IN this weeks show, we give you part 1 of two parts conversation with the developer of VoxMate for Android.

A simple to use but powerful talking interface allowing access to phone functions, games, text and voice notes, podcasts, online radio etc.

For more information go to the Voxmate website or check it out on the Play Store from Google.

Voxmate website:

https://voxmate.com

Play Store Link for Voxmate:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voxmate.voxmate

Enjoy.

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Apple Keynote for October 19 2021

Audio described as usual.

Focusing on Music and the Mac.

Music

Siri Voice Plan to access Apple Music only by Siri. Full individual or family plans.

Siri Voice Plan the cheapest, honestly I don’t know why a person would bother.

Available in November.

Siri Voice Plan blog link:

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/10/apple-introduces-the-apple-music-voice-plan/

HomePod mini now comes in yellow, orange, and Blue (besides space grey or white), no spec changes.

Available in November.

3rd version of AirPods (not the AirPods Pro).

better design and sound, sweat and dust resistant, up to 6hrs play time,  MagSafe/wireless charging case, and as before no noise cancellation or transparency modes.

AirPods 2nd gen still available for $219, and $279 for new 3rd Gen.

New AirPods 3rd Gen link:

https://www.apple.com/au/airpods-3rd-generation/

Mac

1 year in to a 2 year transition.

New Macs: M1 Pro and M1 Max in either 14 or 16 inch.

M1 is still available for MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro 13 inch.

Apple has brought back the function keys bye touch strip), SD card slot, more ports, and the MagSafe power adapter. 

1080P camera.

Better studio  quality mics.

6 speaker sound supporting spacial audio.

Starting at $2999 for 14 and $3749 for 16.

Macs available 26/10/2021.

Monterey releasing Monday 26/10/2021.

New MM1 Pro and Max link:

https://www.apple.com/au/macbook-pro-14-and-16/

Aftershokz Bone Conduction Head Phones Turn 10 Years Old

I was amazed to learn that Aftershokz have actually been around for 10 years today. The first pair I had back in 2011 was the wired version, I now use the latest OpenComm, and still one of my preferred bone conduction head phones to use with my iPhone, Apple Watch or Mac.

Split Audio on the Mac

The other week we talked about how JAWS 2022 beta allows split audio between JAWS speech and say a Zoom meeting in either ear, making it easier to concentrate on either source.

As I use the Arctis Steel Series 5 Gaming Head Set, I came up with a similar solution as the head set uses 2 sound cards.

So with the volume knob in the mid position so I get equal sound from both sound cards, I set the first sound card (Arctis General) to use the left stereo channel, and the 2nd card (Arctis Chat) to use the right stereo channel. Then I simply set VoiceOver sound to Arctis general and Zoom/system sounds to use Arctis chat, and hey presto, split audio on the Mac.

Not as easy as JAWS on Windows, but it works, and of course on Windows, you don’t need a special head set.

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My Exploring Tech Webinar for September 2021 - Apple Watch

Link to the podcast on my ISee feed follows:

https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/exploring-tech-webinar-from-vision-australia-sep-2021-apple-watch/

Next Exploring Tech Webinar by David Woodbridge October 2021 - Solutions from Humanware

Register at:

https://visionaustralia.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KAE8umV4TGKZfa6kQGnm3Q

Google Urges Users to delete/uninstall One of It’s Most Used Programs - Chrome

Due to some significant security bugs for Chrome on Windows, Google’s advise for the moment is to remove it from your system.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/google-has-issued-a-warning-to-its-users-after-the-latest-hack/news-story/41529dbd598b6f75c9c66272c7f85d8d

Good Maps Outdoors 

Guide Dogs NSW/aCT app is now Good Maps Outdoor, and best of all its free.

Good Maps Website

https://goodmaps.com/apps/good-maps-outdoors?mc_cid=3f500a2e38&mc_eid=eeb3dca256

Good Maps Outdoor iOS app

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/goodmaps-outdoors/id945756779?mc_cid=3f500a2e38&mc_eid=eeb3dca256

On October 14 2021 Siri will be 10 years old

Siri was first introduced in October 14 2011 with the iPhone 4s, 10 years later, I would have expected us to have moved on a bit more.

I think Alexa first, and Google second have put Siri in third place on personal assistance capabilities.

Siri No Longer Does What it Did Before

The following commands are no longer for the moment available via Siri, but Apple has said that it will return them in future updates to the Siri Server.

Do I have any voice mails,

Play my voice mail messages,

Check my call history,

Check my recent calls,

Who called me,

Send an email,

Send an email to “person”.

https://www.idownloadblog.com/2021/09/30/removed-siri-voice-commands/

Apple Watch S7 now available

Pre-order was available from October 7, and available on October 15. However, I’m still very much underwhelmed why the differences between the S6 and S7.

Speaking of S6, it’s now no longer available, current line up is mainly the S3, Se, and now the S7.

Streamlet for Apple Watch

A Very cool Apple Watch app which allows you to stream radio stations straight to the watch, and best of all, use the internal speaker of the watch, no need for BT head phones.

My positive Experience with the Amazon Fire TV 4K

Last time I tried the Amazon Fire TV stick, I couldn’t even get speech running on it as it kept saying language wasn’t supported in my country.

So now that is working on the 4k, and the experience has been very very nice, a much nicer experience than the chrome cast with Google TV.

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Windows 11 Available

US October 5.

Just a note, no real reason to update as yet.

Windows 11 Accessibility Quick Reference

https://www.onmsft.com/feature/windows-11-accessibility

A very Cool set of Watch OS 8 Hand gestures

Clench, double clench, pinch, and double pinch for navigating with VoiceOver or Assistive Touch.

Amazon September event

New products coming like the Echo Show 15, no date on their arrival in Australia.

https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/28/22692147/amazon-devices-event-echo-ring-biggest-announcements

My Happy Experience with Amazon Fire TV 4k

I’ve had previous versions of the Fire TV stick, but very sluggish with VoiceView. Now with the 4K it is absolutely fine.

What is New in JAWS, Zoomtext and fusion 2022 Public Beta

Outstanding feature is split audio to put Jaws on the left and say zoom on the right, visa versa or normal stereo for both JaWS and Zoom etc.

Command is Ins+Space, V Volume, B Balance, then LeftArrow, RightArrow orUpArrow for stereo.

https://support.freedomscientific.com/Downloads/PublicBeta

Dolphin Guide Reader Pod Discontinued

Dolphin has advised the Vision Store that the Dolphin Guide Reader Pod is no longer being developed

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New Exciting Product from the Vision Store - CareSense N Voice Glucose Monitoring System

Handy for both people who are blind or have low vision with diabetes.

Please consult medical advise for using this device, and its not expensive (smile).

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shop/product/es7005

Several Follow-up points from the Apple Keynote for September

Just a note on the Line Up for iPhones Now Available:

iPhone SE 2020, iPhone 11 (no pro), iPhone 12 (no pro), and iPhone 13:, iPhone 13 Mini, and Pro/Pro Max.

What I purchased from the Apple Event:

iPad Mini as it seemed to be the only device with a major update.

All the iOS Stuff  Now Available

iOS 15, iPad OS 15, TV OS 15, and Watch OS 8 are now available to download.

However, I’d hang off updating to iOS 15 for a while as there are some bugs such as the App Switcher not working with VoiceOver.

You can still update to iOS 14 without having to go to 15.

Also, remember the Apple Watch Series 7 isn’t here yet, but you can still update to Watch os 8.

Speaking of Apple Watch, if you can make it or mis this Wednesdays webinar on the Apple Watch, go to the David Woodbridge Exploring Tech webinar page to either register or catch up on the webinar:

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/webinars

Applevis Website

You can check out a number of blogs and podcasts on iOS 15 and accessibility bugs on the Applevis website:

https://www.applevis.com

My Favourite 15 and Watch OS 8 Features

FaceTime link to allow users on Windows or Android to use via a weblink to FaceTime.

World watch face with 24 country’s around the world.

Apple TV Releases one of my All Time favourite science fiction Series

Foundation is now available as a TV series on Apple TV, and is of course Audio Described.

Finding it much easier than the books, but then again, I ddid read them about 4 decades ago, may be time to read again.

Apple Refutes Flicktype Developer Claim

This is Apple’s response to the developer of FlickType that we covered a few weeks ago about it being taken off the App Store.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/09/15/apple-refutes-flicktype-developers-account-of-app-store-issues?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=RSS

Microsoft Fall Event with the Announcement of new Hardware

About all Surface Pro Hardware.

I think what stops me going back to Windows is the underlying issue that sound for screen readers just seems to be so delicate, and can be lost requiring sighted assistance,.

However, I’ve always liked and use the Surface Pro range.

https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/22/22684950/microsoft-surface-event-biggest-announcements-pro-8-duo-studio-laptop  

Certainly Changing my Mind About Android

In preparation for an internal workshop on smart phones this week, I updated my notes on Android and iOS, and was surprised by how much Android accessibility has closed in on iOS. Braille still has a way to go, but overall very very good.

We used to say, screen readers only iPhone, but now it is both, and screen mag etc is fine on either platform.

Vision Australia recommends Samsung overall, and of course, Apple it is the iPhone funny enough.

Android/Google Accessibility

https://www.google.com/accessibility/

Android/Samsung Accessibility

https://www.samsung.com/us/accessibility/

iPhone/Apple Accessibility

https://www.apple.com/accessibility/

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Recap of Apple Keynote Event for September 2021

Firstly, my chat with Robert and Allison on the Tech Doctor Blog Podcast:

https://www.dr-carter.com

If you want to watch the full keynote, here is the link:

https://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2021/

iPad mini, iPad, Apple Watch, and iPhone 13.

iPad Mini

Out of the hardware announced, this was to me the most significant as the iPad mini has not received an update for quite a long while.

New all screen 8.3 inch diagonal (yep Apple decreasing the boarders around the screen).

A15 Bionic.

5G.

128GB or 256GB.

Apple Pencil 2.

Stereo speakers.

Touch ID on power button.

Wifi or wifi/5G.

USBC port.

No ear phone jack (need USBC too 3.5mm adapter).

iPad

The iPad itself was also updated to the A13 Bionic chip.

iPad Mini

https://www.apple.com/au/ipad-mini/

iPad

https://www.apple.com/au/ipad-10.2/

iPad mini from $749.

iPad from $499.

Available 24 Sep.

Line up is still iPad mini, iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.

iPad Pro still the only iPad with the M1 chip.

Apple Watch Series 7

5 new aluminium colours.

Reduced screen boarder by 40% resulting in a display increase of 20% over S6 and 50% over S3.

Screen Chrystal 50% thicker at its tallest point, making it more rugged.

No new sensors in the S7.

Quick Path same as with iPhone, slide to type.

Faster charging via USBC, taking about 45 mins to go from 0 to 80%.

The new USBC Apple Watch charger is already available which will work with previous Apple Watch’s. However, the 33% faster charge will be only with the S7.

Line up is the S3, SE, S6, and later in Spring the S7.

S6 from $599.

SE from $429.

S3 from $299.

No price on the S7.

Available in titanium, stainless steel or aluminium.

If S6  didn’t make you upgrade, perhaps wait for next year for the Apple Watch  S8.

https://www.apple.com/au/apple-watch-series-7/

iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 13 and iPhone Mini 13

A15 Bionic.

Of course 5G with more bands.

Starting at 128GB.

Up to 512GB.

5 colours (new pink finish).

iPhone 13 6.1 screen, and iPhone 13 Mini 5.4 screen.

Up to 2.5hrs on iPhone 13 and 1.5hrs on iPhone 13 Mini extra battery.

New Dual diagonal lens camera unit.

Better display and camera than iPhone 12 (great for photographers).

Aluminium surround.

Still no Touch ID along with Face ID.

If iPhone 12 didn’t make you upgrade, perhaps wait for next year for the iPhone 14.

https://www.apple.com/au/iphone-13/

iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max

A15 Bionic.

6.1 iPhone 13 Pro, and 6.7 iPhone 13 Pro Max diagonal screen.

4 colours.

5G with more bands.

Starting at 128GB.

Yes, yes, yes, better display and camera than iPhone 13/mini with 3 lenses (great for videoing plus photography).

Up to 1TB storage.

2.5 extra battery with iPhone 13 Pro max and 1.5 with iPhone 13 Pro. 

Stainless steel surround edge.

Still no Touch ID along with Face ID.

If iPhone 12 Pro didn’t make you upgrade, perhaps wait for next year for the iPhone 14 Pro.

https://www.apple.com/au/iphone-13-pro/

iPhone 13 Mini from $1119.

iPhone 13 from $1349.

iPhone 13 Pro from $1619.

iPhone 13 Pro Max from $1849. 

Available 24 Sep.

One of Hundreds of Articles covering September 21 2021 Apple Event

Where they also talked about Apple TV plus.

https://gizmodo.com/heres-everything-apple-announced-during-its-iphone-13-e-1847675697?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=dlvrit&utm_content=gizmodo

From AppleVis - Accessibility Bugs in iOS 15

Don’t know if I would be updating quite yet, especially if you use the App Switcher a lot.

iOS 15 ETC

Available on September 21 2021 along with iPad os 15, TV OS 15, and Watch OS 8.

Oddly, iOS 15 in its various forms and watch 8 never got a mention at the Sep 21 Apple Event.

https://www.applevis.com/blog/accessibility-bugs-introduced-and-resolved-ios-15-and-ipados-15-blind-and-low-vision-users

Fantastic New accessible Audio Only Game for the Xbox, the Vale: Shadow of the Crown

As your elder brother takes his place on the throne… you are made warden of a small keep on the outskirts of the kingdom. Blind from birth and sheltered for much of your childhood, you welcome your exile as a chance for a little adventure.

En route to the borderlands, your caravan is attacked by the vanguard of a huge invading army sweeping eastward toward the capital. You escape but find yourself alone in hostile lands. With the aid of a local shepherd, you must survive the long, dark, dangerous valley that leads home... A journey that will reveal 

startling truths about your land, your people and your own family.

Launch Trailer for The Vale:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf5sAmloov4

The Vale, falling squirrel website

https://www.fallingsquirrel.com/the-vale

Accessible Gaming from Triple Tap Tech

Interesting resource for accessible gaming across different platforms.

https://tripletaptech.org/accessible-gaming/

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Apple Keynote for September 14 (15 in Australia) 

We’ll report back on all the Apple Keynote event stuff next week as it is being held tomorrow as we go to air this week.

In the meantime check out your favourite podcast or website for info in the meantime.

https://www.apple.com.au

Remember, Exploring Tech Webinar - Apple Watch

Just a reminder about my Apple Watch webinar coming up at the end of September (Wednesday the 29th) where I will also cover what is new from Apple.

https://visionaustralia.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PfbH9oQITqqpJSbllR4RoA

Samsung New Stuff Now Available as of September 10 2021

Samsung Z3 Fold and Flip. Galaxy Buds 2, and Galaxy Watch 4 and classic now all available.

McDonalds and Vispero Partner to Make Self Service Kiosks Accessible

https://www.prweb.com/releases/mcdonalds_partners_with_vispero_to_provide_access_for_blind_and_low_vision_customers_in_us_self_order_kiosks/prweb18162562.htm?utm_content=179149661&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-2382446636

Facebook Ray-Band Makes the Story for Smart Glasses

To be honest, not that impressed by these glasses, think I’ll stick to my Bose Frames.

Not to mention privacy concerns.

https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/09/facebooks-first-smart-glasses-make-the-case-for-face-worn-wearables/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29

My Top Tech Things for this year

Not necessarily when they were released, but when I got my hands on them.

AfterShokz Opencomm

Vursa Slate

Zoom Podtrak P4

Apple AirTags

Apple portable fold up Duo Charger for iPhone and Apple WAtch

MagSafe Battery Charger

Magic Keyboard with Touch ID

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FlickType Keyboard for iOS being Discontinued

Looks like Apple has finally pushed the developers of FlickType (the pattern recognition keyboard) to far this time, and they have decided to discontinue the iOS keyboard.

Note you can with VoiceOver still use hand writing, slide to type, and BSI (Braille Screen Input).

https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/discontinuing-flicktype-keyboard-iphone

Paralypics - Do as You Say

So again like the Opening, the Closing show was not Audio Described.

More concerning was the accident in the Olympic village last week where a VI Athlete got knock over by an electric vehicle used to carry athletes around, yes you guest it, it wasn’t making a noise. Saving grace it was only moving at 1-2K, and the person is fine, and the vehicles were taken off the road.

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/paralympics/toyota-halts-self-driving-vehicles-use-after-olympic-village-accident-1.6157569

Bursary Applications  closing at the end of September 2021.

https://www.visionaustralia.org/referral/benefits-and-funding/further-education-bursary

Upcoming exploring tech webinar with DAVID WOODBRIDGE on the Apple Watch.

As usual, last Wednesday of the Month (29 Sep 2021) from 12.30 to 13.30 EST.

Registration page follows:

https://visionaustralia.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PfbH9oQITqqpJSbllR4RoA

Apple Keynote Event

iPhone and other possible devices launching this month: perhaps September 14???

https://www.techradar.com/news/iphone-13-launch-every-product-we-expect-to-see-from-apple

Windows 11 Launch Date October 5 2021

https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/31/22649940/windows-11-release-date-features-devices-free-upgrade

FitBit’s with ECG Function Now Available in Australia.

Remember, Fitbit devices are not self voicing.

https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2021/08/fitbit-ecg-tga-approval-australia/

Book for Blind Android Users from National Braille Press in Multiple Formats

https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/AND-COMMAND-2ED.html?from_search=1

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Some Fitness Ideas

Apple Watch

Rings

Activity

Breath

Blood Oxygen

ECG

Heart beat

Stand

Sleep

Workouts

Accessibility excellent with VoiceOver on watch as with iPhone.

Galaxy Watch

Heart Beat

Steps

Stress gage

Sleep

General accessibility with Voice Assistant that works with default apps, not 3rd party.

New Galaxy watch 4 will only work with Android.

Apple TV fitness

Apple Watch and Apple TV come together with Fitness Plus subscription from Apple.

Walk workouts excellent for treadmill users.

Both watch and Apple TV accessibility excellent with VoiceOver on both devices.

Smart Phones

Health apps both on iPhone and Samsung Phones.

Many 3rd party apps.

Excellent accessibility for iPhone with VoiceOver.

Talkback now on Samsung rather than Voice Assistant, still lagging behind iPhone with Braille support.

My fav Treadmill app, Zomby Run, run away from the Zomby’s on the treadmill.

Fitbit

Steps

Heart beat

Sleep

Yep still around, Fitbit app still works well with my Charge 2.

Need to use accessibility on iPhone or Android, not accessible in its own wright.

Future versions of Fitbit rumoured to only work with Android.

Alexa Skill exercise Review Demos  via Dot To Dot

As with all the demos on Dot 2 Dot, excellent quick 5 min demos on some excellent exercise skills.

Gradual Workout EP1445 

Desk workout EP1595

The Body Coach EP1117

Blind Alive Still available 

Blind Alive Eyes Free Fitness workouts are still available but now on Youtube as the website was closed back in June.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQYzhBhCuK1GoK3CBp0S2c9LivvhasOK0

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Comments About Services Vic and Other Check In Apps for COVID

Chilling Out Suggestions for Mac, iOS, and streaming

Mac Apps for Chilling Out

Healing Voice

Music Healing

Music Healing 3

Sounds

Nature Spaces.

Ocean Waves

White Noise

iOS

Calm.

Nature Spaces.

Travel ears.

White Noise

Streaming

Spotify - Brain Food.

Spotify - Coffee Lounge Jazz Chill

Spotify - Acoustic Chill

New Product - Versa Slate

Paperless hand slate (or as we call it Hand Frame). Check out my iSee podcast for a demo of this product.

New Product - Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for Apple Silicon Macs

For M1 Macs, in particular the Mac mini. With Touch ID you can unlock the Mac, enter in passwords on to websites, pay via Apple Pay etc. Available with or without a numeric keypad..

Check out the Apple Online Store or the Apple Store on your iOS device.

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