Talking Tech Beyond the Buzzwords Podcast

Ian and Chris talk about how they use AI today and their journey from the Industrial Revolution!  Real-life examples of why they couldn't do what they do without it.

Chris and Ian talk about unless you invest in your team and business, all the investment in software and tools is wasted.  The EOS Entrepreneur Operating System provides them with a framework to build a better business and culture.

Ian and Chris talk about all things cyber essentials.   Why you need it, and how it helps your team, and your business keep up with new threats,

Talking Tech for April 9 2024

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

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Product Minute: 10 inch Digital Clock with 30 Alarm Reminders

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.

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Product Minute: Zoomax Snow 12 Inch video magnifier with Speech (more than half price)

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

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Talking Tech show notes for March 19 2024

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.

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Talking Tech for March 12 2024

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.

e/best-iphone-accessories/ 

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My First Colouring Book 

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.

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Hable one

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

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