Blind Level Tech

In this episode, Evan and Kelvin take a dive into the world of field recorders from an accessibility perspective. We'll answer the most common questions a blind or low-vision person might have when purchasing a shiny new recorder, like does it talk, and have an intuitive interface, and of course, how does it sound.

In this BLT Byte episode, host Evan Starnes provides a quick guide on setting up the TalkBack accessibility shortcut for Android devices. Using a Google Pixel 5, Evan walks listeners through the process of activating TalkBack during the initial setup of a new device and explains how to enable it on a device that’s already been configured. He highlights the accessibility button feature, available at the bottom of the screen, and demonstrates the volume key shortcut, which is particularly useful for blind users. Evan also notes that the setup process may vary slightly depending on the brand of the Android device.

Summary

The Olympus DM720 digital voice recorder is a capable device with three mics and the ability to record in MP3 or WAV format. However, it is not the most accessible recorder for blind or low vision users. The new Zoom Essential Series of recorders, such as the H1E, H4E, and H6E, are recommended for accessibility. The Olympus DM720 has a startup chime and a speaker that is not very good for playback but is useful for monitoring. The recorder has a menu that can be navigated using the buttons below the screen, and it provides beep feedback. Folders and files can be accessed, but the date and time of recordings are not announced. The recorder has a record button, a stop button, and the ability to pause and resume recordings. It also provides a long beep when running out of memory.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Olympus DM720 Digital Voice Recorder

01:01 Accessibility Considerations for Voice Recorders

03:08 Navigating the Menu and Accessing Folders and Files

05:08 Recording and Playback Features of the Olympus DM720

06:29 Recommended Voice Recorders for Accessibility

Summary

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes interviews Joe Weber from Be My Eyes. They discuss the latest updates and features of Be My AI, including the integration of GPT-4.0 and the expansion to Windows desktop. They also talk about the future plans of Be My Eyes, including the integration of wearables. The conversation highlights the importance of privacy and ethical use of data in AI technology. The episode ends with the sandwich of the week segment.

Takeaways

Be My AI, the AI tool integrated into Be My Eyes, is continuously improving and becoming more responsive.

Be My AI is being used by companies like Microsoft and Unilever to provide customer support through the app.

Be My AI is planning to integrate with wearables in the future.

Be My Eyes prioritizes privacy and ethical use of data in their AI models.

The sandwich of the week is a chicken bacon ranch wrap.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:01 Be My AI: A Review and Preview

04:22 The Growth and Adoption of Be My AI

05:49 Be My AI and Support from Brands

07:47 The Impact of Be My AI on Call Resolution Time

09:38 The Advancements in Be My AI with GPT-4.0

16:16 Introducing Be My AI for Windows Desktop

19:33 The Future of Be My AI: Integration with Wearables

23:56 Privacy and Ethical Use of Data

27:34 Sandwich of the Week: Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap

29:48 Closing Remarks and Future Updates

Summary

The Be My Eyes app for Windows allows users to take pictures and have an AI model describe them. The app is available in the Microsoft Store and requires a Microsoft account. Users can sign in with their Be My Eyes account or create a new one. The app includes features such as describing the screen, taking pictures using the built-in camera, uploading existing photos, and copying images to the clipboard for description. The app also has customizable keyboard shortcuts and a settings tab. Overall, the Be My Eyes app for Windows provides a convenient way for visually impaired individuals to access visual information.

Takeaways

The Be My Eyes app for Windows allows visually impaired individuals to access visual information through an AI model.

The app includes features such as describing the screen, taking pictures, uploading existing photos, and copying images for description.

Users can customize keyboard shortcuts and access settings for the app.

The app requires a Microsoft account and is available in the Microsoft Store.

chapters

00:00 Introduction to Be My Eyes App

01:01 Installing and Signing In

02:23 Screen Description and Picture Taking

03:50 Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts and Settings

Blind Level Tech, or BLT, is a fun new show dedicated to the use of technology for those who are blind and have visual impairments. We will walk you through the latest and greatest tech from Apple to Microsoft and TVs to kitchen appliances. We will even throw in some good ole dad and tech jokes for good measure. Being blind is hard enough. Your tech experience should not be.

Summary

In this episode, the hosts interview Martijn Van Der Spek, the developer of the app PiccyBot, an AI-based image description app. They discuss the different AI models used in the app, such as Gemini, GPT-3.5, RECA, GPT-4.0, and GROK2, and how each model has its own strengths and weaknesses. They also talk about the advantages of using open-source models like LAMA for privacy. The hosts explore the possibility of merging multiple models to create a supermodel and the potential risks of using AI for image description. They also mention the personality switch feature in PiccyBot that allows users to customize the description style. PiccyBot is an app that uses AI to provide descriptions of images and videos for blind and visually impaired users. It stands out from other similar apps because it offers multiple models and personalities, and it is currently the only app that provides video descriptions. The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, and it offers a free version with limited features and ads, as well as a paid version with additional capabilities. The developer is hoping to secure grant funding to further improve and expand the app. PiccyBot has the potential to be integrated into other devices and applications, such as a smart cane.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

03:04 Tech Piece of the Week: I Fix It Kit and Zoom P4 Podcast Mixer

07:07 The Power of Different AI Models in Image Recognition

13:14 Exploring the Strengths and Niches of AI Models

16:43 Privacy and Control: The Benefits of Open-Source AI Models

18:31 Creating a Supermodel: Merging AI Models for Better Image Description

20:30 Customizing Image Descriptions with Pickybot's Personality Switch

21:01 Introduction to PiccyBot and its Description Features

22:31 Customization and Fun with PiccyBot's Personalities

23:20 The Importance of Video Descriptions

24:52 The Benefits of Upgrading to the Paid Version

25:19 PiccyBot's Pricing Model

26:12 Seeking Grant Funding for PiccyBot's Development

28:07 Cross-Platform Availability and Development Process

29:30 Future Plans for PiccyBot and User Feedback

31:57 Opportunity for Public Voting in Google Gemini AI Competition

32:32 Promoting PiccyBot and Support for the App

35:14 Sandwich of the Week: Subby Tuna, Croissant with Boa, and Buffalo Chicken Slider

37:44 Where to Find PiccyBot and Connect with the Developer

39:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Thank you for listening to this episode of BLT if you have questions you know what to do. (720) 712-8856 or email at [email protected]

Summary

In this conversation, the hosts and guest discuss various topics related to technology and personal experiences. They start by sharing their recent hiking experience and the inspiring story of a blind hiker. Then, they move on to discuss tech recommendations, including microphones and packing cubes. The conversation shifts to Marty's journey in the music industry and his work with Apple. They also touch on the topic of Apple's new M1 processors and the right to repair. Marty shares his experience adapting to vision loss and learning to use assistive technology like VoiceOver. The conversation covers topics such as multitasking with multiple audio sources, the creation of ACB Community, the growth of the Unmute podcast, and challenges faced by beginners in using technology. The main takeaways include the importance of simplifying technology for beginners, the value of patience in waiting for a better outcome, and the need for intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. The conversation is divided into two chapters: 'ACB Community and Unmute Podcast' and 'Challenges Faced by Beginners in Using Technology'.

Chapters

00:00 Inspiring Stories from a Recent Hiking Trip

03:31 Tech Recommendations: Microphones and Packing Cubes

09:03 Journey in the Music Industry and Work with Apple

12:55 Apple's M1 Processors and the Right to Repair

17:21 Adapting to Vision Loss and Learning Assistive Technology

23:12 ACB Community and Unmute Podcast

31:09 Challenges Faced by Beginners in Using Technology

Thank you for listening to this episode of Blind Level Tech. As always if you have questions, reach out to us at [email protected] or give us a call at (720) 712-8856. Have a great week.

In this BLT Bite Evan shares useful tips on some handy Windows Keystrokes.
If you would like a tip or topic covered in our weekly BLT BITE Segment, let us know by emailing us at [email protected] Or call us at (720) 712-8856

Summary

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, the hosts discuss microphones for podcasting and voiceover recording. They start by talking about the mics they are currently using, including the Audio-Technica AT2020 condenser microphone and the CAD GXL2200. They explain the difference between condenser and dynamic microphones and the best use cases for each. They also discuss built-in microphones in devices like laptops and phones, noting that while they can be convenient, they often lack in audio quality. The hosts then explore different types of microphones in various price ranges, including USB mics, XLR mics, and headset mics. They provide recommendations for affordable microphones and caution against using headset mics for professional audio work. They also mention the Blue Yeti microphone as a versatile option with multiple polar patterns. They cover popular options like the Blue Yeti and the Shure MV7, as well as higher-end models like the AKG C414. They also mention the importance of considering the sound profile, polar patterns, and durability when choosing a microphone. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their favorite sandwiches.

Takeaways

Condenser microphones are good for picking up audio from the room, while dynamic microphones are better for dialogue and close-up recording.

Built-in microphones in devices like laptops and phones often lack in audio quality and are not recommended for professional audio work.

Affordable microphones in the $20 to $60 price range can significantly upgrade audio quality, with options like Logitech, Zeal Sound, and CAD microphones.

Headset mics are convenient but may pick up vibrations from the head and produce unpleasant audio quality. They are not recommended for voiceovers.

The Blue Yeti microphone is a versatile option with multiple polar patterns and a built-in sound card for monitoring and adjusting audio levels.

Proper microphone placement and technique are important for achieving good audio quality. There are many microphones available for podcasting and voiceover work in the $100 to $250 price range.

The Shure MV7 is a popular choice among podcasters and offers both XLR and USB options.

Other options in this price range include the Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica, and Sennheiser microphones.

Higher-end microphones like the Lewitt Ray and AKG C414 offer advanced features and exceptional sound quality.

Consider factors like sound profile, polar patterns, and durability when choosing a microphone.

Rode microphones are also worth considering for their range of podcasting options.

Don't forget to toast your burger buns for extra deliciousness!

Chapters

00:00 Choosing the Right Microphone

10:14 Understanding Microphone Types

13:00 Built-in Microphones in Devices

18:32 Affordable Microphones

20:09 Headset Mics for Voiceovers

23:10 Middle of the Road Mics

25:07 Microphone Placement and Technique

25:37 Introduction to Microphones for Podcasting

26:10 The Shure MV7: A Popular Choice

27:07 Exploring Other Microphone Options

28:30 Considerations for Choosing a Microphone

31:07 The Shure MV7 Plus and Other Options

32:24 Advanced Features: Lewitt Ray and AKG C414

35:38 Rode Microphones for Podcasting

38:21 Sandwich of the Week: Pulled Pork Sliders and Burgers

39:05 Sandwich of the Week: Sonic Double Cheeseburger

39:45 Sandwich of the Week: Elk Burger

40:26 Announcement: Shine Music Fest

41:38 Conclusion and Farewell

Thank you for listening to this episode of Blind Level Tech. If you have any questions for Evan or Kelvin please visit us at [email protected] or give us a call at 720-712-8856..