New Upcoming Webinar From Me: Exploring Technology From The Good Guys

 

I will be going through some of the devices you can access via Vision Australia from the Good Guys, most of which I use myself

 

Date and Time is September 30 12:30PM Sydney time.

 

...

New Upcoming Webinar From Me: Exploring Technology From The Good Guys

 

I will be going through some of the devices you can access via Vision Australia from the Good Guys, most of which I use myself

 

Date and Time is September 30 12:30PM Sydney time.

 

To register use the following link:

https://visionaustralia.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-FEILPsgQeOZOR1JO7bvzA

 

The Apple Keynote - New Apple Watch’s, iPads,Services, and iOS 14 and Watch OS 7 Released

 

A fantastic Apple Keynote last week, an hour long, and completely Audio Described.

You can still watch the Apple Event on:

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

 

For more info on the new Apple Watch S6, Apple Watch SE, iPad 8th Generation,  iPad Air, Apple 1, and Apple Fitness Plus, and iOS 14, check them all out on the Apple Aussie website at:

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

 

Quite a few new bands, including the Solo and Braided Solo bands which are one long rubber band which you have to size correctly as you just slip it on and if you have measured it correctly with Apple’s Guide it will fit snuggly.

 

iOS 14 and Watch OS 7 Some Major features which I think Are Fantastic

 

Widgets.

App Library.

Pin conversations in Messages..

Send An Audio message via Siri.

1 finger Double or Triple Back tap.

VoiceOver Recognition.

 

Watch os 7

 

Sleep app.

Braille support for VoiceOver.

Change VoiceOver languages on the fly.

 

Apple TV was also updated to iOS 14, as well as the iPod touch 7th generation.

 

I’ve noticed a bit of instability in iOS 14 in some iOS apps, and on the Watch OS 7 side, Taptic time is not that reliable to use, and some folks have reported issues using it with a Braille Display.

If your happy with iOS 13 and Watch OS 6, perhaps see how things unfold over the next several weeks.

Quick Note About the Apple Event (Aussie Time 3AM on the 16th of September)

 

As scheduling goes, Talking Tech will miss the Apple Event here in Australia, so rather than speculating, we’ll do a full update in next weeks show.

 

In the meantime, you can ...

Quick Note About the Apple Event (Aussie Time 3AM on the 16th of September)

 

As scheduling goes, Talking Tech will miss the Apple Event here in Australia, so rather than speculating, we’ll do a full update in next weeks show.

 

In the meantime, you can check out:

 

http://www.applevis.com

 

As always for a comprehensive update of the Apple Event.

 

If you follow podcasts, check out the Tech Doctor Blog and Podcast, MacBreak Weekly, and others.

 

Apple itself usually puts out a podcast of the event on their own podcast feed as well.

 

Newcastle Tech Friday for September 11 2020

 

In this Newcastle Talking Tech, myself and others, chatted about our favorite tech items.

Eg Sangean Accessible Radio, Sunu Band/Aftershokz, and the still excellent $20,00 deal for the 

Amazon Echo 2 which is still a great smart speaker - all available from the Vision Store:

 

https://shop.visionaustralia.orgfrom the Vision Store.

 

If you want to get hold of the Sleep Phones within Australia you can go to Sleep Solutions in Manly Sydney:

 

https://www.sleepsolutions.com.au/sleepphones-wireless-headband-sleep-headphones-with-bluetooth

 

Here is the link to listen to the full Newcastle Tech Friday workshop - Tech Gadgets Galore:

 

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/h6u8p5/Newcastle_Tech_Friday_for_September_20209m7q5.mp3

 

3 Items That I Am Still Looking forward to looking at In the Future:

Oura Ring, Amazon Loop (ring), and the Amazon Halo (band)

 

all of which will hopefully come to Australia hopefully early 2021, I’m interested in the rings for tracking sleep, and not having to use a band which I’ve never really been comfortable with.

 

Oura Ring

 

https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/diet-and-fitness/sportswear-and-shoes/articles/oura-ring-review?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=oura_ring_review

 

Amazon Echo Loop (Ring)

 

https://www.amazon.com/Echo-Loop/dp/B07JPK4XJ6

 

Amazon Halo Band

 

https://www.imore.com/amazon-halo-band?utm_source=im_tw&utm_medium=tw_card&utm_content=69135&utm_campaign=social

 

How To turn Off Amazon Echo’s Creepy (smile) Whisper Mode

 

Actually, if you whisper Amazon Echo will whisper back or if you speak normally it will speak back normally, so really no fuss smile.

 

 

https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/09/how-to-turn-off-alexas-creepy-whisper-mode/

 

Revisiting Bindi Maps, They Have been Up To a Lot

 

Android version now available. Melbourne Sports Ground, National Library in Canberra, and St Vincents Hospital in Sydney all Bindi Mapped.

 

https://mailchi.mp/0b9caf8bad5d/android-launches-major-sporting-and-health-facilities-bindimapped-were-hiring

 

New FCC Filing in the US Points to New Bose Frames Glasses

 

Good news for this Bose Frames line of Sun Glasses, of course, this is without the Audio 3D which was shut down as a project by Bose in June this year 2020.

 

https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/28/21405504/bose-sunglasses-audio-fcc-filings-frames

 

A General Good Thing to Get for your NBN Modem

 

I’m sure other ISP providers do this besides the one that I used which is Telstra, and that is a 4G backup SIMM card in the modem, so that if the wired NBN line goes down, the modem automatically switch’s to the backup mobile 4G SIMM card and keeps you on line, very slow, but better than nothing, especially if you have a smart home like me.

 

See you next week for the Apple Event discussion on Talking Tech.

Not Tech Related, But What I Got for Fathers Day

 

Ok this is going to sound odd, but I got a fairy village to hide in my garden made out of little concrete figures: 6 little cottages, a fairy on a leaf, 3 fairy doors to put besides the trunk of a tree, ...

Not Tech Related, But What I Got for Fathers Day

 

Ok this is going to sound odd, but I got a fairy village to hide in my garden made out of little concrete figures: 6 little cottages, a fairy on a leaf, 3 fairy doors to put besides the trunk of a tree, and a gargoyle to guard the village.

I’ve been gradually getting these types of items from my garden over the last year or so from an artist who lives on the Central Coast here in NSW, and thought I’d would share my recent purchases.  I love these cottages as each one is slightly different with the way the roof is done, placement of chimneys, doors, and windows.

 

 

There is a link to Cherry’s website below, unfortunately it is mainly jpg files but her contact details are at the bottom of the page.

PS so far I have a Chinese Dragon who is in one of the garden beds, a few fish around my water fountain, a few other figurines hiding in the hedge, and now this fairy village, just like having tactile things in my garden.

 

http://www.cherryart.com.au/

 

I Now Have My Orbit Writer (portable and light Braille input keyboard)

 

Oddly, my Orbit Writer turned up just after I finished the show last week.  Having a week or so to play with it, here is my first demo podcast of the Orbit Writer for you to to have a listen.

I really think this is a fantastic product, and hoping over the next month or so it should be being sold via Vision Store.

 

https://s177.podbean.com/pb/570704b5cd04061c53a37ef0b799aa63/5f56be9c/data2/fs54/339150/uploads/Orbit_writer_initial_demo92776.mp3?pbss=e7b4a5a6-cd6d-501f-a8b8-f58b14232213

 

My Thoughts About the iPad Pro and Smart Keyboard with Trackpad

 

For low vision folks, the trackpad is excellent.  For folks who are  blind, you get a really solid keyboard to type on, you can angle the iPad perfectly for video meetings, very light, and my big thing about using the iPad, you can Command+Tab between apps like you can do on a Mac or Windows PC.

 

And here is my podcast about the iPad Pro.

 

https://s147.podbean.com/pb/a19a815faa7a6080646d23672e85e9e9/5f56c6a7/data3/fs54/339150/uploads/iPad_Pro_11_with_VoiceOver_17u2mk.mp3?pbss=31ade534-0105-51a7-946d-e26176404a12

 

How Easy it is to Transfer Music from Your iOS device to the HomePod

 

Simply hold your iOS device next to your HomePod, and the music you are listening to is transferred.

 

https://support.apple.com/guide/homepod/play-audio-using-your-ios-or-ipados-device-apdfb81a72e4/ios?cid=tw_sc_handoff_080520

 

How to Adjust the Haptic Time Speed on Your Apple Watch - 

 

This can be done either In Accessibility settings on the watch itself or via the Apple Watch app.  You can adjust the speed between 0 very very slow or 100 percent which is quite fast.

 

Here is my podcast.

 

https://s122.podbean.com/pb/d1eaef2fc37978dac65bd0f09ab86d7f/5f56cbc2/data2/fs54/339150/uploads/adjusting_time_taptic_feedback_mp3_on_the_Apple_Watcha8bei.mp3?pbss=2a643383-fc3e-5ada-a02b-c09114aad9e3

 

Another USE for My Apple Watch - Unlocking My Mac

 

Not sure if folks remember, but you can unlock your Mac with the Apple Watch when you are waring it and it is unlocked.

Have a look in System Preferences, Security and Privacy.

 

Still a Good Reminder - How to Get the Best Sound and Mic experience with Using Zoom

 

Some handy tips in this article about using Zoom audio features.

 

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-improve-your-audio-in-a-zoom-meeting/?ftag=COS-05-10aaa0g&taid=5f45fb9a6a7c4e00013cb39a&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Twitter+Card&utm_medium=trueAnthemCard&utm_source=twitterCard

Stephen, David, and Hamish Mackenzie Discuss the Orbit writer

 

Both Hamish and Stephen have had their respective Orbit Writers for a few days, and discuss how they have found the experience.

David’s Orbit Writer is coming very soon, having landed in Syd...

Stephen, David, and Hamish Mackenzie Discuss the Orbit writer

 

Both Hamish and Stephen have had their respective Orbit Writers for a few days, and discuss how they have found the experience.

David’s Orbit Writer is coming very soon, having landed in Sydney last week.

 

Tip/Warning about JAWS, Zoomtext, Fusion, and Openbook

 

A catch if you are  not aware, JAWS, Zoomtext, Fusion or   OpenBook (advised by Quantum RLV) will not work on ARM Processors as found in the Surface Pro X from Microsoft.

 

microsoft.com/en-us/surface/…

 

Back to the Future - How Far has Digital Access Come

 

I’m participating in this webinar on September 17 to talk about how far digital access has really come.  Use the following link to register.

 

https://events.humanitix.com/back-to-the-future-how-far-has-digital-accessibility-really-come?utm_source=da_events&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08_2020

https://events.humanitix.com/back-to-the-future-how-far-has-digital-accessibility-really-come?utm_source=da_events&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08_2020

 

iOS 14 Compatibility List

 

Excellent resource to see if your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad will take iOS 14.

Good news is it is the same as iOS 13 with the addition of the iPhone SE 2020.

 

https://osxdaily.com/2020/06/29/ios-14-compatibility-list/

 

Watch OS 7 Compatibility List - Which Apple Watch’s Will Support OS 7

 

With the official release of watch OS 7 creeping up, this is a timely article to check if your Apple Watch is compatible or not.

Short answer is, S3 and above which is great news.

 

https://osxdaily.com/2020/07/04/watchos-7-compatibility-which-apple-watch-models-support-watchos-7/

Orbit Writer Update

 

We spoke about the orbit  Writer a few weeks ago, my ordered unit is still sitting in the US waiting to be shipped, so when it gets here we will talk about it.  However, Hamish (smile) may be getting his earlier than me, so we may h...

Orbit Writer Update

 

We spoke about the orbit  Writer a few weeks ago, my ordered unit is still sitting in the US waiting to be shipped, so when it gets here we will talk about it.  However, Hamish (smile) may be getting his earlier than me, so we may have him on the program again soon.

 

Speaking of orders being delayed, just reminding folks that this also apply’s to orders from the Vision Australia Vision Store even within Australia.

 

We have also been advised, that Apple orders from the Va Store are also running at a 4 to 6 week delay due to supply constraints as well.

 

Sunu Band and Aftershokz Deal still available 

 

For $300 you can still pick up the Sunu Band and Aftershokz.

I still find the Sunu Band is great for social distancing when I’m out and about in public, particularly when shopping.

When coupled to my iPhone with the Sunu Band app, the Aftershokz still let me listen to my environment.

 

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shop/product/sunu-band-and-aftershokz-trekz-air-wireless-headphones-special-offer

 

A Reminder on Two Products from Quantum RLV

 

I noticed the other day that some folks weren’t aware that Quantum RLV has the Inside One Windows 10 Braille tablet, and the Canute 360 multi line Braille E-Reader.

 

Https://www.quantumrlv.com.au

 

 Aira updates: City rail, and change to 5 Minute free access minutes.

 

Just a correction to last week show about Aira on Sydney City Rail, its all Sydney transport - train, light rail, bus, and ferry.

 

Aira has also changed its 5 minute free access time limit, 5 minutes every 4 hours for subscribers and 5 minutes every 24 hours for guests. 

see this Blind Bargains post.

 

https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=21995

 

cSUN 2021: going virtual.

 

This is great for people that can’t afford to get to the US for the CSUN Conference.  I still find it odd that in this day and age, it took a world wide crisis for people to realise that you could run events virtually as well.

 

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=21996

https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=2199

 

Untold RPG Text Adventure with VoiceOver support:

 

Excellent Text Adventure RPG.  Play the text based adventure for free up to a point, and then pay if you wish to continue.

 

https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados-gaming/untold-rpg-now-official-support-voiceover?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

New Ballyland Magic Plus app to Teach VoiceOver Gestures

 

Update to the original Ballyland Magic app with more gestures and better visuals.

 

https://apps.apple.com/tt/app/ballyland-magic-plus/id1510039691?ign-mpt=uo%3D2

 

Apple renames Beats 1 to Apple 1

 

So if you are looking for Beats 1 within the iOs Music app, it is now called Apple 1.

 

https://9to5mac.com/2020/08/18/apple-music-radio/