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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On this week’s Talking Technology, cofounder of Hable Freek van Welsenis discusses the company’s Hable One product and the Hable Easy. He tells us of the company’s aim to become a major player in the low-cost assistive technology space.

In tech news, we hear about WhatsApp for iPad and a new partnership between Aira and Google. 

And what’s your favourite podcast app? We want to hear about it.

Send us a voice note now using 086 199 0011. 

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we are joined by Stuart Lawler who tells us all about the Paige Braille. 

We discuss the latest accessibility features announced by Apple including accessibility reader and braille access, and in tech news we explore a new solution for training Deaf dogs. No, that’s not a typo. 

We pay a visit to a school in Gorey to chat Braille with some SNAs, and is smart speaker gaming dead?

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

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On today’s episode of Talking Technology with V I Labs, we are joined by Matt Ater, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Vespero. 

Matt tells us about the latest in the world of Jaws, including updates to Jaws for Windows and how Jaws is installed on McDonald’s self-service kiosks in America.

We also hear that Jaws will be moving into a subscription model for purchases around the world in the next 60 to 90 days. Is this a good thing?

Long-term Nest thermostat users are getting left out in the cold in tech news. And we tell you more on how you can win a pair of Shokz Open Move headphones. 

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note on 086 199 0011. 

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In this episode of Talking Technology, Joe shows us accessible streaming devices, including the Apple TV 4K and Amazon Fire Stick. How do these devices work for blind and low vision users?

In tech news, we hear about exciting innovations from Samsung, as well as a new medical device aiming to help with dry eyes.

After an RTÉ news report about an AI-powered talking tree, David and Joe ask if talking trees could actually benefit blind people. And with Blindshell launching updates for their Classic 2 and Classic 3 phones, will Tech on Tap make it into the new Blindshell RSS reader?

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