Apple Quietly increased the Find My Limit from 16 to 32 as of iOS 16

https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/01/12/apple-quietly-increased-the-find-my-limit-to-32-items?utm_medium=rss

Apple Releases Magic Keyboard Firmware Update to fix Bluetooth 

Vulnerable

https://9to5mac.com/2024/01/11/apple-magic-keyboard-firmware-update/

CES 2024 Notable Accessibility Items

Hear See Mobility using Smart Cane and Software for indoor navigation

https://hearseemobility.org

Glidance  Brings Glide - self driving type robotic Cane device to assist Blind Navigate

https://www.therobotreport.com/glide-works-with-people-with-blindness-navigate-world-says-glidance-ceo/

Glasses for the hard of hearing, the Blind, and the first In Ear Computer

https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/01/10/ces-2024-glasses-for-the-hard-of-hearing-the-blind-and-the-first-in-ear-computer-stun-tech

Light House Tech - LTH01 Smart Glasses

https://www.lighthousetech.ch/#:~:text=LTH01%20promotes%20safe%2C%20independent%20outdoorreducing%20access%20barriers%20to%20opportunities.

OneCom’s Fintin V1 Keyboard for BLV

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/onecoms-fintin-v1-mini-qwerty-communicator-for-the-visually-impaired-to-debut-at-ces-2024-after-winning-best-of-innovation-award-302024367.html

OneCourt Haptic Mini Field Lets BLV Follow Game

https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/09/onecourts-haptic-mini-field-lets-blind-fans-follow-the-game-by-touch/

Orcam Hear Hands On

https://www.engadget.com/orcam-hear-hands-on-a-surprisingly-effective-voice-isolation-platform-for-those-with-hearing-loss-230243953.html?src=rss

Head Tracking and Silent Speech

https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/10/augmental-head-tracking/

Whisp Brings Electronic Larynx Voice Box’s in to This Millennium 

https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/11/whispp-voice-app/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAUW4G9IX6-ZaIjWiPLmzHVLM6pZwOC4CF9_nTmQPaspyEoNwvFmwZVmwfGQN1H5uNA3Cssy9nIEZt5NU5bS5Q9fpEgh3Qd2QLnXEYNVKjQwjNX4FX1XzTQjF3WsU59hq_4jwuM6Mr434Vg-Cz3P5s4qds8vLYb4KncgPC8xc4f5

Audio Radar Helps Gamers with Hearing Loss

https://www.engadget.com/audio-radar-helps-gamers-with-hearing-loss-see-sound-effects-instead-195001226.html?src=rss

Other Interesting CES 2024 Tech

Clicks Brings a Physical Keyboard to the iPhone

https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/01/04/clicks-brings-a-physical-keyboard-to-your-iphone?utm_medium=rss

This Ring Allows you to Whisper to Your Phone (because sometimes we have to use our inside Voice)

https://www.engadget.com/this-ring-lets-you-whisper-to-your-phone-because-sometimes-we-need-to-use-our-inside-voices-002529204.html?src=rss

Voice Frequency Absorber 

https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/04/this-startup-is-bringing-a-voice-frequency-absorber-to-ces-2024/

Shokz Shows off its OpenSwim Water Proof Bone Conduction Head Phones

https://www.engadget.com/shokz-debuts-its-openswim-pro-bone-conduction-waterproof-headphones-at-ces-2024-230036513.html?src=rss

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-01-04-world-braille-day

Webaim Screen Reader Survey number 10 - closing Jan 31 2024

https://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey10/

Ban on Apple Watch series 9 and Apple Watch ultra two as of December 26, 2023 currently under appeal by Apple.

Consumer electronics show CES Jan 9 to 12 2024 in Las Vegas

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/5/24025489/ces-2024-tv-transportation-laptops-smart-home-what-to-expect

Samsung Unpacked Event for Jan 18 202.

https://www.samsung.com/au/unpacked/

Copilot comes to android as well as iOS.

Oddly on Android, you have to say if you are using Bixbie at least, launc (rather than open) to run copilot.

Microsoft is Making its Biggest Change to Windows Keyboard for a Long Time

Yep, we’re getting a Copilot key on Windows keyboards this year.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-is-adding-a-new-copilot-key-to-your-windows-pc/

Tom Tom and Microsoft team up to produce generative AI for car navigation:

https://www.engadget.com/tomtom-and-microsoft-team-up-to-bring-generative-ai-to-automobiles-063002000.html?src=rss

Grok (X AI) now appears on X app as a Tab in Australia at least (Part of premium subscription).

t

Talking tech for Jan 2024 8 of June

Celebrating World Braille Day for 2024, Vision Australia

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-01-04-world-braille-day

Webaim Screen Reader Survey number 10 - closing Jan 31 2024

https://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey10/

Ban on Apple Watch series 9 and Apple Watch ultra two as of December 26, 2023 currently under appeal by Apple.

Consumer electronics show CES Jan 9 to 12 2024 in Las Vegas

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/5/24025489/ces-2024-tv-transportation-laptops-smart-home-what-to-expect

Samsung Unpacked Event for Jan 18 202.

https://www.samsung.com/au/unpacked/

Copilot comes to android as well as iOS.

Oddly on Android, you have to say if you are using Bixbie at least, launc (rather than open) to run copilot.

Microsoft is Making its Biggest Change to Windows Keyboard for a Long Time

Yep, we’re getting a Copilot key on Windows keyboards this year.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-is-adding-a-new-copilot-key-to-your-windows-pc/

Tom Tom and Microsoft team up to produce generative AI for car navigation:

https://www.engadget.com/tomtom-and-microsoft-team-up-to-bring-generative-ai-to-automobiles-063002000.html?src=rss

Grok (X AI) now appears on X app as a Tab in Australia at least

Talking tech for Jan 2024 8 of June

Celebrating World Braille Day for 2024, Vision Australia

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-01-04-world-braille-day

Webaim Screen Reader Survey number 10 - closing Jan 31 2024

https://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey10/

Ban on Apple Watch series 9 and Apple Watch ultra two as of December 26, 2023 currently under appeal by Apple.

Consumer electronics show CES Jan 9 to 12 2024 in Las Vegas

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/5/24025489/ces-2024-tv-transportation-laptops-smart-home-what-to-expect

Samsung Unpacked Event for Jan 18 202.

https://www.samsung.com/au/unpacked/

Copilot comes to android as well as iOS.

Oddly on Android, you have to say if you are using Bixbie at least, launc (rather than open) to run copilot.

Microsoft is Making its Biggest Change to Windows Keyboard for a Long Time

Yep, we’re getting a Copilot key on Windows keyboards this year.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-is-adding-a-new-copilot-key-to-your-windows-pc/

Tom Tom and Microsoft team up to produce generative AI for car navigation:

https://www.engadget.com/tomtom-and-microsoft-team-up-to-bring-generative-ai-to-automobiles-063002000.html?src=rss

Grok (X AI) now appears on X app as a Tab in Australia at least (Part of premium subscription).

t

(Part of premium subscription).

t

Get Outlook for iOS

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023

DotPad.

Monarch (preview).

Sinceplayer OCR ET.

Brailliant BIX 20 or 40 software update that includes speech output with Daisy book reading.

Victor Reader stream 3.

iPhone 15 Pro (Actions button).

Things to look forward to in 2024

Finally release hopefully of the Mountbatten Tutor from Quantum.: a couple of years overdue.

Accessible cheaper basic feature mobile phones.

DotPad comes through Quantum.

Monarch perhaps at the end of the year from Humanware.

Advances in Obstacle identification, and Obstacle Detection on smart phones.

Advances in taking photos and videos with AI assistance.

Advancements in Satellite communication with mobile phones: text, phone calls.

Alexa, Google, and Siri accessing LLM’s.

Better wearable obstacle detection devices.

Wider variety of accessible Console games.

Finally hands on with the Vision Pro.

All of the usual upgrade stuff from Apple, plus updates to USBC for the AirPods Max, Magic Keyboard, trackpad and mouse.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In simple terms, it is making computers think like Humans.

Eg recognising speech, making decision, and recognising patterns etc.

General examples of Computer AI

Advanced Web Search Engines.

Recommendation systems.

Virtual assistance.

Speech recognition.

Automatic translation.

Automatic audio translation.

Automated speech synthesis.

Smart home.

Predictive maintenance.

Natural language processing.

Super play.

Content creation.

Image recognition.

Automated image generation.

Automated music composition.

Automated text summary.

Face detection.

Spell checking.

Word suggestions.

Weather prediction.

Cyber Security.

Medical diagnosis..

Health and well being.

Automated customer service.

Trains.

Shipping.

Aviation.

Automatic Driving Assistance.

Self driving cars.

Autonomous Drones.

Robotics.

Examples Of Computer AI for Blind or Low Vision

Object recognition.

Distance from objecgts.

Indoor navigation.

Scene description.

Currency detection.

Colour detection.

Light detection.

People detection.

Hand writing recognition.

Optical Character recognition (OCR).

Word prediction..

Bar or QR code detection.

Voice control.

Examples of Handy AI Apps for Blind or Low Vision Folks

Assistive Tech

Seeing AI (various channels/Options).

Be-My-Eyes (Virtual Assistant feature).

Envision.

Magnifier on iOS (door, People, text, and obstacle detection).

Chat GPT.

Bing/Copilot.

Bard.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ok, so not tech exactly, but this telescopic cane is excellent, light weight, easy to extend/retract, and just feels really really nice in the hand.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/kwf-54inch-138cm-telescopic-cane-button-style.html

Sight Tech Global 2023

Held on Dec 6-7, an online 2 day conference about the trends in tech for blind/low vision, and of course this year, mainly all about AI.

https://sighttechglobal.com

Hable One Custom Keyboard for iOS/Android Now has an Android App as Well

Glad to see the Android app being released, makes updating the keyboard that much easier without having to find a person with an iPhone.

https://www.iamhable.com/tips-and-tricks/hables-android-app-launch-extending-support-and-value-for-visually-impaired-users?utm_source=TechTidBits&utm_medium=Sponsorship&utm_campaign=Android+App+Launch+13.12.23

iOS 17.2

iOS 17.2 Is Out with the Journal app.

Simple to use and handy app for keeping track of your mental well being.

Speaking of Updates, Mac OS 14.2

Apparently goes a long long way to fixing the “not responding” bug with VoiceOver when using Safari. Fingers crossed.

Looking Forward to  Object Recognition/Scene detection Improvements for 2024

Myself and a friend spent some time last week comparing a few object recognition apps for taking photos of what was around us on both iPhone and Android.

Our unofficial take was about 85% accuracy, so still a way to go before I would be comfortable depending on this tech 100%.

Odd Thought to Almost Mark the End of 2023

The 3.5mm head phone jack has been gone for a while on smart phones including the iPhone, I’m wondering if we will soon see the end of this port on notebook computers.

For me using AirPods, they just switch from the iPhone to the Mac depending on which one I’m using.

A Shout Out for Top Tech TipBits

A great source for news about technology that affects folks with a disability, mainly aimed ad blind/low vision, I use this all the time.

https://www.toptechtidbits.com

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the App Store, search for EchoVis, and you’ll find 3 games: EchoVis Quest, EchoVis Game, and EchoVis Street.

Seeing AI now Available on Android

Be-My-Eyes Virtual AI Assistant beta rEquest Now Available on Android

Audible and Kindle on the Mac

Two surprises today The Audible.com iOS app works on my Apple Silicon  Mac with some object windows to navigate with VO, and the Kindle app build from about 3 weeks ago, I can access/read my Kindle books, at least a page at a time.

Messenger Lite app No Longer Working on BlindShell Classic 2

When I tried this, it took me to a web page to start using Messenger web.

Not usable, so I uninstalled the app.

Using Copilot on my Mac

Simply amazing even via the website interface.

https://copilot.microsoft.com

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chat with guest Michael Heart who has been playing the game for a while, and sounds great to play.

https://access-ability.uk/2023/10/04/forza-motorsport-2023-accessibility-review/#:~:text=This%20initial%20menu%2C%20which%20features,on%20a%20series%20of%20default

Using Head band Mounts for Smart Phones

The $16 or so simple fabric band that I used sort of worked with my iPhone 12 Pro as it was the lightest phone I had. Not sure if it really does work as I wanted, but still testing.

If interested, here is the Amazon link.

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08L6MTKMQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Video Chat from your Smart Phone

Just a reminder how useful this can be for folks to look around you through your camera.

Besides Be-My-Eyes, there is also FaceTime on iOS, Google Duo on Android etc.

A Reminder about the Vision Store

As we have been talking a bout, to guarantee delivery before Christmas it was Dec 1 for WA, and Dec 8 for the rest of australia.

However, remember that you can still drop in to any Vision Australia store and buy products.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obstacle Detecter.

Lire RSS.

Mona. 

Spring.

Be My Eyes AI

Perplexity

Bing

Call Annie.

Chat GPT.

Reminder for Getting in Last Orders from the Vision Store before Christmas

WA Dec 1, and rest of Australia Dec 8.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org

Outdoor Demo from me on Toys to Play/Use outside

https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/sounds-of-summer-from-the-vision-australia-vision-store/

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Points

JAWS screen reader, Zoomtext screen magnifier, and Fusion JAWS/Zoomtext running together.

Compatible with Windows 10, and Windows 11.

Around for over 25 years for JAWS, and Zoomtext. Fusion more recent..

Number one product used for Education and Employment for all 3 products..

JaWS Home edition and JAWS Professional.

A large variety of Braille displays supported by JAWS.

Many extra functions beyond usual functions of a screen reader for JAWS.

Screen curtain to blank screen for privacy when using JAWS.

Split audio to allow speech or media to be heard on either speaker or both for JaWS.

JAWS Tandem to support other JAWS users remotely.

Works with Citrix, and other remote terminal setups.

JAWS only is compatible with Arm Processors.

JAWS can be fully scripted (programmed) to support non standard programs or difficult to use screens..

Virtual cursor seems to be the main thing for folks to get their minds around when navigating the web for example.

Combine with such scripts as JSay,allows JAWS or Fusion to be used with Dragon Naturally Speaking.

Excellent variety of training material available.

Can run in demonstration mode whilst learning.

Compatible   with Arm processors.

Zoomtext sharing many common features of other screen magnifiers.

Zoomtext Magnifier, and Zoomtext Magnifier/Reader 

Zoomtext handy app or doc reading mode for speech output (not a screen reading function).

Zoomtext can be used with two screens.

Various magnification type views to read screen.

Not compatible with Arm processors including Fusion (i.e. only JaWS will work).

Remember, at any time JAWS, Zoomtext or Fusion can be turned off to allow others to use the computer without this software running.

I always go with an I7 processor and 16GB of RAM.

Main Freedom Scientific Page

https://www.freedomscientific.com

Training Materials

https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/

Podcasts (FSCast Official FreedomScientific Podcast)

http://blog.freedomscientific.com/fscast/

Podcast (Training Podcast)

https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/podcast/

Downloads (can run as demo versions until registered)

https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads

Obtaining a License

Available from the Vision Australia Vision Store for Zoomtext, JaWS or Fusion. Plus updating from older versions or cross grading across licenses.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org

Or

Email visionstore@visionaustralia.org

Help in Australia

ATS service from Vision Australia, Quantum RLV or the AT Help Desk from Vision Australia via 1300 847 466.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 December except for WA which is the 1st of Dec to make sure you get your orders in by Christmas.

Another Way to access the Va Library

My Experience having more time with the daisy function in the Brailliant, especially accessing the Vision rare

Australia Library.

Obstacle Detecter  App

An interesting app using LIDAR for detecting distances from objects on the iPhone Pro or from front camera on other units.

https://apps.apple.com/id/app/obstacle-detector-professional/id6461118479

My Most Interesting Device for 2023

I think it has to be the SensePlayer OCR ET.

FM Radio, Smart Keyboard to my iPhone, web radio, podcasts, daisy books, stopwatch etc.

OctoStudio A Block Based Programming App by Perkins School for the Blind

Actually, pretty amazing and accessible to teach the concepts of coding.

https://www.perkins.org/resource/announcing-octostudio-a-block-based-programming-app/

An Article on AppleVis — Why I cannot Recommend a Mac to Fellow Blind Mac Users

Since this article got a lot of mostly negative comments, thought it would be good to put my ten cents worth on todays program.

What is the old saying “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.”

https://applevis.com/blog/we-deserve-better-apple-why-i-can-no-longer-recommend-mac-fellow-blind-computer-users

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 New M3 MacBooks, and a new M3 iMac 24 inch.

https://www.apple.com.au

Taking The All Terrain Cane for a Spin Over the Week End

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/all-terrain-cane.html

Brailliant BIX Update and Mantis Q40

New localised voices and daisy library’s.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/brailliant-bi-20x-cells.html

Focus 14 verses the Brilliant BIX20 in Price

Focus 14 $2900, and Brailliant BIX 20 $2945.

Braille Doodle

https://www.touchpadprofoundation.org

Blind Shell Classic 2 update

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/blindshell-classic-2-mobile-phone-black.html

Victor Reader Trek End Of Life Whilst Stocks Last

Supported for 3 more years.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/victor-reader-trek.html

Exploring Tech webinar Events put on Hold for the Moment

Christmas Ideas from the Vision Store - 75 suggestions

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/campaigns/christmas-gift-ideas.html?j=2735503&sfmc_sub=164500760&l=5100_HTML&u=43705731&mid=100015415&jb=7008&utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2023_HolidayGifts&utm_content=Shop+the+full+range+now&utm_id=2735503&sfmc_id=164500760

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scary no, enjoyable yes.

https://www.engadget.com/apple-confirms-scary-fast-event-for-the-night-of-october-30-164836214.html?src=rss&guccounter=1

Apple Releases Update of iTunes to Support Podcasts and Audio Books

Odd, because I thought it already did this.

https://www.macrumors.com/2023/10/24/itunes-for-windows-12-13/

Schools in the US Join Growing Movement to Lock away Phones during School Hours

Just like Australia.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/schools-no-phone-movement-focus-mental-health/

What is New with JAWS 2024

Always my go to screen reader in the work place.

https://support.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/JAWSWhatsNew#:~:text=The%20new%20Split%20Braille%20feature,into%20two%20halves%2C%20or%20regions.

Microsoft to Help Australia Cyber Spies in 5 Billion Dollar  Investment

And much more.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/oct/24/microsoft-to-invest-5bn-in-australian-cybersecurity-

over-next-two-years

Is Google Search Really Better Than Bing or Duck Duck Go

Looks like for more precise search’s, yes.

https://www.theage.com.au/technology/is-google-search-better-than-the-rest-and-is-that-fair-20231012-p5ebsk.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_technology

How Marvels Spider Man 2 is Tackling Accessibility

Great start and keeps accessibility front and centre.

https://www.theage.com.au/technology/how-marvels-spider-man-2-is-tackling-accessibility-20231027-p5efoy.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_technology

All Terrain Cane

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/all-terrain-cane.html

Simply, very sturdy, and if you have had folks break your cane this may be the one for you.

Check shop.visionaustrlaia.org for more info.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus some of the tech that is still around.

A look in to the past for me of some of the tech which I wish was  around today either in its original form as it would still work or updated to connect to modern day tech.

Accessible DECTalk.

Artic Gizmo Pad.

Audio Soccer Ball.

Alva Braille Courier.

Braille & Speak.

Braille To Print.

Business Memo.

Enlarge for Mac.

Freedom Box

IBM Screen Reader Keypad.

iPad on wheels (around 10 years ago).

MPO.

Nomad.

Master touch Touch Tablet.

Nokia N82 with Talks.

Optacon.

Pac Mate.

Parrot..

Speech Game Centre.

Sonic Glasses.

System Access To Go.

Talking Signs.

Vista Magnfication PC Card.

Tech that survives in its own write or in a changed form.

Dragon Dictate (Dragon Naturally  Speaking).

JAWS for Windows.

Keysoft (hardware and software integration).

Light Probe.

Pac Mate (eBraille).

Perkins Brailler.

Mini Guide.

Mountbatten.

Zoomtext.

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hardware description, and current beta functionality.

Released towards the end  of 2024.

Comments: pondering the difference between the Monarch and the DotPad results in very interesting discussions about Braille graphics.

https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/monarch

International White Cane Safety Day October 15 2023 - Clearing the Way - Guide Dogs

Great reminder on how many obstacles Cane Users have to put up with.

https://guidedogs.com.au/international-white-cane-day-2023/

The VewrsaSlate from the AT Guys

A modern take on the hand slate Braille hand frame.

https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=55#:~:text=The%20Versa%20Slate%20is%20a,for%20easy%20storage....

Hable One from the AT Guys

Small, quick , and easy to use Braille Input keyboard for your Smart phone or tablet from the aT Guys.

https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=406

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forza Motorsport - The Blind Accessibility Review (full accessible racing game)

https://victordima.net/forza-motorsport-review/

JAWS, Fusion, and Zoomtext Public beta 2 2024 Release

https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/PublicBeta

NVDA Access Public Beta 2023.3.4

https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2023-3beta4/

The New Pixel Phone, and Pixel Watch

https://www.wired.com/story/google-october-2023-hardware-event-pixel-8-pixel-8-pro-pixel-watch-2/

Monarch Graphics Braille Display

Looking forward to looking at the Monarch this week coming, and see how it compares to the DotPad beyond its graphics display: eg working with iOS, Android, PC, Mac, Braille display, drawing on the device etc.

https://www.humanware.com/Site/Files/a/06cc20404d351cbaa2520fcd0d5adc3/06771bbd1a209cae47b4e4727719ecea/Technical%20Specification%20Document.pdf

Android Accessibility | Collection of Recently Released YouTube Videos By Android 

How To Use Reading Mode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNP-C-YD5Lo
How To Use Talkback Screen Reader:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEp9DtiTw3s
How To Use Accessibility Scanner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxy4p-eDEpw
Introduction To Lookout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjJjGqAj0Kc

Trying Sounds App for relaxation

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/train-sounds-relaxing-train-sound-effects/id1187620207

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accessible  formats.

https://disability.royalcommission.gov.au/publications/final-report

Be-My-Eyes AI Virtual Assistant Rolls Out World Wide

Well, sort off, rolling out gradually to whole world over the next few weeks so as not to overload the system.

Um, no more actual dialog warning for low battery on my iPhone 14 Pro Max

Apparently this has been a thing for a while. To fix go in to Verbosity settings for Voiceover, and change System Notifications to speak.

Unfortunately, this did not work on my iPhone.

Good grief, just read that Envision is charging $150.00 US per Month as their new subscription model!!!! 

talk about gold digging if it is correct? Even though it seems it’s for the Enterprise addition.

Apple Watch OS 10.1 Beta Enables Double Tap on Series 9/Ultra 2

I thought Double Tap was here already, but apparently not, only in beta.

https://9to5mac.com/2023/09/27/watchos-10-1-double-tap-apple-watch/

Apple Watch Weather Complication Problem, and Apple offers a Fix

Still wonky.

https://9to5mac.com/2023/09/27/apple-watch-weather-complication/

Everything Announced at Meta Connect

https://www.engadget.com/everything-announced-at-meta-connect-quest-3-release-date-smart-glasses-and-

meta-ai-192757855.html?src=rss

Chat GPT is Allowed to Access the Internet Again

Didn’t think it was accessing the Internet, but apparently it is.

https://www.engadget.com/chatgpt-is-allowed-to-browse-the-internet-once-again-211332316.html?src=rss

Mac OS Sonoma Released - Small Moves

Battery widget is cool, and so is having a webpage as Ian App, but that is about it.

Plus better access to PDF files for Voiceover.

https://sixcolors.com/post/2023/09/macos-sonoma-review-small-moves/

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Apple Keynote event.
2. iOS 17 Main blind and low vision Accessibility Features

1. Apple Keynote event.

iPhone

Design & display

• The Super Retina XDR display on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus is great for watching content, and playing games. And, when it is sunny, peak outdoor brightness reaches up to 2000 nits — twice as bright as the previous generation.

• The all-new Action button on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max replaces the single-function switch used to toggle between ring and silent, offering additional options such as camera, flashlight or magnifier. 

Performance

• iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus boast the fast and efficient A16 Bionic chip.
• With two high-performance cores that use 20 percent less power and four high-efficiency cores, the 6-core CPU is faster than the previous generation and easily handles intensive tasks while delivering extraordinary battery life.

• iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are powered by A17 Pro, the industry’s first 3-nanometre chip. A17 Pro brings improvements to the entire chip, including the biggest GPU redesign in Apple’s history.
• The new CPU is up to 10 percent faster, and the Neural Engine is now up to 2x faster, powering features like autocorrect and Personal Voice in iOS 17.
• The pro-class GPU is up to 20 percent faster and unlocks entirely new experiences, featuring a new 6-core design that increases peak performance and energy efficiency. And with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max bring true-to-life gaming to the palm of users’ hands with console titles never before seen on a smartphone.
  
  

Camera

• The advanced camera system on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus helps users capture everyday moments. A 48MP Main camera shoots sharp photos and videos while capturing fine details, with a quad-pixel sensor and 100 percent Focus Pixels for fast autofocus.
• An additional 2x Telephoto option on iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus gives users three optical-quality zoom levels — 0.5x, 1x, 2x — for the first time on an iPhone dual-camera system. 
• Using the power of computational photography, a new 24MP super-high-resolution default comes to the entire iPhone 15 lineup, offering incredible image quality at a practical file size ideal for storing and sharing. Next-generation portraits lets users shoot portrait shots of people, dogs and cats from without having to switch to Portrait mode. 

• iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max both pack the equivalent of seven pro lenses — all enabled by A17 Pro. The Main camera allows users to switch between three popular focal lengths — 24 mm, 28 mm, and 35 mm.
• iPhone 15 Pro features an expansive 3x Telephoto camera, and iPhone 15 Pro Max provides the longest optical zoom ever on iPhone: 5x at 120 mm.
• ProRes video can be recorded directly to external storage, enabling higher recording options up to 4K at 60 fps, and greater flexibility on set when using iPhone as the main camera.
  
  

Connectivity

• The iPhone 15 lineup offers convenient new ways to charge, with USB-C  - a universally accepted standard for charging and transferring data, allowing the same cable to charge iPhone, Mac, iPad, and the updated AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
• On the Pro models, the new USB-C port supports USB 3 for data transfer speeds up to 10 gigabits per second, up to 20x faster than before.
• All new iPhone 15 models feature the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling two iPhone devices with this chip to connect at three times the range as before. This opens up a new way to use Precision Finding for Find My friends, so users can share their location and find each other, even in crowds.

We are also excited to announce the launch of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 today! 

Apple Watch Series 9 Top Features

• New S9 SiP
• Most powerful watch chip that delivers systemwide improvements and brand-new features 
• New 4-core Neural Engine that can process machine learning tasks up to twice as fast when compared with Series 8
• Double Tap
• Enabled by the faster Neural Engine which processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope and optical heart sensor 
• The new machine learning algorithm detects the unique signature of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb form a double tap
• Double tap allows users to quickly and conveniently perform some of the most common actions by controlling the primary button in an app 
• For example, it can be used to answer and end a phone call, take a photo with Camera Remote app on Apple Watch and more
• On-device Siri 
• For requests that do not require information from internet, they can be processed on device, e.g. Setting a timer or starting a workout
• The new Neural Engine also makes dictation up to 25 percent more accurate than Apple Watch Series 8.
• With on-device processing, Siri can also be used to access data from the Health app for health- and fitness-related enquiries. 
• Available as a software update later this year.
• Precision Finding 
• S9 SiP also includes a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip to enable Precision Finding for the iPhone 15 family. 
• This provides distance and direction, as well as visual, haptic, and audio guidance to a misplaced iPhone
• Display brightness
• The power-efficient S9 SiP and advanced display architecture increase the maximum brightness up to 2000 nits, double that of Series 8
• In dark rooms or early mornings, the display can also lower to just one nit 

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Top Features

On top of all the same, new, powerful features available on Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also updated with these new features: 

• New Modular Ultra watch face 
• Designed to take advantage of the large display, the outermost edge presents real-time data, including seconds, altitude or depth 
• This watch face also offers the most information of any Apple digital watch face 
• Expanded altitude range
• Tested for use across 500m below sea level and up to 9000m to ascend the world’s tallest peaks
• Updated Oceanic+ app
• A new water sport - free diving - is now available on the updated Oceanic+ app from Huish Outdoors 
• Depth app
• The updated Depth app now saves a log of each session so users can review the recent sessions on Apple Watch Ultra
• Complete history of all dives with a GPS entry point can also be viewed on Fitness app on iPhone 

We also saw new AirPod Pro! 🎶

To make the world’s most popular headphones even better, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is upgraded with USB‑C charging capabilities, additional dust resistance, and Lossless Audio with Apple Vision Pro. With iOS 17, all AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will unlock powerful new capabilities to transform the personal audio experience.

1) Added Convenience and Durability

• MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): The new USB-C connector offers more flexibility when charging and allows users to charge AirPods directly with the iPhone 15 lineup, which also come with a USB-C connector. 
• IP54 Rating: Enjoy additional dust resistance for the earbuds and case with an improved IP54 rating. 

2) Lossless Audio with Apple Vision Pro

• The new AirPods Pro will enable Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency with Apple Vision Pro. The H2 chip in the latest AirPods Pro and Apple Vision Pro, unlocks powerful 20-bit, 38kHz Lossless Audio with massive reduction in audio latency. 

3) Features with iOS 17

• Adaptive Audio: New listening mode that dynamically blends Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation, adjusting the noise control based on the conditions of a user’s environment.
• Conversation Awareness: Conversation Awareness helps to lower the volume and enhance the voices in front of the user, all while reducing background noise.
• Personalised Volume: Personalised Volume uses machine learning to understand environmental conditions and listening preferences over time to automatically fine-tune the media experience.

• Mute and Unmute: Users can press the AirPods stem or Digital Crown to quickly mute or unmute themselves on calls, allowing for added control and effortless multitasking (available for AirPods lineup). 
• Automatic Switching: The connection time between a user’s Apple devices become significantly faster and more reliable, making it more seamless to move across the ecosystem (available for AirPods lineup). 

Key information

• The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) will replace the previous AirPods Pro.