As Part of GAAD 2022, Apple Announced New  accessibility features coming out in iOS 16.

 

These included a doorway detection feature using LIDAR, live captioning, customise your own sound recognition sounds, control your Apple Watch from your iPhone, use other buddy controllers to help you play a game, extra voice synthesisers with a range of new languages for Voiceover and Speak screen, and text item identification for VoiceOver on the Mac.

 

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/05/apple-previews-innovative-accessibility-features/

 

New iPhone and iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch accessibility assistant Shortcuts

 

If you now look within the Shortcuts on your iPhone, iPad or Mac with the Shortcuts app, you will find three shortcuts:

iPhone and iPad Accessibility Assistant,

Mac Accessibility Assistant, and

Apple Watch Accessibility Assistant.

These assistants ask you what yours specific needs are for accessibility, and then put the suggestions for what Accessibility options to use within the Notes app for you to check out.

 

Microsoft Ability Summit 2022 Youtube Play List

 

Youtube play list for the Microsoft Ability Summit.

 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtSVUgxIo6Ko_SB8H9JUaCZMsxiCNu-am

 

10 things Blocking Your Wifi Signal at Home

 

https://www.howtogeek.com/802892/things-blocking-your-wi-fi-signal-at-home/

 

Finally Got My Hands on a PS5 Console

 

These consoles to remain hard to get, so I ended up purchasing a returned model at my local gaming store.

Happy to say it is indeed true, the screen reader now works in Australia.

Initial setup I needed sighted assistance, and also to enable the screen reader within Settings/Accessibility (still trying to find out if there is a controller shortcut to turn the screen reader on or off).

Navigating the screens of the PS5 itself is very straightforward.

Stay tuned for more notes, and a dive in to a bit of game play.

 

 

The fun you game, to the dragon cave.

 

A new audio text adventure for Android and iPhone.

With your Talking Guide, you have to fight off monsters so that you can make it to the Dragon Cave and of course, fight the Dragon.

 

Android

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.KikirikiGames.DragonCave&gl=US

 

iOS

 

https://apps.apple.com/za/app/to-the-dragon-cave/id1597579625

As Part of GAAD 2022, Apple Announced New&nbsp; accessibility features coming out in iOS 16.
&nbsp;
These included a doorway detection feature using LIDAR, live captioning, customise your own sound recognition sounds, control your Apple Watch from your iPhone, use other buddy controllers to help you play a game, extra voice synthesisers with a range of new languages for Voiceover and Speak screen, and text item identification for VoiceOver on the Mac.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/05/apple-previews-innovative-accessibility-features/">https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/05/apple-previews-innovative-accessibility-features/</a>
&nbsp;
New iPhone and iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch accessibility assistant Shortcuts
&nbsp;
If you now look within the Shortcuts on your iPhone, iPad or Mac with the Shortcuts app, you will find three shortcuts:
iPhone and iPad Accessibility Assistant,
Mac Accessibility Assistant, and
Apple Watch Accessibility Assistant.
These assistants ask you what yours specific needs are for accessibility, and then put the suggestions for what Accessibility options to use within the Notes app for you to check out.
&nbsp;
Microsoft Ability Summit 2022 Youtube Play List
&nbsp;
Youtube play list for the Microsoft Ability Summit.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtSVUgxIo6Ko_SB8H9JUaCZMsxiCNu-am">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtSVUgxIo6Ko_SB8H9JUaCZMsxiCNu-am</a>
&nbsp;
10 things Blocking Your Wifi Signal at Home
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/802892/things-blocking-your-wi-fi-signal-at-home/">https://www.howtogeek.com/802892/things-blocking-your-wi-fi-signal-at-home/</a>
&nbsp;
Finally Got My Hands on a PS5 Console
&nbsp;
These consoles to remain hard to get, so I ended up purchasing a returned model at my local gaming store.
Happy to say it is indeed true, the screen reader now works in Australia.
Initial setup I needed sighted assistance, and also to enable the screen reader within Settings/Accessibility (still trying to find out if there is a controller shortcut to turn the screen reader on or off).
Navigating the screens of the PS5 itself is very straightforward.
Stay tuned for more notes, and a dive in to a bit of game play.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The fun you game, to the dragon cave.
&nbsp;
A new audio text adventure for Android and iPhone.
With your Talking Guide, you have to fight off monsters so that you can make it to the Dragon Cave and of course, fight the Dragon.
&nbsp;
Android
&nbsp;
<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.KikirikiGames.DragonCave&amp;gl=US">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.KikirikiGames.DragonCave&amp;gl=US</a>
&nbsp;
iOS
&nbsp;
<a href="https://apps.apple.com/za/app/to-the-dragon-cave/id1597579625">https://apps.apple.com/za/app/to-the-dragon-cave/id1597579625</a>

Vision Australia's Senior Adaptive Technology Consultant David Woodbridge talks with Stephen Jolley about the latest developments and gadgets in the tech world from a blindness and low vision perspective.

Vision Australia's Senior Adaptive Technology Consultant David Woodbridge talks with Stephen Jolley about the latest developments and gadgets in the tech world from a blindness and low vision perspective.

Vision Australia's Senior Adaptive Technology Consultant David Woodbridge talks with Stephen Jolley about the latest from the tech world from a blindness and low vision perspective.

Talking Tech - Vision Australia Radio

Vision Australia's Senior Adaptive Technology Consultant David Woodbridge talks with Stephen Jolley about the latest developments and gadgets in the tech world from a blindness and low vision perspective. 

Vision Australia has a range of products and services to assist Australia’s blind and low vision community in all technology needs. Visit visionaustralia.org or call 1300 84 74 66 to learn how we can help you live the life you choose.

Select the following link to browse our range of products in our Vision Store: https://shop.visionaustralia.org/

Vision Australia's Senior Adaptive Technology Consultant David Woodbridge talks with Stephen Jolley about the latest developments and gadgets in the tech world from a blindness and low vision perspective. 
Vision Australia has a range of products and services to assist Australia’s blind and low vision community in all technology needs. Visit visionaustralia.org or call 1300 84 74 66 to learn how we can help you live the life you choose.
Select the following link to browse our range of products in our Vision Store: <a href="https://shop.visionaustralia.org/">https://shop.visionaustralia.org/</a>

Talking Tech 24th May 2022

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/09fdc9f0-9a6d-472e-929b-ae9f00488a4e/transcript

Product Minute: Envoy Connect Audio Player for the Vision Australia Library



Straightforward and easy to use with the Windows Kiosk application to access books and download to the plugged in player. Then unplug, and enjoy your audio book.

Remember, the Vision Australia Library is open to anyone with a print disability, and the Vision Store is available to anyone interested in vision related products such as  the Envoy Connect.

Contact the Vision Australia library or Vision Store via the main 1300 847 466 number.



https://shop.visionaustralia.org/envoy-connect-audio-player-for-va-library.html



Honda Audio Scene Detection App for Travelling in the car



The beta of this app sounds quite amazing for blind or low vision car travellers who want to know what is happening around the vehicle when traveling. Computer Vision, AI, GPS, weather etc all rolled in to one experience.

Currently in beta.



https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/new-ai-based-honda-scenic-audio-app-will-help-make-the-joy-of-the-journey-accessible-to-the-blind-and-visually-impaired



Vision Australia and Acoustic Vehicle Audio System (AVAS) for Electric Vehicles



Fantastic to see Vision Australia’s extensive hard work over the last 5 years paying off getting the AVAS in to legislation for electric vehicles travelling under 25KPH for blind and low vision Australians.



https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-04-19/vision-australia-commends-federal-governments-move-mandate-acoustic



aple Accessibility Update 2024 Online Event - Make it Yours, register for either May 1, 2, 8 or 9 for a one hour Session



Multiple dates/times, and various accessibility options such as CC or AD.

Always great to get an update or refresher on accessibility.

I think Apple is getting in early  or GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) later on in May.



https://events.apple.com/content/events/anz/au/en/default.html?token=xww6uj7woR0X9A3c8a4GQkNVdHioJeacopALBwoa3Nf9qRbkVl1f2R7bxjPU29UduZhb5czMzvZ9JEnGCAWlUFwYp_VRfv60aevvydumHi_QB-xfBuh_fjKoLcaRgBQ960JADmFvS09e1L-9pugzkuFIT6bQ&a=1&Locale=en_AU&l=e





WeWALK Zoom Webinar on the New WeWalk, 2, US April 25 6PM GMT.

Looking forward myself to finding out about the new features in this sonar smart cane with associated smart phone app.

Link is to register.

As far as we can tell, this is on very early Aussie time on the 26th of April at 3AM.

Here is hoping that they will post the webinar afterwards for folks to enjoy.



https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNQH9uwcb6kp8K1m7aoBubxvncqozcPZ5T31JIlV4uy17zg/viewform





Leather case now available for pre-order for the BT speak.



Great to see this pre-order happening to keep your BT Speak protected with an excellent case from Turtle Back..



https://turtlebacklv.com/products/blazie-bt-speak-fitted-leather-case-with-protective-key-cover-and-strap-by-turtleback

Product Minute: Envoy Connect Audio Player for the Vision Australia Library
 
Straightforward and easy to use with the Windows Kiosk application to access books and download to the plugged in player. Then unplug, and enjoy your audio book.
Remember, the Vision Australia Library is open to anyone with a print disability, and the Vision Store is available to anyone interested in vision related products such as  the Envoy Connect.
Contact the Vision Australia library or Vision Store via the main 1300 847 466 number.
 
<a href="https://shop.visionaustralia.org/envoy-connect-audio-player-for-va-library.html">https://shop.visionaustralia.org/envoy-connect-audio-player-for-va-library.html</a>
 
Honda Audio Scene Detection App for Travelling in the car
 
The beta of this app sounds quite amazing for blind or low vision car travellers who want to know what is happening around the vehicle when traveling. Computer Vision, AI, GPS, weather etc all rolled in to one experience.
Currently in beta.
 
<a href="https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/new-ai-based-honda-scenic-audio-app-will-help-make-the-joy-of-the-journey-accessible-to-the-blind-and-visually-impaired">https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/new-ai-based-honda-scenic-audio-app-will-help-make-the-joy-of-the-journey-accessible-to-the-blind-and-visually-impaired</a>
 
Vision Australia and Acoustic Vehicle Audio System (AVAS) for Electric Vehicles
 
Fantastic to see Vision Australia’s extensive hard work over the last 5 years paying off getting the AVAS in to legislation for electric vehicles travelling under 25KPH for blind and low vision Australians.
 
<a href="https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-04-19/vision-australia-commends-federal-governments-move-mandate-acoustic">https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-04-19/vision-australia-commends-federal-governments-move-mandate-acoustic</a>
 
aple Accessibility Update 2024 Online Event - Make it Yours, register for either May 1, 2, 8 or 9 for a one hour Session
 
Multiple dates/times, and various accessibility options such as CC or AD.
Always great to get an update or refresher on accessibility.
I think Apple is getting in early  or GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) later on in May.
 
<a href="https://events.apple.com/content/events/anz/au/en/default.html?token=xww6uj7woR0X9A3c8a4GQkNVdHioJeacopALBwoa3Nf9qRbkVl1f2R7bxjPU29UduZhb5czMzvZ9JEnGCAWlUFwYp_VRfv60aevvydumHi_QB-xfBuh_fjKoLcaRgBQ960JADmFvS09e1L-9pugzkuFIT6bQ&amp;a=1&amp;Locale=en_AU&amp;l=e">https://events.apple.com/content/events/anz/au/en/default.html?token=xww6uj7woR0X9A3c8a4GQkNVdHioJeacopALBwoa3Nf9qRbkVl1f2R7bxjPU29UduZhb5czMzvZ9JEnGCAWlUFwYp_VRfv60aevvydumHi_QB-xfBuh_fjKoLcaRgBQ960JADmFvS09e1L-9pugzkuFIT6bQ&amp;a=1&amp;Locale=en_AU&amp;l=e</a>
 
 
WeWALK Zoom Webinar on the New WeWalk, 2, US April 25 6PM GMT.
Looking forward myself to finding out about the new features in this sonar smart cane with associated smart phone app.
Link is to register.
As far as we can tell, this is on very early Aussie time on the 26th of April at 3AM.
Here is hoping that they will post the webinar afterwards for folks to enjoy.
 
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNQH9uwcb6kp8K1m7aoBubxvncqozcPZ5T31JIlV4uy17zg/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNQH9uwcb6kp8K1m7aoBubxvncqozcPZ5T31JIlV4uy17zg/viewform</a>
 
 
Leather case now available for pre-order for the BT speak.
 
Great to see this pre-order happening to keep your BT Speak protected with an excellent case from Turtle Back..
 
<a href="https://turtlebacklv.com/products/blazie-bt-speak-fitted-leather-case-with-protective-key-cover-and-strap-by-turtleback">https://turtlebacklv.com/products/blazie-bt-speak-fitted-leather-case-with-protective-key-cover-and-strap-by-turtleback</a>

Talking Tech 23rd April 2024

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/5eaed773-bb43-4c6c-ba27-b15b0040a9ca/transcript

Product Minute:: Mini Guide Cane Holder  



As the name suggests, it is a holder that you slide your Mini Guide in to which is attached to your cane.



I only purchased mine this week and it is one of those items which I should have purchased when it first came out, it is so handy smile.



Several links below



Two links firstly to the Va Store shop page for the Mini guide Holder, and then the link to the actual Mini guide itself on the shop site.



Mini Guide Holder



Mini Guide (itself)



After I posted the Mini Guide Holder podcast on my iSee feed, 



Podcast demo of the Mini Guide Holder



I received lots of queries about the Mini Guide itself, hence the linked demo next.



Podcast demo of the Mini Guide itself 



Microsoft testing Ads in Windows 11 Insider Build within the Start Menu



Windows is starting to sound like a Smart TV screen.



SD Cards to Hit 4TB by 2025



This sounds great for moving large files around from device to device if you need to. However, I just hope folks don’t use them as permanent storage solutions.



Apple Argues About Why it is Still Ok to sell MacBooks with 8GB RAM



I used to think this was ok, but with AI in particular wanting more computing resources, I’m wondering if this is still the case.



Apple Intends to Overhaul Entire Mac Line Up with M4 AI Chips



I think the M3 only came out 5 months ago, and at the end of this year it seems the M4 will be out.

It is going to be very interesting to see what happens at WWDC in June with AI for iOS and Mac OS.

Product Minute:: Mini Guide Cane Holder  
 
As the name suggests, it is a holder that you slide your Mini Guide in to which is attached to your cane.
 
I only purchased mine this week and it is one of those items which I should have purchased when it first came out, it is so handy smile.
 
Several links below
 
Two links firstly to the Va Store shop page for the Mini guide Holder, and then the link to the actual Mini guide itself on the shop site.
 
<a href="https://shop.visionaustralia.org/miniguide-holder.html">Mini Guide Holder</a>
 
<a href="https://shop.visionaustralia.org/miniguide-ultrasonic-echo-location-detector.html">Mini Guide (itself)</a>
 
After I posted the Mini Guide Holder podcast on my iSee feed, 
 
<a href="https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/demo-of-the-amazing-i-think-and-extremley-useful-mini-guide-holder-for-your-mobility-cane-from-vision-store/">Podcast demo of the Mini Guide Holder</a>
 
I received lots of queries about the Mini Guide itself, hence the linked demo next.
 
<a href="https://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/e/podcast-on-the-actual-mini-guide-sonar-detection-device-which-goes-with-the-mini-guide-holder-for-your-cane-or-jsut-held-in-your-hand/">Podcast demo of the Mini Guide itself </a>
 
Microsoft testing Ads in Windows 11 Insider Build within the Start Menu
 
Windows is starting to sound like a Smart TV screen.
 
SD Cards to Hit 4TB by 2025
 
This sounds great for moving large files around from device to device if you need to. However, I just hope folks don’t use them as permanent storage solutions.
 
Apple Argues About Why it is Still Ok to sell MacBooks with 8GB RAM
 
I used to think this was ok, but with AI in particular wanting more computing resources, I’m wondering if this is still the case.
 
Apple Intends to Overhaul Entire Mac Line Up with M4 AI Chips
 
I think the M3 only came out 5 months ago, and at the end of this year it seems the M4 will be out.
It is going to be very interesting to see what happens at WWDC in June with AI for iOS and Mac OS.

Talking Tech 16th April 2024

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/91392007-75e2-4b0d-9ceb-b1540059252c/transcript

Talking Tech for April 9 2024

Product Minute: Shokz Open Move Bone Conduction Head Phones



Two reasons why I always go back to these head phones.

Firstly of course, they are bone conduction head phones leaving my ears free to listen to what is around me.

Secondly, they use a standard USBC port which means for my ever growing collection of USBC devices plus their cables, they still fit wright in.



https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shokz-openmove-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-grey.html



Update from Blazie Technologies



Due to overwhelming interest in the BT Speak Pro, Blazie Technologies has decided to discontinue the Bt Speak basic.

For the moment, the company is only selling from their Own website.



https://www.blazietech.com



Another Update, Touch Pad Pro Foundation Getting Closer (sort of) to Launching the Braille Doodle 



—



Copy of Email April 5 2024

Dear BrailleDoodle Family,

We've found it incredibly challenging! We're at the point where we just can't wait any longer!

We've been hesitant to post an update without any significant progress to report. However, we're thrilled to share that recent advancements in manufacturing have been truly remarkable.

Throughout this process, we've strived to maintain transparency, and in that vain, these past few months have been frustrating and, at times, even scary. It's hard to overstate the precision required for every aspect of the BrailleDoodle to function flawlessly. With over 1600 metal beads and holes in the BrailleDoodle, even a single malfunction is simply unacceptable.

After numerous adjustments, we're finally producing fully functional BrailleDoodle samples, one after another. Below, you'll find an audio-described video showcasing the BrailleDoodle being put through its paces.

We're confident that BrailleDoodles will soon be in the hands of people within the next couple of months. We understand that many of you are disappointed by the delays, but when you finally have this product in your hands, you'll realize it was worth the wait! The BrailleDoodle is poised to be nothing short of incredible!

Despite the chaos of this journey, we're immensely grateful that you've chosen to be part of the BrailleDoodle family. As we've emphasized many times before, you're not just customers; you're the ones breathing life into the BrailleDoodle!

Warm regards,

The TouchPad Pro Team 



—



The new Owners of Voice Dream Reader (Applause) Backs down from Subscription   Model for Everyone 



Good to see what overwhelming feedback can do.



https://applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/applause-have-backed-down-purchased-voicedream-features-will-stay





Review of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses



Interesting, these glasses are getting closer and closer to what Envision are Orcam are doing, but only for $550 or so Australian.



https://applevis.com/podcasts/review-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses



My Chat on Studio One Fromm VA Radio Re AI and how it Would Assist Blind or Low Vision Folks



50 minute or so tech chat about AI.



https://omny.fm/shows/studio1/a-i



Trying Out my Zoom H4 Essential with the BTA1 Connection to my iPhone Via the H4 Essential Control App

As the file list on the H4 is still inaccessible via the internal guide voice, this app gives you full access to the file list and other functions of the H4 including being able to remote control it via the app say in the case of using it for lectures.

Note - there is also an app for the H6 Essential, but not for the H1.



https://apps.apple.com/au/app/h4essential-control/id646717678

Talking Tech for April 9 2024
Product Minute: Shokz Open Move Bone Conduction Head Phones
 
Two reasons why I always go back to these head phones.
Firstly of course, they are bone conduction head phones leaving my ears free to listen to what is around me.
Secondly, they use a standard USBC port which means for my ever growing collection of USBC devices plus their cables, they still fit wright in.
 
<a href="https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shokz-openmove-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-grey.html">https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shokz-openmove-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-grey.html</a>
 
Update from Blazie Technologies
 
Due to overwhelming interest in the BT Speak Pro, Blazie Technologies has decided to discontinue the Bt Speak basic.
For the moment, the company is only selling from their Own website.
 
<a href="https://www.blazietech.com">https://www.blazietech.com</a>
 
Another Update, Touch Pad Pro Foundation Getting Closer (sort of) to Launching the Braille Doodle 
 
—
 
Copy of Email April 5 2024
Dear BrailleDoodle Family,
We've found it incredibly challenging! We're at the point where we just can't wait any longer!
We've been hesitant to post an update without any significant progress to report. However, we're thrilled to share that recent advancements in manufacturing have been truly remarkable.
Throughout this process, we've strived to maintain transparency, and in that vain, these past few months have been frustrating and, at times, even scary. It's hard to overstate the precision required for every aspect of the BrailleDoodle to function flawlessly. With over 1600 metal beads and holes in the BrailleDoodle, even a single malfunction is simply unacceptable.
After numerous adjustments, we're finally producing fully functional BrailleDoodle samples, one after another. Below, you'll find an audio-described video showcasing the BrailleDoodle being put through its paces.
We're confident that BrailleDoodles will soon be in the hands of people within the next couple of months. We understand that many of you are disappointed by the delays, but when you finally have this product in your hands, you'll realize it was worth the wait! The BrailleDoodle is poised to be nothing short of incredible!
Despite the chaos of this journey, we're immensely grateful that you've chosen to be part of the BrailleDoodle family. As we've emphasized many times before, you're not just customers; you're the ones breathing life into the BrailleDoodle!
Warm regards,
The TouchPad Pro Team 
 
—
 
The new Owners of Voice Dream Reader (Applause) Backs down from Subscription   Model for Everyone 
 
Good to see what overwhelming feedback can do.
 
<a href="https://applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/applause-have-backed-down-purchased-voicedream-features-will-stay">https://applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/applause-have-backed-down-purchased-voicedream-features-will-stay</a>
 
 
Review of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
 
Interesting, these glasses are getting closer and closer to what Envision are Orcam are doing, but only for $550 or so Australian.
 
<a href="https://applevis.com/podcasts/review-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses">https://applevis.com/podcasts/review-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses</a>
 
My Chat on Studio One Fromm VA Radio Re AI and how it Would Assist Blind or Low Vision Folks
 
50 minute or so tech chat about AI.
 
<a href="https://omny.fm/shows/studio1/a-i">https://omny.fm/shows/studio1/a-i</a>
 
Trying Out my Zoom H4 Essential with the BTA1 Connection to my iPhone Via the H4 Essential Control App
As the file list on the H4 is still inaccessible via the internal guide voice, this app gives you full access to the file list and other functions of the H4 including being able to remote control it via the app say in the case of using it for lectures.
Note - there is also an app for the H6 Essential, but not for the H1.
 
<a href="https://apps.apple.com/au/app/h4essential-control/id646717678">https://apps.apple.com/au/app/h4essential-control/id646717678</a>

Talking Tech 9th April 2024

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa7924ac-d4fd-4bff-b1b4-ac7f006dda87/clips/4d9f716a-772a-4dc9-9f8b-b14d005a8738/transcript

Talking Tech 24th May 2022

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