Talking Technology with V I Labs

On this episode of Talking Technology, we dive into the new sky go and RTÉ Listen apps. Are they any good for users who rely on VoiceOver?

As David’s dreams of becoming rich evaporate, host of Vision Ireland’s Advocacy Talks podcast Madeleine McNamara gives a reaction to the budget, and is competition always good? The team discuss mobile services and electricity bills in tech News. 

We have rumours of smart home tech from Apple, as well as reaction to news from Envision. 

All that and more on this episode of Talking Technology.

0:00 intro

3:35 Voice notes

12:55 RTÉ Listen demo

26:44 Sky go demo

35:18 Talking Technology news

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we chat with David Nason from the AppleVis editorial team. Dave tells us about some of the new features in iOS 27 and gives his views on if people should upgrade.

Our very own David Redmond (yes there are two Davids in this episode) gives us a demo of the new image description features and Joe is very impressed by the new powers that the Action Button now has.

We discussed changes to Sky Go in tech news, and is Judi Dench gone for good?

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

0:00 - intro

3:16 - Joe and David discuss new features in iOS 27

20:02 - David Nason on iOS 27

48:36 - Talking Technology News

1:09:23 - Outro

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we explore all of the announcements from Apple‘s Surprise and Shine event. 

Mairead and Peter join David to discuss the new iPhone 18 Pro, 18 pro Nax, the Apple Watch series 12 and Ultra four, the new fifth generation of AirPods, and the exciting new iPhone duo. 

Who is upgrading this year, and are folding phones any good for blind people?

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

0:00 - Intro 

2:33 - contact details

3:22 - The big discussion on all things Apple

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we catch up with Sean Gallagher to learn what it’s like to run for president when you’re visually impaired.

We discuss the technology he uses, the impact of modern surgery, as well as what it was like representing the then NCBI on the televised boxing competition Celebrity Lords of the Ring.

We have a voice note from Cian on his frustration seeing companies restrict Meta glasses, and with Daniel taking a well-deserved break, David and Joe discuss new iPhones as well as an updated RTÉ Listen app in Tech News.

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

0:00 intro 

2:08 WhatsApp Voice Notes

17:51 discussion with Sean Gallagher

53:08 Talking Technology News

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we are joined by Irish rail to discuss a new assistance booking app that is on the way later this year. Ahead of its launch Ronan discusses how Irish rail assistance actually works and what is going to change.

David and Daniel discuss The latest on the Vision Ireland Meta glasses partnership, and we explore how taxi app Bolt is using E scooters to improve accessibility.

Check out the braille survey here

0:00 - intro 

2:01 - Contact Details

3:16 - catching up on Meta Glasses

19:02 - The new assistance booking app from Irish Rail

32:51 - Talking Technology News

52:59 - outro

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It’s a very exciting day in Vision Ireland as we finally get to share details of a groundbreaking new partnership that will see Meta donate 15,000 pairs of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to eligible Vision Ireland service users.

On this episode, we catch up with Vision Ireland group CEO Chris White and head of Technology Sean Doran to learn about the partnership, and we’re joined by a range of guests who give their reaction to the news.

Expressions of interest are now officially open. Visit Meta.vi.ie or call the dedicated phone line on 01 882 1910

0:00 - intro
 1:55 - Chris and Sean share the big Ray-Ban Meta news
 15:45 - Brian Manning on the impact Meta glasses have for those who are blind
 24:00 - Hilary Devlin on how the Meta glasses help with parenting
 37:10 - Bobbie Hickey on assistive tech going mainstream and how they help her stay stylish
 42:22 - Denis Nolan on Meta glasses training sessions and upcoming roadshows
 48:55 - how to get your name on the list

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On this episode of Talking Technology, David takes a trip to a Tesco superstore to hear from James Hurst, head of UX design and research for the store experience.

They explore Scan as You Shop, as well as the recent accessibility improvements made to Tesco self-service machines.

There’s a long way to go, so David and James discuss new changes that will see accessibility preferences saved to a customer’s ClubCard, as well as the possibility of screen readers for self-service and scan as you shop devices.

The Google graveyard expands in this week’s tech news, and we have good news for users of Windows 10.

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

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

1:42 – Comments from Toni regarding live AI, and explaining Scan as You Shop

8:03 – Demo of a Scan as You Shop at Tesco

28:26 – Tesco self-service machines

40:09 – Talking Technology News

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After 75 years of heartbreak, 11 final defeats, and a curse from a Catholic priest, Mayo finally won the All Ireland. After a weekend that will go down in Irish sporting history for generations to come, Sara tells us what that incredible moment was like with audio description in the stadium.

Brian Hartgen from Hartgen Consultancy tells us what’s new in the latest release of their Leasey product, demoing the new Leasey Media Centre and integrations with ChatGPT.

We hear about a sitcom from The RNIB, and find out how AI is overcharging people for Guinness.

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

The WebAIM screen reader survey

Vision Ireland survey on shopping apps

Leasey from Hartgen Consultancy

0:00 - intro

0:40 - Mayo are all Ireland champions after 75 years of heartbreak

10:56 - voice notes, and a sitcom about blindness from the RNIB

24:20 - What is Leasey? A chat with Brian Hartgen from Hartgen Consultancy.

52:49 - Talking Technology News

1:04:29 - outro

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we dive into the Vision Ireland pre-budget submission for Budget 2027.

The submission contains 13 asks for six different government departments, so Kevin Kelly and Jamie Millar break it all down for us to explain what it’s all about. 

In tech news, we explore a new assistance booking app from Irish Rail, and we respond to your voice notes discussing various WhatsApp-related topics.

Kevin asked us very nicely for a show notes link, so you can find the Vision Ireland pre-budget submission here.

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

0:00 - intro

2:42 - WhatsApp Voice Notes

18:20 - Pre-budget submission for Budget 2027

37:08 - Talking Technology News

57:36 - outro

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On this episode of Talking Technology, we catch up with Quentin Christensen from NV Access. 

We learn about upcoming features to the NVDA screen reader as well as how they keep the software secure.

We discuss a new variant of the Meta glasses in tech news and share details on why drone delivery won’t be taking off in Ireland anytime soon.

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

0:00 Intro

1:57 Voice Notes

17:48 NVDA chat with Quentin Christensen

42:18 - Talking Technology News

59:11 - Outro

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