Be My Eyes, a revolutionary app for the blind and low-vision community, has been connecting users with volunteers for assistance with everyday tasks since 2012. The service currently has over 6 million active volunteers in over 150 countries and is available in over 180 languages. 

On the show this week we’re joined by the founder of the Be My Eyes app Hans Jørgen Wiberg. Hans gives us an overview of the app and talks about the best way to use it for sighted assistance. We hear about their recent partnership with Sky and a new feature called Virtual Volunteer, powered by OpenAI’s recently announced GPT-4 model, which is set to take its power and value to new heights. 

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On the show this week we are delighted to share with you exciting news of the upcoming release of the Soundscape Community app.

Soundscape Community uses 3D spatial audio technology to share information about what's around you, building a richer awareness of your surroundings. It has been developed by a consortium following the news that Microsoft Soundscape was coming to a close. It encourages the exploration of both new and familiar areas by empowering people with knowledge.

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On the show this week we are delighted to share with you exciting news of the upcoming release of the Soundscape Community app.

Soundscape Community uses 3D spatial audio technology to share information about what's around you, building a richer awareness of your surroundings. It has been developed by a consortium following the news that Microsoft Soundscape was coming to a close. It encourages the exploration of both new and familiar areas by empowering people with knowledge.

On the show this week we take a dive into the features of the BlindShell talking mobile phones. With 3 BlindShell models to choose from, these phones feature a fully functional screen reader, a physical keypad, and a large-print, high-contrast screen that is fully customisable. To find out all we need to know about these accessible phones we’re joined by Filip Hrdlička from BlindShell.

On Meet the Team we speak with Dorian Salzmann who recently joined the Labs team as a Technology Trainer.

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In this podcast episode, we dive into the accessibility features and functionalities of Apple TV 4K. From voice control options to closed captions and audio descriptions, discover how Apple TV 4K ensures an inclusive and enjoyable entertainment experience for everyone.

On Meet the Team we catch up with Chris Steward who recently joined the Labs Team as a Technology Trainer. He tells us about his first experience learning about assistive technology, and even answers that controversial question, iOS or Android.

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On the show this week we discover the power of three smart home powerhouses: the Roborock S6 Max V Smart Vacuum, the Amazon Echo Show 15, and the Google Nest Hub Max. We first discuss the convenience of automated cleaning with Roborock, before comparing the two biggest smart displays on the market: the Amazon Echo Show 15 and the Google Nest Hub Max. Which is the best smart display for you? Join us as we explore these cutting-edge devices and learn how they can smarten up your home!

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This week we reflect on highlights from Apple’s WWDC 2023 keynote that saw the announcement of the Apple Vision Pro headset, the 15-inch MacBook Air, new versions of the Mac Pro and Mac Studio, iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and more.

In the final part of our iOS to Android series, Kyran O’Mahoney and Mairead O’Mahony tell us about the switch from their beloved iPhones to a Google Pixel Pro and Samsung Z Flip 4. Are they missing their iPhones or have they officially converted to Android?

Last month marked the one-year anniversary of the official launch of Inclusion and Accessibility Labs. We find out about the significant strides the IA Labs team has made in improving digital accessibility for all over the last 12 months.

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In our Braille special podcast this week we are joined by the following guests:

Jackie McBrearty speaks about her experience of learning and using Braille and what Braille means to her. Lina Kouzi, Head of Library Access Services at NCBI, discusses the importance of Braille on medicine packaging as the NCBI Library was instrumental in working with the Pharma companies in Ireland to commence production of Braille on the pharma packs.

Also, we are joined by Daniel Lubiner from the TouchPad Pro Foundation to find out about an exciting product called the Braille Doodle. Petrina Finn and Derry Lawler speak about the Hable One and their experience of using it.

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Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. It has become a tradition for tech companies to announce accessibility improvements on this important day, and we’ve already seen exciting announcements from Apple to kick off proceedings.

We wanted to celebrate this great access news by making a few announcements of our own. In this podcast, we tell you all about the new version of the myNCBI SmartHub, an exciting new addition to Bookshare, and a really cool collaboration between NCBI and a sight loss charity in the States.

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In many ways, video games allow consumers to escape their world and experience things that would otherwise be impossible.

On this show this week we take time to explore the area of accessible gaming. From Windows PC to PlayStation, Xbox to Smart Speakers, what are some of the best games available on these devices for someone who is blind or partially sighted, and how can we stay up to date with the latest news and developments in this area?

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