Techstravaganza Afternoons

Quick Notes

Drop Deck application overview and platform compatibility

• Drop Deck functions as an all-in-one live DJ console, soundboard, and audio recorder.
• Tony Ghard developed the software specifically for radio broadcasting and podcasting workflows.
• The application operates on PC and Mac systems, featuring optimized support for NVDA screen readers.
• Mobile device support for iOS and Android platforms is currently unavailable.

Soundboard customization and audio management

• Users download sound effects from external platforms and save them into local application folders.
• Primary sound slots utilize digits 1 through 10, while shift modifiers access higher numbered slots.
• Music loops and background audio beds operate through specific alt and control key combinations.
• External audio editing software like Reaper is required to edit completed Drop Deck recordings.

Playlist and jingle cart operations

• The playlist feature organizes station identification clips, jingle carts, and commercial promos for broadcasts.
• Users can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to individual audio files for rapid playback execution.

Drop Deck soundboard and playlist management

• Drop Deck features 4 categories containing 20 items each for sound management.
• Users can assign custom hotkeys to soundboard elements for immediate audio playback.
• Playlists require tracks to be ticked to enable automatic sequential playback.
• Users can configure track crossfade durations, with 5 seconds established as preferred.
• Storing boards and playlists in Google Drive ensures synchronization across 3 computers.
• Users can rearrange playlist tracks instantly by pressing Alt plus arrow keys.

Audio sources and screen reader integration

• Audio acquisition relies on digitized vinyl records, burned CDs, and MP3 converters.
• Users can incorporate Suno tracks into playlists using standard MP3 or M4A formats.
• Drop Deck allows users to manage screen reader audio by adding NVDA as sources.
• Techstravaganza Extra is scheduled for November 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern for CELA books.

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Key Takeaways

• The session was a Techstravaganza tutorial held on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026, focused on demonstrating the Muse AI personal assistant app by Meta.
• Muse can connect to Gmail, Google Calendar, Messenger, WhatsApp, Spotify, and various other services to manage emails, calendar events, messages, and more.
• Participants shared diverse real-world use cases for Muse, including grocery flyer tracking, banking insights, marketplace listings, and entertainment monitoring.
• Phone call placement via Muse is currently unavailable in Canada, limited to U.S.-registered businesses only.
• The group announced a transition from Zoom to Google Meet starting Wednesday, November 4th, citing accessibility and security reasons.
• Next week's Techstravaganza tutorial will cover the DropDeck app (soundboard/DJ console/recording tool).

To learn more, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

Key Takeaways

• The session was a live tutorial hosted by Siena, with Ali and Ashlyn in attendance, focused on the APH Mantis Q40 Braille display/e-reader.
• The tutorial covered navigating the Mantis file manager, creating and reading documents, accessing external USB storage, reading PDF and EPUB files, and accessing audiobooks via the CELA Direct-to-Player service.
• ​To learn more about the workshops, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

Key Takeaways

• The session was a Techstravaganza workshop held on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026, focused on demonstrating the Flip app for finding grocery and retail deals.
• Siena walked participants through core Flip features: browsing flyers by store and category, clipping deals, building a shopping list, using the watchlist for deal notifications, and managing account settings.
• The group confirmed a platform switch from Zoom to Google Meet starting November 4th, with one-on-one assistance available for those who need help transitioning.
• Participants suggested future tutorial topics including: Flip on desktop/web, the Muse AI app from Meta, note-taking apps (Notes, Google Keep, Notepad, Voice Memos), productivity tools (Reminders, Google Tasks), and a Mantis Q40 Braille display Part 2 covering CELA book access.

• ​To learn more, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

Key Takeaways

• The session was a Techstravaganza Afternoon Workshop focused on demonstrating how to use Google Meet as the group prepares to transition from Zoom to Google Meet on November 4th.
• Siena Trigiani led a live tutorial covering how to install Google Meet as a Progressive Web App (PWA) on Windows and Mac, and demonstrated key keyboard shortcuts for both JAWS and NVDA screen readers.
• Lily Frederiksen participated as a live tester, joining a Google Meet session from her Mac and demonstrating VoiceOver-compatible keyboard shortcuts.
• Ali Moosa provided technical clarifications on meeting permissions, waiting room functionality, and hosting best practices.
• A Google Meet Office Hour was announced for the following day (Thursday) at 11 AM Eastern, and Techstravaganza Evenings was announced for Thursday at 7 PM Eastern, covering WhatsApp on Mac and PC.
• A broader discussion emerged around the declining quality of VoiceOver on Mac, Apple's reduced engagement with the accessibility community, and the degradation of older Google Home devices.

• ​To learn more, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

iCatcher podcast app navigation and search features

• Aliasgar Moosa demonstrated podcast search functionality and subscription management within iCatcher.
• Aliasgar Moosa reviewed list filtering options by status and specific categories like hockey.
• Aliasgar Moosa demonstrated batch deletion features to remove multiple unwanted podcasts simultaneously.

Playlist management and custom rule configuration

• Aliasgar demonstrated configuring an Inbox All playlist to filter unplayed episodes newer than 7 days.
• Aliasgar showed setting custom rules for morning playlists based on specific categories and download states.
• Aliasgar illustrated bulk selecting multiple podcasts to assign them into the morning category.

Media export and import operations

• Aliasgar demonstrated exporting downloaded episode files to iCloud Drive using the device share sheet.
• Aliasgar demonstrated importing external audio files into the app directly from cloud storage locations.

Podcast application comparison and pricing

• Aliasgar noted full customizability and control differentiate iCatcher from alternative players like Overcast and Downcast.
• Participants confirmed iCatcher operates on a one-time purchase model priced at $6.99.

Upcoming Google Suite and Device Tutorials

• Aliasgar proposed creating a tutorial series covering the Google suite and desktop applications.
• Siena agreed to explore Outlook calendar features and prepare a tutorial within 2 weeks.

Assistive Technology Email Application Development

• Siena completed phase 1 of developing an accessibility-friendly desktop mail app using Gemini.
• Siena plans to transform the local prototype into a distributable app for Windows and Mac.
• Siena targets making the mail application user-ready within 2 months.

Project Management and Calendar App Evaluation

• Palmer evaluated Asana and Trello for managing tasks and tracking due dates.
• Palmer noted that Asana provides reliable due date notifications despite mobile setup challenges.
• Palmer found Trello calendar synchronization and notification triggers unclear during testing.

Techstravaganza Extra Event Details

• Palmer shared that audio-based Google Glasses launch this year followed by display versions in January.
• Siena scheduled the Techstravaganza Extra for Friday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Eastern.

To learn more about the workshops, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

Key Takeaways

• The session was a Techstravaganza tutorial focused on the Humanware Mantis Q40 braille display, hosted by Siena with co-presenter Amanda.
• Amanda covered the standalone features and menu overview of the Mantis Q40.
• Siena demonstrated the physical layout, keyboard shortcuts, editor, braille editor, library, calculator, date/time, settings, speech features, and terminal mode.
• The Mantis Q40 was compared to the Brailliant BI40X, highlighting differences in physical layout and built-in speakers.
• The next session was announced to cover the Eye Catcher app for iPhone and iPad.

To learn more about the workshops, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

Key Takeaways

• The session was a live demonstration of Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (Skylar model, Gen 1) for accessibility purposes, hosted by Siena and Ali as part of Techstravaganza Afternoons (September 9, 2026).
• Meta Glasses were demonstrated for reading gift cards, restaurant menus, product manuals, and identifying objects — with mixed results depending on lighting and print size.
• Participants shared practical tips on using Meta Glasses for navigation, fridge inspection, bathroom orientation, and describing people and surroundings.
• Comparisons were made between Meta Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses, as well as other smart glasses (Echo Vision, Ally) and integrated accessibility apps (Aira, Be My Eyes, Scribe Me, Seeing AI, Google Gemini).
• The calling and texting feature via Meta Glasses could not be completed due to a Bluetooth/connectivity hiccup and will be covered in a Part 2 session (Extra).
• Techstravaganza is now an independent program (Techstravaganza.ca), no longer affiliated with CNIB, open to all participants free of charge.
• An upcoming Techstravaganza Evenings session was announced for the following day (September 10), covering WhatsApp on a computer, starting with Mac.

To learn more about the workshops, please visit, techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

Key Takeaways

• The session was a live workshop under the "Techstravaganza" series, focused on AI tools for productivity and creativity, hosted by Siena and Ali.
• Three AI assistants were compared: Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity, across tasks including PDF text extraction, document summarization, file conversion to RTF, and song generation.
• ChatGPT performed best at verbatim text extraction and RTF conversion; Gemini required more specific prompting but ultimately delivered clean results; Perplexity struggled with text extraction and flagged AI-generated lyrics as copyrighted.
• Gemini (paid plan) successfully generated a full-length country song with audio from AI-generated lyrics.
• An open discussion covered accessibility issues with VoiceOver on macOS, iOS 26 Hey Siri setup problems, Windows laptop recommendations, Chrome not launching on Windows, and the Mac vs. Windows debate for screen reader users.
• Upcoming sessions include a Techstravaganza Extra on accessible games (Dice World and Quentin C's Game Room) and a future afternoon session on Meta glasses.

To learn more about the workshops, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop podcast uploads.

Key Takeaways

• The session was a Textravaganza afternoon workshop held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, focused on Android accessibility using TalkBack.
• Siena led a hands-on tutorial demonstrating TalkBack navigation, gestures, app management, and text-to-speech settings on a Motorola Moto G 5G running Android 15.
• Participants discussed and compared their experiences with Android (TalkBack) versus Apple (VoiceOver), sharing personal preferences and practical observations.
• Key limitations of Android/TalkBack were identified, including Gemini's inconsistent ability to toggle TalkBack, lack of customizable sounds, and variation in experience across Android manufacturers.
• A follow-up tutorial on setting up an Android device from scratch using TalkBack was announced.

To learn more about the workshops, please visit techstravaganza.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss topic lists, updates and workshop uploads.