On this weeks talking technology we talk to the team behind the new Vision Ireland Bookshare skill on Alexa, and we’ll also give you a demo where you’ll get an insight into David’s favourite book.

With the announcement of blind Barbie dolls, we ask the question does Barbie need a screen reader now? We discuss audio description in the upcoming Olympics and some super cool tactile tools in the kitchen. 

Contact the podcast team at any time by email to [email protected], or send a WhatsApp voice note to 086 199 00 11

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This week on Talking Technology we dive deeper into description app PiccyBot with its developer Martijn van der Spek. With David not finding much use for PiccyBot last time we spoke about it on Quick Picks, will he be eating his words?

In tech news we tell you about a new service launching for Vision Ireland Bookshare users as well as checking out a ton of announcements from Aira. 

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We kick off the show this week by sharing your voice notes on a range of topics, from AfterShokz headphones to accessible dating apps.

Next, we dive into the world of Audio Described Sports Commentary, a service that brings all the excitement of live football to fans with sight loss. Shamrock Rovers FC audio described commentator Phelim Warren joins us to explain how he's making this possible for the club's blind and vision-impaired supporters.

Finally, we explore the new Inclusive Language Guide from Be My Eyes. What is it, and how can it help promote inclusivity in everyday language?

Contact Shamrock Rovers using the email [email protected]

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Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference took place last night so David Nason joins us to talk about all that’s new with Apple's platforms. 

In Talking Technology news we discuss Vision Ireland‘s response to the issues visually impaired students had with digital exam papers, as well as chatting about a government dating app in Japan making citizens sign marriage letters. 

We also discuss the potential of the OKO app hitting the Irish App Store.

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Ahead of the upcoming local and European Elections this Friday, June 7th, we explore accessible voting options and the potentials of technology for people with sight loss. Brian Dawson, Communications and Public Engagement Manager at The Electoral Commission, joins us to tell us more.

We learn about an interesting use case of Aira shared by one of our listeners and discuss the launch of Be My AI, the world's first AI visual assistant for people who are blind or have low vision, now available for free on Windows.

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On the show today we speak with Brian about a Braille morning that was held in UCC and discuss how digital Braille can be used in education. We play more of your voice notes and hear from Deirdre Maddin who is the outreach worker for the Disability Support Service in UCC about the services they offer students. Interested in learning Braille through your smartphone? Mairead discusses apps for learning Braille.

And did Apple get it wrong? We discuss all the tech controversy from Apple and Sonos, and show off cool new AI tech from open AI. 

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Apple has just announced new upgrades for their iPad Air and iPad Pro. The V I Labs team discuss what’s new, and what it all means for those with sight loss. 

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The power and potential of AI have featured more and more in the news as of late. From text and document analysis to image creation, the possibilities of AI for people with sight loss are endless. And now, AI is starting to enter the music space.

On today's show, we share an album created entirely using AI and ask the question: "Would you give AI-generated music a chance?"

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On the show this week we catch up with Everette Bacon, Vice President of Blindness Initiatives at Aira Technologies to find out about the inspiration behind this popular app, how it works, and future developments including the new Access AI Feature.

Voice Dream Reader, the highly regarded text-to-speech reading app, was set to be the latest beloved app to adopt a subscription model. But now that’s no longer the case. We discuss what happened.

Plus, we share a vivid depiction of yesterday's solar eclipse in North America by one of Aira's skilled visual interpreters, capturing the unique experience for blind and vision impaired listeners.

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On the show this week, David and Joe have a listen to all of your voice notes, and Joe gives us a tour of the accessibility features on the Samsung S90C Smart TV. 

We share all the latest tech news including a groundbreaking audio description research study, and explore the world of Siri Shortcuts in Quick Picks. 

Join the conversation by sending an email to [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp voice note on 086 199 00 11.

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