In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Evan Starnes dive into the exciting new features of iOS 18. They’ll walk you through the latest accessibility updates, share their personal experiences with Apple’s newest products, and spotlight the tech piece of the week. From improvements in Braille screen input to the new item chooser feature and the introduction of music haptics, there’s a lot to cover. They also explore the recent acquisition of AppleViz by Be My Eyes and why these advancements are so important for the blind and low vision community.

If you have questions for the hosts, feel free to call (720) 712-8856 or email them at [email protected]. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation!

Takeaways

Being blind doesn't mean you have to stop living.

iOS 18 has introduced many new features and improvements.

AirPods Max provide an exceptional audio experience.

The Rode Go 2 is a versatile wireless microphone setup.

The item chooser feature enhances navigation for VoiceOver users.

Braille screen input has received significant enhancements in iOS 18.

Apple Watch now allows custom ringtones and audio playback.

AirPods Pro can accept calls with head gestures.

Over-the-counter hearing aids may not suffice for severe hearing loss.

Music haptics offers a new way to experience music through vibrations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech

01:09 iOS 18 Release Notes Overview

02:37 Tech Piece of the Week: AirPods Max

04:33 Tech Piece of the Week: Rode Go 2

08:19 Deep Dive into iOS 18 Features

12:03 Braille Screen Input Enhancements

17:48 Miscellaneous iOS and WatchOS Changes

21:09 AirPods Pro Features and Updates

24:26 Hearing Aids and AirPods Discussion

28:14 Music Haptics Feature

32:35 Should You Update to iOS 18?

34:02 AppleViz Acquisition by Be My Eyes

37:54 Closing Thoughts and Reflections