Talking Tech by Vision Australia Radio

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).

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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).

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(Part of premium subscription).

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Get Outlook for iOS

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Things that caught my Attention in 2023 and looking Ahead in to 2024

 

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.

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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.

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New Telescopic Cane is Now Available from the Vision Store

 

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

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3 Interesting O&M apps to test your listening and navigation Skills

 

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

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Forza Motorsport Racing 2023

 

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.

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Apps that have caught my attention in 2023

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/

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Lets Talk about JAWS, Zoomtext, and Fusion for a Change

 

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 [email protected]

 

Help in Australia

 

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

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Update to the Final Ordering Dates from the Va Store

 

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

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Apple Scary Fast Event 31 October 2023

 

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

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