On this extra episode of Talking Technology, we only have one topic on the agenda. 

Glidance, makers of the new glide mobility aid, have announced that the product won’t be coming to Europe at launch, and all European customers are being refunded.

We speak to CEO Amos Miller to ask why they made the decision they did, what this means for the future of glide, and how it will impact those who purchase glide legitimately in the launch countries of the US, UK, and Canada.

We also catch up with Kevin Kelly, Vision Ireland’s head of policies, partnerships, and external affairs, to get his reaction to the news. He tells us how he feels personally and how Vision Ireland is responding.

Have you got thoughts to share? Send us a voice note to join the conversation now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 Intro  

2:59 The all important contact details  

3:55 David and Joe’s initial reaction to the news on Glide  

7:35 Glidance CEO Amos Miller tells us what’s going on and why  

43:51 Kevin Kelly discusses Vision Ireland’s response  

55:09 Outro  

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In this episode of Talking Technology, we explore some of the upcoming courses available from Vision Ireland.

We catch up with Dominique and Des to hear their perspective on courses, as well as hearing from Dereck about what we can expect in the future.

We receive a much-anticipated update on Raheem‘s smart washing machine drama, discuss the benefits of meta glasses in a Jacuzzi, as well as learning about a brand-new product from the team at Hable.

With Glide announcing that they won’t be shipping to Europe for the foreseeable future, we share a teaser ahead of our interview with Amos Miller later this week, and we give you a heads up on a talkback issue impacting Revolut users on Android.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

0:00 Intro  

4:07 Voice Notes on washing machine, glasses, and Jacuzzi  

30:19 Dominique & Des on VI Labs courses  

37:56 Dereck on upcoming courses  

52:51 Talking Technology News  

1:09:39 Outro  

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Assistive technology company Envision has announced new Ally Solos glasses in a bid to compete with Meta. The new glasses are initially priced at €399, and contain many of the features we’ve come to expect from smart glasses, such as the ability to read documents, describe surroundings, and listen to audio through the glasses connected to your phone.  

In this extra podcast, David and Joe discuss the new glasses and catch up with Envision CTO Karthik Kannan to learn all about the new product.

Join the conversation with a voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

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Meta Glasses have been a major topic of conversation for blind people for a few months at this point, but unfortunately, those in Ireland were left out.

Things are finally starting to change, however, so in this podcast we try out the Meta Glasses without a VPN in sight. Are wearables the next step forward for those who are blind or visually impaired?

As well as our in-depth look at Meta Glasses, we also explore other topics including AI in Uber Eats, hotel accessibility updates in Westmeath, and a smart washing machine that doesn’t want to be smart.

We have voice notes, rumours of an extra Talking Technology episode coming soon, and we exclusively announce details of a nationwide V I Labs event taking place in September.

Want to join the conversation? Send us a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353861990011

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It’s fair to say that RTÉ Player has had ups and downs when it comes to accessibility over the years. With the European Accessibility Act now in full effect, though, the team at RTÉ seem to be rolling out major upgrades. 

In this episode, we take a look at what’s new both on mobile and on the web, and discuss some of the audio-described content that’s available.

In less positive media news, we discuss the discontinuation of BBC Sounds for those in the Republic of Ireland, and we hear about a new accessible coffee machine for wheelchair users.

Join the conversation with a voice note now. The number you need is 086 199 0011.

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we attend the Zero Limits Track Day in Mondello Park.

We speak to those attending to get their views on the future possibility of self-driving cars and ask if this technology would be embraced by those with sight loss.

David tries driving for the first time, and it turns out there’s hope for him yet as a getaway driver. What could possibly go wrong?

Vision Sports CEO Aaron Mullaniff gives a very energetic speech, and after his first driving experience, David takes a literal spin in a drift car. He was not behind the wheel, thankfully.

Tech news, smart home shutdowns, and is ChromeVox dead? All that and more on this episode of Talking Technology.

Send us a voice note with your thoughts now. The number you need is 086 199 0011.

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The European Accessibility Act is now in full effect, but what does it mean exactly? Will it actually make a difference for those who are blind or visually impaired?

This week on the show, we catch up with Vision Ireland’s new head of technology, Sean Doran, and head of sales at sister company Vially, Andrew Power, to learn about the European Accessibility Act and how companies are responding to it.

In Tech News, we explore improvements from Bank of Ireland as well as potential bands for the Deepseek AI app. 

Following a super chill Glastonbury, David and Joe discuss the accessibility of music festivals, and why are Return machines so hard to use?

All that and more on this week’s Talking Technology. Send us a WhatsApp voice note now to join the conversation. The number you need is 0861990011. 

Transparency: Vially is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vision Ireland. Their website is Vially.io 

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we’re playing a game of catch-up as we check in on all the voice notes you sent us in recent weeks. Comments include thoughts on our use of chapter markers, WhatsApp’s arrival on iPad, and the Sullivan+ app.

We also catch up with Sean Breslin, who is providing audio descriptive commentary for Croke Park, and we have a statement from a lady with the coolest job title ever, as Anne Zahan - Head of Beer at Diageo Ireland - comments on their League of Ireland audio description sponsorship.

Head of Beer, beats Technology Trainer any day. 

In tech news, we have exciting updates for gamers using Steam, and Daniel is very, very angry. We tell you why. 

All that and more in this episode of Talking Technology.

Send us a voice note with your thoughts now to 086 199 0011. 

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After a very successful demo day at the Wayfinding Centre in Dublin, lots of people share their feelings on Glide. Some loved the device and can’t wait to get one, while others ask what it means for the future of the guide dog. Does Glide risk making guide dog refusal more acceptable? 

With Apple launching a new design across their platforms, we discuss how it will impact those with low vision. Are we ready for liquid glass?

Joe is excited about his AirPods tracking sleep, and we explain how five accessibility advocates got trapped while providing training in Leinster House. 

All that and more on this week’s Talking Technology.

Send us a WhatsApp voice note with your thoughts now on 086 199 0011. 

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On this episode of Talking Technology extra, we meet the team from Glide ahead of their demo day in Dublin. We take a trip to The Wayfinding Centre to meet Amos Miller and Luke Buckberrough (co founders of Glide’s parent company Glidance Inc.).

They explain what the product is, discuss recent delays, and tell us about their ambitious vision for the future.  

Would you use Glide? Send us a WhatsApp voice note now on 086 199 0011. 

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