All Cool Blind Tech Shows

CBT takes a dip in the water with the Ultimate Ears roll 2. Will this portable bluetooth speaker sink or swim?

No speaker has the same versatility or unique portability that ROLL 2 does. Strap it to your backpack, and it’ll still be there.

Wirelessly Double Up with a second Ultimate Ears ROLL 2 speaker and take your sound to a whole new level.

every ROLL 2 comes with a free inflatable floatie. Now while you're lounging on your giant inflatable swan, your ROLL 2 can float right beside you.

SPECIFICATIONS

WATERPROOF

IPX7 rated: ROLL 2 can be immersed in liquid up to 1m for up to 30 minutes.

BLOCK PARTY

Block Party lets you and your friends all play music through ROLL 2.

POWER

With a battery life of up to 9 hours, you have no excuse to stop the party.

WIRELESS RANGE

ROLL 2 plays music up to 30m or (100 ft).

WIRELESS CAPABILITIES

Pair up to 8 Bluetooth ® enabled devices – Connect up to two source devices at the same time. Wirelessly play (stream) to two ROLL 2s from one source.

COMPATIBILITY

For Audio Playback - Smartphones, tablets and other devices that support Bluetooth® wireless audio profile [Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)] or 3.5 mm audio output.

DIMENSIONS

Diameter: 135mm. Height: 40mm. Weight: 330 g

This time out we take a look at recording audio. This covers everything from setting up the computer to know which device/microphone to record from to telling GarageBand which track to record onto. Especially useful in projects with more than one tracks.So warm up those vocal pipes or playing fingers and lets continue our dive into recording with GarageBand.

Keyboard Commands Covered in this Episode:

* K = Toggle Metronome on/off

* Shift K = toggle Count In on/off

* R = Start recording

* SpaceBar = Start/Stop Playback (technically play/pause), Stop Recording

* Return = Go to beginning of the project

* Command K = Toggle Musical Typing Keyboard on/off

* Control+R = Toggle Record Enable for the selected track

Other Useful Keyboard Commands:

* Command+Option+A = Add a New Audio Track

* Command+Option+S = Add a New Software Instrument Track

* Period = Move Forward by Measure

* Comma = Move Backwards by Measure

* Command+T = Split Region At Playhead

* S = Solo Selected Track

* M = Mute Selected Track

In this episode we get into the basics of doing some midi recording. You’ll hear the lovely Steinway Grand Piano on a childhood classic while learning some  concepts of how GarageBand handles recording. Grab a copy of GarageBand and lets dive in!

Keyboard Commands Covered in this Episode:

* K = Toggle Metronome on/off

* Shift K = toggle Count In on/off

* R = Start recording

* SpaceBar = Start/Stop Playback (technically play/pause), Stop Recording

* Return = Go to beginning of the project

* Command K = Toggle Musical Typing Keyboard on/off

* Q = Quantize (Defaults to 16th Note)

* Option+UpArrow = Transpose MIDI note up a semi tone

* Option+DownArrow = Transpose MIDI Note Down a semi tone

* Option+Shift+UpArrow = Transpose MIDI Note up an octave

* Option+Shift+DownArrow = Transpose MIDI note down an octave

* Command+Option+S = Add a New Software Instrument Track

* Period = Move Forward by Measure

* Comma = Move Backwards by Measure

* Command+T = Split Region At Playhead

* S = Solo Selected Track

* M = Mute Selected Track

Packed with the greatest hits of sounds from its big brother Logic, GarageBand frees you up to be creative without any of the overwhelming sensation of option paralysis that can confront a new comer in more “Pro” apps.

In this introduction we cover acquiring GarageBand, setting up the app, and getting familiar with its interface. Also showing off one of its cool features to get you playing with just your Mac. Grab a copy of GarageBand and lets dive in!

We put the Monster Bluetooth speaker to a sound and drop test, guess what happens?

Your life is an adventure, and you need to have CBT wherever your adventure takes you. With an “everything proof” exterior (weatherproof, rust-proof, dust-proof), the Monster® Adventurer can follow you into the fray and survive the most harsh climates and environment. Be prepared! Charging your devices is easy with Adventurer's battery reserve. As you rise to meet any challenge,

the Monster Adventurer's sound performance will thrill and excite you. Meet the Adventurer, Monster’s “All-Proof” speaker for your adventurous lifestyle.

Features:

* All-proof design: Weatherproof, dust-proof, rust-proof, shock-proof

* Charge up your phone: Easily charge your cell phone with the USB charge-out feature

* Up to 14 hours continuous play with awesome bass

* NFC pairing for super-quick connect to your phone

* Superb quality speaker phone with echo cancellation

* 4 LED indicator lights to see remaining power

The Victor Reader Stream is ubiquitous in the blindness community with over 36000 units in circulation. Imagine having the latest novels, magazines, your favorite music, audio-described films, texts and your own voice recordings, all in the palm of your hand. With its new lightweight and compact design, Victor Reader Stream delivers hours of listening pleasure ANYWHERE!

The new Victor Reader Stream is 28% smaller than its predecessor. Its new sleek design is thinner and features rounded shapes, making it more comfortable to hold.

The new Stream opens new possibilities for receiving content wirelessly, from books and newspapers to podcasts and radio. It also features a louder speaker, superior text-to-speech, and improved recording.

The high contrast, robust, tactile keypad and popular Victor Reader bookshelf navigation still make this Stream the easiest to use hand-held player on the market.

Taking your books, music and much more everywhere you go is so easy with the new Victor Reader Stream’s excellent features:

Supports up to 32GB removable SD cards and external USB flash drives;

Read books from DAISY libraries: NLS, Bookshare, Learning Ally;

Enjoy books and music from iTunes;

Play text documents with built-in text-to-speech from Acapela.

What's in the box

* Power adaptor NA USB-A 5V 1A

* Micro USB cable Short

* Micro USB cable long

* Earbuds

* SD card

* Silicone case

* Color Booklet

USA

Toll free: 1-800-722-3393

CANADA

Toll free: 1-888-723-7273

AUSTRALIA/ASIA

Tel: 1300-551-864 or 02-9686-2600

UK/EUROPE

Tel: 44-1933-415-800

CBT gives you the first impressions of the new Essential Phone.

The Essential Phone’ has a stunning edge-to-edge Full Display and is a large-screen device that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

Essential PH-1 features

Materials

* Titanium body

* Ceramic back

* Corning Gorilla Glass 5 cover glass

Dimensions

* Height: 141.5mm

* Width: 71.1mm

* Thickness: 7.8mm

* Weight: < 185 grams

Display

* Resolution: 2560 x 1312 QHD

* Aspect Ratio: 19:10

* Diagonal Size: 5.71” with radiused corners

* Brightness: 500 nits (typical)

* Contrast Ratio: > 1000:1 (typical)

* Technology: CGS / LTPS

Human Input + Sensors

* 10 finger multitouch; palm and water-error rejection

* Fingerprint reader: fastest available technology

* Proximity / Ambient light sensor

* Volume buttons, Power button

* Environmental pressure sensor (barometer)

* Accelerometer, Magnetometer and Gyroscope

Audio

* Microphone: 4x microphones with noise cancellation and beam forming

* Low Audio (earpiece)

* High Audio: (loudspeaker)

Rear Camera

* 13MP Dual RGB + Mono camera with image fusion technology

* 13MP True Monochrome mode

* f/1.85 lens

* Hybrid Auto Focus combing Contrast, Phase Detect and IR Laser

* Video at 4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps or 720p 120fps

Front Camera

* 8MP resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio

* f/2.20 fixed hyperfocal lens

* Video at 4K 30fps, 1080p 60fps or 720p 120fps

Battery

* 3040mAh.

* Fast charging via USB

Memory & Storage

* RAM: 4GB

* Storage: 128GB UFS 2.1

Connectivity

* Bluetooth: 5.0 LE

* WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with MIMO

* NFC: yes

* Positioning: GPS and GLONASS

Network / Bands

* UMTS/HSPA+: 1, 2, 4, 5 6, 8

* GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz

* CDMA EV-DO Rev. A: 0, 1, 10

* FDD-LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66

* TDD-LTE: 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43

* TD-SCDMA: 34, 39

System Architecture / OS

* Android

* Qualcomm® Snapdragon 835

* CPU: Kryo 280 Octa-core (2.45GHz Quad + 1.9GHz Quad), 64 bit, 10nm processor

* GPU: Adreno 540, 710MHz, 64bit

Ports

* USB Type-C

* 60GHz, 6 Gbps Wireless Accessory Connector

* 2x accessory power pins

* NanoSIM tray with pin eject

* Water and Dust Resistant

* IP54

From Andy Rubin, Essential CEO, Android Founder

Why I started Essential

I know people are going to ask me a lot of questions about why I started this company. Why didn’t I just travel the world, ride my motorcycle, tinker with my robots, hang out at my bakery with friends and family. And to be honest I still do ask myself that sometimes…but not too often.

So why did I create Essential? Well, my hardware engineers wanted me to talk about how we are bringing real passion and craftsmanship back into this category. My software engineers wanted me to talk about our vision for making all devices, even those we don't make ourselves, play well together. My partners wanted me to talk about how we are using methods that could change how successful technology companies are built forever.

The CBT Team is back again with another Fanmail show? Keep sending us your emails and messages from social media and we will read or play your feedback on our show.

You can contact us via email to [email protected] or call our new toll free number at 1-855-330-2665 anytime night or day.

From: Kelley Armstrong

Hi everyone, I just want to say thank you for putting all of this educational information out there! I have been a long time listener for years! This is my weigh in on the iPhone ten unboxing! You know I opted not to ever set up emergency sos because of the fear of accidentally activating the darn thing! I am one who has severe anxiety and sudden loud noises scare me! My family had an alarm system and I had a medical alert pendant! So did my mom and dad and my grandmother! I triggered mine accidentally and it scared the bejesus out of me! Sirens going off and lights flashing and the loud voice of emergency services! Never mind that the alarm system contracts are the hardest things to get out of and I don’t recommend it! I am really surprised that apple made this feature so easily accessible! The 911 system has been overloaded with calls that were accidentally made! However I’m glad to know what it sounds like! There should be a prompt before a call is sent out! Hit okay or cancel! Something apple should have took more time to think it through! I think the watch would be better suited for a feature like this!

From: Dr. Lester

I am looking for a smartphone to replace my iPhone 7, in your pro opinion do you think that the android screen reader “talkback” is better then Voice Over for the iPhone at this time? Before I lost my vision I was user of android and at that time talkback was a pain to use…. I would be grateful for any help you could be to me in this.

From: Henk-Jeroen van Groningen schinkel

Thank you for your wonderful Podcasts. Although the products you’re presenting aren’t all available in The Netherlands, I love to hear about the tech possibilities for blind folks. And it was your podcast that made me buy the Sunu band. This will arrive soon. And I am the First to experiment in this country.

Go on with your wonderful shows. And perhaps, once I can join your podcast. But First I have to buy some good microphone and other stuff. ;-)

Kind regards,

Bilthoven

The Netherlands

In this week’s VIP, Nelson and James are joined by Jackie Brown from the British Computer Association of the Blind. They discuss the top stories from Cool Blind Tech and give you some of their favorite Cool Picks.

Established in 1969, BCAB is the oldest association of blind and partially sighted technology users in the world. Members include people of all skill levels, ages and interests.

Top Stories

RUDY The Robot Is Now Available To Care For Seniors

Engineering Students Develop Pulse, An Advanced Sensory System For The Blind

Cool Picks

Wemo® Switch Smart Plug

Sleep Sounds lets you play ambient sounds to help you sleep peacefully or block out unwanted noise at work or home.

Bubble Level for iPhone and iPad

Nelson Régo demonstrates the new gestures and button controls for the iPhone X! Oh yeah, just one more thing… Nelson shows a hidden trick for a virtual Home button.