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It is the final (official) show on the Blind Guy Talks Tech feed and the entire gang get together to share their thoughts on the show, and as usual, everything else! A message from Blind Guy Steven Scott: "It's been an absolute blast doing this podcast for the last year and I want to personally thank you for making it the huge success it has been. Without your emails, your contributions and your commitment to the cause this would never have been possible. And all of that proved to me it was possible to do a daily technology show on the radio which is why I was so pleased and honoured when AMI-audio asked us to do this. I love doing this show, a show that started off as an idea that led to me being laughed out of the office and told that such a show concept would never catch on. At RNIB it became the most listened to show and most commented on, and at AMI Double Tap became so popular it spawned a TV show. Now the radio show goes daily, proving the hunger for not just the information, but the entertainment and joy that I hope we bring to you. Shaun Preece has been a monumental part of all of this, and has supported me in all my wacky ideas leading to this point. He, like me, are humbled by your reaction to the show and your willingness to keep coming back for more. Also, I must thank Tim Schwartz for standing by us all these years, Robin Christopherson for continuing to bring positivity and fresh ideas every day, and to Sally Clay who has given us all the shake we required when we needed it to make sure we make this as relevant to as many people as possible. Thanks to all of you, and I hope you will continue to enjoy hearing all of us on our shared journey into a new chapter." Remember to subscribe to Double Tap on your podcast app or smart speaker of choice, and subscribe to us on YouTube for more content from the TV show and more. And we're also across social media @DoubleTapOnAir.
Prepare yourselves for another wild ride as the Saturday Edition rolls into town! On the show today is Blind Guy Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, Robin Christopherson, Tim Schwartz and Blind Girl Sally Clay talking about everything from Shaun's personal problems to Steven's latest pointless gadget, Tim's new podcast and everyone's feelings on crying! Plus there's talk about the wonderful Sennheiser Ambeo earphones that record in beautiful binaural audio! Keep your feedback coming by emailing hello@blindguytalkstech.com or call 0204 571 3354 and leave us a voicemail.
Find out what the "Powers That Be" Don't want you to know regarding the truly hidden - occult - history of the United States. No one would likely dispute the fact that times are stranger in America than ever before, and indications are that things are getting weirder with each passing day.But a look at our hidden – SECRET – history alerts us to the startling fact that our country has been steeped in “high strangeness” since its founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and, provocatively, even before. It is nevertheless apparent that our proud nation owes a great “debt of ingratitude” to the mysterious, the macabre, the downright bizarre and the unseen realm of the occult.Did the ancient Lemurians, a Pacific Ocean race similar to the fabled Atlanteans to the east, erect the mysterious walls found in the eastern part of the San Francisco Bay area? Writer Olav Phillips explores the enigma first hand.Sean Casteel provides an overview of historical incidents of cannibalism, stories that go back as far as “The Starving Time” of the Jamestown colony in 1609, and Wm. Michael Mott offers up some of the UFO and creature sightings he has collected from the state of Mississippi.Publisher/writer Timothy Green Beckley and his friend Circe returned to Sleepy Hollow, New York – of “Headless Horseman” fame – and discovered that paranormal activity is still rampant there, while author Tim Swartz would like suitable explanations for all the supernatural mysteries of his native Indiana.In a Bonus Section: “The Spiritual Destinyof America” - The future of America as seen through the eyes of prophecy and the occult is revealed. You can feel the chills already, eh? Read “America's Strange and Supernatural History” and get ready to kick those chills up a notch or two.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio.
It's another big bumper Saturday episode for you to enjoy with the Blind Guy Steven Scott along with Sally Clay and Tim Schwartz discussing the big topics this week - and as usual very few of them are about tech! There's lots of talk about getting fit and a new regime for Steven that is making him feel better, as is the case for Sally. And then there's the thorny but very real issue of disability pride and what it means to be proud of being disabled. It's certainly a topic that has excited many but the trio have their doubts. It's certainly going to be interesting to hear your thoughts following our discussion, which always promises to be open, honest and unfiltered. Everyone on our show can speak their mind freely, even if it goes against the grain of what is considered to be universally popular. And that's also where you come in. Send in your comments, positive or nagative, by emailing hello@blindguytalkstech.com or call 0204 571 3354.
And we're back for another big bumper edition for the weekend! Today Blind Guy Steven Scott is joined by Robin Christopherson, Sally Clay and Tim Schwartz to discuss the burning topics in their lives. There's talk about the downsides of installing betas of brand new operating systems, the challenges and joys of using tech to move around independently, more debate on the white cane versus a dog and why language really matters. Join in the conversation by emailing hello@blindguytalkstech.com or call 0204 571 3354 and leave us a voicemail.
It's another fun-packed and chat-filled episode for your Sunday on the Weekend Edition this week. Joining that Blind Guy himself, Steven Scott, is Sally Clay, Robin Christopherson and Tim Schwartz. Today they discuss the challenge of being partially sighted and what that means, what to do when you come into contact with a parked car and should you take a white cane with you if you have a guide dog? It's an episode you won't want to miss, and we imagine you'll want to comment on too. email us hello@blindguytalkstech.com or call us on 0204 571 3354.
And it's another big Weekend Edition with lots of nonsense and occasional technology talk for you. Today on the podcast Blind Guy Steven Scott is joined by Shaun Preece, Robin Christopherson and Tim Schwartz to discuss more of your emails and comments, plus there's a healthy dose of talk around the big topics including the right way to enjoy a buffet, parlour games and when sharing food is appropriate. Yes that conversation is still going on. We also talk about a vest that can hold your tech while travelling, and Steven mentions a YouTube video he found explaining the best way to use iMovie on the Mac. As always its your comments that make the show possible so keep them coming. Email hello@blindguytalkstech.com or leave us a voicemail on 0204 571 3354.
The Weekend Edition is back... and wilder than ever! Join Blind Guy Steven Scott, Robin Christopherson, Tim Schwartz and Shaun Preece for a conversation about pretty much everything you can think of... except technology! If you've got a view you want to share, and we don't doubt you will, drop us an email to hello@blindguytalkstech.com or drop us a voicemail to 0204 571 3354.
And it's time for another Weekend Edition! This time around featuring everyone on the team including Blind Guy Steven Scott, Robin Christopherson, Sally Clay, Shaun Preece and Tim Schwartz. In today's episode we begin the task of reading through the emails which is of itself a topic of discussion - plus there's lots of talk about Braille and the ways it can be used by people who learn in later life. There's also a lot of conversation about the fact the guys are not feeling that great this week and in fact most are quite grumpy which makes for an interesting listen for sure! Share your comments as always - they are much appreciated and welcome. Email hello@blindguytalkstech.com or call and leave us a voicemail on 0204 571 3354.
And another big bumper Weekend Edition lands in your podcast inbox for you to enjoy. Starring the whole team including Blind Guy himself Steven Scott, Tim Schwartz, Robin Christopherson, Shaun Preece and Sally Clay they discuss a wide range of topics. First up this week we discuss the sexier side of artificial intelligence with the question ultimately being, can you fall in love with a robot? This leads to a very open and honest discussion about the real impact of isolation and how technology could aid that in some ways in a meaningful sense. Also the guys discuss the new Siri voice that has appeared in iOS 15.4 which has been created specifically to represent the LGBTQ+ community, but is that representation useful or does it even matter when it comes to AI voices? And we read your feedback with lots of comments following our previous episodes. Keep in touch with your comments by emailing hello@blindguytalkstech.com or call 0204 571 3354.
There aren't many words to describe this latest episode of Blind Guy Talks Tech: The Weekend Edition! Join Steven Scott, Robin Christopherson, Tim Schwartz, Sally Clay and guest David Woodbridge as they talk about the really important tech news including why TV show Neighbours is being cancelled, and other important news too including: Why are there so many issues with Windows 10 and Microsoft Edge? Are Macs easier to use with Voiceover than Windows PCs running JAWS (or other screenreaders)? More on audiobook narration - human or AI - which is best? Is Google Assistant a reason to avoid Android phones if you are a Talkback user? Plus we answer your feedback and talk about the results of our online poll asking you if when using an iPhone do you flick or find what you are looking for? Is visual memory important when it comes to using these devices? The team weighs in. And if all that isn't enough, we end on a sing-song thanks to David and the country of Australia. Send in your feedback to hello@blindguytalkstech.com or call and leave a voicemail on 0204 571 3354.
Blind Guy Steven Scott gets the team back around the virtual table this week for another rip-roaring wild ride also known as the Weekend Edition! Guests include Robin Christopherson, Shaun Preece, Tim Schwartz, Sally Clay and special guest Sarah Steele - Shaun's partner. The big topics this week include the rising use of synthetic voices in audiobooks and the lack of availability of audio description on TV and on demand. Plus listener Luke got in touch to suggest we talk more about the popular word game Wordle and offered an accessible way to enjoy Wordle. Don't forget you can hear your comments read aloud on the show by emailing us hello@blindguytalkstech.com or leave us a voicemail on 0204 571 3354.
Each Friday the Weekend Edition will bring you the top tech team having way too much fun while discussing the week’s tech news stories. Grab a cup of something warm, soft or alcoholic (or all of the above) and enjoy. Blind Guy Steven Scott is joined by Shaun Preece, Robin Christopherson and Tim Schwartz to chat through Steven’s love of braille thanks to his new Hable One braille input keyboard, while Robin chats through the news surrounding Apple’s W1 ultra-wide band chip that could get a major upgrade which would work alongside bluetooth making our smartphones even more useful to the blind community. We’re also joined by long-time listener to our shows, Gordon Anthony, who tells us about his Microsoft Edge woes on the Mac, Twitter trouble and Amazon Music issues. And in amongst way too much talk about the right way to make tea, we get your feedback from email hello@blindguytalkstech.com and voicemail on 0204 571 3354.
The evolution of social media continued in 2019 with the launch of Clubhouse – an audio-led social media app that offered to bring conference-style interaction and networking to its users. While the concept seemed unlikely to take hold, the pandemic in 2020 made the company's mission seem almost perfect to people who could no longer visit in-person events. Many businesses and entrepreneurs used the app as a way to make new friends, and money. For the blind community the app offered a chance for groups to form around the world in an easy-to-use environment. However it was beset with challenges for our community, including an inaccessible app, the need to be ‘invited' rather than just sign up and the lack of an Android app for at least a year after it was launched. And for the deaf community, the lack of captioning services meant it was a non-starter. As each challenge was dealt with, in thanks particularly to the hard working and influential advocates who used the platform to raise concerns, blind people adopted the service as a new way to share their stories and promote themselves not just to other blind people but also the wider population. But could this innovative style of platform become the norm? We see services such as Twitter and Facebook adopting audio rooms and spaces so is this the future for social media? Life After Blindness podcast host Tim Schwartz joins Blind Guy Steven Scott to discuss in this podcast.
In our special series looking at both the history and future of accessible technology we conclude with a look at what is coming in 2022 and beyond. What new technologies will exist for blind people in the longer term? Joining Steven Scott this time around is Shaun Preece and Tim Schwartz and the guys dive right in with their predictions. Starting with Tim, is it going to be wearables that take over the physical smartphone in the future? Is it all going to be about glasses, watches and more? And if so, how will this benefit the blind and partially sighted community? Steven takes it one step further suggesting that the role of health tech in the future may in fact bring an end to eye conditions completely. Imagine a world where eye conditions can be detected early and treated or age-related conditions can be cured? Steven ponders over whether this is a good thing or not. And Shaun weighs in on his thoughts on wireless charging technology. Could this be the next step in changing how we consume electricity over the air? Join our conversation by emailing hello@blindguytalkstech.com or follow the show on Twitter @BlindGuyTech. Don’t forget that the show starts officially on January 10th so make sure you subscribe for more. Oh, and a very Happy New Year from all of us to you.
As we get ready to welcome in 2022, Blind Guy Steven Scott sits down with his good friends Shaun Preece, Tim Schwartz and Robin Christopherson to talk through what they think will be the next big tech items to show up in the New Year. Starting off is Tim with his idea that Virtual Reality will be the big news of 2022, with a huge amount of potential for visually impaired people and even those who are totally blind. Besides the incredible visual benefits to VR, there are also huge benefits in audio too with 360 degree-sound creating opportunities for rich worlds to be created in audio as well as visual. But Tim is also keen to stress that it doesn't stop there. What about haptic feedback? Could we see a time where we wear gloves that give us tactile feedback for, say, braille to appear in a virtual sense? Shaun's take on artificial intelligence gets the conversation on to the next topic. Could 2022 be the year when artificial intelligence starts feeling a bit more ‘intelligent'? Up until now its been all very simple and smart speakers have been able to be programmed to give responses to specific phrases but ideally that will change in the future. The guys also discuss how artificial intelligence is already beginning to learn about our emotions and learning how to react to those so clearly its an interesting area for development. Robin wants to get fit in the New Year and he is looking for a smart gym that lets him gather all his health vitals without having to use a touchscreen device. But does something like this already exist or are they all too smart? Or should Robin go for something less smart and use fitness tech such as an Apple Watch? And finally Steven offers up his suggestion for 2022. It may be no surprise that it is Apple related. He is looking forward to the launch of what might become the new Apple AR glasses. These would give users the chance to have augmented reality on their heads giving out info from the phone as well as information about surroundings as you move around. And of course this is Apple so it would be totally accessible right? Join the conversation with the guys ahead of their January 10th 2022 launch of the weekday podcast by emailing hello@blindguytalkstech.com or follow the show on Twitter @BlindGuyTech.
Hey and welcome to another episode of Blind Guy Talks Tech with your hosts Steven Scott, Shaun Preece and Tim Schwartz. This time around the guys are talking about the best tech of 2021 which includes a lot of chat about TV, gaming and reading books. There’s a heated discussion on the availability of audio description on TV, especially with the news of Sky Glass being made available in the UK. Considering the amount of work Sky has done this year to make it’s Sky Q boxes more accessible, the team ponder why those same accessibility functions are not added into the latest generation of its hardware. There’s also a lot of talk about gaming and how the world of console gaming has become so much more inclusive in 2021 with games such as Forza Horizon 5 following in the footsteps of games such as The Last Of Us Part 2 in becoming more accessible and usable for the blind and low vision community, as well as those in the wider disability community. And in terms of reading, there has been a major addition to the Amazon smart speaker this year when UK blind charity RNIB announced its partnership work with Amazon to create a way for users of the RNIB Talking Books library to call up and enjoy their favourite reads on their Amazon Echo device. What’s your best tech of 2021 and do you have a favourite new gadget to tell us about? Email the show Hello@BlindGuyTalksTech.Com to let us know. Our new podcast starts officially on January 10th 2022 where we will be here every weekday talking about the stories of interest to the blind and low vision community. Share your stories with us and tell us what you think of the show by emailing us on that address or follow the show on Twitter @BlindGuyTech. Thanks for downloading/subscribing!
Welcome to a brand new episode of Blind Guy Talks Tech where we set up the conversation ahead of our launch of the weekday podcast from January 10th 2022. Join Blind Guy Steven Scott as he welcomes Tim Schwartz and Shaun Preece to the table to talk about the new podcast and also reminisce on the tech that they remember from their childhoods, which ultimately leads to the topic of how far we have come since even the early 80s to today in terms of assistive and accessible technology. This is the first of a four-part series of episodes that will give you the idea of how our new show will discuss the big issues of the day. You are welcome to contribute your thoughts to the podcast by emailing hello@blindguytalkstech.com or follow Blind Guy on Twitter @BlindGuyTech. Each of this months special episodes will appear on Fridays in our podcast feed so make sure you subscribe!
Well it had to happen at some point we guess! The last episode of Tech Talk hosted by Steven Scott and the team is finally here. But what happens next?? Make sure you listen all the way through to find out. On this week's episode, Steven is joined by Tim Schwartz, Robin Christopherson and Shaun Preece to talk about the past ten years of the show under their stewardship. We hear from you, our valued listeners, who share your thoughts on the show over the last decade, and we are joined by special guest Yvonne Milne, the RNIB Connect Radio station manager, to tell us about the future of Tech Talk and offer her own views on its history. We want to thank all of our listeners for your valuable contributions and time that you gave to your show. It's meant so much to us. We know we'll meet again soon so keep an eye and ear on us on Twitter. Steven Scott is @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson is @USA2Day, Tim Schwartz is @timschwartz5 and Shaun Preece is @theblurrednerd.
In this week's episode we get a special announcement from Steven about the show and Robin and Tim weigh in. There's also an interview with Vodafone's Emma Reynolds and Tommy McDade from Bernardo's about a new report into the importance of digital literacy. There's also a new feature from Dinos at the Tech for Life team at RNIB telling us about apps that can make using an Android phone that little bit easier if you are blind or low vision. As always get in touch with the show by emailing techtalk@rnib.org.uk or by following the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
It's all about your emails this week as we dive into the inbox to find out what you want us to talk about. We continue with Kelly's request for your Tech From The Past with some contributions starting to come in, plus there's lots of talk on specialist apps that make smartphones easier following our discussion with the founder of Voxmate a few weeks ago. There's also a new feature from the team at RNIB Technology for Life. Chris joins us to share his thoughts on an audio editing app for iPhone and iPad called Ferrite, plus lots more. As always send in your thoughts and comments to techtalk@rnib.org.uk and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
This week the team discuss the latest updates from Channel 4 following the outage that saw audio description, subtitling and signing become unavailable to a number of broadcasters due to a fire at the broadcast centre that handles all of the access services. There's also an update for fans of the Amazon shopping app following changes that left blind and partially sighted users unable to search and view results or product information. Plus Mark Evans from the Technology for Life team joins us to discuss keyboard modifier keys, what they are and why they are important. Plus there's more of your emails with questions on the best headsets for the office and what type of computer is best for someone looking to buy a PC with JAWS ready to go out of the box? As always send in your thoughts and comments to techtalk@rnib.org.uk and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
On this week's special episode, Steven Scott, Tim Schwartz and Robin Christopherson are joined by Shaun Preece to discuss the Apple Event held on the 18th of October. This event was aimed purely at Mac enthusiasts and in particular those who are power users of the MacBook Pro lineup. The team discuss how these machines will benefit those customers and chat about the other products announced including new AirPods and three new colourful HomePod Minis. As always send in your thoughts and comments to techtalk@rnib.org.uk and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
This week the guys got together to discuss the latest accessibility news around Windows 11... except there was none! So... instead they talk about how nice they think it looks - from a blind perspective! Should be fun! Thankfully we have a wonderful guest with this week. Gleb Zevkov is the founder of Voxmate, an app that aims to provide a simpler experience using a touchscreen smartphone. Although while the app may be simple to operate it does offer a number of features with the entire experience built to be enjoyed by the blind and partially sighted community. In our extensive interview, Gleb talks about the app's inception as well as how it compares to other products on the market. Find out about the app at www.voxmate.com. We also get your thoughts on the topics discussed in your emails, with comments from Greg about technology elitism and Negative Julian (self-titled) comments on the Amazon Always Home Cam drone. As always send in your thoughts and comments to techtalk@rnib.org.uk and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
This week the team discuss the big announcements from Amazon's event including the Astro robot assistant, the new Echo Show 15 and Halo View, the new smart watch fitness band. But what about accessibility on all these new devices? Will they meet our expectations? There's also a review of the Miele smart washing machine courtesy of Madleen Bluhm from RNIB's Technology for Life team. Find out why Madleen is once again enjoying doing the washing as a blind person. For more information about the washing machines Madleen discusses visit this link: https://w1.miele.com/en-int/?_ga=2.136284468.464683654.1633377685-701815581.1633377685&_gac=1.184240724.1633378490.CjwKCAjwzOqKBhAWEiwArQGwaKXHWU7drB_hBiNE3TVFLJCUVkyIomJBP9RMrfYVFL9xuynMYZ2VvBoC4PQQAvD_BwE There's also more of your emails including a comment from Billy that we shouldn't shy away from talking up the benefits of smartphones to the blind, and Kelly suggests a new topic for us all to contribute to over the next few weeks. As always send in your thoughts and comments to techtalk@rnib.org.uk and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
In this week's episode Steven Scott is once again joined by Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet and Tim Schwartz from the Life After Blindness podcast to discuss all of the big announcements from Microsoft at their Surface event. The focus this week is on the accessibility of the new products and also to discuss the big accessibility news itself at the event with the launch of the new Surface Adaptive Kit that gives blind people Microsoft's own version of bump ons! Plus there's a look ahead to Amazon's event happening Tuesday 28th September and Steven talks about his lovely new iPad mini and iPhone 13 - but why not the 13 Pro? As always send in your thoughts and comments to techtalk@rnib.org.uk and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
This week it's all about the Apple Event that was held in California on the 14th of September. Steven, Robin and Tim are joined by Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com to talk through the event and discuss what's new from the big fruit company. Also we get an update on the latest tech news from Sophie Ashford including news on roaming charges coming back for UK customers when in Europe and how motorbikes can be harmful to your iPhone! There's also news on Facebook launching a new smart glasses product in partnership with glasses maker Ray-Ban but will the addition of a camera in the glasses as well as speakers and a microphone cause some to be concerned about privacy, and what is the capability of such a device? And of course there's more of your emails. Lots of comments about the new robot voice Graham we've started using to read the emails out, plus a thought-provoking discussion starter from Greg on whether or not we are all technology elitists here at Tech Talk. As always send in your thoughts and comments to techtalk@rnib.org.uk and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
As the Apple Event draws near the Tech Talk team are in full rumour-mode with suggestions on what might be coming and what everyone is looking forward to. There's also a discussion around the news that McDonalds has teamed up with Vispero - the company behind the popular JAWS screenreader - to make it's touchscreen server screens in store more accessible. Plus there's a brief look at what's coming up in terms of accessibility within the new Windows 11 software from Microsoft which is due to roll out from October 5th. Davinder from RNIB's Technology for Life team also drops by to tell us all about the new Breville Hot Cup Water Dispener to help make a safer cup of tea - link here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breville-HotCup-Dispenser-Variable-Dispense/dp/B002NGNRHC/ref=asc_df_B002NGNRHC/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=231909287202&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3769138484814830017&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007363&hvtargid=pla-451618390517&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 And of course there's more of your emails. Lots of interesting discussion in the threads as always including a fantastic new feature of Sky Q found by listener Gordon, and a problem with the Amazon app found by listeners Dave and Maria. Email in with your contributions to techtalk@rnib.org.uk or find Steven Scott on Twitter @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5
Hello Tech Talkers! Last week we started the mammoth task of tackling the emails that you, lovely listener, have been sending us! Do Steven Scott, Tim Schwartz, Shaun Preece, and Emails Andy finally get through them all? Spoiler alert, yes, we do... with time to spare! Our topics on today's podcast include Smart TVs, new features on JAWS, more thoughts on the RNIB Radio, monitors which have on-board audio, as well as other talking points, such as Steven's new old iPhone (in red), Cookie Monster, moving to America (and back again in time for Coronation Street), Tim wanting theme music, Shaun having trouble spelling, and Queen. To email us, it's TechTalk@RNIB.org.uk More mail next week!
Hello Tech Talk fans! This week we have Steven Scott, Tim Schwartz, Shaun Preece, and Emails Andy guiding you through the show. Over the next two shows, we're focussing on our email inbox - yes, all the mail from yourselves on a variety of topics, and this week, we're getting a little philosophical with our talking points! Our topics include gripes with the behemoth companies we buy our tech from, recommendations on smartphones with bluetooth keyboards, how to encourage the VI community into using tech more, especially if price is an issue, Windows 365 thoughts, and requests for demos! To email us, it's TechTalk@RNIB.org.uk More mail next week!
Despite some of the DTC team feeling unwell due to a mixture of doughnuts & in your face trees, Double Tap Canada is back with this week's tech news. First up, it's a look at the recent interview with Apple's Tim Cook. Did he actually reveal anything about Apple's rumoured self-driving car? Were there any clues as to when we will see Apple's smart glasses? Next up, it's Steven's new gadget. A Logitech Keys To Go keyboard. Considering how much he loves his standard Logitech Keys keyboard, just why is he sending this portable version back? Surprisingly, the answer lies in the lack of tap-dancing ducks… Speaking of ducks, we'll also be taking a look at Steven's new favourite app, Perky Duck. This free app for Windows & Mac allows you to take notes using a standard keyboard using the S D F & J K L keys as braille keys. Will this get Steven back into braille? In other news, in the latest update to popular audio social media app Clubhouse, it's now possible to make payments to users through the app. Steven & Marc see this as a good thing but Shaun is worried it may attract too many scammers. There's also a new smart watch on the market but is Casio just too late to the game? And at around $700 US, will anyone even give it a chance? Finally, Belkin have announced a new charging stand for the iPhone 12 range that has the ability to swivel and track you as you move around a room. With this and the recent Echo Show 10, is this feature actually useful or is it just plain creepy?
Double Jab, sorry, I mean Double Tap Canada returns with another look at all that's new in the world of tech. We take a look at an interesting new TV show from Apple that focuses on audio rather than visuals. Calls, which is available on Apple TV+ has nothing on screen other than visualizations of the phone calls you are listening in on. Obviously, this is a concept that we as visually impaired people are used to but just how will this show be received by mainstream sighted users? Also, Disney Plus has announced that they will be releasing more theatrical movies to their streaming service. Available at an additional cost over the monthly subscription, is this in fact the best way to enjoy the latest movies? And why does Shaun hate cinemas so much? In other news, we have a new start-up called Framework who promise an easily upgradable, easily repairable laptop. Need more USB ports? Simply pull out the old ones and plug in the new. Cracked the screen? Simply unclip the broken one and pop in a new one. There's no denying it sounds great, but this has been tried before and never taken off. Could this be different? There's also a new smart watch from One Plus One with amazing battery life, rumors of a brand new HomePod with a screen, a possible replacement for Android called Google Fuchsia and most shocking of all, the news that Shaun has actually bought some tech! He'll be giving you his impressions of the Amazon Echo Buds.
Anthropologist and aid expert Tim Schwartz joins host Marty Duren in a conversation about good efforts going bad in the world of humanitarian aid.
This weeks Double Tap Canada was recorded in front of a live studio audience. Well, nearly. We did in fact record live in the Club House app and we'd like to thank everyone who took part. It was great to chat with you all. This week Steven unboxes the new Echo Show 10 from Amazon. Does its ability to spin around and track you as you walk around the room creep you out or does it make video calls etc. far more natural and easier? Talking of creeping you out, Steven will be telling, or should that be confessing, to us all about something he found online to help him sleep. It may not be tech, but it does lead to an interesting conversation on hugging cows and Marcs love of walking alpacas. We'll also be taking a quick look at the new Android Accessibility Suite 9.1. What new features of Talkback has Shaun & Steven been using? And just who is that celebrity voice Steven is using for his text to speech? If you'd like to comment on any of the topics we discussed or ask us a question, you can email us feedback@ami.ca or text/call on 1844 971 1999.
Es wird erstklassig!!! In dieser Ausgabe von 2on1 haben wir den ehemaligen Basketballbundesliga-Profi Tim Schwartz zu Gast. Tim hat uns viele Einblicke aus seiner spannenden Profi-Karriere mitgebracht, welche beim 1. FC Kaiserslautern mehr oder weniger als Aushilfe begonnen und bei den Basketball Löwen Braunschweig als Bundesliga-Kapitän sein Ende genommen hat. Aktuell spielt Tim wieder in der schönen Pfalz bei den Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer in der Pro B. Besonders außergewöhnlich an Tims Profikarriere ist, dass er neben der Zeit als Bundeligaspieler sein Lehramtsstudium absolviert hat. Wie er das Alles unter einen Hut bekommen hat, erzählt er uns in dieser Folge. In diesem Sinne "Guuuuuteeeeeen Mooooorgeeeeen, Heeeerr Schwaaaaaartz!" Setzen und zuhören, viel Spaß!
Double Tap Canada is back to talk tech but something is missing this week. Steven Scott is supposed to be off on holiday but can he really keep away from the show? Unusually, it's Shaun who is waiting for a tech delivery this week. It's so unusual in fact that he needs to give the delivery person a password in order to receive the parcel. Both Marc & Shaun have never heard of this before and of course, Marc wants to turn it into a treasure hunt by announcing the password on air. In less shocking news, Marc is also awaiting a new gadget in the form of the latest drone from DGI. He's definitely excited but is there any reason Shaun, as a visually impaired person, should be to? Spoiler alert, the answer is probably no. It's then on to the news that Twitter is introducing an audio only feature similar to the incredibly popular Club House app. But with companies like Facebook & Twitter rushing to get in on the new audio only craze are they in danger of releasing a less than perfect experience for their users? Also, Google have just released what they're calling a whole new version of Talkback. When Samsung released their S21 smartphone recently we were confused as to why it came with a version of Talkback which boasted some impressive added features such as new multi-finger gestures, voice control & user customizable gestures. Well, now we know. Google & Samsung are collaborating on the development of the Android screen reader Talkback from now on and Google have now released this new version to the rest of the Android world. Finally, in listener emails we take a look at a new device promising to replace the trusty white cane and a question on using the iOS Voice Control feature
Welcome back one and all, it's Tech Talk 368!It's a bit crowded in Tech Talk Towers today, no room to swing the proverbial cat - not only do we have our regulars Steven Scott, Robin Christopherson, Tim Schwartz and Emails Andy, but we're joined by Dean Ormond, radio presenter extraordinaire, who comes pre-loaded with his own tech question... what's your preferred choice in 2021, phone or computer? When it comes to everyday tasks, like banking, shopping or social media, do you reach for the PC, or the smartphone? Is it as simple as saying computer for work, mobile for personal?Also on today's show, the guys talk about their first few days trying the Clubhouse app, the new 'invitation-only' social networking app, which is predominately all about audio. How does it rank in terms of accessibility? Do Steven and Tim see it having legs to rival WhatsApp? Our very own Robin has been chatting to people - we hear his interview with Pramit from the Louie Voice Control app, which allows users to do everything within supported apps with just voice commands, which includes apps such as YouTube, WhatsApp, Uber, Phone calling and more.Also on today's episode, a brief dive into emails, mainly to find out what caused Steven to spend more of his money again, we also chat red sauce vs brown sauce, made-up towns in Scotland, the Apple Magic Keyboard, exploding technology, our favourite biscuits, a possible future Apple event, and the long-awaited microwave review that Steven's been promising for weeks!We'd love to get your feedback on computer vs phone - what do you find yourself going to first when it comes to everyday tasks? Or maybe you'd like to give your early thoughts on Clubhouse? Hey, maybe you'd even like to make a suggestion about what Steven 'Egon Ronay' Scott should try cooking in his microwave... just no more beans, please! Drop your email to TechTalk@RNIB.org.uk and we'll cover them on an upcoming show.Joining us on next week's show to talk screen readers.... Shaun Preece! Yeah, remember him? No? Okay, not to worry… chat to you next week!
We start this weeks Double Tap Canada with a plea for help from a confused Steven Scott. He’s still looking for a gaming rig to play his beloved truck driving game on but with so many options out there, just what should he buy? Marc Aflalo will be pointing him in the right direction. Sticking with gaming, we’ll be taking a look at the news that Google has closed it’s game studios for their Stadia platform. Does this mean the end for the short-lived gaming service? In other tech news, Apple has just released the developer beta of iOS 14.5 and there are 2 features that may be worth getting excited about. Also, Amazon have just launched the Alexa Guard Plus subscription service in the US & Canada. The Alexa Guard feature will listen out and notify you when your smartspeaker hears any trigger sounds such as breaking glass, smoke alarms etc. Just what extra protection do you get with the new Alexa Guard Plus feature and is it worth the $4.99 monthly subscription? While we’re talking Alexa, Steven will be running through some skills & features that can be handy if you are working from home, or when you want to annoying your dog… Finally, Steven takes a look at 2 smart lighting products, 1 from Phillips Hue & 1 from TP Tapo. Just how easy are they to set up? it’s on to your emails. After buying a new touch screen laptop, Bilal wants to know if the Jaws screen reader has touch screen support. If you have any questions, then we’d love to hear from you. You can email feedback@ami.ca or leave a voicemail on 844 971 1999
As an added bonus this week, not only are we diving into all the latest tech news but also Mr Steven Scott will be letting us know just what’s hot in fashion this season… Of course, Steven’s fashion sense may not suit everybody, or anybody to be honest. In tech news, first up for discussion is Apples new Fitness Plus feature Time to Walk. This feature, coming in the next Apple Watch OS update, uses podcast style audio to motivate you to walk your way to fitness. We’ll also be sharing our experiences of using Fitness Plus so far. Also, rumors are abound that Apple are working on a VR headset. With a fabric design & a fan could this possibly be a product that will ever be released? Also how did Steven’s VR experiment on the Mac work out? In Android news, there was an interesting announcement from Samsung at their recent Unpacked event regarding improvements they’ve made to TalkBack. We all love seeing developments in accessibility, but there is one caveat, it’s only available to the new S21 smartphone range. Although they are promising they will bring it to other Samsung devices in time. Back to Apple, Shaun has a warning to Mantis & Chameleon braille display users. The recently released iOS 14.4 update has a bug which means that these devices will lose connection when you lock your Apple device. Thanks to AppleVis & APH for discovering & letting us know of the problem. The show wraps up with some interesting news regarding YouTube & voice control and we take a look at your messages. If you’d like to get in touch with us you can email feedback@ami.ca or give us a call on 844 971 1999. We love to get your feedback.
Despite Steven trying to burn the studio to the ground last week, Double Tap Canada is back with another look at this week’s tech news. Marc will be diving into some of the new products unveiled at the recent Samsung event, including the new S21 smartphones, smart tags & Samsung Buds Pro. Steven will be walking through his new studio equipment and the accessible way he labels his mountain of cables & Shaun explains why the recent uproar regarding WhatsApp privacy might not actually be as bad as we first thought… Finally we’ll be running through your emails and a tragic tale of why it’s so important to keep track of your passwords.
I can honestly say, you WILL learn something new on this episode. Tim (from Life After Blindness) was an absolute delight and legit taught me so much. Enjoy! Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/like2likethingsor Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/like2likethings/Call the LikeLine at (661)279-0130You can support us via Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/Iliketolikethings SPOILER LINKShttps://audiogames.net/http://www.gmagames.com/sod.shtmlhttp://www.blind-games.com/http://outofsightgames.com/a-heros-call/
As we say a less then fond farewell to 2020, Double Tap Canada takes a look at some of the tech highlights of the year. And Steven Scott, who has had his hands on every single tech gadget from the last 12 months, announces his favorite tech product of 2020. And surprisingly enough, no, it’s not from Apple…
Double Tap Canada is back to take a look at all the latest tech news of the week. Starting with a discussion around the news that Apple has been sending out surveys to some customers asking for their thoughts on Face ID & Touch ID. Does this mean that Touch ID will return to iPhones sooner then we thought and is Face ID really that bad? Also, Amazon have started rolling out an updated interface for the Fire TV, with a easier to navigate home screen and other new features will the Fire TV become a must have for streaming media? Shaun isn’t convinced. Steven has been taking a look at Jaws 2021, specifically the new voice assistant feature. Does a screen reader, or a screen magnifier for that matter, really need a voice assistant? Just what does it offer and how could it help users? Steven may have the answer, as long as he can remember the wake word…There’s lots more including smart microwaves, what’s happening with satellite internet & 5G, using your iPhone or iPad as a webcam & why Steven still hasn’t seen the best Christmas movie of all-time, Die Hard. If you have any thoughts on any of the topics in the show, we would love to hear from you. You can email feedback@ami.ca or if you prefer, call or text 844 971 1999.
Today's vision of the good life is rooted in twentieth-century ideals. It's time to reinvent it. Read the article at TheWalrus.ca
This week, Double Tap Canada takes a look at just what makes Apple's newly-released Air Pods Max headphones so interesting. Is it the high-end build quality & design, the dual H1 audio processors that promise great adaptive audio quality or is it simply that people can’t believe they cost $740 Canadian? We’ll be looking at what these new over the ear headphones offer and just why have Steven & Marc already pre-order theirs? We’ll also be taking a look at the Show & Tell feature for Amazon's Echo Show devices, finding out why Steven wants to go back to vinyl records & turntables and of course, answering some of your email questions and comments.
Hello, all! We're back, and straight back into the Tech Talk email inbox! Joining RNIB Connect Radio's Steven Scott this week - Robin Christopherson from the wonderful AbilityNet, Tim Schwartz from the lovely lifeafterblindness.com, and of course emails Andy. Quite a few themes in the emails this week including lots on Lady A, such as: calling costs and VOIP calls, tripod mounts and a link with guide dogs. There's also plenty on Audible Sync problems. Some of the other topics we cover include: iOS14 issues, Eggnog, hellos from Croatia, listening to us whilst doing the ironing, Gadflies, An Englishman struggling with obscure Scottish phrases, Utunes (or is it oooo-tunes?), iPad being set up straight out of the box, Wigtown Book Festival, and a right techie question that Steven could get his teeth into - is the Rodecaster Pro accessible? Davinder also joins us from the RNIB Technology for Life team, talking to us about memory... I'd tell you more, but I've forgotten... ha! We've done a right good job getting through these emails over the past month or so, so now is a super time to get your questions answered in the new year! what does 2021 hold for you, tech wise? any purchases planned? what can we help you on? TechTalk@RNIB.org.uk (mailto:TechTalk@RNIB.org.uk) is the place to send us stuff. Chat to you all next week!
Good day to you all, and welcome to Tech Talk! On today's podcast you'll be hearing from our regulars: Steven Scott, Robin Christopherson, Tim Schwartz, and Andy with the Emails. Speaking of emails, we begin this week's show with one that came in recently; regular listeners to the show will recall that Robin is now in possession of a Optelec Voyager refreshable Braille terminal, and has started using it as part of his daily life. Steven's also had lessons to relearn Braille over the last twelve months... but are they being too flippant towards learning braille? One listener has got in contact to suggest that their attitude towards Braille has irritated them, and that anyone unable to read Braille who is blind or visually impaired is, in their words, illiterate. It brought about a serious and thought-provoking discussion among the team which covered education, availability and advancements in technology, and the importance of Braille in our lives. There's a lot to unpack in this, and we fully expect you, dear listener, to have an opinion on it too - let us know where you stand on all of the talking points covered today, by emailing TechTalk@RNIB.org.uk (mailto:TechTalk@RNIB.org.uk) Also on the show, RNIB's Technology for Life team talk about online security, Steven's had the Echo Dot and Nest Audio devices delivered recently, so we compare them to other devices like the Apple HomePod, and the Sonos One, plus: lanyards, being fuelled by coffee, bad rapper names, extreme sports, Pay As You Go AIRA, and toe-breaking reviews. Chat to you all next week!