Unmute Podcast Network

Digital Bytes Installing And Using NVDA Audio Manager Addon, Implementing Accessible Template Into Powerpoint, and A New Resource For Reading

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:19 -0000

In this episode of Digital bytes, we are once again giving you some great tips.

First, Desiree demonstrates how to find, install and use the NVDA Addon for managing audio devices.

Next, Jonathan continues his series on Microsoft Powerpoint and shows you how to work with the accessible template that was created last episode with the help of ChatGPT.

Finally, Chris talks about a new resource she has discovered for reading books.

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Digital Bytes Using ChatGPT To Create Powerpoint Templates, Creating And Calling Groups In IOS, and Hey ChatGPT What's That App

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:43:09 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we have some more tips for you.

First, Jonathan shows us how to use ChatGPT to create usable and accessible Powerpoint Templates.

Next, Desiree shows how to create a group in the messages app on iOS and how to call the group.

Finally, Chris shows how to avoid endlessly searching the Apple or Google stores for apps by using ChatGPT to make that process easier.

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Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae Options For Language translation for iPhone and Airpods pro, or Meta

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 07:16:38 -0000

In this episode of Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae, Desiree discusses and demonstrates language translation options. She walks through setting languages up in the Apple Translate App and demonstrates real-time translation. She also touches on Meta glasses and setting up options in the meta app for translation.

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Digital Bytes Writeage For Markdown Conversion Into Word, Editing Home Screen On IOS, and Accessing Inaccessible PDF Files Using ChatGPT

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:04:27 -0000

In this edition of Digital Bytes, we once again provide a diverse set of tips.

First, Jonathan discusses a tool called Writeage that installs into Microsoft Word. Writeage seamlessly converts markdown files into formatted, structured Microsoft Word documents.

Next, Chris walks us through editing the homescreen on IOS. This is especially handy because you can keep all of your apps organized, either into folders, or on pages of your homescreen.

Finally, Desiree delves into something we all are sadly very familliar with; incaccessible PDF documents. There is help available through ChatGPT and Desiree demonstrates how using this can change the way you think of PDF's.

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More On Zoom Podtrak P4 Next And A Little More Reaper

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:37:03 -0000

In this episode of Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae, we talk more about accessibility and AI Noise Reduction of the Zoom Podtrak P4 Next. We also add a touch of reaper, demonstrating how to import files from the recorder into tracks. We even talk a bit about the Zoom Essential line of recorders.

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Digital Bytes Icloud Settings, Markdown Basics and JAWS Page Explorer

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:35:38 -0000

In this episode of digital bytes, we once again have three helpful tips. First, Chris talks about settings in Icloud and how you can customize them to sync accross Apple devices. Next, Jonathan begins a series on markdown, starting with some basic formatting tips. Finally, Desiree demonstrates JAWS page explorer for workplace purposes; only available for now under JAWS Professional licenses.

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Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae Demonstration and Info on the Zoom Podtrak P4 Next

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 23:20:59 -0000

This episode of Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae discusses the Zoom Podtrak P4 Next recorder. I discuss the accessibility documentation as well as demonstrate some of the features that make this recorder accessible for blind users.

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Digital Bytes Welcome To 2026

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:04:15 -0000

Welcome to 2026. We are starting the year out announcing a few changes. I also offer one tip for this episode if you are interested in reading math content.

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Digital Bytes Innosearch App On iPhone, Creating Tables In Microsoft Word, And A Walk-through Of Quartiles

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 02:21:22 -0000

This episode is a little longer than usual, but packed with some helpful information and tips.

First, Desiree discusses and demonstrates the Innosearch app for iOS. She ran into some accessibility barriers and is hoping to help Innosearch make their app better. The two features highlighted are: adding an address in your profile, and chatting with Innosearch through cobrowse AI about a product.

Next, Jonathan walks through creating and editing tables using Microsoft Word. He gives some helpful tips to set up table properties so that your table is accessible across pages in your document.

Finally, Chris closes us out with some fun. She will show a word puzzle game in iOS called Quartiles. It is very accessible and a lot of fun.

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Digital Bytes Mouse Echo With JAWS, Layout Of Zoom P4 Next, and Settings In Microsoft Word For Accessibility

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:30:33 -0000

In this episode of digital bytes, we offer tips and info on a new audio recorder.

First, Desiree talks about the mouse echo feature in JAWS. We go through how to enable it in default settings and then using layer commands to toggle mouse echo options.

Next, Chris goes over the layout of the new Zoom P4 Podtrack Next recorder. This unit features voice guidance, which enable blind users to change settings and menu options accessibly.

Finally, Jonathan goes over some preferred settings in Microsoft Word to make the program more efficient when using Jaws or any screen reader.

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Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:22:22 -0000

In this episode of Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae, I demonstrate three features in the organizer menu of the braille sense 6. One thing to note is that I had taken the address list off of my menu manager, so the order of tools may differ slightly. I will show how to use the todo list, schedule manager and the database manager. As always, feel free to submit feedback or contact unmute with any questions. You can email: feedback@unmute.show

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Digital Bytes Exploring The Libby App For iOS, Content Describer For NVDA, and Tracking Changes In Word

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 01:01:51 -0000

We are back after some time off due to computer problems. This episode is a little longer, but it is full of a lot of fantastic information.

First, Chris demonstrates using the Libby app available from her Public Library with iOS. You will get an idea of how the app is laid out and works in searching for, reading samples of and borrowing books.

Next, Desiree shows an addon for NVDA called AI Content Describer. You can haveNVDA describe images, controls, your screen and more.

Finally, Jonathan walks through setting up and using track changes in Microsoft word. He will have some tips you can use to more effectively collaborate with sighted colleagues using track changes.

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At Your Fingertips Braille And Apple, Site For Children's Braille Books and The Ongoing Braille Debate

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:43:26 -0000

In this episode of At Your Fingertips Braille Then And Now, Chris discusses 3 points:

Apple and Braille; Braille access use cases and resources to find out more about the feature.
Seeinghands.org A site where you can purchase Braille books and dictionaries.
The ongoing Braille debate; Should it be automatically taught to blind children? Is it ever too late to benefit from learning/using Braille.

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Digital Bytes Adding and Working With Comments In Microsoft Word, Settings For Notes App In iOS, and The JAWS Virtual Cursor

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:49:50 -0000

Here is another episode full of tips for several things. First, Jonathan will discuss using comments in Microsoft Word. There are many complex things that can be done with comments, these are some basics on how to add, edit and delete comments. Next, Chris will take us to the settings of the Notes app in iOS. The newest iOS updates have added some handy features in Notes and you can manage them in settings.

Finally, Desiree discusses the JAWS virtual cursor. What is it? Why would you want to turn it off when the default for JAWS is to have it turned on? Desiree shows two scenario’s where turning off the virtual cursor enhances access to some features.

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Learning Blind Tech Basics With Microsoft Narrator

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:49:36 -0000

# In this episode, we walk through the settings area of narrator, change voice options and set some default behaviors. Then we look closely at the quick start guide for Narrator.

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Mac Chat Thoughts On Taho MacOS 26

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 02:25:51 -0000

On this episode of Mac Chat, Chris and Marty talk all things MacOS 26 Taho! Learn about the features they like, as well as some minor frustrations they have with the update.

Also, find out what Chris had on her doorstep!

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Digital Bytes Quick Access Toolbar In Word, Returning To Classic View On iPhone iOS 26 an The VO Starter App

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 21:45:46 -0000

We missed everyone last week, there were a lot of different things going on with family, but we are back with another episode full of tips for you. First, Jonathan shows how to set up and use the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in word. This can make you more efficient performing tasks you do often when writing documents. Then, Desiree talks about the new phone app view in iOS 26. Some may like it, but Desiree was glad to find an alternative. Finally, Chris demonstrates an app that can help you feel more comfortable in voiceover, especially if you are just starting out. You can find out more about this app and others by visiting: Apps – Techopolis Online Solutions

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Digital Bytes a Bug and a Gem In iOS 26, Talking Templates In Word, and A Look At The Workout App on Apple Watch

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:48:06 -0000

In this episode, we discuss a few new tips and issues we have found with recent Apple OS updates and Jonathan continues giving us more skills in Microsoft word. First, Chris will talk about an annoyance she has found with iOS 26 and then a handy new voiceover feature. Next, Jonathan discusses templates, why you would use them and then demonstrates how to create, save and open them in word. Finally, Desiree talks about and walks through her mixed feelings about the apple watch workout app in the newest OS update.

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Exploring The NVDA Addon Store, Editing Phone Numbers for Use with Automated Menu Systems, and Setting Your Heading Style In Word With JAWS

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:07:24 -0000

This episode covers several different technologies. First, Desiree shows us the addon store inside of NVDA; how to search for an install addons that will add features to the software. Next, Chris shows us how to deal with automated systems on the phone that require you to press one or enter an extension after dialing the phone number; she shows this in both iOS and Android. This would be handy for dialing in to a zoom meeting or conference call.

Finally, Jonathan goes over setting heading features in the styles configuration settings in word using JAWS 2025. He will show setting up the font type and size, the color of the text and more.

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Digital Bytes Modifying Styles In Word Using JAWS, Using The ScribeMe App In iOS and VoiceOver, and Saving A Webpage As An Icon In iOS

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:48:55 -0000

Today’s episode has a variety of tips. First, Jonathan is back with another tip using word. He will discuss how to modify styles in word, namely the normal paragraph style. Then, Desiree talks about an app for iOS called ScribeMe. She shows how the app works when you snap a photo and have it described. Lastly, Chris will show you how to take a webpage you regularly visit and make it an icon on your home screen in iOS. She also shows how to move the saved icon or shortcut to the page into a specified folder. We also introduce some new music, so see what you think.

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Digital Bytes Flagging Emails In iOS, Creating Lists In Word, and Some Basic Settings In Narrator

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:12:06 -0000

This episode gives tips on a variety of tech. First, Chris discusses and walks through flagging emails in iOS, including how to find your flagged emails and change their color. Then, Jonathan is back with us discussing ordered and unordered lists and how to create them in Microsoft Word using JAWS; you can also check out his advocacy podcast at: Http://www.demandouraccess.com Finally, Desiree will talk about Microsoft’s built-in screen reader Narrator and show how to change some basic settings; she will be going more in depth with Narrator on her Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae podcast, which you can find in the Unmute Podcast Network feed or on her website:

Http://www.desireerenae.com

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Overview - Digital Bytes Enabling New Accessibility Feature In Metaview App, All About The Zoom Adjustable Light For Video, Setting Headings In Microsoft Word Using JAWS

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:46:29 -0000

This episode is packed with some fabulous tips. First, Desiree will demonstrate enabling the new Detailed Response option for meta glasses in the Metaview app on iOS.

Next, Chris discusses the Zoom Adjustable Desk Light For Video; you can purchase this tool at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2XMLRL3?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_Q2N8HT6K1C6PNYQ2Z476_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_Q2N8HT6K1C6PNYQ2Z476_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_Q2N8HT6K1C6PNYQ2Z476_1&titleSource=true&csmig=1&th=1 Finally, a new contributor to bytes, Jonathan Simeone, joins us to give tips on setting heading levels in Microsoft Word and JAWS. Jonathan is a lawyer and uses Microsoft Office with JAWS daily to create legal documents and trainings on ADA laws. He also has an advocacy podcast:

https://www.demandouraccess.com

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Learning Blind Tech Episode 28 JAWS 2025 Settings and Command Search

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 18:21:59 -0000

# In this episode of Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae, I will walk through using the JAWS settings center, application specific quick settings, using FSCompanion and the command search feature.

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MacChat – Clicky Keys, GPT-5 on the Mac, and a New M4 Mini

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:58:56 -0000

Chris and Marty are back with another lively MacChat! Chris kicks things off with a nostalgic find: Clykey, a free Mac app that turns your keyboard into a typewriter, complete with clacks, dings, and carriage returns. The conversation shifts to ChatGPT-5 on the Mac, exploring the differences between the free and Plus plans, and how tools like MacGPT make everyday writing, translation, and even logo design more accessible. Chris shares how she’s been using AI for projects like tactile graphics on the Monarch braille display, creating tutorials for her upcoming Learning Your Mac website, and exploring image descriptions and translations. The two dive into highlights from MacStock, featuring an interview with podcaster Allison Sheridan of the Nosilla Cast. Allison reflects on MacStock’s history, the community, and what makes the event so welcoming and valuable for all levels of Mac users. Marty surprises Chris with the news that he’s picked up the new Mac Mini M4, giving his first impressions on performance, design, and setup. Plus, a look ahead at what’s next for macOS, accessibility on new Macs, and the evolving Unmute Podcast Network lineup. Listen in for typewriter nostalgia, AI insights, MacStock stories, and the thrill of unboxing Apple’s latest hardware.

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Digital Bytes August 19 2025

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:03:13 -0000

We apologize for the slight delay of this week’s episode, but we hope you’ll find these tips helpful. First, Desiree shows how to change volume settings in JAWS using layer commands. Then Chris talks about a new tech gadget she has recently purchased, I think I am going to get one myself. Finally, Marty discusses the today view in iOS and how you can customize it to give you the quick view you want on your iPhone.

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Digital Bytes The Whole Cable Caboodle, Share Sheet With Email In iOS, and Getting Help In JAWS

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:58:03 -0000

In this episode, we are giving some very helpful tips. First, Chris will discuss cables, how to know what kinds of cables you need, what you have and labeling your cables. Then, Marty goes over how to access share sheet from email messages in iOS. Finally, Desiree will demonstrate various ways you can get help when using JAWS.

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Digital Bytes NFB Newsline With Android, Thunderbolt Compared To USBC, ChatGPT Video

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:32:30 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we are again offering some helpful tips. First, Chris shows us how to use NFB Newsline on Android, including finding and sharing articles. Next, Marty will talk through the differences between thunderbolt and USBC ports and some advantages to thunderbolt. Finally, Desiree will show how to use the video feature of ChatGPT.

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Digital Bytes NVDA Settings, Camera Control On iPhone and Part 4 Using ChatGPT On iPhone

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 20:41:43 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes,we will first walk through the categories under the settings menu in NVDA. ThenMarty will discuss the use of camera control to change what the camera button does on the iPhone 16 pro. Finally Chris presents part 4 of her series using chatGPT with iPhone, demonstrating describing images created by chatGPT.

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Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae Using Voice Vista App On iPhone

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 02:03:08 -0000

In this episode of Learning Blind Tech, I demonstrate voice vista, an app which can be downloaded from the Apple store. I show how you can go through the settings, create markers and routes, use street preview and go out and about with the app.

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Digital Bytes ChatGPT On iPhone Part Four, Selecting The Right Hard Drive, Optimal Audio Settings In Zoom

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 23:30:00 -0000

In this episode, we continue offering tips and demonstrations. First, Chris will present part four of her series on ChatGPT and iOS, demonstrating how to send messages in the app, both regular and temporary. Next, Marty will discuss buying the right hard drive and the differences between SSD and platter drives. Finally, Desiree will show you how to set zoom audio settings for optimal sound during meetings so that they can be recorded and heard cleanly.

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Digital Bytes Using Voice Vista App, Part Three ChatGPT and iOS, and Travel Tips With Apple Air Tags

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 22:19:49 -0000

In this episode, Desiree will walk through some basics with the VVoice Vista app on iPhone, including a small taste of the app while walking. Then Chris presents part three of her series using ChatGPT with iOS, focusing on the menus. Finally, Marty will give some travel tips using Apple air tags and talk through some options you have with that accessory. Check out our website: Http://www.unmute.show Email any questions or comments to: feedback@unmute.show

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Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae Introduction To Desiree and The Podcast

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 02:57:43 -0000

# Desiree Renae is excited to be part of Unmute! In this episode, Desiree introduces herself and talks about her background with technology and why she started the podcast Learning Blind Tech With Desiree Renae

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Digital Bytes Sharing Your Contact Information, ChatGPT On iPhone Part Two, and Using Find My To Locate Items

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:01:33 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we have some great tips and demos. First, Marty will talk through the process of sharing your contact information in iOS, including deciding which parts of information you want to share. Next, we will have part two of Chris's ChatGPT series, where she will walk through the settings in the iPhone app for ChatGPT. And finally, Desiree will demonstrate using find my in order to locate her all-too-curious cat.

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At Your Fingertips: Tactile Tools, LivingBraille, and Monarch Musings

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:35:00 -0000

In this episode of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, Chris dives into the world of tactile literacy with highlights from the Braille 200 Project at livingbraille.eu, sharing fascinating finds like Braille art, adapted games, accessible kitchen tools, and thoughtful articles on Braille display selection.

You’ll also hear about:

A hands-on filming experience with The Blind Kitchen, where every product label includes Braille.
Exploring tactile graphics using the APH Monarch, from icons on an iPhone home screen to flags, maps, and even Star Wars characters.
Tips for creating accessible graphics, understanding visual perspectives as a blind person, and labeling your own tactile creations.
Reflections on how Braille enhances daily independence—whether labeling kitchen tools or learning state shapes.

To explore the Braille 200 project mentioned in this episode, visit: livingbraille.eu/author/braille-200

Have feedback or want to share your Braille story? Email feedback@unmute.show — we’d love to hear from you! The Blind Kitchen Braille 200

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Digital Bytes Using ChatGPT On iOS, Finding Notifications On iPhone and Changing The Bluetooth Device Type For Meta Glasses

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:31:51 -0000

In this episode, Chris will begin her five-part series using ChatGPT with IOS. Then Marty will talk through locating your notifications on iPhone. And finally, Desiree will walk through changing your bluetooth device type using the meta glasses as an example.

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Digital Bytes Description OF Icons On iPhone, Restarting iPhone With Siri and Voice Dictation On Windows

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:32:12 -0000

This episode of Digital Bytes is full of some great information. First, Chris will describe in detail what the icons on iPhone look like; Hint, it is not always what Voiceover says. Next, Marty will talk through restarting iPhone using Siri. Finally, for her first byte, Desiree will demonstrate voice dictation on Windows 11.

Important links

Audio URLShort LinkTip jarYou can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Meet Desiree Renee: A New Voice Joins Unmute

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:55:00 -0000

We’ve got a quick update for you! Marty is joined by Desiree Renee to share some exciting news — Desiree is officially joining the Unmute crew! 🎉

Desiree is the host of Learning Blind Tech with Desiree Renee, already featured on the ACB Community feed, and now you’ll hear her episodes right here in the Unmute firehose feed too.

In this short announcement episode, you’ll learn:

Where to find Desiree’s podcast and music: DesireeRenae.com
How you can reach out to her directly
What updates are coming to Unmute.show
How to send feedback or say hi at feedback@unmute.show

We’re thrilled to welcome Desiree and can’t wait for you to hear what she brings to the table. Be sure to drop her a hello and check out her feed!

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Mac Chat: WWDC Wrap-Up, Mac OS Tahoe, Clipboard Stacks, and Remote Teaching Wins

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 05:44:10 -0000

In this June edition of Mac Chat, Marty and Chris dive into everything WWDC 2025—especially the changes coming to macOS. They unpack the new naming scheme (say hello to macOS 26, aka “Tahoe”), major upgrades to Spotlight including clipboard stacking, and enhanced customization across the system. The duo also discusses accessibility topics like audio descriptions, VoiceOver utility search tips, and the evolving state of Siri and AI integration across platforms.

Chris shares updates on her upcoming Macstock 2025 presentation, including a behind-the-scenes look at a creative demo using Remote Incident Manager. They talk about what went wrong, how they solved it with help from Aira, and how they used ChatGPT to generate custom slides. You’ll also hear about:

A quick VoiceOver tip using VO+H twice to open help categories
Highlights from recent AppleVis podcast episodes, including PDF Gear for OCR and keyboard shortcuts
A first look at the Insta360 Link webcam and how it stacks up for blind users
A fun rant about Apple moving settings—just like your local grocery store

As always, reach out with your feedback or topic ideas at feedback@unmute.show and visit unmute.show for more content and updates.

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Digital Bytes: Tapping Into Accessibility & Travel Tech Tips

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:57:09 -0000

In this episode, we start with a quick VoiceOver tip for iOS Notes. Sometimes, double-tapping a link in Notes doesn’t open it as expected. Chris walks through how a double-tap and hold will bring up options to open links or trigger Safari directly when using VoiceOver on your iPhone. Then, Michael and Marty dive into a set of summer travel tips:

Wi-Fi Safety on the Go: Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible. Use your mobile data plan or consider purchasing extra data for travel. A VPN is also a good option to keep your data encrypted and secure from snoopers on public networks.
Password Managers: Using a password manager adds another layer of protection when accessing sensitive sites. If a phishing attempt tries to fool you with a lookalike website, your password manager won’t autofill if the URL doesn’t match exactly.
Apple Passwords App: iCloud Keychain is now available in a standalone app called Passwords across Apple devices, offering easy and VoiceOver-accessible password management.

Next, the conversation shifts to Aira and how it can be a huge asset while traveling:

Aira offers free access at many airports, hotels, and public venues.
Michael shares his personal experiences using Aira to navigate airports, hotels, and even find food during long layovers.
Aira agents have access to indoor maps at some locations, making navigation much easier for blind travelers.
Additional options like the Intuit Small Business Plan can provide extra free Aira minutes for eligible users.

Whether you're flying for business, attending a convention, or just taking a summer vacation, these tips will help you stay connected, safe, and independent. For more info on Aira access locations: aira.io/our-partners As always, visit unmute.show for updates and more content, or send your questions and feedback to feedback@unmute.show. You can also subscribe to Digital Bytes as a standalone podcast anywhere you get your podcasts. If you want, I can also prep your SEO-friendly description version if you're using this for your podcast upload or YouTube. Shall I?

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Digital Bytes: Mac Commands Customization, iPhone Settings Search, and Power Chime Control

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:46:34 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes:

Michael shares how to customize VoiceOver commands on the Mac using the Commands tab in VoiceOver Utility. Learn how to assign custom AppleScripts (like announcing remaining seconds in a minute) to specific key combos, thanks to tips from Chanel, Herbie, and Brad.
Quick Tip: Use VO + Fn + F8 (or Command + 8 in the Utility) to get started.
Want Michael’s script? Reach out to him on Mastodon: @payown@dragonscave.space.
Chanel dives into the often-overlooked search box in iOS Settings, showing how it can surface deep, hard-to-find options like:
Auto-Lock duration
Preventing the lock button from ending calls
Accessibility settings like "Stop sounds when locked"
Hidden Siri and notification controls
Marty explains how to toggle the Power On/Off chime on your iPhone, giving you more control over audio feedback during restarts.
Navigate to: Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Power On & Off Sounds

Stay tuned for more practical tips in future bites!

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All Things Lady A: Alexa Plus Updates and Chatting Braille with ChatGPT

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 17:37:23 -0000

In this episode of All Things Lady A, we dive into the latest updates on Alexa Plus, Amazon’s upcoming conversational AI experience. Although it's not out yet, we break down what we know so far—including availability on Echo Show 8 and newer devices, and features like natural dialogue, personalized routines, and browser-based access. Then, we put Lady A’s ChatGPT integration to the test with a fun and informative demo. Tune in as we explore Braille-related topics by chatting with the built-in AI assistant:

The history of Braille
How blind people read before Braille
Braille games like Uno and Chess
Braille embossers and refreshable Braille displays
Music notation in Braille
What UEB (Unified English Braille) is and why it matters

Curious how many questions you can ask before hitting the free version’s limit? We test that too! 💡 Got an idea for a future Lady A segment? Email your suggestions to feedback@unmute.show and Michael or Marty will pass them along. Links Mentioned: No external links this time—just your Lady A device, your curiosity, and a whole lot of Braille talk! Subscribe to Unmute Presents for more content like this, and don’t forget to have fun with your Lady A device!

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At Your Fingertips: Helen Keller, Jumbo Braille, and the Arrival of the Monarch

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:57:18 -0000

In this episode of At Your Fingertips, we take a moment to celebrate Helen Keller's legacy, just in time for her June 27th birthday. We reflect on her impact, not just as a trailblazer for deafblind individuals, but also as a fierce advocate for Braille as a standard reading code. Next, we shift gears to explore Jumbo Braille. Yes, it's a real thing. Learn when it’s useful, how it’s different, and why it might be a good fit for those with tactile sensitivity challenges. And finally, butterflies and Braille come together as we chat about the Monarch, a powerful new multiline tactile graphics and Braille display from APH. It’s almost here, and you’ll hear what we’re hoping to do with it, from maps to music and even spreadsheets. Resources mentioned:

Helen Keller National Center: https://helenkeller.org/hknc
Feedback? We'd love to hear from you: feedback@unmute.show

Thanks for joining us!

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Digital Bytes: Battery Packs and Boarding Passes, WordPress Forms That Work, and iPhone Screen Savvy

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 19:39:20 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes:

Travel Tip: Chris breaks down everything you need to know about flying with battery packs—what’s allowed in your carry-on, how many milliamp hours different devices use, and tips to avoid TSA headaches. If you're packing a power bank this summer, this is for you.
Tech How-To: Marty answers a common question—how to keep your iPhone screen on longer. He walks you through the auto-lock settings and shares a few cautions to keep your battery healthy and your phone secure.
Tool Spotlight: Michael introduces Gravity Forms, a flexible and accessible WordPress plugin that powers everything from simple contact forms to complex multi-page surveys and payment systems. Plus, he shares tips for organizing form fields, managing access with remote assistants, and extending functionality using Gravity View and Gravity Wiz.

Whether you're prepping for takeoff or building your next form-driven project, this episode has practical tips you can use right away.

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Unmuted Transitions: A Thank You and What’s Next

Mon, 26 May 2025 16:37:04 -0000

In this special episode, Michael and Marty share some important updates about the future of Unmute. Michael announces that he’s stepping back from his role after taking on a full-time position with the American Council of the Blind. The duo reflects on how Unmute started, how it grew beyond anything they imagined, and express deep gratitude to the many people who made it all possible.

They also outline what’s staying the same: Digital Bytes, Mac Chat, and Braille Then and Now will continue through the summer, with more updates coming this fall. While Community Unmuted will no longer be part of the ACB Community lineup, they teases that something new may be on the horizon.

Whether you’ve tuned in every week or just discovered Unmute, this is a heartfelt moment of appreciation, transition, and continued connection. Stay subscribed and stay in touch at unmute.show.

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Digital Bytes: iPhone 16 Charging Explained, Smart Kitchen Caveats, and a Talking Ham Radio

Mon, 26 May 2025 04:27:56 -0000

In this week’s Digital Bytes, we explore tech that charges, cooks, and communicates:

iPhone 16 Wireless Charging: Marty clears up confusion around the iPhone 16e’s charging options. While it doesn’t include MagSafe, it does support wireless charging (just at slower speeds). Plus, he shares how a MagSafe-compatible case can expand your accessory options—though not your charging speed.
Smart Kitchen Real Talk: Chris shares a personal story about smart pressure cookers, app shutdowns, and why you shouldn’t depend too heavily on voice assistant integrations. She offers practical workarounds using AIRA, Be My Eyes, Be My AI, and tactile labels to keep cooking smart—even when your apps ghost you.
Accessible Amateur Radio: Michael gives a hands-on (and ears-on) overview of the Kenwood TH-D74A handheld radio. Learn how this device provides spoken feedback, what the keypad layout is like, and how to scan frequencies and memories without needing a screen.

As always, if you’ve got questions or feedback, email us at feedback@unmute.show.

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Joining Zoom from Email on the BlindShell Classic

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:43:55 -0000

In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, Adrian (aka Driza) demonstrates how to join a Zoom meeting directly from an email using the BlindShell Classic 3. This step-by-step guide is perfect for anyone receiving ACB Community event emails and looking for a quick way to jump into Zoom without entering a meeting ID or passcode.

Highlights include:

Navigating to email using three different methods
Opening Zoom links from within an email
Joining a meeting by simply entering your name
Adjusting Zoom audio settings (speakerphone vs. earpiece)
Accessing raise hand and reaction controls

Adrian also shares helpful tips on setting up your email, enabling meeting controls in Zoom, and why this method is easier than manual Zoom entry.

For more tutorials and tips for the BlindShell Classic 2 and 3, visit unmute.show. Questions for Adrian? Reach out via email at driza17@att.net.

Music by André Louis.

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Community Unmuted – May 17, 2025

Wed, 21 May 2025 03:29:19 -0000

In this lively episode of Community Unmuted, we ask the question: What’s one assistive tech tip you wish you had known earlier? From restarting screen readers to using clever iPhone and Mac gestures, listeners and hosts alike share game-changing advice and favorite discoveries.

We also cover common accessibility questions including:

How to access ACB Community calls and podcasts on various devices
File organization shortcuts on the Mac
Using Be My Eyes to get help from Microsoft Disability Answer Desk
Uploading and managing YouTube videos accessibly
Recommendations for smart glasses and considerations for hands-free tech
Navigating and deleting email efficiently on iPhone
AI tool comparisons including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Apple's native AI features

Featured tools and topics include:

Gemini Live for voice-driven interactions
Dynamic Island on newer iPhones
iPhone live image description and Look and Tell in the UK
Reaper and Clipchamp for accessible video editing
Selecting and moving files with VoiceOver on Mac
Meta Smart Glasses' practical use during a phone outage

Questions came in from both new users and seasoned tech fans, covering Android, iOS, Windows, and AI platforms. Whether you’re troubleshooting your Wi-Fi or exploring what AI tool to try next, this episode is packed with useful takeaways.

Resources Mentioned:

Unmute.Show
ACB Media 5: Listen to live community content
ACB Zoom Line: 800-424-8666
Be My Eyes App: Microsoft Disability Answer Desk
YouTube Studio: studio.youtube.com
ChatGPT: chat.openai.com
Gemini: bard.google.com → redirects to gemini.google.com
Look and Tell & Point and Speak features on iPhone

Subscribe and Follow Us:
Catch new episodes on your favorite podcast app by searching for Unmute Presents, or tell your smart speaker: “Play the Unmute Presents podcast.”

For questions or suggestions, email: feedback@unmute.show
Join the conversation every week on ACB Community!

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Mac Chat: Finder Tips, User Accounts, and Getting Ready for MacStock

Thu, 15 May 2025 07:47:00 -0000

📝 Show Notes

In this episode of Mac Chat, Chris and Marty dive into practical Finder tips for VoiceOver users—why list view rocks, using the Go menu, accessing Macintosh HD, and avoiding common drag-and-drop mistakes. They also walk through customizing the Dock and switching user profiles to handle different language setups or troubleshoot issues.

Chris shares exciting news about being selected to speak at MacStock 2025, where she’ll present on Remote Incident Manager (RIM) and Scribe for Meetings, highlighting how accessibility tools support both learners and tech professionals. Plus, hear about her upcoming project "Basically Mac," a beginner-friendly tutorial series, and some favorite accessible Mac apps like MarsEdit and Black Ink.

As always, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at feedback@unmute.show or visit unmute.show for more.

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Digital Bytes: iOS Dock Hack, 4K Webcam Hands-On, and Braille Display Support on Android

Mon, 12 May 2025 03:35:21 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes:

Dock More Apps on iOS (with Marty): Marty demonstrates a clever VoiceOver trick that lets you fit more apps in your iPhone or iPad dock by creating folders.
Hands-On with the Insta360 Link 2 Webcam (with Michael): Michael shares his first impressions of a $150 AI-powered 4K webcam that auto-tracks your face, mounts securely, and sounds great—despite some software accessibility hiccups.
HID Braille Displays on Android (with Chris): Chris brings great news for Braille users—HID-compatible displays like those from HumanWare now work with Android 15 and One UI 7.0 on Samsung phones. She shares a few quirks and tips for getting your input method back under control.

Tip Jar members: Watch for an upcoming audio comparison in your exclusive feed—Michael puts the Insta360 mic head-to-head with the MacBook Pro M3 and the Shure Beta 87A.

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Community Unmuted - 3 May

Thu, 08 May 2025 04:42:20 -0000

Show Notes: Community Unmuted – May 3, 2025

In this lively edition of Community Unmuted, Michael and Marty field tech questions, share helpful tips, and have a little fun along the way. Liz kicks things off with the question of the day: Do you edit your dictations before or after you send them—or at all? Listener responses range from careful proofreaders to those who just hit send and move on.

Highlights from this episode:

Dictation Habits: Community members share their approach to dictation, editing, and predictive text settings.
Outlook Troubleshooting: We help callers navigate missing Trash folders, sync issues, and switching between Classic and New Outlook.
BlindShell Tips: Bobby offers a clever workaround for mixers that don’t support loopback, and Adrian encourages folks to submit demos for the Shell Phone Show.
Mac and Downloads Confusion: Several questions about installing apps on a Mac, organizing Downloads, and understanding file behavior are answered with step-by-step advice.
JAWS Volume Shortcut: Learn how to adjust JAWS or system volume using layered keystrokes.
AirPods Pro Issue: Petra's left AirPod starts making odd sounds—firmware and power tips are shared.
GarageBand & MIDI Cables: Rachel asks about connecting a Yamaha keyboard to an iPad using GarageBand.
Kindle Accessibility: Vanessa asks about Kindle book compatibility with VoiceOver.
RSS Reader on BlindShell: Bobby brings up the new RSS Reader app and what it’s actually used for.

Episode Extras:

Mention of recent Unmute podcasts like Digital Bytes and At Your Fingertips: Braille Fidgets
Shoutout to Matt Geek Gab
Meta smart glasses usage questions
Tech humor, community warmth, and lots of practical advice

Links & Contact:

Explore more at: unmute.show
Got a question, tip, or demo idea? Email: feedback@unmute.show

Want me to prep social posts for this too?

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Digital Bytes: Automating File Cleanup, Braille User Guides, and Quick Restarts

Sun, 04 May 2025 23:00:45 -0000

In this episode:

Hazel Workflow for Mac: Michael walks through setting up a rule in Hazel to automatically delete .flac files from a Dropbox folder if they're older than one day. It’s a hands-on demo using VoiceOver and shows how powerful Hazel is for keeping folders tidy with minimal effort.
Apple BRF Files for Braille Users: Chris shares a great resource—Apple’s Braille-ready user guides for nearly all of their products. If you’re using a braille display or an NLS eReader, these downloadable guides are made for you. And if you don’t read braille? He’s got you covered with alternative playback tips.
Tech Tip: Restart your device with Siri. Just say, “Restart my device,” and confirm—it’s that easy.

📩 Got feedback or tips? Email us at feedback@unmute.show

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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At Your Fingertips: Fidget Tools, Fun Gadgets, and Braille Input Devices

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:13:00 -0000

In this relaxed May edition of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, we explore fun, low- to mid-tech tools that bring joy and progress to Braille learners. From Braille keychains and swing cells to the increasingly popular Braille Doodle and LEGO Braille sets, discover how fidget-friendly tools can reinforce literacy in a hands-on way. We also take a deeper look at input devices like the NLS eReader, Orbit Writer, and Hable One—comparing how each supports learning and navigation across iOS and Android. Plus, hear creative strategies for teaching the Perkins Brailler remotely and why using more than just your index fingers might improve your tactile reading. Got thoughts or questions? Send them to feedback@unmute.show and let’s keep the Braille conversation going!

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Shell Phone Show: Tackling Zoom on Your BlindShell Classic 2 or 3 With Ad

Thu, 01 May 2025 02:56:22 -0000

Show Notes: Join Driza on this Shell Phone Show as he walks you step-by-step through using Zoom on your BlindShell Classic 2 or 3. Learn how to:

Install and access Zoom on both BlindShell Classic 2 and 3
Adjust meeting settings to always show controls
Enter your name, meeting ID, and passcode effortlessly
Use essential Zoom features like mute/unmute, video toggling, and raising your hand
Manage speakerphone and earphone audio settings
Easily leave meetings and utilize the recent meetings shortcut

Questions for Driza? Email him directly at Driza17@att.net. Visit unmute.show for more great content and information about Club Unmute!

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Digital Bytes: Mac Clipboard History with LaunchBar, Sharing Contacts Easily, and Exploring Patreon

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 21:19:52 -0000

In this Digital Bytes, Michael dives into LaunchBar’s powerful Clipboard History feature on the Mac, offering tips for customizing it to boost your productivity. Marty shares a quick and accessible way to selectively share contact information without the hassle. Then, Chris introduces the Patreon app, explaining how to support your favorite creators while highlighting its accessibility and easy navigation. Plus, Michael teases an upcoming in-depth LaunchBar tutorial for Club Unmute members. Check out the show notes for a bonus LaunchBar guide from Damashe! Technically Working - LaunchBar Settings with Damash

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If you like this, find Technically Working in your favorite Podcast App

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:35:58 -0000

This was originally published to the Technically Working podcast. See the notes below: TW107: Mute Buttons, Mishaps, and Mental Replays In this episode, Damashe uncovers a hidden switch that finally makes his mute button work the way he wants—after months of assuming he needed to rewire it. Meanwhile, Michael shares a chaotic behind-the-scenes story from an in-person board meeting, complete with misbehaving audio gear, last-minute fixes, and some DIY mix-minus routing.

The two dive into:

Why assumptions and leading questions can steer you wrong—even with AI.
Lessons learned from a tough live audio setup and the temptation to beat yourself up over tech failures.
Creative ideas for talkback communication systems using Shokz, Zello, and even FaceTime Audio.
Android experiments: Michael’s iMessage-on-Pixel attempts, thoughts on BlueBubbles, and the appeal of the Pixel 9.
VM cleanup strategies and the case for consolidating multiple virtual machines into one solid Windows environment.
Decisions around Google Workspace vs. DIY setups for small teams—and why simplicity may win.

Plus, a quick reminder: new episodes drop Monday evenings. Follow the TW bot on Mastodon to stay updated.

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Community Unmuted for 19 April

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:36:48 -0000

In this episode, Michael, Liz, and Chris welcome callers to share their favorite tech tips and tackle real-world tech questions. From quick productivity shortcuts to tricky screen reader behavior, it's all on the table in this lively community conversation.

Tech Tips Shared:

Windows Tip: Use Control + L in File Explorer to jump straight to folders like "Downloads" or even open a website in your browser.
Liz’s Reminder: Restarting your device really does fix a lot of problems.
Chris’s Shortcut: Press F6 in your browser to cycle between major sections like the address bar or page content.
Other Callers:
Save often with Control + S.
Use Ctrl + F in search engines to jump to search results.
Use JAWS key + T or NVDA + T to identify the current window in focus.
Attach files by copying from File Explorer with Control + C and pasting in your message with Control + V.

Listener Questions Answered:

VoiceOver chopping audio—try changing the voice to test for corruption.
Rotor switching to "Actions" in Mail—how to set it to remember your last setting.
Issues accessing the Trash folder in Outlook—expand the email account folder to reveal hidden folders.
Difficulties with attachments and folder creation in older Office versions—tips and workarounds.
Sound troubleshooting for speakers that lack bass.
Chrome navigation with JAWS—using Alt + F4 or Control + F4 to close windows.
Setting up Be My Eyes on the BlindShell—remember to check the Terms checkbox.

Special Highlights:

One caller shouted out Michael’s File Explorer tip as life-changing.
Another caller praised Chris for recommending the Mac Geek Gab podcast.
Bobby asked about mixing screen reader audio with a FIFINE SC3 mixer and got tips on checking for loopback features.

Resources Mentioned:

Unmute.show – Past episodes, Digital Bytes, Lady A tips, and more.
Digital Bytes – A quick, tip-packed podcast. Search “Digital Bytes” (B-Y-T-E-S) in your favorite app.
For questions or feedback, email: feedback@unmute.show

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MacChat: LaunchBar Deep Dive and Finder Preferences Unlocked

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:03:00 -0000

Summary:
Chris and Michael catch up on the latest macOS Sequoia 15.4 update, sharing what’s working better—and what still needs a workaround. From new Braille fixes to ditching Apple’s Mail categories, they cover practical improvements for VoiceOver users. Michael walks through how LaunchBar has become his go-to for blazing-fast app launching and file actions, and Chris breaks down tips for customizing Finder views to better suit your workflow.

You’ll also hear about a hidden setting that makes Windows behave more like macOS inside Parallels, plus browser tricks for reading ChatGPT messages more reliably with VoiceOver.

Shortcuts & Tips Mentioned:

LaunchBar:

Command + Space: Open LaunchBar
Type abbreviation → Hold last letter to launch app instantly
Command + Option + A: Assign abbreviation
Tab: Open file actions
Command + Option + \\: Open clipboard history
Command + C → Command + CC: Clip merge for copying multiple items

Finder View Modes:

Command + 1: Icon View
Command + 2: List View
Command + 3: Column View
Command + 4: Gallery View
Finder → Preferences (Command + ,) → Advanced →
Check “Keep folders on top when sorting by name”

Parallels Desktop:

Command + , → Shortcuts → Set “Mac system shortcuts” to Always
Use SharpKeys to remap Command and Alt keys in Windows
Command + F4: Closes a Windows window if you’ve adjusted key mappings

VoiceOver & ChatGPT:

Command + Shift + C: Copy last ChatGPT message (Web)
Shift + Escape: Jump back to ChatGPT input field
VO + Shift + C: Copy last spoken phrase
VO + Shift + Z: Save last spoken phrase as audio to desktop

Emoji Access:

LaunchBar → Type emo → Right Arrow to browse categories
On Windows: Windows + . opens emoji picker

Other Tips:

Safari echo bug? Try Chrome for better typing feedback
Want all your emails back in one place?
Mail > View > Uncheck “Show Categories”
F1–F12 not doing what’s printed on the key?
System Settings → Keyboard → Enable “Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys”

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Shell Phone Show: Fun With Webpages - Saving Links

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:59:06 -0000

Adrian, aka Driza, is back with a quick and practical demo using the internet browser on the BlindShell Classic 3—with the touchscreen turned off. In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

Bookmark a webpage for easy access later
Save it to your Favorites list so it’s always one button away
Share a link by text or email, straight from the browser

Using A Werewolf Gear as the example, Driza walks through three different ways to open the browser, how to organize saved pages, and how to pull them up again when needed. Whether you're exploring canes or anything else online, these tips will help you navigate faster.

Got questions? Drop Adrian a message at DRIZA17@att.net.
For more episodes and helpful content, visit unmute.show.

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Digital Bytes: Taming Todoist on Windows and iOS, iPhone Call Settings, and VoiceOver Basics

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:29:27 -0000

In this extended edition of Digital Bytes, Michael shares a full replay of audio demos used during a recent ACB Community training session all about Todoist—his favorite (and sometimes frustrating) task management app.

First, Michael walks through how to:

Set up and navigate Todoist on Windows
Use helpful keyboard shortcuts
Add, complete, and manage tasks with ease

Then, he explores Todoist on iOS, including:

Navigation tips using VoiceOver
Drag-and-drop task organization
Accessing productivity stats and managing settings

Later in the episode:
🎧 Chris dives into the Phone app settings on iPhone, pointing out lesser-known features like:

Siri-powered call hang-up
Full-screen call alerts for low-vision users
Live voicemail, spam call blocking, and more

📱 Finally, Marty shares a quick guide to VoiceOver Practice Mode—a safe way for new users to learn iOS gestures without affecting their device.

Have questions or feedback?
Email us at feedback@unmute.show.

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Community Unmuted - 5 April

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:49:32 -0000

On this April 5th edition of Community Unmuted, Liz and Michael team up to tackle your toughest tech questions—from syncing struggles to unexpected iPhone quirks.

Highlights in this episode:

🛠️ CSUN Recap – Michael shares updates from the CSUN Assistive Tech Conference, including a tactile labeling favorite.
🔄 iCloud Message Sync Issues – Tips for troubleshooting stuck syncs and where to check your iCloud settings.
🗨️ Tapback vs. Emoji – How to react to messages with Tapbacks, plus a refresher on inserting emojis in iOS.
📱 BlindShell Classic 2 – Can you delete a single podcast episode? Rich V joins in with the real answer.
📧 Gmail Groups – How to create contact labels using contacts.google.com.
💬 Watch Tapback Frustration – Petra asks how to escape Tapback mode on the Apple Watch.
💻 Mac Mail Troubleshooting – Tips on filtering issues and keystrokes to fetch new mail.
📩 iPhone Mail Rotor Bug – A listener reports odd rotor behavior when navigating links—plus the setting that might fix it.
🛡️ Windows Defender Confusion – Is your Office 365 subscription trying to upgrade Defender? What you need to know.
🌦️ Weather App Navigation – Petra asks how to get out of the precipitation map trap.
🧠 WordPad Alternatives – WordPad is gone, but here’s how to move forward and who to contact.
📞 SE 3 Phone Calls Going to Voicemail – You're not alone—multiple listeners are seeing this bug since iOS 18.
🔡 Braille Display Support – Is the BrailleSense U2 Mini compatible with BlindShell or Pixel 6?
🎮 Wordle Requests – Searching for an accessible, competitive Wordle-style game? Here's where to look.
🐞 iOS 18.4 Bugs on Older Phones – Pam flags some serious bugs worth watching out for.

Thanks to everyone who joined us live, asked questions, and shared their tips. You can catch the replay on the Unmute Presents podcast feed or in the ACB Community podcast feed. Got a tech question? Email us at feedback@unmute.show and we’ll do our best to help!

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Digital Bytes: Smart Shortcuts, Found Packages, and Podcasting Made Simple

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 22:23:08 -0000

Forget to turn off Do Not Disturb? Marty shares a built-in iOS Shortcut—DND Until I Leave—that silences your phone only while you're at a set location, then automatically reactivates notifications when you leave.

Missing delivery? Chris used Aira to track down a misdelivered Amazon package and offers tips for using other tools like JAWS Picture Smart or Remote Incident Manager to get visual assistance.
Thinking of starting a podcast? Michael walks through why Pinecast is a great choice—especially for blind podcasters. Learn how to launch for free, manage multiple shows, and why owning your data matters.
Club Member Bonus: Want to download all episodes from a podcast feed? Michael has a Python script just for that. Club Unmute members can email feedback@unmute.show for access.

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At Your Fingertips: Increasing Your Braille Reading Speed

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 14:07:57 -0000

In this episode of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, Chris shares practical strategies for increasing your Braille reading speed. Drawing from research by the American Foundation for the Blind and insights from Judy Dixon, the discussion covers why finger positioning matters, how a light touch can improve accuracy, and how bottom-dot recognition may slow some readers down. Chris explains the “scissors technique” for two-handed reading and encourages fun, low-pressure practice using tools like the Perkins Brailler or a Braille display. You'll also hear tips for daily Braille habits, group reading, and how to make the process enjoyable—whether you're just starting out or brushing up your skills.

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Shell Phone Show - Disabling the Touchscreen on the BlindShell Classic 3 w ad

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:42:13 -0000

In this episode, Adrian—aka Driza —shows you how to turn off the touchscreen on the BlindShell Classic 3. While the phone is primarily button-based like the Classic 2, third-party apps from the Aurora Store can activate touchscreen functionality. Adrian walks you through using the touchscreen in Be My Eyes, then demonstrates how to disable it entirely by using the pound (#) key. You’ll also learn how to switch the touchscreen back on if needed, and why some apps might require it for full access. It’s a quick, hands-on walkthrough for users who prefer the physical buttons or want to avoid accidental swipes. Got questions? Reach out to Adrian at driza17@att.net. Thanks to Club Unmute for supporting the show. For more episodes and helpful content, visit unmute.show. Music by Andre Louis.

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Digital Bytes – Hear JAWS Style Tips, Safari Reader View, and Smart Call Summaries w Ad

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:33:29 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we’re diving into quick ways to stay productive with your tech—from smarter navigation in Microsoft Word to decluttering websites in Safari, and even turning a recorded call into a clean training handout using ChatGPT. • Hear Styles Automatically in JAWS Michael shares a practical JAWS tip for Word users: have JAWS announce styles like “Heading 2” or “Normal” as you navigate, so you don't have to press extra keys. Find this option in Quick Settings with JAWS Key + V, and tweak it to speak styles as you arrow through your doc. • Clean Up Websites with Safari Reader View Marty walks through how to simplify web pages in Safari using Reader View. Strip away pop-ups and clutter for a smoother reading experience, especially helpful with VoiceOver. Just tap the Page Info button next to the address bar and enable Reader View. • Turn Phone Calls into Training Material with ChatGPT Chris shares how a recorded call with Michael turned into a detailed summary for a Parallels training. Using the iPhone’s built-in call transcription, Chris copied the text into ChatGPT and got a clean, readable summary in a few steps—ideal for accessible teaching materials.

Links in this Episode:

Unmute Presents Podcast Feed
Email feedback and tips to: feedback@unmute.show

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JAWS Tips – Styling Word Docs Efficiently with JAWS and Custom Keystrokes - W Ad

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:43:55 -0000

Yes, it’s a day late—but this JAWS Tip is worth it. In this episode, I walk through how I’ve been handling document styling in Microsoft Word using JAWS, especially for large print formatting. Whether you're customizing heading sizes, applying hyperlink colors, or just switching text back to normal, these tips will help you clean up your documents and save time.

Topics covered:

Using Control + Shift + Alt + S to access and modify styles
Setting styles like Heading 2 (22pt), Heading 3 (20pt), and Normal (18pt Arial, black text)
How to apply styles quickly with Control + Shift + S
Assigning your own keyboard shortcuts to specific styles (like Hyperlink)
Why I’m switching my shortcut to something more efficient—maybe the slash key
Bonus tip: Leasey's Sticky Quick Key Navigation and why it makes jumping between headings way easier

If you’re into helping others get the most out of JAWS and Windows, send an email to feedback@unmute.show. We’d love to feature your tips!

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All Things Lady A: Fun with Word Games – Part 2

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:41:00 -0000

📝 Show Notes:

Lucy is back for another round of fun in this month’s All Things Lady A! In Part 2 of her word game series, she demos three more accessible games you can play with your Lady A device:

Five Letters – Like Wordle, but with a twist (and Lucy just barely squeaks by!).
Puzzle of the Day – Themed word guessing fun, and yes, she should’ve trusted her gut on that last answer.
Puzzler – A mini crossword challenge that can stump even the pros.

Lucy also shares updates on Alexa’s upcoming AI features and what she’s hoping to cover in the next episode. Want to play along or have suggestions for future segments? Email us at feedback@unmute.show.

🔊 New to Lady A games? Lucy hosts a community call, Games to Play with Your Lady A, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2 PM ET on the ACB Community platform—join in the fun!

Mentioned in this episode:

BITS Hoodies Stay warm and cozy with the BITS hoodie, perfect for travel or daily wear. Get yours at [joinbits.org](https://joinbits.org/.
Games to Play with Your Lady A Lucy hosts a bi-monthly community call on the ACB Community platform, occurring every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 2 PM Eastern Time. Discover new games and enjoy interactive sessions. For more details and past episodes, visit [ACB Media](https://www.acbmedia.org/2024/11/12/20241112-games-to-play-with-lady-a/. Tune in and enhance your Lady A gaming experienc!

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Digital Bytes: Windows File Explorer Hacks, Text Message Translation, and iOS Signature Tweaks

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:56:53 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes:

Michael kicks things off with a deep dive into using the File Explorer address bar in Windows to speed up navigation. Learn how typing folder names like "Downloads," "Desktop," or custom Dropbox paths directly into the address bar can make your workflow faster and more efficient.
Chris shares a practical iOS tip—how to translate text messages using the built-in Translate feature in the Messages app. Perfect for connecting with bilingual friends or students, this tool helps you bridge language gaps with ease.
Marty wraps things up with a quick guide on how to change or remove your email signature in the iPhone or iPad Mail app. Whether you’re tired of “Sent from my iPhone” or want to add a personal touch, this tip keeps your messages polished.

Got a tip to share or feedback for the show? Email us at feedback@unmute.show.
And don’t forget—you can always catch Unmute ad-free on your Club Unmute member feed, or tune in on AfterSight at aftersight.org.

Listen now and boost your tech skills one byte at a time!

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Mac Chat: CSUN Recap, MacBook Air M4 Thoughts, and Smarter Storage with Hyperspace

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 03:12:06 -0000

In this episode of Mac Chat, Marty and Chris return from the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference and share highlights from the event, including reconnecting with the community and joining the Double Tap team for a live wrap-up on the vendor floor.

They dive into Apple’s new MacBook Air with the M4 chip, weighing the pros and cons of upgrading. Is it worth moving up from an M1 or M2? Marty shares what’s changed—like the bump to 16GB RAM as the new baseline, a lower starting price, and a subtle new blue color—plus tips for deciding if it’s time to update your machine.

Next, Chris introduces Hyperspace, a simple and VoiceOver-accessible app that helps free up storage by removing duplicate files. They break down how it works, what to watch for (like local vs. cloud files), and why it’s a great option for anyone dealing with limited space on a smaller drive.

They also explore RSS readers—what they are, how they help you avoid clutter, and why Marty recommends NetNewsWire as a free, accessible way to track your favorite sites and YouTube channels.

Rounding out the episode, Chris shares excitement about the MacStock Conference and Expo and applying to speak there, while both give a big shoutout to Allison Sheridan of the NosillaCast for her work in the Mac and accessibility communities.

Other Topics Covered:

Setting ChatGPT as your default Safari search engine
Using RSS readers for smarter content consumption
Recommended communities: AppleVis, Mac Geek Gab, Mac Power Users, and NosillaCast

Links & Mentions:

Got feedback or ideas? Email us: feedback@unmute.show
More episodes and content: unmute.show

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Shell Phone Show: Toggling Speakerphone on the BlindShell Classic"

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:45:00 -0000

In this episode, Adrian walks through how to turn speakerphone on and off manually on the BlindShell Classic 2 and 3. Learn the simple steps to activate speakerphone during a call and how to exit the menu to access the keypad for entering numbers.

Got questions? Reach out to driza17@att.net.

For more tips and exclusive content, visit unmute.show. Thanks to Andre Louis for the music!

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Digital Bytes: Navigating with GoodMaps, Apple Card Chat Support, and a Handy Mic Switch

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 07:43:00 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, Michael shares his experience using GoodMaps at CSUN, a navigation app designed for indoor locations. He explains how it provides real-time feedback, helps locate rooms, and offers independence in large spaces.

Chris then walks us through a chat support experience with Apple Card, discussing how Apple’s built-in messaging system made resolving pending transactions easier (despite some chatbot hurdles).

Marty wraps up with a review of the Rolls Mic Switch, a simple yet powerful tool for muting and unmuting your microphone, ideal for podcasters and broadcasters.

Links & Mentions:

Download GoodMaps from the App Store
Learn more about the Rolls Mic Switch here

Tune in, and don’t forget to check out past episodes at Unmute.show!

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Digital Bytes: Smart Washer/Dryer Accessibility, iPhone Action Button, and Safari Address Bar Tips

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:28:28 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, Michael takes us on an adventure with his new smart washer and dryer setup. He shares how the appliance’s app control features make it accessible, the workaround for enabling remote start, and why the fully accessible manual makes a big difference. Plus, hear what the washer and dryer completion tones sound like!

Next, Marty walks through the Action Button on the iPhone 15 and 16, explaining where it’s located and how to customize it for tasks like launching the magnifier or turning on the flashlight.

Finally, Chris shares a Safari tip for adjusting the tab bar position to keep key navigation buttons at the top of the screen for easier access.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Model number for Michael’s washer/dryer -- Dryer: Model Number DLEX4000b, Washer Model: Model Number WM4000HB
Email your Action Button use cases: feedback@unmute.show
Past episodes & more tech tips: Unmute.show

Listen now and explore how tech can work better for you!

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At Your Fingertips: Creative Braille, Birthday Surprises, and the VersaSlate

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 03:45:32 -0000

At Your Fingertips: Creative Braille, Birthday Surprises, and the VersaSlate

In this episode, we explore creative ways to make Braille, from edible treats like M&Ms and marshmallows to unique methods like puff paint. Hear about a heartfelt birthday surprise, where a friend crafted a Braille birthday card, and a humorous college memory involving a cake with backwards Braille.

We also dive into the versatility of slates and styluses—both classic and modern—discussing their continued importance for Braille learners and seasoned users alike. Plus, learn about the VersaSlate, a paperless, reusable Braille writing tool that’s portable, erasable, and perfect for jotting down notes on the go.

🔹 Creative Braille Methods – Puff paint, edible Braille, and unconventional tools
🔹 Slate & Stylus Throwback – A look at classic and modern uses
🔹 The VersaSlate – A reusable, erasable Braille tool for quick notes

Have a unique way you use a slate and stylus? Share your thoughts at feedback@unmute.show!

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Digital Bytes: Announce Calls, Hidden Mail Features, and Customizing the Share Sheet With Ad

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 14:59:10 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we dive into some lesser-known but incredibly useful iOS features that can improve your daily experience.

Announce Calls on iPhone: Michael helps us Learn how to enable Announce Calls in iOS settings, allowing your iPhone to speak the name or number of an incoming caller—whether using VoiceOver or Siri. Customize it to always announce, work with headphones and CarPlay, or turn it off completely.
Accessing the Hidden Share Sheet in Mail: Marty uncovers a buried feature in the Mail app—the Share Sheet! Follow a step-by-step guide to access it via the Print option, unlocking new ways to save and share email content, including converting emails to PDFs, saving to reading apps, or sharing on social media.
Customizing the Safari Share Sheet: Chris walks through editing the Share Sheet in Safari, showing how to reorder, remove, and add options for a personalized experience. Need quick access to GoodLinks, Drafts, or another favorite app? Learn how to move them up in your Share Sheet for faster sharing.

Tune in for these powerful iOS tricks that help streamline your interactions and boost efficiency.

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JAWS Tips: Virtualizing Windows With Ad

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 04:05:29 -0000

JAWS Tips: Virtualizing Windows

In this episode, I share a JAWS tip to grab text from tricky screens and provide feedback to developers. JAWS+Alt+W virtualizes the current window, pulling text into a virtual viewer for easy reading and copying.

While you can’t click or activate items, you can navigate and extract information. I break down how this works, when to use it, and why it’s an essential tool for smoother navigation.

🔗 More JAWS tips: unmute.show

Chapters:

0:08 – Getting Started
0:21 – Virtualizing the Window
1:23 – Navigating the Viewer
1:37 – Wrap-Up

Tags:

JAWS, accessibility, app developers, virtualizing, navigation, user feedback, dialogs, interfaces

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Digital Bytes: Tips on Tips, JAWS Customizations, and Action Button Tricks With Ads

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 20:27:30 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, Chris takes a fresh look at Apple’s Tips app, Michael shares a powerful JAWS customization, and Marty explores the iPhone Action Button.

Tips on Tips: Chris revisits Apple’s Tips app and discovers how it can help clean up your Photos library by hiding unwanted screenshots.
JAWS Dictionary Manager: Michael walks through a JAWS customization that lets you simplify what it announces while navigating, making it easier to focus on what matters.
iPhone Action Button: Marty explains how to customize the Action Button on the iPhone 15 and 16 for quick access to essential tools like the flashlight, magnifier, and more.

Got a favorite tip or a unique way you use the Action Button? Let us know at feedback@unmute.show!

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Mac Chat: Drafts, CardHop, and VoiceOver Customization in macOS Sequoia With Adds

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:41:00 -0000

Summary:
In this episode of Mac Chat, Marty and Chris explore the powerful text utility Drafts, showing how it integrates with apps like CardHop for seamless contact management. They also dive into VoiceOver command customization in macOS Sequoia, referencing a helpful walkthrough from AppleVis (link). Plus, they share their thoughts on Apple Intelligence, troubleshooting a tricky VoiceOver language bug, and discuss the Rode Interview Mic—a promising tool for CSUN recordings. Tune in for practical Mac tips and a preview of Unmute’s CSUN meetup!# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Shell Phone Show: 📱 Exploring YouTube on the BlindShell Classic 2 With Adds

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:18:59 -0000

In this episode of The ShellPhone Show, Drizza walks through how to navigate YouTube on the BlindShell Classic 2—with no ads! Learn how to:

✅ Search for videos & channels
✅ Play, pause, and navigate through videos
✅ Save favorites for quick access
✅ Share video links via text or email
✅ Use voice dictation for hands-free searching

With easy navigation and no interruptions, YouTube on the BlindShell Classic 2 is a smooth experience for visually impaired users.

🔗 Get more helpful content like this at unmute.show

🎵 Music by: Andre Louis (Shorts Collection)

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Community Unmuted – February 15, 2025 With Adds

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:55:00 -0000

Community Unmuted – February 15, 2025

🎙️ Hosted by Marty, Michael, and Liz

This episode of Community Unmuted covers a wide range of tech-related questions, insights, and discussions from the community. We kicked things off with the Question of the Day:
💬 What would you like to see in the rumored new iPhone SE? What features do you hope it includes (or doesn't remove)?

🔹 Listener Questions Covered in This Episode:

📸 Photo Backup Options: How to transfer photos off an iPhone when iCloud isn't syncing.
📱 iPhone SE 4 Rumors: What will the new SE look like, and will it have Apple Intelligence?
🖥️ JAWS Navigation Issue: Why does JAWS 2025 lose focus when using Alt + Left Arrow in browsers?
🎧 Audible on BlindShell: Where do archived Audible downloads go?
🏠 iPhone SE and the Home Button: Will the new SE keep a physical home button?
💻 Windows & Keyboard Issues: Random focus jumping in JAWS—could it be a keyboard problem?
🏥 iPhone 13 Mini Rebooting Issue: Why does it keep shutting down randomly?
📞 WhatsApp & Dual SIM Usage: Can you use multiple numbers in one WhatsApp account?
🎵 AirPods & Audio Preferences: Are AirPods Pro 2 muffled, or is it a settings issue?
🔄 iCloud Contact Syncing: How to share contacts between two iPhones.
🔌 External Storage vs. Cloud Backup: Is relying on a flash drive a good backup strategy?
📁 Cloud File Sharing: Can you generate direct download links like Dropbox in other services?
🔊 New Powerbeats Pro vs. AirPods Pro 2: What’s different about Apple’s latest earbuds?
📞 Amazon Alexa Support: Why doesn't Amazon provide remote app support like Apple?

🔹 Special Mentions:

📻 Michael Babcock will be on Double Tap this Tuesday to discuss the BlindShell 3.
🛠️ A listener recommended Walter 2 for transferring files between iPhone and Windows.

🎧 Catch the Replay
This episode will be available on the Unmute Presents podcast feed on Tuesday. Club Unmute members may get early access.

📩 Got a question for the next show? Email feedback@unmute.show or visit unmute.show for more content.

🔔 Next Episode: Don’t miss our upcoming discussions—join us live and bring your questions!

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Digital Bytes: DJI Wireless 2 Mic Review, Safari Tab Tips, and App Privacy Report with Adds

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:18:23 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, Michael shares a hands-on review of the DJI Wireless 2 microphone set, covering key features like smart noise cancellation, built-in recording, and connectivity options. Learn how this compact wireless mic system can enhance your audio setup.

Next, get a deep dive into Safari tab management on iOS, including context menu tricks, pinning tabs, and quickly reopening closed tabs—a must-know feature for efficient browsing!

Marty wraps things up with a look at the App Privacy Report feature in iOS. Find out how to track which apps are accessing your data and take control of your device’s privacy settings.

Enjoy the episode, and don't forget to check out more tech tips at unmute.show!

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All Things Lady A: Fun with Word Games on Your Echo With Add

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:11:09 -0000

In this episode of All Things Lady A, Lucy brings the fun with a collection of word games you can play on your Amazon Echo. From reversing words to trivia challenges, anagrams, and even word tennis, she dives into some of the best (and trickiest) games available for your Lady A device.

She also shares a few important tips—like watching out for games that require subscriptions after a trial period and keeping in mind that some skills may stop working over time.

Want to play along? Try these games yourself:

Word Reverse Game – Can you guess the word when the letters are spoken backward?
WordSmith Trivia – Test your vocabulary knowledge with word definitions.
WordMix – Unscramble letters to find the correct word.
Scramble Quiz – A backspelling challenge that gets harder as you go.
Word Tennis – Keep the rally going by naming words in the same category.

Have a favorite Lady A game? Lucy would love to hear about it! Send your feedback and game suggestions to feedback@unmute.show.

Don't forget to check out Lucy’s Games to Play with Your Lady A call on the ACB Community platform, happening every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 2 PM Eastern.

Tune in and let’s play! 🎙️

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Shell Phone Show: Adjusting Verbosity Settings

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 04:18:34 -0000

Episode Overview:
In this episode, Michael walks you through adjusting the verbosity settings on the BlindShell Classic 2 to make navigation more efficient. If you’re tired of hearing menu position hints like “5 of 7,” this quick guide will show you how to disable them.

What You’ll Learn:

How to access Settings on your BlindShell
Navigating to Sounds > Announcements > Menu Position Indication
Turning off menu position announcements for a less verbose experience

Resources & Links:

Get the BlindShell Classic 2 in red or black at ATGuys.com/Blindshell
Need accessories? Spare batteries, BlindShell Beeps, and all four case styles are available!
More helpful content at Unmute.show

Thanks for Listening!
If you found this useful, share the episode and check out Club Unmute for more educational content.

🎵 Music by Andre Louis – Shorts Collection

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Digital Bytes - Contact Photos, Seeing AI Shortcuts, and Todoist for Windows - With Add

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:21:00 -0000

This episode explores Apple’s latest features, including contact photos in Mail, Siri Shortcuts with Seeing AI, and a Todoist installation tutorial for Windows to boost productivity.

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JAWS Tips: Center Yourself with Face in View for Video Calls With Adds

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 05:02:25 -0000

Show Notes:

Before jumping into your next Zoom, Teams, or video call, ensure your camera is positioned correctly with JAWS’ Face in View feature. This powerful tool provides real-time feedback on whether your face is centered, lighting conditions, and any unexpected objects in your frame. Learn how to activate Face in View, use additional commands like brightness checks, PictureSmart descriptions, and camera selection, and make sure you’re visually prepared before going live.

📌 Shortcut: JAWS Key + Space, F, O
📌 Key Features: Face positioning, lighting adjustments, PictureSmart analysis, and multi-camera selection.
📌 Pro Tip: Face in View must be closed before starting your call since it requires full access to the camera.

Have a JAWS-related question? Email feedback@unmute.show and let us know what tips you’d like to hear next!

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At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now – The Braille Doodle With Adds

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:35:22 -0000

At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now – The Braille Doodle

In this episode, Chris takes a look at the Braille Doodle, a tool designed for both Braille learning and tactile drawing. This device has been a valuable addition to teaching and makes it easier to practice Braille while also exploring visual concepts.

What is the Braille Doodle?

The Braille Doodle is a tablet-sized device with two surfaces:

Braille Practice Side – Designed for practicing the Braille alphabet, words, and sentences.
Drawing Side – Works with a stylus to raise tiny magnetic ball bearings, allowing for freehand drawing or stencil-based illustrations.

The Inspiration Behind It

The Braille Doodle was created by Daniel Lubiner, a special education and art teacher for blind and visually impaired students. During the pandemic, Daniel was looking for better ways to teach remotely. The idea started with a simple toy and evolved into a tool that allows for tactile learning without erasing progress.

Features and How It Is Used

The Braille side has guided practice cells for learning letters step by step.
The drawing side supports freeform sketching and graphing concepts for STEM learning.
Includes stencils for creating structured designs and visual representations.
Can be used to demonstrate spatial layouts, such as maps, grids, and even app screen layouts.

Who Can Benefit?

Braille learners working on letter recognition and formation.
O&M instructors who want to illustrate routes or floor plans.
Kinesthetic learners who need hands-on practice to reinforce dot positions.
Anyone who enjoys tactile drawing—even as a fun fidget tool.

Where to Get It

The Braille Doodle is available in the U.S. at ATGuys.com.
More details and resources, including videos and guides, can be found at TouchPadProFoundation.org.

Final Thoughts

This has been a great addition to teaching, and many are finding creative ways to use it. Questions or feedback can be sent to feedback@unmute.show.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/38a960ca-7efa-469c-b569-58bc5be71e66

Read transcript

Community Unmuted for Feb 1, 2025 with Ads

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 20:49:25 -0000

Read transcript

Community Unmuted – February 1, 2025

Episode Summary

In this lively episode of Community Unmuted, we kick things off with a fun question: What’s your favorite podcast right now? The team and community members share their top picks, from tech-focused shows to history deep dives. We also dive into some common tech challenges, including navigating the new Keyboard Commander settings in macOS Sequoia, managing Do Not Disturb on iPhone and BlindShell Classic 2, and dealing with email and notification settings.

Topics Covered

Favorite Podcasts

Marty: MacGeekGab

Liz: Penny Forward
Michael Babcock: History That Doesn't Suck
Community favorites include This Week in Tech, Dr. Phil’s Fill in the Blanks, Hidden Brain, and Blind Tech with Desiree Renee.

Tech Troubles & Fixes

Keyboard Commander Changes in macOS Sequoia
Keyboard Commander is now called Option Key Commands under "Commands."
Settings layout has changed, but all previous functionality is still there.
Check out demos on AppleVis for guidance.
Managing Notifications & Do Not Disturb on iPhone
Customizing Focus settings for full control over notifications.
Quickly activate Do Not Disturb via Siri or Control Center.
Do Not Disturb on BlindShell Classic 2
Feature is called Night Mode, found in sound profile settings.
Allows scheduling for silent mode at specific times.
Understanding Passkeys & Security Concerns
Clarifying how passkeys work and when to use them.
The importance of strong passwords and password managers for security.
Email Issues & Fixes
How to create a new folder in Outlook using Ctrl + Shift + E.
Troubleshooting duplicate inboxes caused by Microsoft support.
Managing automatic email deletion settings on different platforms.

BlindShell Classic 2 & App Accessibility

Navigating email and web content when messages are cut off with ellipses.
Using "Read More" or the Use Information from Text option to expand content.

Other Notable Discussions

Concerns about phone security and public Wi-Fi auto-connections.
Best practices: Turn off Wi-Fi & Personal Hotspot when out and about.
Upgrading devices with caution—why backing up before an OS update is essential.
The importance of having a personal password strategy—from using a password manager to memorization techniques.

Final Notes

Thanks to everyone who joined us for another engaging session! If you have questions, comments, or topics you'd like covered, email us at feedback@unmute.show. Don't forget to check out all the latest episodes and exclusive Club Unmute content at unmute.show.

📅 See you next time!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/cb332f37-6959-4bca-9de5-1fbf3ab217b6

Digital Bytes: Microphone Finds, Focus Mode Tips, and Scheduling Posts with Buffer

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 20:40:00 -0000

🎙 Digital Bytes: Microphone Finds, Focus Mode Tips, and Scheduling Posts with Buffer

In this week’s Digital Bytes, we explore a budget-friendly microphone, dive into Focus Mode settings on iOS, and break down how to schedule social media posts using Buffer.

🔹 Microphone Spotlight: Chris reviews the Audio-Technica ATR2100X, a versatile dynamic cardioid microphone with USB and XLR connectivity. Find out why this budget-friendly mic is a great choice for podcasting, Zoom calls, and more.

🔹 Focus Mode on iPhone: Marty walks through how to customize Focus Mode on iOS, explaining how to filter notifications and calls based on different settings like Work, Personal, and Do Not Disturb.

🔹 Scheduling with Buffer: Michael shares how he’s using Buffer to schedule posts on Mastodon, BlueSky, and LinkedIn. Learn how this tool can help you maintain a consistent social media presence with minimal effort.

📌 Links & Resources:

Check out past episodes at Unmute.show

📢 Ad Spot: This episode begins with a promo for All About Lady A, a show hosted by Lucy on the second Thursday of each month. Tune in for tips on getting the most out of your Amazon Alexa device!

Have a question or topic suggestion? Reach out and let us know!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/6d49c3f1-0401-425a-ad1e-56891b6e139a

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Jaws Tips: Navigating the Message Center

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 20:49:20 -0000

Welcome to Jaws Tips: Navigating the Message Center! In this episode, Michael takes you through the essential steps to access and use the message center in JAWS. Learn how to activate the feature with a simple key combination, navigate your messages using arrow keys, and manage your notifications with ease. Whether you're at work or at home, these tips will help you become more efficient and in control of your JAWS experience.

For even more insights and techniques, be sure to check out the At Your Fingertips show!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/9d0f65a9-85d0-4f6c-a0ed-3f53bb14cbaf

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Digital Bytes: Tech That Listens: Bee Pioneer, Wi-Fi Passwords, and Accessibility Hacks

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:59:15 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we’re diving into tools and tricks that can make your tech life easier and more productive. Here’s what we cover:

1. Bee Pioneer: A Wearable That Listens

A closer look at the Bee Pioneer device available at bee.computer.
Key Features:
- Works as a companion to your Apple Watch or standalone.
- Summarizes your day by processing conversations and emails.
- Accessibility insights: Mostly VoiceOver-friendly, but some unlabeled buttons.
Downsides include inconsistent recording notifications and a lack of haptic feedback.
Is it worth $49? Michael shares his thoughts on its potential for managing tasks and conversations.

2. Find Your Wi-Fi Password in a Snap

Marty explains how to retrieve your current Wi-Fi password directly on your iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap the connected network.
- Use Face ID or your device password to reveal it.
A quick and handy trick when you need to share your password.

3. Accessibility Hacks from Chris

Button Relabeling: Learn how to relabel confusing or unlabeled buttons using VoiceOver or a Braille display.
Scan PDFs with Seeing AI: Effortlessly turn scanned images into readable text using Seeing AI’s "Recognize with Seeing AI" option.

Bonus Mention

Check out the All About Lady A podcast with Lucy for tips on getting the most from your Amazon Alexa. New episodes drop the second Thursday of each month on the Unmute Presents feed. Don't miss it!

What do you think of this episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/e2a9ccda-62e5-4fe1-8f7b-ab6c07f82ceb

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"JAWS Tips: Checking the Time with Braille Displays"

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 15:39:06 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, Pete shares a practical JAWS tip for checking the time using a Braille display. Whether you're in a meeting, giving a presentation, or simply want a discreet way to check the time, Pete walks you through the steps to enable this feature on your Braille display.

Key Highlights:

Voice Assistant for Time Checks: Use the "Hey Sharky" command or JAWS Key + Alt + Space to ask JAWS for the time.
Keyboard Shortcut: Quickly check the time using JAWS Key + F12.
Time on Braille Displays:
Enable time display on status cells by pressing JAWS Key + Shift + F12.
Adjust settings via the JAWS Settings Center for 12-hour or 24-hour format and even display minutes/seconds.
Learn how to make time always visible on your Braille display by default.
Additional Tips: Dive into JAWS Help to explore more about status cells and their functionality.

💡 Have specific JAWS features you'd like us to cover? Send your feedback to feedback@unmute.show.

Links & Resources:

Visit JAWS Help Topics for a detailed guide on status cells.
Support accessible financial education for the blind at PennyForward.com.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take full advantage of this useful JAWS feature!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/f137db75-b3d0-4e52-b151-03eaf43d81cc

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Android Unmuted: Cross-Platform Messaging!

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:06:00 -0000

Episode Title:

Cross-Platform Messaging: FaceTime on Android, WhatsApp, Signal, and More

Show Notes:

In this episode of Android Unmuted, we explore cross-platform messaging apps that connect iOS and Android users effortlessly. From initiating FaceTime calls on Android to secure messaging options, here's what we cover:

Topics Discussed:

FaceTime on Android: Learn how to join a FaceTime video chat from an Android device using a link created on iOS. We dive into the setup process, browser experience, and tips for navigating permissions and controls.
WhatsApp: A popular choice for its universal availability across platforms and devices. While it's not ideal for security-conscious users due to Meta ownership, it offers encrypted one-on-one messaging, group chats, audio, and video calls.
Google Meet: A versatile option for cross-platform video calls. We discuss setup tips, syncing contacts, and the convenience of using Meet on both Android and iOS.
Signal: A favorite for privacy-focused users, offering encrypted messaging for groups and individuals. It supports audio and video calls but lacks SMS integration, so you'll need a separate solution for that.

Listener Call to Action:

Have a favorite messaging app or a suggestion we missed? Email us at feedback@unmute.show and share your recommendations for staying connected across platforms.

Final Thoughts:

Stay prepared with a reliable messaging app to keep in touch with loved ones during critical moments. Planning ahead ensures you're not caught off guard when communication matters most.

🎧 Tune in now and discover the best tools to bridge the gap between Android and iOS users!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/f1bd05e9-f544-4fb1-90ba-3252e7a44ecd

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Exploring Lady A on the BlindShell Classic 2: Tips and Tricks

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:02:00 -0000

In this episode of The Shellphone Show, Adrian (aka Drizza) walks us through using the Amazon Alexa app, affectionately called Lady A, on the BlindShell Classic 2. Discover how to:

Download and Set Up the App: Navigate the app catalog to install Lady A and link it to your Amazon account.
Interact with Lady A: Learn various methods to trigger Lady A, whether using voice commands, the OK button, or favorites.
Useful Features: Ask questions, set timers, check the weather, and more, just like you would on an Echo speaker.
Customization Options: Change Lady A's voice directly on the BlindShell device.
Limitations: While you can’t change the wake word on the BlindShell, Adrian shares tips for making the most of the app.

Wrap up with Adrian's practical advice on keeping things simple and effective when using Lady A on your BlindShell.

For more great tips and tricks, check out All Things Lady A, where Lucy dives into maximizing your Alexa experience. Listen to her show every second Thursday of the month on the Unmute Presents podcast feed.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/dc96973e-820d-4471-a7a1-e17a4626f6e0

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Community Unmuted for 18 January

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:33:00 -0000

This week’s Community Unmuted was all about you and your questions! We tackled a wide range of topics and shared solutions to help you get the most out of your tech. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the questions we addressed:

JAWS:
How can I fix issues with auto-populating email addresses?
Are there easier ways to control sliders with JAWS?
iPhone Troubleshooting:
Why does my phone keep announcing the call timer when I move it away from my ear?
How can I create and manage a recovery code for my iPhone?
What’s the best way to manage privacy settings in messaging apps like Telegram or WhatsApp?
Mac Users:
What’s the easiest way to separate Gmail accounts in Apple’s Mail app?
Are there specific tools to help beginners learn VoiceOver?
Can you recommend good resources for learning to use a Mac more effectively?
Printing & Accessibility:
What’s the best printer for someone who needs accessibility features?
Should I choose a laser or inkjet printer for everyday use?
Windows Tips:
How can I navigate my Documents folder without being forced into search mode in Windows 11?
Are there accessible clipboard management apps for iPhone or Windows?
BlindShell Questions:
How can I reliably use Zoom on my BlindShell Classic 2?

This episode is packed with practical advice and thoughtful solutions! Have questions of your own? Join us at Community Unmuted, where we encourage everyone to ask, learn, and share.

Get in Touch: If you couldn’t make it, we’d still love to hear from you! Send your questions to feedback@unmute.show and we’ll make sure to include them in a future session.

Special Thanks: Shoutout to Blind Girl Designs for their collaboration on our exclusive "unmute" and "be heard" shirt! Check it out at Unmute Show or Blind Girl Designs.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/4e4f6afb-9da3-4451-b808-70690eca7abf

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RIM for Remote Access, Recipe Finds, and iOS Storage Tips

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 16:13:09 -0000

This episode of Digital Bytes dives into practical tech tools and tips, featuring accessible solutions for remote support, cooking, and managing your device storage.

Remote Incident Manager (RIM): Michael introduces this tool from Numa Solutions, allowing blind users to control any computer remotely—whether Mac or Windows. With 30 minutes of free daily access and a VOIP feature for communication, RIM is perfect for IT professionals and tech-savvy family members.
Instalink Recipe App: Chris highlights her favorite app for Instant Pot users. From accessible recipe search options to practical tips for navigating features, this app simplifies cooking while catering to diverse appliance setups.
iOS Storage Optimization: Marty provides a step-by-step guide to free up space on your iPhone or iPad. Learn how to identify large apps, delete duplicates, manage iCloud storage, and keep your device running smoothly.

📢 Bonus: Don’t miss Chris’s Braille Technology episodes, released on the first Thursday of every month, for insights into the evolution of Braille and its modern applications.

🔗 Links Mentioned:

🎙️ Subscribe for more accessible tech tips at Unmute Presents.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/ce052c9a-bdf8-4e74-8ee4-4e65e7ce934c

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Jaws Tips: controling Sliders QUickly and Talking To Jaws

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 03:58:07 -0000

Show Notes
In this episode of Unmute Presents, we dive into two powerful JAWS features that can enhance your navigation and productivity. First, learn how to leverage the Navigation Quick Key Manager to assign a shortcut for sliders, making it easier to skip through long videos or adjust volume on websites. Next, we explore Voice Assistant, a hands-free way to interact with JAWS using simple voice commands like "restart JAWS," "check battery," or "list system tray."

Whether you're looking to speed up your workflow or explore new JAWS capabilities, these tips will help you unlock more potential from your screen reader. Have questions or suggestions? Email us at feedback@unmute.show.

Listen now on Unmute Presents or your favorite podcast platform!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/1a4ce78f-3448-47b5-b400-23364c4e458b

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MacChat Unplugged: Mastering Audio on macOS with Michael Babcock

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:10:00 -0000

Welcome to the first MacChat of the year! In this episode, Chris is joined by Unmute co-host Michael Babcock for an in-depth look at audio tools that make the macOS experience more efficient and accessible. Whether you're a podcaster, teacher, or just a Mac enthusiast, this episode has something for everyone.

Episode Highlights:

Holiday Tech Check: Chris and Michael share what (or didn’t) make their tech wishlists this year.
Keyboard Shortcuts Galore: Tips for working efficiently with your Mac's Dock, Finder, and menu bar.
Introduction to Rogue Amoeba Software:
Audio Hijack: Perfect for capturing audio demos and routing sound to different outputs.
Loopback: Create custom virtual audio devices for live demos and more.
Farrago: Play sound clips effortlessly in presentations and live sessions.
SoundSource: Adjust app-specific audio routing and volume with ease.
Practical Tips: Learn how to set up your audio workflow, from capturing voiceover demos to using tactile tools like the Braille Doodle for planning your sessions.
Real-Life Applications: How Michael uses these tools to improve productivity, teach effectively, and streamline podcasting workflows.

Resources Mentioned:

Rogue Amoeba Software – Explore Audio Hijack, Loopback, Farrago, SoundSource, and more.
Braille Doodle – A tactile tool for planning audio setups and beyond.
Podfeet Podcast – Allison Sheridan’s tutorials on macOS tools, including Rogue Amoeba software.
Mac Geek Gab Podcast – Dive into Apple tips and troubleshooting with Dave Hamilton and Pilot Pete.

Get in Touch:
Have questions or feedback? Contact us at feedback@unmute.show.

Listen Now:
Whether you're sipping coffee or multitasking, tune in to this episode and enhance your macOS audio experience!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/42ab3ac5-572b-402e-9b72-f3ed54fe0fe3

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All Things Lady A: Getting the Most Out of Alexa Routines

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:32:02 -0000

Show Notes

In this episode of All Things Lady A, Lucy dives into the world of routines on Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you're a seasoned user or just getting started, you'll learn how to create custom routines to make your smart assistant even smarter. From setting up weather updates after an alarm to exploring fun, pre-made routines, Lucy offers a step-by-step walkthrough of the Alexa app to help you get the most out of your device.

Highlights:

What Are Alexa Routines? Learn how routines can automate your day.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting up a routine through the Alexa app.
Challenges with Accessibility: Lucy shares her personal experience navigating the app.
Fun Pre-Made Routines: Explore unique options like NPR Morning Radio, historical facts, and more.
Lessons Learned: Adjusting routines to avoid mishaps like a 4 a.m. wake-up call.

Lucy wraps up with tips to personalize routines for your lifestyle and invites feedback from listeners.

Have Feedback or Suggestions?

Reach out at feedback@unmute.show—Lucy would love to hear from you!

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Lucy will explore more ways to get the most out of your Lady A devices.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/6fb0fb20-1658-411d-aab2-01a726b6a5a6

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Digital Bytes: Blood Donation Made Easy, Braille Navigation, and Backup Essentials

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:21:38 -0000

Digital Bytes: Blood Donation Made Easy, Braille Navigation, and Backup Essentials

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we’re covering three accessible and practical topics that can make life a little easier and more efficient. Let’s dive in:

1. Blood Donation Made Easy with a Fully Accessible App

The Blood Donor app streamlines everything you need to give blood, from scheduling your appointment to completing the RapidPass questionnaire. Here’s what stands out:

Works seamlessly with VoiceOver on iPhone (and likely Android, too).
Helps you book appointments, find drives, and prepare without hassle.
Includes perks like donor rewards and even options to give back gift cards.

If you’ve thought about donating blood but weren’t sure where to start, this app makes the process simple and accessible.

2. Braille Navigation: Faster Ways to Find Apps on iOS

Using a Braille display with iOS? Here’s a quick way to locate and open apps without swiping endlessly:

Press Enter (chord E) to start a search from your home screen.
Type the first few letters of the app in computer Braille (not contracted Braille).
Use the routing key to open the app you want.

This trick lets you skip the hunt and get to what you need faster.

3. Backup Essentials: Portable External Hard Drives

Backing up your data doesn’t have to be a headache. I’ve been using the SanDisk 1TB portable external hard drive and here’s why I recommend it:

It’s small, lightweight, and uses USB-C for fast file transfers.
Perfect for travel or daily use, and it comes in 1TB or 2TB sizes.
Don’t forget to format it for your system (Mac or Windows) before use.

Pair this with a cloud backup for extra peace of mind and you’ll be ready for anything.

Thanks for listening! If this episode was helpful, share it with someone who could use these tips.

Links Mentioned

Blood Donor App: Red Cross Blood Donation App
SanDisk Portable Drives: SanDisk Official Website

Stay tuned for more tips and reviews in the next Digital Bytes!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/6d95f9cd-1ab9-4745-82f2-85dfc4bd3edd

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JAWS Tips: Audio Ducking, Quick Restarts, and Layered Keystrokes

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 01:06:23 -0000

Show Notes

In this week’s Unmute Presents, we’re diving into some JAWS tips that can make your life a little easier. Whether you’re adjusting audio levels or restarting JAWS on the fly, these keystrokes are practical and simple to learn.

What’s in This Episode:

Audio Ducking: Ever miss a JAWS message because it blended with your music or audiobook? Learn how to use a quick keystroke to turn on audio ducking and ensure JAWS gets the spotlight when it speaks.
Restart JAWS Faster: Forget manually shutting down and restarting—there’s a keystroke for that!
Layered Keystrokes: Curious about what else JAWS can do? We’ll show you how to explore layered keystrokes to unlock even more functionality.

Keystrokes Covered:

Audio Ducking On/Off: JAWS Key + Space, then D
Restart JAWS: JAWS Key + Space, then F4
Help for Layers: JAWS Key + Space, then ?

Got a specific layered function you want us to cover next? Shoot us an email at feedback@unmute.show.

At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now

Every first Thursday of the month, Chris explores Braille and its evolving technology in the At Your Fingertips series. If you missed this month’s episode, head to the Unmute Presents podcast feed or visit Unmute.show to catch up.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/28058dd8-f2d3-4246-8358-3fb806792ee3

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Digital Bytes - From Just Press Record to Keyboard Maestro Magic

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 20:29:04 -0000

From Just Press Record to Keyboard Maestro Magic

In today’s episode, we’re diving into some tech favorites and frustrations:

Just Press Record: A simple yet powerful voice recorder that works on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even your Apple Watch. We talk about its ease of use, audio quality options, and handy transcription feature.
Apple’s App Library Bug: Ever struggled with Apple’s app search? We share what’s going on, some quick workarounds, and why Android’s app management might be worth a look.
Making Mac-to-Windows Switching Easier: Learn how to set up a Keyboard Maestro macro to switch your Caps Lock key between Mac and Windows settings automatically—because who doesn’t love a smoother workflow?

Join Club Unmute to get your hands on the Keyboard Maestro macro group and stay up to date with productivity tips, workflows, and more. Head over to Unmute.show to join.

And don’t forget to check out Mac Geek Gab for more great Apple tips, tricks, and tech discussions.

As always, we’re here to make tech more accessible and fun. Let us know what you think!

---# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/48d2c4a0-f8fc-4bff-917b-e46a6a924b76

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Jaws Tips: Quickly Starting Jaws

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 05:54:31 -0000

Unmute Presents - JAWS Tips: Quickly Starting JAWS

In this episode, we share some quick tips for starting JAWS when it’s not running. Whether you use the Run dialog, desktop shortcuts, or create your own custom keystroke, these methods will help you get JAWS up and talking fast.

Here’s what we cover:

Run Dialog: Press Windows+R, type “JAWS” followed by the version number (e.g., JAWS2025), and hit Enter.
Desktop Shortcut: Press Windows+D, type “JAWS,” and press Enter to launch it.
Custom Keystroke: Learn how to set a shortcut key for starting JAWS directly.

We also mention Penny Forward, a nonprofit helping blind people build financial independence through accessible education and support. Learn more or make a donation at pennyforward.com.

For more episodes and resources, visit unmute.show.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/fa6d5e78-6787-40e7-a172-f1b2740e499b

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Char Cook's Journey with Braille: From Advocacy to Visiting Louis Braille's Home"

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 08:15:00 -0000

In this episode of At Your Fingertips, we celebrate the legacy of Louis Braille and the life-changing power of literacy. Host Chris welcomes Char Cook, a passionate advocate for Braille, business owner, and educator, to share her inspiring journey of embracing Braille and reclaiming independence.

Char reflects on her early struggles with retinitis pigmentosa, the encouragement that led her to learn Braille, and how it transformed her life—both personally and professionally. She recounts the profound impact of mentors who championed her literacy and her experience as a business owner using Braille to manage her work.

The highlight of this episode is Char’s emotional visit to the Louis Braille Museum in France. She takes listeners through the touching moments of standing in Braille’s childhood home, holding pieces of Braille history, and reflecting on the revolutionary contributions of Louis Braille. Her vivid account brings to life the enduring importance of Braille and the empowerment it provides.

This episode is a moving tribute to Louis Braille’s legacy and a call to action for all to embrace literacy, champion accessibility, and celebrate the gift of communication.

Call to Action

Discover the exclusive collaboration between Blind Girl Designs and Unmute Presents by visiting Unmute.show or BlindGirlDesigns.com. Join us in celebrating Braille and advocating for accessibility and inclusivity!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/102fae50-b6ae-4ec4-b6b3-fce8916f682c

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Unfreezing Your Blindshell: Quick Restart Tips for the Classic 2 or 3

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 18:40:40 -0000

Here’s a draft of the show notes for the episode:

Unfreezing Your Blindshell: Quick Restart Tips for the Classic 2 or 3

Welcome back to The Shell Phone Show, your go-to podcast for all things Blindshell Classic! In this episode, we’re diving into a common issue and sharing simple, step-by-step instructions to restart your Blindshell Classic 2 or 3 when it freezes up.

🔧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to force restart your Blindshell Classic 2 or 3 without removing the battery.
Tips to handle phone freezes efficiently.
Why the back button is your best friend in tricky situations.

🎵 Music Credit:
A big thanks to Andre Louis and his Shorts Collection for the background music that keeps our show lively!

📢 Stay Connected:
If you or someone you know is interested in mastering the Blindshell Classic, subscribe to The Shell Phone Show on your favorite podcast platform. Be the first to hear our latest tips, tricks, and tutorials for these accessible devices.

💡 Don’t Forget to Share!
Know someone struggling with a frozen Blindshell? Share this episode with them—it might save the day!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/43125190-4e0d-4314-bb8e-e697ce4380e3

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Digital Bytes: CheatSheet, Widgets, and Year-End Tech Reflections”

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 17:18:06 -0000

Air Date: December 29, 2024
Host(s):

Michael Babcock
Marty Sobo
Chris Cooke

00:00 – Intro & Club Unmute Announcement

Club Unmute subscription details:
Current pricing: \$3/month or \$30/year
Price increases on January 1, 2025: \$5/month or \$50/year
Join now at Unmute.show

01:28 – Spotlight on CheatSheet

What is CheatSheet?
Sticky-note-style notes for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Free to use, with a \$5/year upgrade for extra features
Mac version: \$7.99 (one-time) plus subscription for cross-device syncing
App Store Link:
CheatSheet – Notes Widget (iOS)

02:47 – All About Widgets

Definition: Widgets are mini companion apps that show quick info.
Placement: Home Screen, Lock Screen, or Today View.
Customization: Different sizes and info display.
Examples:
Messages, Weather, Batteries, etc.

06:21 – Tech Reflections for the Year

Numa Solutions & Remote Incident Manager
Ideal for remote tech support on Mac/Windows
getrim.app for free RIM (limited time)
AI Tools
JAWS PictureSmart: Describes images, charts, and spreadsheets
ChatGPT: For translations, quick answers, and more
Be My Eyes (bemyeyes.com)
Free volunteer assistance; Be My AI feature for image recognition
Aira (aira.io)
Trained agents for visual assistance and private tasks

12:24 – Be My Eyes & AI Highlights

Be My AI handles handwriting, gift bag identification, and more.
Great for private reading of cards and notes.

14:05 – Aira Insights

Use Aira for everything from setting up new devices to sorting expiration dates.
Agents provide confidential, real-time assistance.

17:20 – Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

Connections & Access: RIM, AI, Be My Eyes, and Aira make tech more inclusive.
Looking to 2025: Anticipate new AI enhancements and better remote collaboration.

Thanks & Credits

Music Courtesy: The Shorts Collection
https://onj.me/shorts/
Transitions: zapsplat.com

For more accessibility tips and app spotlights, subscribe to Unmute Presents!

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Jaws Tips: Table Navigation

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 03:34:19 -0000

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Unmute Presents, we explore table navigation using JAWS, a screen reader for Windows. Learn efficient techniques to move through rows and columns, extract specific information, and leverage powerful JAWS features such as the table navigation layer. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this episode provides practical tips to simplify table exploration.

Highlights:

Introduction to basic and advanced table navigation techniques.
Using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Alt and Ctrl+Alt+Shift for column and row navigation.
Demonstration of JAWS' table layer functionality (JAWS Key + Space, T).
Quick navigation to the beginning or end of rows and columns using shortcuts like Home, End, Ctrl+Home, and Ctrl+End.
Real-world example: navigating a tech-themed table generated by ChatGPT.
How to explore specific table data such as prices, specifications, and device details.
Recommendations for further learning: Vespero’s in-depth training podcast.

Resources Mentioned:

Join Club Unmute for exclusive perks and support the podcast. Join before January 1, 2025, to lock in discounted rates.
Vespero Training Podcast: freedomscientific.com/training

Connect with Us:

Visit our website: Unmute.show
Follow for more tips and tutorials on navigating tech with accessibility in mind.

Duration: 7:26

Enjoy the episode and start mastering table navigation with JAWS!

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Android Unmuted: TalkBack Tips & Pixel Picks

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 08:24:00 -0000

Show Notes for Episode: TalkBack Tips & Pixel Picks: Exploring Android Accessibility

In this episode of Android Unmuted, Marty and Liz dive into listener feedback, share personal experiences with Android accessibility, and explore the latest in accessible technology for Android users. Here's what you'll hear:

Listener Feedback:

Tips on managing TalkBack verbosity, including gestures to silence TalkBack with the Pixel proximity sensor.
A reminder on multi-finger gestures and how they differ between Android and iOS.

Main Topics:

TalkBack Features and Gesture Insights
- Discussion about TalkBack's similarities and differences with iOS gestures.
- Why multi-finger gestures took longer to develop on Android.
Aira on Android
- Overview of Aira's visual interpreting service and how it works.
- Liz’s hands-on experience using Aira on the Google Pixel 8a.
- Comparing photo quality between the Pixel and the iPhone 16 Pro through Aira.
Exploring Android's Recorder App
- Liz’s walkthrough of recording and sharing audio using the Pixel Recorder app.
- Pros and cons of the app’s user flow and accessibility features.
Frustrations with Android Accessibility
- Marty’s challenges with bloatware and unlabeled buttons on Android devices.
- Issues with Google Assistant’s functionality when used with TalkBack.
Feedback Spotlight
- Listener feedback on simplifying TalkBack gestures and device settings.

Closing Notes:

The team invites listeners to share their own experiences and feedback for future episodes.
Find out how to contact the show or share feedback by visiting unmute.show.

How to Get Involved:

Send your feedback via email to feedback@unmute.show.
Join the discussion and share your thoughts for a chance to be featured in a future episode!

Tune in for a mix of practical tips, in-depth reviews, and honest discussions about the Android experience.

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Digital Bytes: Recording Ray Ban, Digital Pouch, and USB C SD Card Readers

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:46:07 -0000

Show Notes for Episode: Digital Bytes: Recording Ray Ban, Digital Pouch, and USB C SD Card Readers

In this episode of Unmute Presents, we dive into the latest tech updates and practical tools for accessibility and productivity:

Ray-Ban Smart Glasses: Explore the recording capabilities of Ray-Ban's wearable tech and how it can be used for hands-free accessibility.
Digital Pouch: A must-have tool for staying organized while on the go. We discuss its features and potential benefits.
USB-C SD Card Readers: Get the lowdown on efficient data transfer tools and why they're essential for tech-savvy users.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Be sure to tune in every Tuesday at 10 AM Pacific/1 PM Eastern for live discussions, and don’t forget to subscribe to Unmute Presents for more accessibility-focused tech insights!

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Speakaboo: Simplifying Navigation for the Blind Community

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 17:56:24 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, Marty sits down with Patrick Burton, creator of Speakaboo, to explore how the app is breaking barriers in navigation for the blind and low-vision community. Patrick discusses Speakaboo's minimalist design, its commitment to accessibility, and how community feedback continues to shape its features.

Highlights:

The app's origin as a spin-off from Ben Vision and its focus on user simplicity.
Speakaboo’s holiday promotion offering a lifetime subscription until January 1st.
New features, including multi-language support and customizable measurement systems.
Patrick’s inspiring journey into assistive technology and his collaboration with organizations like Hall Foundation.
A sneak peek at Viddy Scribe, a new AI-powered platform for automated video descriptions.

Links Mentioned:

Connect with us:

Email: feedback@unmute.show
Website: Unmute Show

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MacChat: Holiday Tech, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Backup Strategies

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:59:53 -0000

Show Notes

Hosts: Marty and Chris
Episode Summary:
In this festive episode of MacChat, Marty and Chris dive into essential tech tips, holiday shopping ideas, and Mac-related must-haves. The discussion includes favorite keyboard shortcuts, tips for choosing the right Mac, and comprehensive backup strategies to safeguard your data. Whether you're shopping for a tech enthusiast or upgrading your setup, this episode is packed with valuable insights for Mac users.

And hey, Michael popped in with a mid-episode dub to save the day on a shortcut correction. We like to think of him as our "audio-editing superhero" with impeccable timing!

Topics Covered:

Keyboard Shortcuts Unlocked:
- Control-Option-F7: Cycle through time, battery level, and Wi-Fi signal strength.
- VO-M-M: Quickly navigate the Mac menu bar.
- VO-Shift-C: Copy the last spoken phrase to the clipboard.
- VO-Shift-Z: Save the last spoken phrase as an audio file.
Choosing the Right Mac for the Holidays:
- Overview of the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac models.
- Differences between M1, M2, and M4 chips.
- Balancing portability, power, and budget.
Backup Strategies:
- Cloud-based solutions: iDrive, Carbonite, and Backblaze.
- Comparing features, accessibility, and pricing.
- Using Time Machine as an insurance policy for your Mac data.
Holiday Stocking Stuffers:
- Must-have accessories like USB-C cables, hard drives, and adapters.
- Magnetic charging cables and USB-C tips.
- Apple AirTags and Tile trackers for keeping tabs on your belongings.

Links Mentioned:

Mac Geek Gab – Listen to their episodes here!

Listener Engagement:

Share your favorite keyboard shortcuts at feedback@unmute.show.
Let us know your top holiday tech gifts or what’s in your stocking this year!

Special Mention:
Stay tuned for Braille tech insights with Chris on the first Thursday of every month in the Unmute Presents podcast feed.

🎙 Website: unmute.show
📧 Email: feedback@unmute.show

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Digital Bytes: Mac Integration, Email Organization, and App Library Tips"

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 08:56:00 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we explore the latest features and tips to help you get the most out of your iOS and macOS devices. From seamless integration to navigating updates, we’ve got you covered.

Highlights:

Controlling Your iPhone from Your Mac
Learn how to use iPhone screen mirroring on macOS 15.2 and iOS 18.2. We discuss how to navigate apps, manage notifications, and enhance productivity by bridging your Mac and iPhone.
Managing Email Categories in iOS 18.2
Frustrated with Apple’s new email categorization? We walk you through how to disable this feature and revert to the classic list view, ensuring your inbox stays organized the way you prefer.
Navigating the App Library with VoiceOver
Discover how to access and organize apps using the App Library on iOS with VoiceOver. Learn step-by-step how to drag and drop apps onto your home screen or dock for easier access.

Resources:

Check out past episodes and more at Unmute.show.
Join Lucy for All About Lady A on the second Thursday of each month for tips on using your Amazon Alexa, available on the Unmute Presents podcast feed.

Tune in for practical advice and insights to make the most of your Apple devices!

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All things Lady A: exploring Alexa Devices

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 23:21:00 -0000

In this episode of All Things Lady A, Lucy talks about the devices available that allow you to engage with your Alexa.

These devices include but are not limited to:

Echo 4th Generation: A versatile device priced around $54.99, featuring a smart home hub, Amazon Sidewalk, Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Amazon’s AZ-1 processor. Its orb shape houses three audio drivers, making it a great all-around choice.
Echo Pop: A compact and affordable option at $17.99, designed for small spaces like dorms or bathrooms. It includes a front-firing speaker, Amazon’s AZ-2 Neural Edge processor, and works as a network extender for Eero Mesh networks. Lucy highlights its excellent sound quality for its size.
Echo Pop Kids: Tailored for children, this device offers parental controls, fun designs, and kid-friendly content, making it ideal for younger users.

Lucy discusses these and other Lady A devices, providing an overview of their features and approximate prices. She also shares insights on choosing the right Echo device based on location and functionality preferences, such as privacy controls for microphones and cameras.

Whether you're looking for powerful audio, compact convenience, or kid-friendly designs, this episode offers valuable insights into the Lady A lineup!

Tune in to hear Lucy's recommendations and tips for getting the most out of your Alexa devices.

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Shell Phone Show: Migrating from the Blindshell Classic 2 to the Blindshell Classic 3

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:35:24 -0000

Diane shares her migration from the Blind Shell Classic 2 to the Classic 3 in this episode of the Shell Phone Show, offering insights and encouragement for listeners.

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Community Unmuted - 7 DEC

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:35:00 -0000

In this ACB Community Call episode, hosts discuss tech accessibility, share tips on the Open Run Pro headset and iPhone shortcuts, engage with questions, and invite feedback for future topics.

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Digital Bytes: Email Tips, LaunchBar, and Android Shortcuts

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 17:02:42 -0000

In this week’s Digital Bytes, we’re sharing three tech tips to make your digital life easier:

Organizing Email on iPhone
Learn how to move emails from your inbox to custom folders in the iPhone Mail app. Create new folders for projects, bills, or recipes to keep your inbox tidy.
Effortlessly Use LaunchBar on macOS
Quickly copy and transfer information like tracking numbers to apps such as Parcel. With LaunchBar, sending selected text to specific apps is just a few keystrokes away.
Customizing the Side Button on Android
Program your Android device’s side button for quick access to your favorite app or feature by double-pressing it. Explore this option in Advanced Features to save time.

Join us weekly for bite-sized tech insights you can use right away!

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Holiday Greetings and Braille Innovations: Cards, Labels, and More!

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 15:19:14 -0000

Get into the holiday spirit with our December 2024 podcast, At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now! This episode is packed with creative and practical tips for the Braille-using community. Learn how to:

Create holiday cards in Braille, including techniques for using the Perkins Brailler with thick cardstock or sticky labels.
Label your holiday gifts in Braille for a festive and accessible touch.
Experiment with drawing festive images, like Christmas trees, using the Perkins Brailler.
Label touchscreens and appliances with Braille—just in case Santa leaves something special under your tree!

Discover ideas for personalizing your holiday traditions and making them more inclusive. Have a tip or feedback? We'd love to hear from you at feedback@unmute.show.

Suggested Links:

Let us know your favorite Braille-related holiday traditions!

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Digital Bytes - 1 DEC

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 18:50:11 -0000

Digital Bytes - December 1, 2024: 3 Tech Tips for Accessibility

Tech Tip 1: Shokz Open Run Pro 2 Headset

Brand new release in October 2024
Priced at $179.95
Key Upgrades:
USB-C charging (goodbye magnetic cables!)
Thicker transducers for improved sound quality
Enhanced audio experience with bone conduction technology
Built-in microphone for clear communication
Where to buy: ATGuys.com

Tech Tip 2: Navigating Screen Recognition on iPhone

Hidden accessibility setting that can cause unexpected behaviors
How to check and manage Screen Recognition:
Go to VoiceOver settings
Locate the Screen Recognition option
Review which apps have this feature enabled
Customize or turn off as needed
Pro tip: Remove from rotor if causing frustration

Tech Tip 3: Customize Today View with VoiceOver

Easy accessibility customization for iPhone
How to access and edit:
Three-finger swipe right to Today View
Tap 'Edit' at the bottom
Add widgets of your choice
Configure widget sizes and information
Personalize your iPhone's information dashboard quickly and easily

Quick Contact

Feedback: feedback@unmute.show

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2024 Unmute Holiday Gift Guide: Tech Treasures and Thoughtful Gadgets

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:12:00 -0000

Welcome to the 2024 Unmute Holiday Gift Guide! This year, Michael Babcock and Marty are joined by Chris Cooke and Liz Botner to bring you a curated list of tech treasures and thoughtful gadgets perfect for the holiday season. From practical tools to fun gadgets, we've got something for everyone on your list.

Episode Highlights:

Cane Lights for Visibility: Jane shares her recommendations for the Faroes Cane Light from AmbiTech and the Taglit magnetic light from Niteize, perfect for cane users needing extra visibility during the darker winter months.
Kosari Dual Blaze Air Fryer: Evan Starnes introduces us to a unique air fryer with dual heating elements, making it easier and safer for blind and low-vision users to cook without needing to shake the basket.
Echo Pop Smart Speaker: Lucy from All Things Lady A recommends the Echo Pop, a compact and affordable Alexa device with impressive sound quality, perfect for small spaces.
Face Screen for Mac Presentations: Allison Sheridan from the Podfeet podcast talks about Face Screen, a Mac app that makes your presentations more engaging by adding a floating video of your face.
MagnaLink 360 Pro Magnetic Cables: Chris Cooke highlights these versatile magnetic cables that offer both data transfer and charging, with a swivel head to prevent cable damage.
Orbit Writer and Turtleback Case: A community member recommends the Orbit Writer paired with a Turtleback Case, ideal for on-the-go Braille input and protection.
Charge 100W Charging Station: JJ from ATGuys suggests this power hub that can charge multiple devices at once, making it a great stocking stuffer.
Duolingo Language Learning App: Ramya recommends Duolingo for its accessibility and fun, engaging way to learn new languages.
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs: Michael Doeys talks about the benefits of Philips Hue bulbs for home automation, offering convenience and accessibility.
Anchor Nano 3-in-1 Portable Battery Bank: Liz suggests this handy battery bank with a built-in USB-C cable and foldable wall plug, perfect for charging on the go.
Kroser Backpack: Liz also recommends this spacious and durable backpack, ideal for carrying laptops, Braille devices, and other tech essentials.
Keyboard Maestro for Mac Automation: Michael Babcock wraps up with a recommendation for Keyboard Maestro, a powerful tool for automating tasks on your Mac.

Special Mention: Don't forget to mark your calendars for Colorado Gives Day on December 10th. Support After Sight and give to the causes you care about. Visit https://coloradogivesday.org/organizations/aftersight to make your donation.

Happy Holidays from the Unmute Team!# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Android Unmuted: Seeing AI and Google Lookout on Android

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 10:39:00 -0000

In this episode of Android Unmuted, Marty and Liz continue their conversation about Android accessibility. Liz gives an update on her new phone and case, sharing some practical insights. Marty discusses the unexpected bonus of receiving a phone with a pre-installed case!

The main discussion focuses on comparing the Seeing AI app on Android and iOS, including differences in features and layout. Liz highlights the app's functionality on Android, noting the absence of the World channel and the placement of controls at the bottom of the screen, a departure from typical Android app design.

They also dive into Google Lookout, exploring how it stacks up against Seeing AI and what makes each app useful for accessibility. Whether you’re deciding between Android and iOS or exploring accessible app options, this episode offers practical tips and firsthand experiences to help you make informed decisions.

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Digital Bytes: Spotlight Search, Loopback Tips, and Holiday Cooking Tips

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:49:00 -0000

This week on Digital Bytes, we bring you practical tips and expert advice to enhance your tech skills and get you ready for the holidays!

1.  Spotlight Search Made Simple

Discover the power of Spotlight Search on your iPhone. From quickly finding apps to performing internet searches directly from your home or lock screen, this feature is a game-changer for VoiceOver users. Learn how to access it faster and make it part of your daily routine.

2.  Guest Feature: Demasi Shares Audio Routing Tips

This week, we’re joined by Demasi, who walks us through solving a common issue for macOS VoiceOver users with the Focusrite Vocaster. He demonstrates how to use Loopback to manage audio routing, ensuring only your microphone audio is sent through Zoom or other apps. If you’ve ever struggled with unintended audio being shared during calls, this is a must-listen segment.

3.  Holiday Cooking Shortcuts

Make your holiday cooking stress-free with a quick tip for organizing recipes on your iPhone. Learn how to create home screen shortcuts for your favorite recipe websites and apps, featuring a practical example with Instant Pot recipes from Amy and Jackie. Simplify your holiday prep with this easy-to-use method!

For more tips and discussions, visit unmute.show and join our community of tech enthusiasts! text

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Jaws Tips - Configuring Jaws Verbosity

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:56:09 -0000

Episode Overview
Learn how to adjust JAWS verbosity settings to control the level of detail during navigation. Optimize your experience with these quick customization tips.

Highlights

Verbosity Basics (00:46)
Understand JAWS verbosity and how it changes the amount of feedback you hear.
Custom Settings (02:54)
Step-by-step guide to modifying verbosity for smoother web navigation.
Fine-Tune Preferences (04:10)
Toggle announcements like lists, navigation regions, and articles for a cleaner experience.
Save and Apply (05:48)
Easily save verbosity settings and test streamlined navigation on Unmute.show.

More Resources
Visit Unmute.show for more JAWS tips and tutorials.

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Mac Chat: New M4 Macs, Clipboard Magic, and More Mac Tips

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:49:00 -0000

Show Notes: In this episode of Mac Chat, join Chris and Marty as they explore the latest in Mac hardware, essential clipboard tips, and a practical guide on making clickable text links in emails. Here’s what to expect:

New M4 Macs Rundown: A look at the upcoming M4 chip expansion across Apple’s lineup, including the anticipated Mac Mini and other models. Find out why the Mac Mini could be the perfect balance of power and affordability.
Clipboard Tips & Managers: Discover a hidden macOS feature to view clipboard contents and learn about “Paste,” a helpful clipboard manager app for retaining copied items. Perfect for anyone juggling multiple snippets of text, images, or links.
Setapp Review: Explore Setapp, a subscription service providing access to a vast library of productivity apps, including popular utilities like CleanMyMac X. Learn how Setapp offers a cost-effective way to test and use apps without commitment.
Tab Switching in Safari and Chrome: A game-changer for research and multitasking—use Command+1 through Command+9 to switch between tabs effortlessly.
Linking Text in Emails: A quick demo on creating clickable text links on Mac, ideal for clean, professional emails without lengthy URLs.
Listener Interaction: Get involved! Have questions or tips? Reach out at feedback@unmute.show.

Join us for a tech-filled chat full of actionable insights and practical tips for all Mac enthusiasts!

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Shell Phone Show: Adding multiple emails to a contact

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:45:39 -0000

This episode provides a guide to managing multiple email addresses on the Blind Shell Classic II, demonstrating how to add extra entries for the same contact and encouraging listeners to try the technique themselves.

Community Replay for 19 NOV (AI Generated)

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:00:01 -0000

The episode explores digital organization with Hazel, discusses iPhone quirks, accessibility improvements, web challenges, and app ownership changes, offering strategies for effective navigation in the digital landscape.

Digital Bytes: Automating Files, iPhone Tricks, and Bookmark Organization

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 02:45:13 -0000

Show Notes:

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we explore practical tips and tricks to make your tech life more efficient and tailored to your needs. Here’s what we cover:

Automating File Management with Hazel
Learn how to streamline your workflow using Hazel on the Mac. Set up rules to automatically organize files, move them to specific folders, and keep your downloads tidy. Plus, hear how you can take this automation further with tools like Keyboard Maestro.
iPhone 16 Camera Button Customization
Discover how to manage the new physical camera button on the iPhone 16. Adjust settings to prevent accidental activations and customize the button to perform tasks like opening the barcode scanner instead.
Organizing Safari Bookmarks on iPhone
Get step-by-step guidance on how to organize, reorder, and rename your Safari bookmarks. Whether you’re dragging items to the top of your favorites list or making small adjustments with the edit button, take control of your saved links.

Listen to this episode for actionable tips and tricks, and don’t forget to visit unmute.show for more content and updates!# You can

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Jaws Tip: FS Companion

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:05:00 -0000

In this JAWS tip, we introduce the new FS Companion AI tool, available with JAWS 2025. Learn how to access and use this exciting feature to enhance your JAWS experience:

Quick Access: Activate FS Companion AI by pressing JAWS + Space, followed by F1, or visit fscompanion.ai.
Key Features: Ask the AI for tips and tricks on using JAWS and Windows applications, like PowerPoint.
Practical Demonstration: Discover how FS Companion helps learn how to navigate slides, managing speaker notes, and adding comments in PowerPoint.

For more engaging tech tips and tools, visit Unmute Presents and join Club Unmute to stay connected with our community.

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All Things Lady A: Exploring My Talking Books!

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:18:00 -0000

In this episode of All Things Lady A, Lucy takes us through the "My Talking Books" skill, a tool in beta testing that provides access to audiobooks from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). Lucy covers:

Overview of My Talking Books: Key features of the skill and its current beta status, including who can access it and how to sign up.
Getting Started: Steps for new users to start using My Talking Books, including essential commands and tips for smoother interaction.
Searching for Books: Ways to search for books by author, title, genre, and more, plus using a wishlist for efficient book selection.
Demonstration of Book Playback: A real-time demonstration, showing both the potential and the challenges Lucy experienced with playback and control.
Challenges and Observations: Lucy’s insights on the skill’s command-specific nature and areas for improvement, along with her personal preferences for using it.

While there are a few kinks to iron out, Lucy believes this skill could be invaluable to NLS patrons seeking easier access to audiobooks on Lady A. Tune in to learn more and see if this skill might be right for you!

Stay tuned for more tips and demonstrations on All Things Lady A, and until next time, enjoy your Lady A experience!

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Special Community Unmuted for 12 NOV

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:31:24 -0000

Show Notes: Community Unmuted Special Episode

Welcome to a unique edition of Community Unmuted, where we try out a new, experimental format using AI-based voices to answer listener questions! Here’s a quick overview of the episode’s highlights:

Using AI Voices for Listener Questions: We’ve collected questions sent via email and had our AI voices respond to them! You can join in on future episodes by sending your questions to feedback@unmute.show.
Latest Episode Rundown:
Digital Bytes: Michael demonstrates setting up VoiceOver on an external drive, Chris shares a quick way to make Dropbox links auto-download, and Marty answers questions on simplifying phone calls.
JAWS Tips: Learn how to customize startup options and make the most of your Braille settings with help from the team.
Listener Questions Addressed:
Simplifying Phone Calls: Tips on using Siri to make calls hands-free and setting up contacts for quicker navigation.
VoiceOver Navigation: A workaround for customizing gestures when using Grouped navigation style.
Accessible Battery Solutions: Recommendations for accessible battery chargers and testers, including the Power Owl charger and the APH EZ battery tester.
Updating iPhone with Confidence: Insights on safe update practices, including tips from AppleVis.com for staying informed about accessibility updates.
Feedback & Club Membership: We’d love your thoughts on this format! Join our Unmute Club at unmute.show for early access to experimental content.
Holiday Gift Guide Submission: Our second annual tech gift guide is coming soon! Submit your gift ideas by sending a short audio clip to feedback@unmute.show or through unmute.show/gift. The guide will air on Black Friday, November 29th.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to share your feedback!

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Digital Bytes: Configuring VoiceOver, Auto-Download Links, and Voice Commands for Calls

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 19:53:03 -0000

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of portable preferences for macOS VoiceOver users, quick tips for creating auto-download links on Google Drive and Dropbox, and convenient ways to make calls using just your voice.

Show Notes:

Configuring VoiceOver for Portability
If you’re a VoiceOver user who switches between multiple Macs, portable preferences let you take your customized settings with you. Connect a portable drive, configure your preferences, and maintain consistent accessibility settings wherever you go. Learn how to set up portable preferences and the handy import/export options for backing up your VoiceOver settings.

Auto-Download Links for Google Drive and Dropbox
Looking for an easy way to share files without requiring extra clicks? In just a few steps, you can convert standard Google Drive and Dropbox links into direct downloads:

Dropbox: Change the final number in the link to “1” to enable instant downloading.
Google Drive: For a quick solution, use Paperform’s Google Drive Direct Download Link Generator, or manually create a direct download link by replacing parts of the file URL.

Using Voice Commands to Make Calls
From saved contacts to local businesses, making calls with your voice is easier than ever. Simply invoke Siri and ask it to call or text contacts by name or number, or use it to find and call local businesses on the go.

For past episodes and more resources, visit Unmute.show.

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JAWS Tips for Beginners: Setting Up Automatic Startup for Easy Access

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:38:51 -0000

In this beginner-friendly episode, we cover essential JAWS tips to help you configure automatic startup settings, ensuring JAWS launches just when you need it. You’ll learn how to access JAWS settings, navigate startup options, and tailor the program’s behavior for single or shared computers. We’ll also walk you through managing User Account Control prompts to make sure your settings apply smoothly every time.

Whether you're new to JAWS or looking to optimize your screen reader setup, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance for improving your JAWS experience. Visit [unmute.show]QQQQ(https://unmute.show) for more JAWS tips and accessibility resources.

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At Your Fingertips: Braille Buffet

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 16:14:28 -0000

Show Notes for "At Your Fingertips: Braille Buffet November 2024"

In this episode, we dive into a mix of Braille tech tips, childhood reading memories, and holiday gift ideas for Braille enthusiasts. Explore tips for Braille display troubleshooting, nostalgic resources, global Braille charities, and unique gift suggestions for the giving season.

Highlights

Braille Tech Tips - Topic: Troubleshooting Brailliant BI 40X/20X connectivity with iPhone. - Solution: Disable "Perkins in Terminal" setting to regain command functionality. - Takeaway: Helpful tips for those using Braille displays with iPhones.
Childhood Reading Memories - Topic: Vintage Braille books from the Braille Institute of America. - Details: Recollections of scratch-and-sniff pages and other unique tactile features. - Resource: Vintage Braille books can still be found on eBay.
Charities for the Blind - Focus: American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. - Programs: Braille Books program, ShareBraille, Braille Reading Pals Club. - Extras: Free Braille calendars for 2025 – available to order.
Gift Ideas for the Giving Season - Ideas: Braille gifts from Etsy, including Braille fidget toys, pegboards, and cards. - Recommended Stores: Blind Mice Mega Mall, Blind Bookstop, Blind Girl Designs.
Global Braille Resources - Spotlight: Sao Mai Center in Vietnam. - Offerings: Free Braille translation software, supporting over 150 languages, music notation, and tactile graphics. - Demo and Resources: Check their playlist and English-translated site for software demos.
December Preview - Upcoming Topics: UK's Clear Vision Library, Perkins-made holiday cards, part two of the Braille gift guide.

Navigating Sound Profiles on the BlindShell Classic 2

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 23:39:10 -0000

Show Notes: Navigating Sound Profiles on the BlindShell Classic 2

In this episode of the Shellphone Show, brought to you by AT Guys, we dive into sound profiles on the BlindShell Classic 2—a popular, accessible phone for blind and visually impaired users. The BlindShell Classic 2, available in both red and black, can be purchased at atguys.com/blindshell, where you'll also find useful accessories like spare batteries and protective cases.

Episode Highlights:

Changing Sound Profiles: Learn step-by-step how to adjust sound profiles on the BlindShell Classic 2 to fit your needs, whether it's setting the phone to ring and vibrate, vibrate only, or even go into silent or airplane mode. The episode explains how to access these settings through the main menu or by using a shortcut with the pound key.
Accessible Phone Features: Adrian, aka Drizzle Up, demonstrates simple navigation techniques on the BlindShell Classic 2 to streamline adjusting your sound preferences.
Quick Tips: Whether through the settings menu or using voice commands, Adrian shares easy ways to get your BlindShell Classic 2 sound profile configured quickly and efficiently.

If you or someone you know is looking for an accessible phone that provides customization, easy navigation, and a variety of sound options, be sure to check out the BlindShell Classic 2 at AT Guys.

Stay subscribed to the Shellphone Show for more helpful guides on accessible technology, exclusive to AT Guys!

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Community Unmuted for 2 Nov

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:55:00 -0000

Show Notes for Community Unmuted - November 2, 2024

Episode Highlights:

Podcast Hiatus: Marty and Michael announce a temporary hiatus for the Tuesday Community Unmuted call until the end of the year. They’re focusing on enhancing the experience for Unmute Club members. They plan to keep producing content on Tuesdays in a new format, with club members receiving early access.
Weekend Community Unmuted: To accommodate those who can't join midweek, Unmute experimented with a weekend session on Saturday, November 2. Tech questions covered holiday gift ideas, audio description for elections, and accessible battery chargers.
Holiday Tech Gift Ideas:
Michael Doise: AirPods Pro 2, praised for features like hearing aid compatibility.
Liz: Portable battery charger with built-in cables, ideally USB-C.
Michael Babcock: MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer, durable at high temperatures.
Petra: Meta glasses for hands-free text recognition.
Unmute Community Tech Gift Guide: Michael and Marty announce a tech gift guide project for the holiday season. Visit unmute.show for details and to participate.
VoiceOver Tips and Q&A:
VoiceOver Navigation Styles: Michael Babcock explains grouped vs. flat navigation in iOS, recommending group mode for quicker navigation.
Call Recording on iPhone: A step-by-step on recording calls, including accessing and playing recordings in the Notes app.
Election Audio Description: Discussion on accessing election coverage with audio descriptions on cable and streaming platforms. Tips include using secondary audio programs (SAP) and alternative sources like NPR for accessible election commentary.
Tech App & Accessibility Issues:
Accessible Battery Chargers: Suggestions like the Power Owl charger for AA and AAA batteries.
Planet Fitness App: Users are encouraged to advocate for app accessibility by contacting customer support or leaving feedback via social media.
AI and Visual Intelligence: Michael Doise shares insights on using AI-driven features in iOS for image description and accessibility, discussing prompt strategies for better results with Meta and other AI platforms.
Envision Ally App and Smart Glasses: Updates on Envision Ally’s personal assistant features and the potential for future use with Be My Eyes on Meta Ray-Ban glasses.

Wrap-Up and Future Plans:

The episode closes with a reminder of the first Saturday of December for the next session. Club members can visit unmute.show for updates and email questions to feedback@unmute.show.

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Digital Bytes: Fantastical, Securing Apps, and Opening Apps With SIRI

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 19:01:13 -0000

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Chris walks us through the Fantastical calendar app, showing how to set up and use it to keep all your events organized. Then, Michael shares how to lock apps like Safari using Face ID to keep your information private. Finally, Marty explains how to quickly open apps using Siri. These tips make managing your iPhone easier and more secure!

Catch all episodes and updates on Unmute.show, and join the conversation in Club Unmute!

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JAWS Tips - Forms Mode Explained

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:26:00 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, the different settings for JAWS Forms Mode are explained, highlighting how each impacts web navigation and accessibility. The episode covers three Forms Mode options: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual, showing how each mode changes JAWS’s response to input fields, search boxes, and interactive elements.

Listeners are guided on adjusting Forms Mode with specific examples like search fields in Zendesk, learning how to customize settings per browser for smoother navigation without unintentionally activating Forms Mode.

For more tech tips, visit unmute.show.

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Community Unmuted for 29 OCT

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 23:52:33 -0000

- Issue: Focus not staying on the email after backing out.

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Digital Bytes: Smart Cooking, Reliable Power, and Inbox Organization

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 20:22:47 -0000

In this Digital Bytes episode, we cover three unique gadgets and tips for everyday convenience. First, we explore the Meater 2 Plus, a wireless meat thermometer with dual sensors, perfect for precise holiday cooking. Next, Chris introduces Power Owl's rechargeable battery charger—a reliable and eco-friendly way to keep devices powered up with high-capacity batteries. Lastly, Marty shares a quick iPhone Mail trick for moving messages to custom folders, helping you organize your inbox more efficiently.

Links:

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Android Unmuted: What's that in your Box

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:31:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore Android accessibility from the experiences of users with blindness or low vision. I, Liz, along with my co-host Marty, share our transitions from Apple to Android devices, examining key accessibility features like TalkBack, the Accessibility Suite, and Voice Access. We emphasize the importance of device choice, recommending "pure" Android devices for a better experience, particularly Google Pixel models. Both of us reveal our personal device choices, discussing initial experiences navigating Android. We also dive into the unboxing of our new devices, highlighting features and accessories. Our lighthearted conversation invites listeners to share their experiences and tips as we embark on this journey into the Android ecosystem.

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Community Unmuted - 22 October

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:34:21 -0000

In this episode of Unmute, we discuss anticipated iOS 18.1 features, community feedback, AI writing tools, Apple ID concerns, and device performance, while encouraging ongoing dialogue on technology and accessibility.

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Digital Bytes: "Bug Reporting, Hybrid Audio Solutions, and Identifying Songs with Siri"

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 23:17:02 -0000

Episode Notes:

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we cover a variety of tech tips and troubleshooting advice:

Bug Reporting with Dropbox: Chris walks us through the steps she took to report an accessibility issue with the Dropbox app, highlighting how to get in touch with developers via the Dropbox community forum.
Hybrid Audio Setup Solutions: Michael dives into the details of setting up audio for hybrid conventions, sharing tips for using the Mackie Pro FX12 V3 mixer to ensure smooth audio for both in-person attendees and Zoom participants.
Identifying Songs with Siri: Marty shares a quick tip on how to use Siri to identify songs you hear while out and about.

Interested in learning more about tech tips and tools? Join the Unmute Club for exclusive content and deep dives into audio editing with Reaper. Visit unmute.show to join!

Also, don’t miss Lucy’s show, All About Lady A, for monthly tips on getting the most out of your Amazon Alexa. Catch it on the Unmute Presents feed every second Thursday of the month!

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MacChat: "Exploring Parallels, ChatGPT, and CleanMyMac: Mac Adventures and Beyond"

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 07:23:00 -0000

In this episode of MacChat, Chris and Marty dive into exciting Mac-related adventures, sharing insights on using Parallels to run Windows 11 on a Mac Mini, optimizing storage with CleanMyMac X, and exploring the benefits of ChatGPT for translating documents in multiple languages. Chris shares her experience with ChatGPT’s impressive ability to translate a Braille display tutorial into Vietnamese in just seconds, making it an invaluable tool for non-English speakers. They also discuss Marty's use of MacGPT, an app that provides easy access to ChatGPT on Mac, and the differences between the paid and free versions.

The conversation later shifts to the fun of using Farrago, a soundboard app from Rogue Amoeba, and the potential of integrating it with a Stream Deck for a tactile sound trigger experience. They wrap up by sharing their favorite Mac podcasts, including "Mac Geek Gab" and "Mac Power Users," and Chris highlights the usefulness of tactile graphics and hands-on teaching methods when working with students who are blind or visually impaired. It’s a packed episode with plenty of tips and tricks for Mac users of all levels.

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how to customize emojis on the BlindShell Classic 2

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:46:49 -0000

In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, host Adrian, a.k.a. Driza, demonstrates how to customize emojis on the BlindShell Classic 2 phone. He covers deleting unwanted emojis and adding new ones, concluding with a text message demonstration. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the technology and the community, with more exciting content to come.

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Community Unmuted for 15 October

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:38:21 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, the hosts celebrate White Cane Day by discussing favorite navigation tools like Victor Reader Trek and Aira. Michael D. shares updates on Apple's new iPad Mini and Apple Pencil Pro, along with his new project, Beyond the Gallery, a site for discovering and sharing Shortcuts. The team also highlights key iOS 18 features like scheduled messages and home screen customization, and explores the JAWS Dictionary Manager.

Listeners call in with questions about managing pop-ups on Windows, using PDFs with AI tools, and getting the most out of smart glasses and fitness trackers. There's also helpful advice for BlindShell Classic 2 users on navigating long email lists and managing secured PDFs with JAWS. Tune in for tech tips, updates, and community-driven solutions.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/e75a7c03-5bca-4e8c-bf4d-aa3b817aeaa5

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Digital Bytes: Tackling iOS 18: Send Later, Notifications, and Home Screen Customization"

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 02:33:55 -0000

Show Notes:

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we dive into the latest features of iOS 18, specifically designed to enhance productivity and accessibility for VoiceOver users. We kick off with an exciting announcement: Unmute Presents is launching a new weekend show starting in November!

Key Topics Covered:

Send Later Feature in iOS 18: Learn how to schedule messages for future delivery, ensuring you can send reminders or important messages at the perfect time without disturbing anyone.
Accessing Notifications with VoiceOver: A step-by-step guide on how to efficiently manage your notifications using VoiceOver, making sure you never miss an important update.
Rearranging iOS Home Screen Apps: Discover how to take control of your home screen by moving apps to your preferred positions, improving accessibility and efficiency for everyday tasks.

Tune in for practical demonstrations of these powerful new tools and tips on how they can enhance your iOS experience.

Let me know if you need any changes!

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"Customizing JAWS with Dictionary Manager"

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 03:10:47 -0000

Show Notes:
In this episode, Michael guides you through the JAWS Dictionary Manager, showing how to customize what your screen reader says. From changing specific words to assigning sounds for key terms, you’ll learn how to streamline your JAWS experience and improve efficiency. This simple but powerful tool gives you more control over what you hear, helping you navigate faster and with less distraction.

Join our live calls every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific in the ACB community or catch the replays on your favorite podcast platform by searching for Unmute Presents.

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All Things Lady A - Playing an instrument

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:36:00 -0000

This episode of Unmute Presents explores using your Lady A device for piano and guitar lessons, covering scales, tuning, and chord basics, while highlighting the device's strengths and limitations in music education.

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Community Unmuted on 8 OCT,

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:35:18 -0000

This Unmute episode covers favorite streaming services, tech support for iPhone 16 Pro Max and Roku, highlights accessibility features of Paramount Plus and HBO Max, and previews upcoming community events.

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Digital Bytes: Greeting Cards, iOS 18 Control Center, and Managing Siri Interruptions

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 21:59:55 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we explore three helpful tech topics to enhance your daily digital experiences. First, we dive into accessible greeting card services, specifically BlueMountain.com, where you can easily personalize cards and attach digital gift cards. Learn how to use tools like JAWS PictureSmart to identify card images and tailor your messages with ease.

Next, we cover iOS 18’s redesigned Control Center. Discover how to fully customize your settings, including new features like the power button, making it easier to manage everything from Wi-Fi to Bluetooth.

Finally, we discuss a solution to one of Siri’s frustrating habits—interrupting itself while responding. We’ll show you how to adjust Siri’s settings, ensuring it only interrupts when prompted, giving you smoother and more controlled voice assistant interactions.

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Jaws Tips - Introduction to Placemarkers

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 02:29:36 -0000

Show Notes: Episode Overview

In this episode of Unmute Presents, we dive into upcoming changes for the show and explore a powerful feature in JAWS for website navigation: Place Markers.

Topics Covered:

Exciting News: Saturday Shows Are Coming!
Starting in November, Unmute Presents will air on the first Saturday of every month! Stay tuned and visit our website, unmute.show, for more information, or check out the daily community email for updates.
Using Place Markers in JAWS
- What Are Place Markers?
Place Markers are a handy JAWS tool that allows you to quickly navigate to specific sections of a webpage. Whether you want to check if changes are effective or activate a particular link, Place Markers can save you time.

Setting Up Place Markers
Michael explains how to set up Place Markers in JAWS, including how to anchor them to specific text for easy navigation across web pages. He demonstrates this by troubleshooting a plugin on a website and efficiently moving through the form settings.

Navigating Websites with Place Markers
Once Place Markers are set, you can use them to streamline your navigation process. Instead of using the "E" key to locate an edit field and manually arrowing up or down, you can jump directly to the section you're interested in by using the "K" key. Michael demonstrates this process while troubleshooting plugins on a form settings page.
Advanced Tips: Customizing with FlexibleWeb
Place Markers, combined with FlexibleWeb, can give you complete control over your browsing experience on websites and web-based apps, allowing you to tailor your navigation to your needs.

Key Takeaways:

Unmute Presents is expanding its schedule starting in November.
Place Markers in JAWS are a time-saving tool for navigating web pages.
Learn how to set Place Markers, customize them for specific websites, and use them in combination with other tools like FlexibleWeb for a more efficient web experience.

Tune in for more accessibility tips and stay connected with the Unmute community!

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/f5d3c8f6-5c99-4a3e-a846-1f1b2813a786

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At Your Fingertips: Signs, Designs, and Labels, Oh My!

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Unmute, we dive into the world of Braille signage, labeling solutions, and tips for everyday tasks for those who use Braille. Here’s a breakdown of the topics discussed:

Podcast Schedule Update
We’re expanding our schedule! Starting in November, we’ll be live on the first Saturday of every month. Visit unmute.show for more details and updates.

Braille Signage Adventures
Ever had an embarrassing moment because of lack of Braille signage? Our host shares a couple of stories, from picking the wrong restroom door to pressing the wrong button on a train. These incidents highlight the importance of proper signage and labeling for the blind community, with a nod to regulations like the ADA. We also explore the fascinating world of accessible ATMs and how Braille on ATMs has evolved over time.

Exploring Braille Signage Requirements
Our host goes down a rabbit hole, explaining the ADA requirements for Braille signage in public places, from restrooms to elevators. Want to know how Braille signs are made, their regulations, and how they can differ in different spaces? Tune in to learn about tactile signage and Braille placement standards in the U.S.

Braille Labeling Tips for Everyday Use
For everyday labeling needs, we talk about inexpensive Braille labelers, handy tips on labeling household items, and even high-tech solutions like the Six Dot Braille Label Maker. Whether you’re looking for a simple handheld labeler or a more advanced tech solution, we’ve got something for you.

Where to Find Braille Sign Makers
Need a custom Braille sign? We give a rundown of a few popular websites where you can get them, like BrailleSignsPro.com and adasignfactory.com. Plus, a humorous look at Braille signs popping up on eBay!

Upcoming Episodes
Looking ahead, we’ll be interviewing guests who have visited Louis Braille’s house in France. Stay tuned for that interview, coming near the end of the year or in early 2025.

Join the Unmute Club
Don't forget! For only $3 a month, you can join the Unmute Club to access exclusive classes like the recent Braille course, available for download or live participation. Head over to unmute.show for more information.

As always, if you have questions or feedback, feel free to email us at feedback@unmute.show!

Stay tuned for more exciting topics and stories!

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Community Unmuted for 1 OCT

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:54:54 -0000

In this episode of Community Unmuted, we discuss technology and connectivity for the blind and visually impaired community, starting with participants sharing their first tech experiences. We announce a new Saturday morning call beginning in November and highlight upcoming events, including a JAWS special event and opportunities for community podcast pitches. The conversation focuses on addressing community questions, with attendees seeking advice on troubleshooting video issues and optimizing smartphone apps. We provide tips on video sharing and navigating tech tools, as well as updates on assistive technology and the importance of staying current with devices like Microsoft 365. The session exemplifies the community's collaborative spirit, with participants sharing resources and support for one another. We conclude by encouraging ongoing engagement within the vibrant Unmute community.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/adaa49aa-5a26-4d27-b04f-9f9daa9bad80

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Shell Phone Show: The Flashlight

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:51:11 -0000

In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, Driza(Adrian) gives a hands-on demonstration of how to locate and use the flashlight feature on the BlindShell Classic 2. Whether you need a quick light or have some low vision, this guide covers how the flashlight can be helpful in various scenarios.

Key Points Covered:

Where the Flashlight is Located: Learn to identify the physical location of the flashlight on the BlindShell Classic 2.
Turning On the Flashlight Manually: Step-by-step instructions on accessing the flashlight through the menu.
Adjusting the Volume of the Click Sound: If you find the clicking sound too loud when the flashlight is on, Adrian explains how to lower the volume using the side buttons.
Using Voice Commands: Discover how to use voice dictation to turn the flashlight on and off for quick access.

Additional Tips:

You can add the flashlight to your favorites for faster access.
Adrian provides a workaround for minimizing the clicking noise using the volume buttons on the phone.

Resources:

Have questions? Reach out to Drizzle at drizzle17@att.net.
For more content like this and updates on the BlindShell Classic 2, visit unmute.show.
Special thanks to Andre Louis for the music from his shorts collection used in the episode.

Tune in next time to learn more about the useful features of the BlindShell Classic 2!

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Fixing the Flow: A Listener's Guide to Joining Club Unmute

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 21:39:57 -0000

Episode Summary:
In response to a listener’s question about how to sign up for Club Unmute, Michael provides a detailed walkthrough of the membership process using the Memberful platform. While demonstrating how to join and access exclusive content, Michael uncovers a few areas where the user experience could be improved, particularly for those using screen readers like JAWS. He discusses these issues and plans to provide feedback to Memberful to enhance the overall accessibility and functionality for new users. Join us as we explore the signup process and highlight the changes that could make it even smoother.

Key Topics:

Step-by-step guide on signing up for Club Unmute
Listener question: How to join and navigate the interface
Identifying issues with screen reader navigation
Plans to address feedback with Memberful to improve accessibility

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/dc9221a7-5dae-4ad8-a1c3-fde7a1228add

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Digital Bytes: Advanced Voice Mode, Android Home Screen Hacks, and Today View Customization

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 07:07:00 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, dive into a demonstration of ChatGPT's new Advanced Voice Mode, showcasing how this feature can be used to enhance voice interactions. Learn how to activate the voice mode and interrupt ChatGPT for smoother conversations, perfect for those seeking a more efficient way to interact with AI.

Additionally, discover tips for managing your Android home screen, including moving apps, organizing folders, and even decluttering by removing blank pages. Finally, get a quick guide on customizing the Today View with widgets to personalize your device and access important information at a glance.

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Town Hall Replay

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 15:07:29 -0000

In this episode, we discuss updates for Club Unmute, including a membership price change to $4.99 next year, while current members retain their $3 rate. We introduce an annual membership option for savings and gifting memberships for the holidays.

We announce the Unmute Holiday Gift Guide, inviting audio gift recommendations, and call for new show ideas for the Unmute Presents network to support aspiring podcasters. Additionally, we highlight upcoming educational programs, such as classes on JAWS and WordPress.

This episode underscores our dedication to community engagement and skill development, welcoming feedback to enhance our offerings.

Links for this Episode:

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Jaws Tips - Keystroke Lookup

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 07:28:00 -0000

Unmute Presents: JAWS Tips - Keystroke Lookup

In this episode of Unmute Presents, we dive into helpful JAWS keystroke tips and explore how to quickly access information related to layered keyboard commands in JAWS.

Show Highlights:

Introduction to Braille Technology (0:00): On the first Thursday of each month, Chris covers Braille and its technology, from past to present. Be sure to subscribe to Unmute Presents or visit unmute.show to catch up on old episodes.
Quick Help for JAWS Keystrokes (0:34): Learn how to instantly access keystroke information using the JAWS keyspace command. Press JAWS key + Space, then the question mark (?) to open a virtual viewer window showing general Layered JAWS keystroke commands.
Exploring Keystroke Commands (1:53): Dive deeper into the JAWS command search. By pressing JAWS key + Space, followed by the letter J, you'll open the search tool, allowing you to find specific keystrokes like how to adjust voice rate.
Example: Searching for Commands (2:27): In the demo, we look up keystrokes for slowing down speech using the "SL" search term. Results include both temporary and permanent methods for adjusting speech rates.
Recap of JAWS Commands (3:37): A brief summary of how to use the JAWS keyspace and question mark command to access layered commands, and the JAWS key + J for searching commands.

For more accessibility tips and tricks, subscribe to Unmute Presents, and don't forget to share your thoughts with us at unmute.show.

Duration: 4 minutes 3 seconds

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Shell Phone Show - Using Special Symbles

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 21:58:08 -0000

Shell Phone Show - Using Special Symbols

In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, we explore how to use special symbols on the BlindShell Classic 2. Whether you're sending an email or taking notes, we'll guide you through the process of inserting characters like hyphens, periods, and more!

Episode Highlights:

Introduction: Learn how to get your BlindShell Classic 2 in red or black from ATGuys, along with accessories like spare batteries and cases. Visit ATGuys.com/Blindshell for more details.
Email Tips for Content Submission: Michael shares how listeners can contribute content to the Shell Phone Show. If you’d like to submit content, email Michael at michael@payown.media.
Using Special Symbols: Listener Charles asked how to insert a hyphen in a BlindShell email. To type symbols on the BlindShell Classic 2, press and hold the pound key (#). You’ll be presented with a list of special characters like commas, periods, parentheses, and more. For a hyphen, press 7 when in the special characters menu.

Key Takeaways:

Access the special characters menu by holding the pound key.
Navigate through the options to find symbols like the hyphen (7 of 32).
Save your notes or emails by pressing OK.

Thank you for listening! Be sure to visit Unmute.show for more helpful BlindShell tips and to learn more about Club Unmute.

Music for this episode was provided by Andre Louis from his Shorts Collection.

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Community Unmuted for 24 September

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 02:41:23 -0000

Digital Bytes: Navigating iOS App Settings, Voiceover Gestures & File Explorer's Address Bar

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 16:20:49 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we cover three practical tech topics to enhance your digital experience:

iOS App Settings: Learn about the recent changes in iOS 18’s settings, including the new "Apps" section. Find out how to easily access and customize preferences for individual apps.
Voiceover Gestures: Struggling with multi-finger gestures on iOS? We share a helpful tip that simplifies the process of executing commands with fewer taps, making navigation smoother for Voiceover users.
File Explorer’s Address Bar: Speed up file navigation on Windows using the powerful address bar feature. From quick access to your Dropbox files to jumping between folders with just a few keystrokes, this trick will save you time and clicks.

Whether you're an iOS user or a Windows pro, these tips will help you navigate your devices with ease. Don’t miss out on this episode full of useful tricks!

Join us next time as we continue exploring more tech tips and updates.

Does this align with what you're looking for?

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Jaws Tips: Balancing Audio

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 21:14:10 -0000

Show Notes: JAWS Tips: Balancing Audio

In this episode, we dive into a handy JAWS trick for balancing audio between your left and right ears, helping you manage JAWS output and other audio sources simultaneously. Michael demonstrates how to adjust the balance of JAWS using keyboard shortcuts and explains why this feature is useful for multitasking or focusing on different audio streams.

This episode is a quick and effective tutorial for JAWS users looking to optimize their workflow and audio experience.

Bonus: Check out our Braille Technology Series!

On the first Thursday of every month, join Chris as she explores Braille technology in Unmute Presents. Make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast feed to stay up to date, or visit unmute.show for past episodes.

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Setting Up Email on the Blindshell Classic II

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 03:07:41 -0000

Show Title:
Setting Up Email on the Blindshell Classic II

Show Notes:
In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, we guide you through setting up the email client on the Blindshell Classic II. Step-by-step, we'll walk you through entering your email address, configuring the settings, and syncing with your Gmail account using Mozilla Thunderbird. Here's a quick breakdown of the process:

Getting Started: Access the "Email" option under communications on your Blindshell Classic II.
Email Setup: Learn how to input your email address, special characters (like the @ symbol), and configure the sender name using dictation.
Password Entry: Discover tips on entering your Gmail password securely.
Final Steps: Complete the process by granting Mozilla Thunderbird access to your Gmail account.

By the end of the episode, you'll have your Blindshell Classic II set up to send and receive emails seamlessly.

Additional Information:

Purchase your Blindshell Classic II in red or black from ATGuys.com and browse accessories like spare batteries and Blindshell Beeps.
For more useful tutorials and to stay updated with Unmute, visit unmute.show.
Music by Andre Louis, courtesy of his shorts collection.

Catch us next time to explore more features of the Blindshell Classic II!

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Mac Chat: Our Mac Journey – From Classic to Cutting-Edge

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 19:05:04 -0000

In this episode, we dive into the world of Mac, exploring how it's evolved from its early days to the powerful machines we know today. Join us as we talk about:

Our experiences with early versions of macOS.
How accessibility on Mac has grown and improved over the years.
Tips for using VoiceOver on Mac effectively.

Whether you're a Mac newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode will have something for you!

Resources:

Official macOS accessibility guide

Be sure to follow us on Unmute for more episodes like this!

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Community Unmuted - 17 September

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:10:21 -0000

In this episode, we discuss the latest Apple device updates and the new iOS features, driven by audience questions. We cover stability experiences, troubleshooting tips for common issues with iPhones and iPads, and solutions for managing video attachments between iPhones and Windows laptops. The conversation includes insights on accessibility features for users with disabilities and personal stories about how new advancements improve daily tasks. We also engage in a Q&A about account setups, password requirements, and share experiences related to mobile and home internet services. We wrap up by encouraging listeners to stay informed about future updates and community events, fostering an ongoing dialogue about tech accessibility.

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Digital Bytes - IOS Roeder Tip - Opening Apps - the new voiceover Tutorial

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 16:16:46 -0000

Digital Bytes - iOS Roeder Tip: Opening Apps - The New VoiceOver Tutorial

In today's episode:

Chris shares a tip on how to make your iOS Roeder stick on the current setting.
Marty demonstrates how to quickly open an app using VoiceOver.
Michael introduces the new VoiceOver Tutorial, showing the latest features!

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Customizing Outlook with JAWS: Quick Settings & Verbosity

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:41:00 -0000

In this JAWS Tips episode, Michael demonstrates how to quickly adjust settings in Outlook using JAWS. Learn how to:

Access quick settings with JAWS key + V
Navigate message status and verbosity options
Use the tab key for more details
Save your changes easily

Streamline your Outlook experience with these handy tips!

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How to Delete All Notifications on the BlindShell Classic 2

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:35:24 -0000

In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, Michael Babcock walks you through a quick and easy way to delete all notifications at once on the BlindShell Classic 2. After a customer reached out with over 240 notifications, Michael shows how to clear them efficiently using the phone's built-in controls.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to the Shell Phone Show
Step-by-step instructions to delete all notifications on the BlindShell Classic 2
Navigating the info menu and clearing notifications in bulk
Returning to the main screen with no notifications

For more helpful tips and content, visit unmute.show and learn about Club Unmute. Special thanks to Andre Louis for the music used in this episode.

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All Things Lady A: Braille Dots, O&M Trivia, and Blind Tech Fun

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 07:23:00 -0000

In this episode of All Things Lady A on the Unmute Presents podcast series, Lucy takes us through a series of engaging and educational skills related to blindness. Tune in to explore three interactive and fun skills that blend learning with entertainment.

Segments:

Braille Dots Quiz:

Test your knowledge of Braille with this interactive quiz. Lucy demonstrates how the quiz challenges players with questions about the dot patterns for various Braille letters. It’s a great way to brush up on Braille skills while having fun! O&M Trivia:

Dive into orientation and mobility knowledge with O&M Trivia. This segment features questions about cane use and other orientation techniques. Lucy highlights how this skill can be a fun way to learn and reinforce important mobility concepts. Blind Technology Trivia:

Lucy explores Blind Technology Trivia, developed by Jonathan Mosen. This skill tests your knowledge about historical and modern assistive technology for the blind. From early screen readers to current apps, this trivia is perfect for tech enthusiasts and long-time users alike.

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Chris Talks About Unmute Merch

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 23:25:59 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Community Unmuted for 10 September

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 19:39:45 -0000

In the September 10, 2024 call, participants discussed Apple's keynote on the iPhone 16 and new devices, focusing on audio enhancements, AI features, and maximizing current tech resources. Michael also found it nice to say now that more phones are accessible then inaccessible it seems.

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Widgets - TLDRThis - Dropbox as a Default

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 19:12:02 -0000

Adding Widgets to Your Home Screen

To add a widget, press and hold any app icon on your home screen, then flick down until you hear "Edit." After this, move your finger to the top left and find the "Add Widget" button. Do a single finger double tap to access the available widgets. For example, you can choose the Battery widget. Select the size (small, medium, or large), and once you've picked one, double tap "Continue." This places the widget on your home screen, allowing you to view battery levels for your phone and any connected Bluetooth devices.

Summarizing Information Overload

One option for summarizing articles is TLDRthis.com. It’s accessible via Safari, although Chrome prevents navigation by presenting summaries as images. With TLDRthis, you can paste an article URL, upload a file, or directly enter text to get a basic summary. The free version offers unlimited basic summaries, while the paid tiers add advanced summaries, paraphrasing, and browser extensions. Starting at $4 a month, you can access up to 100 advanced summaries.

Efficient File Management Solutions

For quick Dropbox access, you can assign a shortcut by changing File Explorer’s home directory. Open File Explorer, press Alt, and navigate to "Options" under "More." Here, you can select Dropbox or another folder as the default when opening File Explorer. This makes it possible to hit the Windows key and a number to open your chosen folder instantly, streamlining your workflow.

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Jaws Tips - Research It Demo

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 07:18:00 -0000

In this episode, we examine the functionalities of the JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen reader, focusing on the Research It utility that enhances online information access. We provide a step-by-step guide on activating and installing Research It, highlighting necessary permission settings. Listeners will discover quick search capabilities across various categories, including news from major outlets, area code lookups, and flight information. We showcase how to navigate the user-friendly interface and retrieve specific content efficiently. We also address minor quirks in the links list view and offer solutions, empowering users to fully leverage JAWS for independent research. Tune in to learn how these advanced features can transform your online interactions.

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At Your Fingertips - Coloring in September

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:57:08 -0000

Show Notes Summary

In this episode of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, host Chris reminisces about a childhood experience that shaped her sense of normalcy as a blind child. Her mother helped her label all 64 Crayola crayons in Braille, enabling her to enjoy coloring books despite being blind. This fostered a sense of inclusion and helped her feel like any other child. Chris also discusses modern tactile coloring books and Braille books, such as The Day the Crayons Quit, which can help children, both sighted and blind, learn and bond. Additionally, she shares recommendations for Braille coloring books from various sources, including MaxiAids and Tactile Vision Graphics. Chris also briefly mentions Unmute's new Braille tactile merchandise, inviting listeners to check out the latest gear on their website.

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adrian identifying songs with shazaam demo sep 2024.mp3

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 01:04:35 -0000

Episode Notes: Adrian Identifying Songs with Shazam (Sep 2024)

In this episode, Adrian, aka Drezza, demonstrates how to use the Shazam app on the BlindShell Classic 2 to identify songs.

Key Points:

Shazam on BlindShell Classic 2: Available in the app catalog under the media folder. It helps identify songs and artists from various sources like radio or Echo devices.
Using Shazam: You can open the app manually, use voice dictation, or access it from your favorites. Adrian shows how to launch it using voice dictation and then walks through the app's simple interface.
Song Identification Demo: Adrian demonstrates identifying songs like "Big Poppa" by The Notorious B.I.G. and "Africa" by Toto. The process is quick—play a song, press OK, and Shazam identifies it.
Additional Features: Adrian briefly mentions exploring other settings but emphasizes the ease of using Shazam for song identification.
Contact Info: Listeners with questions can reach Adrian at drizza17@att.net.

For more content like this, visit unmute.show and join Club Unmute.

Music credit: Andre Louis (Shorts Collection).

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Community Unmuted for 3 September

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 20:20:23 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Digital Bytes Summary: Disabling Backstage View and Exploring Wiki Apps

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 04:37:57 -0000

In this episode, Michael demonstrates how to disable the Backstage View in Microsoft Word, helping users to streamline their workflow by going directly to a blank document when opening the application. Meanwhile, Chris shares her passion for encyclopedias and guides listeners through the Wikipedia app on an iPhone, showing how to navigate through articles and access a wealth of information at your fingertips. This episode is packed with practical tips for enhancing your digital experience.

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Jaws Tip: Quickly resetting to Factory Defaults

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 07:41:00 -0000

This episode covers troubleshooting software settings, focusing on the JAWS screen reader. It demonstrates how restoring JAWS to factory defaults can help identify if custom settings are causing issues. The host shows how different settings affect the speed and verbosity of JAWS, highlighting the importance of this initial step when troubleshooting. This simple technique can often resolve issues without needing to delve into more complex solutions.

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Shell Phone Show - Tackling Timers on the BlindShell Classic 2

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 08:19:00 -0000

Show Notes: Shell Phone Show - Episode: Tackling Timers on the BlindShell Classic 2

Introduction
In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, Adrian, also known as Driza, demonstrates how to use various timer functions on the BlindShell Classic 2. This includes a walkthrough of the minute timer, interval timer, stopwatch, and setting timers with the Lady A app (Amazon Alexa).

Segment Highlights

Minute Timer
- Driza shows how to access the minute timer from the Tools folder. - He demonstrates setting the timer for 15 seconds and explains the importance of setting the time before activating the timer.
Interval Timer
- Driza introduces the interval timer, which may need to be downloaded from the app catalog. - He sets a one-minute timer and explains the announcement feature at set intervals (e.g., 30 seconds). - Different announcement types are explored: verbal, beep, and vibration.
Stopwatch
- A simple demonstration of the stopwatch function is provided. - Driza explains how to start, check, and stop the stopwatch.
Using Lady A for Timers
- Driza discusses setting timers through the Lady A app, highlighting the ability to name timers. - He sets a "Baked Bean" timer for 10 seconds, and the timer announces its name when it goes off.

Conclusion
Driza wraps up by encouraging listeners to try out the different timer options on their BlindShell Classic 2. For questions or feedback, listeners can reach out to him at driza17@att.net.

Additional Resources
Visit unmute.show for more helpful content and to learn about Club Unmute. Special thanks to Andre Louis for the music used in the show.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/bcd211e0-ca91-4f52-b842-744649589dfd

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Community Unmuted on 27 August

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:38:18 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

In the Unmute Presents Community Call on August 27, 2024, we focused on technology, accessibility, and upcoming Apple innovations. Participants engaged in a lively discussion about expectations for the Apple keynote, highlighting desired features for accessibility improvements in new devices. Attendees shared hopes for design enhancements and better battery life, while updates on an upcoming IACast and new iAccessibility resources were provided. Conversations also touched on iOS bugs, the Meta glasses, and user experiences with Microsoft Office and Siri. The call emphasized the community's collective desire for improved tech integration and accessibility support, along with reminders to stay connected through resources like BITS classes and updates on future call logistics.

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Evan Unmuted

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:32:29 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

In this interview, Marty talks with Evan Starnes from Aftersight about his journey in audio and podcasting, starting from childhood experiments with recording devices to his role in audio production. They discuss the importance of quality equipment, with Evan recommending starter microphones for new podcasters. Evan shares Aftersight's transition from a radio reading service to providing on-demand audio content for blind or low vision audiences. He highlights audience feedback in shaping programming, reflects on his experience hosting the Blind Level Tech podcast, and Marty announces integration of their content onto the Aftersight platform, inviting listeners to connect for community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the significance of quality audio in accessible media.

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Digital Bytes - Notes - App Searching - And Single Ear Headsets

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 07:06:00 -0000

In this episode, Chris explore essential strategies for enhancing your note-taking experience on the iPhone, with a focus on the Notes app. She reveal a convenient trick for toggling between the creation date and last modified date of notes by double-tapping on the date while using VoiceOver, which helps in tracking thoughts over time. Chris also share how she transformed her approach to saving website links by utilizing the Share Sheet, allowing for easier access to both direct links and descriptions in a single note. Additionally, Marty provides a step-by-step tutorial on navigating the App Store to search and download apps, ensuring it's easy for new iPhone users to follow. Lastly, Michael introduce the Storm single-ear noise-canceling headset, highlighting its comfortable design and noise-filtering capabilities, making it ideal for both truckers and everyday users looking to maintain spatial awareness.

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Jaws Tip: Adjusting Speach Rate on the Fly

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:15:29 -0000

# In this episode, Michael shows how to adjust speach rate on the Fly using Jaws.

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Android Unmuted - Preview Episode

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 13:52:25 -0000

Overview: In this inaugural episode of "Android Unmuted," Marty and Liz introduce a new podcast dedicated to diving into the world of Android, specifically from the viewpoint of blind and low-vision users. Although both hosts are primarily iOS users, they are eager to explore and learn about Android's accessibility features and how to use them effectively. Topics Covered:

Introduction to Android Unmuted: Marty and Liz share their enthusiasm for launching this new show, which will focus on accessible Android apps and settings.
App Discussions: The hosts plan to explore both accessible and mainstream apps, sharing their experiences and recommendations.
Accessibility Settings: They will discuss various accessibility settings within Android that might benefit users as they become familiar with their devices.
Community Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to send their questions or app recommendations to the show via email at feedback@unmute.show.

Coming Soon:

The first episode is set to release next month, and both Marty and Liz express their excitement to bring valuable Android content to their audience. Stay tuned for insightful discussions and practical tips for navigating Android with accessibility in mind.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/9f0f13cd-772f-4ed9-acf4-52067c7b2dde

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Community Replay for 20 August

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:24:16 -0000

In this episode of the Unmute Presents community call, we discuss technology and accessibility, highlighting wearables as the "question of the day." Co-host Michael Babcock shares insights on Meta Ray Bands and the Apple Watch. Participants raise questions on Bluetooth keyboards and device notifications, leading to community-driven suggestions.

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Digital Bytes: Sharing Apps - Taming App Chaos and Recording with Vocaster

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 15:40:20 -0000

This episode of Digital Bytes covers a variety of tips and tricks for staying organized and productive. Marty shares how to share apps from the App Store, while Chris demonstrates how to tame app chaos on both Android and iOS devices. Michael then walks us through the process of recording with the Vocaster in Reaper, using JAWS for voiceover. Key Points:

Sharing Apps: Learn how to easily share apps from the App Store with friends and family.
Taming App Chaos: Discover effective methods for organizing your apps on Android and iOS devices, including using folders and search functions.
Recording with Vocaster: Get step-by-step instructions on setting up and using the Vocaster to record your voice and JAWS voiceover in Reaper.

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Jonathan Price Unmuted

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 16:25:52 -0000

Jonathan Price from Aftersight shares his journey into audio and podcasting, beginning with childhood experiments with his father's stereo system. His early fascination led him through music and theater in high school and further exploration in college studios, honing his sound engineering skills. Price emphasizes the collaborative roles of producers and engineers in music production and his initial experiences in podcasting as an editor for the Legal Talk Network, where he learned the importance of ethical storytelling. He discusses Aftersight's evolution from a radio reading service for the blind to a provider of various podcasts focused on personal stories and mental health issues. Price highlights notable projects and offers insights into his current audio setup, stressing the significance of quality equipment for effective content creation. He concludes by inviting listeners to connect and explore Aftersight’s mission-driven offerings aimed at supporting the blind community.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/6d1ad1f4-a590-45dc-91ac-03b0dce8c01d

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Introducing Mac Chat: Your New Mac Show!

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 07:55:00 -0000

Join Marty and Chris on Unmute Presents for the launch of Mac Chat, debuting on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This exciting new show will dive into everything Mac, with a focus on accessibility features like VoiceOver. Expect tips, tutorials, and discussions on the latest Mac OS updates, including Sequoia. Marty and Chris are eager to connect with their audience, so tune in and get involved! For feedback or suggestions, email feedback@unmute.show. Don't miss the premiere next month!

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Community Replay on 13 August

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 20:10:41 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, we explore the role of AI in our daily lives, centering on the question: Have you used AI for a project? Michael Doyce shares his experiences, including an app directory on iAccessibility.net, while Michael Babcock discusses his AI companion experiment. Participants share diverse use cases, from troubleshooting YouTube Music to exploring metaverse technology, highlighting AI's accessibility implications. The engaging dialogue fosters community involvement and emphasizes the importance of learning in the tech landscape, with a reminder to join the Unmute community for upcoming events and resources.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/d9d4ecf6-7d1e-4eb3-b75e-34c5d127eba9

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Digital Bytes - Naturespace - Moving Mail - Orbit Reader 40

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 17:26:02 -0000

In this episode, we explore the Nature Space app, highlighting its high-quality field recordings for relaxation. We discuss its features, timer functionality, and catalog of natural sounds. Additionally, we provide email management tips for iPhone Mail and review the Orbit 40 braille display. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and those interested in relaxation apps and productivity tools.

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All Things Lady A - GACHA Pets

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:03:02 -0000

# Explore the game Gotcha Pets for battling, crafting, and strategic resource management, offering an immersive gaming experience blending strategy, exploration,

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Community Replay for 6 August

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 20:34:19 -0000

#### Show Notes for Unmute Presents - Community Edition (2024-08-06)

In this episode of Unmute Presents, hosts Michael Babcock, Marty Sobo, and Michael Doise tackle various listener questions about technology issues. The question of the day was, "What was your first technology?" Listeners called in to share their first experiences with technology, creating a nostalgic and engaging discussion. The hosts provided practical tips on using accessibility features and highlighted inspiring stories from the community about how assistive technology has made a difference in their lives. Tune in for a mix of helpful advice, personal stories, and the latest updates in accessibility tech.

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Digital Bytes: BSI - Mail Trash - Meta Ray-Bands

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 15:52:14 -0000

#### Show Notes:

In this episode, we explore the accessibility features of Android's TalkBack, focusing on Braille screen input settings. We cover accessing TalkBack settings, configuring Braille keyboard preferences, and various gestures and commands. We compare these with iOS commands, highlighting the differences in gestures for tasks like inserting spaces, deleting characters, and selecting text.

We also address a common question about emptying the trash in Apple Mail, providing a step-by-step guide for efficient email management.

Lastly, we introduce the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban. We review their features, including voice-activated commands, camera capabilities, and touchpad controls. We share initial impressions and discuss the potential of this innovative technology.

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Financial Independence is for Everyone - Penny Forward Contest

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:36:40 -0000

Join Marty as he talks with Chris Peterson from Penny Forward, a nonprofit offering financial education to the blind community. Chris shares his journey from software development to financial counseling. Penny Forward's membership provides online courses on budgeting, credit, debt, taxes, and career exploration. A free version offers early podcast access and a newsletter. In July, new sign-ups can win prizes by referring friends. Visit pennyforward.com/contest to learn more and engage with valuable resources while supporting a great cause.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/67e2c67e-d97f-494f-b09b-a21eaf307787

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At Your Fingertips - History and BSI

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 07:38:00 -0000

# In this episode, we delve into the historical development of Braille, focusing on the significance of the Unified English Braille Code. Wediscuss the evolution of Braille from 1932 to the adoption of the Unified English Braille in 2014, highlighting challenges and advancements in creating a unified code for English speakers. Moving on to the practical aspects of learning Braille in the modern era, We compare Braille screen input on Android and iOS devices, explaining gestures, commands, and functionalities. We also explore customization options on Android and gestures for text editing, cursor movement, and text selection. On iOS devices!

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Community Replay for 30 July

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:52:22 -0000

In our Club Unmute call, we revamped the format for fairness, prioritizing tech queries. We discussed recent podcast episodes, tools like Tempo Perfect

and Safari's dark mode, and personal updates. Adrian highlighted texting on the Shell Phone Show. During the Q&A, we addressed diverse tech inquiries and

provided solutions. The episode wraps up with tips on system performance optimization and fostering a collaborative tech community.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/615d65ea-1188-4524-af40-14e4002ed78d

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Digital Bytes - TempoPerfect app - Dark Mode - The Ring Video Doorbell

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 17:41:04 -0000

Trisha discusses the empowering collaboration between Blind Girl Designs and Unmute Presents, unveiling a unique shirt design promoting self-expression with sound triangles and inspiring phrases. Chris transitions to reviewing the Tempo Perfect app for musicians, emphasizing its user-friendly interface and versatile features for practice sessions. Marty explores the concept of dark mode on iPhone and iPad, guiding listeners through its activation and customization options for a personalized experience. Michael then delves into the installation and functionality of the Ring Doorbell, highlighting its seamless communication features and compatibility with Amazon accounts for enhanced home security.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/e05cb946-e15c-45bb-aef6-3a6a124848c6

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Shell Phone Show - Texting and Emoji's

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 14:26:25 -0000

# Join me, Adrian, aka Driza, in this episode where I demonstrate how to send text messages and add emojis using the Blindshell Classic 2!

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Community replay for 23 July

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:55:40 -0000

In today's ACB Community Call, we engaged in various tech discussions and updates. We encouraged support through Club Unmute, setting a respectful tone for raising tech queries. Our conversation touched on favorite accessibility devices, with Michael Dois praising Meta Ray-Ban glasses. We reviewed recent tech episodes, exploring Swift UI training and storage optimization for iPhones. Recommendations for budget noise-canceling headphones were provided, along with insights on headphone quality and accessories. Addressing YouTube Music challenges, we discussed ad-skipping and playlist navigation issues, suggesting alternative streaming services. Through collaborative sharing of tips and workarounds, we fostered a supportive tech community environment, wrapping up with gratitude for our participants and a call for continued engagement in future calls.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/8b8b531e-45e6-420c-a236-e83ca79d40a9

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Digital Bytes - Flexable Web - personal Hot Spot - Redragon K621 Keyboard

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:19:09 -0000

Join us in this episode as we demonstrate how to efficiently use a screen reader like JAWS to retrieve product information from websites, enhancing customer service interactions by streamlining the process.

Additionally, we delve into the benefits of setting up a personal hotspot through your phone for internet connectivity in various scenarios, emphasizing its convenience and cost-saving aspects.

We also provide a review of the Redragon K621 gaming keyboard, highlighting its unique features and versatility for gaming and traditional use. These segments focus on practical tech solutions to improve accessibility, connectivity, and user experience in the digital landscape.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/687c6572-65aa-4256-b50b-15ddffa2dabe

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Community Replay for 16 July

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 19:26:12 -0000

In this episode, we discuss the Club Unmute, where Unmute supporters connect privately. During the latest Unmute Community Call, we explore question protocols, favorite convention finds, and share tech tips. Topics range from accessible products to software compatibility, showcasing a wealth of knowledge and problem-solving skills in the digital realm.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/233f3006-f271-4ffc-a464-b09063eba3cd

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Digital Bytes - Speedtest - Wave XLR - Logi Web Cam

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 02:11:29 -0000

# In this podcast episode, we highlight the Ookla Speedtest app for accurate internet speed checks. We share my experience using the app, guiding listeners through its features and demonstrating how to run tests. Additionally, we review the Elgato Wave XLR audio interface for XLR mics and the Logitech C935E webcam for enhancing video quality.

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At Your Fingertips - Independents with Braille

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 07:13:00 -0000

We delve into the history of Braille, from its inception to its role in education and employment opportunities for the visually impaired. Exploring the legacy of institutions like the Hadley Institute, we highlight the evolution of Braille education and its relevance in the digital age. Through personal experiences and historical context, I emphasize the ongoing importance of Braille literacy and advocate for continuous support towards global accessibility in Braille education. Celebrating Braille's enduring legacy, we recognize its significance in empowering visually impaired individuals worldwide.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/dcc5ba99-1b5b-4df7-89c8-bbcb9156703b

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Digital Bytes - App Store Authors - IOS Storage - Level Lock Demos

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:28:52 -0000

In this episode Chris demos how you can find apps from authors in the App Store! Marty shares a tutorial on checking device storage on iPhones and iPads, stressing the importance of data backup. Michael talks about the features of the Level Bolt smart lock are explored, emphasizing convenience for renters and troubleshooting tips. An overview of using the Level Home app for controlling the Level Bolt, integration with Apple HomeKit, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa are discussed, along with a caution about the Level Keypad's touchscreen interface. The episode concludes with a demonstration of unlocking the Level Bolt using voice commands for a detailed insight into its functionality.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/8fdd1494-8af4-4bb9-9fff-857ded8422fc

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Community Replay for 25 June, 2024

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:25:25 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/a5acda0d-aace-48dc-a182-b6afb7b7601d

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Digital Bytes - Tally App - Text Replacement - and the Vocaster 2

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 16:09:57 -0000

# Join us as we discuss the unique collaboration between Blind Girl Designs and Unmute, featuring a shirt design with sound triangles. We explore the functionalities of the Tally app, focusing on its accessibility and affordable pricing. Moving on to text replacement on iOS devices, we share tips on creating text snippets for efficiency. Delving into audio tech, we spotlight the Vocaster audio interface by Focusrite, recommending it for podcasting and virtual meetings. e highlight its compatibility and integration with various software, emphasizing its user-friendly design and capabilities. Tune in for more valuable insights and recommendations on quality audio equipment and podcasting experiences.

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Digital Bytes - JPR - Control Center - Mag Cables

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 17:18:26 -0000

# Join us in this episode as we explore the user-friendly features of the Just Press Record app, enabling easy audio recordings on Apple devices with options for customization and automatic transcription. We also take a deep dive into Control Center, discussing its convenient utilities and customization options for quick access to essential tools. Additionally, we review and compare four magnetic charging cables from Amazon, highlighting their unique features such as secure attachments and hassle-free charging experiences. Specifically, the MagnaLink cable shines for its superior charging capabilities, data transfer support, and compatibility with various devices, making it a top choice for a reliable and efficient charging solution.

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All Things Lady A - Positive Thinking

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:24:54 -0000

In this episode of All Things Lady A for the Unmute Presents podcast feed, we delve into various skills on promoting positive thinking and affirmations through technology. Exploring interactions with skills like Baymax, Positive Thoughts, and Daily Affirmation, each offering inspirational messages to uplift listeners. Additional skills such as Quote of the Day and Be Mindful aim to provide daily encouragement and foster mindfulness. Guided meditations for relaxation and stress reduction are highlighted, with potential for future episodes focused on visualization and meditation. Throughout the episode, Alexa skills are showcased as tools to support mental and emotional wellness, while reminding listeners not to replace professional advice with these interactions. The episode wraps up the series on health-related skills, encouraging feedback and hinting at upcoming topics for discussion.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/001b20b7-9e42-419a-8bb6-ff852872565c

Community Replay for 11 June

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 20:53:22 -0000

# Latest tech updates from Apple WWDC discussed on Unmute show: Siri, iPhone Braille input, VoiceOver, messaging changes, music file editing tips, tech conversations on unmute.show. Hosts and guests share insights and questions!

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Partnering with Blind Girl Designs to offer something Special

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 07:14:00 -0000

Join Marty as he talks to Tricia from Blind Girl Designs, a unique blind-centric apparel company creating tactile printed products for the visually impaired community. Tricia shares a story of a blind influencer identifying their designs by touch. We discuss their evolution from a snowflake design using white canes to a range of 35 designs incorporating braille and white canes. Tricia also highlights their innovative fundraising approach with nonprofits and unveils a collaboration with Unmute for the new Unmute Be Heard product line. Check out their website for more details on these inclusive and stylish offerings.

Support Blind Businesses – Blind Girl Designs

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Digital Bytes - Chirp Audio Books, Virtual Desktops, Tech pouch

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:42:27 -0000

Join us as we introduce Chirp Audiobooks, a platform offering discounted audiobooks without subscriptions on chirpbooks.com in the US and Canada. The Chirp app is available on Android and iOS, providing up to a 95% discount on books with user-friendly features for easy navigation and playback control. We also cover a glitch in the Android version, discuss the virtual desktop feature on Windows 10 and 11, and review the Peak Designs Tech Pouch for organizing tech accessories efficiently.

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At Your fingertips - braille code debate and summer reading fun

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:32:00 -0000

In this episode, we discuss the transition to Unified English Braille (UEB) and the challenges faced by longtime Braille readers. We explore the resistance to change, the importance of learning new codes while honoring legacy ones, and the significance of standardization in the Braille community. Shifting focus, we delve into summer reading initiatives, highlighting the National Library Service's program and sharing tips for a rewarding literary journey. By celebrating Braille, promoting reading adventures, and embracing the joy of storytelling, we aim to inspire a love for learning across generations.

NLS Summer Reading 2024 Program - National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/a2e98340-2f89-450a-8a06-28746a8b8c66

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Community Replay for 4 June

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 02:56:42 -0000

Club Unmute podcast: iPad work transition, Siri/Zoom troubleshooting, settings optimization. Listeners feedback on upgrades, user experiences. Assistive

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Digital Bytes - Google Lookout, IOS Share Sheet, Anchor 3 in 1- Produced

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 15:13:48 -0000

We discuss Google Lookout, organising the Share sheet on IOS, and a Anchor 3 in 1 power adaptor.

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Community Replay from 28 May

Wed, 29 May 2024 01:58:11 -0000

In our Unmute community call, we covered a range of topics from favorite podcasts to troubleshooting tech issues.

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Digital Bytes - ElevenLabs - Sharing Contacts - 6-in-one multi-charging cable

Sun, 26 May 2024 14:06:21 -0000

In this episode, we discussed the 11 Labs app, a user-friendly text-to-speech AI application for iPhones. The app offers natural-sounding audio conversion from text, links, or files, with various voice options for customization. We also provided a guide on sharing contacts via VoiceOver on iPhones, ensuring a seamless sharing experience. Additionally, we highlighted Rolling Square's 6-in-1 multi-charging cable, a versatile and fast-charging solution with a compact design for multiple devices.

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Producing The Shell Phone Show With Reaper - Thanks to Club Unmute

Sat, 25 May 2024 08:54:00 -0000

In this audio brought to you by Club Unmute Michael shows you how he records and edits the Shell Phone Show in Reaper. If you want more content like this, including a intro to Braille class starting on 1 June, join Club Unmute at Unmute.show/

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Jaws Tips: Finding And Correcting Spelling Errors

Fri, 24 May 2024 07:49:00 -0000

Today, Marci demonstrates how to utilize JAWS for identifying and correcting spelling errors in documents. She showcases the process of navigating through misspelled words using JAWS, correcting errors accurately by listening to the correct spelling, and emphasizing the efficiency it brings to spell-checking tasks. By leveraging features like spelling error identification and confirmation, users can enhance productivity and ensure the accuracy of their written content with JAWS.

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Community Replay for 21 May

Tue, 21 May 2024 19:05:14 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/f6171c0a-4c7e-480f-9d34-78a3249931dd

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Digital Bytes: Good Budget, Spotlight, and The Zoom Zum2 Podcast Mic

Sun, 19 May 2024 18:41:29 -0000

In this episode, we explored budgeting with the GoodBudget app for effective financial management. The app's features were highlighted, emphasizing simplicity and accuracy in recording transactions. We also shared a quick tip on using the iPhone Spotlight feature and showcased the Zoom ZUM2 microphone for high-quality audio recording.

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Jaws Tips - Quickly Edit Form Fields

Fri, 17 May 2024 16:51:00 -0000

In this episode we learn how to use Jaws Key + F5 to quickly access a list of form fields.

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Ben.Vision Apps

Thu, 16 May 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Today, we were joined by Patrick, the co-founder of BenVision, and Vaze, to discuss their innovative apps Speakaboo and BEN. Originating from a MIT hackathon project, BenVision aims to create inclusive technology, with BEN offering a unique binaural music experience to convey object information. Their recently launched app, Speakaboo, in public beta, stands out for its user-friendliness and design centricity, providing swift responses and intelligent visual information integration for diverse user needs. The team's commitment to accessibility shines through in their goal to make the apps widely accessible without specialized hardware, enriching user experiences with thoughtful interactions. To participate in Speakaboo's public beta, visit ben.vision/speakaboo, sign up for access, and share feedback to enhance the app's development. BenVision's dedication to inclusive technology and user-centered design promises a brighter future for meaningful digital experiences.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/90e9e9ee-1741-48b9-b241-2e43d3f54d66

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Community Replay - 14 May

Tue, 14 May 2024 22:32:47 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/582e81a4-095a-4ebe-8307-b557a7b716ed

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Digital Bytes - Screen Recording, Batteries, and OpenRun Pro

Sun, 12 May 2024 13:52:49 -0000

Today, we discussed recording screen audio on an iPhone using an external microphone via the Control Center. We also covered battery optimized charging to extend battery life and reviewed the Shox Open Run Pro headphones featuring bone conduction technology for open ear listening.

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Jaws Tips 6 - Finding Text On The Web

Sat, 11 May 2024 02:35:00 -0000

In this episode, We demonstrate how to effectively use the JAWS find command to search for specific words on a webpage. By pressing Control + F, we access the JAWS find dialogue box to input the desired word, such as "application," and navigate through its appearances using arrow keys.

Upon searching, we locate instances of the word "application," including options to request an application form from specific sources. Utilizing the repeat find feature by pressing F3 enables us to cycle through subsequent mentions until finding the targeted information, like the online application link sought.

By employing Shift + F3 to backtrack and F3 to iterate through all occurrences, the JAWS find command facilitates efficient exploration of webpage content. This methodical process, in combination with Control + F and F3 for repetitive searches, enhances user navigation and information retrieval on web pages.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/0ba02fb0-6162-4ed0-8340-b0f0a6f47f2e

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Community Replay from 7 May

Tue, 07 May 2024 18:19:37 -0000

Join us in this episode of the ACB Community Call where we delve into a variety of topics and updates within the Unmute community. Marty Sobo, Michael Dois and Michael Babcock, share valuable insights on boosting microphone volume, exploring accessible apps, and navigating assistive technology tools like JAWS and Braille games. Community members actively participate, seeking advice on tech-related queries and troubleshooting strategies, showcasing a collaborative and supportive environment within the Unmute community. The conversation covers a range of topics from managing app notifications to typing preferences using JAWS, offering detailed instructions and troubleshooting steps. The episode wraps up with discussions on discovering new podcasts and fostering community engagement in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Tune in for a dynamic and informative podcast experience centered on technology, accessibility, and community interaction.

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Digital Bytes - Knit and Crochet, Siri voice with Voiceover, and San Disk 1TB X

Sun, 05 May 2024 18:33:57 -0000

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/What-is-the-TytDsul1QviCFTiOptbdBA#1

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Jaws Tips - Using the FS Clipboard with JAWS

Sat, 04 May 2024 02:42:39 -0000

Marci discusses the FS Clipboard feature within JAWS, demonstrating how users can gather and merge text from different parts of a document seamlessly. By utilizing keyboard shortcuts and commands, Marci showcases the functionality of the clipboard, emphasizing the importance of reviewing and manipulating text accurately. She provides a practical example of crafting a message about the qualities of a true friend, showcasing the flexibility and control the FS Clipboard feature offers for efficient editing and productivity when using JAWS.

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At Your Fingertips - Braille games for children and adults

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:00:57 -0000

In this episode of At Your Fingertips, we discuss the world of Braille games, emphasizing their role in enhancing Braille skills through fun gameplay. We share insights on specific games like Scrabble and Monopoly, highlighting their educational value.

Exploring resources from NFB Independence Marketplace, APH, and MaxiAids, we showcase Braille games like alphabet blocks and Sudoku boards. We touch on the challenge of finding quality sets and suggest vintage options.

Additionally, we mention the appeal of word games like Scrabble for visually impaired players and the creativity of Braille coloring books. We encourage listeners to embrace Braille in leisure activities and offer avenues for further exploration.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/7b40f306-2651-46d6-8bcf-fa470fc144cf

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Community Replay for 30 April

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 18:58:46 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/f39d0455-8e25-4997-920d-f25e4d57c1d2

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Digital Bytes - Castro, Zoom Tips, and Mag Safe Charging

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:42:25 -0000

# Today, we focused on the unique features of Castro, a podcasting app that revolutionizes podcast management with an inbox approach and convenient voiceover actions like the rotor function. We also highlighted the usefulness of chapter markers in enhancing the listening experience for users. Additionally, we shared a valuable tip for Zoom users, specifically those using VoiceOver, by discussing how to disable the self-driving mode in settings to ensure smoother uninterrupted meetings. Lastly, we explored the Anker MagSafe Go 3-in-1, a versatile travel charger utilizing MagSafe technology to charge multiple devices simultaneously, making it a practical and efficient solution for travelers and tech enthusiasts.

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Jaws Tips: Marking Text To Copy

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:14:03 -0000

In this episode we teach you how to mark text to copy using Jaws. You set the mark start, navigate to the end of the selection, and press insert+space followed by "M".

If you have any questions reach out to feedback@unmute.show

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/c88ae8c6-e6c9-4f4d-8da4-857879cd4e6c

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Community Replay for 23 April

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 20:14:22 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/8e606f03-3839-4845-b19d-4d4ae9ee85fa

Digital Bytes - Pi.AI, Messenger Apps, and Keyboard Fun!

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 19:43:02 -0000

In this episode, we discussed the pie.AI, smart assistant, removing apps from your messenger application, and maybe a little keyboard fun.

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Jaws Tips - Three Ways to get to the Address and Search Bar

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:20:00 -0000

Discover three quick methods to access the search and address bar on popular web browsers. Learn efficient shortcuts like 'Alt + D' and 'Control + F6' to swiftly navigate between the bar and web content. Master these techniques to enhance your browsing productivity and independence. Reach out to us at feedback@unmute.show for questions or feedback. Elevate your digital skills with these browsing tips.

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Jaws Tips, selections in explorer

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:17:58 -0000

Join Marci in this episode where she walks you through advanced techniques for efficiently selecting items in a list view using JAWS, the screen reader for Windows. By mastering functions like selecting all items with control A, choosing contiguous items with the shift key, and opting for non-contiguous selection with control and space bar, users can enhance their productivity and independence. These skills enable seamless navigation and management of digital content, ultimately leading to a more proficient and empowering user experience with JAWS. Contact us at feedback@unmute.show for any questions or comments.

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Katie Talks Travel: All Inclusive vacations

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:36:00 -0000

In this episode, I speak with Heather, an experienced travel agent specializing in all-inclusive resorts. We explore her journey in the industry, her top resort picks, and tips for selecting the perfect all-inclusive experience. Delving into the differences between all-inclusive and European plan resorts, we analyze considerations for dining, beverages, and accommodations. Heather shares guidance on choosing optimal times to visit destinations like Cancun and Mexico, factoring in weather patterns and seaweed seasons. We also discuss the accessibility of resorts for individuals with disabilities, underlining the importance of thorough preparation and cooperation for a smooth trip. Heather's expert recommendations cater to families interested in all-inclusive getaways, emphasizing the value of understanding package inclusions. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on the world of all-inclusive resorts, enriched by Heather's extensive travel industry knowledge.

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Community Replay from 16 April

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:00:44 -0000

AI Generated:

In this insightful ACB Community Call held on April 16th, 2024, participants engaged in various tech-related discussions, from troubleshooting accessibility issues to utilizing different types of microphones for music recording. The focus was on mutual support and sharing experiences. The episode delved into everyday tech challenges, tools for musicians, and managing accessibility shortcuts on iOS devices. Practical advice on software tools and troubleshooting missing emails in Outlook was provided, fostering a collaborative community dynamic centered on inclusive tech dialogues.

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/059fad63-5aa3-4bbf-8866-c8ac7630decf

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Apple Crosswords, Moving apps on IOS, and the Tribit XFree over ear headset

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 15:57:17 -0000

In this episode, Chris shares her experience with accessing crossword puzzles on Apple News, exploring the daily mini and larger puzzles available. She detail the puzzle interface features, gameplay options, and accessibility, highlighting the engaging nature of the puzzles. Shifting focus, Marty explains how to rearrange app icons on iPhone and iPad using VoiceOver, simplifying home screen organization through a step-by-step guide. Additionally, Michael brings a miss pronunciation and a review of the Tribit XFree Go over-ear headphones emphasizing their comfort, sound quality, microphone performance, and noise cancellation feature, recommending them for an enhanced listening experience.

Get your Tribit XFree Over Ear Headset from A. T. Guys

Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/c8f1830e-73a9-4ac8-b90a-5d76a9449b82

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All Things Lady A - Health, Wellness, and Fitness

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:04:00 -0000

This is the first episode that Lucy shares several health, Wellness and Fitness skills with you.

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Community Replay for 9 April

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 19:03:35 -0000

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AI Transcript:

This has been an ACB Community Call.

Today's Unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, 9 April, 2024.

Hello everyone and welcome back to another Unmute.

As usual, we've got a couple of announcements here at the top.

I want to remind everyone we're going to go through all first questions.

And if we get through everybody, then we'll take a second question.

So if you have tech questions, go ahead and raise your hands and we'll get to you just here in a few minutes.

Also, I wanted to remind everyone that Mac Bytes with Bits is tonight at 8 Eastern.

So you can go to their website to check all that out or check the daily immunity email that went out today.

Also I wanted to remind everyone that we're doing the Introduction to Jaws in Club Unmute.

So check that out and you can check that out.

And all the details at unmute.show is the website.

And if you have any questions or comments, anything else that you can think of, you can reach out to us at feedback@unmute.show.

The question of the day today is what do you wish your screen reader would do that it isn't currently doing?

And you can be creative.

I wish my screen reader would go make me a cup of coffee and bring it to me.

So with that being said, Michael, how are you?

We're getting there with AI, aren't we?

We are.

So I'm doing great, Marty.

I think that the first thing that I'll mention is Club Unmute members this afternoon are going to receive a three minute audio going over the keystrokes document we sent you last week.

Yesterday, technically working listeners received a podcast where Damacy and I, of course, sat down and talked about what we're doing in the current programs we have, our audio setups, and also chatted about live streaming to YouTube because we finally got that up and working as well.

On Sunday, Digital Bites published and we talked about the Black Ink Crosswords puzzle, managing your iOS storage and new laptops with tactile dots.

On Friday, we started publishing Jaws Tips.

Thanks to Marcy for that.

And Friday's episode was "decrease and increase Jaws speech rate during Say All."

On Thursday, @YourFingerTips with Chris published a content about Braille business cards, Post-it notes and some other information that you'll want to check out.

And then of course we have the Shell Phone Show and Tuesday's replay call.

So that's what we have right now, Sheila.

Do we have any hands?

We do.

Area code 417, ending in 192.

Can you unmute and tell us who you are, please?

Hi, guys.

This is Brittany from Missouri.

Hi, Brittany.

Hi.

I have a question today regarding Find My Friends on the iOS devices.

My father-in-law has a brain injury and he's, I think, almost 70.

And we have been wanting to use Find My Friends for a couple of years now.

And every time we implement it, he gets to the part where he's going through his text messages and he deletes it because, you know, I'm in Missouri, he's in Iowa, you know, it's not necessary to keep on his messages.

And then the next thing you know, we can't track him any longer.

So I know there's a way because I have other people that in my family and our networks that we track that we don't necessarily have messages with.

And I just can't figure out how to do it.

So I was reaching out for help.

Certainly.

So I'll take this one on Brittany.

If you can get on to your father-in-law's phone, is that a possibility?

Do you have access to the phone itself?

Yeah.

I don't know if I'm, like I said, I'm in Missouri, he's in Iowa, but somebody can get on to it.

So yeah.

So if you can go into the phone itself, open the Find My Application, there's an add button that you would tap on and they find my application.

I'm looking at it right here.

And when you tap on that, it'll ask you to enter the phone number, pick a contact or email address of who you want to share it with.

And when you do that, it doesn't necessarily, I believe it will send a message for the person to confirm, but once you confirm, you can go into your Find My Application and then tap on the people app icon in the bottom left-hand corner.

And the lower middle half of the screen will give you a list of the people that you are following with their current location and the last time that it was updated.

Okay.

Awesome.

So keeping track of the whole message thing, you know, it wouldn't be bypass, correct?

Right.

If you had a message, it would still be in your Find My App.

Awesome.

Thank you so much, Michael.

That truly helps a lot.

No worries.

Thanks a lot, baby.

Take care.

Janet.

Hey, Janet.

You're still muted, Janet.

I got a junk call and I was trying to get rid of it when you called my name.

I wish my screen reader would bring me a beer and make me lunch.

Gotcha.

Well, thanks for that and appreciate it, Janet.

Yep.

Teresa.

Hey, Teresa.

This won't be as hilarious as the other two, but I wish the screen reader could tell you if you held up an object that we could tell you what it is, what color something is, what denomination and money you're holding.

I know the FSA 5 does all that, but if you have a job screen reader, I wish you could do that.

Maybe try playing with Be My Eyes, the new version.

It's pretty good when the AI section identifies a lot of stuff for you.

It's pretty good, actually.

Oh, it does?

Yeah.

I have to check that out.

There's a new AI tab.

So if you check that and then you point your camera at something with that app open, and once you open up the AI section, you take a picture of something or you can point it, like, for example, like in a room, if you stand at a doorway in a room you've never been in, and it will do the best that it can to identify all the things that are in that room or on a table or it'll identify something in a picture for you.

It's really cool.

You should try it.

But Teresa, thank you for that suggestion because that is a good piece of feedback for screen reader manufacturers, is you'd like object recognition built into it.

Right?

Right.

Now I'm not undermining the hilarious answers that the other two people asked.

No but it's a practical thing, so we appreciate that, Teresa.

Did you have a question today?

On my iPod touch, yesterday I was trying to use the OneTap mobile to get onto a Zoom call.

Not the approached one, but just another one.

And it got stuck and it didn't do anything.

It didn't move, it didn't put me in exit out, it just got stuck.

So I think I know what's going on.

If I understand correctly, you tried to use the OneTouch dialing on your iPod Touch to join a Zoom call.

Is that correct?

That is correct.

So the iPod Touch doesn't have the ability to actually make phone calls, it's just a Wi-Fi device.

So you would have to have used the Zoom link to join the Zoom call and not the OneTouch dialing.

And that's why it just got stuck and didn't do anything because it couldn't make a phone call, which is what you were asking it to do.

Right.

Okay, now how do I get unstuck?

So if it's still stuck?

I was trying to go through the email, you know, I saw the call listed in the email of Cindy's and Adele's and Belinda's, you know, when one of them does the daily schedule.

I was trying to get out of that, so I just checked out their email and that's where it quote unquote got stuck.

Gotcha.

So in that case, what I would do is double press the home button.

So press the home button twice.

That'll take you to the app switcher, find the mail icon and flick up to dismiss and that would close the mail app and then you can reopen mail.

Okay.

Sometimes it'd be helpful to restart the device as well.

I thought about that too.

Yep.

So there you go, Trisa.

Thanks a lot for your input today.

Okay, thank you.

Yep.

Who do we got next?

I know that sounds very elementary to say that but that's how it was able to.

No worries.

Well, thanks for your feedback there.

You're welcome.

Beth.

Hey Beth.

Hey, yeah, yeah, the clips, I'm seeing it through zoom.

That was, you know, the zoom call.

That was cool.

Yeah, I was wondering like you mentioned Be My Eyes, that AI.

Would that be able to read better with something can?

Because I have trouble with seeing AI than reading the text when it says text recognition and sometimes the product, it would make those like ringing sounds but it would say text not recognized.

You could, you could, you, if you wanted to read something, the best way to do that is to put whatever it is you're trying to read flat, you know, and try and get a picture of the whole entire paper or document, whatever it is you're trying to get to read.

Like a can like that.

What's that Beth?

Like a can like that.

That's kind of like more cylinder shape.

Like a can.

Yeah, I mean, sometimes it's a gets a little bit difficult.

But if you're trying to get it to like read a document, you would be better to use an OCR scanner type of a scanner instead of the image, you know, in in the Be My AI, because it's meant to more grab the text and turn it into OCR and then be able to read it to you where Be My AI is more for like identifying objects or things around you.

It could read text too, but it just isn't going to do it the same as an OCR scanner document app that would be made for that specifically.

What's OCR?

What's text recognition?

Yeah, makes it so your screen reader can read to you the information that's on the paper, the text basically takes the text and turns it into digital so that your device could read it to you.

So that's on the CNAI.

Yeah, because I I use the, you know, text recognition on there.

And it doesn't always read it reads numbers that reads like the calories and I want the name of the you know, what I'm, you know, if I'm looking for some kind of beads, because that takes me forever to be able to find what I want.

So Beth, I'll give you a tip that I learned and then we will go on to the next hand because I do see we have a few that might help you with that experience.

So you can use OCR like Marty was mentioning, which is optical character recognition or text scanning.

But if you use seeing AI, and you're using the products channel, so you're trying to scan for the barcode to get the name and you hear that beep and it gets faster and then it just stops beeping.

If that's been the case, the best way to find a barcode is if you feel around the can and you find the seam where the paper comes together.

Oh, opposite of that is typically where the barcode is located.

And so if you put that seam down on the table or the counter, this is how I do it.

I put the seam down on the counter, and then I hold my phone about six to eight inches above the can because the opposite side should be showing the barcode.

And then I'll slowly rotate the can and move my phone until it locks in on that signal.

And that might help you with being able to do it.

Just remember to put that seam down on the counter and then use your phone and see if you're able to find that barcode.

That doesn't say text not recognize.

That's what it says.

If it's saying text not recognized, then you're not on the barcode scanner.

If it's saying barcode not recognized, then you are and it's not recognizing it.

But if it's saying specifically text not recognized, then you're not on the products channel and you need to change the channel to products.

Oh, okay.

All right.

Thanks, Beth.

Sounds good.

Thanks.

Jane.

Hey, Jane.

Hello.

So a couple of questions.

One is, well, I'm trying to send, I'm having issues with streaming and audio hijack or whatever.

And the developer says just take a screenshot.

How do I take a couple of different screenshots I can take?

What is it and how do I do it?

Yep.

So what I would do in this case and someone else more familiar with the Mac might have more input on this.

And I'm looking at Brad because he may have a different opinion/idea.

But I use VOF2F2, which then brings up my window chooser.

And I make sure all the windows are closed that I don't necessarily want in the screenshot.

And then the keystroke that I would use is command shift three.

And that adds a screenshot to your desktop and pops up a markup window.

Tap escape to dismiss that window.

And then on your desktop will be a screenshot of the currently active window.

Okay.

And then I also noticed that whenever I call voicemail sometimes, the Siri voice and to answer on other people's iPhones, how do I do that with mine?

So I take it if I am correct, you probably have a custom greeting that you have recorded.

Correct?

Yes, but I want the Siri voice.

So you need to go into your voicemail and then go to your greetings.

And I don't remember the name of the option, but it's not custom greeting.

I believe it's standard greeting is what it says.

And when you switch to that, then the Siri voice should answer.

If it doesn't go to your settings and then your phone application and enable the ability to read what people are leaving as voicemails.

I can find the exact terminology if you need to.

Okay.

Thanks, Jane.

Who do we got next, Sheila?

Pam.

Hey, Pam.

Yes.

To complicate, this is for Beth and I hear her frustration about the barcodes and trying to figure out whether that can is beans or fruit cocktails.

Big difference.

Sometimes, well, for me, the products I use very frequently, the barcode is not opposite to the scene.

So if you are our own product in seeing AI, then try first rolling the can so that the steam is straight up and move your thing around a little bit, your phone around just a little bit and the thing will start beeping and it'll be faster and faster.

And then hopefully it will actually sort of begin to recognize the barcode and it will go into that little jazzy little punet place that I think is so cool.

It makes me smile.

And it will do that.

And it will, if it recognizes the barcode, it will read it to you if there is more info such as you've got a product that has cooking instructions or prep, preparation, whatever, or serving suggestions or whatever.

You can double-tab on more info and it'll give you all that information.

But you do have to kind of roll that can around in order to find the barcode and to get the barcode you go to product.

And personally, I have found that there are other apps that have barcode readers and I have tried several, but the one in being AI is to me it works the absolute best.

And if all else fails, I mean you've tried everything, go to Be My Eyes and call a volunteer.

They're not going to be able to read the barcode, but they are going to be able to tell you that they'll say roll the can around to your left or to your right or whatever.

They will be able to tell you whether that is beans or fruit cocktail.

I appreciate that Pam.

You're welcome.

I don't think I want fruit cocktail in my soup.

Thank you.

No, probably not.

Probably wouldn't be a good taste.

More beans in my fruit salad.

Yes.

Thanks a lot Pam.

Thanks Pam.

Thank you.

Ann.

Can you hear me?

We can hear you.

Okay.

I'm having a lot of trouble.

In fact, I just can't get into webinars anymore.

I don't know if it's that I haven't been in one or a while and it's canceled me or what, I just make the biggest mess when I try to get into a webinar and I can't do it.

When you first get to the login window, you know how you click the link?

Then it pops up and you're supposed to put your email and your name.

Okay.

I understand that, but the problem I'm having is like your last name or something to my last name.

Well, when you put that in, then how do you get to the next place to put your last name in?

I mean, do you tap the top of the phone first and then flick or do you just flick or what?

You could do a, are you on an iPhone?

Yes.

You could do a single finger swipe to the right and it takes you to the next thing.

So I think I understand where Ann's running into an issue.

So Ann, if you tap on the name and it shows the keyboard at the bottom, you're wondering how do you move that keyboard to the next field?

Is that correct?

No, I usually tap at the top of the keyboard and I'm just, I'm not getting in at all.

I'm just making a mess.

Okay.

So that's what you might want to try is in the bottom right hand corner of your keyboard between the dictate button and the delete button.

So it's going to be on the right edge of your space bar.

There might be a done or next button that you can tap on.

So you would double tap if using voiceover and that should take you to the next field.

And then when you filled everything out, that should turn into a done or go button.

And when you tap on that, it should launch the webinar.

Have you tried that by chance?

Oh, I didn't know about that.

So you prep, like I put my first name in and then I go to the bottom of the phone at the right and look for a done button.

It'll, it'll, it'll probably actually say next.

And so it's in the bottom right hand corner.

If you tap on that, then it will say email edit field and you put in your email and then it'll probably say done or go.

And if you tap on that, then it should open zoom after your information is filled out.

I used to be able to do it, but I guess because I hadn't been to one in a while, it canceled or something.

I don't know.

I'm not exactly sure what's going on, but try that and see if that gets you into a webinar.

There is always the one touch dial in for webinars if necessary.

I think that'll help you out with getting in there, Ann.

Okay.

I'll try it.

Perfect.

Thanks a lot.

Okay.

Thanks.

All right.

Hazel.

Hey, Hazel.

How are you?

You're still muted, Hazel.

Okay.

We'll come back to her.

Stacey.

Okay.

One thing I wanted to tell everybody and I'll tell people on the e-reader this afternoon, but and I don't have one of these devices, but I wanted to make everybody aware.

One of my friends yesterday was earlier was trying to get Spanish.

You know, these tutors, tutorials in Spanish and things like that are from NLS.

They're not showing up on the e-readers.

Okay.

So you're saying that your friend was trying to get Spanish tutorials and they're not showing up on the e-readers.

They're not showing up at all on the e-readers.

What she had to do was she had to go into her Victor reader stream, get them all on the Victor reader stream through an SD card and then transfer them from the SD card to the e-readers.

And did she let her local library know?

Do you know?

I think she's going to have to because the problem is they're not showing up on the e-reader.

Yep.

That is my recommendation is make sure that she lets her local library know so they can look into see what's going on and figuring out why they're not showing up.

And that'll be the best resolution for you and her.

Okay.

Oh, thank you, Stacy.

They're not showing up on the e-reader.

Yep.

And unfortunately I don't have access to that.

That's why I say reach out to her local library and they can investigate why they're not showing up on the e-reader.

Okay.

All right.

Thanks, Stacy.

Sheila, who do we got next?

I'm going to give Hazel a little tip.

Hazel, I see you've lowered your hand.

If it said that I wasn't allowing you to unmute, you haven't gotten the okay or the got it button.

So I would recommend you go out and come back in.

Yeah.

Lynn.

Well, what happened is a stupid thing.

Oh, there you are unmuted.

Okay.

Hi, Hazel.

Hazel, go ahead.

Hi.

Stupid thing keeps losing focus.

That's what happens.

And then I have to...

Oh, terrible.

Oh, it's aggravating.

Anyway, my question is about webinars.

And I'm using Windows 11 and JAWS.

And lately, I don't know if something's changed, but lately I have been having trouble trying to get these things added to my Outlook calendar.

When I get the confirmation, it'll say add to calendar.

And I go down and I choose the Outlook calendar.

And then it will put it in my downloads folder.

And I press the control J to get to it.

And then I'll press the applications key and go down to open.

And when I find that Outlook calendar is selected, I go to import and I press enter on import.

And it says that it is imported, but it isn't.

And I keep having to do it.

I'll have to do it two or three times because sometimes it'll put me on a browse thing.

And if I choose browse, it just goes to other places on the computer, not where I need to be.

So I have to do it like two or three times.

Sometimes I have to actually go into the downloads folder from my desktop, open it up that way, and then go down through all of those things that are there, which are not in alphabetical order and find it and press enter on it from there.

It's really crazy.

Yeah, it sounds like it's kind of a mess.

I'm going to be fully transparent with you.

I haven't used Outlook calendar, and that's actually something I'm learning over the next couple of weeks.

What I would do if I was in this situation and it kept doing this is next time you have a webinar invite that you're trying to add to your Outlook calendar, call the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk and I can give you their phone number.

And they can remote into your computer and see exactly what's going on and why it's not adding it to your Outlook calendar immediately.

I think it's probably just something is popping up because it sounds like it does it sometimes, but it's not consistent with when it adds.

Is that correct?

That's right.

I never know what it is that actually makes it work.

Yeah, so if you have a way to take down a phone number, I can give you this.

I have it, but I took a friend of mine and he said, "Oh, they're no ill."

He was doing and he tried with the same link I had and he had no problem.

Yeah, I would reach out to Microsoft and just tell me, "Hey, here's the issue that I'm having.

Can you look at what's going on when I'm trying to add it?"

And what they'll do is they'll jump on your computer remotely and have you add it so they can see exactly what's going on.

Okay, I will reach out to us if you have any other questions and have a great day.

Who do we got next, Sheila?

Lynn.

Hey, Lynn.

Hello.

Hey, Lynn.

How's it going?

Good.

How are you guys?

Good, good.

Thank you.

Good.

Thanks for answering all our questions again today.

Appreciate it.

No problem.

So I wish that my screen reader, so I have a new keyboard as in a music keyboard, not a typing keyboard.

And I wish that it would help me identify all these buttons because there's like a million of them.

That's what I wish my screen reader would do.

Anyway, my question is, I have thousands of text messages on my phone, and unfortunately, I need to keep some of them so I can't just delete everything without looking first.

And I can't figure out how to easily get to the top of a conversation thread.

How do I do that?

Are you shocked?

Oh, go ahead, Michael.

I want to try something real quick because so what you can do is if you put your finger on the status bar and what I do is I put my finger on the status bar and then I double tap with another finger twice.

And then it says page one of 26 in this message thread.

If I do that again, it'll say page one of 36.

And then I wait a second.

And then I put my finger on the top of the status bar and I double tap with another finger.

And now it says page one of 48.

So what's happening is it has to load this message thread.

And so I have like this conversation thread that I'm in has has messages from 2016.

And so it takes forever for it to load.

So what you can do also, and I'm trying it right now, is if you hold your finger on the status bar, and you wait about two seconds, and then you just tap another finger on the screen that page one of X.

So right now it says page one of 94.

So as you can hear, it's going up.

So if I tap another finger says one of 95.

So and now it's one of 104.

So hopefully that helps you a little bit.

And you just have to keep waiting.

So it's going to load all those messages.

And that can take a little while.

And one other thing I will tell you, which is a little bit confusing with messages, opposed to everything else like email and things like that.

The most current message in the body of the message is actually at the furthest bottom, not the top.

Unlike an email, you go all the way to the top.

So right, you want to go to the bottom to go to the most recent message that would be there.

In the bottom, I want to go to the top of the messages, because sometimes I have a message that says, Hey, I'll send you the phone number for such and such in the next message.

And then I don't know what the if I'm reading from the bottom, I don't always know what that phone number was because sometimes people don't put in, you know, what the phone number was for.

I mean, just because they're they expect you to get rid of the message in the same day, which is logical.

And I should have done that.

But you know, anyway, that's one thing.

One last thing to let you go, because you mentioned it with your screen reader, and then we'll go on to that next hand is if you take a picture with your smartphone of your keyboard, hold your phone about eight to 12 inches from your keyboard.

And you can use multiple tools, including the be my AI, which Marty mentioned earlier, and they can you really, yep, it'll give you a description of the keys that it sees.

And if it doesn't tell you what the keys are, there's an option that says ask more.

If you tap on that, then it pops up a keyboard and you can say, please describe the keys to me from left to right.

Jaws also in the picture smart feature has the ability to send an image to an AI.

Unfortunately, you can't ask questions of the image.

But in this case, since you're an iPhone user, I would recommend checking out be my AI with your keyboard and see how it describes it to you.

Okay.

Well, thank you.

You know, this is a good question, because then you can you can educate people as to how they can do the things they want to do.

This is pretty cool.

Yep.

No worries.

Thank you.

All right.

Yep, you too.

Thank you.

I want to cut 303 ending in 935.

I think it's Petra.

I want to jump in here really quick and just remind everyone the question of the day, which is what do you wish your screener would do that it doesn't currently do?

For those of you who maybe weren't here for the announcements at the beginning, and you can be creative.

So go ahead.

Well, hi.

Yes, it is Petra.

How are you guys?

I know you're good.

Thank you.

How are you Petra?

Your help is really so appreciated you.

Fantastic.

I had a couple of comments.

One is that there's a wonderful app that I got years ago, called digitize.

And that is old.

One thing it does do is read barcodes and it's pretty good.

And yes, I agree with Pam, I find most of my barcodes on the side with the steam, just to the left of the seam at the bottom of the can.

But now I know to turn the can over and try the other side if I don't find it there.

The other tip that they told me is that if you go shopping with anyone, when you're shopping, if you take a roll of clear scotch tape, they can put tape over where the barcode is and the barcode readers can read through the clear tape.

And that gives you a marker on the can or the package to know where the barcode is when you're home and alone.

The other tip that I have is I don't know how I'm sure you guys know, but maybe other callers don't.

There's a free app that's put out by the US Treasury Department called Inote.

And Inote identifies US currency and will tell you whether you're looking at the front or the back, which for me doesn't matter.

But all my cited friends want the money facing front.

That app will actually tell you what it is and whether you've got it front or back.

And I really don't know what I want my screen reader to do because I'm not sophisticated enough to figure it out.

I have trouble with what it does already.

Well, I'm sure you'll come up with something at some point.

Okay.

Thank you very much, Petra.

All right, Erica 951, ending in 288.

Can you tell us who you are, please?

Yeah, hello.

Can you hear me?

We can hear you.

Okay, it's Evelyn.

I got a couple of questions about the blind shell.

Okay.

Okay, when you do a full backup, do you have to go to restore data before you restart the phone?

No.

So when you do a full backup, when it tells you that the task has completed, then your phone is backed up.

You can go and restart your phone.

You go to restore data after you reset your phone or if you get a new phone and that will take the latest backup and put it back on your phone like you haven't reset it.

Does that make sense?

Yeah.

Okay.

If you have, if you already have it like on an SD card or flash drive, you mean?

Yep.

When you do a backup, it's going to copy that backup to the SD card or to a flash drive.

Okay.

And then another question, what is the difference between the factory reset and the system one?

So the factory reset resets the blind shell to what it was like with the latest software update and none of your personal data, the system reinstall it, you have to, it's typically used for service individuals.

And what you have to do is get a file from blind shell and then reinstall the operating system.

I don't know that that file is available publicly.

So what I'd recommend doing is just doing the factory reset.

Okay.

Thank you, Evelyn.

Perfect.

Have a beautiful day.

Who do we got next year?

Okay.

Bye.

Nolan.

Hello, everyone.

How are you guys doing?

Great.

Yourself?

Good.

Thank you.

I have experienced a not so good behavior in iOS 17.4.1 today.

And just ahead, this may involve reaching out to Apple accessibility and your local talk and book library because there is an issue now with the NLS Braille eReader not displaying the information correctly on from what voiceover is reading in what you're trying to read, what voiceover has outputted out on the Braille display.

I have attempted to do a restart of the iPhone and also attempted to do a reboot of the NLS Braille eReader human wear Braille display.

That seems to solve the problem.

And if it continues again, this is where both Apple accessibility and the Braille and book library is going to have to come into play again.

Well, yeah.

So appreciate you letting us know about that, Nolan.

And you're right.

It sounds like you have a plan.

If it does come back up, I would definitely reach out to your local library and they can help you with some tech support and let you know if you need to reach out to Apple accessibility as well.

So thanks a lot for that.

You're welcome.

I just thought I would let everybody know if you see that issue, be aware.

All right.

Thanks a lot.

Who do we got next, Marty?

I mean, Sheila.

Hey, Lisa.

How are you?

I'm well, thank you.

My eyeballs all of them.

I'm like, who's that?

I have a question on my phone.

I have downloads.

You know, I download stuff and I have stuff from my taxes and I don't know how to access it.

Can you please help me how I access downloads on an iPhone 15 Pro?

Where are you?

So was this an email or how did you get the original documentation?

I know I'd be on a website or something and something to that effect.

And it says download.

I download it, but I can't find it.

And I have downloads saved to my cloud, to the iCloud.

So my downloads do get I did find that out when I went to settings and I went to I went to downloads and it says it's saving it to my iCloud, but I don't know how to access it.

What version of phone do you have just out of curiosity?

iPhone 15 Pro.

There's actually an app which a lot of people don't know about, which is a stock app that comes on your phone called files and people don't really know about it.

But it's like a file.

Yeah.

Is there a downloads folder in there that it puts those attachments into that downloads folder?

You know what?

And that would also sync with your cloud, by the way.

Oh, okay.

I didn't think hold on.

I'm kind of if I can.

Something's This is old.

No, this is not related.

Something says downloads.

But it says error.

Coming up with error.

So I'm not sure exactly what's going on where I would go in this though is if you go to your files app, which it sounds like you're there in the bottom right hand corner, there should be a button that says browse.

If you don't find browse in the bottom right hand corner, then there should be a back button in the top left hand corner.

If you go back, you do the browse.

Yeah, browse and then oh, go ahead.

I'm sorry.

So if you tap on browse, then that brings you to a list of all of your locations.

There's iCloud Drive and on my iPhone and mine has Dropbox too because I have Dropbox set up.

So where I would go if I were you is I would tap on on my iPhone and see if the downloads you're looking for are there.

If they're not, then I would go to the back button in the top left hand corner, tap on iCloud Drive, and then tap on downloads and see if the downloads are there. iCloud doesn't show up a download comes up.

But I have to see you know how and what I have to go through them to see if the most recent one is in there.

So that's where I would start looking to go ahead and take a look there and let us know if you have any other questions.

You know, I so appreciate that something so simple is to go to files and then go to downloads.

Thank you so much.

No worries.

No problem.

Good luck to you.

Thank you.

All right, Diane Duchamp.

Hey, Diane.

Hey, guys.

How are you?

Good.

How are you?

Good.

So I have a zoom question and I was using my iPhone to schedule a zoom meeting because I have all the contacts in there.

So I'm at the point where I'm inviting in attendee attendees.

And as soon as I put one in and I try to put somebody else in it deletes the first one.

So what am I doing wrong?

How do you put multiple attendees to one zoom meeting?

So I will need to play with zoom on the iPhone.

Let me ask you when you're done adding a contact, what do you do?

I've tried multiple things.

Well, first of all, there's no semicolon button.

There's no simple and simple.

There is.

You got to go into the you have two options and numbers and then symbols.

I did.

I went into symbols and there wasn't anything there.

There was not a semicolon to be found.

I'm going to look and see if I can find one.

So I thought there was one, but now I'm second guessing myself.

So I'm going to look and see if I can find one.

So I tried spacing.

I tried hitting return and nothing was allowing me to put in a separate person.

I had to send everybody a separate invite.

OK, so I was just doing a quick test with my zoom.

And what I ended up doing is when I tapped on.

So I'm in the meeting.

I have the meeting topic and then I have the start and the duration, all that fun stuff.

And then you get to attendees and it says none.

If I double tap on attendees, it says search by name and then I'm going to put in your name right here.

So if I put I type in D.I.A. and it finds you actually it didn't because I don't have your email address.

That's interesting.

So if I if I find someone's name and I what I did is I tapped on it and then that added them.

And then do you see the other like other people's names there or is the issue trying to add someone that's names not there?

Because I can just double tap on each of the names and it changes from not selected to selected.

What I did was I got attendees thing and then it said something like send by message or send by email.

So I clicked on send by email and then an email field.

So you know, I understand the setting is what you're doing and the two blocks.

So I would put in like the first person.

His name is Josh.

So I would J.O.S.H.

OK.

He would pop up.

So tap on his name.

The next person was Amy.

A.I.M.E.E.

So I would start to try to put her in and I couldn't because when I put her in it deleted Josh.

Try pressing enter before you put her in.

So after you tap on Josh, hit enter in the bottom right hand corner underneath the delete button and then try typing Amy and see if that lets you do it.

Well I thought I did try that and it didn't work, but I could try it all again.

Yeah I'll play with you.

I was just wondering if you guys had a magic.

Nope.

That would be my magic thing that I would try there.

I do have an answer to your semicolon issue though.

I did not actually find one on the keyboard itself.

I still am perturbed by like why can't we find a semicolon.

But what I did do was I hit the dictate button and said semicolon and it stuck it in there.

So you might want to try that.

OK.

All right.

That is worth a try.

But it is strange that there's none on the keyboard itself.

Yeah but it's funny that you can say it and it will actually put it in there.

Yeah.

So try that.

If you get to where you need to stick a semicolon there, hit the dictate button, say semicolon and then end the dictate and at least you'll get the semicolon in there.

OK.

I will give that a try.

All right.

Thank you very much.

Good luck.

Thank you.

All right.

Sure.

Thanks.

All right.

Belle Juliana.

Hey Belle.

Hello.

Hey Belle.

How are you?

OK.

How do you record?

Well first of all I better answer the question.

I would love for my screen reader to conveniently read PDF files.

You just can't believe what I go through when I get PDF files.

I guess they're scanned in or something.

I don't know what the problem is but boy I mean some of them I cannot read no matter what I do unless I go to my iPhone and I can kind of read them that way.

I mean it's kind of hard for me to do but anyway that's the thing I would love to have.

So then how do you record on the iPhone?

Just audio.

Yeah but I mean yeah but I mean yeah.

Say I'm listening to something or you know can I record how do you do that?

You would use the voice memos app and then you can record you know if you're somewhere and you want to record something or if you want to talk into it and record your voice that's how you would do it.

OK.

What about something really long like?

Well you could you could literally like you say like there's something you wanted to record you can hit the record button and just put your phone down and let it start listening and it'll record whatever it is you wanted to whatever is in the room whatever audio or anything like that or your own voice.

The only thing I would say is you're going to have to be careful that you don't fill up your hard drive on your phone.

Where is the record button?

Once you open up voice memos it's going to be right there when you open up the voice memos you can hit the record button and it will start recording.

OK thanks.

Yeah no problem.

All right we're getting close to 10 minutes.

Lady A is after us so you've got seven hands.

OK.

So area code 9 7 0 ending in 8 7 4.

Please tell us who you are.

Hi this is Catherine.

I asked this question before my dial-a-write advisory board has changed to Teams instead of Zoom.

And so is there a way to get a list of phone numbers instead of because I can't access it on the blind shell teams.

It would have to come from whoever is making the invitation for the Teams meeting.

Oh for the phone numbers?

Yeah.

They'd have to provide it?

Like whenever you get a Zoom you know when you get a Zoom email and they give you the links to get in but they also give you phone numbers to call as well.

That comes from whoever created the event.

So whoever is creating the event needs to send all the links to be able to log in as well as phone numbers from someone chooses to call in instead of use a device you know with the link either the computer or the device with a link.

Oh OK.

I'll ask them then.

And then my other quick question is can I get instructions on how to back up my blind shell phone because I'm having I'm going to have to switch to a new blind shell phone because my wiring got baptized about 10 months ago while I was in the RCPP hospital.

So it's failing.

Are you subscribed to the Shellphone show?

Yes I am.

If you go back and look at some of the previous episodes I believe it was September or October I walked you through how to back up your blind shell classic too.

Oh wonderful.

OK.

Thank you Michael.

Do I need to provide the IMA I can never say that right.

I mean I can for the number.

Do I need to provide that?

I recommend providing that to your cell phone carrier but need to is probably a strong term.

Oh so yes.

Yes.

You don't need to but you should.

Oh OK.

I will do that then.

Thank you so much for your help.

Thanks Catherine.

I'll check that out.

Scott.

Hey Scott.

OK.

The semicolon can be found or at least this is how I found it by going into the notes app and as if I were going to create a new note so I can bring up a text field.

If you look if you are on the lower left corner and you've got you've got the where it says letter you choose letters numbers and so on.

If you choose numbers the semicolon is immediately below the number four.

If you go like start at the number row the semicolon is immediately four until they're just to the right of the colon.

Yep.

And I think that placement might be slightly different when it's showing the email keyboard which is zoom is showing.

Yeah.

See that's OK.

Yeah.

Well thank you Scott.

That's pretty unfortunate.

That's kind of unfortunate if you ask me but you know they set up the different keyboard layout is a little different for each for each app.

You know that's good.

I did pull up a text message to open up for typing and did what you just said and the semicolon is there.

So that's cool.

Yep.

Thank you Scott.

Appreciate it.

I'd offer that.

All right.

Thanks Scott.

Appreciate it.

Area code 502 ending in 382.

I think that's a Kentucky area.

Thank you.

This is Terry Turlock and I have a question about the blind shell phone.

When I looked at it about six months ago deleting an email required four or five steps and I wonder if the email app has been worked on since then or is that process still I found it quite cumbersome.

Thank you.

That process has not changed.

Do you use the second half of your email address.

Is it a Gmail account or an outlook at outlook at Gmail.

What is the second half of your email.

Mine is a Gmail.

So do you use a computer also by chance.

Well oh yeah no this was I was trying to help someone learn to do email with the blind shell and we gave up because it was just too complicated to do all the five steps from her.

So I was hoping there was a simpler way.

It has not changed at this time Terry.

Great question.

Thanks a lot.

Thank you.

All right.

And hey and.

You've got about three minutes.

Can you hear me.

Yeah we can hear you.

OK.

I'm in mess in messages text messages when you're in a thread and you want to delete a message but not the whole thread.

How do you do it.

I'd have to figure that out.

I'm not sure I ever even tried to do that.

I'd have to figure that out and try and get back to you unless Michael do you know.

So yes if you highlight a message and then flick up to more and double tap this will select that message and put you in a multi select window where you can go through and wait a minute you go you open messages to the one that you want to delete.

Yeah.

OK.

And then you flick up to more.

So you touch the message you want to delete.

So you open the message thread touch the message you want to delete flick up to more and double tap.

This puts you in a screen with that message selected and you can select more messages if you would like.

But in the lower left hand corner is a delete button double tap that and that'll delete all of the selected messages that you've selected.

Even if you just want to delete one it will just delete.

Well delete the entire thread.

Nope it'll just delete that one that's selected.

Oh OK.

I'll try it.

Perfect.

Thanks a lot.

And I think we need to wrap it up.

So Marty you want to go in.

Yep.

We have a hard deadline today because we have something right after us.

So we want to thank everyone for being here as usual.

We'll be back next week same time.

And if you have any questions comments or anything like that you can email us at feedback at unmute dot show.

And if you want to check out what we're doing and everything else going on you can check out our website at unmute dot show.

And everyone have a great week and we'll see you next time.

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Digital Bytes - Black Ink Crosswords - IOS Storage - and new Laptops with tactile dots- Produced

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 07:35:00 -0000

In this episode, Chris explorers Black Ink, a crossword puzzle app by Daniel Jolkett of Red Sweater Software. Marty gives us some storage management tips for iOS devices, and Michael shares his impressions of a Lenovo laptop with tactile lines on key buttons and a fingerprint reader.

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Jaws Tips - Decrease and Increase rate during JAWS Say All

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:43:00 -0000

In this Jaws Tips Marci shows you how to increase the jaws reading rate on the fly.

In this weeks club unmute, Marci taught us how to permanently increase the speaking rate of jaws. She also introduced us to the Jaws key, Taught us quick web nav keystrokes and how to switch between open programs.

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At Your Fingertips: Braille business cards, Post-it notes, and displays

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:35:00 -0000

In this episode of At Your Fingertips, Braille Then and Now Chris delves into the significance of Braille accessibility through exploration of Braille business cards and innovative products. Insights are shared on finding Braille business cards via platforms like Etsy and the Braille Superstore, underlining their affordability and accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Unique Braille products, such as Tandem Designs Company's Braille post-it notes, are highlighted for their mission of inclusivity and accessibility. Advanced Braille displays like the Braille Pen and Active Braille 40 are also discussed, showcasing the evolving landscape of Braille technology. The aim is to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for visually impaired individuals in the realm of Braille innovation and accessibility.

ACB Community replay for two April

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:42:08 -0000

In this episode, we addressed audience inquiries on various topics related to text input preferences, message sending between iPhone and Android devices, enlarging keyboard size on Android, accessing SoundCloud on iPhone, finding micro Bluetooth transmitters, and recommendations for Bluetooth devices. Tips were shared on setting up messaging settings, troubleshooting message delivery errors, and exploring different phone keyboards. Lastly, there was a mention of resources like Laz Mesa's TalkingMP3Players.com and the Blind Mice Mega Mall for purchasing Bluetooth devices, along with a reminder about the upcoming Introduction to JAWS class in Club Unmute.

Digital Bytes - EP8 - Good Links, Moving apps on android, and S23 Plus.

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 17:12:23 -0000

Today, we introduced GoodLynx, a accessible and easy to use read-it-later app that simplifies saving and accessing articles seamlessly across apple devices. We also shared Android tips on organizing apps and explored the features of the Samsung S23 Plus device. Our aim is to empower users to enhance their digital workflows and productivity.

Unmute Presents - Thomas Domville

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 14:10:00 -0000

Today, Marty spoke with Thomas Donville from AppleViz about his tech journey from COBOL programming to network administration, facing challenges post-vision loss in 2005, and his role at AppleViz. Thomas highlighted the limited accessibility tools available, challenges working with servers, and the community-driven nature of AppleViz. He also shared podcasting equipment recommendations and AppleViz's expansion into various tech discussions beyond Apple products. Our talk explored Thomas's commitment to tech accessibility and AppleViz's growth as a valuable resource for the visually impaired community.

CSUN Recap with Special Guests

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 01:34:56 -0000

Marty, Michael, John, Chris, and Patrick reflect on their experiences at the CSUN tech conference, emphasizing the prevalence of AI in assistive technologies and the importance of networking with industry professionals. They discuss innovations like Glidance for individuals with visual impairments, Envision's new assistant tool, and Aira for visual interpretation services. The team explores OKO for safe intersection crossing, Sorensen's sign language service, and technologies for individuals with disabilities. Appreciating the networking opportunities and advancements, they express anticipation for future collaborations and innovations in accessibility tech.

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COmmunity Replay for 26 March, 2024

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:43:11 -0000

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Digital Bytes - EP7 - Scanning SPotlight Travel Hardware

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 13:23:55 -0000

In this episode, We explore SimpleScan, a user-friendly iOS scanning app by Agile Tortoise, ideal for visually impaired users. We also discuss iOS 17's efficient search feature and share travel accessory recommendations from traveling to the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. Magnetic cable ties and a multi-port charging station streamline organization and device management on the go.

Katie Talks Travel - Flight Tips

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:11:00 -0000

In this episode of Katie Talks Travel, we delve into Chris's firsthand experiences as a visually impaired traveler who will be traveling with a guide dog. Chris, an advocate for braille education, shares practical tips on using technology during travel like the Aira app and techniques for managing electronics efficiently. The conversation underscores the importance of preparation, safety measures like entertainment pre-downloads, and maximizing tech resources for seamless travel within the Continental United States.

Community Replay for 19 March, 2024

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 18:33:15 -0000

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Digital Bytes - EP6 - gestures, music, and Hable

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 07:14:00 -0000

Explore customizing phone gestures for seamless navigation and accessibility, even without physical buttons. Learn to identify songs with Siri and discover the intuitive Hable One remote control. Master its gestures and Braille-like commands for efficient device interaction, enhancing accessibility and functionality.

The Zoom essentials line

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:07:00 -0000

Explore the Zoom H Essentials line with Marty, Michael, and Chris. They discuss features of Zoom H1, H4, and H6 recorders, comparing sizes, buttons, and functionalities. Highlights include user-friendly designs, external microphone connectivity, and upcoming capsule options for H6. Best for students, Zoom H1e is recommended. Visit unmute.show for more information.

Community replay from 12 March

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:15:58 -0000

In our recent Unmute Presents Community Call, we discussed mutual respect, upcoming events like MacBytes with Bits, and the efficiency of scanner apps on different devices. The conversation included insights on podcast episodes, scanning preferences, troubleshooting in Reaper, music production queries, and tech-related discussions. We shared recommendations on scanning apps, printers, and addressed accessibility challenges, data backups, Messenger app issues, affordability in computing options, and more. Gratitude to listeners and co-hosts concluded the episode, highlighting a diverse, enriching tech-focused dialogue.

Digital Bytes - parcel, IOS signatures, and the zoom essentials Line

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 13:06:45 -0000

In this episode, we explored the Parcel app for tracking deliveries and discussed customizing email signatures on iPhones. We highlighted the Zoom H1e recorder's accessible features and 32-bit float capability for high-quality recordings. Stay tuned for more on Zoom products.

At Your Fingertips - episode two braille then and now!

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:54:00 -0000

Join us as we explore Braille greeting cards and grade three Braille in this episode of "At Your Fingertips, Braille Then and Now." Discover DIY tips for creating Braille cards, sources for purchasing them, and the efficiency of grade three Braille in note-taking. Stay connected for more insightful discussions on Braille.

Digital Bytes - OKO, Voiceover Focus, and JBL Clip 3

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 08:25:00 -0000

In this podcast episode, we introduce the innovative OCO app, powered by AI to aid individuals in interpreting crosswalk signals where audible cues are lacking. The app's intuitive interface and functionality are demonstrated, showcasing how the back-facing camera can provide audio feedback on pedestrian signals in real time. Additionally, we offer valuable advice on optimizing VoiceOver settings to prevent repetitive notifications, focusing on enhancing user experience. The episode also covers the compact and versatile JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth speaker, highlighting its user-friendly controls, sound quality, affordability, and extended battery life, catering to tech enthusiasts and audio equipment lovers.

Computers For The Blind

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:08:00 -0000

Brian and Marcy highlight Computers for the Blind, an organization founded by Robert Langford to provide affordable computers to blind individuals. With over 18,000 computers delivered, they offer partnerships with companies and detailed application processes. The computers come loaded with essential software and training classes, aiming to empower users with assistive technology. Brian shares his transformative experience with computers, and Marcy discusses upgrade options and donation opportunities. The conversation concludes with contact details for those interested in benefitting from or supporting the organization's initiatives.

Community Replay for 27 FEB, 2024

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:45:37 -0000

Join us in this engaging community call every Tuesday with Marty on ACB Media 5 or Clubhouse, exploring the world of earbuds and headphones. From earbud reviews to phone reset tips, we delve into personal experiences and preferences, from wired to Bluetooth options. Discover the importance of comfort, functionality, and practicality in selecting the perfect earbuds as we share troubleshooting tips and recommendations for various headphone types. Stay updated on tech solutions and join the conversation on diverse headphone choices, all while fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and support within our community.

DIgital Bytes - Due Restart Earbuds

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:45:54 -0000

In this episode, We discussed the 'Due' reminder application's features and user interface, highlighting its efficient task and reminder management. We also shared tech tips on new Siri commands for restarting devices via voice commands, enhancing device management with convenience. Additionally, We unboxed and reviewed the Raycon everyday earbuds, detailing their packaging, physical attributes, sound customization modes, user experience insights, and audio performance across various music genres. The review emphasized the earbuds' 32-hour battery life and versatility, making them a reliable choice despite minor drawbacks like slight echo during calls, appealing to productivity tool and tech gadget enthusiasts.# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

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Community Replay for 20 Feb, 2024

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 19:32:09 -0000

Tune in every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time on ACB Community for live tech Q&A. In this episode, we cover updates on the First Unmute Club launch, podcast reviews, and listener questions on using Teams, SuperSense, and microphones for podcasting. We discuss tech training needs for visually impaired users, AI integration in iOS 18, and recorders with voice guidance. Listeners inquire about games, accessibility, and Zoom settings. Tech training classes and game recommendations are shared, along with support for tech assistance seekers. Join us for valuable insights and updates.

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Digital Bytes - EP2 - Food, calendar, and open earbuds

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 08:09:00 -0000

Join us in this episode of Digital Bytes where we delve into a range of tech topics. Chris introduces the Paprika recipe management app, showcasing its efficiency in simplifying recipe saving by removing unnecessary information from websites. Demonstrating how effortless it is to save and organize recipes with Paprika. Marty offers a quick tip on effortlessly adding events to the iPhone calendar using VoiceOver. Moreover, Michael reviews the Shox OpenFit earbuds, highlighting their innovative design and features like tactile controls and extended battery life. We wrap up the episode with enthusiasm for what's to come!

Katie Talks Passports

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:07:00 -0000

In this episode, we discuss passports with expert insights from a travel agent specializing in accessible travel. We cover the importance of having a passport, the application process, safety precautions, and the significance of working with travel agents. Tune in for valuable insights and tips.

Community Replay for 13 Febuary

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:12:32 -0000

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Digital Bytes - Glasses

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 13:17:20 -0000

In this episode of Digital Bytes, we discuss accessing visual information through smart glasses and apps. We explore the features of Envision glasses, including text scanning and scene description. We also touch on the Celeste glasses, which are still in development. The upcoming Apple glasses and their spatial audio capabilities are also mentioned. We recommend the Be My Eyes app for its AI assistant and Microsoft help desk. Join us as we keep you updated on the latest advancements in Mobile assistive devices.

All Things Lady A - Episode on Alexa Games

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:30:00 -0000

Show Notes for All Things Lady A - Episode on Alexa Games

Welcome to this fun-filled episode of All Things Lady A, where we delve into the entertaining world of games you can play with your Amazon Alexa devices. From word puzzles to brain teasers, join us as we explore some of the most engaging games available, showcasing the versatility and fun your Lady A devices can bring into your home.

Date: 8 Feb, 2024

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to Alexa Games: Kick off the episode with an overview of the myriad games available for play on Alexa devices. Discover how easy it is to turn your device into a source of endless entertainment.
Community Calls on ACB: Learn about the community calls hosted on the ACB community platform, where participants explore new games every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. Eastern. A perfect opportunity for listeners to request games or discover new ones.
Featured Games: 1. Grand Slam Word Game: Dive into the anagram-solving world of the Grand Slam Word Game with our host. Experience the challenge of ranking up from an anagram trainee to an enthusiast, with categories ranging from "in the bathroom" to "on a hike."

Word Chain: Engage in a fast-paced word association game where you match wits against Alexa. Choose from categories like countries, capitals, animals, fruits, and vegetables, and see how long you can keep the chain going.
Word Tennis: Enjoy a verbal volley with Word Tennis, where the challenge is to keep the rally going in categories selected by Alexa. Test your quick thinking and broad knowledge base in a competitive or cooperative mode.

Gameplay Tips and Tricks: Share insights on strategies for success in these games, including how to handle pressure and think on your feet. Plus, learn how to access hint packs and navigate through challenging rounds.
Listener Engagement: Encourage listeners to join the ACB community calls for a live gaming experience and to share their favorite Alexa games. Invite feedback and suggestions for future episodes through email at feedback@unmute.show.
Closing Thoughts: Reflect on the fun and challenges of today's featured games and tease the next episode's content. Remind listeners of the weekly tech Q&A sessions hosted by Michael Babcock, Marty Sobo, and the team, where all technology questions are welcome.

Contact Information:

Feedback: feedback@unmute.show
Community Calls: Join us live on ACB Media 5 or via Clubhouse. Visit ACB Community for details on joining via Zoom.

Join us again next month for more exciting explorations into the world of Alexa and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for new ways to engage with your Alexa device, there's something for everyone. Until next time, keep playing and exploring the possibilities with your Lady A devices!

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Community Replay for 6 FEB

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:36:42 -0000

We answer on this week's call listener questions on various topics such as contacts, troubleshooting, and MacBook choices. We also discuss the ACB app, offer help with tech issues, and mention a tool for organizing recipes. We direct listeners to additional resources and encourage them to visit unmute.show for updates.

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Digital Bytes - EP0

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 08:37:00 -0000

In this episode we share this Exciting news! We're launching a new show, Digital Bytes, on Unmute Presents. Join Marty, Michael, and Chris as we explore the fascinating world of gadgets, headphones, keyboards, and more. Get ready to geek out with us every Sunday starting in February. Stay tuned for our first episode on the latest smartphones shaping the market. Can't wait to have you join us!

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At Your Fingertips - Braille Then And Now

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:35:00 -0000

In this episode, we discuss Braille education with our guest Kay. We cover topics such as using a slate and stylus for writing, accessing Braille books, personal experiences with Braille, the importance of Braille literacy, and the practicality of labeling things using Braille. We invite listeners to join the conversation and provide feedback for future episodes.

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Unmute Presents Community Replay from 30 Jan, 2024

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:29:36 -0000

In this episode, we address a range of listener questions and concerns. Topics include troubleshooting laptop arrow keys, editing forms on an iPhone, difficulties with small buttons, reliability of multi-port hubs, verifying Gmail addresses, and more. We also discuss OrCam, screen recording, "do not disturb" settings, and offer tips and recommendations. The episode wraps up with gratitude and well wishes to the audience.

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Community Replay for 2024-01-23

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 19:27:19 -0000

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Katie Talks Travel: Travel Goals

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:57:00 -0000

In this episode of Katie Talks Travel, we discuss the travel industry during the "wave season" and the importance of setting travel goals. We emphasize the value of active participation in vacations and offer tips for planning trips with companions. We also highlight the improvements being made in the travel industry to be more inclusive. Tune in for travel inspiration and tips to start planning your next adventure!

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ACB COmmunity Replay for 16 Jan

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:47:00 -0000

In this episode of Unmute, we discuss scams on phones, using YouTube and Shazam, email troubles with Outlook, a Spanish language podcast, the app Discord, and portable chargers for USB-C phones. We address questions about syncing contacts to a new iPhone and turning off text prediction. We also talk about upgrading to Office 2019 and using Outlook for email. We apologize for not having enough time to answer all the questions and thank everyone for their participation.

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Joining a voice channel on Discord

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 03:09:37 -0000

We join discord on voice with voiceover.

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Exploring new generative AI skills for Lady A

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:25:00 -0000

In this conversation, we explore new generative AI skills for Lady A. We discuss the character.ai skill that lets users chat with chatbots, the Splash skill for creating personalized songs, and the Volley Games skill, an AI-driven version of 20 questions. We encounter some technical difficulties with the latter. These skills are still in early stages, so approach with caution. There may be a subscription fee in the future. Thanks for listening!

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Community Replay for 9 Jan, 2024

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 21:36:13 -0000

On today's Unmute Community Call, we cover a range of topics and address listener questions. We discuss new podcast episodes, backup solutions, Zoom meeting setup, accessing podcasts with VoiceOver, iPhone notifications, switching to YouTube TV, and troubleshooting JAWS. We thank everyone for joining and encourage further questions via email.

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Unmute Presents Community Replay from 2 Jan

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 19:37:31 -0000

In today's Unmute Community Call, we discuss the success of the Spanish with Carla podcast and new upcoming podcasts on IACast. Marty mentions recent episodes of Technically Working and the Unmute Presents community replay. We address issues with Do Not Disturb and focus modes in iOS, as well as provide tips on identifying pills using scanning apps and trusted sources. We also recommend using RSS readers like NetNewsWire and Liray for a better reading experience. The conversation ends with discussions on email account switching, invoking the reader function on webpages, and creating shortcuts for auto lock settings. We thank our listeners and sign off.

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Getting Introduced to Todoist on windows.

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:07:00 -0000

In this episode, I guide listeners on downloading and using the Todoist app on Windows 10/11. After installation, I explain the login process and recommend disabling the virtual viewer for better navigation. I demonstrate adding tasks and using keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. Finally, I encourage listeners to share and provide feedback to improve our show.

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Pass Keys Unlocked: Navigating the New Era of Digital Security

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 00:58:11 -0000

In this episode of "Unmute Presents," hosts Michael and Damashe delve into the world of passkeys. They discuss the technology's advancements, its security benefits, and the implications for users across various platforms. Whether you're new to passkeys or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is a must-listen.

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Unmute Presents Community Replay from 26 DEC

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 19:55:20 -0000

In this episode of the Unmute Presents community call, we cover a range of technology-related topics. From troubleshooting device issues to discussing wireless headphones and email clients, we delve into various conversations and address listeners' questions. Tune in for an informative and diverse discussion on all things tech.

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Cruising Through the Holidays: A Festive Adventure on the High Seas

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:21:00 -0000

In this episode of "Katie Talks Travel," the host, Katie White, and her guest, Lynn, discuss the joys of celebrating holidays on cruise ships. They highlight how holiday cruises offer a unique and stress-free way to enjoy special occasions. The episode covers various cruise lines that go all out with festive decorations, seasonal food, and themed activities for holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Halloween. Katie and Lynn emphasize the importance of booking holiday cruises well in advance due to their popularity and increased cost. They also recommend being open to trying new experiences, such as participating in holiday-themed events and embracing the festive spirit while onboard. The episode encourages listeners to add a touch of holiday magic by bringing their own decorations and participating in unique cruise traditions like hiding and finding cruising ducks. Ultimately, the message is to prioritize self-care and relaxation by indulging in the special moments and memories that holiday cruises offer. The hosts express their excitement for discussing new year travel goals in the next episode.

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ACB Community Replay of Unmute Presents, 19 DEC

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:41:32 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, we cover a range of topics and answer community questions. We discuss creative uses of NFC tags, address sound issues in VoiceOver, provide solutions for network problems, and talk about Bluetooth keyboard troubleshooting. We also touch on Windows 11 issues and offer tips for iPhone upgrades and storage space. We recommend HomeKit-compatible lights, discuss keyboard options, and highlight the benefits of Android phones and iPhones. Lastly, we provide podcast availability info and extend holiday greetings.

Publishing an Episode to Pinecast

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 08:56:00 -0000

In this episode Michael walks you threw publishing a podcast episode to Pinecast, the favorite podcast hosting tool of us at Unmute.You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Unmute presents community replay for 12 Dec, 23 link

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:22:39 -0000

In this episode, we make announcements about a tip jar and an ACB Community Call. We discuss updates, new podcast episodes, and a replay of Unmute Presents. We address questions about iOS 17.2, voicemail text reading, and journal apps on iPhones. We talk about disabling voicemail listening in Zoom calls and turning off news features on Echo devices. We provide tips for using a journal app, troubleshooting technical issues, and dealing with scams. We offer assistance with sound problems, Echo devices, and AirPods Pro 2. We address JAWS commands on Windows 11 and accessing recent downloads on a PC. We clarify rumors about the iPad Air and answer questions about keyboards. Overall, the episode covers technology updates and assistance for listeners.

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Unmute Presents - Reaper Concepts You Need TO Know

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 22:27:36 -0000

In this episode, we dive into the power of Reaper, a dynamic digital audio workstation designed for podcasters. Reaper allows us to record, edit, and mix our podcasts for a professional-grade sound that captivates our audience. With features like tracks, items, multiple takes, and non-destructive editing, Reaper gives us the flexibility and control to create compelling episodes. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on podcasting, audio production, and technology. Keep those ideas flowing and your podcasts growing!

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Unmute presents community replay for 5 Dec, 23

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:50:02 -0000

# In this episode of Unmute Presents Community Call, we discuss tech gift recommendations and address various listener questions regarding fitness planning apps, iOS 17 bugs, accepting auto-correct suggestions, sharing content, iOS updates, updating iCloud storage plans, deleting Zoom recordings, and copying and pasting on an iPhone. We also provide resources for accessibility information. We thank our listeners for their participation and invite them to send us feedback via email.

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"Navigating iOS 17: Resolving Double Tap Timing and Apple Watch Accessibility Challenges"

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 19:26:36 -0000

Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the challenges and solutions surrounding the double tap timeout in iOS 17 and the Apple Watch, especially for VoiceOver users. Our guest, David Goldfield, joins us to share insights and helpful tips.You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Unmute Presents - our community festive gift guide

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:32:12 -0000

# In this episode, we changed our plans for a live event and instead gathered contributions from the community. Gift suggestions include the Prolithin mini desktop vacuum, Zoom PodTrak P4, portable luggage scale, Table Coaster, and Lady A Echo Pop. We discussed AI software, gift cards, Sonos app, AirPods, and the JBL Clip 4. Community members recommended the Be My Eyes app, Anker MagSafe Cube, and Arcanite USB Fingerprint Scanner. We thanked the listeners and invited them to subscribe for exclusive content and updates.

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Unmute presents community replay for 28 NOV

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:44:50 -0000

# We cover topics such as keyboard options for iPads, glitch fixes in iPadOS, dark mode vs. smart invert, dictation on iPhones, and more. We conclude with tips on labeling phone numbers in contacts and alternatives to programming a DVR with the Be My Eyes app. Stay tuned for more!

Efficiently Using Gravity Forms: A Guide for Screen Reader Users

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 08:34:00 -0000

In this episode of #UnmutePresents, Michael Babcock offers a concise tutorial on using Gravity Forms with a screen reader. Focused on the essentials, this guide is perfect for anyone new to Gravity Forms or in need of a quick refresher.

Key Points:

Accessing and Modifying Forms: Michael demonstrates how to open Gravity Forms in Safari and navigate the WordPress dashboard to create or modify forms.
Adding Key Fields: Learn the straightforward process of adding important fields like 'Name' and 'Date' to your form.
Navigating to Field Settings: Tips on efficiently navigating to different field settings, including HTML fields for enhanced form functionality.
Saving Your Form: The episode wraps up with the crucial step of saving your form to ensure all changes are applied.

This episode is an essential quick start guide for screen reader users working with Gravity Forms.

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Staying Safe During the Holidays

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 08:21:00 -0000

# Join Michael and Damashe on this episode of Unmute Presents as they delve into essential safety tips for the holiday shopping season. Featuring real-life stories and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay secure while navigating the bustling world of online shopping.

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Replay from ACB Community on 21 NOV

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:49:52 -0000

In this episode, we share announcements and remind listeners about the tip jar. We discuss cooking app alternatives, turning off Siri's follow-up mode, and offer solutions for various tech issues. We address difficulties with VoiceOver on an iPhone 11 and share workarounds. The conversation also touches on Thanksgiving and other unrelated topics. We wrap up by thanking everyone and providing contact information for further questions. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Katie Talks Travel -

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:15:00 -0000

Katie and Linn discuss universal studios and the opportunities available for travelers looking to visit.

ACB Community Replay for 14 NOV

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:01:34 -0000

In this episode, we discuss the ability for tipping and encourage listener participation. We highlight upcoming events and introduce Michael Doyes from the iACAST network. We talk about audiobooks and share app recommendations. Wrapping up, we offer assistance and remind listeners of the IA Cast app.You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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"Spooky Surprises and AI Insights: Halloween Themes and Oracle of Light on Lady A"

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 08:54:00 -0000

In this podcast episode, Marty and Lucy discuss Halloween-themed features for Amazon's Alexa (referred to as "Lady A") and the new AI feature, Oracle of Light. Lucy shares her experience with the Halloween theme, demonstrating how Alexa responds with themed replies to queries like weather updates. They explore the Oracle of Light skill, highlighting its free and paid versions. The paid version, integrated with ChatGPT, offers more detailed responses and maintains conversation context. Lucy demonstrates this by asking about baking a cake, Dan Fogelberg’s history, and facts about Michigan, including its cities, population, and governor. They also discuss the potential for storing information from Alexa’s responses and compare the accuracy of responses between the free and paid versions of the Oracle of Light skill. The episode concludes with thoughts on the increasing role of AI in everyday technology.

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ACB Community Replay for 6 NOV

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:05:41 -0000

In today's episode, we address listener questions about streaming apps, provide updates on upcoming content, and share tips on navigating technical issues. We discuss favorite shows, upcoming podcast episodes, and offer guidance on resolving app compatibility and email setup. Join us for valuable insights and assistance.

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The iCast: 8 - Scary Reactions

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 15:01:36 -0000

Episode Notes

In this episode, we discussed the highly anticipated M3 MacBook Pros, and the new M3 iMac The These powerful machines will be available for order at the end of November, adding to the anticipation surrounding their release.

App Picks

Marty: Dark Noise
Alisha: Canva
Taylor: Square
Michael: Buffer

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State of the Union - NOV 2023

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:23:38 -0000

# In this episode of the State of the Union, Marty is joined by Michael Doyce and Michael Babcock to discuss the latest updates in the iAccessibility app, the introduction of membership opportunities in Unmute Presents, and the switch to a new radio provider. They highlight the new features and improvements in the app, the benefits of the membership program, and the enhanced capabilities of the new radio station. They also tease the upcoming special 200th episode of the IA cast podcast. For more information and to get in touch, visit IACast.net and unmute.show

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ACB Community Replay for 31 OCT

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:49:07 -0000

# In this episode, we make announcements for the Unmute Presents Community Call and discuss favorite kitchen gadgets. We provide updates on recent episodes and answer questions about software updates, phone contacts, and various tech issues. We also discuss Windows 11 compatibility, printing from iPhones, and recommend resources for gadgets and replacements. We conclude with tips for navigating iPhones without a home button.

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Unmute Presents - Multi Factor Authentication Apps

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 07:03:00 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, Michael and Damashe delve into the significance of two-factor authentication (2FA) and various strategies to enhance the security of 2FA codes. Their conversation begins with a clear explanation of what 2FA entails and underscores the need for an extra layer of protection beyond mere usernames and passwords. Damashe discusses his personal approach, where he uses 1Password to conveniently store 2FA codes for accounts of lower importance, while safeguarding high-security accounts separately. The discussion also emphasizes the vital role of backup codes in case one loses access to their 2FA device. Throughout the conversation, a range of 2FA applications, including Authy, OTP Auth, and 2FOS, are explored, with a focus on their unique features and cross-platform compatibility. The duo recommends opting for secure 2FA applications over SMS whenever feasible and shares insights on the importance of safeguarding 2FA codes before making device transitions. The episode concludes with a consideration of the trade-off between security and convenience and how pass keys are transforming the security landscape. Damashe wraps up by providing his contact details for anyone interested in connecting with him.

In summary, this episode offers valuable insights into the realm of 2FA and underscores the significance of employing secure methods to shield one's online accounts

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ACB Community Replay for 24 October

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 00:20:07 -0000

# In this episode of the ACB Community Call, we answer tech questions, discuss recent episodes of the IACast network, and provide updates on the IACAST app. We address topics such as Facebook syncing, managing notifications, and editing text. We also offer suggestions for device issues and provide guidance on 5G connectivity and cellular data options. We thank our callers, provide contact information for further questions, and wrap up the episode.

Magic Access: Uncovering Disney World's Inclusivity

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:07:00 -0000

Introduction Host Katie welcomes co-host Lynn to discuss Disney and its accessibility features. A brief Disney trivia segment focusing on Disney World's history, current renovations, and resort room availability. Disability Access Service (DAS) Pass Explanation of the DAS pass and how it helps guests with disabilities manage wait times. Overview of the pre-registration process for DAS pass and various assistive features Disney offers like audio description devices, Magic Bands, and Braille guidebooks. Audio Description and Tactile Maps Discussion on the availability and user experience of audio description devices across 43 attractions and shows. Mention of Braille guidebooks and portable tactile maps available at guest services. Advocacy and Service Animal Accommodations The significance of self-advocacy and inquiring about accessibility features. Policy on service animals in Disney parks, including relief areas and accommodations like rider swap or portable kennels. Assistive Devices for Hearing Impaired Guests Offerings like video captioning and handheld captioning devices for guests with hearing difficulties. Availability of interpretation services for special events and dinner shows with prior notice. Disney's Accessible App Features Highlighting Disney app's accessible features like room key access, park maps, and ride wait times. Cost-Saving Tips for a Disney Vacation Suggestions like bringing a gallon water bottle, purchasing discounted gift cards, and teaching kids about budgeting to save money during the trip. Offer of free assistance in planning Disney trips and transitioning to listener questions segment. Listener Questions and Budgeting Tips Addressing listener queries on budgeting for food, booking trips early for better pricing, and monitoring prices for promotions. Upcoming Episode Teaser Introduction to the next episode's topic on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Encouragement for listeners to consider warm vacations as winter approaches and to reach out with any questions or feedback. Closing Katie and Lynn sign off until next month's episode.

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Community Replay for Day 290 - 17 OCT of Unmute Presents

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:21:03 -0000

In this episode of "unmute," we give announcements and updates on the iacast network. We discuss podcast listening apps, upcoming unmute membership, listener questions, and topics like AI co-pilots and self-driving cars. We also talk about alternative podcast apps, video podcasts, and voice recognition on Zoom. The episode concludes with a reminder of the next episode and supporting the show.# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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All Things Lady A - Controlling your Devices

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:00:00 -0000

In this episode of All Things Lady A with Lucy:

Multi-room music feature: Control music on multiple Lady A devices throughout your home.
CHAT GPT: AI program for composing emails, stories, and engaging in conversations.
Future AI enhancements: Lady A will improve to answer complex questions without CHAT GPT.
Alexa Guard: Lady A as a security device with smart alerts and emergency services contact.
Product updates: Enhanced sound quality, improved camera, and accessories available.

Stay tuned for more updates! Email feedback or questions to feedback@unmute.show. Thanks for listening!

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Unmute Presents Replay for 10 OCT

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:14:25 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents Community Call, we make announcements and discuss upcoming events. Our guests, Michael Doys and Michael Babcock, share recent content from IA Cast. We address questions about unmuting issues, iPhone volume problems, and offer solutions for various tech-related challenges. We provide tips for Outlook.com, Windows navigation, and address Siri and Windows 11 problems. We wrap up by discussing Zoom and thanking participants.

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Controlling your Control Center

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 07:01:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore the power of the control center. Access it easily by sliding down from the Wi-Fi icon or using voiceover gestures. Customize it to your liking and prioritize what matters most. Share these tips and tricks to make the most of your control center. And a big thank you to Andre Louis for the music in this episode. Tune in for more insightful episodes in the future.

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State of the Union - EP2

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:07:00 -0000

Show Notes:

Introduction: Discussion on recent happenings with our shows, iACast and Unmute.
New Shows: Announcement of new shows including a travel show, VO Starter Weekly, and a reboot of iCast, focused on Apple and iOS.
Friday Finds: Recognition of Lynn's contributions to Friday Finds.
New Websites & Emails: Introduction of new contact channels and support options for listeners.
Technically Working: Recap of a recent episode and tease of a surprise announcement.
Video-Based Show: Announcement of a new video-based social media show for the IACast YouTube channel.
IACAST Radio: Introduction of 24/7 radio station, available at iacast.net or via the iAccessibility iOS app. Android app coming soon.
IA Cast Live Stream: Now accessible on the Blindshell Classic.
Subscription Details: Information for existing subscribers about accessing different shows. Introduction of the iCast Network feed.
Discovery: Encouragement to discover other shows on the network and comparison to Nosilla Cast.
iAccessibility App: Promoting the recently updated app for iOS, iPad, and Mac users with an Android update on the horizon.
Upcoming Content: Teaser for future content on the network.
Listener Engagement: Promotion of Mastodon and email for listener feedback and questions, including individual show hashtags.
Conclusion: Gratitude for listeners and promise of continued updates and announcements.

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ACB Community Replay of Unmute Presents for 3 October

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:33:55 -0000

During the Unmute Presents Community Call, we discussed app recommendations for scanning text on phones, updates on the iAccessibility app, and upcoming Android version updates. We addressed participant questions, shared podcast episodes, and discussed various accessibility issues with Siri and iOS 17. Michael Deuss shared his positive experience with the new iPhone 15 Pro, highlighting its lighter design and great speakers. We also mentioned two quick announcements regarding a technology symposium and employment issues for the blind community.

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Using widgets from iOS 17 on macOS 14's desktop

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 07:16:00 -0000

# In this episode, we guide you through adding widgets to your Sonoma desktop. We explain the process of accessing the desktop, adding widgets from your iPhone, and how to interact with them. Tune in to optimize your widget experience on Sonoma with iOS 17.

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Unmute Presents - Passkeys

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 07:22:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore the rise of pass keys as a secure authentication method for online services. We discuss the benefits of pass keys over traditional passwords, including enhanced security and seamless authentication. We also delve into the future of website logins and the potential for pass keys to replace usernames and passwords. Join us for an engaging discussion on the advancements in authentication technology.

ACB Community Replay for 26 September

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:56:01 -0000

During the Unmute Presents Community Call, we cover various topics including the new Windows version 23H2 and its co-pilot AI features, discussions on gravity forms and the OCO app, social media and AI challenges, different cruise lines, and preordering the iPhone 15 Pro Max. We address questions about Dropbox sharing, finding podcast episodes on Overcast, lock screen notifications on iOS 17.1, and text message notifications on blind shell phones. We provide troubleshooting tips for iOS 17 updates, iPhone screen bouncing back, Dropbox disappearing from the system tray, and 7-Zip not appearing in the context menu on Windows 11. We also discuss email organization in Microsoft Outlook, managing email alerts on iOS devices, accessibility issues with Facebook, and downloading Windows 11. We end the conversation by encouraging reviews, feedback, and wishing everyone a great weekend.

Unmute Presents - The OKO App

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:23:00 -0000

In this episode, we speak with Michael from OKO, a revolutionary mobile app using AI to interpret pedestrian signals for the visually impaired. OKO offers accessible feedback through audible, vibration, and visual cues. It's free and expanding globally to assist blind pedestrians. Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion on OCO's innovative features and future outlook.

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Katie Talks Travel: "Episode 2: Navigating the Seas - A Comprehensive Guide to US Cruise Lines"

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:22:00 -0000

In this episode, we provide an overview of popular cruise lines in the US, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian, Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity. We discuss their unique features, pricing, accessibility efforts, and the importance of providing feedback. We also touch on technology in cruise line apps and tease upcoming episodes on accessible options at Disney World. Overall, now is a great time to go on a cruise and escape the winter cold.

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ACB Community Replay for the 19th of September

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:47:47 -0000

In this episode of Unmute, we discuss the latest iPhone and watch software updates, address audience questions on various topics including iOS 17 features and potential bugs, recommend Bluetooth headsets and navigation apps, provide instructions on accessing different voices in iOS 17, and offer tips on updating software and utilizing useful iOS apps. We also remind listeners to register for the ACB of Oregon conference convention and express gratitude for their support.

Slowing Speech Down

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 07:26:00 -0000

In this segment, we encourage support from our listeners through sharing our content and contributing financially. We then demonstrate how to slow down speech on the Blindshell Classic 2 to make it more accessible. We explain the range of speech rate levels and share an exciting announcement about an upcoming Community Call. Visit acb.community for more information. Stay tuned for more valuable content in our upcoming episodes.

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Music and Podcasts with Lady A

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:02:00 -0000

Marty and Lucy discuss Lady A devices for podcasts and music, including streaming platforms like TuneIn Radio, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. Join their live sessions and explore with Lady A!

Uninstalling Applications on the Blindshell Classic 2: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 07:38:00 -0000

NOTES: To remove applications from the Blindshell Classic 2, start by pressing and holding the back button. Then, press the down arrow, followed by number 4, OK, and up once, OK. Go to "Browse Catalog" and select option number 2, which is "Installed Packages". Press OK and the phone will list the applications that can be uninstalled. Scroll down using the down button to select an application, like "Amazon Alexa" for example, and press OK. Follow the prompts to uninstall the package, in this case, selecting option number two for "uninstall package two of five" and pressing OK. Once the package is uninstalled, the phone will let you know and the number of installed applications will decrease from 18 to 17.

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Friday Finds: "Clubhouse's Comeback, The Rise of Private Groups & Marks & Spencer's Innovation for the Blind"

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 11:20:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore the decline of Clubhouse and its attempt to revive itself with a new chat feature. We also discuss the growing preference for closed communities and its potential impact on organizations like ACB. Additionally, we highlight Marks & Spencer's Braille gift cards, bringing accessibility and joy to the blind community. Don't forget to subscribe and share our podcast on Apple Podcasts and our Friday Finds feed. Visit FridayFinds.show for more info and send your feedback to feedback@fridayfinds.show. Have a great week ahead!

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Unifying Networks: The Merger of IACAST and Unmute Presents

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 07:32:00 -0000

In this episode of the State of the Union podcast, we discuss the merger of IACAST and Unmute Presents to create a unified network. Listeners can now access all shows through the IACAST Network feed, and exciting new projects are on the horizon. We have revamped our website and developed the IACAST radio for a seamless listening experience. Join us as we build a strong community around our technology-focused content. #IACast.

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ACB Community Replay for 5 Sep

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:22:11 -0000

In this episode, we announce upcoming changes and the merger with IACAST. We answer tech questions about calendar issues, video streaming, and website accessibility. We discuss OCR apps, alternatives to a hacked weather app, a tablet stand, and Mac's Stage Manager. We provide steps for downloading books, address technical difficulties, and answer various device-specific queries. We thank listeners and wrap up the episode.

Unmute Presents: Screen Recording on iPhone for Accessibility

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 07:11:00 -0000

Introduction: - Discussion about the inspiration for this episode from the latest DoubleTap show where host Sean talks about recording applications that may not be fully accessible.
Main Content: - Detailed walkthrough on how to record an iPhone screen and include voiceover, a useful tool for developers to understand accessibility challenges. - Topics covered:
- Navigating an iPhone 12 without a home button.
- Adding the screen recording feature to the control center.
- Reordering controls in the control center for screen recording.
- Starting and stopping screen recording.
- Sharing the recorded video with developers.
Conclusion: - Recap of the process and its potential benefits for app developers and users. - Invitation for listeners to reach out with any questions or comments.
Contact Information: - Encouragement for listeners to reach out on Mastodon at payown, P-A-Y-O-W-N, at unmute.community with any questions or feedback.

Remember to tune in to Unmute every Sunday for more insights and discussions on accessibility and technology!

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Friday Finds: Empowering Tech? Social Media Revamp & Canine AI

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Friday Finds, we share good news about the resolution of the iOS 17 braille display bug. We also discuss a smart headband called EYECAN, designed to assist blind individuals in navigating swimming pools. We explore the changing landscape of social media and the emergence of platforms offering more control. Additionally, we mention the development of a language model for robotic dogs and express gratitude to our listeners.# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Unmute: Exploring the Echobatix App with Gary and Mia

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:22:00 -0000

This episode of Unmute features an enlightening conversation with Gary and Mia the creators of the innovative Echobatix app. The duo shares the inspiration behind the app and the unique features it offers for touchscreen accessibility. They also delve into the challenges they encountered during the development process and reveal exciting future plans for Echobatix, including a potential subscription model. The episode wraps up with a special giveaway and an opportunity for listeners to connect directly with Gary and Mia for further discussions.

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ACB Community Replay for 29 August

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:06:24 -0000

Welcome to this episode of Unmute! We address listener questions and concerns, covering a range of technical issues. We discuss the new Sense Player from HIMSS, provide tips on managing messages across Apple devices and smart TV troubleshooting. We also share resources for transitioning to a MacBook Pro, offer help with various inquiries, and emphasize the importance of backing up data. Join us for detailed explanations and audience engagement!

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Sending Files With LaunchBar

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 07:01:00 -0000

In this episode, the Send To feature in LaunchBar is explored. Learn how to quickly move files to specific locations with just a few keystrokes and navigate through folders efficiently. Stay tuned for more productivity tips.# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

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Friday Finds: "Tech Tussles: The CAPTCHA Conundrum and the Robot Vandalism Dilemma"

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:09:00 -0000

In this episode, we delve into two different issues that arise with the advancement of technology. First, we discuss the limitations and decreasing effectiveness of CAPTCHAs. Lynn Schneider, the host, highlights that as AI technology becomes more sophisticated, CAPTCHAs are easier to bypass, making them less secure. However, she mentions that companies like Google and Microsoft are working on making CAPTCHAs more accessible and efficient. They are developing potential solutions to address this issue, which we explore in detail.

Moving on to our second topic, we discuss the increasing cases of vandalism against delivery robots. These robots, used by various delivery services, have become targets for theft, acts of protest against automation taking over jobs, and simply acts of vandalism. Lynn emphasizes the significant cost of repairing or replacing these sophisticated machines due to vandalism. To counter this issue, some companies are considering deterrents such as adding cameras to capture photo evidence of vandals, alarms to alert authorities, and even arming the robots for self-defense. We delve into the legal and ethical implications of arming these defenseless robots, sparking a thoughtful discussion.

It is fascinating to witness the complexities that arise between humans and automation as technology advances. The challenges discussed in this episode raise important questions about our relationship with technology and how we navigate these complexities moving forward. As the episode concludes, Lynn expresses uncertainty about the definitive solution to the issue of vandalism on these machines. Although arming them might be an option, she mentions that the robots already have cameras to capture images of vandals, potentially leading to legal consequences for those who vandalize them.

Thanking the audience for their support and feedback, Lynn wraps up this week's Friday Finds. She encourages listeners to share their thoughts and provides an email address, feedback@unmute.show, for any feedback. With a warm farewell and wishes for a great weekend and week ahead, Lynn signs off, promising to return with more intriguing topics next week.

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Securing Your Website

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 07:19:00 -0000

In this conversation, we stress the importance of securing your organization's web presence. We discuss the significance of having a domain name for verification and business integration. We provide tips for maintaining control over your domain, such as enabling two-factor authentication and locking transfers. We also highlight the need for choosing a reputable hosting company that prioritizes security and keeping WordPress software up to date. We emphasize the importance of user management, backups, and making smart choices for website security. Listener feedback and suggestions are welcomed. Stay tuned for more news updates in the next episode.

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Unmute Presents ACB Community replay for 22 August

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 18:57:01 -0000

On this episode of the Unmute Presents Community Call, we address a range of tech-related questions. We discuss tips for saving attachments in Outlook, generating QR codes, troubleshooting computer issues, muting messages on WhatsApp and GroupMe, and more. We also provide updates on recent podcast episodes and express our gratitude to the listeners. Stay tuned for the next show!

Technically Working 22: Smart Vision, Accessibility, and Listener Engagement

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:36:00 -0000

In this episode, we discuss the smart vision three phone, address the backup process for the blind shell phone, talk about file moving and using SD cards and USB thumb drives. We also touch upon using magnification and voiceover features simultaneously and share our experiences with different keyboards and braille displays. Additionally, we mention engagement on Mastodon and talk about sharing our shows on various platforms. Lastly, we hint on how next week will start by answering a listener question about our businesses and express gratitude for listening.

Unmute - Selection to LaunchBar

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 07:28:00 -0000

In this segment, we learn how to quickly add a tracking number to the Parcel app on macOS. By selecting the tracking number from an email message, activating LaunchBar, and navigating to the Parcel app action, we ensure accuracy in package tracking. After inputting a brief description, we finalize the entry and receive a confirmation message in the Parcel window toolbar. Join the unmute community call on ACB media every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Pacific time (1 p.m. Eastern).# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

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191 - Tablets to the Extreme

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 07:17:00 -0000

Episode Notes

In this episode, Michael Doise flies solo as the host and kicks off the conversation by expressing his appreciation for the audience and his enjoyment of doing the podcast. He updates listeners on the upcoming changes and news in the iAccessibility and Techopolis realms, including the re-release of the VO Starter app with more lessons and content for iOS 17. He teases a surprise and mentions that the app will be available for free. Michael also talks about the success of iACast Radio, with over 100 hours of listening in the past week. He welcomes Michael Babcock to the discussion, and they briefly chat about TV shows they have been watching.

Moving on to their podcast, Unmute Presents, Michael mentions the great content they have been producing and their progress in catching up with publishing episodes. He highlights various shows and recommends checking out their podcast on the radio station or subscribing to their podcast feed.

Shifting gears, Michael addresses the recent stir on Mastodon caused by an article from The Verge about SanDisk SSD drives losing files despite a firmware update. He shares his personal experience with such drives and expresses concern about Western Digital's handling of the situation. He commends the speed of the SSD drives but emphasizes the importance of considering other brands with reliable drives.

The discussion shifts to the ongoing debate between iPad and Android tablets. Michael shares his experience as a blind individual, finding the real estate on an iPad overwhelming and the keyboard support not ideal for his needs. However, based on limited experience with Android tablets, he believes that the iPad is the better choice overall. He compares features and functionalities, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of both platforms.

The speaker also discusses their use of iPadOS and the improvement in navigation with the item chooser feature and keyboard commands. They emphasize the need for good backup solutions and prioritize the importance of backups. The speaker then dives into the topic of keyboard support, noting the inconsistency across different brands of Android tablets and the standardization of keyboard shortcuts on iPad apps.

Michael touches on the limited storage space of Android tablets compared to the massive storage capabilities of iPads. They mention the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms, such as better sound quality on Samsung tablets and the convenience of accessing specific content on iPads. The speaker recommends considering individual needs and usages when deciding between tablets.

In closing, Michael expresses their enjoyment of having guests like Michael on the show and shares their pick for great content, Foundation Season 2 on Apple TV. They provide their contact information and encourage listeners to send feedback and stay tuned for future episodes.

Picks

Michael B: Hijack on Apple TV+
Michael D: Foundation season 2 on Apple TV+

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iacast.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our and Patreon pages.

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Friday Finds: Google's AI Revolution, HP's Printer Predicament & Instacart's Pricing Puzzle

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:11:00 -0000

In this episode, we discuss Google's efforts to enhance their AI system, BARD, to compete with ChatGPT and Bing. We also explore the class-action lawsuit against HP for designing printers that require ink for scanning and faxing. Additionally, we touch on the markups in grocery delivery services like Instacart and the need for transparency. Join us next week for another exciting episode of Friday Finds.

Katie Talks Travel - EP1

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:09:00 -0000

In this episode, we chat with Katie, an independent travel agent, about her passion for travel and her expertise in accessible travel. We discuss the challenges of website accessibility for visually impaired individuals and how Katie customizes travel experiences for her clients. Katie also shares popular destinations, tips for a smooth trip, and the importance of planning ahead. Join us for this insightful conversation and send in your questions and feedback for future episodes.

Shell Phone Show - Setting Quick Dials Up on the BlindShell CLassic 2

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:20:00 -0000

In this episode we show you how to set quick dials up on the Blindshell Classic 2 phone.

Unmute Presents ACB Community replay for 15 August

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 18:58:29 -0000

In this episode, we discuss listener questions, share news about the VO Starter app, address issues with sharing news articles on iPad, review a podcast, offer tips on using chatbots and AI, discuss keyboard commands and VoiceOver navigation, provide advice for those with arthritic hands, explore voice control tutorials, and offer tips for AirPods. We encourage feedback from our listeners.

TW21 - We Did It First

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:17:00 -0000

In this episode, we overcome technical issues and discuss recording interviews at a state convention. We highlight the MacWhisper app and express gratitude for listener recommendations. We cover topics like VoIP phones, travel plans, email services, and DNS backup. We mention the intriguing I clever BK 10 keyboard and tease exciting surprises for our listeners. Join us for more engaging discussions in the next episode. Don't forget to rate and recommend the show!# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

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Unmute Presents - How to leave a review of your favorite podcasts

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 07:01:00 -0000

In this episode, I'll guide you through the process of leaving reviews for the Unmute Presents podcast. Open your podcast app, search for the show, and find the "Ratings and Reviews" section. Choose your star rating, write your review, and submit it. Your feedback helps us improve and others discover great shows. Tune in every Tuesday for more exciting content on ACB.community.

IACast: 190 - Beats Up, Threads Down

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 16:49:48 -0000

Episode Notes

In this episode of our podcast, I am joined by Marty Sobo and Michael Babcock as we approach our 200th episode. We ask our listeners how long they have been with us and tease some upcoming changes for episode 200. We discuss the tech news coming in September, including new iPhones and betas. We also dive into our show "Unmute Presents" that Michael and Marty do, where they go live every Tuesday on the ACB community to answer tech questions. We mention the iACast Radio, a radio station for all iACast and Unmute Presents content, and explain how to access it. We talk about our plans for live content on the radio station and an upcoming podcast called "Technically Working." We also discuss the excitement around iACast Radio and our goal to provide interesting content for listeners. We then delve into the different platforms we use for our content, such as YouTube, radio, and podcasts, and how the way we upload and share our content has evolved over time. We move on to discuss a news story that excites us, a new superconductor discovered in South Korea that can operate at room temperature without protection or a vacuum. We discuss its potential impact on battery technology, faster charging, maglev trains, and power lines. We express our enthusiasm for technological advancements and their potential to improve transportation. The conversation then transitions to the potential of the superconductor in extending battery life and enhancing battery performance. We highlight its key aspects and discuss an article about the decline in traffic for the platform Threads. We address a technical issue with the X app and offer a solution. We move on to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of having a centralized town square or platform for social media. We share our experiences with Twitter and Mastodon, emphasizing the desire for decentralized federated content and connecting with users across different platforms. We acknowledge the challenges in determining a central gathering place and the issues surrounding hate speech and inappropriate content. We mention the monetization and convenience factors and express a desire for an easy way to post on multiple social media platforms. Next, we share our excitement about the Beats Studio Pro headsets we recently purchased. We discuss their foldable design, lightweight nature, and impressive sound quality. We talk about their ability to function without battery power, Bluetooth connectivity, transparency mode, and noise cancellation. We mention their compatibility with Android and iOS devices and recommend getting AppleCare for added protection. We discuss using the headsets for gaming and compare them to the AirPods Max, highlighting their value and comfort. We touch on upcoming releases of iOS, iPadOS, and Mac, highlighting the features we're excited about, such as the journaling app in iOS 17. We discuss the stability of the beta versions and address some persistent issues with Bluetooth connectivity and Siri. To end on a positive note, we share our personal recommendations. We mention Audio Hijack, a tool for audio customization, and Marty recommends the Belkin MagSafe iPhone stand/mount for streaming video. We provide our online presence and contact information for further engagement. We thank our guests, Marty and Michael, for joining us and wrap up the episode by expressing our appreciation for the listeners and excitement for the next episode. We encourage them to explore other podcasts on the iACast Network at iacast.net.

Picks

Michael: Audio Hijack
Marty: Belkin MagSafe iPhone desktop/laptop stand for iPhone
Michael: Beats Studio Pro

Providing Feedback

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Friday Finds - Don't Text and Walk

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Friday Finds, we discuss the upcoming changes in iOS 17, including the relocation of the call end button and new features like live voicemail. We also address issues with the Mantis Braille display in the beta version of iOS 17 and the potential impact on blind and deafblind individuals. Additionally, we talk about a study on texting and walking, which found that it increases the risk of falling. Stay safe and avoid texting while walking! That's all for this week's episode. Thanks for listening!

Accessing Books with Lady A

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:09:00 -0000

In this episode we discuss options for accessing books, including Audible, Kindle with screen readers, and Bookshare. We highlight the Bookshare Reader skill and the upcoming beta skill for BARD. We encourage listeners to email their preferred book-reading services.

Shell Phone Show: Copying Files on the BlindShell Classic 2

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:56:40 -0000

In this episode, Damashe demonstrates how to copy or move a file using the blind shell phone. Damashe navigates to the file manager, selects the file, and chooses the copy option. Then, Damashe goes to the desired destination folder and pastes the file. Additionally, Damashe shows how to set a custom ringtone for a specific contact. Tune in for more helpful tips on using the blind shell phone.# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

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Unmute Presents ACB Community replay for 8 August

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 18:40:02 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Technically WOrking: Live Sessions, Business Challenges, and Gadgets Galore

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:22:00 -0000

In this episode, we discuss our live sessions in ACB Community and recording them with Audio Hijack. We cover issues with Clubhouse, self-doubt as business owners, challenges of running our own businesses, upcoming events, bugs in apps, and the use of widgets in iOS 17. We also touch on MagSafe, smart backpacks, and our recording/streaming setup. Finally, we mention Jeff's birthday and our presence on Mastodon.

Saving Email on the BlindShell Classic 2

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 17:01:40 -0000

In this episode, we walk you through the steps to save and access important emails using the Blindshell Classic 2. Press and hold the back button to open your email application, locate the message you want to save, and select it. Open the context menu, choose "Share," then "Share by notes." Press OK to save the note, and access it in the Notes section of the Internet Browser. From there, you can edit, share, extract information, or delete the note.

Read transcript

189 - X Unpacked

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 07:30:00 -0000

Episode Notes

In this episode of the iACast, Michael takes the main speaker role and starts off by mentioning that he is alone for today's episode. He expresses his excitement about some news and mentions that there is both good and bad news to discuss. He informs the listeners that they can now listen to the iACast on iACast Radio through a new echo skill and the iAccessibility app. He also expresses his desire to add tech talk radio shows to iACast Radio as well. Moving on to the news, Michael mentions that Twitter has changed its name to X, which Elon Musk announced on Friday of the previous week. He discusses his mixed opinions on this change and reveals that Elon Musk frequently makes changes and announcements on the Twitter platform. He explains that the X logo, created by a contest winner, will now represent Twitter. The iOS and Android apps have also been updated to reflect this change. Michael expresses his disappointment in losing the Twitter brand that they have built over the years and questions the motive behind the sudden name change. He wonders why Elon Musk hired a CEO if he intends to make all the decisions himself. Additionally, he mentions that the app's dark mode will be the only option going forward, and light mode support will be discontinued. Michael concludes by mentioning alternative platforms like Mastodon and expresses his disappointment in the situation. Next, Michael discusses the end of an era as Twitter announces its shutdown. He mentions that some people see this as a lamentable decision, but there are alternative social media platforms, such as Mastodon, that offer similar features and may eventually join the Fediverse. He notes that not all Mastodon servers support threads, as some server admins prefer not to have any connection with meta. Server admins should consider the preferences of their users, particularly on instances catering to the blindness community. Despite the changes, Twitter remains significant to many people, and it's interesting to observe that the Twitter app for Mac has yet to be updated. Moving on, Michael shares some recommendations for other shows to check out, including discussions on routers and various topics by Unmute Presents. Shifting gears, he delves into the much-anticipated Vision Pro, a virtual or augmented reality headset designed with accessibility in mind. However, it's crucial to handle this device with care, as the glass front is not invincible and can scratch or shatter upon impact. He highly recommends AppleCare to protect this $3,500 piece of equipment. As for updates, Vision OS and Vision Pro Labs are now open, although reservations are required. The labs offer developer kits, which come with strict usage guidelines and require head measurements. Additionally, these kits must not leave the authorized user's location and are equipped with air tags to ensure they remain at the designated address. Finally, Michael briefly touches on the Samsung Unpacked July 2023 event, where four exciting devices are expected to be unveiled. Towards the end of the episode, Michael mentions a show called "Star Trek Lower Decks" that he has been enjoying lately. He recommends it to Star Trek fans as it features voice actors from the original TV show and offers a glimpse into what some of the characters are up to after Voyager and Next Generation. He notes that the show is available on Paramount Plus with audio description. In his sign-off, Michael shares his online presence across various platforms and encourages listeners to reach out to him with feedback. He thanks the listeners for their support and announces that the usual crew members will be back for the next episode.

Links

Twitter rebranded to X Vision Pro Labs and Dev Kits Samsung Unpacked July, 2023

Picks

Michael: Star Trek Lower Decks

Providing Feedback

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Friday Finds: AI, Privacy, and Decentralization

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:03:00 -0000

In this episode, Marty and Lynn discuss three main topics. First, they talk about Mastodon, a decentralized social media platform that serves as an alternative to Twitter and Instagram. However, Mastodon has been found to have a significant issue with child abuse content, according to a research report by the Stanford Internet Observatory. The challenge lies in the decentralized nature of Mastodon, making it difficult for administrators to effectively police and moderate the platform.

Next, they discuss the challenges faced by teachers in dealing with AI-generated content in classrooms. OpenAI's ChatGPT tool, which can generate reports and summaries, was intended to help teachers authenticate student work. However, the tool was taken down due to its high inaccuracy. This raises concerns for both teachers and students, as teachers need to adapt their teaching methods, and students may face accusations of using AI to complete their work.

Lastly, they touch on a research study revealing that some individuals are willing to give up a significant amount of personal data in exchange for a free 4K 55-inch TV. The startup company Telly offers this service, highlighting the trade-off between privacy and material incentives.

Overall, the episode covers the challenges of content moderation on decentralized platforms, the impact of AI-generated content in education, and the willingness of individuals to sacrifice privacy for material rewards.

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The BrailleDoodle on Unmute

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 15:11:18 -0000

In this episode, we talk to Daniel Lubiner, creator of the BrailleDoodle, a two-sided tablet that teaches Braille through tactile feedback. We discuss the importance of Braille education, the challenges faced by blind adults, and the potential of AI. Pre-orders for the BrailleDoodle are available through the Touchpad Pro Foundation's website.

Shell Phone Show - Setting Custom Ringtones

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:08:00 -0000

In this segment, Damashe guides you through the process of adding custom ringtones to your blind shell phone. I explain how to find the appropriate folders on your computer, copy and paste the files into the ringtone and notification folders, and select the newly added tones on your blind shell phone. By following these steps, you can easily personalize your phone with custom ringtones and notification tones. Tune in to learn more!

Read transcript

ACB Community Replay for August 1 2023

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:55:39 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents Community Call on August 1st, 2023, Marty Sobo, Michael Babcock, and Michael D'Oise are answering questions. The main speaker emphasizes the importance of respectful and patient discussion. The focus is on the upcoming release of new operating systems for Apple devices, with listeners encouraged to share their desired features. Michael Joyce and Michael Babcock provide updates and recommendations on topics such as VOIP services, Mac preferences, routers, and accessibility laws. Listeners ask questions about cable boxes with accessibility features, turning off spelling and grammatical error alerts in Microsoft Word with a screen reader, scanners, desired changes in the new iOS version, and shutting down apps on a desktop computer. The main speaker offers solutions and suggests specific devices and apps to address each query. The episode concludes with gratitude for participants' help and information on upcoming content and engagement opportunities.In this episode of Unmute Presents Community Call on August 1st, 2023, Marty Sobo, Michael Babcock, and Michael D'Oise are answering questions. The main speaker emphasizes the importance of respectful and patient discussion. The focus is on the upcoming release of new operating systems for Apple devices, with listeners encouraged to share their desired features. Michael Joyce and Michael Babcock provide updates and recommendations on topics such as VOIP services, Mac preferences, routers, and accessibility laws. Listeners ask questions about cable boxes with accessibility features, turning off spelling and grammatical error alerts in Microsoft Word with a screen reader, scanners, desired changes in the new iOS version, and shutting down apps on a desktop computer. The main speaker offers solutions and suggests specific devices and apps to address each query. The episode concludes with gratitude for participants' help and information on upcoming content and engagement opportunities.

TW19

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 12:52:00 -0000

Shoutout to supporters: hey.com and new supporter. Reach out with content or questions.
Apple Pay and 4 experience was convenient. Payments split into six installments, max approval $1000.
Push notifications and emails confirm payments. Stay vigilant for unexpected charges.
Connect with us on Mastodon: @demasi@unmute.community and @payon@unmute.community. Check out "unmute.community" and other servers.
Mastodon clients: Mona for iOS/Mac, TweeZcake for Windows. Brian Hartchen's training on TweeZcake in show notes.
Connect on Mastodon or email us at tw@yourownpay.com. Spread the word, leave a review.
Thanks for your support, stay tuned for more!

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Portable preferences on the Mac

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:34:11 -0000

In this episode, we discuss how to configure voiceover preferences on a portable device. By setting up portable preferences, you can easily transfer customized settings to other Mac computers or when using someone else's Mac. This eliminates the need for manual configuration each time. Simply access VoiceOver Utility, select the General category, and choose the option to set up portable preferences on an external drive. VoiceOver will automatically detect them, allowing for easy import/export using the File menu. Share this convenience with others who may benefit from running voiceover from a portable drive.

Read transcript

188 - Router Recommendations

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 07:28:00 -0000

Episode Notes

In episode 188 of the IACast, we begin by discussing the recent passing of Kevin Mitnick, a renowned hacker who later turned into a white hat hacker and worked with companies to defend against cyber attacks. We highlight his influence on the tech community and how his story inspired many to pursue careers in cybersecurity. We then shift our focus to the news that Apple may remove FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if new laws are passed that compromise end-to-end encryption in messaging applications. We emphasize the importance of user privacy and the potential impact this decision could have on the messaging landscape in the UK. Moving on, we delve into the topic of router systems and specifically discuss mesh routers. We share our personal experiences and preferences, with some of us using Eero and others transitioning to Ubiquiti. We compare different router models, including Google Wi-Fi, Eero, and Ubiquiti, and discuss the reasons behind our switch in routers. We highlight the challenges we faced with our previous routers and explain our decision to switch to Eero or Ubiquiti. Some of us praise Eero for its reliability and ease of use, while others appreciate the flexibility and customization options offered by Ubiquiti. We discuss specific features of each router and the benefits they bring to our network setup. We acknowledge that the decision ultimately depends on individual preferences and the specific needs of each user. Additionally, we touch on the topic of HomeKit routers and the importance of securing connected devices. We share our experiences with different router models and their compatibility with HomeKit Secure Router. We discuss the advantages and limitations of various routers in terms of security and customization options, providing insights into the features and functionalities of each model. To conclude, we express our final thoughts on mesh systems and encryption. We discuss the convenience and adaptability of mesh systems for home networking, highlighting the benefits they bring in terms of expansion and flexibility. We also briefly touch upon encryption issues and the ongoing debate surrounding privacy and backdoor access to encrypted messaging services. As we wrap up the conversation, we recommend our picks of the week and share our social media handles for further engagement. We invite listeners to reach out with feedback and encourage them to explore more podcasts on the IACast Network.

Picks

Damashi: UniFi DreamRouter
Michael: WatchOS 10
Marty: Pedometer++ for iOS
Michael: SanDisk Extreme Pro 4TB USB-C Drive

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Friday Finds - Braille, GPT, and Accessibility Laws

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 07:06:00 -0000

In today's Friday Finds, we have three interesting news stories for you. First, United Airlines plans to provide Braille signage in their cabins. OpenAI has launched the ChatGPT app for Android devices, joining iOS and web versions. Lastly, the DOJ released new guidelines for website and app developers to improve accessibility. Don't forget to leave us a review and share your feedback. Thanks for listening!

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Phishing and Email Security

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:12:00 -0000

In this segment, we discuss phishing emails and staying secure online. We give an example of a phishing email and emphasize the importance of verifying email addresses. We stress the need to be cautious with suspicious links and recommend reaching out to the supposed sender to confirm authenticity. We highlight the risks of clicking on links and encourage listeners to be vigilant. We provide tips for verifying communication and advise caution with public email addresses. We mention forwarding suspicious emails to targeted companies and remind listeners to prioritize safety. Don't miss our upcoming shows and stay updated by subscribing.

Unleashing the Power of Email on the BlindShell Classic 2

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:13:00 -0000

In this episode of the Unmute Shell Phone Show, we dive into the email tool on the BlindShell Classic 2. Join us as we explore the features and functionality of this handy email client.

Discover how to access the email client and navigate through folders and emails effortlessly. We'll guide you on opening emails, reading their details, and even accessing the full content by opening them in a browser.

Learn how to compose new emails with ease, adding recipients, subject, and crafting your message. We'll also share tips on editing the email content and sending it off successfully.

Tune in to hear our suggestions for enhancing the email client, like the addition of a multi-select mode and the ability to open emails directly in the web browser. Don't miss out on this informative episode that will empower you to make the most of the email tool on your BlindShell Classic 2.

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Read transcript

Unmute presents ACB community replay for 25 July

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 19:04:28 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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TW18 - Traveling and New Networks

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:58:00 -0000

On this episode of "Technically Working," we catch up on recent events since our last recording at a convention. Damashe shares his experience of a broken cane and contracting COVID-19, while Michael talks about his trip for the ACB National Convention. We discuss using the Aira app for navigation at airports, travel apps like TripIt and Flighty, our new router setup, and alternative transportation methods. Overall, we're happy with our network setup and appreciate our listeners' support. Stay tuned for more episodes and potential guest interviews.

Read transcript

Publishing Your Podcast Episode: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 08:16:00 -0000

In this episode, Michael walks you through the process of publishing a podcast episode using the Pinecast platform. Whether you're new to podcasting or looking for a streamlined approach, Michael provides clear instructions to help you get your episodes out to your audience. Tune in to learn how to publish your podcast episode hassle-free. - Marty invites listeners to join the live call every Tuesday at 1 p.m. EST, 10 a.m. PST in the ACB community. You can listen live on ACB Media 5 or participate by bringing your questions. Find more information about joining the Zoom calls on Clubhouse or by visiting acb.community. - Replays of the live calls are available on your favorite podcast platform. Search for "Unmute Present" to catch up on previous episodes. - Michael demonstrates the process of publishing a podcast episode using the Pinecast platform. He guides you through the steps, including opening Safari or your preferred browser, navigating to the podcast name, accessing the links menu, and selecting "New Episode" to fill out the episode details. - Michael explains the options for episode title, episode type, season numbering, and episode formatting. He walks you through uploading the MP3 file and provides tips for adding episode notes using Markdown or Rich Text. - Once all the information is filled out, Michael shows you how to save the episode using the "Save Episode" button. He emphasizes the simplicity of the process and encourages listeners to reach out with any questions. Tune in to this episode to learn how to effortlessly publish your podcast episodes on Pinecast and engage with your audience effectively.

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Friday FInds - GPT Prices and Kevins Passing

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 07:26:00 -0000

In this episode Linn and Michael talk about GPT degrading. They also discuss the price increases, and the passing of Kevin Mitnick

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Unmute Presents - 2023 Conventions

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 08:12:00 -0000

In this episode Marty and Michael B sit down and talk with Michael D about the 2023 ACB and NFB conference and conventions.

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Shell Phone Show - Setting Ringtones on the BlindShell Classic 2

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:27:45 -0000

In this episode Michael walks you threw how to set ringtones on the BLindShell Classic 2.

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ACB Community Replay for 18 July

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 19:36:24 -0000

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Options with your option key

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 07:19:00 -0000

This episode was recorded using Just Press Record, therefore, there are no traditional musical elements added to the episode. Though, I'll be researching in the near future how to do editing on the go.

Today we talked about your option, key, and how you can easily skip options with the option key from your Mac.

Transcript:

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Friday Finds, Amazon Prime, Cable Management, and Sleepy TOS

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Friday fines, Marty and Lynn, sit down to chat about Amazon prime and the reduction in prime subscribers. Cable management, and a universal cable desire, and audio terms of service to help you sleep.

Unmute Presents - Episode Recap: Relaxation, Meditation, and Sleep Skills on Alexa

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:49:00 -0000

Introduction: In the latest episode of Unmute Presents, Lucy explores the world of Alexa skills that promote relaxation, meditation, and better sleep. She discusses how these skills can help listeners unwind, find inner peace, and improve their sleep quality.

Conclusion: Lucy emphasizes the importance of self-care, relaxation, and quality sleep in maintaining overall well-being. She encourages listeners to explore Alexa's capabilities in promoting relaxation, meditation, and improved sleep, and incorporate these practices into their daily routines.

Note: This episode of Unmute Presents provides insights into using Alexa for relaxation, meditation, and better sleep. Listeners can explore these practices to enhance their mental and physical well-being. Send dimmed button

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Listening to Internet radio on the BLindShell classic 2 - Shell Phone Show

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 23:14:54 -0000

Show Notes for "Listening to Internet Radio on the BlindShell Classic 2" Episode:

Introduction: Welcome to the latest episode of the Shell Phone Show.
Topic: In this episode, we will walk you through the steps to access Internet radio on the BlindShell Classic 2.
Step 1: Access the menu on your BlindShell Classic 2.
Step 2: Choose "Applications" from the menu options.
Step 3: Select "Media" from the applications menu.
Step 4: Within the media options, choose "Internet Radio".
Conclusion: Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Shell Phone Show. Stay tuned for more helpful tips and tricks on accessing Internet radio on the BlindShell Classic 2.

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ACB Community Replay for 11 July, 2023

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 19:26:35 -0000

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Future Ready - EP1

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 18:38:16 -0000

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IA Cast - 186 - Passing Passkeys

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 01:50:00 -0000

This episode was originally published on IA Cast:

Episode Notes

In this episode, I introduce Lynn and Damashe and announce some changes to our podcast, including the addition of chapters and breaking the episodes up into segments. We delve into some legislation in the EU that will make it easier for users to change their tech devices' batteries, reducing e-waste. We question what "easy" means and have concerns about the impact on creativity and safety. We also discuss the potential for manufacturers to market devices with easily replaceable batteries. Continuing that topic, I talk about repairability in iPhones and the potential impact of new legislation on the industry. I note that while Apple has improved the repairability of their latest models, other handset makers have not followed suit. I consider the potential consequences of making devices more easily repairable, such as increased repair costs and potential difficulties with waterproofing. We argue for guidance that promotes repairability without being overly specific in the law, which could stifle innovation. Later, we talk extensively about the EU's attempt to regulate technology with the aim of protecting consumers. We mention that the EU's regulations can have consequences for companies outside of the EU. I compare the Vision Pro to the first generation of the Apple Watch, with numerous features that may or may not be widely used. The goal is for the device to eventually become a pair of glasses with augmented reality. Additionally, we mention how developers can help extend the device's capabilities and make it even more exciting. Later, we discuss Apple's new Pro Display XDR and its potential abilities. We talk about the challenges of implementing passkeys for online security, expressing concern for edge cases and those who may be locked out of their accounts if they lose their device or forget their password. We emphasize the need for flexibility in implementing new security measures and the importance of considering the needs of all users. We recommend trying out passkeys as long as they work for each user. Towards the end of the episode, we suggest some recommended books for those interested in how technology is affecting our lives and how companies are exploiting our biases. Lastly, we discuss entertainment picks, including the Snoopy watch face on watchOS beta and the Marvel TV show "Secret Invasion," which we recommend checking out. The episode also includes some outtakes and a discussion of the Unmute call on the ACB community.

Picks

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Steven and Shaun from Double Tap

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Marty, Michael and Damashe sit down and have a conversation with Steven and Shaun from Double Tap.

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ACB Community Replay for 27 June

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 19:55:18 -0000

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TW17 - Trip Time Pirate

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:07:00 -0000

Show Notes - Episode 1

In this week's episode, we discuss various applications and tools that we use in our daily lives.

Applications for Trip Information

We talk about our experiences with keeping track of trip information and Damashe shares his experience with a new application he is trying out.

Pirate Ship

We discuss Pirate Ship, a tool that both of us use to ship products. Michael has a question for Damashe about it, but Damashe doesn't have the answer.

Medical Updates

Michael shares an update on his health and Mallory helps him find an accessible and affordable blood pressure monitor. We provide a link to the IPROVEN New 2023 Smart Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor which has a large adjustable cuff and a widescreen backlit display.

Technology Updates

We briefly talk about resetting a Mac and touch on the topic of WordPress.

Upcoming Events

We invite our listeners to connect with us in person at both of the national conventions.

Product Mentioned

Slinger - A tool that helps you carry your phone and other small items while on the go.

Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

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Using Mac GPT to Interact with Chat GPT

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 07:48:00 -0000

# In this episode, Damashe demonstrates how to use Mac GPT to interact with the chat GPT service. He walks through the different settings and interfaces available and provides tips on how to make the most of the application.

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iACast 185 - Furry Luggage

Sat, 24 Jun 2023 07:27:00 -0000

Episode Notes

On this episode, Michael speaks with Lynn, Marty, and Angie about the following topics.

Angie tried Android and gives her thoughts.
We discuss the latest Reddit news where Reddit is now replacing various subreddit moderators with their own people to bring the service back online.
We discuss the best travel gear, and how to work through an airport accessibly.

Picks

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Friday Finds with Marty and Lynn: EU Battery Regulations, TweeSecake App, and Apple Vision Pro Headset

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 07:25:00 -0000

In this episode of Friday Finds, Marty and Lynn discuss the new EU law that requires manufacturers to have easily replaceable batteries in their devices, the TweeSecake app, and the Apple Vision Pro headset, which has accessibility features built-in. They also mention an iOS update that fixes an adapter problem.

"Secure Travel: Tips and Tools for Staying Safe on the Go"

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 07:34:00 -0000

In the podcast episode "Secure Travel: Tips and Tools for Staying Safe on the Go", Michael and Damashe discuss various ways to ensure your safety while travelling. One of the key takeaways from the conversation is the importance of being aware of your surroundings. When you're in an unfamiliar place, it's easy to get lost or disoriented, so it's essential to stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings. This means being mindful of your surroundings, avoiding shady areas, and taking extra precautions when you're alone. By being aware of your surroundings, you can minimize the risk of becoming a victim of theft or other crimes.

Another important aspect of safe travel is letting your financial institute know about your travel plans. If you plan to use your credit or debit card while traveling, it's a good idea to inform your bank or credit card company beforehand. This way, they can monitor your account for any suspicious activity and prevent fraud. Additionally, it's a good idea to keep your medical ID information updated on your phone in case of an emergency. And lastly, Michael and Damashe suggest considering a VPN to protect your online privacy and security while using public Wi-Fi networks. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

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How to Reorganize Your Favorites on the Blind Shell Classic 2

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 02:03:39 -0000

In this episode of The Shell Phone Show, we demonstrate how to reorganize your favorite applications on the Blind Shell Classic 2. Our host takes you through the step-by-step process of adding and removing apps from your favorites list, as well as rearranging their order. This helpful tutorial will make it easier for Blind Shell Classic 2 users to access their most frequently used apps with just a few clicks. Don't forget to subscribe to The Shell Phone Show for more tips and tricks on using assistive technology. This episode was brought to you by Unmute, and the music was provided by Andre Louie.

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ACB Community Replay for 20 June

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:51:13 -0000

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TW16 - you're email is important to us

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:30:00 -0000

Welcome to this week's episode of Technically Working, TW16 - Your Emails Important to Us. This week, we discuss a range of topics, including our involvement in Beta, the exciting items that Damashe sent Michael in a box, which included a new hard drive and some delicious seasoning. We also talk about bringing sanity to Michael's inbox, and we thank you for your continued support.

In addition, we cover IOS17, travel tips, and our plan for convention week. We have some exciting plans in store for the upcoming convention week, and we can't wait to share them with you.

So, sit back, relax, and join us for this week's episode of Technically Working, where we discuss all things tech, productivity, and more. Don't forget to visit our website at https://atguys.com/ for more information on our products and services.

Links

NOTE: the amazon links are affiliate links.

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Reaper DAW Terminology: Understanding the Basics for Audio Production

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 17:31:36 -0000

Join Michael as he demystifies Reaper, a highly customizable and affordable Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) suitable for both podcasting and music production. This video will introduce you to the key concepts and terminologies of Reaper, including projects, tracks, items, markers, automations, envelopes, rendering, and more. This introduction is drawn from Michael's hands-on experience as a podcast editor using Reaper since 2018. Stay tuned till the end for a broad overview of Reaper’s capabilities and how to get started. Have questions? Join our Tuesday call at 10am Pacific Time. Visit ACB.community for more information or to listen live. Explore the resources mentioned in the video at reaperteacher.com and theglobalvoice.info/reaper.

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Navigating the Creative Jungle: Tools, Accessibility, and Ownership

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 07:52:00 -0000

In this episode of Friday Finds, Marty and Linn discuss Streamlabs' new editing tool for podcasting, the importance of understanding the legal aspects of using free tools, and the need for graphical access for the blind and visually impaired. They also touch on Elon Musk's Twitter troubles and the importance of reading the fine print. Tune in to stay informed and be inspired!

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Unmute Presents - Tech Go Bags: What We Travel With

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:07:47 -0000

Join Marty, Michael, and Damashe as they discuss their essential tech go bags and the gadgets they can't travel without. From power banks to cables, they share their must-have items and handy travel tips. Don't miss this insightful conversation on making your tech travels more efficient and enjoyable.

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ACB Community Replay for 13 June, 2023

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:12:23 -0000

[MUSIC]

>> This has been an ACB Community Call.

[MUSIC]

>> This Unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023.

[MUSIC]

Hello everyone and welcome back to another un-mute.

Good to see you all again.

Couple announcements here at the top.

I want to remind everyone to please be respectful

for their questions and give everyone the same opportunity

you would to get your questions answered.

Also, we'll take all first-hands.

If we get through everyone first time through,

we will take second hands or second questions.

Also, tonight, Mac Bytes with Bits is at 5 Eastern 8

five Eastern, eight, or five West, and eight Eastern.

And there was a mistake that went out

and that was a different night.

So the Mac Bites with Bits is actually tonight.

All the information is gonna be in today's email.

So tonight Mac Bike with Bits,

make sure you check that out.

That'll be a good one.

Also, I wanna introduce you all to Michael Deuz.

He is going to be here with us

and he's part of the team now

and he's gonna be helping answering your tech questions.

So if you see him say hello.

And lastly, the question of the day is,

do you prefer iPhone, Android or blind shell?

And what do you like and what do you hate

about whichever your choice is?

And with that being said, you can raise your hand

and let us know your thoughts on that.

And Michael, what's going on?

How you doing, buddy?

Oh yeah, Bell, we're going to throw a question of the day out to people.

Forgot to warn you about that.

So just a quick heads up.

Glad you can roll with it.

So we love your participation.

So feel free to raise your hand to answer the question for me, Marty.

I like them all.

I have frustrations with them all, but I like them all.

My primary device is an iPhone.

I am very comfortable on an iPhone in a blind shell, but I can use an Android

device. I like the consistency of iOS.

which is kind of ironic because one of the frustrations that people have is the

inconsistencies of iOS. So I like how if I use the web browser or I'm using my

keyboard then I know what to expect for the most part. That's not always the case

with Android. So basically in a nutshell is what you're saying is you

can't live with them but you can't live without them. Exactly and then the

blind shell has that really simple interface so I really am used to that. So

So before we get to these hands and jump over to Belle to ask her to tell us who the first

person is, I want to give you a quick recap and this is going to take a little bit longer

than it normally does.

I'll hand it back over to Marty and he can ask for hands because Marty never told us

which one he prefers, although I already know.

Yesterday we had two episodes that published and real quick caveat if, I'm sorry, yesterday

was only one.

I don't even know what day it is anymore.

If you are not subscribed to the unmute podcast feed, feel free to get subscribed and you'll

get all of this content. Some of this content is its own podcast feed. So if you'd rather just get

some of this content, then I will let you know about that when we go over it. And probably right

after convention, you will be able to get more of the information you're looking for in a granular

form. So if you only want to get a certain type of content, then that'll be an option in the very

near future. However, let's talk about the content that we've posted since last time we all connected

Yesterday, Technically Working, which is its own podcast feed, we posted the episode 15 with

Demasi and myself called it Focus Rules because we talk a little bit about focus. We talk a little

bit about real life focus and being able to get things accomplished and not overcommitting

yourself, which I am guilty of doing myself. So check that out if you're interested.

On Sunday evening, we chatted with Michael Doyes and we published an episode called "Stream

ACB Media and Podcasts with the New ACB Link App." So you can take a listen to that. We talked about

it last Sunday, but we go more in depth about it. And then earlier on Sunday, I showed you how to

use WayAround. So the WayAround tag and labeling system is now available on the Blind Shell Classic

too. So that Sunday, I published a demo walking you through that process. On Saturday, IACAS

WWDC2023 recap wrap up was published. So Marty, Michael and a couple of other people jumped on

there to talk about what Apple announced throughout the week of WWDC. On Friday,

finds, Lynn and Marty sat down and talked about WWDC updates,

AI in tech and virtual reality updates for people with visual

impairments. So check that out. On Thursday, Lucy came and

talked about the magic of Lady A follow up mode, whisper mode and

a few other modes that you'll want to check out as well. And

then Shellphone Show, which is its own podcast feed on

Wednesday, we made the announcement about the way around

application being available. And then of course, the ACB

community replay for June six was published. So that's a quick

recap of what we've published in the last week, Marty, what's

your answer to the question of the day?

I prefer iPhone only because I've been using it for so long.

It's what I'm used to. So I've been sticking with that. And

like everything, sometimes I love it. And sometimes I hate

it. So

we got first, though.

All right, first up is Kristi.

Hey, Kristi, how you doing?

Hello, how are you doing?

Good, thank you.

Good, good. My question is, I'm looking for an accessible, but kind of cheap air

printer. Any ideas on that? And my phone of choice is the iPhone because that's all

I've ever used. Yes, I do like it. I hate it.

That sounds like it's going to be the consensus for everyone, I think we'll see how we go.

Yeah.

Do you have a suggestion, Marty?

So a question for you is in this printer, are you wanting to print wirelessly?

Yeah, yeah, that's what I mean, like from my phone, and I don't have a computer.

Yeah, so the first and most important thing when you're looking is to make sure that it

has the capability to be able to print from iOS devices.

That'll be something really important.

And it should see that a center.

every single printer has that option. So that's definitely

something we want to make sure that it does have that. Michael,

what do you think?

So we use a printer and Christy, if you stick around for the next

1520 minutes, I will get the model number. But we have a

printer, it is not fully accessible, and maybe fully

transparent with people. It does have a touchscreen interface to

be able to get it connected to the Wi Fi network. But once

Once you're connected to the Wi-Fi network, it does have an Ethernet port, so that's an

option for you as well.

But once it's on the network with your device, all you have to do is choose the print option,

and then it shows up in the printer list and you can print to it from your phone or your

computer.

And I will look it up.

I believe it's an app sim, but I don't remember the model number.

But if you bear with me about 15 minutes or so, I will get that information for you.

So this is my.

Wow.
Go ahead, Michael.
This is Michael Doies on this.

I've had AirPrint, they call them AirPrint printers

that work with the iPhone.

And so any printer you're looking for

needs to have the word AirPrint associated with it.

Some look I've had is with HP printers

and they do make them without touch screens.

We have one here that's an all-in-one

that does not have a touch screen.

And you configure the wireless on that printer

with the HP Smart app.

I'm not sure of the accessibility of that app.

I only have to use it once every two or three years

when I need to reset up the printer on a new Wi-Fi network.

But once it's set up, it's just seamless.

It just works really well.

I know Brother and Epson also make AirPrint printers.

And the one that we have here,

no more than $100, if not less.

Oh, okay.

And Canon even makes a portable,

like where you could throw it in a backpack printer.

It's about $250, but it's air print as well.

So really neat stuff.

Right, right.

Yeah, and I'd want something small like shoe.

I mean, something that I think,

I'm not necessarily carried,

but I don't have a lot of space.

So I don't want something really heavy and bulky and big.

Mm-hmm.

So there you go.

Michael, do you happen to know the model number

for that HP that you have?

I do not.

I could see if I could go find it real quick though.

Yeah, so stick around and we will see what information

we can give you.

And I'm looking through some of my resources here.

So we'll share some more information as soon as we have.

Okay, I'll be around.
Thanks a lot.
All right.
All right, next up is Desi.
Hey Desi, how you doing?
Hey guys.

Okay, first of all, in answer to the question of the day,

I am an Apple girl all the way.

I have my iPhone 14 pro, I have my iPad mini 6th generation and my Mac mini M2.

And I am just having a delightful time.

Awesome.

I'm in your camp.

So there you go.

Yeah.

And I would never go back.

I'm sorry.

I, there's not much of anything that I like about windows.

And because I'm lucky enough to be of an age where I'm not working anymore, I don't have

to worry about that stuff. There you go. So, um, so I do have two quick questions. One is, um,

where do I go on my Mac to change the, um, like my, my email notifications are reading out the whole

message every time, um, an email comes in, which I find very annoying when I'm hosting and stuff.

I mean, I've got my my voiceover set so that nobody else hears it except me and my headphones

But it still drives me crazy

So I would like to change that and the other thing I have for you is on my

iPad mini I have recently moved to Tennessee and all of my other devices are set up beautifully and

My iPad though in the weather app regardless of what I have tried to do. I've gone into location settings

I've gone into weather, I've gone into everywhere, still gives me all the statistics for Phoenix.

And I don't live there anymore. Okay. Though it's interesting, I don't really always want to know

that. Okay, so here's the deal with the weather app. What you have to do is do a double click

and hold on the actual weather icon. And then you want to change it a little side menu will pop open.

and you'll want to change it to local. And then when you do that, it'll update to where your

current location is now. You'll notice that when you do that, it'll be stuck on before you change

it. It'll be stuck on where you previously were. So once you do that and you update it to local,

then you're going to be fine. You'll see, it'll just update to where you are now.

It's a weird thing. I actually had that bug for a long time ago and I couldn't figure it out.

And finally I did.

Okay. Well, that's awesome because I have not found anywhere where it says to do that.

Yeah, it's not obvious at all, but Michael is the, you were going to say something.

Yes, this is Michael again. You can actually add as many locations you want in the weather app.

So you could just use a three finger flick left and right to go between them.

It is in the weather app. There's a, where you can bring up a list and you just go and edit and

and add in that list.

And so like I have Austin twice

because if I'm traveling,

even though it's my current location most of the time,

I still want it to, if I want to look back

whenever I'm heading home.

And so I add Austin as a location

and add other cities that I travel to,

so I could see the weather in those places.

You could even get push notifications if you add those.

So like my family lives in a town

called Port Neches, Texas.

So I add that town and I see what,

when rain starts and stops where my family is.

So it's very, yeah, very nice.

Do you have a current iPad?

Is it a current iPad Mini?

Mine, yeah.
So when you update the,

if you're updated to the current operating system,

when you open the weather app,

you'll see that if you open the sidebar,

you'll see those low, the very top one is local.

And then all the cities that you have saved

will also be there in the list.

And if you click on one,

it'll change the center to show you all the information

of whichever city you click on.

Right, so yesterday I had done that

and yesterday it would show me Franklin, Tennessee,

which is where I am.

Then if I went out of the weather app and came back in,

it always still showed me Phoenix.

So Phoenix is set to your default location,

so you wanna go play with that, Desi.

And to answer your other question,

because I had to do this for the same exact reason

I wanted to disable my email notifications

from being read out.

So two things, number one, you can always close your email,

which I forget about myself,

and that will stop the notification while you're live.

That's the basic solution.

Number two, if you go into system settings

and you go in the table on the left down to notifications,

you can actually disable, what I've done is

You can configure them how you would prefer them to be,

but what I did is I just went ahead and disabled

all my mail notifications.

That way when I'm ready to do email, I open email.

And if I get a new email,

I seem to still get the sound of a new email,

but VoiceOver does not read the message like it used to.

Oh, okay.

Well, I actually was able to turn off the sound,

so I'm not getting the sound,

but I'm still getting the message.

So yeah, okay.

I can click notifications and see if that helps.
It's the table to the left, okay.

'cause I think I went right

and I didn't even think to go left.

So duh, all right.

Well, thank you so much.

Thanks, Dacie.
Yeah, you too, thanks.
All right.
All right, next up is Monica.
Hey, Monica, how you doing?
Good, how are you?
Good, good.
I just wanted to make a comment.

I love the new ACVLink app.

Oh yeah, you can thank Michael Deutsch for that.
Much easier to use and it's great.

So, and I, for all of you who are Mac users native on the Mac now as well,

and it does work great with voiceover.

I swear I'm my own choice. I love the iPhone. I like the iPhone.

I'm not going to say love. I like it, but it's the only,

it's because it's what I have. So yeah. Awesome.

Thanks Monica. Thank you. All right.

Pam. Hey Pam. Okay.

I too love the new ACB link app.

My phone of choice.

Well, I'm a little like Desi.

I'm an Apple girl.

My computer is a Mac.

That's all I've ever had is a Mac.

And my phone, the only smartphone I've ever had,

only smartphones have been iPhones.

And, you know, occasionally, you know, yeah,

I'll run into a bug or a glitch or whatever,

but overall I love it.

I would not want to go with anything else.

I've never used a blind shell.

I understand they're really nice

and they can do more and more with it now,

but I would not trade anything in the world for my iPhone.

All right, well, that's awesome.

Thanks Pam.

Mm-hmm, thank you.
All right, who do we got next?

Next up is Pierre.

Hey, Pierre, how you doing?
Yeah, I have two questions.

The first one is, I'm in ACB leadership

and they send emails and most of them have attachments.

How do I get to attachments?

Are you on an iPhone, a Mac, a Windows machine?

What are you on?

iOS.
So when you open up your email,

you'll be in the body of the email.

You scroll down to the bottom

and you'll see there's a icon there

that's gonna represent the attachment.

It'll say the name of the attachment

and then you do a single finger double tap

and it will open up.

Sometimes it'll take one extra second.

If it's not actually downloaded, it'll download,

then you can open it up.

Okay, say that again now.
When you go into your email,

you wanna go into the body of that email

that you're looking for with the attachment.

You wanna scroll all the way down to the bottom

and that's where the attachment's gonna be.

Typically it's all the way at the bottom,

kind of on the left side of the screen.

And it'll tell you there what the name of the attachment is.

If you have more than one, they'll all be down there.

You do a single, do you use voiceover?

Yeah.
Okay, you do a single finger double tap

and that will open up the attachment.

Okay, and my second question is,

right now I'm using an iPod.

So I realized at the end of this year,

I'm going to have to go to something else. Now, I was reading an article the other day

from CNN and they said that not all phones are going to take iOS 17. So are the phones

like the 2020 and 2021, 23, are they going to take that?

Yes, anything that current will work with the new operating system. I think anything

from the 10 R and back is or what is it Michael?

It's the 10 and back.

So the 10 R and newer are supported.

The 10 and back are not.

So if you have an X or a 10 or an eight

or an original iPhone SE, those will not be supported

but anything newer than the X will be supported.

Like the 2023 will do it.

The 2022 iPhone SE, if that's what you're looking at

will be supported.

Yes.

Okay, good.

Thanks.

Yeah, no problem.

That iPhone SE Pure is going to have a similar form factor to the iPod Touch that you have.

I think it's going to be slightly smaller. Right, Michael?

The iPod Touch would be smaller than that, but it's not much different. So it's very similar in

form factor. I wanted to mention going back to one of the first questions about printers. Mine

is the HP Deskjet 2652. So whoever asked that question in the beginning there, I think it was

Kristy, Kristy, did you get that?

2652, it's an HP-Jet 2652.
Yes, I got that.

Thank you very much.

Yeah, no problem.
So eight years, so 18, yes.

What is it?

Say it again, please.

DeskJet 2652.
Yes, yes, 2052.

All right, thank you.

2652.
2652, got it.

All right, thanks.

All right, our next hand is Donna.
Hey, Donna, how you doing?
All right, how are you all?
Doing good, thank you.
So to answer the question of the day first,

I guess I would say the iPhone is my favorite,

but that's pretty much any smartphone I've ever had.

But I think had the blind shell too been out

when I was looking for a phone, I might've considered it.

Except I know it sort of works on AT&T,

but I'd have trouble.

I live very rural and like sprint and stuff is not available.

And so I'd have a hard time with that.

But anyway, I like the blind shell too though.

Awesome.
Yeah.

But so I don't know, do you guys have any knowledge?

Oh, I'm sure you have knowledge, but.

Well, I have a Google forms question.

Okay.

a form and I have a question that require that has check boxes

and the person filling it out checks all that apply. But then

I want an other and then I want like an edit field for them to

type in their other, you know, can can that be done?

So it can be done. I don't know. So naturally what you do is

set up the checkboxes so they can check all the checkboxes.

That's right. You can do is add an edit box after the check boxes. What I think you're looking to

do though is only conditionally show the edit box if the other check box is checked. That's right.

And with Google Forms, I don't know if this can be done. I can look if no one else raises their

hand with an answer. I can tell you how to do it with Gravity Forms, but that doesn't help you

because that's only WordPress. But I will check and see and follow up with you. Okay. All right.

Thank you. No problem. Thanks for asking. Who got the next

belt? Our next person is an iPhone. I just gave you the

prompt to unmute. I wonder if they're favorite from these

iPhone. Hello, my name is Darlene. Hi, Darlene. How are

you? Okay, so I am still kind of in the Windows world, not

willingly, but I'm there. So the most recent big upgrade to JAWS

kind of killed my laptop. And when I call, okay, so it, it locks up and it's really slow to repeat

what I'm typing. And it has some other issues. And when I call Freedom Scientific, they go,

Oh, your laptop needs a tune up. It's not us, it's your laptop. So I'm kind of willing to play along,

but I'm having a heck of a time finding somebody to come and give my laptop a tune up.

Any suggestions? I live in Portland, Oregon. Any suggestion?

Yes, I can get you information of someone actually in Oregon. He's in Wilsonville,

but they do make house calls. Okay, yep, need that.

I will have to find that information and get that to you. Is there any way you could email us at

feedback@unmute.show and I could email you the information?

Okay, let me write that down. Feedback.

at unmute.show. Okay, I will do that. Just email there and I will get you the information.

Okay, thank you very much. Yeah, no problem. Next up is Dan. Hey, Dan, how you doing?

Hi, I'm a new guy to this show. No problem, welcome.

Yeah, thank you. I'm very impressed with what you guys are doing. You're taking questions about the

Mac? Is that right? Yes. Okay. My question is, how do I bring up or open Spotlight search on a

MacBook Air? I'm using voiceover and running Big Sur. Michael, you want to take this one, Michael

DeWis? Yep. Oh, Michael Babcock or Timothy Michaels. For Spotlight, you know what, I use

spotlight for everything on my computer. And it's the same

whether you're using voiceover or not command space will bring

up spotlight.

Well, when I do command space, it brings up Siri.

If you what you probably want to do is change what you're

pressing to bring up Siri, right?

You're pressing and holding a little too. Yes. So if you press

and hold the spacebar for more than a second, it's going to

bring up Siri. So what I would what I tell people is hold the

command key down with one, I hold it down with my thumb, you

can hold it down with whatever you want. And then with your

other finger, just press the spacebar and release it and

then release command. And that will just open spotlight because

if you hold the two of them together too long, it will

activate Siri.

Wait, I'm a little bit confused. Okay, I should hold the command.

He and then release the spacebar. Okay.

Yep. Because then that will avoid you from holding both of

them too long. And then so what I do is I hold Command key, press

and release spacebar, and then I release the command key. And it

sounds like a long process, but it's really a simple process.

Okay, okay, I will. I will do that. Yeah, thank you. And then

once I get into that, and if I, I type my my search query, it

will automatically bring up the the search results. I don't have

to try and find a search button.

Is that correct?

That's correct.

Okay.

All right.

Well, thank you.

And one more follow up on that Michael D a question for you, because I do not

use spotlight, I use launch bar.

Um, do you need to use your voiceover keys to navigate the results, Michael,

or do you know if you can just use up and down arrow keys?

I don't remember.

I've, I've really used it with voiceover, but I could try it real quick.

So give me just a second.

Yeah, that would be awesome.

And then I believe you just had to enter to accept the response that it comes up

with, but Michael will chat while Belle tells us who we have next.

Herbie.

Hey, Herbie.

All right.

Well, first of all, Michael, I got to ask you something.

You know, you mentioned gravity forms earlier.

Do you find that they bring you down at all?

Yeah, no, no, they gravity form solves all your problems when

it comes to WordPress forms.

Okay.

Um, two things.

First of all, um, let's, I want to go back to the spotlight thing.

I think you do have the best results when using the voiceover keys.

But I wanted to mention that you can go into the Siri settings

and change it to something different

so it will not conflict with the spotlight.

So I have my Siri set to option space

rather than command space.

And one of the nice things about being on the Mac

is you can just go in and customize

all the keystrokes completely.

Yeah, so they don't,

'cause I don't use option space for anything

so it doesn't conflict with anything.

So that is another recommendation.

So they don't conflict.

Well, first of all, an iPhone user through and through tried the Android a little bit.

It was okay.

Sometimes I thought the keyboard was a little bit more responsive, but then I felt like

I also had more focusing issues.

Maybe I didn't have the greatest of phone when I was playing with it.

But one of the things I really wish that Apple would do, though, that Android does is I wish

we could have the number row on top instead of under more numbers but um I

you know that I think would be really nice maybe I always have the period at

the bottom you know it's just those are just some punctuation marks to probably

more likely going to use than others and so you know just I think they can make

things a little bit more intuitive that way but I'm I use iPhone since 2010 it

and I really love how it talks to my Mac and my Mac talks to it and they both

conspire against me but that's fine. So I really don't have a question. I

wanted to answer your question. iPhone, Apple, through and through but one thing I did want to

mention which I think is really interesting is because it's never get

talked about you know and there's always questions about should you ever upgrade

when and if should you ever upgrade Alexa devices?

So I used to have, at home I have the Echo 4,

like the full-sized one.

And for travel purposes, I still kept it around,

or kept around rather I should say, a dot third generation.

Well, I really, one of the things I noticed

with the three, my dot three versus the four is

there is a major difference in the response time

for some things.

So for instance, I use my echo a lot to set reminders.

And when I was setting reminders on my dot 3,

it was like wading through molasses

on the back of a turtle.

And so I got a fifth echo dot--

the fifth generation echo dot, and the difference

is noticeable.

It understands me better.

It responds to me that much quicker.

And so I just wanted to throw that out there.

Ever wonder, should you upgrade your Alexa devices?

I would say that the answer is yes, there is value in doing so.

Good to know, because I've not considered upgrading my Alexa device.

So I appreciate that, Herbie.

I still have one of the second-gen Echos and a third-gen Echo Dot.

And those things have been--

the only thing I've updated is the Echo Show.

But most of my devices are just--

because they've worked so well.

I will say when I've upgraded from second generation Alexis to third generations,

there were some noticeable differences in how the dot was, for instance.

The fourth generation is where I really noticed a difference in the overall way of response to you.

And so that's where I really noticed the difference in starting with the fourth gen is

the response time is a lot better.

All I can say is may the Echo Tap rest in peace. That was an amazing device.

It was a portable Bluetooth speaker that ran ALEXA. I have so many around here. I know they'll

activate. So I want to point out you do use the arrow keys with Spotlight with VoiceOver.

Thank you, Michael. I appreciate that. I do see we have another hand here. So I'm going to get

that and thank you, Herbie, for that because, as I said, I don't really think about upgrading

A-Lady devices. That's definitely something if your things are running a little slow,

you may want to consider and they are affordable. But I do see we only have one hand. So I'm

guessing that means the rest of the probably 15 to 20 of you don't have opinions on your

favorite smartphone device. If you haven't shared with us, please don't hesitate to raise your hand

and engage. Bell, who do we have next? Next up is Jeff. Hey, Jeff, how you doing?

I'm good guys. Thank you. I'll try to be brief. iPhone 12 Pro Max was my first iPhone

after years of Pixel phones and I would never consider going back. I got really sick of the,

there are so many issues like Bluetooth, build quality. I could go on but I'll stop there.

And that's coming from a person like I haven't been blind

my whole life, but relatively recently.

So I had to learn a whole new system going to the iPhone,

but I still wouldn't consider going back.

The second thing, a couple of months ago,

you guys helped with, I was having a problem

getting short codes for two factor authentication.

And my carrier is Google Fi.

It finally got worked out.

I don't, maybe it was because of them,

but after at least a 50 email exchange

and giving them as much information as I could,

about a month after that, they started working again.

So anybody that uses Google Fi,

if you're having short code issues,

just yeah, make sure you work with Google Fi.

They're actually really good to work with.

One more thing. - Awesome.

Marty, you helped me a couple of months ago.

I have three Apple TV 4Ks,

like this past generation, current generation.

So the one that just came back

or came out November, December of last year,

they're all connected via HDMI.

Each one was having sound issues

like where voiceover, the voice kind of drops out.

It sounds like the voiceover voice was getting truncated

and you suggested using the, use the phone.

And I haven't gotten used to that.

Did you put the phone remote app on your phone?
Yeah, like I haven't gotten, you know,

it's just a preference thing like I'm an older guy.

So I kind of like having that feel of the remote,

maybe not, who knows, but do you have any idea

what that problem, like that truncation problem is?

One other thing is they're all connected via HDMI,

but they're all audio wise different.

Like one's just TV speakers, another one's a soundbar,

another one is through a receiver

and then, you know, surround sound.

And thank you.

Yeah, no problem.

Have you tried using the remote that comes with it

opposed to your phone to see

if that solves the truncate problem?

Yeah, I was using the Siri remote to begin with.

And that's, I mean, I had the truncation problem

from the start.

And so you suggested using the phone

and that is a solid workaround,

but I really like not having to go get my phone

and you know, I thought it was this and that.

A couple of things I can suggest,

It's gonna be hard to go through every single thing

here right now.

You can always email us and we can try and get back to you

via email and see what we can do to help you more.

But I would first to check to make sure all the boxes

are updated to the most recent updates.

And the thing about all the speaker settings

and everything else,

if they're hooked up to different TVs,

they're gonna have, you know,

one has soundbar, one doesn't.

One has external speakers, one doesn't.

You're gonna kind of have to go through the settings

find your happy place to figure out what will work best for you

for each one. Unless you have or you get all three identical

setups, you know, then you can make them all exactly the same.

But otherwise, they're going to all be a smidge different,

because they have different hardware, unfortunately. Sure.

So go Michael D.

So I, I've been doing a lot of research into this because I'm

I do gaming and I have all of these devices hooked up to one

TV and so there's always some issues you know with with sound one thing you know

if you're using multiple TVs and you're having this issue one thing to check is

you know possibly the brand of cables if if it's a sound issue if the phone is

working just fine then it's definitely an Apple TV problem it could be the

voice but one thing to check is the type of TV how old the TV is and what it

supports as far as HDMI audio and if you're using, you know,

up to date cables and things like that. So there's like, like

Marty said, there's so many things that go into this. But if

it's multiple TVs, and you're having the same issue, then that

does sound like more of an Apple TV issue.

And what can help troubleshoot it is if you can capture a quick

recording of it, because I wonder if it's not truncating. But

if for some reason, your finger sliding across the bottom remote,

And so voiceover starting to read one thing, but then it

skips to the next thing. So there's some accessibility

things you can change. And and if we had a recording of it, we

could tell if it's truncating or voiceover jumping to the next

element.

Okay, there is, and along those lines, and started to interrupt

Michael, when, okay, like I have an app that's called channels.

And so the quickest way to stop the truncation I found is to, you

go back to the home screen, then open channels. And then for whatever reason, in channels,

on a certain screen, it'll stop truncating immediately.

(laughs)

Well, I'm wondering that when you open up that particular app,

if it pulls down a lot of data when you open it up and it's just struggling.

So maybe you need to open that up and let it be open for 5, 10 minutes to make sure it gets

whatever it needs downloaded to it. And then when you start using it, it won't be trying to download

and trying to perform a task at the same time.

That actually also makes me suspect the channels that may be self voicing because there are some

apps that do that. I'm wondering if that's the other culprit too.

Okay. Hey, I'll grab the recording and thanks for your time. Sorry to take up so much.

No, it's all right. Thanks a lot. If you have any other questions,

go ahead and email us and we'll try and get back to you.

Copy that.

All right, Bill. All right, our next person is, has a phone number starting in 301 ending in 887.

Hi, good afternoon. This is Nate from Maryland. Hello, how are you? I'm doing well and I hope

you're doing well as well. You're doing good, thank you. And I use iPhones because, because

our Apple customer service, both are toll free and going into a store and they'll take a look

your phone and check it out. Google is just not as pervasive in my area, which is Washington,

DC, or... And the question is, I want to use an artificial intelligence app such as chat,

GPT, or something else to learn a foreign language. I'd like to be able to speak with

a computer, have the computer answer me, and just have a conversation as well as have the computer

generate vocabulary lists with English translations.

Is that all possible?

And where would I start?

>> Is this on your computer or your phone,

or what device would you want to do this on?

>> Well, can I do it?

iPhone is easier, but I have a PC.

>> An app called Duolingo.

>> I could sit on the couch and do it.

I have a desktop.

>> Yeah. There's an app called Duolingo,

which could help with this.

I don't have any experience with it,

and I suspect they're using some form of AI.

Marty or Michael, do either of you have ideas?

Yes, so Duolingo has announced a new AI component

in their app to help with this.

I just, I've never used Duolingo,

so I just do not know of the accessibility of the app,

but I do know that it does have an AI component now.

Okay, with the old version,

you had to just like play games on it,

and that's not my thing, but I'll check that out.

Unfortunately, I don't know the more direct app for that.

But that being said, however, with AI and where you're going,

sounds like a great project for AI.

Doesn't it, Michael?

Yes.

Thank you.

Also, also your email is the last part of the email address

that's SHOW or SHOW.

SHOW.

So it's feedback@unmute.show.show.

Thank you very much.

Have a great day.

You too.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

And next is Kathy.

Hey Kathy, how are you?

Hey everybody.

Can you hear me?

Yep.

We can hear you loud and clear.

How are you?

Fine.

You know, you've seen me into raising my hand to vote, but I don't have a question.

That's okay.

Maybe I do now, but anyway, it's I'm an Apple person.

I have a Mac and iPad ninth generation and an iPhone 14 pro looking to get another Mac

because it's a 15 pro, you know, and the screen doesn't work.

Everything else works.

Brand new 15 inch MacBook Air just came out.

It's a great computer.

I know.

That's what I'm looking at.

Yeah.

I'm going to try to go to the Apple store in Lancaster, which is about maybe 50 miles

for me, but I want to have hands on before I do, you know, make

arrangements and all that and talk to them and see what the 13

inch might be big enough. It's cheaper. But it doesn't have as

much as thing as this new 15 inch.

Well, it depends on what you're doing with it. You know, I mean,

you may not do anything crazy. I'm just doing email and, and

word processing and

you could totally get away with the M one. If that's where you

choose to go and save a few dollars, it'll still be amazing

for you. I mean, any day to day tasks, any of the M1 processors, whether it's M1 or M2,

will be amazing for you. Yes. Yeah. I want to be able to have people see me on Zoom if I choose to

put my video on. But right now, even if I... If you're going from an older machine

that's got Intel in it, you said yours was put from 15, is that what you said?

Yeah. When you go from a 15 to a current model with an M processor in it, you're not even going

going to believe how fast it is. It's just totally a different world.

Yeah. I also want to do a commercial for the Mac training that I received from

Chanel Allen last year. It was amazing. She's such a good teacher.

And I saw on email yesterday that there were a few slots open.

Anybody's interested in attending, you know, her class.

Yeah. We try and recommend her for Mac training as much as possible. She's great.

Yes. So Herbie, tell her I'm working on things I'm still practicing and doing,

but hopefully, you know, I'll be able to buy a Mac pretty soon. Thank you, everybody.

All right. Well, have a great day. Thank you.

Thank you very much for raising your hand when we were calling for it.

Yeah, you saved me into it. All right. You feel bad yet?

We're shedding tears.

Bye-bye.

Who do we got next, Beau?

Sandra.

Hey Sandra, how are you doing?

I'm fine.

First of all, the question of the day, I guess, is about the favorite device.

I would say my iPhone 14, I went from an SE to a 14.

I don't mind that it doesn't have the home button.

I'm used to that now.

I don't have any other Apple devices.

I also do have a Zoom question,

if that's okay for me to ask.

Yeah, go ahead.

Any questions?

All right, as long as it's tech-based.

Yeah, okay.

I use the Zoom app a lot on my phone.

I have no problem with that,

but I've noticed when I use Zoom on my desktop with Windows,

I can get into the participants list

and look at all the names,

tells me if their video was on or off,

if they're muted or unmuted,

but I can't figure out, it doesn't tell me who is speaking.

And I don't know if there's a way to do that or not

to get around that.

Are you a JAWS or NVDA user or neither?
JAWS.
Okay, so there is a keystroke

and someone is gonna correct me

because I'm probably gonna get it wrong.

I believe it's control shift T

and that will tell you who is speaking.

And if you stick around till the end,

I'm sure someone will correct me if that is wrong.

Control shift T.
Yes, we have.

Belle, I'm gonna call out on you.

I know you're not supposed to.

Is that the right keystroke?

Yes.
Thank you.

So yes, Control + Shift + T.

And that will, what that does is it will announce to you

the person who's currently speaking.

Now this does work with, I can guarantee 2023 or 2022.

I don't know about anything earlier than that.

Okay. - JAWS.
Yep.
No, I've got the latest, I updated my JAWS.
Perfect.

So hopefully that helps you out.

Give that a try.

I hope that helps.

Thank you.

Just one more tip for you because I wanna preclude

any issues. If you ever find yourself stuck in zoom and you

can't figure out what's going on, you can't get to where

you're used to try the F six key that will save you because it

will move you to different sections inside of zoom. Okay.

Perfect. Well, thanks a lot. Thank you. F six is the best

windows keystroke ever. Yes, sir. Press.

All right. Next up is Chris. Hey, Chris, how you doing? Hey,

Hey, fellas, how you doing?

Good, good.
Hey, I'm doing good.

I prefer both personally.

I think that both Android OS and iOS operating systems,

can you all hear me still?

Yeah, we can hear you.
You know, I think it does both for me

because Android offers some freedoms and customizations

that you just can't get on iOS.

And iOS also offers that stability of,

hey, if I get an iPhone, no matter what version it is,

generally the software is not going to go crazy on me

and do some crazy changes and things of that sort.

So I prefer both.

But did you guys hear that there was somebody

that took over the source code for Soundscape

and now they're testing it and test flight

and they're calling it OpenScape now?

I don't know if you guys heard that, but if you didn't,

they are testing out Soundscape.

Supposedly nothing has changed.

All the beacons and audio sounds are still the same.

I guess a gentleman took over that

because Microsoft made it public as far as the source code.

So I just wanted to let everybody know

if you guys are interested, I can send the feedback,

the link to the test flight

if somebody's willing to try it out.

Have they opened it back up yet?

Because I know it got full there for a little bit.

And I haven't heard it yet.

On yesterday's double tap, if you search for double tap,

I open up with a 3D audio demo of the OpenScape application

and show people using voiceover,

a quick exploration of the interface,

and then you can hear the beacons and action tips.

Okay, so you're already on it then.
Yeah, go give that a listen,

but thank you Chris for bringing it up.

No, because some people might not have heard that,

you know, right.

Some people may not have heard it on the call here

that don't go listen over there.

So just want to let y'all know.

It's still in testing.

I don't know if it's completely open up yet again,

but Soundscape will be coming back,

but it's gonna be called OpenScape.

So just want to let y'all know.

The neat thing about this is that I understand it.

It's an open project,

so people can contribute to it and things like that.

I'm very excited.

I sent the link to Michael on Saturday

because I saw it, I think, on Mastodon or somewhere.

I don't know where.

But it's very exciting.

Michael, did you say that you saw some, a little bit less

accurate accuracy with that compared to soundscapes or?

No. So what happened?

And it, two things.

Number one, I want to preface this and I know we're getting low on time

with everything that I say is beta.

So please don't say what I, yeah, take it with the grain of salt.

I also was running it on the iOS 17 beta too.

So that could play into it.

But it didn't announce right when I got on top of a beacon.

And that was what I noticed.

But I was able to tell when I hit that point and not so.

And keep in mind, this is an entirely new back end for OpenScape.

So if things don't work exactly the same as SoundScapes, that's why is they

what Microsoft had on the back end is not the same as what is there now.

This is a complete like the the the face of the app looks the same.

but the back end that makes it work is totally different.

So keep that in mind if you do use this beta

and the App Store version,

there may be differences on how it operates.

So.

That's all I wanted to say.

Thank you.

Thanks Chris.

We're cutting down on time here.

Let's see if we can get these last couple of people in.

Diane.
Hey Diane.
Yes.

I had something that I kind of wanted to bring this up

because Herbie, I started the discussion with Herbie

and I noticed he was on the call.

On my Mac, I'm trying to download something called

VLC Media Player.

And when I go to that site and I go to the download link,

the screen light jumps around because apparently it

has something on it called Live Regions.

So if I disable the Live Regions,

then it won't jump around on me.

But I'm also noticing that it won't read the things

that it's supposed to read, which is like links to the various versions of VLC media

player that you can download.

It's not reading any of that.

So I'm wondering if there's some other setting I'm supposed to change on my Mac or, you know,

how I how I can get this program with, you know, either the either the screen jumps around

or or I can't read the things that I want to read on it.

So if I'm understanding correctly, Diane, and I'm going to try my best to troubleshoot

this with you, but when you go to the video land website and you choose the download option,

and then it's not reading the website correctly.

Right, because there's all the different versions, all different versions has, you know, it jumps

around among them.

It jumps them on.

It's doing it right now to me.

doing it right now. So what I would recommend doing is if you

go to, so I don't have an immediate answer for you. I

believe VLC may be available in the app store. Have you looked

in there to see if it's available there?

Um, no, I hadn't because I, I've always thought that it was

better to go directly to a website, you know, to try to get

something.

If but that, yeah, I don't necessarily know that that would

be specifically better, but it may be worth looking for VLC in the App Store.

And I just did a quick search for VLC and it didn't pop right up.

So follow up with us via email.

And we may know.

No, there's so this is Herbie.

Okay.

Yeah.

No, VLC is not in the app store.

It's strictly on the website.

I think your best bet on that site is going to be using the web rotor with

VOU going to links, typing Mac, and that should take you

to the download link with the Mac, and then Vio space,

and then Vio space again right away.

And that might prevent it from jumping at least long enough

to download the thing.

But yeah, that site is--

I was just playing with it a minute ago when

I was bringing up the questions.

I'm actually in front of the computer.

And it is definitely one of the jumpiest sites

I've definitely come across them.

Yep.
But shortcut keys are gonna be your friend on that site.
Okay, I thought I had tried doing that,

going to the, what did you call it?

You call it VOU.

I did that before.

So Diane, real quick, and I'll give you these steps

'cause I just downloaded the Mac file

and then we do have two more hands in like four minutes.

But real quick, if you go to the Video Land website,

Do VO you to bring up your links type in Mac,

press VO space twice, that'll take you to the Mac page.

Do VO you again and type in down for download

and then press VO space twice again

and that will download the Mac version of the VLC app.

Oh, okay, I'll try it.
Yep, give us an email if it doesn't work.
Okay, all right, thanks.
Bill, who do we have now?
All right, two more hands, Teresa.
Hey, Teresa.

Oh no, we don't hear you, Teresa.

Hey, there you are.

There you go.

I've got, I got it in 2019.

So I don't know if it's the second or third generation of echo, but the plug

is messed up and I try to unplug it and replug it to get a, uh, get some,

you know, results and it's not, there's nothing happens.

And somebody said, I ought to, I'm better off getting a newer version of the echo.

I would say so because I believe that is the third generation, which I believe is a round

proprietary plug. I could be wrong at this rate.

It's a square one.

Oh, it's a square?

Yes.

Okay. I mean, yeah. What do you think there, Marty?

I mean, at this point, you could try to go on Amazon and see if they sell a cable that

you could buy that would replace the one that you have.

But depending on the cost of that,

you might be better served just to get a newer updated one

with that might be newer software and work better for you.

There are not that much, I believe.

I think there are like around a hundred bucks,

I wanna say something like that.

Okay, my next, it's a two-fold question.

When is the rollout gonna be

when the Echos will be compatible with NLS,

you know, with the books on Bard.

To the best of my knowledge,

there's not been any sort of announcements

or release timeframes as of yet.

Okay, I know they do bookshare,

but I didn't know if they did Bard yet.

So thank you, Teresa, appreciate it.

And thanks for listening at that point.

It is 57 after.

So we're gonna go ahead and wrap it up.

And Marty, let people know how they can get in contact

with us and everyone have a great week.

Yep, thanks everyone.

If you wanna get ahold of us,

you can reach us at feedback@unmute.show.

And I wanna say a special thanks to Brad and Debelle

for helping us out today.

We always appreciate it.

And everyone have a great week

and we'll see you guys next week.

Thank you.

Thanks guys.
Yep.

(upbeat music)

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Technically Working 15 - Focus Rules

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 02:50:37 -0000

Transcript

Michael: [0:00] You said something earlier this week that made me think about the way I work. And I kind of wanted to explore that. And I think we talked about bringing it up, but I'm not sure. And that was, uh, when you asked me, do you ever wake up with full intentions to get stuff done? And then by the end of the day, you've gotten stuff done, but none of the things that you wanted to get done, got done. So I'm curious what brought that up. First of all.

Damashe: [0:21] So I do remember that conversation and what brought it up is the fact that we were in team talk for 80 guys and you're like, oh crap, I didn't pay to, I forgot to pay the water bill. Yep. Right. And you're like, oh, so this time it's going to cost me, you know, 10 bucks for a late fee. And it wasn't that you didn't have the money, it's just you forgot to do it. But you woke up with the intention of doing it. Like, I think you had told Mallory you were going to pay the water bill or something, that you had it. And it just occurred to me that that happens to me quite a bit where I will get up and like, I will get up and either someone will have asked me to do something the night before or that morning, or I wake up to a text message like, OK, I will get that done. And then I get up and I get my coffee going, I get my coffee and do all of that. I'm sit down on the computer and I start working. And whatever that thing that I was supposed to be remembering to do first and foremost to start the day off, As soon as I touch the computer as soon as I had a device in hand that allowed me to do that thing I don't remember it until 8 o'clock at night. It's like oh man. I did do stuff I gotta just sit around not do anything today, but the one thing or the two things I said Waking up. I have to do these things today didn't get done.

Michael: [1:11] Yeah, I want to know from listeners Thank you. First of all to those of you who support us one right now, but that will grow But I want to know from you and other people So share those with your friends How do you manage that because that happens to me all the time as the mossy brought up? But the good news is I was off on the time and we did not have to pay the $10, which is pretty cool. I was almost guaranteed that I had to, but I was off. It was PM, not AM. But still, the point is, I do that every day. Mario will text me. She'll say, hey, can you do this? And I'll say, yep, I'll get it done. It never gets done. It is at the point now where she or other people expect it, and I don't like that feeling and I need to figure out a way to solve that problem. And it's not that I don't want to do it, it's I get distracted with other tasks all the time.

Damashe: [1:49] So like learning The thing for me is that you know, there's some days and I haven't had one of these days in a while It's like I really didn't accomplish anything I basically just you know mess around on the computer all day and really did not actually Move anything meaningfully forward at all. I haven't had one of those days in a while But I still end up with the same sort of feeling when you know I clearly say that I'm gonna do this thing or I have to do this thing or you know It's the third of the month and this is the last day for me to edit my you know, Amazon subscribe and save order And 11 o'clock he says, oh man, I didn't do the order. Crap, let me go here and hurry up. Oh wait, it's not even time, it's too late. Okay, now I'm gonna end up with stuff that I didn't need that I gotta pay for. But it's like there are times where something occurs to me before, and using that Amazon subscribing save as a perfect example. I will think about it on the 29th of the month, you know, going into the next month, because my subscribe and save, you know, final day, edit your order is the third of each month. And you know, before it feels everything is locked in, they start probably billing me for stuff that they're shipping around the seventh or eighth. So if I don't take something out or add something, I ain't getting it in that order. And I don't think about it on the 29th. Like I did it this month, actually. I thought about it around the 29th of May, you know, Memorial Day. Like, oh yeah, I need to go check the subscribe and save order to make sure that we're getting stuff that we need and then if there's stuff that we don't need, I can take that out. And if I need to add something, I can do that. I did not look at that order until Saturday morning, which was the 3rd, uh...

[3:03] Why didn't I look at it on the 29th? I was in the middle of cooking some food. Honestly, although while I was sitting there, I could have looked at it real quick, watching the, you know, smelling the smoke coming off the ribs because they're already on the grill barbecuing, you know, slow cooking, like it's not like I'm cooking them on high heat or anything, on the grill for like eight hours. So I mean I had plenty of time to do it. It's like, oh, it's not that important for me to do it today. And then I forget and this happens with me. Now that particular thing happens to me quite a bit where I will think about something today, and I'll, okay, I'll do it. And it's like, well, I'm doing something else at the moment. I'm not gonna prioritize getting that thing done today because I know I have time to get it done.

[3:32] Next thing I know somebody's calling. It's like did you do this thing? It's like Hold on No, I didn't right, but don't on I'm gonna go do it right now I'm going to do it right now regardless of anything else I'm doing because I agreed to do a thing, you know It's kind of like with the unmute account that you asked me to set up Which I did that yesterday by the way, so it's not ready But here's the thing though this exact conversation we're having is why I did it right then I think mean you had just gotten off the phone and you like well, I'll tell you know Marty that doesn't be ready You know, I'm probably Friday Thursday or Friday. All right, that's okay. Yeah, that sounds good All right, I went ahead and did it right then before I got back into what I was doing before we got on the phone Because I didn't do it I would forget but it's also for me introduces the friction of task managers like we we have talked about to do list and You know, we've talked about reminders. We've thought about all the task managers out there at some point in life I'm probably trying most of them but there's that friction, right? Okay, you send me a text message taking you set up this account with this, you know thing and use that email address Okay, sure. That's not a problem. It's not a hard thing to do. It wasn't gonna go right in I was looking at all my phone. I'm not gonna go do that from the phone. That's painful. I don't like it I'm a Mac person. Maybe that's a part of the problem for me, too, is there things that I could probably do from my phone that I don't do.

[4:34] The one thing I could have done, though, was add that to Todoist instead of due date, so that I got a notification, you know, in a couple of days that says, hey, you're supposed to do this thing. Problem for me is there's friction to getting that in there, first of all, because you got to open it out, like from at the Mac, right now Todoist is not even running. I'm gonna have to open Todoist or open up Fantastical and add a task to Todoist, Which in itself doesn't seem like a hard thing to do But for me at least sometimes there's friction because it's like I don't know stuff open. I'm doing things I don't really want to open that to do this and then what do I set for the due date cuz I don't have a hard Deadline and what if I say okay due date is Friday June 9th, right? Okay. Well, it pops up at 9 o'clock on June 9th. I can do this I know what am I gonna do? I'm in a meeting. So it's kind of that that's fiction I know some people listen like we got to be more disciplined. I'm working on it.

Michael: [5:17] I'm trying but it's It's the truth. It's why stuff falls to the wayside. It's not that I don't care about projects. Yeah, anyways, I listen to Rich on Tech. At least I try to. I don't know if you listen to that podcast. And he was going over some of his apps. Here's how much I listen to it. It's June 9th.

Damashe: [5:34] What?

Michael: [5:35] Isn't it Rich on Tech? Who's the guy who took over Leo's show?

Damashe: [5:40] Hold on. Oh, Leo's radio show? I don't know, actually.

Michael: [5:43] That might be the name of it. So it is Rich on Tech. I had to look it up. The guy who took over Leo Laporte's show. And he was talking, this is how regularly I listen to it, on his Memorial Day Weekend show, today is when I was listening to that, about how the, or about the apps that he uses on his phone on a regular basis. And one of the apps made me think about task management, and it's called Email Me. Have you heard of that one?

Damashe: [6:02] Email Me? What's it called again? Email Me.

Michael: [6:05] Apparently it sounds like it's a widget that you put on your phone, or it only works on the iPhone. The closest thing on Android is an app called Boomerang, and it sounds like you open it up and you put in the information you need sent to you as an email, and you hit send and it sends you an email. And he brought it up because I don't know if he's had the love-hate relationship that we do. I imagine he does, because he's in tech, because I'm new to his show. But he said, like it or not, my inbox has become my to-do list. When I get stuff, it goes into my inbox. So if I have something I need to do or get completed, I'm just going to email it to myself. So that way, when I see it in the inbox, I'll actually get it completed. I'm like, huh, that's interesting. If I could get rid of some of these emails and I need to pursue actually getting these cleaned up instead of just deleting the emails, that could be a way to work or set up a label for things that need to go into my inbox And then I, or not inbox, but my email. And then just delete them out of there when they're completed. Because I have no problem with putting stuff into Todoist, it's going back to look at what I need to do and checking those things off. I'll put stuff in there all day long. It's just going back and looking. But if I'm already in email, then it just kind of stays where I am. And like it or not, I'm in email.

Damashe: [7:04] Yeah, so I can tell you right now, I'm absolutely 100% not even going to try that because I don't like being in my email. I'm trying to get out of the email. Although there's a feature that is handy and is going to come in very handy for me. Even, and I think this may be useful for other people. Even if you're not looking to set up a, you know, ticketing system like a Zendesk or FreeScout or HelpScout or, you know, CustomerScout, whatever the scouts are. There's a lot of scouts out there. There's a lot of Zen stuff and a lot of scouts. Somebody should make ZenScout and then we'll have a complete solution for all of it.

Michael: [7:30] ZenScout.app.

Damashe: [7:32] Michael is looking at that right now. Right down over the page, go register that domain right now. So something I just discovered, and it's probably been there for a while, but I haven't been in the notification settings for email on iOS in a while. So I hadn't seen this feature the last time I was in there. is not there. You now have the ability to... I don't know when this got added, but you can set up notifications for, and mine usually are set for VIPs. I don't want normal emails, but for VIP emails, I get a notification. Another thing you can do though is get a notification for a specific mailbox.

Michael: [7:59] Oh, okay.

Damashe: [8:01] So, what I am thinking of doing just to test it out to see how well this works is setting up a rule that will move certain people's emails, like based off the sender or the domain, into a mailbox and then notify me when an email hits that mailbox because it'll be a customer. It'll be something I need to address. You know Costco hot deals are tomorrow email cuz you know, that's why they saw my inbox. That's awesome You just said there was the end of hot deals to write. Oh, so what are you doing? If you need work on your message Absolutely, you know get.

[8:38] In touch non-paid spot But uh, I'm gonna try that I'm gonna take around that a bit cuz that could be a solution for people who don't want to go shell out the cost for something like a Zendesk or other ticketing system, or maybe your business is not even structured in such a way that you need that, but you would like to stay on top of the important emails that come in. You're not always going to catch all of those, but another way that this could also be useful is if you have a contact form on your website, and if typically, I would say, if typically for you those contact form submissions are legitimate leads or legitimate inquiry from people, again, set up a filter, customize your form, you should be able to do that. You can definitely do it with Gravity Forms. the from email to be a specific email, you know, on your domain, preferably.

[9:14] And when that email comes in, you can just make your filter rule be whenever I receive an email from contact at bedrockinnovations.com, move it to this folder. And that would be a folder that I could mark as, you know, support form request. It does two things. One, I could possibly get notified by that if I really wanted to, but also it helps organize it. So when I'm checking up on inquiries or potential leads for business, I can just go to that one folder. I'm not scanning through it. I'm not having to do a search because it's already been searched and filtered for me. When it comes to Todoist, this new feature they added is probably gonna change my life and I'll probably start using it again for at least two weeks, which is you can now schedule your reminders, which is what I actually need more than the due date notification. Like, hey, this is due today! It's like, you know, I don't have time right now and then I forget because it doesn't keep nagging me, right? We talked about due last week and it's continuing to nag you, but giving me the options to set reminders as I'm putting in the task with natural language, I think is gonna be helpful. Because if I have something that's due, you know, let's say, with that we'll go back to this, this, this masternode account you wanted me to set up, right? For me, let's say, I say, well, I need to have this done before I go to bed Friday night and you mentioned it to me on Tuesday.

[10:16] I will put that in and say, okay, send me a reminder every afternoon at 3 p.m., you know, so Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, you know, that's not the exact same text, but you know, write it in such a way that it'll send me a reminder at 3 p.m. On Wednesday, on Thursday, and then on Friday, send me one at 3 o'clock and then send me another one at 5, and probably another one at 7.30. And if I hadn't checked it off by then, either I've done it and didn't check it off, and I'll remember to check it off, so it's done, or if I haven't done it, I will remember to do it because it won't slip my mind in between me seeing one notification and being tied up and then getting free and forgetting I was supposed to do it.

Michael: [10:45] Do you did you get that email or did you only get when I forwarded it to you? No, I got Play with that let's let's follow up on that because I am curious if you use that for me reminders is my Stay there and Marty has taken off those reminders because I let him take those off and now I am looking at reminders I'm reminding Mallory. Do you have your laptop on the day? She need that as somebody she doesn't and so I'm using reminders right now as my as My persistent tool to keep track of things but more long-term stuff for going into to do list sometimes not all the time And just don't go back and look at it.

Damashe: [11:17] And I think I'm going to start using reminders in the house. Because that's how you got started with it, too. Was you and Mallory being able to, like, Mallory asked you to remind her to do a thing. You start putting in reminders. I think the idea was, I'm going to put it on the share reminder list. So then she'll get her own notification that tells her to do the thing. That didn't work, did it?

Michael: [11:32] Sometimes his reminders for her own things that she knows she needs to use reminders And I'm surprised to see that sometimes like I'll pick up her phone to call her mom or something or show him your phone Well, we're driving to mines dead because that's more often the case and there'll be a reminder there.

Damashe: [11:43] Oh, oh you do use reminders Okay, that makes sense So maybe what I should do is the shared reminders list or here's the thing I'm probably already a member of five shared reminder list that we have that we've tried out over the years Yeah, I've cleaned mine up I think except for the one that you get by default when you set up a family like that when it's still in place but I haven't been using it, but I'm going to start using that one and maybe popping because sometimes it is a bit easier with with, you know, Siri or even through the use of shortcuts or something like there's sometimes ways to get stuff into reminders a whole lot easier than it is to get it to do with it. If it's just a quick thing, like, you know, that might work too.

Michael: [12:14] So she added some stuff to her calendar. And it was a meeting with someone that I have never met, don't even know the name, but it was a contractor at one of the places she works. And I didn't see and it said work. So I thought it was adding it to my work calendar and my work calendar is actually called my quote your own pay instead of work. And so I figured out that somehow we ended up with a shared calendar that is nice because we both know what's going on. So if there's anything I need heard that like if the boys have an appointment or something that goes on that shared calendar, because as I said, I went in there and I found like five or six different shared calendars that we've tried over the years and they haven't worked, but right now it's working and I'm not going to break it as long as things keep working. However, you said something that made me curious to Masi. I was 17 was released earlier this week and one of the things is now you just say S-I-R-I, and maybe I can just say Siri, and it won't trigger it. But I'm concerned, yeah, it didn't. So I'm concerned, though, that maybe that'll start triggering people's, but I guess it knows if you're intentionally talking to it, because if I say Siri, and then I keep talking, it doesn't seem to respond. But when I am, like when I pick up my phone on 17, and I just say Siri, what time is it? It'll tell me what time it is, which I actually think a lot of people are frustrated with that, but I think that is substantially more pleasant of an experience, personally.

Damashe: [13:20] So for me, I would like to be able to address device by name. So my the home part many that you sent me is still on my desk and I named it shadow All right, so it'd be nice if I could say Shadow, what's the temperature in here?

Michael: [13:34] I would have laughed if it responded to you man.

Damashe: [13:36] I would have been happy I'm gonna quit the show right there like man. I'm done. It's all over. I have reached my goals in life I'm done. It's all over. I talked to my home father. I'm out here But it'll be nice if I could do that and maybe we'll get there at some point the Just using SIRI to address the device. I don't personally have a problem with that I think they should leave the option for you to choose which one you want But as long as that is there, I don't understand why anybody would be pissy about it, like you have an option. You know, it's different when someone makes a decision and takes away something that you've been using and you were okay with the thing that you were using, even though they're trying to make it better or more efficient. But if you still have the option, like there's no need to be pissy, get over it, there's a lot more stuff going on in the world. It's just serious.

Michael: [14:11] However, there are some other things that were announced, Demasi.

Damashe: [14:13] There's a lot of things that were announced. So I'm going to admit, so we said last week we were not going to talk about the keynote prior to it, you know, having happened, because by the time people heard it, it would have been over and then everything we would have possibly said about it, you would have known If we were right or wrong, I would stop listening to the show like all you got all of that stuff I'm not listen to these guys. I don't know they're talking about Well, we did say we're gonna talk about a day So Michael watch the keynote. I have not actually listened to it yet I do have it downloaded and I will listen to it go through it But I've been picking up bits and pieces here from different podcasts I had to listen to connected to find out who won the Ricky's so that's that's that was my introduction to the things that were Announced I outside of what you told me and what I saw in a message thread here and there Obviously, everybody's interested in the Apple Vision Pro. I want to ask you about it, though, because you actually seen the keynote, so you kind of know how they presented it, how they weighed it out to people. But first question is, what do you think about the name?

Michael: [15:05] What do I think about what?

Damashe: [15:06] The name.

Michael: [15:07] I don't remember it. Is it the Vision Pro?

Damashe: [15:09] It's Apple Vision Pro.

Michael: [15:10] That's where I struggle. I'm not sold on that name. I don't know why. Maybe I'm overthinking it. I also see where they came up with it, because I was pleasantly surprised that it had cameras. Like, a lot of people thought it wasn't going to. I don't know why. Maybe I'm overthinking it. I also see where they came up with it, because I was pleasantly surprised that it had cameras. A lot of people thought it wasn't going to, um, but it, it has plenty of cameras 12 from what I understand. And yeah, I'm, I, I have first thing I told you, I'm not going to get this. I'm not super interested in this. And then I started learning more about it and realized, huh, this does kind of sound interesting. Maybe this is something I might use. And so right now, if I can save up $3,500, I might get it. Otherwise I'm going to wait like you said until the second or third edition of it to go on. Or if you want to support the show and buy one of us, you know, Buy one and we will share it. We will send it back and forth.

Damashe: [15:51] We got no problem with mail and stuff So I'm gonna give a fair warning to everybody all of my rates for everything are going up I'm gonna start invoicing Mike just for showing up to do our show And I'm gonna invoice the listeners the 41 listeners we have so The name to me is better than anything that was floating around before the event I like you I'm not sure that I'm 100% sold on the vision probe I mean, that's what it is or it's not I can do about that But it's better than the reality pro or the reality headset and some of the other names that I can't remember now that I was floating around, like all of those to me were very dumb. And at least this kind of.

[16:25] Hints at what it does like it gives you I think that pro markers there's because the plan is this is a first step in Their process of building this they had to eventually put it out I think that's what a lot of the some of the reporting I've heard recently is like internally in Apple There's been you know disputes on whether it was ready to be released or ready to be announced and etc. I feel like This was a good time to announce it at WWDC Because right now the primary mode or the primary people that need to be aware and really working on this are developers and you start thinking about what they're gonna do before the SDKs release and they're able to do it in the virtual simulator on Mac with Xcode and I also kind of understand why it cost 3,500 bucks. I just want to point out though Everybody keeps fixating on $3,500. I heard a snippet from keynote what he said was starting at I did not catch that. That's scary Yes, somebody played it on a podcast. I was like to play in that snippet and and you could hear the gasp of the audience Like oh my god. Oh, that's not what I thought. He said starting at $34.99. I'm curious.

[17:23] Where does it go from there? Like you initially just based off what I kind of heard and saw very very briefly From from people talking about I was like, I'm not interested in it Like, you know, I won't keep I'll obviously but I'm not even vaguely interested in trying to buy this first one Cuz it's not gonna be for me Like you don't as more has come out about it and I've heard more about the the attention to detail that they put into this It's like, you know, I kind of wouldn't mind being on that initial track of trying this out and using it and helping to determine, not like not determine how people are going to use it, but figuring out how this is going to be useful to other people, especially those of us that are blind. Because again, I'm not concerned about the accessibility. I'm curious about the accessibility, you know, fairly sure it's going to be accessible to a blind person. I think we already have confirmation of that. If people, for people who were, you know, in doubt that it was going to be accessible, I think we have confirmation of that now. But I was never concerned about whether it was going to be accessible. It's much like Apple watch when it came out just how like how is that interaction mode gonna look for me as a voiceover user?

[18:15] Some things that I am curious to one of the reasons I'm interested in it is Apple has done something. I think that Wasn't really fully expected but it doesn't surprise me which is this really is a AR device with the capabilities of doing VR as Opposed to what the the meta quest and the meta quest pro with some of the other you know headsets that have been out there Are strictly VR headsets right so it's you in your own world that you're in and you know You can't interact with anybody else unless they have an also have one of these headsets and you're in the you know place that you Can do that This to me I think they really really tried hard to make sure that even though you may be occupied with the headset doing something inside of a Headset, you know, you're not completely separated from the rest of the world And one of the things they do I'm curious what people are gonna feel about this when they actually get to see it like if you're Looking at someone through the headset. They see your eyes being projected onto the lenses. That sounds weird to me It sounded weird the first time I heard it Before like is that leaked that leaked a while back and it was like no I'm not gonna be weird, but they did it the power behind this is a computer on your head So it makes sense why it starts at $34.99.

Michael: [19:13] So putting eyes on the on the outside is pretty simple when you look at it now in retrospect, but it is creepy and And what type of weird accessibility things is Apple going to do to make that accessible to everyone? If it sees you looking towards the headset, talking at it, is it going to say, we're sorry, this person is temporarily unavailable?

Damashe: [19:32] That's a good question. I'm curious about that. Because visually, you can see there's some transparency if they're engaged with the world around them. But if they're completely shut off, in a sense, like they're occupying a VR space where they're not able to respond to you, you're going to be able to visually tell that. But yeah, how do you indicate that to a blind person?

Michael: [19:47] Maybe it plays a soft sound, or very periodic. Speaking of sounds, I never realized how important sounds were until clean feed. They have very appropriate sounds.

Damashe: [19:54] Yep, I was messing with him today cuz I was gonna say do clean feelings and then brave look like it wasn't gonna Let me select a specific device that I want. I was like, well, babe, you're dead to me right now And then I drop and then you sent me a link and when I got in like now I can see all my devices So I'm not sure what that whole thing was But I think maybe what have what happened for me the first time is that either I didn't either it didn't notify me or I had Missed the alert. They need a microphone access in the browser. So I could be why I wasn't working Yeah, very curious and I said I am now more interested in trying to get my hands on one when it comes out next year I'm expecting spring. I'm expecting like a March or April release for this is my expectation if it doesn't slip It's also possible. It will slip beyond WWDC I would not be surprised to see that some things that I'm interested to do with it though It's like the virtual workspaces with the Mac, right? I mean, I know it's not gonna be I can't see the giant screen is there that they're gonna project or whatever But that could be interesting for meetings.

Michael: [20:42] Maybe you know, I Wasn't interested in the virtual keyboard where you just kind of like tap in the air where the letters are because at first I'm like how am I going to do that? That doesn't make any sense. But with the technology that we've seen with GPT, if I mentally, I know roughly where the key should be in a general area, I feel like auto-correct is at the point where if I write hi, but I don't hit, or if I write, hi, how's it going today? But I hit maybe 30% of those keys, but I'm a key off. Then it's, it's an understand and be able to correct that. And naturally it's just going to be, we're going to just start typing in the air in front of us or something. That's, that's weird to think about, but you won't have a phone in front of your face and you'll be able to engage environment. Like that's what has me excited because I think about like, like Ben sometimes he's guilty of it and I'm guilty of letting him play on his phone more than I probably should. I will admit that. But he will go out and just like when he walks to school, he'll just pay attention to his phone and not see anything around him or pay attention to anything around him. And that happens to a lot of people where you're just focused on the screen in front of you. If you can bring the input to the air in front of you and take the thing blocking your vision and let you see what's around you. I think in a weird way, it's going to bring us closer to technology, but also closer to people around us.

Damashe: [21:48] Yeah, but I kind of feel like that's what they were going for with this is like there's so much of it It seems to I'm gonna recommend people take a listen to upgrade at least the first part of the way to talk about the vision probe. Wait, is that what it's called now? See, I don't like the name. I think it was Apple Vision Pro.

Michael: [22:02] It's Vision Pro.

Damashe: [22:03] Yeah, yeah, that's it. It's the Vision Pro. But it always sounds like, wait, am I sure about that now? Because I'm not sure. I don't like it. Because I'm not sure. But I'm pretty sure that's what it is, Apple Vision Pro. When you put Apple in front of it, then it sounds right. But if you just say the Vision Pro, which is what people are gonna start saying, me, I'm questioning it. But I can recommend that episode, at least up to that point, because that's about as far as I've gotten in it. But Jason Snell is one of those people who kind of really focused more so on not just like, It's cool. They did isn't look how he did this and they thought about all these things He's like this is a you know, that's why I got that line from honestly, cuz I haven't watched you know It's a AR device first with the ability to be a virtual reality device So they're trying to ensure that you're not Disconnecting from the world by use while you're using this is meant to be interactive with the world around you and you know reflecting on Tim Cook's Admittedly somewhat. I really want to use a big word. I couldn't think of it Is it middly kind of offhand statements over the years that he's made about you know, it's really interesting Oh, yeah, AR is you know something we're really looking at great like it makes sense with this headset why he was More focused on AR argument reality than virtual reality Because they don't want to disconnect you from the people around you or have you shut off into your own world I'm also interested in one of the reasons that I probably I'm gonna make every best effort to get it I will say that for me to learn how you know what it can be useful for what is good for but also to you Know introduce it to the family and see how they use it and what they think about it That is also something I'm curious about because I don't I haven't got any information about that yet Is this a single-person device like an iPhone or is this a device that when I put it on and it recognizes my iris It says oh, well, I see here's your stuff, right?

Michael: [23:26] Right, and then if he'll puts it on it's like oh, I see you want to pick up where you were playing this game That is that right there would completely change the price point value for me because now you're buying an entertainment device for the whole family Well, an entertainment and productivity device, potentially.

Damashe: [23:39] Yeah, and I can see it being useful in both cases I feel like and not again I'll just now watch 3500 bucks like I get it because they have done a lot of they're pushing the edges of technology right now With this from what I understand like the resolution that the screens are at is a little bit more than 4k You're gonna hear people just say 4k is actually a little bit more than 4k not quite 6k at this point But that's that's amazing the transparency and the showing of you know attention like all of these little things that that add up to You know 3500 bucks, and it's like the way I've heard somebody explain it is they kept hitting you with all this technology that was in the thing before they got around to that Price so you hear the price is like this one. I thought it was gonna be like I'm gonna cost that much money Completely, but yeah definitely interested if anybody has any connections or knows anybody or you know these beta testers or anything We're here. We're open. I will walk around.

Michael: [24:22] I will go to California and walk around with it. Honestly.

Damashe: [24:24] I mean look You want to call me?

Michael: [24:26] I'm not gonna fly although it's like maybe cheaper than buying one I mean you're close.

Damashe: [24:32] I'm gonna fly would be if I would definitely be cheaper to buy one careful Should be should be should be deeper than I'm definitely for sure interested in getting one I mean listen like I'm kind of excited to Plug it into the Mac and join his own meeting like just being serious about it as nuts as it seems I'm not gonna be able to see people, but you know maybe it'll do a thing that'll make it more interesting Or we doing a presentation I can actually point at a thing over there and people can see the thing over there You should listen to more text. They had a conversation about VR. I will find episode number for you I'll build a little special with more text and they were talking about their day. We're trying out the Meta quest pro or whatever it's called the latest thing that meta actually released not the thing they announced on Instagram to try to jump Apple And you know, they have some interesting thoughts about that device and how it worked. Yeah, definitely interested in the Apple vision Pro you can go to your own bay.com slash support or Ewww. Or just go there, or go to yourownpay.com.dwa and click on the tip jar link if you want to support us. Thanks to our subscriber that is out there. We appreciate you. You never get emails that tell us if we could use a name or not, so we're just gonna keep referring to you as the number one subscriber.

Michael: [25:38] There you go, the number one. Well, hopefully that doesn't discourage anyone from wanting to become the number two subscriber. So did Apple talk about anything else that you wanted to chat about, or do you have something else that you want to bring up? Because the only thing in iOS 17 that intrigued me at first, well, I saw it at first, and then I forgot to bring it up a couple times, with that check-in feature, I am super excited about. I wanna play with that. So you can set it up. So if you are gonna go on a journey home or somewhere else, and you can let certain people know, hey, I've made it here, or hey, I'm gonna be delayed by a half hour, you know, expect that I might be a little bit later, but that way it's all kind of automated. And I think it's gonna tie into the journal feature of iOS 17. I have a mixed relationship with day one. I want to journal, but I don't journal. But when I go back and look at some of my journals, I'm like, oh, oh, I was thinking that when that happened, I don't even remember that. So then I see the value in journaling, And so I start to journal for a day or two and then I stop. So I hope that Apple being my journal provider because I'm I'm I'm an Apple person I have this pixel to the left of my keyboard and I just don't give it the fair attention. I should anyways I'm gonna be fair as a pixel 6 pro.

Damashe: [26:37] And so if Apple does allow I think that oh Wait, now they're not gonna ever see me anything else. I'm sorry.

Michael: [26:45] Well, probably not probably not You know, oh focus mode though because that was what I was gonna bring up I'm not sure I haven't seen any differences in focus modes, but I'm playing with shortcuts on Ventura That's what I'm on, right? Yes, I'm playing with folk or I'm playing with shortcuts on Mac OS 13.4 Whatever and shortcuts is a lot nicer to navigate so we can talk about that But have you been playing with focus modes because I deleted all of mine except for do not disturb It won't let you delete that one.

Damashe: [27:10] Yeah, so I've been playing with them I have not gotten them to the point that I want them, but honestly the past couple of weeks have been busy But I can tell you what I've done up to this point where I'll tell you what I'm trying to end up at and when I Get there. We'll definitely I'll definitely share this on the show. But so for example, I have 80 guys focus mode that I'm in the process of setting up. And the reason it's not just a quick boom, boom, boom, knock it out is because I'm trying to take my time and one, let notifications through that I'm not even there to let through.

[27:34] The other part is I'm actually won't make use of the custom home screen and custom lock screen here for this focus I want to start doing this with more of my focus mode because I've never used those features early So I want to make use of a custom home screen and on that home screen should be The gmail app because that's what I have 80 guys email set up on my phone No notifications come through for that account at all But that'll be the app I'll use if I need to check email because you know I'm working and I pull my phone out or if I'm on like I was last Friday, you know I'm at an event for 80 guys I turn on 80 guys focus mode and you know everything that I need is there at my fingertips Slack is another app that should be there also on that home stream. I would like to have slack there I don't know what else needs to be there, but those two for sure You know notifications allow from you know Michael and JJ in slack and in messages As well as phone calls TIA a couple other people right block the kids out because they start texting me this You know ridiculous amounts of it. How does somebody put 37 emojis in one message that quickly? 37 shopping bags yesterday for my daughter's like now. I got no money Yeah, but she knew what you wanted shopping time dad So I did to start out when I reset my phone by deleting all of the focus most I had previously set up Except for my work focus I will eventually delete the one is called work But right now it still does the thing that when I'm in a meeting and automatically flip on which means I'm not getting random calls I don't even know why it's like message from data.

Michael: [28:46] Just got to honestly Maybe maybe you said JJ's a priority comment or maybe iOS is learning about you You want to see messages from See my that work focus is super nice But I want to know why it's working so I did destroy mine So maybe when I'm setting up a focus mode, there's an option So I will play with so guys try setting up some focus modes on the Mac instead of on the iOS Yeah The one thing that stops me and I don't know that there's anything that can do about it is because I've had to go edit A focus mode on the like you say on iOS when I set up to my work focus, right?

Damashe: [29:16] I wanted notifications from fantastic out because there are times where I have like back-to-back meetings, you know, not back-to-back literally 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock, but maybe I have an 11 o'clock and then I have a 1230 or one or something. That 11 o'clock runs into like 1230. Well, like I need to know that I'm 30 minutes away from the next meeting I need to be in. So, fantastic notifications. I would like to get those. Well, I also had to. Go on the Mac and add the fantastical app on the Mac to allow it to come through as well Like it didn't go across that platform for me. Okay with that Messages seems to do that contact things to do that But I'm guessing a third-party apps because you know, of course not every single app is on your phone They're gonna be on your Mac and they can't even expect you to have it there. I guess Another thing I want to set over these focus modes to is calendar sets with fantastic I did discover that you can do this with the default calendar app So it is possible to have a specific set of calendar show based on a focus mode I just really don't like to default calendar app So moving on from that, but that was one of the questions I want to answer like how far can I go with this and I Actually could get fairly far with it Being fair notification seems to be a little bit more reliable with the calendar app because it's Apple's app I don't know and that's the only reason like it's Apple's app So they get some entitlements that fantastic gallery the other third-party calendar wouldn't I get? But there's an entry thing right so that fantastic I offer me But calendar sets are thing in fantastic I if you're not using them and you have several calendars as I do and as I know Michael does it is super helpful to to have specific calendar sets. You can always view all calendars. Right now I have a Bedrock calendar set that shows me my Bedrock Innovations calendar, the one that I use for people booking and scheduling appointments related to Bedrock. It does show my family calendar, so when someone asks me, are you available for a meeting at this time, I can take a look and make sure there's not a doctor's appointment there, if it makes it on the calendar.

[30:45] And then I think that's it, I have a couple of Todoist projects also there. There's an AT Guys now calendar set that shows the AT Guys team calendar, because it's the only one that I'll be putting events on, I don't see a reason to put them on my personal calendar, I'll probably lose them. It also shows my... Family calendar, and it shows the 80 guys To do this project Michael's frankly typing away. He's having brew install For once I'm not typing brew install surprisingly.

Michael: [31:13] I made a cup of coffee with the intentions of drinking it two hours ago Oh, man, how you got cold brew? Yes, sir Which is not as good as real cold brew for some reason I've got it.

Damashe: [31:23] It is not you know. I've got a redeem a cup of coffee. You got left sitting like oh, yeah Well, it's just my drinking cold. We know it's not this it's not at all You can also set filters with a lot of apps actually a lot and that's that is the thing I'm wanting to take more advantage of with my focus modes this time around as I am rebuilding them and tweaking them is Being able to filter, you know What's shown to me in an app based off the focus mode that I'm in? I'm honestly trying to get to a point where I am always in a focus mode. Oh okay, whether that's a You know something dealing with work something dealing with family time or just a general focus mode in from and you know I don't know what I'm gonna call it probably just be like a you know, I don't know I'll put a mochi on or something We talked about that one's putting emojis on your focus mode microphone for recording or something. Yeah, yeah, oh, that's the other one I gotta work on to is my recording focus mode But yeah I'm trying to get to a point where I'm always no focus mode and reason for that being is like there's often times that there Are things well I guess just being wide open leaves me wide open and focus mode I can filter what I see Which could help me not do things like let's say if I'm in recording focus mode And I just randomly hit you know right option him because it's a habit, and then I look at the email It's like oh, then I get distracted. It's like no. I won't do that because what is it gonna show me? It's not gonna show me anything. It's gonna say mail is restricted. You cannot use mail right now can Man, I don't man.

Michael: [32:33] I'm gonna go look and see if you can set up different activities in iOS 17 and focus modes. Oh Oh, so you could have different commanders facing your focus on that would be nice, huh? Right option M will only take you to your 18 guys and it won't let you see anything else because you have a filter on mail So yeah, that could be fun We're right option M. Just as a DTS.

Damashe: [32:51] It's gonna work But as far as I was 17, again, not having seen the keynote yet, a couple of things that jump out at me recently that I just heard about this morning. Shared.

[33:04] Keychain passwords and patties So and this is actual full-on sharing similar to what you get with one password a bit more nowhere where you have a shared vault With someone you'll be able to share a password and presumably also the past keys work the same way But share that login information with someone so like you could share this with mattering and if you update to Netflix password It would update for her as well. Not the oh, I airdropped her the password, but then when I changed it She still had a whole password deal. So that's interesting to me I'm going to make a promise to spend some time this summer before the release of iOS 17 using the Windows iCloud keychain integration build to see what is, if it's useful, because I feel like if it's useful enough and it's not too restricting, like if they just say you can only use it in Chrome, like it's not it's a non-starter, but if it's available anywhere in any browser at least, and optionally it would be nice if there was a way to get to your passwords in Windows through the iCloud control panel.

[33:54] It would be a nice recommendation for people who either are not yet using a password manager at all or very likely using iCloud keychain because from a security standpoint is solid like what they're doing what I got keychain is solid like that's not my issue with my issue is number one I couldn't share stuff but actually have a shared you know constantly shared items so when changes were made they reflect everywhere for everybody and we got a lot of shared passwords in this house a lot of shared info in general you know so that's handy and that's also going to share your two factor codes if you're saving those in iCloud keychain so this could be a way to get out of one password for some people or you can get out of spending money all together for a password manager I mean granted Japan a thousand for your phone, so you're paying for it, but it's not a residual, ongoing, monthly or annual bill that is due for me in August. Because that's when it's coming up in office.

Michael: [34:40] I'm gonna play with past keys on my Google account Let tell them I'm a glutton for punishment because I heard a couple of people fed problems I am gonna play with it and I will follow up next week to see if I notice or see how that experience says I'm Gonna reach out to my workspace administrator and get him to turn them on and I will try them to on my workspace again And see how you work because I you know one I need to stay on on them Even though I have issues with them.

Damashe: [35:00] I want to be fair like I honestly have issues I was just having this conversation with somebody before I start recording But I honestly have issues because I feel like with Apple. I think they have prevented this I don't know enough about what Google has done to say they have or have not Solved for this potential issue, but the scenario is let's say I switched over to using the pixel And that is my phone I go out and buy a pixel 7a like man this phone is really great I'm gonna use this the rest of the summer and I can put a beta on my iPhone. Yay all right So yeah, anybody got a pixel 7a? That's not actually a bad idea if I had to buy a pixel 7a I would do it and use that for the rest of the summer so I could put betas on my iPhone But let's say I do that and you know of course before you can really proceed beyond any point or to get access to your data interview store and all of that with an Android phone very much like on iOS you have to sign into your account. Well on Android that is your Google account. What if I only had the passkey on my Android phone? Now of course it's syncing through Google's services but I don't have another device to get my you know let's say I wipe my phone or I break my phone then I have to get an entirely new one so all of them for whatever reason there's not an alternative device available to me when I need to set up my phone again. How do I log into my Google account?

Michael: [35:59] You send Google your photo ID.

Damashe: [36:02] That will be horrible because I don't have a way to take a picture of my ID to send it to you because I can't get it to my phone. And if I bypass the login, then will I never get to send anything anywhere to anybody for help because I don't have my contacts. Now I I can think of some ways around this Google could still allow for you to log in where you use a name and password And you know an alternative two-factor method which is probably gonna be a solution for them for a while But the dream or the hope of past keys is that you'll get rid of passwords all together So again, how do I solve for that? If I don't have another device that I can log into or that I'm already excuse me already logged in to because I can't log Into anything else without the passkey What do I do?

Michael: [36:37] And I do not have focus mode enabled because I deleted all my freaking focus mode So that means I got a phone call from a spam call And see that is why I am considering going into always being in a focus mode of some sort So I can get rid of those spam calls And you know leave a voice man.

Damashe: [36:51] Hey, I set up my voice mail on my personal phone for you know Since I'm twitching I mean it just tells you the number you call But at least is there now because I can't forget you can you bring audio in it? So people can hear what happens when they call me now because Apple stole my voicemail.

[37:07] That might change maybe we don't want to do that, but Apple stole my voicemail So the feature Michael's talking about we can we can do it at the end, and then you can drop it in if you want to But the future Michael was talking about is what if they call this is this like Voicemail transcripts voicemail transcripts or live transcripts or something They wanted to call it visual voice. Maybe I can call it a something voicemail. I think though Transcribed whatever the features anyway the way it works is someone calls your phone Do you have this feature turned on and I was 17 only so right now my cousin on the baby because he's a voice There we go live voicemail. They want to call a visual voice. We open this already been taken I called Mike and what I heard was please leave your message after the tone the person you're calling may pick up.

[37:47] Was like, okay So I start talking like well, I was just returning your call such a researcher blah blah blah. I think you answered. Yeah, you did answer Yeah, yeah So those reading the transcript the first thing I thought about is This is gonna turn back into what I finally have gotten some older people to stop doing when they call you and they get your voicemail and they sit there and they spend the first two minutes of the voicemail of the five-minute voicemail they leave you saying pick up are you Pick up! It's Sons of Pickup! Can't hear that now people are gonna start doing this again when they call it a look because I know you're probably there Just pick up you read my voicemail right down pick it up No, no, I'm not. We have a little voicemail. No, that's not what the call live voicemail Seems interesting kind of this is like to bring it back after machines everything that was old is now new again Look, here's the answering machine Don't think there's any more things that I've heard There was one thing that I think I asked you about like why did nobody tell me about this thing? You guys just missed the whole thing. Nobody said anything about this about what was now So I will tell you I've told Mallory who have Snoopy come to the watch face.

Michael: [38:44] Oh, I'm excited about that Yeah, and you know what else is coming to the watch That's great transition is now you don't have to swipe up to get to your control center Your side button becomes your control center button.

Damashe: [38:52] So I'm gonna buy an Apple watch or whatever it's called ultra.

Michael: [38:56] Yeah Mallory loves hers.

Damashe: [38:57] I'm gonna probably get one I'm waiting to see if they're gonna update this year or if it's gonna be like one of those every couple of year cycles And whether I whether they updated this year or not, I'm probably not gonna pick it up until next spring Hey, it'll be in the same box for my Apple Vision Pro. Yeah. So what I've heard about the watch leads me to think that basically they've taken some of the functionality of what I liked about the Siri watch space and made it kind of available everywhere and enhanced it a great deal. And I don't know anything else beyond that. Widgets somehow have a role here and you can put complications inside of a widget. I don't know. It's confusing the way people are talking about it without having looked at the keynote.

Michael: [39:34] Where I was going with that, and I don't think I finished, I thought, is I tell everyone I'm not going to update. I told Mallory I wasn't going to update. I'm probably going to update my watch, honestly, because. I only get half of the iOS experience until I update my watch, but I don't want to update my watch because when things break, I don't have a watch, but I'm also not keeping a move streak. Ooh, there's the transition. And that brings me to, um, unless you have anything else to talk about WWDC, I want to get a fitness update in because I have gotten nowhere on my fitness and I need to go out and do more. And I think you and I should start a contest or something and track it on the show.

Damashe: [40:01] We should do that, Will. So, one of us will challenge the other one before Monday. So, we start on Monday and we won't report on it next Friday because we won't have finished the challenge, but we will follow up that week after.

Michael: [40:10] But we can check in on the challenge next week for accountability.

Damashe: [40:12] Yeah, I mean we'll do it for sure I never had a problem Right, but I also need to start in on the fitness stuff so that it will be a good way to get started and I should also reach out to, I Think oh, yeah But I should do that also I put it to do it. I should also probably reach out to what I think is for an episode Jeff Uh, yeah, are you listening and uh, we've never got feedback from Jeff. Yeah, once not once not one single time That's what I think from the show. I don't know man. I don't know. Yeah, we're just moving So yes, I mean he should be listening to the show while he's moving He should be but you know Sometimes when you're moving especially other people are helping I want to have your ears completely wide the hell open man because you do not want to take that couch to the shin like I promise you don't So I can completely understand why not but Jeff does a lot of consistent fitness stuff every day So it would also be motivating. I'm assuming it will be motivating. They turn out to be like, oh, well, you know, whatever But it probably will be some motivation to Have to compete against Jeff As well as Jeff does what I think he would do which is also trash talking a little bit like that Oh, that's big Stuff to go to and like man, you know what? I'm gonna get out there.

Michael: [41:21] I'm so ultimately By the end of the summer I want to have a plan to explore this leader dog program the more I think about it not for a guide dog But the cane training that yeah, I was talking about so But unless I go out and start walking, it's at the point right now where I don't go anywhere on my own. And it's not a good feeling. That's the best way I'll put that. When you don't go places.

Damashe: [41:44] Yeah. I'm kind of there too. Some of it is, so I get that feeling. I have been comparing my time in, well, my time in Tuscaloosa compared to my time just about everywhere else I've lived. And in Atlanta, man, I went from every side of the city. When I lived in Denver, I was in Denver for a summer, I went everywhere, which kind of I had to because I was teaching on him So didn't really have a choice about going everywhere like you can't just hang out at the at the center with students That's from the pond you're supposed to be teaching them Houston I got around quite a bit Even in places that there was not public transportation I believe like I've done a lot of walking And here like I have not done any of that nearly as much as I would like I know some of the area But I'm not as familiar with Tesco loses I should be for as long as I've been here right my measurements right not not by anybody else but my own and that does bother me a little bit right because you know, am I losing the ability to do certain things? Am I losing the ability to travel independently without being, you know, like, I'm gonna be honest, man, I'm nervous as hell about this airport. I'm not gonna even lie to you. Because it's been a while since I've been in an airport anyway, and then just the lack of. Constantly using those travel skills makes me feel a little bit more anxious than I ordinarily would usually go into an airport in the past I would be like Okay, so let's see how good or bad the service is gonna be here like how much trouble am I gonna have actually get into? My game, but there's not any concern.

Michael: [42:52] I'm gonna be the issue right where now I'm like I need to I might need to hire me a personal assistant to get here Yeah, never though we have tools to help with that and that's what I forget sometimes in the heat of the moment I need to be aware of that like we do have tools that I did not have when I was confidently traveling independently.

Damashe: [43:11] And that's kind of the weird dichotomy here, is that there's way more, way more tools available for navigating. I mean just general navigation. Never went to an airport. Just general navigation. I had in a lot of places I have lived, it was just moving around like it was nothing. And it's like now, you know, you got all these apps and if I get to the airport, there's, you know, there's things like Aira, there's Be My Eyes, there's, you know, whole tons of stuff to use. I don't even know if the airport has any, you know, indoor navigational things, right?

Michael: [43:33] The technology we have though now, I think I think I'm so ultimately we'll come back to it. We'll follow up. We'll see who is Who's more productive and gets out there cuz I'm gonna get out there and be more active I gotta get more comfortable my local community I can't even go to my local grocery store and go find the stuff I need at the store in a general idea I mean, I guess I have a general idea, but I haven't done it And that that bothers me because I realize you know, that's a skill that I have and if you don't use it You lose it. Uh-huh.

Damashe: [43:56] And that is one of my concerns and you know, there's also just the fact of you know, lacking, I don't want to say not having the independence, but not using the skills, right? That's the thing that's, you know, beginning to kind of bother me a bit. It's like, I don't, somebody tells me, oh, you know, I need you to come here to this place. I'm like, I have no idea where that place is in Tuscaloosa. It turns out it's like two blocks away, well, probably not two blocks, but you know, five minutes, seven minutes away, probably what would amount to maybe a 20-minute walk for me to get there. Right, yep. You know, the furthest I have been from where I live now walking or, you know, walking, I get in somebody's car going somewhere, is to the key of school.

Michael: [44:26] Which is you know literally a 10-minute walk for me, maybe a five and a half six minute walk for me from walking by myself But I've got to do better So yeah, we will you know revisit this topic for sure as we get out I only did that cuz I didn't go test on that uh that one thing on the blind show That's literally what puts me around corner Yeah, cuz convention So you back on the travel once you get I will tell you from experience because I have flown more recently than you have Like you I was I had concerns about going there But once you get back into the groove of figuring things out it naturally it's like riding a bike it comes back to you But it's that time until you get there, and then you realize, oh, I can't do that. That's encouraging, but then you get home from convention, like, I traveled across the country. I'm not going anywhere in my little community.

Damashe: [45:02] I don't feel like walking around to just pick a video. I don't want that.

Michael: [45:05] That's why I want to explore this leader dog program, because maybe that'll give me some more confidence or some more skills that I can apply. Because I can travel. I had no problem when I got to Omaha traveling. Traveling was fine, but, you know, getting out and going and doing stuff. It can be a point of laziness, but here's my thing, and maybe I'll work like a guide dog. I have to have a destination and a purpose to go and really everything I can do is at home From the computer for the most that's a little bit of it too for me It's like by the time I you know started noticing.

Damashe: [45:27] I hadn't been traveling as much here at all here It's like well What do I need to go anywhere for I need to grab something small you know there's a little convenience store trying to build A block I walk there, you know a lot, but But exercise I think will also help that that is the other reason I think fitness has come back around to me once again because it's not the first time but once again Is because that is putting those two things together solve that problem that you just identify Which is if I don't really have a purpose to go walk to you notice this little plaza That's about 15 20 minutes away from us and then you know do something and come back home like why am I walking over there? Right, but if it's exercise because I gotta get my rings closed so that Mike doesn't stop the crap out of me in his competition Well, you know what? Guess what? I'm out there and I'm where people see me which does lead to conversation at times, too So there's that aspect of it. So and I am interested in that leader dog program myself, too I don't know when I'm gonna go but I am absolutely going if it you know, I won't say that We're not gonna move what I was about to say, but yeah I have every intention of going there to do that. when is going to be.

[46:22] Thing but it's more of a win not a well, maybe right I heard about it I was like, oh, I'm so like absolutely 100% soul because I know I'm not I mean, I'm pretty good I taught people but it doesn't mean I know everything I just like being able to teach somebody something on the Mac doesn't mean I know everything and I'm aware of that. I'm fully aware of that and embrace that and you know, just you know, he probably didn't listen to our show, but uh, just to applaud kayaker for Recognizing that within himself and taking that that journey to go to the look at our program and I appreciate that He appreciated that he did it and also appreciate the fact that he was he shared it because I never knew that existed No, you neither or well, I think I knew something like it existed, but like him I assume they're gonna teach me how to use to point out or how to Trail a grass line to find the end of a of a block or something, you know Like the basics that I really knew I I need to be more confident with using the skills that I have versus learning the basic skills And that was Andrew Hey, hey, hey, hey over here. You'll see me look. Yeah.

Michael: [47:17] Hey Hey, take me to work with you. I could be the mascot right restaurant We're about 70 minutes if you have anything else we can go into that or we can wrap it up either way I remember there was anything we supposed to follow up on it. Nobody add to a list Probably let me pretty sure that would mean that one of us would I don't know listen to the show I mean you edit the show man Said listen to the show. I didn't say edit the show, but you're listening when you're editing by the time No, not really actually. Most of the time I hear the show, but I listen for like, um, I listen for keywords or mouse smacks. I don't really re-listen to the content too much, usually.

Damashe: [47:54] So, I can't think of anything. I got Reaper installed. I gotta get Reaper set up today, because I gotta do a project for it.

Michael: [47:58] You need to go to theglobalvoice.info slash Reaper.

Damashe: [48:00] All right, I need to go to theglobalvoice.info slash Reaper.

Michael: [48:03] Yep, that's theglobalvoice.info slash Reaper. Oh wait, we're not being sponsored by them, but no, I downloaded that file. It's actually in the root directory of Sync. It's a, I think I put the zip file in there. I'm gonna dive with some more cool things about Reaper. And then there's another training that I'm gonna look up that teaches you that's free from Drew Weber. You know Drew. And he made a Making Liners for Radio Station course that That he's giving away for free using Reaper to teach you how to make voiceovers for liners and then sell those to radio stations Hmm.

Damashe: [48:29] Hmm. I'm starting, you know, this keeps coming up. It keeps coming I know why some of it keeps coming up is because I talk to you a lot and you're doing voiceover work and you're breaking Into that space, but it keeps coming up from other people to me about voiceover work. I'm like I wasn't really trying to go do this.

Michael: [48:42] So don't Advertise yourself. I'll take 15% to do the follow-up and stuff and then we'll just sell your voice Because people want your voice, but you don't want to run the business behind it. I thought that was going somewhere completely different. Like, well, don't, just send them to me. No, see, that's the thing is, is I know there's some projects for your voice. That would be a think about it, it's kind of like reading a weird formatted audio book.

Damashe: [49:17] Yeah, I mean, I'm not gonna dispute that person's comparisons. I've done neither of these two things, but from my perspective I would think going into reading a transcript for audio description is a little bit more like honestly I think that might be harder for me Then doing an audio book And the reason is because you have to try to keep the inflection out of your voice for most things with the audio description Yeah, you can't start reading about you know guy that is tiptoeing around and he has a you know sniper rifle or whatever and start Decided about it. Oh, man, what's gonna happen now the assignment song?

Michael: [49:47] You can't do that neutral or follow the guidelines that are in the script is there are some that you have inflection Yeah, but that's the thing though.

Damashe: [49:54] You got to stick to whatever their guidelines are and I know me like, you know If I was reading my oh, man, what's gonna happen? I might have to go read the whole script today come back and like okay Well now I could do this because I know what happened But yeah, I mean, I'm not I've told you this before I'm not one I'm not closed off to doing any sort of voiceover work at all It just wasn't a thing that I thought I would ever end up being involved in at all Even when you started talking about look man if you need me to do something I reach out, but I'm gonna go set up a Voice that me account and let people hire me. I don't know if that is just don't go there. Don't don't go there Listen, I'm telling you not to go there Mike's already done it, but I have a lot of it was clear So I'm just fair warning. I just made it up because I couldn't remember the service that a lot of people use Michael will remember it's Voice one two three there we go see that's what I was thinking about what I couldn't remember So I just made up a voice without me.

Michael: [50:37] I'm telling you I do not have a voice one two three account I did not send one of those up. So don't look for me there.

Damashe: [50:42] Yeah, it keeps coming up. I was having a chat with a Good friend of mine yesterday about he has a internet radio show that he does and we were talking about we actually got into talking about Hybrid meetings and knowing that he's like this sounds interesting because all the times I hear people doing like hybrid meets the audio quality is crap I said, yep, that's thing. I can't stand Oh, I finally found another person who really cares about one the audio quality and two they are As vain as I am about showing up in video meetings and looking good I feel like I don't know.

Michael: [51:09] Zoom cuts actually got me to look at shortcuts on the Mac. And I realized that at least in 13.4, or whatever the latest Mac OS version is, shortcuts really isn't that bad. And when you set your enter key to be your actions button, you can take different things inside of shortcuts and add it to your shortcut with like two keystrokes.

Damashe: [51:25] Yeah, Ventura 13.4 is the latest version.

Michael: [51:28] So yeah, on each of the things, so right, I need to work on it, but I'm setting up a Zoom shortcut that automatically enables original sound anytime I go into a Zoom meeting, because that is an action now.

Damashe: [51:36] Nice so for because I don't think this was out when we recorded last week It wasn't okay, so zoom cut is a new app from the people liminal who belong to zoom now cuz I'm good by them That also makes zoom. I so if anybody's heard us, you know talk about zoom ISO or zoom. What is the OSC? Control and I sent I for the micro email about it Well, I first got the email from liminal because I'm on their mailing list and I was like, ah, this is cool I honestly thought it was just like you install like a rapper app and it you know exposes a bunch of stuff in shortcuts That's apparently not how it works It didn't Mike Ford me a link which we will put in the show notes for anybody interested Because those let you add more shortcuts with our zone the Mike Ford email to the office hours where they were discussing this and My first thought was I got that email probably My second thought was huh? Why did I'm not suspected they were gonna have a conversation about this when I saw the first? I should have known this is gonna be a thing Did you watch it? I have not watched it yet. I'm gonna I've grabbed it and downloaded it but I'd miss it to a J.

Michael: [52:32] Spoiler alert, you can run Zoom cuts, and because Zoom cuts is not just a wrapper, you can run those shortcuts on iOS. So if you have admin access, or if you are a host of a meeting, there are specific shortcuts you can run on iOS that would allow you to do things inside of Zoom. Which means, if you wanted to, you could assign a double tap or triple tap, back tap to a shortcut that would provide any details in a Zoom meeting if necessary, or mute all participants, or something else that you need to do in order to make that happen, so.

Damashe: [52:57] Right, so we will be playing with that. I will be looking at shortcuts on the back again, it honestly feels to me like it would be easier to create and modify shortcuts on the Mac if shortcuts is you know working and navigable on the Mac. So it sounds like that has changed. try to see this is one of the problems with software for me this is a problem that I have. I used to be better about this whenever there would be an update if something was broken prior I would always go check to see if they fixed it But then they train you to you know, no didn't fix it. No, we didn't fix it. No way They just stop looking which is where I'm at now. I just stop looking so we'll follow up on that Maybe shortcuts will help us with the journaling or medical Oh, I'm gonna go back to that for a second with the journey So from your perspective because I was thinking about this and there's a little maybe you can clear up first I'm gonna actually clear up some possibly clear up some Confusion for me if you can't understand if you cannot because people are confused about and I have not watched any of the keynote sessions So, this journaling app that Apple has introduced, it has the ability, and there's an API for the app, so that my understanding initially was that apps would be able to donate information into the journaling app for suggestions. And then walk it back for a second and tell me if I'm wrong. So, with the journaling app, one of the features about it that is cool is that when you go in to make a new entry, there's going to be things that are going to suggest that you may want to add to that journal entry, right?

Michael: [54:05] Yeah.

Damashe: [54:07] So, my initial understanding of the API that Apple has created and that is there for developers Is that let's say carrot weather right here's why I'm gonna do this so care whether could donate the Temperature for where I was that day or the weather conditions for where I was this particular day I'm making a journal entry right so I can incorporate that into my journal entry and say well You know today it was you know These weather conditions and you know didn't make my fill out the journal entry because it was such a nice day I took the kid down and blow up your pool and you know, they got the plan.

Michael: [54:31] Oh, right now Here's some pictures that Apple has here's the Apple suggested.

Damashe: [54:35] Yeah, right so that all makes sense to me I have and it only shows you pictures of the kids and pools because it interpreted that information Then you just tap on those pictures That's how I see it working because obviously we haven't been able to try journal out, but right day one kind of does this But I think it's gonna be better with Apple now the thing that I and people when rumors first leaked about you know There's supposed to be a journaling app that Apple is gonna make it's gonna have these kind of features in it The obvious question was is it's gonna be a day one killer or is day one going to be able to also play in this Space and when I say day one killer I don't mean like, you know, day one's got a business now. It's all over because there are people that are probably never going to stop using day one. I think their business is probably fine, honestly. But the question really was, are people going to jump over to using like, people like me, for example, who I played with day one, or Michael will even be a better example, because he has stuff in day one. And maybe he goes to the journaling app now because it has these features and day one does not have all of these features and capabilities. Or would Apple have an API that day one could hook into to also be able to receive, say, that notification, I mean, that weather conditions from Carrot and the suggested photos based off what you're writing or things like that, right? And I've heard dissenting opinions about what the API does. So.

[55:42] The first part that I've just discussed which is carrot can hook into this and say hey I'm gonna donate what the weather was here in overcast to say well you listen to these three podcasts today And you know so on and so forth That's a part of it like third-party apps can push in content of what you've done so that you can incorporate those very easily into Your journal entry make sense. I've heard mixed opinions on whether or not day one could make use of that same information or not for an example What were they clear about that in the keynote or is it? I do not have that answer or they just say and there's an API and then they ran off stage.

Michael: [56:08] Yeah I don't remember for sure.

Damashe: [56:11] Okay, we'll follow. I was just curious if you if it was something that like, you know Sometimes people are watching the keynote when they get laser focused on one thing and then they miss a keyword You know I miss a miss word here miss couple words there was gonna be called a difference when they packed in as much stuff as it seemed Like they did But yeah, the journey up is interesting to me I think it may I'm gonna say for sure might start me to journaling just because it'll be easier I will definitely have a few entries cuz I'm gonna test it and see how it works I'll keep doing it, but we'll see we will see help is coming to the iPad. That's a new thing. I'm kind of happy about that And we'll be following up with more information more things that we're interested in I think because there's a lot out there I have heard things and did not remember what they were For this last week they it was WWDC every day except for Monday. Yeah, I tell you what I will listen to do things up so for sure And probably Wednesday's because Shelly Brisbane is on Wednesday You'll be talking about some accessibility stuff.

Michael: [56:59] Nobody else is talking about and listen to Saturdays, too Yeah, but it will be Saturday when people get this. Oh, yeah, I'm forewarning you to listen to Saturdays, okay?

Damashe: [57:07] I mean who's on Saturday me again.

Michael: [57:10] Well, did you did you hear what they did last Saturday? With the like news recap the 15 minute. Yeah, she just read down the news That's what I wanted with Friday finds, but it kind of turned into its own show. However, they're trying something a little bit different So yeah, I did it episode.

Damashe: [57:25] That's that's interesting. I'm not sure I tuned in to double-tap for this Right, right. Yeah, which is kind of a problem though. I mean given that it's a Saturday show I can see and I think I know what happened. Well, I'll give you a bit ed points You don't have to try to edit around it. So I was listening to that and I legitimately thought like oh, that's interesting I did not tune into double-tap to hear somebody just read out a bunch of headlines for me though Like I really didn't and why did you get Laura like you're gonna do this? But the other thing I thought about is I see what happened here, though So, but Sean was probably like, listen, man, I did not sign up to do this six days a week and I'm not happy about it.

Michael: [57:54] They're like, okay, we're going to try something like that.

Damashe: [58:01] That's interesting though, that Friday Fives was meant to be that, and it's now turned into another thing altogether.

Michael: [58:06] All right. So somehow we lost part of Demasi's recording. Don't know what happened there. And honestly, this episode is already late and I've got other stuff to work on. So I'm recording this quick outro if you want to connect with us, then feel free to reach out at payome P-A-Y-O-W-E-N well, I guess let me redo that. I'm payone at unmute.community. This is Demasi, D-A-M-A-S-A-G, at Unmute.community, and send us your feedback, T-W, at YourOwnPay.com.

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Stream ACB Media and Podcasts on the Go with ACB Link!

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 00:09:00 -0000

Join Marty and the Michaels as they discuss the incredible features of ACB Link, the official app of the American Council of the Blind. Discover how ACB Link provides a seamless experience to access the latest news, affiliate information, live streams, podcasts, and more. Streamlining your ACB media experience has never been easier!

Transcript

Marty S: [0:04] Hey all, Marty here, and today with me I have the Michaels. Say hello, Michaels.

Michael B: [0:09] Hello.

Michael D: [0:11] Hello.

Marty S: [0:12] Today, we're going to be talking about ACB Link. So Michael D., why don't you give us a little primer on what ACB Link is?

Michael D: [0:20] Sure. ACBLink is an app on iOS and there's a version on Android currently. It needs the same love that the iOS version has gotten recently. But ACBLink is the official app of the American Council of the Blind. And basically, it allows the user to go in, find out the latest news and what's going on with the American Council of the Blind. And then you can check to see all of the different affiliates that you can join and get information about that affiliate. We have the different ACB Media live streams and podcasts and all of that great content that you can get from ACB Media in the app. So it's a very convenient place to quickly get all of the information you want from the American Council of the Blind.

Marty S: [1:14] Excellent. So, one feature about it that's really cool in this new version is the streams, one through, I don't know what the last number is. How many are there? 10, So, do you want to talk about that because that's a really cool feature.

Michael D: [1:35] So I'm really excited about this because in the past in the app you had to double tap on the stream, go and find the play button, and then go to play. Now all you have to do is just double tap on each of the streams to play it. It's kind of like you're changing the dial on the radio. You could just go from one to the next to the next very quickly by flicking and double tapping and then if you want to stop or start back up the playback you can just do a two finger double tap if you have voiceover on or there's an out playing button at the top right of the screen that's a like visually it's a music note kind of signify something's playing and you double tap on that and you can go play and pause and and all those things see what you're listening to so yeah, i will say that the acb link update has caused me to listen to acb media a lot more than I ever have in the past and I will stick by that statement because it's just so easy.

Michael B: [2:32] You go in there, you tap streams and then you tap the stream number. Used to be you go in, you tap the menu, you tap on ACB radio, then you tap the stream number, then you tap the play button. See? See? It's a lot simpler to just go and tap streams, tap the stream number. You can also listen to podcasts there, Michael. Can you explain what that process looks like?

Michael D: [2:49] Sure. This process is just as easy. So you go into the podcast tab. Yes, there's a new tab for podcasts. And you find the podcast you want, you double tap, you find the episode you want, you double tap. It's as simple as that. And you can go back and forth between episodes of the same podcast. I think it's faster to do this method than going through a podcast app, like Apple podcast or anything like that, because everything is just in one place for that podcast. You don't have to look at show notes. You don't have to look at any of that stuff. You just want to listen, find the episode, double tap.

Michael B: [3:27] Can you adjust play speed for podcast episodes?

Michael D: [3:31] Yes, you can. In fact, that now playing button that I told you about is at the top right corner on every screen for the most part in the app. So you just find that now playing button, double tap, and then there's a one X button, which represents the speed. And you can go all the way up to 3X on the speed, which a lot of apps do, but I feel like this does it really well. Nice. The the other thing that you could do in podcasts that you obviously can't do in streams is set the position. So there's a little slider at the bottom that you can flick up and flick down on if you have focus on it and it'll change the progress and the playback progress in the app.

Michael B: [4:13] This is the simplest way to stream ACB media. I think it's even more simpler than going to it on a webpage. Another thing that's been improved is the affiliates tab. I hadn't noticed this And I went and I looked at the affiliates tab prior to recording this, Michael. And can you talk a little bit about that? If someone's interested in a special interest affiliate or a state affiliate, how can they get those details?

Michael D: [4:35] So I'm curious before I explain that. What did you find different on the tab?

Michael B: [4:40] So to me, and it very well could be that I missed or that I misremembered. But I thought in the previous app, you tapped on the affiliates or you got to the affiliates under the menu, and then your phone interrupted you with a voicemail to let you know that you forgot to put your phone on do not disturb. So hold on, there we go. You would tap on the affiliate and then it brought up a web view that you would scroll through the list of the different affiliates. Was that not how it was?

Michael D: [5:08] That is not how it was. The affiliates tab has been streamlined as far as performance, so it loads faster. But it still, it has worked that way. We have the two different types of affiliates. One thing that we also did though that does improve use of the app is we had little promotions and things about ACB at the top of each screen. Those have been removed. And so you get right to the content that you care about without having to go through as much, you know, learn more about ACB or certain things at the top of each screen. So everything's a lot more streamlined.

Michael B: [5:48] And that could have been it, is just the fact that it's a lot more of a streamlined process, but it's super nice.

Michael D: [5:53] And you know, one of the things if you go into the state affiliates, you can go, there is a button to see the nearest state affiliate. So that's a very nice feature because it uses your phone's location to tell you where the nearest affiliate is to your location.

Marty S: [6:14] Oh, that's pretty cool.

Michael D: [6:17] Yeah, it's a very nice app and then there's, as at the time Steve Jobs and Tim Cook like to say, one more thing. The app has a new device that it runs on natively and that's the Mac. So ACBLink is now a Mac Catalyst app. So it's basically the iPhone version but built to run specifically on the Mac. And my testing, everything I've seen, it works really well. Do you want to talk about that, Michael?

Michael B: [6:49] Yeah, I think it works pretty seamless. I use the VO keys to get to the tab bar and I can interact with that. And then you see the tabs that are across the bottom on the iPhone app. So if you know, for example, you want to go to the affiliates tab, you can use VO right arrow key to get to the affiliates tab, press VO space. And then there's a table that contains all the information. So if you can jump back to the previous table, You can interact with that and get all the details. Or what's even more convenient for me is when I tap on the stream, well, when I locate the streams and I press VL space on that, I can get to the table with a list of streams and then use my up and down arrow keys independently, not using voiceover. I get down to stream number five and then I can start that playback with the space key.

Michael D: [7:34] Yeah, and they're now playing and all those things work just the same as they do on iPhone or iPad. So everything works just as it does on mobile. So this is really exciting to have ACB Link in more places for more users. So if you're working, you want to have the streams on in the background, you can do that now.

Marty S: [7:52] That's really cool.

Michael B: [7:53] So, Michael, thank you so much for joining Marty and I. We are going to demonstrate the ACB Link next Sunday on the iPhone, and I'll give you a brief glimpse at the Mac version of it as well. Do you have anything else you want to mention before we let you do it today, Michael?

Michael D: [8:10] No, I just want to say thank you guys for having me on. It's always a pleasure. And you know, if you're, you know, we always love feedback about the app. So, you know, just let us know and we're always going to be upgrading it and making it better. This is just kind of the, the next best thing that we can do with it. So we're always looking for, you know, feedback on that. So, I'm really excited about ACB Link and I just love working with everybody, you know, Jeff and everybody involved with that. So, I want to say thank you to all the users out there that use it.

Marty S: [8:44] And if anyone wants to find you out there, where can they find you?

Michael D: [8:48] So, you can find me in a lot of places. I'm on Twitter as Mike Doeise, it's M-I-K-E-D-O-I-S-E. You can email me at mikedoeise.icloud.com. I'm on Mastodon at Mike Doeise. It's the same spelling, at techopolis, T-E-C-H-O-P-O-L-I-S dot social. And you can find me, just Google my name, and everything comes up, so.

Marty S: [9:10] Cool, sounds great. Well, thanks again. We appreciate you coming out, and we'll see you guys next time.

Michael B: [9:20] To Andre Louis and his shorts collection for the music in this audio.

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Wayaround on the BlindShell Classic 2

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 16:29:09 -0000

In this episode, Michael demonstrates for you how to use the Wayaround tag and labeling system on BlindShell Classic 2.

IACast: 183 - WWDC 2023 Wrap Up

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 18:00:00 -0000

On This episode, Michael, Taylor, Marty, and Lynn discuss everything announced at WWDC 2023’s keynote.

Visit this page to get the original episode, with links and a transcript.

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Friday Finds: WWDC Highlights, AI in Tech, & Virtual Reality for Vision Impairment

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:53:31 -0000

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Friday Finds! In this episode, Marty and Linn dig into the highlights from Apple's WWDC, ponder over the conspicuous absence of AI in the presentation, and analyze Apple's preference for the term "machine learning" instead. They also discuss 'EmpathEyes,' an innovative VR simulator that helps parents and caregivers understand a child's exact visual impairment, and how this could change the way we perceive and react to visual impairment. Finally, they explore the recent controversy over Reddit charging for API access and its impact on accessibility, including an exemption for accessibility apps and an upcoming user protest. Join Marty and Linn as they unravel the intricacies of these fascinating developments. Stay tuned, leave your comments, and don't forget to join us next week for another Friday Finds! Reach us for any questions or feedback at feedback@unmute.show

Transcript

Marty: [0:05] Hey all, Marty here, and welcome back to another Friday Fines with Lynne. Hey Lynne, how's it going?

Linn: [0:10] Hey guys, this has been quite a busy week, huh?

Marty: [0:13] Yep, definitely. So quick announcement here at the top, I just want to let everyone know that Michael and I were on IACAS doing WWDC Recap, and that's going to drop in the unmute feed on Saturday, so look for that. Lynn, what's our first topic?

Linn: [0:32] Okay, so we will start out with WWDC and I'm not going to spend a ton of time on it because I know that we've been pretty saturated with it all week. But the one thing I did want to touch on, of course, there were a lot of things, the headset, $3,500 headset that I won't be able to afford anytime soon. But yeah, and it has voiceover built into it. So it's going to have some accessibility features. And I guess I listened to the entire presentation.

[1:16] And of course, I'm sitting there and I'm thinking about it. And I'm like, okay, where is AI? I have not heard any discussion of AI. So I was very surprised by that. But I found an article in The Verge that was titled For Better or Worse, Apple is Avoiding the AI Hype Train. And it was written by James This is Vincent from June 6. And basically, what they discussed in that article is that Apple is really taking a more cautious approach to the whole AI thing. Of course, there was AI throughout the whole presentation, but they didn't call it AI. They preferred to use the term machine learning.

[2:11] And I think that some experts are saying that actually machine learning is a better way to describe AI. Artificial intelligence has sort of like a science fictional connotation to it. And AI is Apple is really taking more of a cautious, conservative approach in talking about it. it. It doesn't mean they don't have it. It just means, you know, that they're going to kind of describe it in a different way. And that's probably not a bad thing, because as many of us know, AI has really gotten some bad press. A lot of people, when they hear about AI, they hear about about the end of humanity at the worst, and AI taking jobs and misinformation and all sorts of malfeasance, whatever. So yeah, AI is starting to have some negative, you know, public press.

[3:21] And I think that that's gonna be, that may have been something that Apple was thinking about when they actually did not say the word. Because as we know, if you listen to the Google presentation and the Microsoft presentations, if we had a dime for every time they use the word AI, we probably could get a nice pizza for everybody in the audience.

Marty: [3:44] Yeah. So do you think that they should explain what they mean by changing the verbiage to something different, or you think they should just go with it just let people figure it out.

Linn: [3:58] I think that by using the term machine learning, they are accentuating the positives about AI. So in that respect, I think it's a smart move on their part.

Marty: [4:12] And not to say anything, just to let it ride and just let it be a different...

Linn: [4:18] Just have it be a different, right. Because again, AI just has such a negative publicity right now. And it's a shame, because it shouldn't. There's so much good about AI, and we need to focus on the good. And in sort of changing the name, maybe like a euphemistic sort of expression, Apple is really trying to accentuate the positives. It is AI after all, but they're changing the name of it. So I don't know, you know, the jury is still out on whether this is a good idea or not.

Marty: [4:57] We'll see moving forward. Right. I mean, we'll just have to see how it goes.

Linn: [5:00] It may actually be a very smart move on Apple's part, you know. So this this article I found, it is really kind of a very, very interesting technology.

[5:17] And basically, you know, I was born totally blind. And so when you say totally blind, you sort of understand what that means. There's not much room for misinterpretation, right? You can't see at all. That's it. Yeah. But most folks that are considered blind actually are not totally blind. And one of the things that I have noticed, I have blind and visually impaired friends. But in discussing this with a lot of my visually impaired or partially sighted friends, they very often face sort of the challenge of, you know, trying to explain to people why they can see some things, but they can't see other things. And I can imagine that this would be especially difficult for kids who really don't have the ability to communicate this type of information. Plus, their parents may not even understand the child's eye condition well enough to, you know, advocate well for the needs of the child. So, there was an article in...

[6:43] Blind cool tech from june fifth and it was posted to the tech vi list that was run by my friend david goldfield which is a great list and the product is called empathize and i'm going to spell it. E-M-P-A-T-H-E-Y-E-S. And basically what it is, it's a VR simulator. And what it tries to do is, it tries to represent an individual's exact visual impairment. So when And you put, you know, it's a sort of like a, I'm trying to think AI or VR, sort of like a headset, I guess you could say. And you put it on and the technology will actually allow you as the parent, you can put in the child's eye condition, what it is, And it will show you what your child is seeing in different places, like on a bus, on the playground, in the classroom.

[8:01] And there are like 50 eye conditions that are in this software. And it was, basically it was developed by a mom who has twins who are blind, in Ireland. And she did this because she was trying to...

[8:27] Help not only herself but other people get a good idea of what their child is able to see and not able to see and it also has different views and different ways of looking different light conditions different strengths to sort of show the parents in real time what their own children are seeing. And I just think that is an amazing thing, because this is really one of the challenges. If you have difficulty seeing, you can see. And some people say, well, you can see or you can't see. But that's really not true. I mean, there are different levels of visual impairment. And with this virtual reality simulator, it's sort of like a flight simulator, right? You get in there, and it allows you to actually experience what your child experiences from a visual perspective.

Marty: [9:32] I think this is really cool. I mean, if you are a parent and you're trying to have some sort of idea of what your child is going through, and you can actually sit in a simulator and at least experience, oh, this is what their vision is like, or, oh, this is what they're going through. I mean, that goes a long way to let the parent understand exactly how and what their kids are dealing with. I mean, this is, you know, taking something like virtual reality, which is used mostly for gaming and, you know, stuff like that, and putting it into a real world problem, you know, and letting you being able to experience. So I think that's really, really cool, you know?

Linn: [10:22] 360 degree immersion, so that, yeah, so it's pretty awesome. And it has, you know, you select the eye condition that your child has. And I imagine that this would even be able to help not just children and parents, but other people as well. So it's in it's. There, the person that developed this does have a lot of. Academic resources behind her and is trying to raise money to. Make this more widely available and it's going to be shown at, it seems like it's like an optometric conference soon, and it's going to be tested with a lot of other people, and then they plan to offer it all over the world. This is pretty cool. That is empathize, right? E-M-P-A-T-H-E-Y-E-S. Yeah.

Marty: [11:29] I'd love to see this thing move forward, make some progression, and really get into more of the mainstream if that's possible, but it sounds really awesome. So, cool. Yeah.

Linn: [11:41] It's a headset, I guess.

Marty: [11:43] Awesome.

Linn: [11:43] All right. This is the week of headsets, huh?

Marty: [11:46] Yeah, definitely.

Linn: [11:47] Okay. My last story for today relates to something we talked about a while back. I don't think it was on this program, but we were talking about the social media site, Reddit. And Reddit has not made its users happy because they have started to charge for their API. And I'm trying to remember, Marty, you were saying one of the developers.

Marty: [12:18] Yeah, there's a really famous Reddit app that people use on iPhone, which is called Apollo. And that's been a really famous app for Reddit for quite a long time. And I believe what they said was they were going to charge them like $20 million a year or something ridiculous like that.

Linn: [12:40] Yeah, something ridiculous. Yeah. Yeah.

Marty: [12:42] Just to be able to keep their app going?

Linn: [12:47] So what they have done is they have now made an exception for accessibility clients. And so lately, you know, like many blind folks are mods on Reddit. And it's really difficult because there are accessibility challenges with the current Reddit clients, the official ones that are out there. and, you know, people are saying, wait a minute, how are we going to be able to access this if we are stuck with one client or one or two clients that are not, that have accessibility issues? So, they, Reddit has addressed this, and it's, it's non-commercial and And apps that address accessibility needs, they won't have to pay to access Reddit state data. So that's good. And...

Marty: [13:57] So does that mean that, let's say Apollo implements voiceover into their app so that blind people are able to use our app with voiceover? Does that mean they won't have to pay the fee or is there some other thing that has to happen or something more that has to happen?

Linn: [14:15] Yeah, so basically, Reddit says that they've connected with select developers of non-commercial apps that address accessibility needs and offered them exemptions from the large-scale pricing that they're doing. And there's a, supposedly there's going to be a huge protest. I remember thinking, you know, is this just going to tick off blind people? But it turns out that no, other other Reddit users, which I thought would be the case, are not happy campers. Because of this, they're going to lose access to the apps that they like. And this is sort of a Twitter-esque kind of move, right? Sort of...

Marty: [15:11] I don't understand why numbers have to be so outrageous. Even if they're going to charge a fee to use their APIs, I don't understand why the price is so outrageous. It seems just way out of line for developers to be able to use their APIs. I'm not sure what's behind that, why they're doing that, but it would be interesting to know. So clearly we're just hearing now, you know, that Apollo is pulling the plug on their app, I guess, so.

Linn: [15:39] Right. So there are a few blindness-specific apps. One was called Luna, I think, Luna. The other one is called Reddit for Blind. Um and so they apparently will still function but gosh wouldn't it be nice if they would just go ahead and make their app accessible like really that would be in my opinion the best way to one of the well not the best way but you know then you wouldn't have to have these special things right you could just say well yeah you're talking about the actual reddit app is that what you're talking Right.

Marty: [16:25] And it's not accessible currently.

Linn: [16:28] I think it's, it may be accessible, but I think it has accessibility challenges from what we talked about on, I think it was IACAST. Right. We had, we had discussed this. So apparently the, there's a Reddit, a subreddit for, that's for blind folks And they're going to join in with other subreddit in shutting down on June 12th to June 14th in protest. So the blind subreddit says that they are going to participate in that protest. So we'll see what happens. That's, you know, it's really a shame. Definitely.

Marty: [17:17] It's really interesting, you know, all of this stuff that's happening. All right, Lynne, thanks so much for another Friday Finds. And if you have any questions, comments, you can reach us at feedback at unmute.show. And everybody have a great one and we'll see you next time.

Linn: [17:35] Thanks a lot, guys.

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Decoding the Magic of Lady A: Follow-up Mode, Whisper Mode, and More

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:28:00 -0000

Join us for another exciting episode of 'A Lady with Lucy', where our hosts, Marty and Lucy, dive deep into the fascinating world of Amazon's virtual assistant. Discover the magic of various features like the Follow-up Mode, Whisper Mode, Routines, Themes, and the intriguing VoicePad. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a smart device lover, or someone new to the realm of AI, this episode is sure to provide you with some hidden treasures and secret hacks to make your life a tad easier.

In this episode, Lucy walks us through how to optimize our usage of these features, from enabling and disabling different modes, understanding themes, to experimenting with recording through VoicePad. So, are you ready to level up your interaction with Lady A? Tune in now!

Transcript

Marty: [0:04] Hey y'all, Marty here and we're back with another A Lady with Lucy. And Lucy, welcome. How's it going?

Lucy: [0:13] Oh, it's going great. Going great. Yeah.

Marty: [0:16] So what are we going to be talking about today?

Lucy: [0:18] Okay. So today I thought I would go over just a few things that you can do with your Lady A, just some kind of, oh, miscellaneous things, modes that you can set up and things like that. So, first one is called follow-up mode. And that means that you can ask your Lady A more than one question without having to say her name again. Because normally, you You know, you ask her one question and then you have to say her name again before you can find out anything else. So with follow-up mode, I'm not actually sure how many questions you can ask her at a time, you know, without having to stop and say her name again, because I asked her that question and she didn't seem to understand what I was trying to find out.

Marty: [1:21] That would be a fun game to play, you know, see how many questions you can ask before she cuts you off.

Lucy: [1:26] Yeah, yeah. So the first time you use it, you have to say enable follow-up mode and then it will be turned on from then on. So. My device today is called Ziggy. Enable follow up mode. Follow up mode is now on. Ziggy, what's the weather today? Currently in Lansing, it's 90 degrees Fahrenheit with partly sunny skies. Tonight, you can expect mostly clear skies. What's the humidity? Right now, the humidity is 26%. Is it going to rain? No rain is expected tonight. By the way, there's an air quality alert in effect until Friday, June 2nd, 9.30pm. What's the date today? Today is Thursday, June 1st. What's the weather tomorrow? Tomorrow in Lansing, there will be partly sunny weather, with a high of 92 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 62 degrees. By the way, there's an air quality alert in effect. Hmm.

Marty: [2:35] So I would have never even thought that I thought that what you were doing, you could just do. I never. So if you didn't have that mode on, you'd have to say her name every time.

Lucy: [2:46] Yeah. So let's, let's try this. Ziggy, disable followup mode. Followup mode is now off. Ziggy, what's the date today? Today is Thursday, June 1st. What's the date tomorrow? Yeah, I see. So maybe it's just like never ending. You can just keep asking it questions.

Marty: [3:12] Or maybe there's a time limit. Like I wonder if you waited long enough with a pause in between the questions, if it would disable.

Lucy: [3:19] There is. I don't know what that time limit is, but I know it's not very long. I would say 10 to 15 seconds at the most.

Marty: [3:29] Right. casket questions one after another, like you were doing, it probably could go for a long time. But if you wait too long, whatever that time limit is, then you'll get out of that mode properly and you'll have to say your name again. Yep.

Lucy: [3:43] Yep. Hmm.

Marty: [3:45] Interesting. But that's pretty cool though.

Lucy: [3:46] Yeah, it is kind of cool. I have mine on all the time just because, you know, there's yeah. Yeah.

Marty: [3:54] If it's on, do you have to still say her name in the first time? And then once you say her first time, then you can continue without saying her name.

Lucy: [4:02] Correct. Got it.

Marty: [4:03] Cool.

Lucy: [4:04] Yeah, you always have to say the name the first time to activate it, yeah, to wake it up. So the second one, I don't really see much advantage, but it's kind of cool. It's called Whisper Mode. And it is what it says it is. So, Ziggy, enable whisper mode. Sure. Whispered responses is now on.

Marty: [4:32] Did she speak?

Lucy: [4:38] Yeah, she did.

Marty: [4:40] It doesn't come across in the audio, just so you know.

Lucy: [4:42] Yeah, unfortunately. I thought it would, but it doesn't. But yes, she was whispering. And it's actually kind of creepy. I don't like it. Because it's just, I don't know.

Marty: [4:55] Well, here's an interesting question. If you whisper at her, she'll whisper back without having to enable whisper mode, right?

Lucy: [5:04] I don't think so. I don't know.

Marty: [5:06] That's what happened to me anyway, that's why I said, you know, it was all let me see.

Lucy: [5:10] So let me see Ziggy disable whisper mode. Okay. I've turned off whispered responses. Ziggy, hello. Hello. No, the Stanley Cup playoffs are almost done and I'm taking my best slap shot to predict the Ziggy stop.

Marty: [5:28] How did it come out of the hockey question? If you whispered at it by saying hello.

Lucy: [5:34] I don't know. Yeah, I don't know. Who knows? Yeah, you must have had yours on somehow because I've noticed that, yeah, if you've got to have that on in order for her to reciprocate the whispering.

Marty: [5:52] All right. Got it.

Lucy: [5:53] Okay. So the next thing is kind of silly also. And I don't know exactly how many themes there are that you can activate. I've only found two. And the only thing that it does is it kind of gives you some sound effects before it says something. One is the space theme and one is a cat theme. So let's enable the cat theme. Ziggy, enable cat theme. disabled cat theme in the past. Do you want to enable it again? Yes. Okay, here's cat theme. Welcome to the cat theme. And just so you know, I'll add some cat fun to the weather, timers, and even jokes. And if you ever want to pause, just say, no more cats. To start right meow, just say, hello. Hello? Hello? Hello?

[7:01] Ziggy hello. Hello to keep kidding around ask me for a cat joke Yeah, see that's just kind of stupid And I don't know you know Who are severe cat lovers are gonna probably love that or you know people who are into Star Wars and Star Trek would like the Space theme what's the Star Wars one sound like oh, let's see let's see Ziggy enables space theme You've disabled Space Theme in the past. Do you want to enable it again? Yes. Okay, here's Space Theme. Welcome to the Space Theme. Engines are go for liftoff. I'll add an interstellar twist when you ask for things like the weather, timers, alarms, and even jokes.

Marty: [8:15] That there.

Lucy: [8:16] Here's a fun fact. A laser battle in space would be dark and silent. To lighten things up, try asking for a joke about space. Oh gosh. Yeah, see, it's just, it's silly. I don't know. It's probably, you know, something for kids, you know? Yeah, definitely.

Marty: [8:33] They like those sounds and stuff, you know?

Lucy: [8:38] So another thing that's kind of cool is you can set up what they call routines. And this means that it's kind of a bundle of tasks that it will perform when you say a certain thing. So it's kind of like what you can do on your iPhone by setting up activities. Don't really want to get into that, but they have some routines that are pre-set. In other words, you can enable like the weather routine. It's like, so after you dismiss your alarm that you have set for the morning, it will give you the weather. And there's one called Start My Day and this, it'll give you the news and traffic updates and more, just what we need, traffic updates. Right, Marty? Oh, yeah.

Marty: [9:37] I'm going to need that.

Lucy: [9:40] And then there's one called, and I don't know how this works. It's called Morning Shower. And it's like, it says it will give you weather and favorite radio station when Lady A detects water running for two minutes. Now I've never tried that one so I don't know you know, how it would. I guess, I guess it would, I don't know, that's pretty weird one, I know, right?

Marty: [10:07] Maybe it does that. It's the thing is, well, if it's raining, you're not going to go anywhere. So here's your favorite radio station.

Lucy: [10:16] And there's one called Sunset. And that turns off the lights. Or I mean, wait a minute. It's called Sunset Lights, excuse me. So it turns on your lights when the sun goes down. That is if you have smart lights, smart home lights, and we'll get into smart home devices in another episode of this. And then there's one called good night and that wishes you good night, turns off the lights, and plays sleep sounds. And so in order to find these routines you would go into your Amazon Alexa app on your smart device and go under the more tab in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen and then flick to the right until you find routines. Double tap on that and there are some tabs at the bottom of that. And to find the preset ones you go into gallery and that will give you the preset routines. There's tons of them in there. Hmm.

Marty: [11:24] That's kind of cool.

Lucy: [11:26] Yeah. And you can also...

Marty: [11:28] You don't have to mess around with all the different ones to see which one would suit your needs.

Lucy: [11:32] Yeah. You can also set up your own routines. I've never set up my own routine, but it's not difficult at all. So, um, yeah, that's cool. Yeah. All right. So the next thing I want to talk about is something called voice pad. Now this is kind of a cool thing. Once you enable it... You can ask it to, it'll ask you, what do you want to do? Do you want to record? Do you want to read your notes? Or, you know, what do you want to do? It will allow you to record things quickly.

[12:16] Like if you, let's say, you know, somebody gives you a phone number and you don't have your phone around or it's dead or whatever and you don't have anything to record with. So you would just ask your Lady A device to open VoicePad. So let's just see. Let's do that. Ziggy, open VoicePad. Welcome to VoicePad. Say record to start recording. Say stop to stop recording. Say read to read everything back. Say email to email yourself your notes. What do you want to do? Record. Recording. Please speak now. This is a test just to see how this works. And in a minute, I will ask you to read back what I just said.

[13:14] Recorded. read my notes oh let's see how do I do this now read back maybe recorded Ziggy stop stopping recording okay what do you want to do now read my read my recording sorry I am not currently recording and say record to start recording or say help for help. What do you want to do? Read. You want me to read you your notes, right? Yes. Please email me the words that I am saying. This is a test just to see how this works and in a minute I will ask you to read back what I just said. Read my notes. That's the end. What do you want to do now? Stop. Okay, goodbye.

Marty: [14:02] So is that in text or is that an audio file?

Lucy: [14:05] It's in text. Okay. And you can only have that email you that text if you have your email linked to your Lady A account. And you would do that by going into your Amazon Alexa app, and then you go into settings and you find, you flick around until you find mail and calendars. And there's only certain email providers that will allow you to do that, but Gmail and Google, they're one of them. So you could, yeah, you could have it email those notes to you. And I mean, you know, with all the devices I have, I don't really find much of a use for that, but you know, somebody might. It's kind of a cool thing to have around.

Marty: [15:04] Yeah, you never know.

Lucy: [15:05] Yep. Okay. So, um, that's about all I have to talk about today. So we will be back next time. And so I'll see everybody next month.

Marty: [15:23] All right. Thanks so much, Lucy. We appreciate it. And thanks, everybody. We'll see you next time.

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Shell Phone Show: Wayaround on the BlindShell Classic 2

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:02:17 -0000

[Music]

This is the Shell Phone Show.

Showing you how to do something on the Blind Shell Classic 2.

Brought to you by Peyone Media LLC.

[Music]

All right, so I'm going to answer a real quick question that I've gotten a couple of different

from individuals who have asked.

And that is what is this way around application that's

available in the blind child classic two app catalog.

So if you go to the app catalog, as of today, seven June, you can

download under the new applications, an app called way around.

Once you've downloaded this, you'll want to set up an account

if you don't already have one and then acquire some way around tags.

Of course, you can get them from AT guys, but you can also get

at WayAround.com. I recommend AT guys only because I work for them, you know. I don't get paid a

commission, but definitely, you know, check them out. So once you've gotten those WayTags, then you

and you've set up your account. The very first thing you'll want to do is press and hold the

down button once you open WayAround. This will put you on the very last button, which is to write.

And if you press okay on that, you can actually write a description. There's going to be an edit

field that you can put a description in and this is what you can put on your way tag. So for example

let's say you have milk and you want to keep track of the expiration date. You can put those details

in the description and then the last button on that screen will be right. When you hit okay on

right it'll say touch a tag to the back of your phone. This is about halfway up the back of the

phone that you just want to touch one of the way tags against. When the phone has read it, it will

vibrate and let you know, "Hey, this has been written," and you can move on with your day.

Then attach that tag to the item that you just labeled.

Once you've done that, next time you open the way around application, you simply touch

the back of your phone against that tag.

The phone will speak and vibrate and let you know, "Hey, I'm reading the tag that you already

wrote."

Then once you've read that, you use your down arrow key and it'll let you read the information

that you saved to that tag.

Tune in to unmute presents on Sunday.

I'm going to demo this for you, but that is a quick overview of how to use the

way around system with the blind shell classic to make sure you get your

account set up, get some way around tags.

If you're looking for something to get started with, there's a sampler pack for

$15 that'll let you get one of each of the tags, or if you really want to get

involved, get the starter pack and that'll give you between 10 and 15 of each of

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ACB Community Replay for 6 June

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:46:53 -0000

Transcript

[0:01] This is an ACB Community Call presented by American Council of the Blind.

[0:10] Music.

[0:17] This Unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to another Unmute. We want to get everyone's tech questions answered. So go ahead and raise your hands, and we'll get to you as quickly as possible after a couple of announcements here. We also want to remind everyone we're going to go through all the first hands up. And if we have enough time, we'll take second hands and be respectful to everyone, as you would want to be for yourself to get everyone's questions answered, no matter how easy or tough you think they are because we always say there's no dumb questions. Michael, how you doing? I am doing well. I tried to get Mallory to come live with us today. She called me right as Chanel's announcement was playing and I'm like, we're live in like 30 seconds. You want to go live with me? And she got off the phone real fast. She was not interested. Oh, well, one of these days we'll have to get her on.

[1:17] That will be a first cause she's never been on any of my podcasts, uh, intentionally intentionally anyways. Uh, so Marty we've been publishing some interesting things over at unmute. Haven't we? Yeah. A couple of things here and there, you know? Yeah. Yeah. Technically working dropped yesterday with Demasi and I, if you haven't listened to that and you want 110 minutes, Marty loves those longer episodes of rambling this between Demasi and myself, go capture that episode. And then on Sunday I posted a follow up to a question someone had asked us related to the numpad commander on the Mac.

[1:53] Interesting thing there is I learned how I should probably configure my numpad commander because I have it configured in a way that probably could be done more reliably. And then Lynn and Marty sat down, talked about some tech things on Friday. So that was that episode that dropped. And then on Thursday, as we typically do, we had something a little bit more in depth. And that was a fun episode with Allison Sheridan from the Podfeet Empire. Uh, so if you're interested in that, learning more about how she as a sighted Mac user tests, some apps for accessibility and what she's done with podcasting and some fun adventures, uh, real worth the listen. Then we posted on the shell phone show on Wednesday of last week, accessing the manual on the blind shell classic too. Once you have that blind shell classic too, how do you go and learn more about operating the device itself? And then of Of course, we had the ACB Community Paul replay for May 30th. We're already in June. Can you believe it, Marty? Crazy, I know. We're halfway through the year already. It seems like I'm still getting over the holidays. Definitely. Let's go take some of these hands and then stay tuned because we have a cool demo that we will show you before the end of the hour that's exciting that I guarantee some of you will be using this summer. Monica, who do we have first? Doc.

[3:17] Hey, Doc. How are you doing? You are muted. Good morning. Oh, there you are. Hope I'm unmuted. Yeah, you are. We can hear you. Well, okay. I was going to give you a report on how to delete mail folders. I told you once before I was just deleting them and they were coming back. So, I finally have figured out the routine. Okay. Okay. When you're in email, you hit F6 until you get the mail folders preview, arrow to the folder you want to delete, press the application key or shift F10 if you don't have one and then down arrow to delete folder And wallah, it is gone forever. And you have to hit enter a second time to confirm that you do want to delete it. Right. So that's how it goes away forever. So let you know. Thank you.

[4:15] Yeah. Appreciate your directions. Okay. Have a good one. You too. Thank you. Next we have Beth. Hey Beth. Okay. You can. Yeah. I just saw that you, Michael, that just noticed that you had sent me an email. Yeah.

[4:38] And I didn't read it yet, but I just noticed that before this call, but I also have a problem. When I get into the app games, it will, no matter if I swipe, like usually you hear at the very top of the screen, like, look, Wi-Fi, cats, Wi-Fi, and then orientation, like stuff like that. My phone just says no matter where you go on the screen. And I don't know why it does that. I have an idea for you, Beth, because I saw your email and I didn't have an immediate answer, but I think I might know what's going on. What I want you to try doing is and I can email these steps to you after the show as well. Change your rotor to screen recognition, and it will probably say on and flick down once, and it should say off. And I think then that might actually fix it. Mine did say off because I had asked on iPhone and iPad apps for the blind and visually impaired. I did ask about the games, and she said, make sure your screen recognition is turned off. And mine is interesting. Okay, I don't have another answer for you. That might be one to reach out to the Apple Accessibility team, and they may be able to get your phone and see what's going on there. Okay. And I emailed them yesterday. I can't is iPhone 13 mini. That should be good.

[6:08] Phone. Good. That's a perfectly good phone. It was released a year ago. Yeah, a year or a year ago. Yeah. Yeah. So email is fine. But Beth, what I actually recommend is just give them a call. OK, I'll call. And if you need, I'll email you their phone number. But give them a call because then you get someone on the phone and they can answer the questions you have. Emails can get lost, as we've all learned. Oh, sure. Yeah. Yep. Okay. Thanks Beth. Okay, thanks. Next we have Herbie. All right, Chris May.

[6:41] Hey, Chris, what's going on, fellas? How you doing? Great, Chris. Hey, so question, what did you guys think about the WWDC as far as the VR headset? Do you think that might have some interesting potential for low vision individuals or people that are, you know, high partials? And if so, what would that be telling? Interesting question. We've talked about this quite a bit actually. Yeah, do you want to jump in and give your thoughts and then I can give my thoughts? Well, so far my thoughts are I haven't seen anything in terms of low vision or no vision accessibility yet. So it's one of those things where we're kind of waiting to see what and how it's going to be used. There is an accessibility talk that's going to be coming up sometime this week and we're hoping they're going to talk about it during that session. Session. And then also, they always announce things and they always don't announce things, and then they bring them as the year goes on before the gold master gets sent out. So.

[7:49] We're going to see what happens here and we're going to see how they're going to implement it for accessibility, but it's so new, we don't really know yet, but we're hoping that there will be some benefit. And this is a great representation to show you that Marty does not spend any time on social media because it was confirmed yesterday that voiceover will be supported on the VR headset. So yeah, which is super exciting. And honestly, I had no, and probably like Marty, I had no doubts that they were going to find a way to have voiceover be supported on this headset. I've told people on a couple of different shows that I've been on, I will be buying one, probably not this edition, but yes, I will be buying one. How is it going to work for a for a blind user? I have, I don't have that answer right now. My thought is gonna work similar to, you know, IRA. You could put it on and it will read to you what's around you, what's in front of you. If you're walking down, you know, a doctor's hallway and you're looking for the room number you're supposed to go in, or if you're in a hotel and you're looking for your room number or read signs, things like that. I mean, I think that that'll be a really good use case for it. To actually do something like that. All right, that sounds great. And one more last question, real briefly. Is there anything that we should be aware of in the new iOS 17? I think it was iOS 17, right, that they announced during WBC briefly.

[9:14] Yeah, there were some cool features. One that was really something people were liking a lot is.

[9:20] If somebody leaves you a voicemail, say like you're in a meeting, it'll transcribe the message, while it's leaving the message. And you can decide whether it's something important, you could pick it up right away, right from the voicemail if you want, or just leave it and let it go to voicemail. So people were excited about that.

[9:39] God, there were so many things. What else, Michael? Another thing that I'd recommend you do is if you join in on the BITS call tonight, I believe Herbie at 8 p.m. Eastern will be talking about it as well. So that way, more things that will come up. I think for me, one of the other cool things that I forgot about until someone else brought it up is the check-in feature. Every time my wife or her mom or we go anywhere or her sister goes somewhere or any of us, the rule is check-in when you get to the place that you're going. So we know everything's okay. Sometimes we forget to do that and you know, but we do try. And now this can make that automated and just be that extra level of insurance to be able to say, Hey, my family is safe. Another thing is messages.

[10:27] Another thing that was really cool is if you meet someone while you're out and about, you can bump your phones and send your contact information over to their phone. I thought that was pretty cool. And in FaceTime, if you call someone and they don't answer, you can actually leave them a video message and they'll get it when they get back to their device. All right. Well, thank you, fellas. I appreciate your feedback on WDC a little bit. Thank you. Yeah, no problem. All right. We do have one other person in Clubhouse, Mary. Hey, Mary. Hello, everyone. How's it going? Well, it's been very frustrating. I hope someone can help me. Help me. I had to switch email providers, so therefore my email address changed. So therefore I wanted the daily menu to come in.

[11:15] And on my new email address because at the end of May I discontinued my own one. However, I've been working on it for a month and I get no response and I get, I get, and every day it's not there and I've tried several different things but nothing seems to be working. So I was hoping that someone could reach out and help me. I may actually have a lot easier of a self-help solution. Let me verify that I'm understanding what you're trying to do correctly though. You're looking to get the daily community emails. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. So if in your web browser, you, and I'm doing this right now, so I can verify that I'm telling you this the correct way, but if you go to the, yep. If you go to the website, acb.community, so no.com, just go to acb.community. There's a, that'll take you to a page and there's a pay email address that says ACB community events plus subscribe at groups.io. If you click that link and send a blank email to that email address, you should get a response email that says, Hey, are you sure you want to subscribe to this email list and just reply to it and hit send like you normally would. And then you should start getting the daily emails and that should automatically get you on there.

[12:36] Okay, I will try that and see if that works. if it doesn't let us know if it does or if it doesn't but that is of course you can always send an email to community to acb.org but you're looking for more of an automated way so hopefully that'll help you out well i've sent many emails to acb community you know to different people and different but i have gotten no response check your junk mail too because that that's not normal so i'd make sure you're checking your junk mail as well and make sure you're you're sending the email to community at acb.org. Okay, well, I'll try all those things and hopefully I'll be happy tomorrow morning. No problem. Just go to acb.community and that'll take you to that page. Okay, thank you. Bye bye. Thanks. Who we got next Monica? Lisa G. Hey Lisa!

[13:26] Can you hear me now? Yes. Yep. Okay. I lowered my hand instead of unmuting. Hi, everybody. I wanted to give an update and a big thank you. Okay. Big thank you. I have been struggling with Zoom, the one tap mobile for months. I mean, really just gotten out of control. And you gave me the Zoom email address and I sent them an email and then I said, I said, I'm depressed, like I need to get into the community. It's a lifeline for me, very explicit. They said, what's the problem? Just the day before, there were three calls I could not get into with the OneTap mobile, and I told them pressing the numbers takes too long, I'm always getting thrown out.

[14:15] I don't know what they did. I sent them that. I haven't heard from them again. I said, please let me know what's going on. I had been able, I got into this call. I couldn't get into this call with the one temp mobile. So now all of a sudden it's like magic. I don't know what they did or how it happened, but now it works. So thank you. Did they make you do an update or anything or what did they do? You don't know what they do, anything, but that just tells you. And I'm going to go ahead and actually send this podcast over to the access team because we're all guilty of saying, Hey, this isn't working, but now that it sounds like they hopefully have fixed it, we'll definitely share that positive feedback with them. And thank you to let us know that hopefully that has fixed it and you are now able to use one-touch dialing. Thank you. And I hope that other people who hear this will email Zoom. Can you repeat that Zoom email for people who might be listening? Certainly. It's access at zoom.us. Yep. Access at zoom.us. You're awesome. Thank you so very much. No problem. Thank you, Lisa. Yep. Thank you.

[15:18] Who do we got next, Monica? I don't know if Herbie has another question in Clubhouse. Maybe I forgot to lower his hand, but if he doesn't, we can go to Greg. He went away. So Greg is a let's go to Greg. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Hello, everybody. How are you doing? Good. Good. So my question is, I have an iPhone eight, and I know everybody's saying dinosaur dinosaur in the background. But I'm happy with my iPhone 8. What can I do to preserve that, you know, as long as possible? What should I be doing to, you know, continue to make it work as long as possible? Well, so the first thing I would tell you is that my dad also had an iPhone 8 plus up until about a week ago. And he got it when they came out. And the only reason why he finally got a new phone was because it would stop charging. The battery just was completely kaput on it. And when he went to go get a new phone, he traded it in and they gave him $800 towards a new phone. And I couldn't believe it. I was blown away by that.

[16:36] The first couple of things I would say is make sure that you do the battery optimization so that your battery will last as long as it possibly will. And what that means is you just go in and make sure that it's set to the setting where it will charge up to a certain point, and then it will stop charging until it knows around the time that you wake up and then it will charge the last 20%. And what that does is it doesn't keep your battery charging, charging, charging all the time and burn your battery out. So definitely make sure you're doing that. that. It'll make your battery last longer. And then I don't know how to give a hard drive space you have on your phone, but I would definitely make sure you keep hard drive space free. You need usually about 15 to 20% of free space for your device to run at optimal level. And keep it updated to as much as you can, until it won't let you anymore. Those are the three things I would say to do right out of the gate.

[17:37] Yeah, and one thing I'll tell you, Triple G, is this iOS 16 is the last update you will receive on that iPhone 8. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 10 or X will not be supported for iOS 17. IOS 17 will only go back as the XR. Okay, but it shouldn't, as long as I check my storage, and do you know how to do that? Shouldn't affect, you know, other apps that I download, um, correct. As long as my storage is, is good. And, you know.

[18:10] The only thing you're really going to have, Oh, sorry, Michael, go ahead. I was just going to say, yep. So you can just go to settings, general and storage and check the storage, uh, of your phone, if that's what you're asking. And that won't really affect it unless you fill up your storage, Marty. I was going to say right now, you're probably not going to notice really much of anything. But as time goes on, once they release 17, and then that starts getting going, you'll notice that you're probably gonna start having apps that may not work on your phone. Your web browser may not work on every website because you're only gonna get to a certain point, and then it's gonna start having security issues and things will get updated, but you won't be. So that's when you start having issues, once it gets really far away being able to get updated anymore.

[18:59] Okay, I know call me a dinosaur, but I'm just, you know, I just like things, you know, that, that iPhone se 2022 has a very similar form factor to the iPhone eight, and you'll be very comfortable and it'll give you a lot faster of a device. And you get to keep all the features you like just just throwing that out there. Okay, thank you. No problem. I do see we have another hand. So I'm going to go over to Monica and ask her who that is in a moment. But before we do that, Michael D., if you don't mind, after we take this question, getting ready to unmute to share some stuff with us. So who do we have next, Monica? We have Kim. Hey, Kim. Hello. I think you probably just answered my question. They do have an FE-22? Yes. Okay. And are they gonna keep making those, hopefully?

[19:53] They haven't said one way or the other yet. Yeah, we don't know what Apple's going to do. Hopefully they will, but we don't know. I will say, though, that the SE22 currently has the same processor in it as what's out now. So you're pretty up to date on that. They only make it in a regular size, though. They don't make it in a plus or a large size. So that's, you know, it is what it is. I still want it to go in my pocket. And I still want my home button. I love my home button. Yeah, I mean, if you're going to do it, I would do it probably sooner than later because we don't know if they're going to discontinue it or not. You're getting a pretty current processor and you can still upgrade the hard drive. I believe 256 is the max on that device. Yeah, that should be good. Thank you. Okay. Alrighty, Michael, are you there? I am here. Hello, everyone. Hello. Thank you for joining us.

[20:50] Thanks for having me. Yeah. So we wanted Michael to come on and come share some information with people because he's an intelligent guy who's always got his fingers in a lot of different things. And one thing didn't work out. So he may be back next week. We'll see. But I said, well, what can we have you come talk about? And I think you've been working on something. Do you want to share a little bit about what you've been working on? I do. So, I've been working with Jeff and the ACB Media team for quite some time, and everybody is great and it's been awesome doing this again. But we've been working on an update to ACB Link, the iOS version of ACB Link, the app that lets you connect to ACB media, find out more about your affiliate, your closest affiliates, and to learn more about the American Council of the Blind in general. And we have not put out an update in quite some time. And so we thought, you know, it would be a good idea to do this. And so.

[21:57] ACB media, I mean, ACB link 3.0 is now, uh, we've been working on that for a little while. And so I'm very happy to be able to announce as of about 10 seconds ago that the app is now released in both the iOS and Mac app stores. It's out in the wild. Now it's out in the wild. Now Now it'll probably take some time for it to show up for everybody to download, but it is now live now. So a lot of things have been streamlined. A lot of things have been really improved in this version. If you've used the app in the past, you know, it's been great, but it's even better now. So Michael, you've been testing it. What are your thoughts of it? Oh, I love this. I'm going to show people the iPhone real quick. I'm not going to plug it into the mixer, but I'll bring it close to the microphone so you guys can hear it. So, uh, let me turn my speech right down a little bit.

[22:55] All right. So, uh, as you can see across the bottom now, Tab bar, home, tab, one of five, affiliate tab, two of five, selected streams, tab, three to five, podcast tab, four to five, about tab, five to five. And so as you heard it said, streams, tabs selected. Now here's my favorite part, because that means I opened the app and it, as of, well, maybe because I didn't close it out of the app switcher, Mike, we can clarify, But it automatically put me on the streams tab. If it didn't, all I do is tap that middle tab in the, at the bottom. And then of course I'm getting a phone call because that's what happens while we're doing stuff live.

[23:32] But you heard us say ACB media five, which is about a third of the way up the page, watch us double tap.

[23:38] And of course it's probably. So now I'm listening to ACB media five. If I don't want to listen to this anymore, now we're on ACB media. That right there is magic to me. The podcast will allow you to search the podcast. It looks like, Is that correct, Michael? That is correct. So you can search through all the podcasts. You can even search individual podcasts, like you can go through each podcast themselves and do searches on each of the screens. So all of those things are there. It's a very easy app to navigate and you can use dictation, all of those things. So now you can listen to the streams without needing an A-late. You could just do it right on your phone.

[24:27] Exactly. Your phone or your Mac, if you have a Mac. So what is the devices that you can get the app on and computers? So you can download the app on iOS, iPadOS. And now for the first time, a native Mac experience is now live. So you'll be able to get the app on the Mac App Store as well as you can on iPhone. You've been able to get the the iPhone app on the Mac, but this is a proper Mac app now. So, yeah, it's pretty cool too. Um, and, uh, what's really nice about it is there's one table you interact with when you get to the content you want, if you want to go to that tab section, there's a tab bar that you go to and you interact with that and you can choose any of those five tabs and, uh, it dynamically updates and it's really easy to navigate by keyboard. So if you already have a CB link, all you need to do is check for updates. And then when it's available, you can download it or you can go find a CB link in the app store, correct, Michael? That's correct. Perfect. Well, thank you. And, uh, yeah. Do you have anything else to say before we go on to the next hand? No, I, I would like to just share a few thoughts if that's okay with you guys. Yeah, for sure. If you guys, um, have not been aware, the IACAST podcast is back. We've been talking a lot. We've, we've done basically a prediction show and then we did a, uh, summary show that will be coming out soon about WWDC.

[25:57] And we kind of go into detail. It was before we really had an understanding of the accessibility of the glasses. So as I posted on social media last night, people are going to get very tired of me talking about these glasses, because I use like the Patriot viewpoint to help me enlarge text and I messed it on just went off, which is going crazy last night whenever I broke the news that we found out about voiceover being on the glasses. So being able to magnify doing all these things and accessible apps on a VR AR headset is just going to be a huge thing and I think we're gonna be you know you guys I'm sure on unmute and everywhere else are gonna be following this very closely. I think that this this this WWDC the OS updates were interesting but the what we got with the the glasses is going to be even more impressive so I I was very happy to hear during the second big presentation they did yesterday there, that platform state of the union, that, uh, we would have accessibility features and they're even doing sessions throughout the week on how developers can make their apps and games accessible on this headset. So that's all very exciting.

[27:12] So that's everything I wanted to share. So thank you guys for having me. Yeah. Thanks for coming and sharing that. And as I also, when I shared your post on mastodons, it was yours or someone else has said, you know, this is a great time to be in. I'm, I was excited for this WWDC and I'm more excited for next year's because hopefully this will be out in the wild for a couple of months and we'll build and see what people have done with it. And y'all know I'll have one as soon as they're Thanks, Michael. Monica, who do we have next? Thanks, Michael. We have Peggy. Hey, Peggy. Thanks for your Hi, I have a question. This has probably been since the latest version of iOS, but every once in a while I'm in my email And a mail will come in that. Was something I sent out like a week or two before to someone.

[28:06] It's like, almost like a reminder or something. And it shows up at the top of your inbox. And it's like, did I send this? Like, what is this? It drove me crazy until I figured out what was going on. So what's going on is Apple has decided in their infinite wisdom that they want to be our reminders in our email. So if you send an email to someone and I believe you can go into your mail settings and turn this off But if you send an email to someone and they don't respond to that email within 72 hours It will resurface the message and as you will read in it It says something like reminder or resending or something like that. And yeah first that I recent I mean I did I don't remember sending that evil But no It's just a reminder for you and your inbox that they have not replied to a message you sent them. And I've, I've, I know where we're coming from. I've experienced that a few times at this point. And I think the idea is good, but the implementation is not that good. Cause they don't really tell you exactly what it is. It's just all of a sudden shows up in your inbox and you're like, wait, what? It doesn't make any sense. Really. Yeah. And I keep thinking, well, maybe the message is at the bottom. You know how sometimes people.

[29:22] Have too many times and the message that they write back is on the bottom. No, no, that's yeah. Okay. You're not crazy. It's that's what's going on. Okay. All right. Thanks a lot. No problem. Who do we got next? Monica? We have Scott. Hey, Scott. Hey, Scott. How's it going? All right. Well, okay. How do you turn that off? First of all, I will have to look that up and let you know for sure, because there is a way to turn it off, But I will see if I can find that.

[29:54] Yeah, it's like settings, mail, and then there's a preference to turn it off. Uh, also, so getting to my question, I understand blind shell was supposed to make some major announcement today that about some new app or something they're adding a new app. Yeah, I know that there was. So Diane was on vacation last week who does the blind one-on-one calls and there There was a mix up and so the call wasn't canceled yesterday. What I can tell you is Blindshell has a Thursday call this week called Talking Points. So if you're not subscribed to BlindshellUSA.com slash Talking Points, probably go over there. That's all the information that I have. Well, I was just curious. I'm not that interested. It's not urgent if I don't have a blind. No, no, because I was on the call last Monday when Diane said next Tuesday, we'll have a new app. And yeah, so I would go to the Thursday call and see if they have any ideas. Or I'm sure I'll hear about it sooner or later. Probably. I have. I keep abreast of forbidding sources. You'll definitely hear about it. I'll hear about it. All right. Thanks, Scott. Thanks, Scott. Who do we got next, Monica? We have Beth back. Hey, Beth. Hey, Beth. Okay. Yeah. Yes. So the app you were talking about, about, about the ACB. Yep.

[31:23] Well, well, that see, I can go on my phone to ACB media five. It does tell me a link, but that goes to Safari, right? Yep. This is this is completely different. That's what I was demonstrating. So the current ACB link app, it does bring up a page And then you've got to find the little play button and then play that, um, the update that is out. So you would want to go check for any updates sometimes going and doing a search for the app and bringing the app up itself and three finger flicking down to reload the page, uh, can bring that update available. But now what happens is you tap on streams at the bottom and then you tap the stream number you want, and then it starts playback. There's no going to find a play button, no swiping around it's streams. And then the number you want and it's playing.

[32:08] Oh, cool. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Cause I want to, um, no, if it has like, um, the radio, the ACB radio and they, it only has a cafe is yep. Cafe is on there. It's all, it's all 10 of the screens that are available. Yep. Okay. Yeah. And, um, I was gonna ask about my media player on my computer. I tried what you told me to try to shift F 10 and, and it does not say, um, anything about playlists. So, okay, I am not that familiar with media player, Beth. So maybe there's some other people that are listening that might have some additional resources. And if they do, hopefully they'll call in or they'll email us to let us pass that along to you. Okay. Oh, sure. Okay. Thanks. Thanks a lot. Thanks, Monica. Next, we have Astoria.

[33:03] Hello. I do a couple of weeks ago, you told us how to get rid of the and I don't know, I can't remember the terminology. But when you search for something to get rid of that list, and the history, what device are you talking about on which device? I have an Android phone and I have an iPad. Okay. And where are you searching that you want to get rid of the history from? I'm Google, I guess. Gotcha. Okay. So what you can do is you can go to google.com slash account, and there's an option to clear your Google history there. Um, and it is a pretty seamless process if that's what you're looking for. Uh, I'm not sure if that's exactly what you're looking to clear. Google. Would you repeat that? Yep. Google.com slash account. Okay. And then you can clear your history, your account history there as well. Okay. Thanks. And I did reply to your email. It took me a little while, but I did get back to you. So yeah, perfect. Thanks for calling in.

[34:15] Who do we got next? Monica. We have Greg. Hey, Greg. Hello again. I'm good. I'm still good. Um, and I'm still a dinosaur, but anyway, um, I'm still a dinosaur. I have a question regarding deleting a row on Excel with JAWS. Now, it's a whole row that I want to delete. Actually, it's quite a few rows. I'm doing something for ACB students right now, an affiliate I'm working with, and I need to delete several rows. How do I do that? So I forget the keystroke, but I can tell you, and someone may have a different or faster, easier way to do it, because I'm not seeing we have any hands right now, but I can tell you if you do alt Q like Quebec, that'll put you in a search, and then you can just type in delete, and delete rows should be one of the options that pops up. Okay, okay. And can I ask one more question? Certainly. Google Docs has always, always, always been confusing to me, no matter how many YouTube videos I watch on it. I'm just wondering if you know of a good way, I'm a JAWS user, but if you know of the best way for me to work with Google Docs, because like just typing into it and just, you know.

[35:41] Just it's not been very, very friendly, you know, to me. So I told you about a keystroke in Excel called Alt-Q to search the menus. In Google Docs, there's a keystroke, which is Alt-Slash, and that brings you to search menus. Type in accessibility and make sure that you have screen reader access on and braille access on because that will improve the experience even if you're not using a braille display.

[36:09] Make sure that you turn your JAWS cursor off with JAWS key plus Z And then you should be able to use your up and down arrow keys like you normally would, Select text like you would and use ctrl B ctrl I etc Like you're familiar with in Word and that might help you a little, Okay, thank you. The dinosaur is out, Problem. Thank you next Monica Harvey, Alright, well, first of all, I just gotta ask and this is rhetorical but no, it's a dinosaur going to get on the mastodon, But I digress as Chanel, Yes, so a couple things If you're for some reason ever using a Mac don't turn on braille support in Google Sheets because it kind of doesn't work very well.

[36:58] Yeah, and so this new app by the way, is it also called a CB link in the Mac App Store? Yep, okay, cuz I just came out so it might take a little while for it to Get around for everyone to be able to see it I think literally it's came out in the last like 20 minutes or so So might take a little bit for it to show up for everyone So just give it a little time, but probably you know by this afternoon everyone will be able to see it I'm assuming and then cuz I know in the iPhone app I really haven't used it a lot because you have to go to stream Or you have to go to radio, then streams, then the name. So hopefully it's a little bit easier. So I've been testing this to give some feedback to help make it a great experience. I will tell you, I have used ACB media and listened to ACB media in the last week and a half more than I have in the last three years, because all I have to do is open the app, tap streams, and then tap the stream number I want to listen to. It's that simple. in the play button or anything else. Which I'm super excited to use it during convention because as you know they're on different channels So you can just switch back and forth between the different channels And michael, what is the exact name so people know exactly what to look for?

[38:16] Uh acb link So yeah, you're looking for acb link and go ahead chanel. You had another question, One other thing, um, you mentioned or herbie sent me something you shared the other day I don't know if it was you or whatever but on the new mac os you don't have to, Did you turn on quick nav to use quick keys? So I have not installed this. I cannot speak directly, but it is my understanding that you can just use like H to jump to headings or shift H to jump to previous headings and not have to use quick nav. That could be incorrect. Again, that was as of yesterday's beta one first day. So very cool. Yes. Stuff is being done with voiceover. I can't get into what is being done. So. Okay, cool. All right. Thank you. Yep. No problem. Hey, Monica, next we have Desi. Hey, Desi. How's it going? Good morning. It's going great, I love this call. So thanks so much for that. Um, I.

[39:13] Wanted to ask you about of an app that a friend of mine told me about and I believe she said it was called It's called ZoomCuts. Is that?

[39:23] What is it, what does it do, and why should I want it? So, I don't know why you should want it. It is an app that was released yesterday, so what I know is very limited. It is a tool that implements about 13 different shortcut actions into shortcuts on the Mac for using with Zoom. What that means is, potentially you could set up a shortcut that you have a keystroke that, I don't know, that, I don't know, lifts off the raised hands or something like that. So I don't know the details for it yet. I will have more details probably by the end of this week because it is something I am very intrigued by. And it's made by a company that was purchased by Zoom itself and that company released a software because Zoom has become more synonymous in the broadcasting industry. A lot of your broadcasters use Zoom to bring multiple sources together now, both in audio and video. And so there's been some companies out there that have created more advanced interfaces to Zoom. So for example, if you're in a live environment and you wanna take Desi's audio and separate it from everyone else's audio and send it to the overhead speakers, and then while the host is getting other people muted, the only person you hear is Desi, you have that type of flexibility with the Zoom ISO tool.

[40:45] I can't speak to accessibility. It does only work on the Mac. I will say that from the tests that I have done with it and played with it, it looks like it's fairly usable if not with just voiceover, but using tools like VLCR and other tools out there to make things that aren't the most accessible accessible. So it's something I think you'll start hearing more about in the near future, Zoom cuts and Zoom ISO.

[41:10] Okay, and then my only other question is because I have returned to the Mac, which I'm so delighted about. Welcome back. Yay! Well, you know, I got the Mac mini M2 and yeah, it's going really well. Although I am finding it not as intuitive as I thought I remembered it being several years ago. Some of the things that I try to do don't necessarily work and I find myself getting frustrated sometimes and having to walk away and come back later. And sometimes that does work. But I was curious to know if you know where I can get a comprehensive listing of Mac commands, you know, just general Mac commands for I, I mean, I know that it's possible to go through the menus and look at all the commands there, but I would, I would love to have just a compendium, if you will, of Mac commands. You're talking about just in general, or are you talking about voiceover? Well, well, in general, but I mean, all those commands work with voiceover as well, right? And voiceover commands, too. So, Desi, all commands. I'm going to give you the obvious answer.

[42:22] I Googled it, Mac keystrokes. And the first thing that came up is an Apple help center article that says Mac keyboard shortcuts. So there's that. And then there's also an article from computer world that has 30 Mac keystrokes. Um, so that might be helpful for you as well. I have some too, which if you want to email feedback at unmute.show, I can send those over to you. Great. And I will make one other recommendation. If you really, really want to get familiar with your Mac and get more fluid with using your Mac, Chanel has a great class that she teaches. So you should reach out to her and get all the details and do that class. You'll definitely learn a bunch. Chanel and I have been talking and unfortunately the next one of those isn't until September, but I'm ready to be there when it is. Very good. All right. Thanks a lot. We've got about 12 minutes left. Who do we got next, Monica? We have Debra. Hey, Debra. How are you doing? Hi. I got an iPad Pro and I use the wireless keyboard. Would it work almost like the Mac?

[43:30] So did you get the keyboard that plugs into the little magnetic piece on the bottom of your iPad or is it just a regular Bluetooth keyboard? The Bluetooth. I did order the one that's attached to it, but it's not an amplifier, but I can't see where the, you know, the keys are so I end up using the wireless.

[43:52] Right. So a Bluetooth keyboard will work on a Mac, but you have to make sure that the Bluetooth keyboard you have will work on multiple devices. Otherwise, if it does not work on multiple devices, then you would have to re-sync it to the new device. So you would want to make sure that the keyboard you're using would be able to work on multiple devices, if that's what you want to do. No, what I'm saying is instead of buying a Mac computer, does the iPad Pro, can it function the same way? Gotcha. So there are keystrokes that you can use on the iPad that would let you navigate it as fluidly as you could on a Mac and, you know, use like Command S to save. What I'd recommend you doing is, are you a voiceover user? I'm trying to learn to do that, yes. Trying to learn some of the hot keys and I don't know all of them yet. Gotcha, so there are some great resources Marty may know one or two that can give you some, Keyboard commands to use on the iPad But yes You can you can do a lot of the things you can do on an iPad Pro is what you could do on a Mac with a Bluetooth keyboard Okay, so how I get some of those hotkeys man.

[45:04] So the best way so I'm gonna go ahead and do it right here is if I go and I type in best keystrokes for iPad it does bring up a help article looks like from Apple and it gives you a couple of common support or a common commonly supported keystroke so if you're able to get to Google then just type in keystrokes for iPad and Google gives you five right here that you can start using in your workflow, Hello. Thank you. No problem. Hope that helps. Best keystrokes. Yep, best keystrokes for iPad. Make sure to put for iPad on there or it's going to give you all types of keystrokes. Okay, thank you. No problem. Monica.

[45:49] Lisa G. Hey, Lisa. Hi, I just had an idea of what I use for the past two people. Whenever I want to know anything about strokes or shortcuts, I call up Apple and I like to call it the accessibility and I'll ask them if they could email it to me because they can email me the strokes if I tell them, especially if I'm looking for something in particular, like if they have a list of basic strokes or things that would help me. And I always ask them, I say, so do you have any little tips or tricks that you know for people with vision issues? And when you get new people, sometimes they have no idea, but you'd be surprised at what you learn just by asking that question. I find it kind of cool. So it's just my two cents. Thank you, Lisa. I appreciate you bringing that up, because sometimes we don't think about the obvious, and that is just picking up that phone. Call the either general support team because, you know, sighted individuals use keyboards, too. So there's no need to just say what are the the keystrokes for blind people or contact those accessibility numbers, because that's a good resource to have as well. So thank you, Lisa. Really appreciate that. Yep. And I've actually had them send keyboard shortcuts to, you know, by email and they do do that. So that's a great resource. Who do we got next, Monica? We'll go to Eugenia. Hey, Eugenia. Hi. For the person that was asking about the keyboard for the iPad Pro.

[47:16] There is a class that is starting now in June at Braille Institute, Laguna Hills. So if you can find the class catalog for Braille Institute, they will have there, they have the keyboard with the iPhone in the afternoon and on Mondays at 10 a.m. they have the keyboard uh, for iPad and they teach that class twice a semester. So I'm taking it. That's what I know about it. Well, good. Thank you for that. And see, we can't know about all these resources. So that class is available. So search for Braille Institute and, uh, classes.

[48:00] Laguna Hills. Yeah. Yeah. They have several centers, but this one is from, uh, this person in Laguna Hills center. That's in Southern California. Yeah. Perfect. And do you know if they do virtual classes or are they only in person? Oh, that's virtual. Oh, no, totally. Yeah, it's too far from me. Yeah. Okay, good. Good. So, so that is a good resource. And thank you for bringing that up. Appreciate it. Thank you.

[48:24] And our last hand for now is Kim. Hey Kim. Hey Kim. Hey. Just for the person who was asking about keystrokes and all that, I, you know, I've taken the Apple class and, but there's times when I still forget and I look back at my notes and I'm like, boy, I took rotten notes this time. Anyway, National Braille Prints have the Mac reference cards that, that probably, I don't think it has all the shortcuts, but it has the basic command for the Mac. And it's just, um, the Mac reference card. Yeah. I see it. I see that right here. It looks like it is for Big Sur, but that would give you some getting started details for using the Mac. Cause a lot of those keystrokes haven't changed. They've just added new ones. So thank you, Kim, for bringing that up. That's nbp.org, you can get that at nbp.org, and that'll get you over to the National Braille Press. And we are getting tight on time, so let's try and... Let's do one more hand here, Monica, and then we'll close it up. We'll take Lori. Hey, Lori. Hey, Lori. Okay, hi.

[49:39] To keep with the theme of the keystrokes, don't forget that you can still go into VoiceOver, commands and you can touch keystrokes and it'll give you a whole list of keystrokes. The keyboard, the iPad also, if I remember correctly, it used to work. I haven't done it in a long time. You can either hit the command key or the control key and it'll pull up those shortcut keystrokes for that app that, you're in. Oh yeah, that globe key hit that in the back in the bottom corner. Right. Perfect. All right. Thank you very much. No problem. Michael D has his hand up. Do you want to throw something in really quick, Michael D?

[50:20] I'm guessing not. So. All right. Oh, real quick. I didn't know I was muted on both places. The holding the command key on the iPad is currently bugged with voiceover, so it will bring up those keystrokes, but it does not read. Good to know. Yeah. Plenty of other resources out there to get the keystrokes for sure. And with that, I want to thank Michael for coming and sharing information about what what we've got going on with ACB link. Go check that out if you haven't yet and Monica for hosting us, Marty, you want to close it up? Yep. Thanks everyone. We appreciate you coming. If you have any questions or comments, go ahead and email us feedback at unmute.show and we'll see you next week. Same time, same place. Have a good one everybody.

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Unmute Presents - Using Voiceovers Numpad Commander

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:03:00 -0000

Transcript

Michael: [0:04] In today's Sunday teaching episode, I'm going to show you how to configure your numpad commander, and then I'll give you a little bit about how I have my numpad commander configured. So this will work if you're a voiceover user on Mac OS. And what we're going to do is we're going to start by tapping VOF8. This'll bring us to... VoiceOver Utility, VoiceOver Utility, VoiceOver Utility, Window, Utility Categories. Now, when you're in the Utility Categories, you can simply tap Command 8, which takes you to the Commanders tab, if that's what you're looking for, and then press your VORide arrow key, and choose Numpad. I'm going to select that. If you press VORide arrow, you'll find a checkbox that says Enable Numpad Commander. Yours might be unchecked. Go ahead and check that. Now let's press VORide arrow. This is important. This is the modifier, which you can press with numpad keys to be able to perform different commands. If we press our spacebar, we have a menu with several different options. I'll down arrow through those real quick.

[1:15] So as you can hear, there's several different modifiers. Now, once you have the numpad commander, if you press VL right arrow, you'll hear a table that you can interact with. When you interact with this table, you'll find two rows. One is the number associated with the command that you'd like to modify. And the second one is the command that you'd like to associate with that number. So let me give you a quick rundown of how I have my numpad commander configured. And I recommend you take a look at all of the options that are available because there's a lot there. I think there's 13 different categories of different items you can set. So the number one is associated with item chooser for me. The number two is a down arrow and the number three is my tables. So it'll jump to the next table. Four is VO left arrow for me. Five is VO space and six is VO right arrow. Seven is stop interacting. eight is up arrow and nine is start interacting. Which means that I don't have to press V o shift up arrow or down arrow, but here's where it gets really fun. The clear key for me is my applications chooser, which means I don't have to press V o F one F one. I can just reach over and hit the clear key. The slash key is my window chooser. So I don't have to press V o F two F two, or remember that I have to press that twice quickly in order to pull up a list of windows that are active in the current application.

[2:40] Now, the enter key for me is my actions button. That way, when I'm quickly navigating through notifications, I just hit enter to five, enter to five to clear them out, Apple, that's what I want in the next OS, a button to clear all my notifications at once, one last command that I'll give you that can be helpful is you can also assign voiceover numpad commanders to shortcuts. So if you're using a shortcut that maybe tells you what hosting opportunities you have available You could assign that to a keystroke That's available on your numpad with one of your modifiers and trigger that or any other shortcut that you use slash automation service Hopefully this has inspired you a little bit to go take a look at the numpad commander available on VoiceOver on the Mac and if you have any questions reach out to us feedback at unmute dot show and you can also Also, connect with us every Tuesday, 10 a.m. Pacific Time, that's 1 p.m. Eastern. Visit acb.community for more details or tune in live. ACB Media. Bye.

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Unmute Presents: Friday Finds: Navigating the AI Landscape - AIRA's Blindness Initiatives & The AI Chatbot Controversy"

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:12:52 -0000

Welcome to a new episode of Unmute Presents, where we dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of AI and tech innovations. In this episode, we discuss Everett Bacon's new role as vice president of blindness initiatives at AIRA, a leading organization in providing sighted assistance to blind individuals. We also ponder the reliability of AI chatbots and their potential risks, as evidenced by the recent controversy surrounding an eating disorders hotline chatbot. Marty and Lynn delve into AIRA's revolutionary service that pairs technology and human assistance, helping visually impaired individuals with everyday tasks. They also explore the backlash against recent subscription rate hikes and highlight free usage opportunities at locations like airports and Starbucks. The conversation shifts towards the fraught topic of AI chatbots, specifically addressing the problematic advice given by an eating disorder hotline chatbot. This raises vital questions on the reliability and programming of chatbots, the role of AI in critical health support, and the necessity of human oversight in these AI systems. Finally, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming WWDC event and speculate about new Apple products, from larger screen MacBook Airs to AI-powered virtual reality goggles. Join us as we navigate the promises and pitfalls of AI technology, the groundbreaking advancements and critical ethical questions they bring to the table. Don't forget to like, share and subscribe to stay updated with the latest tech trends and AI developments!

Transcript

Marty: [0:05] Hey all, Marty here and we're back with another Friday Finds and with me, as always, I have Lynn. How you doing, Lynn?

Linn: [0:11] Hey, how's it going, guys? So meet Mr. Everett Bacon. You may not know him, but he is new with AIRA. Been named vice president of blindness initiatives.

[0:29] And what is that exactly? So, of course, we know, most of us do know what IRA is, but for those who don't, basically what it does is it provides sighted assistance to a blind person. Say, for example, you dropped a pill on the floor, you need help locating it, you are not sure that two pieces of clothing match, or maybe you think you have a stain on a piece of clothing and you're not really sure, you can actually call up and talk to a real human and they can do all kinds of things. Like they can, they will tell you where to point your camera. I've used it sometimes for like, if I have a box of, say I wanna make a cookie mix or something and I want real quick help to know how to actually do it. What's nice about them is that they are bonded. So all the people that work there are bonded. So there's a little bit more safety, like if you need to do personal things where you need to use a credit card or a social security or whatever, they are trained.

[1:43] So there's just a lot of nice things And they've had a little controversy because of some, well, like everybody else, they were raising rates, you know, raising the amount that we had, that people have to pay. It's a paid service. You get like five minutes for free. and, So, you know, it's a great service if you can afford it, which I really can't.

Marty: [2:09] And a couple of things I will say also right out of the gate that's really cool. First of all, it is an app, you put it on your phone and then you use the app to contact a person to help you. And then the camera on your phone, they're able to see through your camera and tell you what you're looking at or what you're trying to look at. So that is pretty cool. Also, as Lynn was saying, yeah, there was a little bit of controversy earlier because they were raising their subscription fees and everyone's getting subscriptioned out as we've talked about here quite a bit. But there is some cool stuff also. For example, they're working with a lot of the airports and if you're within an airport, if they offer it, which a lot of airports are jumping on board, you can use it for free within the airport if the airport you're in offers it. Also all Starbucks offer it so if you're inside of Starbucks you can use it for free. So there's a lot of places all over that you're able to use the service for free which is pretty cool. And like Lynn was also saying you get I believe a free five minutes I think it's every couple of days or something like that. You'd have to check and find out exactly but they also have other plans that you can get for amount of minutes. So cost you know something for you know like a 15 minutes and a little bit more for 30 minutes and so on and so on. So, all right, Lynn, sorry.

Linn: [3:32] This gentleman, he used to be a sighted guy, and he started to lose his sight. He is now blind. And he's being put into a leadership position, which I think is a great thing. He worked where he kind of gained some leadership skills. And as he lost his sight, he started to realize that he was going blind. And he did have some managerial experience. He was a district training store manager for Blockbuster Video, both Dallas and Houston. And so he really does come with some managerial experience. He successfully managed 10 stores with an average operating budget of $20 million. That's pretty good.

Marty: [4:30] Yeah, that's a couple of dollars there.

Linn: [4:32] Yeah. So, you know, he worked in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment. And he said it gave him the confidence to multitask and do other things. So he started to need video magnifiers and low vision tech as he was losing his sight. And then eventually he did need screen reading software. He said he learned how to be a blind person using braille and a white cane. Awesome. Yeah. He then went on to earn a master's degree in vision rehabilitation therapy from Western Michigan University. So, you know, he has a CV. He has a pretty good CV.

Marty: [5:23] Well, we'll have to see what he does and how things move forward with them and what kind of things he can bring to improve and make Aira different, better in the future moving forward. So we'll see.

Linn: [5:37] Last week, we did a story, about AI chatbots becoming an option for people who need mental health assistance and can't get it for some reason. And we sort of pose the question, you know, is this possible? Is this a good idea? Just this morning, there was a story in Yahoo, this is Thursday morning that we're recording, there was a story about a chatbot that was supposed to replace a human-operated eating disorders hotline.

[6:27] And the funding ran out for this hotline and they were going to eventually shut it down. So it's the National Eating Disorders Association. And so they had this chat bot named Tessa. And what they were going to do was to replace human hotline workers with this chat bot. So it was, you know, really designed to to provide body positive information. This is an article from Yahoo to aid those with eating disorders. But what happened was it sort of got caught giving wrong advice. It got caught, there was an Instagram user that reported how the chatbot gave weight loss advice to eating disorder sufferers. And apparently, um, it was the, they've actually taken down the, the bot.

Marty: [7:35] Um, do we know what the bot said to the person?

Linn: [7:40] Um, so it's instead of providing advice that could be, you know, That could be safe for someone with an eating disorder or you know somebody that's dealing with this issue the bot.

[8:03] Actually argued that. That intentional weight losses and eating disorder recovery could safely coexist. So the person was typing in some stuff and apparently the chatbot said, well, sure, you can still be on a diet and deal with eating disorder recovery. So this Instagram user claimed that the chatbot advised a goal of shedding one to two pounds per week alongside weekly body measurements, counting calories and aiming for a daily 500 to 1,000 calorie deficit.

[8:48] So obviously, there was apparently they said it was a bug in the software, I guess, that allowed the guardrails to be breached. And when we talk about guardrail, that's something in AI that really means rules, okay? Just rules about what it's allowed to say and what isn't. And there was a lot of controversy about this eating disorder hotline shutting down the human part of the bot or the human part of the hotline. And I guess they didn't have the resources or the budget or whatever. So they just kind of of figured that this chatbot could replace the human touch. Obviously not. Yeah. So, I think that...

Marty: [9:38] It just goes to show you that, you know, as cool and as awesome as this technology is, it still has a long way to go without needing a human still there to oversee what this chatbot says or does or the way it acts because it sounds like... And this is not the only story like this. There's been a ton of other stories out there where the chatbots are just saying weird, inappropriate things for at a left field, you know, so it sounds like there's a long way to go still.

Linn: [10:12] Yeah. And the guardrail part of it is, is something that they apparently they, they said they tested it and they really tested it. And they were in the process of phasing out the human part of it. Um, I think that's a dangerous move to make. I love AI. I'm really into AI, but I don't think I would be so confident in it that I would... Eating disorders are, especially anorexia, has one of the highest fatality rates of all mental illnesses.

[10:47] So I don't think it's safe to leave that in the hands of an AI chatbot, because it has such a high mortality level. So, you know, I mean, I think this is where we all have to step back and take a deep breath and say, you know, let's, let's, let's get a grip, let's do a reality check about what AI is and is not capable of doing. Of course, we had a few more AI is going to ruin the you know, destroy humanity. We had a few more of those stories this week where leaders like Sam Altman have signed statements about what what's going to happen and how AI is like a threat to humanity. I, my problem with these kind of statements is these are the people that created these systems. So could you instead of giving us these statements, could you maybe give us some possible solutions?

[11:57] Instead of, you know, instead of saying, Oh, well, this is, you know, we're, we're, we're headed for an AI train wreck. Yeah, can't we? I would like it if I mean, these are scientists, these are the people that built these systems and work on them for a living.

Marty: [12:15] Do they what did they think would happen i mean they create these systems and um i feel like these statements are a little too late um i mean the the horse is out of the barn where they say that the horse is out of the barn or whatever you know it's the genie's out of the bottle it's too late um, i don't i mean and to go back to what you were saying about what did they think would happen i'm not sure they totally knew what would happen when it got released to the masses i mean I mean, you're talking about trying to program something to do certain things, but then at the same time, you want it to have a personality of its own, to be able to act similar to what a human would act like, but not actually be a human. And sometimes it just goes south, obviously, with all of these stories, in the way these chatbots are acting, is out of left field, some of the things they say and come up with. So, you know, they obviously have a lot of work to do still.

Linn: [13:13] Great, and I would like to know how, I guess, see, I believe you can get an AI chatbot to say anything. If you want to, I guess, engage in some malfeasance or, in other words, I think if you know enough about chatbots, you can make them say whatever you want them to say. You just have to know how to- Yeah, you've got humans programming them, so, you know. Yeah, and you have to know how to prompt that correctly. Some people are really good at prompting, and prompting is where you're actually engaging with the chatbot. You're asking it questions, and if you, you know, kind of make the prompt in such a fashion that you can make it say anything. And I just, yeah, it's an interesting, we live in interesting times, that's for sure.

Marty: [14:07] That's true.

Linn: [14:08] Yes. Okay, so we're all waiting with bated breath for the big WWDC next week. Are you guys- That's true. Yes. Everybody.

Marty: [14:23] Yeah, I'm super excited. I mean, it's Monday, so just a couple of few days, and we're going to be there having the keynote, and there's so many rumors that it's hard to keep track of everything, but I know they've talked about new Macs. They've talked about new MacBook Airs, maybe a new MacBook Air with a larger screen. Right now, they're only in 13-inch, the MacBook airs and so they're talking about releasing one with a 15-inch screen which would be super cool I think a lot of people would really like that a lot they're talking about coming out with AI or artificial intelligent type goggles you know where it's like virtual reality that'll be really interesting to see is everybody really excited about all these virtual reality things I mean I mean, I guess people are, but I don't know, it's just... Yeah, I mean, you put on the goggles and it transforms like a whole room and now you're in a whole other environment kind of a thing. And so depending on what you want to do, whether it's playing games or being in some kind of an educational environment or whatever, I mean, it's kind of endless what you can do with it, you know?

Linn: [15:38] Yeah. I wonder, I guess for blind and visually impaired folks, I don't know how much we really benefit from them, but I guess we could if they had like image description type things, well, the glasses, like I'm trying to think of the name of the company that does the glasses.

Marty: [15:59] Yeah, forget it.

Linn: [16:00] Envision.

Marty: [16:01] Envision AI.

Linn: [16:03] Yeah, they do the glasses.

Marty: [16:04] It's still though, if you're someone who's not sighted at all, if you don't have any vision, you're depending on audio. And so, unless the glasses have some other purpose, I mean, almost, well, I guess if you have the glasses on, there's the camera and the camera is looking at what's in front of you. And then the audio describes what it is that the camera is looking at to you. Yes.

Linn: [16:31] I mean, that certainly is. We've had glasses in the past that do that. Like I said, InVision has glasses. I think there are a couple other companies, but we haven't really seen wide adoption in the blind community. I'm not exactly sure why. I know cost is an issue.

Marty: [16:53] Yeah, cost is huge. I mean, they're super expensive.

Linn: [16:56] Right. But wouldn't it be nice? Although every time I wear glasses, they just irritate me. I don't really like wearing glasses. I'm not used to it, but yeah.

Marty: [17:11] Yeah, so we'll have to see there's lots of really cool stuff coming. So, you know, yeah, I'm excited. I hope they announce a 15 inch MacBook Air. I think that would be super awesome. And there's so many other things I can afford.

Linn: [17:25] That would be nice.

Marty: [17:27] Yeah, definitely. Well, all of that news is going to hit Monday. So we'll relay all that stuff once we see what comes out and what they announced.

Linn: [17:37] So yep, you have to get your beverage of choice and your little snack and sit there and I'm sure that we'll be covering, um, you know, on this network we'll be covering.

Marty: [17:49] Yes, we definitely will be.

Linn: [17:50] And so you'll have to, you know, we encourage you guys to join us for that.

Marty: [17:56] And one way or another, we will definitely be doing it. We don't have exact details at this point, but we will soon enough. And one way or another, we'll definitely be talking about all the things that happened at the keynote and the event is all through the week. There'll be kind of other things coming out all through the week.

Linn: [18:12] So yes, so you have a lot to look forward to and a lot to be afraid of too, if you're afraid of AI.

Marty: [18:21] That's true. All right, and on that note, thanks so much, Lynn. We appreciate it.

Linn: [18:26] Thank you and thank everyone for tuning in. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Marty: [18:33] Yep, everyone have a great weekend and we'll see you next time!

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

Uncovering the Power of Podcasting:

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:01:00 -0000

Below is the transcript.

Marty and Michael sat down with Allison from Podfeet to have a conversation about her history with tech and how though she doesn't use VoiceOver she knows a lot about trying something to help others.

Below is a list of links Allison shared:

Episode Transcript:

Marty:
[0:04] Hey y'all, Marty here and welcome back to another Unmute, Michael, how's it going?

Michael:
[0:10] I think me coming back to these Thursday episodes is starting to turn into a more regular thing. I'm doing well, Marty. And you havea friendly guest to introduce.

Marty:
[0:18] We do friend of the show and super awesome person. And also 18 years, you're going to have to talk about that. 18 years of doing herpodcast.
Allison from Podfeet. How are you?

Allison:
[0:32] I'm doing great, Marty. It is it is such a pleasure to come on with both of you. I've been at least texting with the two of you in someform for as long as I can remember. I mean, I feel like it's been a decade, but I haven't actually checked and gone back to see how far we'veknown each other.

Marty:
[0:46] It's been a while. I was a cast away, Michael was a cast away, and then at some point we contributed and to And then we started ourown podcast and here we are, you know.

Allison:
[1:01] I think you introduced me, Michael, if I'm right. I have an email from you on October 12th, 2017. You sent me something about a,uh, a, uh, it was entitled transmitting ducks.
Cause I was using, uh, I was using cyber duck at the time and you wanted to know if, uh, you were interested, I was interested insomething else.
And I think you sent me a recording. Yeah, that was, uh, Demasi and I recording the DM series.

Michael:
[1:23] Demasi and I are recording the DM series on our old show and I was talking to you about checking out transmit, I think.

Allison:
[1:31] Oh, was it that? Okay. Let's see. Marty, I go back as far. Let's see.
That might be Marty. Did you write to me about circus ponies, baby? No, that might be somebody else.

Marty:
[1:41] I can't remember. God, that sounds horrible.

Allison:
[1:42] But everyone on my show blames you for the money you make them spend that all of us bought the Elgato Wave XLR after you dida review for the no silica cast on that.

Marty:
[1:50] Yeah. And everyone still has it.

Allison:
[1:52] Oh yeah, I mean, I love this thing. I bought one for my husband, I mean, everybody's got one. Everybody says, Marty spent mymoney.

Marty:
[2:01] Yeah, well, sometimes less is more. You don't always have to go out and buy the giantest, largest thing with all the buttons in theworld on it, you know?

Allison:
[2:08] Well, that's what I wanted was something with far fewer buttons.
I wanted, in fact, this has one more feature than I'd like. I would like it to have one fewer feature.

Marty:
[2:17] Well, actually, the main thing that you love the most about that is that the XLR cable, jack and the headphone jack were on the backof the device, which was something you really, really wanted. And no other device had that. Yeah.

Allison:
[2:31] Why do I want it coming out onto my desk? Why would I ever want that? Ever, ever, never.

Marty:
[2:36] Yeah. And still it's hardly ever do you see the ports on the back of the device.

Allison:
[2:41] Yeah.

Michael:
[2:43] Allison, let's go back to the beginning. Marty mentioned 18 years, which is awesome.
What can you tell us about the beginning of podcasting and how things were like podcasting then?

Allison:
[2:53] Oh, that's, that's a fun story. Um, so podcasting started in October of 2004 and I started in the middle of May in 2005.
And, uh, part of the reason I, I brag so much about the 18 years is it's not just that I've been doing it for for 18 years, I haven't missed aweekly show in 18 years.
Now, there's a little asterisk on that. I gotta admit to you guys, there, see, I said guys.
I have to admit to you and your audience that there's a little asterisk.
I did four episodes, and then I podfaded, and a guy named Neil wrote to me, Neil from Florida wrote to me and said, hey, where's thepodcast?
And that's when I found out somebody was listening, and I came back, and since then, I have not missed an episode. So it's actually a fewweeks after the beginning of the show, but if you back up to the very beginning.
Lila port was on the radio here and then he started a podcast and i was that i was hooked on that and so i had to figure out this thing calledthe rss feed which for people who don't know it's a small text file that identifies exactly everything about the show that's gotten deliveredto you so it's an rss file like you would read in a in an rss reader But it defines an attachment and the attachment for an audio podcast islikely an MP3, maybe an M4A, if you're getting kind of wacky.

[4:20] And the way I figured out how to do a podcast was I downloaded Leo's RSS feed, which was this giant text file, and I figured outwhat all the pieces meant, and I built my own, literally typing it from scratch.
And so I was typing in, okay, it says title. Okay, that's probably the title of the episode.
Okay, let me type that in, you know. And then it got to the attachment and I was completely baffled because it said length equals and it wasthis really long number.
And I sat there looking at this number, I mean, it had just a ton of digits and I couldn't figure out what it was. It was the number of bytes inthe file.
And it took me the longest time to figure that out. But I was very happy when Steve Harris started the app from Reinvented Software.
He has an app called Feeder, which does all of this automatically for me now.
And I've been using that ever since. I don't even remember how far back it goes, but it was really shortly after I got started. But yeah, weused basically a stone and a chisel back then.

Marty:
[5:20] I would love to know what the setup you had when you first started podcasting and over the years to what you ended up now,because I know how much you care about sound.
So, if you go back to the beginning, what was it like when you first said, hey, I'm going to do a podcast and how did you decide what tobuy and get going with it. And then over the years, I'm sure it's changed a lot.

Allison:
[5:43] Oh man you should add i could come out with like probably photos of it of where it came from what i started with i'm pretty sure ihad the titanium power book when i started.
I'm in a simple usb mic i don't i don't remember which one was it i'm sure i've written about it because one of the interesting things aboutmy podcast is every single thing you hear me say is also a blog post everything you hear me say on the podcast so it's, It's got, I've gotzillions of blog posts over the years, and anytime I can't remember anything, I know I've already written it down.
So it's in here somewhere, if I could find it.

[6:22] But I did do the classic thing of upgrading a few times on microphones.
I didn't take a lot of steps, because my husband Steve is a huge supporter of the podcast and absolutely could not do it without him.
I mean, he does all of the cooking, he does all of the laundry, he does all the grocery shopping. That's part of why I'm able to do this.
And he also likes buying me toys.
So I bought a Heil PR20 at one point, and then he upgraded me to a Heil PR40, which is why he has a Heil PR20 now. And this Heil PR40has been running absolutely forever.
I've gone through a few interfaces. We were talking during the pre-show, Marty did the review for my show for the Elgato Wave XLR.
And that is a beautiful little interface that's just got, it's got one USB cable and the XLR goes in the back and it's got a big button on thefront that you switch between the mic and the headphones to turn it up and down.
And most importantly, you tap the top of it and it mutes and unmutes.
And that is my favorite device. I've gone through, like I had a mixer at one point where this guy Victor Cahill was really into audio. Hecame to my house and he set it up and it had so many dials and sliders.
I mean, you know, housekeeper came through and all of a sudden you couldn't hear me.

[7:39] So I actually ditched that for Audio Hijack and ironically, Audio Hijack, I have something set wrong, it's not working for me at thisexact moment, but Audio Hijack is software that allows you to do routing very much like a mixer would, but it's all done in software.
And when I got that, I was like, yep, that's the end of that mixer and that was the last day I ever looked at that.

Marty:
[8:02] Yeah, it's awesome. how things change over time.

Allison:
[8:06] One of my fun stories to tell, by the way, is I've taught not one, but two people how to use Audio Hijack who are blind, and one ofthem is Demase.

Michael:
[8:16] Hmm. So that's where he got all of his knowledge from. Pretty sure he's told me that before, but he's who I go to when I need helpwith loopback or audio hijack. And I love what Roku has done with their software and voice over you for sure.

Allison:
[8:28] They just I mean, it's it's foundational to what they do. It's not even it's nowhere near an afterthought. It is the basis of the way theywork now.

Marty:
[8:37] Sometimes I wish Apple would actually, I don't know, observe what they've done with voiceover and the interactions and make thatpossible throughout the operating system to something really cool that they did recently is they have a piece of software that's digital thatallows you to virtually have the triggers where you can activate a sound and it will put it into your recording so you can have you knowpeople applause or horns or whatever you want you can just load the triggers up with whatever you want.
Now, at one point, I got a stream deck because it's all triggers.
And I thought, oh, man, this is going to be so much easier to be able to activate things really quickly on the fly just because you have thebuttons right there.
And the problem that I had with it was that the software is not accessible at all. So the device became completely useless to me. I couldn'treally do anything with it.
And so now what those guys did was they made this software and they made it so it's accessible and that it works with the Stream Deck.

Allison:
[9:52] To be clear, you're talking about Ferrago that Rogamiba make?

Marty:
[9:57] Exactly, that's exactly. I could not think of the name of the software, but that's exactly what it is.

Michael:
[10:01] I cheated, I looked it up.

Marty:
[10:03] You too.

Allison:
[10:04] Yeah. Mm-hmm.
So they, so Rogamiba made Ferrago work with the Stream Deck?

Marty:
[10:09] Yeah, just in this last update, they redesigned the software and put out a new version of it. And one of the features is that it workswith a Stream Deck now.

Michael:
[10:16] So you can trigger your sound effects with the Stream Deck, which gives you tactile buttons you can feel.
Because the Stream Deck software is not accessible with VoiceOver and Intuitive.
So I ended up with Marty's Stream Deck and we've been playing with BitFocus.

Allison:
[10:33] Another thought, have you looked at a better touch tool with Stream Deck?
Because I know people have completely replaced the Stream Deck interface with better touch tool.
So if that's accessible, that might be a better way for you to actually use the Stream Deck.
Like they build all the buttons with better touch tool.

Marty:
[10:49] And of course, I don't have a Stream Deck anymore because Michael has it.
So you're going to have to test that out and see if it works.

Allison:
[10:58] There was something else I wanted to tell you. Oh, one of my favorite things, and I just love RogaMiba so much, I was on ACBradio and we were talking about how the accessibility of the RogaMiba software, and I brought up one of my favorite things is that whenyou enter your license key, they throw confetti on the screen.
And as I'm describing it, I realized, oh my gosh, you guys don't get to see the confetti.
It should really make some sound. And so I wrote to Paul Kaphasis, the CEO of Rogamiba, and I said, why doesn't it make sound for theblind people?
What's wrong with you? And he wrote back, he's like, oh my god, you're right, I should do that.
And then he forgot about it for a really long time.
But that turned out even more funny because he wrote this fabulous blog post referring to me telling him about this idea and how he forgotto do it.
And so it became this amplified message that they have now put it in.
You hear applause and happiness when you enter your license key.

Michael:
[11:55] That is awesome. So you mentioned you started on a power book.
I think that's what you said. Is that correct? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
So your show has an ever so slight Apple bias. And I think that's what attracted Marty and myself in the beginning because I started using.So my first experience was an Apple 2e.
My school was cleaning them out.
I am young. I'm only 35. So my school was cleaning out their Apple 2e's and they said, Michael, do you want this?
And we had an extra echo, which was a external hardware synthesizer that you can attach to the Apple two week.
And so I said, yeah, let's, let's, uh, take that home and I'll play with it.
I don't remember what happened to it, but I went to windows and then I switched over to a Mac book in 2006 with tiger because that'swhen voiceover came onto the Mac.
And I've been off and on. I always come back to the Mac, although I do real, I play in both worlds, but I find it interesting that you'reYou're an Apple centric podcast that reviews and talks about accessibility importance.
Can you share a little bit about how those discussions come up?
Cause you're not only about accessibility and that's what I really like.

Marty:
[13:03] No, but I will say though you it's in your DNA and I know this because I saw a very funny post from you just a couple of days agowhere you were wearing a clockwise t-shirt, but you explained, oh, I have my clockwise t-shirt and I'm got short curly hair with glassesand I was like, see, it's in your DNA.
You explain everything so that even if someone couldn't see, they get an idea of what it is you're showing off, you know.

Allison:
[13:29] So you're talking about in the alt tags. I like to throw in Easter eggs for you sometimes too. Not super often, but every once in awhile I'll just do something goofy.
But you know, this is a problem with Mastodon. With Mastodon, it makes it obvious that there's alt tags and now the sightlings are readingthe alt tags. So they're not secret Easter eggs for you guys anymore.
Their regular sightlings can see it too. I was kind of disappointed because I had kind of a riddle going except I had to explain it, the image,I had to explain it in alt tags and then everybody just read the alt tags and they figured out what I was was talking about, I was kind of sad.
But it is, that is my way of saying it's really great that all tags are front and center in Mastodon.
Definitely. In answer to your question, when I was 11 years old, I read the book Follow My Leader by James B.
Garfield. And it's a story of a little boy who's playing with fireworks with some friends and he's blinded.

[14:29] And he ends up learning braille, he ends up getting a seeing eye dog, he goes to a blind school where he learns how to navigate witha cane.
And I was fascinated by this, and on page 46, 47, and 48, they showed the braille alphabet.
I happen to know that because I'm holding the book in my hand as I'm telling you this.
And I was fascinated by this, so I went and got a piece of cardboard and a punch, and I made myself a braille card.
And so it's like you say, in my DNA, I was like, this is like a secret code.
I want to learn this too, you know.
And so I've always been interested in assistive tech. You know, it just seems like a fun, there's so much fun to be had.
So when I started doing the podcast, I realized that I got a lot of feedback from people who said, by the way, I'm blind.
And I started realizing that I had a lot of blind friends now because of the podcast and then started learning about, you know, hearing aboutvoiceover and what it meant.
And so in, let me see, I brought the video up and I can give you these links if people are interested. In 2012, I did a tech talk at Macworldup in San Francisco and I did it blindfolded.

Marty:
[15:39] Oh, I remember this. Yeah.

Allison:
[15:41] I, so I taught myself voiceover on the, on the iPhone and then on the Mac.
And it was, the iPhone's like super easy, right? you just slide your finger around, double tap, everything, you know, it either works or itdoesn't.
There's not that much to it. The Mac's really hard though. It's really hard.

Marty:
[16:02] I know it's a deterrent. A lot of people who are losing their vision or who have lost their vision, they stream to the iPad or to theiPhone because not only do you have to learn how to use the Mac, but then you also have to learn how to use voiceover.
And for some people, it's just too much. They're not techie people and it's overwhelming and too overwhelming.

Allison:
[16:26] I think there's just so much variability on the Mac.
When I did my presentation, I nailed it on the phone. I practiced this thing probably 400 times.
I mean, I had a very narrow set of things I was going to do.
I was going to create a calendar invite, and I had a specific person I was going to invite, and it executed perfectly.
But I did the one thing you should never do right before a presentation. I changed something.

[16:54] I decided literally right before I went on stage that it would be easier to open the keynote presentation if I had it on my desktop.
And I got it stuck to my cursor and I couldn't get it off.
I don't know. I still don't know what I did, but no matter what I did, it was just like opening, closing, opening and closing, opening.
It was like somebody with glue on their foot stuck spinning around in a circle.
And my husband kind of yelled at one point because I was starting to just open random things or just open up my screen. He was like, youknow, you might open some personal documents here.
So sadly, I did have to take the blindfold off for a minute or two, and then I put it back on for the rest of it.
But it was really fun to exercise my brain and try to learn it to where I could actually execute some maneuvers.
That turned into, now that I know, and I would put me as like a low intermediate, like I'm I'm not, maybe I'm a little above bunny slope,but I'm pretty low on the skill set.
But I can look at an app that I'm reviewing, and I can very quickly tell you it's not accessible.
Whether it's goodly accessible is another story. I don't know how to do a lot of the trickier stuff.
Never understood what the rotor is to this day, but I can tell if the buttons are labeled, I can tell if you can open menus, or if somebody'sdone something stupid and done something with a graphic.

[18:16] I love doing that because I can tell you whether you should waste your money on it, should you even look at it?
But I also then will just shoot a note off to the developers to find out if they can fix those things.
Because a lot of times they're close, but they're just missing some fundamental piece. And a perfect example, I did a review of an appcalled Hush that removes background noise.
And it's an amazing app by Ian Sampson. And I realized that it had a drag and drop interface. You had to drag your file into the center ofthe screen.
I thought, well, how the heck would you do that?
It's probably hard in voiceover. So I went on Mastodon, I asked people and a bunch of people said, yeah, that's a real pain that doesn'twork very well.
So I wrote to Ian, and he said, oh, this is great feedback.
I'm going to work on this. I have a couple other people who know voiceover helping me. And just a couple of days ago, he sent me a newversion said, okay, I've got the drag and drop part working. It's not all working right yet.
But he actually changed his software because I knew enough to just ask and say, hey, can you fix that?

Marty:
[19:17] We were helping someone just yesterday, actually. And it was a Slack thing.
And he had downloaded the Slack DMG.
We got him to open up the DMG. And then he said the same exact thing.
It is so hard to drag and drop with voiceover.
And what we ended up saying was, well, once you get the DMG open, and you get to the thing where it says, drag the app to theapplications folder, just copy and paste it.
And he went, oh, that's much easier. So you could copy and paste it if you ever have to.

Allison:
[19:53] Actually, we should give him a shout out. That's Ed Howland, who's a castaway. He's super into our Programming by Stealthpodcast, which is one of the shows I do.
And he's been super helpful. Great nerd, man. He's he's real nerdy. He's awesome.
But he was really struggling with that piece of it. You know, I just think it is something he could have just opened the terminal and said,said, uh, you know, move through install Slack too.

Michael:
[20:15] We, we talked about that after we went through everything and, and we're like, yeah, we could have just did that too.
Um, and Marty, he did get Slack working and it did get opened.
He had to, uh, uh, enter a code or click a link or something that Slack wanted him to do, but that screen to tell him that wasn't reading verywell, and that's where sometimes accessibility, just making a slight change or, or, uh, making some alteration can make your app accessibleor your tools accessible to anyone.

Marty:
[20:42] Right.

Michael:
[20:44] That fixing it starts with the conversation with the app developers.

Allison:
[20:49] Yeah yeah the nice thing is i've never had anybody just go no.
Right everybody i've talked to is gone you know at worst case they go well i'll think about it but i never get anybody who just says no.
People seem to be interested in making their app better and one of the reasons i did.
I did a talk at the Podcast Expo.
It was Blog World Podcast Expo at the time. And my talk was how to increase your audience size through accessibility.
And because that's where I look at it is why would you want to put up a wall that keeps anybody out from listening to what you're reading,what your content is? That doesn't make any sense, right? Yeah.

Marty:
[21:31] But yeah, you're right. It was.
And he was an awesome guy. We had a lot of fun with him. He was great.
So we'll keep in touch. We got his info. So, you know, we let him know if you ever need anything to let us know, and we'll do what we canto help him out.
So, yeah, he's a great guy.

Allison:
[21:44] I really appreciate you guys hooking up with him and helping him.
Now, you did that through Zoom?

Marty:
[21:49] Yep. That's interesting. Well, actually, I cheated a little because he did email me his phone number and I called him first.
Okay. And then once I talked to him for about 15, 20 minutes and kind of got the lay of the land a little bit, then we got him in Zoom andgot him sorted out the rest of the way from there. Okay.

Allison:
[22:06] And you used Zoom so that you could hear voiceover?

Michael:
[22:08] Yes, so what we did, and I'm going to tell you what we did and what we can do in the future because of a new tool that I keepmeaning to send you, but we'll tell you about it now.
So what we did with Zoom is he had headphones not plugged in so we could hear voiceover and what voiceover was saying, which is anadvantage to using a screen reader is you can troubleshoot over the phone.
And then we directed him with the keystrokes for what you need to do to go to the places is to do it and it's just complete hands-off, useyour keyboard, don't use a mouse and we were able to help copy the file over and stuff like that.
That works and for the longest time, remote desktop access to be able to remotely control his computer, just using as an example and wedid not do that yesterday, has been not obtainable for a completely blind individual using voiceover over the time that voiceover has been athing.
So there's a new app from NUMA solutions called RIM and you can get it, getrim.app.
And what that will let you do is as a completely blind person, you on a Mac or Windows can remotely access someone else's computer.
And it doesn't matter if they have a screen reader on or not because it comes with its own screen reader.
So it works like TeamViewer, except for instead of you using TeamViewer, you're using RIM so you can control that person's computer.And that's another way to help people troubleshooting if they have access technology.

Allison:
[23:35] Oh, that's really interesting. Yeah, one of the things I did a blog post about listing all of the, what I consider interesting, audio hijacksessions that I've created to solve interesting problems.
And one of them I worked out for a conversation with Shelly Brisbane to allow two people to have have a conversation in, at the time itwas Skype, where both of us could hear each other's voiceover.
So she was demonstrating things in voiceover and I was able to hear voiceover through the, I was able to record our conversation with thefull digital high quality audio of voiceover along with her voice.
I should send you guys that session.

Marty:
[24:22] Yeah, that'd be cool.

Allison:
[24:24] I gotta find it.

Marty:
[24:26] So here is a question for you. since you look at apps and test them for accessibility and things like that.
Someone who's going through the app store looking for an app or maybe someone recommends something, what would be, you think, thebest way for someone to determine whether there's an app, and this could be on the Mac or iPhone, iPad, whatever, that works or doesn'twork with voiceover?
And one other thing.

Allison:
[24:55] Trick question.

Marty:
[24:56] I have my own opinion, but I'll ask you first, of what you think could be improved in the future so that people would know whetherthe app that they're trying to download, install, will or will not work with VoiceOver. But I wanna hear what you have to say.

Allison:
[25:13] Two very different questions.
The answer I would probably give, and I don't know if this is a good answer, but in my experience, I have seen that Apple Viz tends toreview software on whether it's accessible.
So I send people to Appleviz. If it's not there, I don't know what to tell them.
Is that a bad answer?

Marty:
[25:33] No, that's a good answer. Okay.

Allison:
[25:36] As far as the other thing, you'd have to come out with a standardized rating system that people had to pass a certain level of test withtheir app to get it some sort of number, right?
To be able to say, because there's accessible and there's, yeah, that's kind of accessible.
And there's really accessible with, the Rogue Amoeba's at the top and other apps a little bit lower down. So I would think it'd be almostlike a safety rating of, you know, you get a seven out of 10. I don't see how you could do it otherwise, because the developer could go,yeah, yeah, it's accessible.
I didn't break the API when it said to leave it alone and it would be accessible.

Marty:
[26:15] And so developers who are really on their game and who really pay attention to that, they take the extra time and in the descriptionof their app, they say it works with voiceover.
Not everybody does that. Few people do that, but I've ever seen it.
Yeah, there, there are, uh, some that do it.
It's not real popular, but those who do it, it's much appreciated.
I will definitely say, um, what I thought would be really cool.
And I, I've talked about a lot of people with this and they've always had kickback because they say the process would take too long to getit approved, But adding a space somewhere in all of the things that they put, you know, in the app store, does it work with voiceover?
Yes or no. You know, I mean, then you would at least know straight away whether it does or it doesn't, but yeah, but there isn't a yes or noanswer.

Allison:
[27:11] It's a gradient, right?

Michael:
[27:13] Yeah, it could work with voiceover, but none of the buttons are labeled, but because voiceover has the image recognition, voiceovercan recognize Recognize those images, but is that app accessible then?

Allison:
[27:26] Yeah, let's give the hush example since Ian is open minded and fixing it is sure all his buttons were labeled.
They're all great. You just couldn't use the app because you could if you were really good at this, you know, figure out how to do it.
But I wouldn't have called it accessible, even though all the buttons were labeled, but he may have looked at it and thought it wasaccessible because he didn't know that that piece wouldn't work easily.
So that's why I think it's a continuum, Marty.

Marty:
[27:53] Yeah, they also say a lot of people, um, that the process to approve the app would just take way too much resources.
And so that's why they don't do it. Yeah.

Allison:
[28:05] I mean, you'd have to invent a way to do that and I don't know how, how you would do that, but it seems like a reasonable goal.

Marty:
[28:14] I would think so.

Allison:
[28:15] But I mean, there's also, uh, we can't forget things like color contrast for people to, you know, that would be a thing.

Marty:
[28:23] Oh, yeah. And there's a lot of other accessibilities, you know, you could go down a whole rabbit hole. So maybe that's why theydon't do it. I don't know.

Allison:
[28:30] I don't know. That's a good, a good thought, though. I would definitely support trying.

Marty:
[28:36] Yeah, definitely. I would, uh, I would second you on that.

Michael:
[28:40] So I have an easy but maybe hard question for you, Allison, to transition.
In your 18 years of not missing a week of podcasting, what would you say has been the most unique opportunity podcasting has presentedyou with?

Allison:
[28:56] I did a talk at MaxDoc a few years ago that I called it a make your own adventure game.
And I was really proud of this. I figured out that in Keynote, you can add buttons to a slide that change to a different number slide.
So like on slide one, you could have a button that takes you right to slide 32.
So I put five pictures in the middle of the first page, and depending on which one the audience selected, it would take you on an adventurethrough a bunch of slides showing you how I ended up standing in front of them, or how a certain event occurred.
So for example, one of them was a picture of a total eclipse of the sun.
So if you press that button, it always started with, Alison picked up a microphone.
That's the first slide in every one. the way I end up seeing a total eclipse of the sun is a different path through the slides than how, forexample, I got to know Gene Roddenberry's son, the maker of Star Trek.

[30:02] I like that set of slides because it kind of described a lot of what opened up in my life because of podcasting, all because I picked upa microphone, the Total Eclipse one, for example, was, I was on the Mac Roundtable and on the Mac Roundtable was Don McAllister.
Got to know Don McAllister, started working screencasts online for him.
I do video screencasts for his tutorial service.
And then through him, he recommended me to be one of the speakers on a Macmania cruise in Australia to see a total eclipse of the sun.

Marty:
[30:36] That would be awesome. I'd love to go on a cruise like that.

Allison:
[30:39] Yeah, it was really cool. They stopped doing them. Unfortunately, when Macworld fell apart, it was Macworld sponsored, But it wasduring the day when there was nothing to do on the ship, you know, we don't gamble or anything like that.
So during that time, they had, we had classes.
And then when we would go ashore and go snorkeling or scuba diving or whatever it was, we would, we would all disband and go do that.And then you'd come back and go back to class again.
And I absolutely loved it, but they made me do nine, no, eight 90 minute talks on that Whoa, that's a lot. Unique talk. That's insane.

Marty:
[31:17] I mean, You accepted it, and you obviously did it, right?

Allison:
[31:21] I got a free cruise to see a total eclipse. Of course I said yes, and I would do it again, but I mean, I had to start working on thoseslides in February, and the thing was in October.
I remember being so stressed out, a friend of mine went shopping for clothes for me because I needed new clothes, and I just literally hadno time for seven months.
But Don told Neil, the guy that ran it, said, don't ever do that to anybody ever again. It was too hard.
But that was certainly a big event. But again, if you go, Allison picked up a microphone, ended up on the Mac Roundtable.
On the Mac Roundtable was Adam Christensen, who I believe is the first Apple podcaster, and he's still going. So he's been going longerthan I have, but he misses a lot of episodes. So anyway, he was.

[32:09] At.
The sale of one of the new iphone so i don't remember which one is called iphone four and he was in line and a guy overheard his voiceand came running up to and said oh my god i love your show let me introduce myself my name is i ride riding very.
And so it is like you know i was like oh my gosh this is amazing and adam says rod says look i listen to all the mac podcast i love all oftheir all great invite all of them and all of the podcasters I want them to be my guest at the screening of the new Star Trek reboot.
And we're going to do it on Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles.
Oh, I was invited. David Sparks, Victor Kahiao, Adam.

[32:52] None of them came except for me and Steve, my husband, Steve and Don McAllister flew over from England to go to it.
It's like you guys live in Orange County. I mean, it's like a 20 minute drive to the harbor to get on the boat to go over to the island. And soit was ridiculous that they didn't go, but we ended up getting out to hang out with Rod.
I ended up getting him on my show. He is a lovely, lovely young man.
He's just absolutely delightful.
And then at Macworld, I ended up having, I used to do a, have a party for the Nocella Castaways, a cocktail party at a place next to the, tothe theater there.
And I invited him to come and he not only showed up, we had set up a, so everybody was thrilled to get to meet him because, you know,minor celebrity and all that, big celebrity in our nerd world.
We had set up a laptop with a camera on it and had an open Skype session for people to call in who couldn't be at the event. And Rod spent45 minutes talking to those people.

Marty:
[33:53] Wow. That's amazing.

Allison:
[33:55] Just, yeah, you know, so those are the kind of things that just happened because I picked up a microphone. You.

Marty:
[34:02] You've made it lots of friends doing your podcast from all over the place.
And I think that's pretty cool. You're such a people person.
So I would probably say...

Allison:
[34:13] I don't know my own neighbors. I'm serious. I know the names of the people directly across from me on either side, and I don'tknow anyone else on my block.
But I know people across the world.

Michael:
[34:23] I can relate to that. I don't know any of my neighbors. I don't even know their names.

Allison:
[34:27] Yeah, I mean, that requires talking in person, like going to a party or something.
I don't know. I doesn't sound right.
By the way, I should qualify my statement about 18 years without missing an episode.
The show has not missed an episode, but people stand in for me when I go on crazy vacations, like going to Australia for a total eclipse orwhen I went to Antarctica recently, Bart Bouchat's from England, from Ireland, whoops, he's going to kill me for that.
And Alistair Jencks from New Zealand are probably the primary suspects who carry the load when I'm gone. And it's so I can't take fullcredit for it.
It takes the support of everyone.

Marty:
[35:05] But now with all this new technology we have out there, we can just make a virtual you while you're gone and make like it's yourpodcast and it's really you.

Allison:
[35:13] I did that. I had, I lose my voice pretty much once a year or so, sometimes twice.
And in February, March, I lost it just continuously. I mean, it just was not coming back and it was getting worse.
And so I went back through a bunch of episodes and I taught 11labs.io my voice.
And since I script everything, I was able to have 11labs.io read my podcast for me that week.

Marty:
[35:42] And it seems that it happens always around the beginning of the year kind of thing with that loser voice thing.

Allison:
[35:48] Yeah, i'm thinking I should go back through my through my podcast, uh through my scripts to see How often I say it and whatmonth it is.
Maybe I could just prepare for it Now you have 11 labs just planning.

Michael:
[36:00] Yep You're gonna record my podcast for me because you know, I tell people with this ai and technology that we are right now Weare at the worst that it will ever be which means it's going to just improve from here on I don't remember who said that, but it's somethingthat's just stuck with me. This is the worst.

Allison:
[36:14] Oh, Michael, that's, yeah, that's fabulous. This is the worst it'll ever be.

Marty:
[36:20] Yeah, he, without telling me, made a virtual me like it was him and I. And it was pretty funny.

Allison:
[36:26] That's awesome.

Marty:
[36:29] So you had a book you wanted to talk about.

Allison:
[36:31] Oh, I did already. That was Follow My Leader.

Marty:
[36:34] Ah, there we go.

Allison:
[36:34] When I was a little kid.

Marty:
[36:35] Cool.

Allison:
[36:36] I recommend it.

Marty:
[36:38] We'll have to see if that's around anywhere still to get it.

Allison:
[36:41] Yeah, it was written in 1955. I'm old. I think there was a reprint.
I actually don't have my original copy.
I talked about it to a friend of mine and she went and found me a used copy of it from, let's see, 1985, which is now, what is that, 40 yearsago?
So anyway, it's a fun, you know, young adult book.
But what should I learn beyond what I can do now? Do I really need to learn that rotor thing to be helpful to y'all when I'm trying toreview something?
Or can I just keep skipping learning that?

Marty:
[37:18] You probably can get away with not learning it.
It's a lot of people customize it because people who don't know how to use the rotor real well, sometimes they'll do something and then allof a sudden it will speed up their voiceover.
And it's all of a sudden talking really, really fast and they don't know how to fix it.
Or it'll turn the volume up on their voiceover because the volume for voiceovers, the same as everything else.
It's a separate volume. So you can actually turn up or down the volume on voiceover by itself, Siri, you know, and the same with the wholephone.
So I tell people if they have issues with those to remove it off the rotor so they don't continue to turn the volume way up loud or way downlow or speed up the voice.
But I also will tell you, they've changed it a little bit where you can go in now and you can customize the rotor so that you can do adifferent gesture than trying to take two fingers and turn your phone like all weird, you know, in a circle, you can do like two fingers andswipe right or left and it will go through the rotor.
So there are ways that they've made it easier to use now, but people still don't like it. It's not the easiest thing to figure out.

Michael:
[38:32] So I guess my question for you, Allison, is what is it about the rotor that you don't understand?
Is it the concept of using the rotor to change the granularity of navigation or is it actually doing the rotor gesture?

Allison:
[38:46] I don't even know how to turn it on. Okay.

Michael:
[38:48] So the rotor is always on by default when voiceover is there, you always have things in the rotor. And so.
As Marty was saying, you can change the gesture to change between the rotor.
Um, and, and I know that's probably making a little confusing, but, uh, so for, for example, you can navigate by character word or line byflicking up or down with one finger with voice.

Allison:
[39:12] So are we on the Mac or the iPhone?

Michael:
[39:13] This is on both, but we're talking about the iPhone right now. Okay.

Allison:
[39:17] Cause I mostly use voiceover on the Mac cause that's where I'm usually testing apps.

Michael:
[39:21] Okay. Okay. Well then you don't need to worry about the rotor on the Mac.

Allison:
[39:25] Okay.

Michael:
[39:26] Yeah. If you're thinking about the iPhone, it's more advantageous to learn about, but the rotor, I think you can.
So, so the rotors, when you press V O U like uniform, I don't know if you've ever done that, but that brings up a list of all the links on apage, or you can tap your right arrow and that'll give you all the headings on a page or all the controls on a page.
So you can get those all in a list view while using voiceover.
And that's what the rotor is, is you're just changing between what am I going to navigate when I'm using up and down arrow keys after Ipress VO plus you.

Allison:
[39:56] So is that mostly for navigating the web or does that work inside of apps?

Michael:
[39:59] That that is mostly in the web, but as you know, a lot of times apps can also pretend like they're fake web pages too, which means itcan work that way inside Okay.

Allison:
[40:09] But its main function would be in the web. Yes.

Michael:
[40:15] If you were to want to, so I think you're doing a great job with how you explain things with voiceover.
If there was one thing on the Mac that I would tell you that could help either make you more productive with voiceover on the Mac or helpyou with, uh, my favorite thing, which is automation on the Mac while using voiceover, uh, spend some time in the voiceover utility withVO plus F8 after voiceover is enabled. And then go down to commanders.
And I believe I'm doing it right now. So I can make sure to tell you the correct keystroke because I'm all about keystrokes.
Command eight will actually take you to the commanders tab inside there.
And then you can use, uh, you have three different commanders and I recommend looking at the numpad commander because withnumpad, if you have a numpad, you have access to putting all of the buttons on your numpad to perform different actions while runningvoiceover, but there's also a dropdown. What was that?

Allison:
[41:10] I don't have a numpad.

Michael:
[41:11] Oh, okay. Then nevermind. Ignore me. Shoot.

Allison:
[41:15] I was writing all these great notes down.

Michael:
[41:16] I was going to say, cause what you can do is go in and trigger shortcuts or trigger automations just from your numpad, just byhitting it.
And then you have modifiers cause you can use control option, command shift and zero as different modifiers. So you have six differentlevels of commanders you can use from the numpad.

Allison:
[41:32] What's a commander.

Michael:
[41:33] So commander is, um, we'll use it in, in reference that you can relate to without a number pad.
In the same section under here, if you choose keyboard commander or track that, but we'll say keyboard commander and you turn that onwhen you hold the right option key down specifically, and you can pick what that key is, but we'll say the right option key and tap the letterS with voiceover by default, this open Safari or tap the letter M this will open mail, but you'll see on here, you can pick all your letters andthen there's a dropdown with hundreds of different actions you can make VoiceOver do, including for example, if you wanted to, youcould have VoiceOver turn on or off its visuals with the commander.
You can explore different parts of the screen, but under custom commands, there's an option that says run automator utility, you can runshortcuts.
And so commander is do one thing with VoiceOver and a modifier to do something else, either in VoiceOver or in macOS.

Allison:
[42:34] So I have to say the one one thing that stops me in my tracks is when there's hundreds of things you can do.
I need there to be like three. I could learn.

Michael:
[42:45] I get it. Yes.

Marty:
[42:46] Like, let me give you a couple of things that might make using voiceover a little bit easier. OK, the first one and a lot of people don'tactually realize this.
But when you're using voiceover and you're navigating around, There's what's called the VO keys and that's control and option.
And then if you use the arrows, you know, you navigate around and if you use those two keys and the space bar.
It's selection. Right. Now, it gets a little crazy when you got to then interact and un-interact because now you're trying to do finger twistergame when you're trying to do all that.
So you can use the cap locks key in place of the control and.

Allison:
[43:29] No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, I believe in the caps lock key as as nature intended.
I learned when I was in sixth grade, and you will never pry that caps lock key out of my cold dead fingers.

Marty:
[43:43] No, it helps you in the voiceover because it takes away those two keys.
So when you go to interact, you just do caps lock shift and down arrow.

Allison:
[43:51] And when you want to have caps lock anymore.

Marty:
[43:54] Yes, you do still there.

Allison:
[43:55] How do you how do you type NASA?

Marty:
[43:58] Just type NASA. I mean, it doesn't take away this. It doesn't change anything.

Michael:
[44:01] So you're missing an important part, Marty. You, instead of just pressing Caps Lock once, double press it. So Caps Lock, CapsLock, and then you type NASA, Caps Lock, Caps Lock, turns it off.

Marty:
[44:15] There you go.

Allison:
[44:15] Ugh. Ugh.

Marty:
[44:17] The other thing I was going to say was you could use your trackpad.
If you use your trackpad, then it's swiping like on your iPhone and you can do it that way.
So a lot of people who have issues with being able to use all the key commands, what they do is if they have a computer like a desktop,they buy the magic trackpad and you can use that.
If you have a laptop like you do, then you can use your trackpad and you can then do all the gestures with swiping and all of that stuffinstead of doing all of the key commands. Okay.

Allison:
[44:50] Okay. You got me there. Now that that one I'll get along with.
A lot of people use the reason I had such a vehement response to reassigning the caps like he is a lot of the automation nerds specificallyfor keyboard maestro all think that the best thing in the world is to reassign the caps lock key so that you can, it basically means mashdown all the other keys.
And I just, no, caps lock is made to do caps lock. And I just can't imagine, I've had so many arguments with people about this, like, how doyou type something in all caps?
I had to write Wonderboom 3 last night, or last week, about 45 times, it's all caps. How do you type that all caps without going shift W,shift O, shift N, shift D, shift Oh my gosh.

Michael:
[45:39] No, you need a caps lock. Yeah. So I like you. I have to have that caps lock key in some instances for sure.

Allison:
[45:47] I have, when I tell these stories, I realized that I just sometimes like to learn something that maybe not everybody else knows how todo.
When I was in sixth grade, I had the Hong Kong flu and pneumonia at the same time. So I was sick for a long time.
No, it wasn't, but I was laid up for a long time. My mother gave me her 1945 secretarial typing book and an old, you know, real old-fashioned typewriter back then with it, like before the Selectric was even invented, kids, if you know what that is.
And I taught myself to type and I was sick so long that I started going through the book a second time learning to type with my toes, butthen I got better.
I just like to learn stuff. Wow. Yeah.

Marty:
[46:30] That is, uh, would be a sight to see. I'd love to see you type a blog post with your toes. That would be interesting. Yeah. I haven'ttried it.
How would you do the caps lock?

Allison:
[46:39] Yeah, there you go. Actually, I wonder, was there even a caps lock on this?
I don't remember. I think there was. I know when I leave.

Michael:
[46:49] Oh, sorry. Go ahead.

Allison:
[46:50] Go ahead. Follow my leader.

Michael:
[46:51] I was just going to say, and, uh, and I was going to start to wrap it up and say that follow my leader is available on bookshare. I'vedownloaded it, and this will be a book that I'm going to read in the very near future.

Allison:
[47:02] Oh, cool. It is a young adult book, but I liked it. It meant a lot to me.
Eventually, my mother ended up going blind, and so she was awesome.
When she started to lose her vision, she immediately went to Braille.
I remember she came home, and she took all of her cookbooks and threw them in the trash, and she said they told her to do that becauseshe says it's just going to depress you because because you're not going to be able to read them anyway.
So just clean it all out. So she bought a bunch of gadgets. She was a real gadget hound and loved accessible tools. She wasn't very good attech, but she really enjoyed it.
And I ended up going, I go to the CSUN Assistive Tech Conference every year and get to learn about all the coolest new tech gadgets forpeople with assistive needs.
And I think it's really cool. You guys get all the fun stuff.

Marty:
[47:51] Yeah, I'm going to try and make it to CSUN next year. I didn't get to go this year.

Allison:
[47:56] Oh, well, hang out. I do lunch every year with somebody.

Marty:
[48:00] All right, we'll definitely do that.

Allison:
[48:01] Whoever's up for it.

Marty:
[48:02] I'll have to drag Michael down and we'll all go.

Allison:
[48:05] That'd be cool.

Michael:
[48:06] There we go.

Marty:
[48:08] Awesome.

Michael:
[48:09] I really appreciate you jumping in with us today and hopefully you had a little bit of fun. I'm going to let Marty wrap it up and thankyou again for joining.
And I'm glad to know that it was October of 2017 I first emailed you.

Marty:
[48:21] Yep. Thank you so much for coming. We really appreciate it and love having you on. So thank you. Thank you.
And why don't you tell everyone how they can find you wherever you want them to find you at?

Allison:
[48:35] Absolutely. The best place to go is podfeet.com. P O D F E E T.com.
I designed the name of all my shows and my website to have zero SEO, no search engine optimization possible. You'll never find me.
Podfeet, my husband says I have feet like pods, and that's why it's called podfeet.com.
But you can find me on mastodon at podfeet at chaos.social.
And I don't do much on Twitter, but spam people with blog posts and such.
But you can still find me there at podfeet.
And as I like to say, everything good starts with podfeet.com.

Marty:
[49:08] Awesome. Thank you so much again. We appreciate it. Thanks for having me.

Allison:
[49:13] I really had fun.

Marty:
[49:14] All right, everyone. Thanks so much. much and we'll see you next time.

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Shell Phone Show: accessing the manual on the Blindshell classic 2

Wed, 31 May 2023 21:14:33 -0000

[Music]

This is the Shell Phone Show.

[Music]

Showing you how to do something on the Blind Shell Classic 2.

Brought to you by Peyone Media LLC.

[Music]

If you'd like to access the manual on the Blind Shell Classic 2,

You can do so within the phone itself.

Press and hold the back button until you hear the time.

7.31 PM.
Press the up button until you hear.
Call one of seven.

Turn off the phone.

Seven of seven.

Manual six of seven.

If you press okay on manual.
Blind shell classic two user guide.

One of eight.

You're then presented with a menu of eight options.

The first one is Blind Shell 2 User Guide.

If you press OK.

Blind Shell Classic 2 is a buttoned phone for blind and visually impaired people.

The phone is controlled via the physical keypad or by voice commands.

So that tells us there are two menu options here.

If I press the down arrow.

Important notice, if you let your phone's battery discharge completely,

it may appear that the phone is not able to charge at all.

And you're able to continue reading through that manual.

Tap the back button to go back to the menu.

>> App blind shell classic two user guide, one of eight.

>> We can press the down arrow key.

>> Getting started, two of eight.

>> So in getting started, we'll press "Okay".

>> Package contents, one of six.

>> Each one of these sections has more information inside of it.

So when I press "Okay".

>> To turn on the phone, one of one.

>> Because you didn't hear a chime,

That means that you don't have a menu option.

And if you hear it say more than of one, then you just use your down arrow keys to hear

the next lines of content.

The music used in today's Shellphone show was thanks to Andre Louis and his Shorts collection.

If you or someone else you know is interested in the Blind Shell Classic 2, be sure to stay

Stay subscribed to The Shell Phone Show on your favorite podcast platform.

This is a Peyot Media production.

[MUSIC]

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ACB Community Replay from May 30 2023

Tue, 30 May 2023 19:39:12 -0000

[0:00] Today is, what is today's date? The 30th. Tomorrow's the last day of the month. This on Mule Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. I can not talk today. That's good. Just keep the blah, blah, blah in. We'll just put that in really. All right. I'm going to do it one more time. This is an ACB Community Call, presented by American Council of the Blind.

[0:27] Music.

[0:40] This Unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023. Hello everybody, welcome back to another Unmute.

[0:48] If you have questions about technology, go ahead and get your hands raised and we'll get through everyone. We're going to take everyone's first questions first and if we get through everyone, then we'll take second questions, second hands. Also be respectful to everyone in the same way you would want to be and let everyone ask their question and get it out so that they can get their questions answered. So we want to let you know that we are on Mastodon now. So if anyone wants to follow me on Mastodon, mine is marty.unmute.community. And if you have any other questions, you can still email us at feedback at unmute.show for questions, comments, or anything else. And Michael, what about you? What do you got going on?

[1:33] Oh, I've always got like 10,000 things going on, Marty, and I'm like, eventually I'll catch up. That may never happen. That's not going to happen. Yeah. Yeah. Never going to happen. So, uh, like always, I want to go ahead and give a quick overview of the content that, uh, is available in the unmute presents podcast feed. You can find it in your favorite podcast app and we'll go over the most recent seven episodes. So yesterday, technically working, and I'm actually looking at this and realized it didn't get published in the unmute feed. So it's going to go out here shortly. So I messed that one up, but technically working was published yesterday, which is a show that Demasi and I host. And in yesterday's show, you learn about some of the networking woes that I've ran into. And we also follow up on Demasi's concerns about Apple and partnering with Tracker.

[2:21] Databases. So you'll want to give that a listen if you're interested on Sunday, Marty recorded an episode that we called demystifying external hard drives, choosing the right hard drive for your needs. So if you're interested in what is an external hard drive, what do I need and how can I get the best one that fits my needs, then give that a listen. Lynn and Marty sat down and talked about fake news and AI in Friday's finds episode. On Thursday, Demasi came back and surprisingly sent me a longer amount of content than I thought he would have that was 35 minutes of talking to you about password managers, the importance of what they do, why you need to use one, and what options you have out there. You always hear us talking about one password if you've listened to any content we've produced, but he gives you some other things to think about and some free solutions. And then Wednesday, we published the Shell Phone show where I showed you how to save an email out of your email in the blind shell phone and keep that in your notes if someone sends you something you want to refer back to. And then of course last Tuesday we published the ACB Community Call Replay for May 23rd. So that's a quick recap of what we published. Marty, anything to add before I ask Sheila if we have any hands? Not that I can think of. I guess one last reminder is WWDC is Monday, so So think about that. What do you want from WWDC?

[3:47] What are your wishes? WWDC wishes. Yeah, there you go. Share those. Sheila, who's our first hand? Monica. Yeah.

[3:54] Hey Monica. Hello. So my question today has to do with the Spanish language. I want to know how I can get Spanish on my rotor so when people send me messages in Spanish I can read them in Spanish and not in English. Yep that makes perfect sense. If you stick around, I do not have an immediate answer to you. I believe there's a language option that you can add to your rotor but I I will look and get the exact terminology for you. And what I would do, I don't know if that's the right way and someone else may have another suggestion. So if you do raise your hand, but this is what I would do in a second. I'll let you know, Monica. Thank you. Yeah. All right, next is area code 201, ending in 406. Can you tell us who you are please? It's Lisa G, hi everybody. Hello Lisa, how are you doing? Very good, how is everybody doing on a fine Tuesday, not a Monday. Yeah, we're all a little thrown off, I think, but we'll make it. I do have a couple of questions. My one question I will ask now and then go back in the queue. Is there any recommendation? I have an iPhone and iPhone 12 mini and I have an Alexa.

[5:10] And I wanted to know if what kind of outlet I could get. My neighbors would tell me, oh, they got this outlet, they plug their lamp in and they can tell it to turn on and turn off. Is there any recommendation that you've heard of? That is a good one, because some of them I get so confused. It's like, you know, they work with different things and I just want something simplified that I can just plug it. Some of them you plug in, some of them you need a controller. I just want to get a basic.

[5:36] Plug it in and not have a command base. Can you recommend anything by any chance? There used to be ones called Wemo plugs and basically all you did was plug that into the wall And then the other side has like a plug that you can plug something into it. And then you can give it a command, you know, living room lights and say, turn on or off the lights. So those are the most basic ones that I know of. Anything else is going to turn into more a hub and having to do more stuff. So there is, um, if, and I apologize, I was looking at Monica's question. So are we looking for a good, smart, like power strip? Is that what you're looking for? Not just like he was just speaking about just the plug, you plug it in and then you can plug in your lamp or whatever it is. Like a we will plug Michael. Yep. Yep. So Maris also makes one and I believe they do have a single one and they also have a power strip that offers USB things. And what I like about Maris is they are and I believe it's M A R R A S is they work with all three home kit on Apple. Also work with the a lady and they work with Google Home and they're affordable as well. So that might be another one to look at too. Thank you. Yep. Right. Evelyn. Hey, Evelyn. How's it going? Star six will unmute you. Oh, there you go. Yeah, I'm here. Hi. Hello. Hi. I don't know. Fine. Um, I...

[7:03] Michael, I purchased the power bank and I got a question about that. Does it only vibrate when you plug it in? Plug it in to charge? It does not only plug it or vibrate when you plug it in to charge. So, there's a single button on the power bank. If you press and hold that, that will cycle between three different modes. One is beep, one is beep and vibrate, and one is just vibrate. So if yours is set to just vibrate, and it's just vibrating when you plug it in, then you can change that mode by pressing and holding that button. Pressing it once should vibrate or beep up to four times to represent what percentage the battery has. And then when you plug other devices into the power bank, then you should receive some audible or tactile feedback, letting you know that you've actually plugged something into it.

[8:00] Okay. And also, I noticed that, okay, the little cable that came with it, I can't use to charge it because on the other end, I don't have anything that I can plug it into. So I'm using the blind shell cable. Is that okay? No, that's perfectly fine. And let me explain that to people who might be curious because the blind shell classic 2 uses what's called a USB type C to charge and the power bank in the middle uses a USB type C so you can charge the power bank or other devices. That little cable that you have would let you charge the blind shell with the power bank. I don't know if you've done that because it's type C on both ends or you could plug the one type C into an AC to Type-C adapter, and I know that's a lot of letters, but primarily it's the same thing that you have for the blind shell or other devices, except for the part you plug the The cabling is a lot smaller because type C is smaller.

[9:08] Okay, so it's okay for me to use that one. I don't really need to get another cable for it. Yep, it's good for you. And if you're not getting the feedback you expect, reach out to us and either myself or Demasi can help you with figuring out what exactly is going on with the PowerBank if it's not giving the feedback you need. Okay, Evelyn? Okay. Well, one more question about the keyboard. I also purchased that. And okay, there's three different modes, I guess you can put it in. So for the, for the blindshield to use on the blindshield, it's Android, right? That you would pick. Yep. So you choose FN and Q to switch it over to Android. Okay. All right. That was it. Thanks a lot. Thanks, Evelyn. Yep. Okay.

[9:51] Desi. Hey, Desi. Hey, Desi. Hey guys. So, um, I, as you know, uh, not so long ago got a Mac and I'm really enjoying many aspects of it. It. I find Zoom posting to be just a breeze with the Mac. I love it so much more than Windows Zoom posting. I love hearing all this. My problem seems to be that having used a Mac several years ago, I do remember about interacting and all that stuff, but I'm having a hard time distinguishing when I'm supposed to interact with something versus when I would VO space or enter on it or you know that kind of thing. So like when I go into my mail app, I'm just using the standard Apple.

[10:47] Mail app, when I go into that and I want to go to my mailbox table and select a new mailbox for instance. I'm having a hard time figuring out the best quick sequence for that and I do eventually get there. I'm not doing it consistently enough to figure out exactly what I did every time. It's almost always like a new rediscovery. So do you have any ideas or thoughts about that? When you're actually in mail, there's actually a keyboard shortcut. Actually is Chanel here? What's this keyboard shortcut? I forgot what it is. But if you say like you're on a mail, in the list of mails, you wouldn't even have to interact. You can just hit the keyboard shortcut, and it'll put you right into the body of the email. And you could then read it. And when you're done, you hit the same shortcut and go back to your list again and go up and down the list. This is Chanel. Gotcha. Chanel, what's the keyboard shortcut? Yeah, well, I don't like doing mail that way. I hate doing mail that way. Because I want, because the problem is that it marks mail as read automatically when you arrow through the list. So I always collapse the pane. I can't stand doing it that way. But if you really wanna know, it's VOJ. but I don't even have a need to interact in the mail app really unless.

[12:05] Really not at all unless you really want to understand the structure of how the mailboxes are laid out or unless you want to navigate in the mailbox by a particular column like subject but there's really no need to interact at all in mail. Well what about when you open a message though and then don't you have to interact with it so you can see what the with the text in there. Not necessarily. If you want to explore it like you know if.

[12:34] If your quick nav is off, because I never use quick nav, so yeah, my knowledge, I haven't turned it on.

[12:41] Yeah, you don't really need to know. Yeah, so I'll back up. But you Yeah, I was just testing this out. Because because like, Desi, I've always interacted with the mailboxes. And I've overcomplicated hearing Chanel say that I'm like, I'm gonna go try this. So if you set your voiceover focus to the list of the mailboxes, you actually don't have to interact. Simply use your up and down arrow keys, find the mailbox you want to work with and tap enter. It looks like if you then use your up and down arrow. You don't even need to tap enter. You can just VO write twice and then you're in your mail, in your mail, in that messages list.

[13:17] There you go. And then you just tap your up and down arrow and then I just hit enter on a message. And what I like about this too, Desi, is it puts you at the top of the message. So if you press your down arrow key and it says we have a customer who requested. So I can actually go to the home line and use option right arrow and select the we have a customer and hit command C to copy that. So it works a lot more like the experience you might expect when you're using Windows and you don't have to use the voiceover. Chanel, you have just changed my mail life. I appreciate that. Oh, yeah. Well, you guys have helped me. I'm trying to remember what specifically, but you're always so yeah, I can't know. So you're here. Oh, that's right. I did not know that you could do command and then the numbers to jump to different categories and the voiceover utility. When I heard you do that last week, I did a double take like, huh, what's he doing? And then I tried it and that was so cool. So yeah.

[14:14] And Desi, one other thing, if you do get stuck with the interact thing, if you at the top of an email, so say like you pick an email out of the email list and you end up having to interact, you basically have to do it twice. Is at the top, there's going to be the header section, which is the, where everybody sent you, where the email was sent and has the headers. And then the second one is going to be into the body. So it would be kind of doing it twice. And then you do it twice to get out of it again. That would be if you had to interact with it. And this is Herbie. I can, am I unmuted? Yeah, you're unmuted, Herbie. All right. Just one general tip I will try to give on interacting. And there's no exact science, perhaps, but, okay, so basically if something says it's like a list or a grid or a frame, those things usually mean that you're probably going to need to interact to see the contents of said items. So.

[15:24] Music is a good example of that. Like if you use Apple Music on your Mac, when you go to your search results, it usually presents it in a grid type thing, and so you have to a lot of times interact to actually see the contents. That's a good guide to use when knowing when to interact. I've seen a couple of times people, see the need to interact in places I would never think to need. Like, for instance, if you ever want to work with audio hijack, I never... Other people think that they need to interact on the blocks, and I do mean people, plural. I'm not singling one person out here. And it's always interesting to me, because I think I always knew that UVO is based on them. And so I think there's some kind of language that tells other people, oh, you need to... And I don't remember how I knew, like, if it was intuitive or what, because I... Yeah, and one thing I'll go back to, Ari, and then we're going to go on to the next hand, because there are several people that's been waiting. Demasi and I mentioned this on technically working, and it was also brought up on DoubleTap last week. And that's just the inconsistencies with Apple on the Mac. And unfortunately, that's not something that's going to change tomorrow. So appreciate your question, Desi. We're always learning and taking on new things. So Sheila, who do we have next? Beth. Hey, Beth.

[16:48] Oh, okay. Yeah, yeah. Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you. Yeah. Yeah, I, I had a problem this this past week, I talked to Apple because I download a one node. It was downloaded. But I tried this game blindfold phrase madness. And it's a direct touch area where I put so I put it off, but it got stuck in the direct touch. I tried to swipe left, right, and I couldn't get it out of the direct touch, so I had to exit it, app switcher. But I called Apple and because also when I, after I'm done making a call, there's not speech on the iPhone for a while. And I know that's been a problem too. And he couldn't figure it out. He said, you know, try to go, he tried to fix it, you know, well, we were both on the line and he.

[17:49] Said, go to your home screen. And I couldn't get to my home screen. He kept saying app switcher and it would have disconnected us. So I'm, I'm a little, little, um, um, disappointing cause I thought that that was going to be fixed that direct touch. And, and yeah, cause I called Apple, um, this is a third or fourth time now, and it's been going on for a year for a few years already. So, so if I'm understanding correctly, you're, you're having issues with switching out of direct touch. Yeah. Or, or if I do put it off or sometimes I can't, but yeah, this particular game I could, but then I couldn't play the game that.

[18:30] I tried to swipe left and right. One thing you want to make sure, Beth, and I'm going to be fully transparent and say, I don't play the blindfold games and I don't use any apps that require direct touch. I do know that we do have a couple of listeners who do. So if you have any input, please raise your hand and we'll love, Beth will hang out and hear your responses if you do. But if you haven't yet, go into your voiceover settings, go into the rotor and make sure that it says selected direct touch. Because if that's not selected, then flicking down won't take you out of direct touch. So you want to make sure that that's on your rotor. And if it's not on your rotor, then turn that on. And then you should be able to change to that option and then flick down to get out of direct touch or into direct touch. But I believe the app itself switches you to direct touch. And then when you go home, that should take you out of direct touch. But if it doesn't, then maybe someone else will raise their hand and give some feedback, okay?

[19:26] Okay. Sounds good. Yeah. Yeah. Cause I would, you know, it was developed for the blind. So I would think that they would have considered that. Well, hang out best because it looks like someone did raise their hand and I believe this person will be able to help them. We get to them. So hang out. And they may have an answer for you. Okay. Okay. Thanks. Who do we got next? Sheila? Brian. Hey, Brian. Hey, Brian. How you doing? Hey everybody. This is my first time. And welcome. Thank you. And hopefully this is an appropriate place to ask this question, but I have recently got a Samsung smartwatch and the phone and the tablet. And I'm not real tech savvy and I kind of feel like I'm in a sports car going in for a skier. You know, there's a lot of things I don't know about in there. In there and I don't expect you to tell me everything but are there places that are kind of written or easy to understand that can give me ideas of what options I can use it might be really fun because, like I said, I'm...

[20:32] I know I'm underusing it by about 95%, so. So, first thing I will recommend is when you first turn on TalkBack, because TalkBack is going to be the screen reader on the Android platform. When you go and turn that on for the first time, which you typically can do by pressing and holding the volume up and down keys together for about three seconds if it's not on already, or you go into Settings and you go to Accessibility and tap on TalkBack at the top. And I know that's a lot. I'm trying to find a resource also that has some written directions for you, and if you email us, we'll give you our email. We can send you these directions too. But you can go in there, and at the bottom is a tutorial for using TalkBack. Does that sound familiar to you at all? I've heard of it. I haven't used it, so.

[21:26] Okay. That would be a good resource to get started. And then also, how comfortable are you using the web on your computer? I can do okay. Okay, so there's a website called blindandroidusers.com. And if you go to blindandroidusers.com, there's a podcast here, some YouTube videos, and they have a lot of content to get you up and running with Android. For Apple users, this is similar to a one-stop resource as Apple Viz, but that could be a good place to get started with it as well. And then you can always send us an email at feedback at unmute.show with specific questions and we can help you further as well. Oh, great. Thank you so much. No problem. And if you listen to podcasts or you have an A lady, you can also tell it to play the blind Android users or search for blind Android users your favorite podcast platform.

[22:23] Okay. Hey, I really appreciate it. Thank you. Of course. If you have any other questions, we're here on Tuesday, so you can always come back here. What do you got next Sheila? Brad. Hey, Brad, how are you doing? Hey guys, I didn't want to interrupt before, but we'll follow up on Chanel and the, uh, as, as you confirmed, you do not need to interact with that mailbox list. However, if you do, there is additional information in there. There's groups, your favorites is a group, each individual mail account is a group, and these groups have headings which actually can be navigated with your heading. Nav, use your letter H, and you can move forwards or backwards through those.

[23:11] So, I mean, you can, a sighted person, I have a little bit of vision so I can see them. They're faded. They're like not full bright like the others, but they're in there. And that can help you quickly navigate from, you know, if you've got like, I have several mailbox, ATT Yahoo, I got a Gmail, I got an Outlook.com. And you can jump from one group to another and then navigate the individual mailboxes in those IMAP accounts.

[23:39] So, you know, even though you don't have to interact, there are times when you might want to, and it might save you a few keystrokes doing so. And I feel silly for not realizing this, and Brad, you might be able to relate to this. Sometimes you do things and you don't even think about it. So what I have actually been doing lately is interacting with the list of messages, navigating to the subject line, because I can typically tell if I want to keep it, and then I just hold shift key down and start down arrowing, and then all I hear is the subject line. So then I'm selecting the messages and I can delete those quickly. So that's one of the advantages of interacting as well. That's right. And you can, there's additional information. Like you said, if you interact with your mailbox list, you can move through, you know, if you're not interacted as you arrow up and down, it, it, it reads the entire line and a lot of times, you know, it goes through kind of fast and you're like, what was that? So you can interact with it and then move through the line and read each, each column, the sender, the subject, and the other information that's in there. So even though you don't have to interact, sometimes it is beneficial to interact, and navigate that way. Anyway, that's it. Awesome. Appreciate that so much. That's a great tip. You can also use first letter navigation if you know what directly what you wanna jump to. Yep.

[24:57] So. Thank you, Brad. Appreciate that. And Sheila, who do we have next? Jewel. Hey, Jewel. How you doing? Thanks for raising your hand. Hey. It's like I was talking to you. What's that? Oh, were you raising your hand because of the direct touch question? Actually, no. Oh, okay. I had my hand raised for a question. I think I missed the direct touch question. No problem, go ahead with your question. Okay, and maybe you could repeat what the question was about direct touch. I might be able to help with that.

[25:27] The question I had is, I'm starting to use JAWS with Microsoft Office more, and I know the basic stuff. I've been using JAWS with Microsoft Office for over a decade. So I know the basic stuff. I'm wondering where good resources for advanced would be other than free and scientific because they don't cover everything.

[25:48] Um, they're starting to cover more advanced stuff, but there's not everything. I wonder if there's a book or...

[25:54] I don't know. So I believe there is a book where I got more and I don't have a name for you but I would check National Braille Press and just type in Microsoft Word there. Chancey Fleet at the New York City Library often does some JAWS training for different applications specifically. And what I like about her, she works at multiple different levels and she's able to help you where you are at as well. And I know she's done some more advanced training. Another thing that I can recommend is, I believe Microsoft also does some training. So check out the aka.ms slash dad website and look for some training from Microsoft. And let us know if you have specific questions because that could be a gap that may need filled that if anyone else has any other resources we'd love to hear about too. That's the problem is every time I see an advanced training thing from free and scientific, I go, oh, I could really use this, you know? And then, you know, but then there's other stuff that I don't even know I need and could be very handy. Yeah. I don't even know what to ask. I will say Alt-Q is my best friend. I believe if I remember right, it's Alt-Q in a word that will let you search the menus for what you're actually looking for.

[27:07] I also think that Chansey Fleet last time I heard she was also working at Braille Institute out of San Diego location. So you might want to check that out. I think that they do workshops online. you can be anywhere. And so that might be a good option for you as well. Cool. Yeah. I'll check those all out. Thank you.

[27:26] And could you repeat the dark touch? Maybe I can have a answer. Oh yeah. And it looks like we don't, yeah, it looks like we don't have any other hands right now either. So real quick, uh, Beth was using the blindfold games and I told her I don't actually play those, games and I don't use direct touch. And she says she's having problems getting out of direct touch. So could you walk someone through the process of how they get out of direct touch? Yeah. Um, that's actually pretty easy. Um, if you add direct touch to your rotor, um, if you know how to add to the road, if you go into voiceover, um, rotor and add direct test to your rotor, then you can just flip to it in your rotor and, and switch it off. And you just flick down to turn it off. Right. Exactly. Just like you would anything else. Yep. Perfect. Perfect. I told her. That's a really easy way to do it. Yeah, I told her that so I'm glad to know that that works. So thank you a lot for confirming that. That's great. Sheila, who do we got next? Doc. Hey, Doc. Oh, sorry. Excuse me. So you added to your rotor, you just, how do you add it to your rotor again? Beth, if you raise your hand, we'll get to that after we answer Doc's question, OK? Thank you. OK. Cool. Doc?

[28:36] You are muted, Doc. Oh. Okay, how about now? There you are. We can hear you, Doc. How you doing? Okay. I need a keystroke. I can turn JAWS off with Insert F4, but I don't know the keystroke to turn it back on the shortcut. Yep.

[28:54] So, the shortcut should be Insert J. And the reason I say it should be is because I have never gotten that to work, but people tell me that they do. The best way that I can get JAWS to come back, because insert F4 is actually exiting JAWS completely, is to hold your Windows key down and type the letter D. And if the only thing on your desktop is J, or is JAWS, if I can talk, if the only thing on your desktop, starting with the letter J is JAWS, you can just tap J and hit enter. Or if you know what version of JAWS you're running, you can, and there's a lot of ways to do it. So when you figure out the best way to work for you, then run with that. You can always go to run with Windows key R, type JAWS 23, for example, and hit enter and JAWS will come back. Insert J should bring JAWS back. If all you need to do is suspend your speech though and not actually exit JAWS, it's recommended to just do insert space, or insert key space followed by the letter S to be able to put JAWS on speech on demand. And then do that again so that way you don't actually completely lose jaws and you're not without speech. Yeah. Well, I've been having a lot of, you know, I just got a new computer and, and I'd say it's all the very latest of everything.

[30:19] Um, and it's doing a lot of quirky things and, um, sometimes jaws just Quit talking. And no matter what I try, I've tried even the Windows JAWS 23, you know, insert 2023 enter. Yeah. And that will make it talk. It's like it's still on, but it just won't talk.

[30:50] So, Doc. So I have to shut it clear down. Remember this keystroke. Instead of having to shut JAWS down, This is how you can actually force JAWS to restart. It's the same as turning it off and turning it back on. And that's insert space. You'll hear the two clicks and then just press F4 by itself. So insert space, F4, insert space. So that's its own keystroke. So press insert space, you'll hear JAWS click, and then press the F4 key by itself. So again, that's insert space followed by F4. and that will turn JAWS off and turn it back on. And I find that to get me out of situations where JAWS stops talking. Great. I'll give that a good try. Thank you very much. No problem. Come back to us and let us know if that works for you. We appreciate your support. And Sheila, who do we got next? Beth. Hey, Beth. Beth wants to know how to get that. Oh, how to get- The action on the rotor. Thank you for the reminder, Marty. So if- Yeah. Do you know how to get there, Marty? You would go into Settings, Accessibility, VoiceOver, Rotor.

[32:01] Exactly, and then you would go down and you would find the one that says Direct Touch. If it doesn't say Selected, if it just says Direct Touch, that means it's not in your rotor right now, and that's why it's not working. So you'll need to double tap on that so it says Selected Direct Touch. And when that says Selected, then it's in your rotor and you should be able to find it to switch out of direct touch.

[32:24] So so that will only work in the blindfold games because I want to just make sure I can use other things without, you know, it's saying direct touch. Well, it should work anywhere where a direct touch is active. So if direct touch is not active, it won't matter. Right. Yeah.

[32:44] And now I also had a question about media player. I still can't get I don't know if it's something I talked to Microsoft and answer desk. I think it's because See, one time I got it to play my music, I don't know how I did that, it just, you know, But it's asking for folders, but and I tried to play what was in the folder, which was a bunch of music and only played like two or three songs and then it stopped. So I don't know. I didn't find any things that said playlist or anything like that. So you're trying to play a whole folder of music. Is that correct? Yeah, yeah. Okay, somebody said on the system access, just, you know, play a folder, add it to, you know, select it. I did all that. But maybe every computer is different. I know. So, so I believe if you go and I could be wrong, and I'm going to give you something to try. And if you I did write it down, follow up with us next week and remind us, we may have some more information for you. But I believe if you locate the folder inside of File Explorer, you go into it, and then you do a Control-A to select all.

[33:57] If you press Shift-F10, there should be a Play a Media Player option if you're using Media Player, and that should play all of those files in the order that they are in the folder. So I would try that and see if that works. And then, as I said, follow up with us next week. And I will try it as well because I don't use Media Player to play music. And you're using Media Player, not Groove, correct? I used to use Groove, but I don't think they have that anymore. So you're using just Media Player then, correct? Yeah. Yeah. Okay. I will play with this in Windows and see what I can do, but give that a try, okay, Beth? Okay, thanks. Yeah, I kind of missed Groove because that was real easy, but... Gotcha. All right. Sheila, who do we got next? Teresa. Hey, Teresa. You're muted, Teresa. Okay. Can you hear me now? Yes, ma'am. Yep, we can hear you. Okay. I have a very, very stupid question. I'm almost too embarrassed to even tell you all this, but... There's no dumb question, so whatever it is, it's fine. You haven't heard it yet. I have I still have this iPod touch. I hate to tell you what generation, but it looks to say I've had it a good while. Back in its heyday, it used to play tune in, play iHeart, the radio stations from TuneIn and iHeart.

[35:19] I used to be able to do Facebook with it. And up until very, very recently, I have a Gmail account, and I could not only read what I received, but also reply.

[35:34] But I was trying, about a week or so ago, I was trying to reply to something, and I got this thing that said error. Now, every time I have moved in the last.

[35:44] Well, since I've had it, I've moved twice, it seems like just something goes wrong every time my move, you know, physically move, you know, to a new physical address and have to get reestablished with, you know, Wi-Fi and everything. So there's a couple of things here. The first thing I would recommend looking at... Go ahead. I just wouldn't even want to tell you what iOS it has. So one thing and the first thing that you should look at since it's older is how much hard drive space you have available on there. Because if the hard drive space is getting filled up, it's going to run super slow and maybe not run certain things. So that's one thing. And I can tell you how to check that. The second thing is if you haven't updated the operating system on it at all, then you're going to be really outdated because everything else is moving forward. And what happens is is the security patches that they put in and the different things that they do to upgrade the software as well as what's out there on the internet. If you stay too far back, it's going to be really sluggish and not really do what it's supposed to do. Or you're going to find that you'll just get errors and things like that. So those are the first two things.

[37:07] And I'm not even sure how far you'll be able to go forward with the operating systems on there. If it's a really, really old one, it's probably not gonna get very far.

[37:19] Even a current model, which is already over five years old now, I think it only goes up to 15. You can't even put 16 on it, and we're about to go to 17, and that's on the latest one. So even the latest ones are pretty outdated at this point. They have not updated them in a very long time, And I don't think they're going to. Perfect, Marty. Thank you for that. And hopefully that helps a little bit. Sheila.

[37:47] Before we go on to the next one, I realized I hadn't followed up with Monica. So I want to go ahead and follow up with Monica real quick in order to get the answer to your question about switching languages. If you go to the voiceover settings, so I told Siri to open voiceover settings and then I tapped on speech and then if you go down the very last heading option is voiceover rotor languages and if you hit the add new language button you can then come down here and pick which other languages you want to add. So for example I'm going to add Ireland to this, and now I have Ireland here and I can pick different voices here that I want to build videos. So I'm going to choose Alex, for example, and then, uh, actually you have to download it. But then what happens is that will add a languages section to your rotor. And you can flick, you can switch to language and then flick down to the appropriate language that you need to use Monica. So hopefully that helps. And, uh, one more thing really quick before we take the next person, to the lady I was just speaking with, I just wanted to let her know to check the hard drive space on there to see how much you have available. You would go into settings, general, storage, and then you'll see there how big your hard drive is and how much available space you'll have and it'll give you some other information in there as well. So that's how you check that to see how much hard drive space you have, or don't have in this case.

[39:16] So general storage, you said, right? Yeah, settings, general storage. OK, I gotcha. OK, because my son, I think he tried to help me update the iOS back, oh, I want to say eight to 10 years ago. You know, that shows you how long I've had this. Yeah, I mean, you might have to kind of retire that and find a newer device, maybe get, you know, like an iPad mini or something since they don't make those anymore. Another thing you could do if you want to try and stick to something as close to that as possible is you can get like an iPhone SE and then you just put it in, you turn off the data mode on it and just use it like you're using your device. You just don't hook up a phone number to it. You just use it like a iPod Touch. So then you would be up to date and you could pretty much do what you want with it. Oh, okay. That sounds like a good idea because actually somebody did give me an iPhone a few years ago. I've never used it as a phone, but I probably activated just enough.

[40:19] You wouldn't even have to activate it. You can just keep it in your house, turn off the cellular and just use Wi-Fi and you'll be good to go. It'd be like having a brand new iPod touch. Oh, okay. And she gave it to me like in, I want to say 17 or 18. Hopefully it's what I have. Yeah. You'll just have to give it a try. It wouldn't cost anything to give it a try. Just put it on Wi-Fi and turn off cellular and you'll be good. The main thing I have, you know, in the in the old iPod Touch that I'd want to keep or maybe some pictures and CDs that transfer to it.

[40:53] If you have iCloud and you're signed in your iCloud account on your iPod Touch, then you can have those pictures sync up to your cloud. And when you put the new device, you sign in with your iCloud credentials. And then when you go to the Photos app, your picture should be there. Okay, thank you. Because like I said, my son tried to update the iOS. Yeah, you'll just have to see where you go, see what it allows you to do. All right. Well, thank you very much. I should be seeing him next week. Hopefully, maybe before this.

[41:27] Call meets again. Yep. Well, good luck to you on that. And if you have any other questions, come back and let us know how it went. And Sheila, who do we have next? Ann. Hey, Ann. How's it going? Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you. Okay. I can't believe I'm actually trying to help somebody. I always need help. But for Doc, the way I do it, I do it the simplest, fewest keystrokes I can find. I turn JAWS off with Insert F4 and I turn JAWS back on with Alt Control Alt J, Control Alt J. And that always works for me. You can try that. If it doesn't work, you can try something else. But that always works for me. Great. Thanks. Did you have another question or was that it? No, that was it. I just wanted to help Doc with that. All right. Well, thank you very much. I'm sure he appreciates that. And I bet the reason Insert J doesn't work for me is because I bet the keystrokes probably actually Control Alt J, which actually makes more sense. So thank you. Appreciate that. Sheila who do we got next? Monica. Hey Monica. Hello. So my question was, when I add the Spanish voice, can I sample it first before I add it?

[42:54] Yeah. So what I would actually do is go into speech and then you can go to the different voices and scroll down to the language that you're looking for, see the different voices. And then when you double tap on it, there should be a, I think there's a play button there. Is there not? So if you, um, yeah, apparently it'll just switch it over to out. So there, no, no, maybe not. You might have to download the voice and try it out and see if that one fits you. I thought there was a preview button option, but it looks like there's not. Okay. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Yeah, no problem. Monica. Thanks for your question. Appreciate it. All right. Bell mills. Hello. Hey, Bill. How are you doing? Okay. Well, I hate to say it, but Alt-Ctrl-J does not work for me. Okay. I have to be different. And another thing is, I am to the point to where I've got to make a decision on what to do about buying a computer. And I think I want to go to the Mac.

[44:03] Okay, going. Yay. But anyway, I just am really discouraged with Windows. I mean, with, I'm I'm sorry, with Microsoft, but anyway, not to go into it, belabor it or whatever. What is the simplest book to get started? Or I guess maybe I should wait until I buy them. I don't know. My suggestion for you, if you're looking to get some training once you get it, is talk to Chanel because I think she has a good option for you. Okay. And another question, if it's okay to ask. Okay.

[44:45] Okay. Why does JAWS repeat the last, well, not just the last word of a document, say you're reading a document and it says, say it's an email, and it says, when I'm proofing, it says, bell, bell, you know, at the end, I sign my name, you know, why does it do that? And it repeats it. It makes me think that I've written my name twice. I don't have an answer to why, but I can tell you that I've observed it as well. And I've seen that before. And I see Brad's got his hand up. You probably want to chime in on the Mac thing. So go ahead, Brad. Actually, I was going to clarify the control alt J thing. That is a shortcut for a desktop icon. And in JAWS, it's not there by default. You have to set it.

[45:37] If you go to your desktop shortcut, I don't know why they don't put it in there. I guess, you know, they never have. They used to on Magic, they would put it in, but never on JAWS. So if you put your focus on your desktop icon, do Alt-Enter, you'll open up your properties. Then you can do Alt-K, and you'll put your focus on the shortcut field. And then you can simply do Control, press Control, then Alt, and the letter J, and you'll put it in that field. And then you can just hit your Enter key. Now, you may get a prompt that tells you you can't save this.

[46:19] Because that icon has been put in the public desktop folder, not the desktop folder for your individual user. But all you have to do is either hit Alt C or just enter because continue is the default, and it will complete the action. Then you can open up the shortcut properties again and confirm that it's there. But that's why you're not finding it. Michael, your insert J, when JAWS is running, we're bringing up the JAWS user in either the run from tray menu or if you're running it from your.

[46:55] Taskbar to bring up the JAWS user interface. And that works only when JAWS is running, of course. Gotcha. Gotcha. And if you're using laptop keyboard layout, the Caps Lock J does not work. You have to do Control Shift Caps Lock J for that to pop up. Yeah. And I should know that. I should be running desktop just to reinforce it. And as far as Mac training, I do training with Chansey in the New York Public Library. And I do a Mac class every other quarter with them, 12 weeks, similar to what Chanel does. So that's just another resource. We also do a Mac help session every fourth Saturday of the month from 2 to 4 Eastern time. And you can go to their website, talkingbooks.nypl.org and find out all about what's being offered by the, how do I say it, the Haskell Braille and Talking Book Branch of the New York Public Library. Awesome, Brad. Thanks a lot. Is it Zoom? Yes. Yep, they do use Zoom for their classes. Oh yeah, they're all on Zoom. Yep. Yeah. Sign up for their email list on that website as well, and then you'll get the updates. They don't come very often, They're not going to bombard your inbox.

[48:13] Cool. Thanks, Brad. Appreciate it. We have about 10 minutes and a couple of hands. Sheila, who do we have next? Marie Nelson had her hand raised. I'm not sure if she had a question. Marie, did you have a question? I'm guessing not. I guess not. We'll go to Diane. Hey, Diane.

[48:32] Yes. Oh boy. I, you know, I had my hand up and I put it down because I found someone, had said the same thing, said the same thing I was going to say about the shortcut, how you had to add it. But the thing I, the thing I would say, unless something has changed, I think you can actually go into that edit box and it, and just type J and it will like, I think it like, I thought it like hit, uh, selected Alton control by default. It might, but it's always best to do what you expect the keystroke to be just that way. There's no surprises. Yeah. Yeah. But, um, I, I think I've also done it that way too. Just typed in the J and then the Alton control like added themselves. Um, anyway, that, that was about all I had. Um, so thanks for letting me in there. No problem. All right. Thank you very much. I'll talk to y'all later. Have a good one. You too. And who do we have next? Jewel.

[49:38] Jewel, go ahead. Hey, Jewel, again. Yeah, I had a follow-up on the languages. Actually, if you, instead of tapping the voice that you want to check out in languages for VoiceOver, if you would swipe down, it automatically puts it in the action menu, and it'll say sample or speak sample and then I'll give you a sample of that language. Also a random tip for everybody that just figured out in voiceover commands of course you know you can customize gestures but there are gestures that are not assigned to any you know things that are not assigned to any gesture. If you wanted to use something for example item search which is very handy in JAWS and a lot of people don't realize they can use it on voiceover but I use it with my keyboard. If you put that on an unassigned gesture, you can then use that gesture to bring up item search and it'll search for an item on the on the screen, so like a word or something, which can be very very handy. I use it with my keyboard and it's very handy. So like if you're on an email and you just want to go to the unmute present on the schedule, then you could do an item search. I have it with a four finger tap, single tap, and then you type in unmute present and it goes straight to that spot on in the schedule. So I just thought I'd throw that out there. Cool. Thanks a lot. That's awesome.

[51:00] All right. Hey Lisa, how are you doing? Hi, my second question was, do you have a phone number or a way to contact Zoom or a text, the text section of ACB because I'm still having trouble when I got a call into your call, it says, oh, engineer, you know, meeting ID and it completes it and then it hangs up on me.

[51:25] Yeah, so let me interrupt you because we've been trying to troubleshoot this and for a lot of people, Lisa. So first of all, it's not just you, it is a Zoom issue. And you're using the one touch dialing specifically or not. Yeah. So with the one touch dialing, I've heard from several people not related to ACB. So it's not even an ACB thing that are having issues. And unfortunately, the only thing I can suggest to you is you can send an email to Zoom or reach out to Zoom and let them know that you're having issues with it. I don't have an immediate solution for you, but that is a known issue. You happen to know, does anybody happen to know their email that I can reach them? Because I have a low level account and they say, I don't have the ability to call them to speak to somebody. Yeah, stick around. I found an email just for someone the other day. I will find it for you and give it to you within the next five minutes. Thank you, very kind. Appreciate your assistance. I'm not the only one.

[52:23] Yeah, Sheila, who do we have next? And actually before we do that, I used what Jewel was talking about, an item chooser, and I found the email address by doing a search for the at sign. And that email address is gonna be access, A-C-C-E-S-S, at zoom.us. So again, that's access at zoom.us. Sheila. Hey, Doc. Excuse me. Hey, Doc. Yeah, how can I tell for sure when I have Wi-Fi calling turned on on an iPhone.

[53:01] It is under your cellular settings and there's a Wi-Fi calling option and if you go in there, it'll either tell you if it's on or off. You do have to set it up the first time you use it though. So if you haven't set it up yet, you have to set it up, which is a little bit of a process. Yeah, you do have to actually complete the 911 calling numbers. Yes, it will not let you, It will not let you use Wi-Fi calling unless you complete the 911 thing and that's because they're considering it your main place of residence and if you're using your phone and you need to call 911, they need the information to be able to show up. If you don't do that process, then it won't show up for emergency services. So that's why they force you to do it. Okay. Thank you.

[53:50] Yep. All right. Marie. Hi, I have a comment and a question. I just checked, and when you add a language on the iPhone under voiceover, the only way you can preview the voice is you have to download it first. And then if you swipe your finger up and down, you'll find a preview button and you can hear it, what sounds like. But my other question is, once you have downloaded and added a voice, does anybody know how you remove a voice you've added? You could go into the voices, I believe, and as long as it's not one of the stock ones, you can remove it. But how? Maybe there's a delete key. Okay. All right. Thanks. That's it.

[54:31] Yep. All right. You've got four minutes. Do you want to take hands or? Yeah, let's try and knock out these last two hands really quickly. Hopefully. Ma'am. Yes. I hope you can hear me. Zoom has been acting weird today. Okay. For the for Monica. Yes. In fact, you can preview sample. Marie, you're missing out on this. Turn your hints on for heaven's sakes. Go in, add the new language, select the voice, and you may have to hit that button again in order for the context menu sort of a thing to come up, but then if hints is turned on, It will say actions available, click down with one finger, and there is preview sample. It is there. I just checked it a few minutes ago. It is there. Perfect. Perfect. Thanks Pam. We're running out of time. We've got one more person. You're welcome. Who do we got next Sheila? Hey Beth. Beth, you're muted. Okay, sorry. Yeah, I don't understand the voiceover commands like.

[55:43] Reachability because I tried to make it so that it's not quite as sensitive to the touch. Like this week I tried to kind of explore that and it's so sensitive. I barely touch it and it will say you know, something or, or lock screen when I don't even mean to and. So Beth, send us an email so we can try to figure out exactly what's going on. Cause this seems like an ongoing issue. So send an email and Marty, I'll give you the email address to send it to when we close it up and we can follow up with you and see if we can help you out. Cause it sounds like there may be some other underlying issues with your voiceover. Okay. Okay. Sounds good. Perfect. Marty, why don't we go and wrap it up? Yep. Yep. All right, everyone. Thanks so much for being here at another Unmute. Okay, can I sign something? Oh, Abby didn't send it out in time. Okay. Sheila, can we mute Beth? But I organized your spice cabinet. Mark and form. And threw out. Perfect, thanks a lot. All right. Okay, once again, thanks everyone for being here. We appreciate it. And if you need anything, have any questions, you can reach us at feedback at unmute.show and we'll be here next week, same time. And everyone have a great day and we'll see you next time.

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Demystifying External Hard Drives: Choosing the Right Drive for Your Needs

Sun, 28 May 2023 07:05:00 -0000

Summary: In this episode of Unmute Presents, host Marty dives into the world of external hard drives. Marty explains the different sizes of drives, including the standard 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch drives, highlighting their uses and benefits. He then explores the difference between platter drives and SSD drives, shedding light on their performance and durability. Marty also discusses the various connection types (USB-A, USB-C, and Thunderbolt) and how they affect data transfer speeds. Whether you're looking for a drive for simple file backup or more demanding tasks like video and audio editing, Marty provides insights to help you make an informed decision.

Fake News and AI

Fri, 26 May 2023 22:59:36 -0000

In this episode of Friday Finds, Marty and Lynn discuss some recent stories involving AI and fake news, such as the hoax explosion near the Pentagon and the misuse of alt tags on social media. They also talk about the upcoming WWDC and some app updates that you don't want to miss.

What is a Password Manager and Why You Need One

Fri, 26 May 2023 02:58:09 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, Demasi explains what a password manager is, how it can help you create and store strong passwords for all your online accounts, and what are some of the pros and cons of using one. He also addresses some of the feedback he has received from previous episodes and how he plans to make the security segment more accessible and beginner-friendly.

Shell Phone Show - How To Save Emails on the BlindShell Classic 2

Thu, 25 May 2023 05:12:46 -0000

Transcript

[0:23] The Blindshell Classic 2 demonstrated in this content was provided to me by ATGuys as an employee for troubleshooting and demonstration purposes. In today's content, I'm going to walk you through the process of saving an email. If someone sends you something you want to be able to keep, it's important to separate that from your email. That way it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. So today I'm going to walk you through saving a message to your notes in your email. Press and and hold the back button. 8.18 AM. And then we'll open our email application. Email. One of two. I'll press OK. Loading new email. One of 25. And we'll locate the message in the inbox that we want to save. Inbox. Two of 25. Press OK. Loading Google security alert. 20 minutes ago. One of 51. And I want to save this security alert. So I'll press OK. And then we'll press OK to open the context menu for this specific message.

[1:28] Press option number 6, followed by OK, and yours may not say 1 of 4. Don't be worried. All you need to do is locate the option that says. In my case, it's the third option, share by notes. Press OK. Text, image, Google, Mozilla Thunderbird email was granted access to your Google account. And the note is then read to you. So in order to save the note, we need to press OK one more time and we'll hear. And secure your account. Note saved. Share by notes. Three of four. Now the note is saved. Here's how you retrieve a note that you've saved to your phone. Press and hold the back button. 8 19 a.m. locate applications applications 4 of 7 okay internet browser 1 of 9 choose tools tools 2 of 9 press ok alarm 1 of 10 choose notes notes 6 of 10 press ok add note 1 of 2 and then choose notes list 2 of 2 and press ok, image Google Mozilla Thunderbird email was granted access to your Google account. There's the message that you saved. If you press OK on this note, edit one of five, you'll have the opportunity to edit, share, use information from your text, delete this single note or delete all of your notes.

[2:55] And I hope that helps you understand how to save notes in your email.

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ACB Community Call for May 23

Tue, 23 May 2023 18:48:06 -0000

this is a replay for the 2023,05,23 ACB Community call.

Technically Working: Navigating Tech and Business Insights

Mon, 22 May 2023 19:30:00 -0000

Summary: In this episode of "Technically Working," we cover a range of topics that revolve around technology, business, and productivity. From understanding your business dashboard and making informed decisions to unraveling Apple's intentions with their products, we provide insights that can transform the way you work. We discuss the benefits of using default apps, the significance of taking breaks and stepping away from work, and how the Mastodon platform offers an alternative social media experience. Additionally, we tackle the common dilemma of feeling the need to know everything and offer strategies for managing information overload. Finally, we delve into the realm of big tech and trackers, exploring the implications of third-party add trackers and discussing how to navigate this complex landscape. Join us as we explore these topics and more!

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Revolutionizing Reading: The Story Behind Speech Central

Sun, 21 May 2023 21:30:00 -0000

In this special episode of "unmute Presents," host Marty and co-host Michael interview Ivan, the founder of Speech Central, an innovative app for improving reading off screens. Ivan shares his journey of app development and how Speech Central fills a gap in the market for a comprehensive text-to-speech app. They discuss the supported file formats, the app's features for voiceover users, and upcoming updates. Tune in to learn more about the fascinating story behind Speech Central and its mission to enhance reading accessibility.

Behind the Scenes: Rendering the Technically Working Podcast

Sun, 21 May 2023 16:00:00 -0000

Summary: Join me, Michael, on the Unmute Presents Podcast as I take you behind the scenes of producing my latest podcast, the Technically Working Podcast. In this episode, I share the intricacies of track rendering in Reaper, a powerful digital audio workstation. Learn how to create independent tracks, optimize accessibility, and configure settings for seamless audio production. Gain insights into the art of track naming conventions and the nuances of file formats. Get ready to elevate your podcast production skills with this informative episode.# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Friday Finds, Unlocking Accessibility and Addressing Loneliness

Fri, 19 May 2023 07:17:00 -0000

In this episode of Friday Finds on Unmute, Marty and Lynn delve into two important topics. They start by discussing the Global Accessibility Awareness Day and the significance of accessibility features in technology. They emphasize that accessibility is not limited to a specific group of people with disabilities but benefits everyone. The hosts explore the advancements made by major companies in incorporating accessibility features and the potential impact on society.

Shifting gears, they observe Mental Health Awareness Month and examine the issue of loneliness, particularly during and after the pandemic. The hosts ponder the role of AI, chatbots, and mental health apps in addressing loneliness. They explore the potential benefits, limitations, and concerns surrounding the use of these technologies as a substitute for human interaction in mental health support.

Through their conversation, Marty and Lynn highlight the importance of accessibility and mental health in the digital era while contemplating the evolving landscape of AI-driven solutions.

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"Unmute Presents: New Features and Affordable Connectivity Program on BlindShell"

Thu, 18 May 2023 07:16:00 -0000

In a recent episode of Unmute Presents, BlindShell representatives discussed the latest updates and features of the BlindShell platform. The major update allows users to connect a Bluetooth keyboard to their BlindShell device, offering greater convenience for writing texts, emails, and navigating the device. The battery strength is now displayed on the home screen, eliminating the need to check notifications. Additionally, BlindShell announced a new program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides free monthly wireless service to eligible individuals. To qualify, households must meet certain income criteria or be enrolled in specific programs such as Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit. The program is available in 47 states, excluding California, Louisiana, and Alaska. Interested individuals can apply online through the BlindShell website. The representatives also hinted at the development of wearable technology as an accessory for the BlindShell platform, expected to be available within the next 12 to 18 months or sooner. Feedback from users regarding a recent survey on this topic is encouraged to further improve the BlindShell experience.

1 / 1

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ACB Community Call on May 16, 2023

Tue, 16 May 2023 18:58:04 -0000

This is an ACB Community Call presented by American Council of the Blind.

This Unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023.

Good morning everyone and welcome back to another Unmute.

Thanks for all coming and being here and participating.

If you have the tech questions, go ahead and raise your hands and we'll get to you.

We just want to make sure that we get through everyone's first questions and if we get through everyone and we have extra time, we'll definitely take second questions and be respectful, give everyone the same respect that you would want for your question to be answered to everyone else in the same way.

So we appreciate that and everyone else does as well.

And if you have any questions, comments, or anything like that, you can always reach us at feedback at unmute.show.

And Michael, how are you doing today?

I'm doing well, Marty, and I have an echo in my head.

So give me a quick second so I can turn that off because that's always fun.

Oh yeah, you always have echoes in your head.

We won't talk about that.

I appreciate you mentioning the email address and I do see we have a hand.

We'll get to that here in a moment.

And thank you to Monica.

And I believe Herbie is connecting us, though we didn't officially figure that out.

So thank you to Herbie for making that happen as well.

And the listeners on ACB Media 5 for tuning in.

I'm going to give you a recap of some of the content that's been published on Unmute, but Marty did mention the email and we are working on some interesting projects.

So if you have any positive and or negative feedback about Unmute and the content that we're producing, we don't like to ask for feedback a lot, but we're in the process of trying to gather some of that to improve the experience for everyone.

So if you have any feedback, again, positive and negative, please write that out and or share it with us live and we will gather that up and make some changes to help produce a more streamlined and better experience for everyone involved.

Now on Sunday, we published an audio and I didn't tell Marty that I was going to do this, but I got to mention and be fully transparent.

Marty sent me this audio that says identifying music with your mobile device and he shows you how to do that with Siri.

And as I was editing it, I guess I did mention it in the recording as I was editing it.

I'm like, we should tell you how to do this on Android and the blind show.

So if you're curious about what music is playing around you and you have one of those three platforms, definitely go check out Sunday's episode and get the content in under two and a half minutes.

On Friday, Lynn and Marty sat down and talked about Apple's new products that they released for the iPad.

Uh, Apple had some good announcements today.

I wonder if Marty wants to talk about that and why, and then they also recapped the Google IO event.

On Thursday, we published a podcast episode with Lucy from games to play with lady a and she came and talked about a lady a and different basic tasks you can do.

And uh, you know, sometimes it's, sometimes it's those everyday tasks that we complete and we don't really think about it.

So she goes over some of those basic tips as well for you.

And then of course we published last Tuesday's call.

So I'm going to actually ask Monica if we have any hands and Marty has some talking points to fill if we don't have any, so Monica, do we have any hands?

Okay.

We have Chrissy.

Hey Chrissy.

How are you doing?

Hello.

How are you doing?

Good.

Thanks.

Good.

Two questions.

One, do you have a recommendation for a, a phone recording app?

Like if I need to record some phone calls and two, is there a way for a blind person to use the measure app?

My first question to you is, is it, are you looking for this on a computer, on a phone?

What are you looking for?

I'm sorry, on the iPhone, excuse me.

Well, if you're looking to record, I can highly recommend just press record as a third party app.

It works great with voiceover and all of that.

Well, and I'm talking about like recording phone calls, like taping phone calls.

I didn't know that that's what I was thinking about.

I don't know.

Is it anything like that?

Yeah, I don't think Apple lets you do that.

And someone will let us know for sure if we're incorrect in that, but I don't think you have the capability of recording phone calls on the phone.

However, and here's, here's something to be aware of because I'm all about finding, you know, loopholes and stuff.

If you do need to record a call, you can set up a zoom meeting that always records the conversation and then you and the person you need to record can call into that zoom meeting.

And then when you're done, it will email you a copy of that recording.

So if it's something you just need a recording of quickly, or you need to talk to someone and get a recording of it, that could be a solution for you as well.

Gotcha.

Okay.

And then what was your other, Oh, the measure app.

I have not used it.

I do believe it can, you can.

So in the measure app itself, there's additional functionality.

So if you have a phone that supports LIDAR, for example, on the pro, okay.

So in the measure app, you can go in there and you can configure it to let you know about different objects in your environment.

And it can also give you the distance between you and the person in front of you.

And that information is accessible to voiceover.

I do recommend checking it out.

Or if you go to the living blindfully website, you can do a search for measure app or, or I would just search for measure app and Jonathan Mosen put together a demonstration showing you how you can configure the measure app and what you can track the distance of.

You might want to say measure app with accessibility or with voiceover.

Otherwise it might show you.

No, no living blindfully is all going to be accessible.

So if you just type in measure app and search, it'll bring up all of the posts that he's done with voiceover in the measure app.

Okay.

I can do that.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Next we have Beth.

Hey Beth.

Okay.

Yeah.

So I have an iPhone 13 mini and I'm wondering since it doesn't have a home button, you know, I, I go like start from the bottom and kind of hold and then go up and, and I can some, sometimes I hit apps, which are when I don't want to like, and then, and then, you know, like just say if I'm going from one app, just say I'm going from just say clocked YouTube, just say, sometimes I go app, you know, hit apps, which are when I don't want to, or I'm on YouTube.

And, and so how do I do that?

Sometimes I do it right.

Sometimes I, it goes out of that app.

Yeah.

Okay.

So there's, there's two things.

You put your finger on the line at the bottom and you slide up.

Now you're going to get a first haptic feedback or tone, and then you let go and that'll take you to your screen, you know, your home screen.

But if you keep your finger on there and you keep sliding up, you'll get a second tone and that's going to take you to the app switcher where you see all of your open apps and stuff.

If you wanted to close apps that are running in the background, that's how you would do it.

You would do a three finger swipe up on each app once you get there.

But if you're not trying to do that, then you just try and listen for the first haptic feedback and then let go and it will take you back to your home screen.

So what haptic feedback, you'll hear like a little vibration and a little tone.

So I don't like I put, I put my finger on the line at the bottom, but I don't really like hold it.

Well, you keep your finger on the line as you're sliding up.

When you hear the first tone and haptic feedback, then you let go and it will take you to your home screen.

So if you keep your finger on there and you continue sliding up the second tone and or the second haptic feedback will take you to the app switcher.

Okay.

And another thing, um, now I use the side button on the right to, you know, tell Siri, you know, call so-and-so, but I can't get the power off with that button.

So I'm wondering where's the power on these.

So you can do one of two things.

If you just need to like restart your phone and you're up to date on your operating system, you can invoke Siri and you can say, restart my device.

And then it will ask you, are you sure you want to do this?

And you say yes, and it will shut your device down and restart it back up again for you.

If you want to shut it off and you want to keep it turned off, you would go to settings general and slide all the way down to the bottom and you'll see shut down.

You tap that and then it will shut your phone off.

You can actually tell Siri to turn off the phone.

I just did it because I didn't think you could, but it will do that now too.

So if that's easier for you.

Yep.

Yeah.

Sounds good.

Okay.

Thank you, Marty.

Thank you.

Next we have Debra Armstrong.

Hey Debra.

Hey, so I have a solution to recording telephone calls I really like and it works with all models of telephone.

Don't it, and it does not have the section core, the section cup.

So that's not what I'm talking about.

It is called the Olympus TP8 telephone pickup.

You can get it on Amazon and what it is, is that any bitty microphone that fits in your ear, kind of like a binaural mic, but tinier.

It's very tiny.

So if it's in your ear, like a hearing aid or an earbud and you plug it into any recorder, it works with my Victor reader stream.

It works with my Evo.

It works with all my Olympus digital recorders.

And what's nice about it is the volume level for you and the person at the other end is identical.

And so it's just like an earbud, but it's a microphone.

I think it's about 13 bucks.

It's really cheap.

I've found it to be far more accurate than using an app because you're using your recorder, which you know and love like your Victor reader stream.

You do have to set the Victor reader stream to microphone input, external microphone input rather than line in.

And it is one of those, what do they call it?

Fake power.

It's, you know, it gets its power.

Phantom power.

Yeah.

You know what I'm talking about.

Yep.

Okay.

You can explain that in more detail.

I'm going to go on mute.

You understand how it works now.

If you could possibly send us a link to that so we can check it out, that would be really awesome.

I wrote it down.

I'm going to find it.

I wrote it down.

So thank you.

I really.

TP8.

Olympus TP8.

It says telephone pickup, but it actually does not have the suction cup duper.

Gotcha.

Because the suction cup only works with a wired phone.

It's not going to work on your cell phone.

Perfect.

Well, thank you very much.

We appreciate it.

So I'm going to go buy a microphone here, Marty, while we're talking, because that looks pretty cool.

Oh, you got some serious echo going on.

Yeah.

We're hearing some feedback, I think, from Herbie, because we're hearing Zoom audio back to us.

Monica, do we have any other hand?

Okay.

And I can't hear because he's in podcast.

Herbie.

Are you there?

So you can mute him.

He's just not going to be able to participate.

Are you still hearing yourself?

Yes.

We don't have any raised hands in Clubhouse at the moment, so I'll go mute and get everything for you.

Okay.

I'm going to go with it, but I don't know that the list...

There we go.

I don't know if the listeners would actually like it.

No one really apparently has any questions today.

So Marty...

Why don't we talk about the new accessibility features that were announced today?

And for what, Michael?

What was it announced for?

What is Thursday?

Thursday is Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

So I was kind of surprised that Apple made their announcement today and didn't wait until Thursday.

Let's talk more about that in a moment because I do see we have a couple of hands.

Monica.

Yep.

Jewel.

Hey, Jewel.

How's it going?

I have a quick question and it's another non-English language question, so I'm not sure y'all can help with that.

So I'm finding that books in other languages are not going to translate to the braille code for that language.

And I was wondering if there's something that can translate it so that the computer thinks this is...

For example, when you read something on a website in another language with voiceover JAWS, it says...

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Identifying music with your mobile device

Sun, 14 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

[Music]

Hey all, Marty here. You know that moment when you're either in a store or possibly a car

or maybe hanging out with friends and music's playing? You hear this song and you go, "Oh,

I know this song. Wait, who is this?" Well, let me show you how you can find out.

On an iPhone, what you would do is invoke Siri, say what song is this, point your phone in the

direction of the music, give it a second or two, and see if it comes back with who the artist is,

and what the name of the song is. So Marty dropped this to me and said, "Hey, this is what we're

going to share for Monday." I said, "Thanks, Marty. Got it. Appreciate it." And then I edited it,

And I said, I should probably add a little here just to give you guys a quick heads up.

If you're an Android user, remember you can do the same thing as well. Invoke Google assistant

and ask it what song is this? Often it will show you right away. A cool thing about Pixel devices,

at least, and I believe other Android devices, is you can set it up to always listen. And whenever

you're hearing a song, it can show that on the lock screen and you can get a history of the

songs that were shown, go poke around in some configuration and you can get that all set up.

Again, if you're a pixel user, I can also provide some content and show you how to do that,

if interested. Lastly, if you are using a Blind Shell Classic 2, I do realize that some of our

listeners are definitely download the Shazam application from the Blind Shell app catalog

for similar, not as smooth, but similar behavior to I'd done myself.

Have a beautiful day.

And there you go.

Enjoy, good luck, and we'll see you next time.

Music thanks to Andre Louis and his shorts collection.

[Music]

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Friday Fines with Lynn: Apple's New Pro Apps for iPad and Google I/O 2023

Fri, 12 May 2023 15:16:01 -0000

Transcript:

[MUSIC]

>> Hey all, Marty here with another Friday Fines with Lynn.

Hey Lynn, how's it going?

>> It's going great. We've got a lot to talk about today.

>> Cool. Let's get to it.

>> So yeah, I was telling Marty,

we were talking before the show and I was like, you know what?

Everybody has to check their updates now because there's so much happening,

so many updates and so many different apps

that many of us use.

I guess the first thing we should talk about

is some really awesome news.

Did you wanna mention about the Final Cut Pro and--

Yeah, sure.

So, yeah, there were some huge news

in the Apple world this week,

and that is Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro

are coming to the iPad.

And this has been a long time coming.

People have been wanting this for a really long time.

So basically Final Cut Pro is Apple's professional

video editing software and Logic Pro is Apple's professional

audio editing software.

And it's been on the computer for many years.

It's been a staple in both the video and the audio community

for many years now.

And people have been hankering to get these apps on the iPad.

The iPad has been something that they've been making

really overpowered hardware for in the past few years,

putting M processors into the iPads

and really fast RAM and hard drives,

but there hasn't really been the Apple professional software

to fit the hardware, but now there will be,

and it will really take advantage of that hardware

they've built building out.

So people are really excited about that.

They did redesign some of them in some areas

to fit the iPad more, you know, with some touch gestures,

with some new Apple pencil gestures,

depending on the version of iPad you have.

And all of this is gonna drop on May 23rd,

and it's going to be $5 a month or $50 a year for each app.

So not too bad for most people,

definitely at the professional level.

I thought it would have been a lot more money,

to be honest with you, but actually came in at a good price.

I think $5 or $5 a month or $5 a year

is actually a good deal.

So, Lynn, do you got any thoughts on this?

I do, I think that as you and I

had been talking about before,

the iPad is really becoming a good,

almost a good MacBook Air replacement in a lot of ways,

considering that, well, it's less expensive, right?

It depends which iPad you get.

Sometimes it can be pretty competitive,

but if you go with some of the higher end models,

it can be almost as much as a MacBook Air.

And with the increased power of the iPads,

It could be actually an option now that more really powerful apps are coming online for the iPad to use it.

As I might have mentioned before, I'm somebody that likes to move with their tech.

I like my tech to move with me.

I don't necessarily like to be pinned to a desk.

Part of that is because I have some caregiver responsibilities with my mom.

Part of it is that i'm just kind of a jumpy and see person and i like to move around while i'm working and the ipad is a great.

Way to actually make that happen and now with the increase power and increase capabilities of the ipad it really i never thought i wanted an ipad cuz i'm totally blind and i always thought why would a blind person want an ipad but i can definitely see now.

where it's like that in between, the phone and the step up from the iPhone would be the iPad now.

And it's really becoming a device that is worth considering, I think, based on

apps like this coming on to the iPad and others and just the power of it.

Yeah, and I would definitely say, you can also plug or either plug in depending on which keyboard

you get or have a Bluetooth keyboard.

But in a lot of scenarios, I would say it would almost be better than a laptop for some

people because of its ease of use.

If you use a phone, then you're going to be familiar when you go to an iPad if you haven't

had an iPad in the past.

And for some people, you know, they're not real super techy people and they don't really

want to learn the whole operating system of a computer and how voiceover works on a computer

if they need that. So an iPad is a great alternative where you can get day-to-day

tasks done like email and browsing the web and listening to music and maybe writing documents.

And now they're allowing that span of professional creator to be able to utilize the iPad as well.

So I think these are all great things and I can't wait till they come out so that we can see

how it all works and where it all goes from here.

So I think this is just a really great push forward.

>> We're waiting for WWDC just coming up.

>> Yeah, just about a month away now.

>> Yes. But our friends at Google have

their own Google I/O yesterday.

There were some interesting things coming out of that as well.

Speaking of powerful hardware,

You have a pixel phone, right? With the the fold?

Yeah, so awesome. Yeah, they got a pixel fold which came out and what this means is the phone actually

folds in half

Kind of like a sandwich if you were to look at it that way

And so you have a screen on the outside so you can use it. Well, it's closed like in regular

It would feel like a regular phone that you have in your hand now

But then you could open it up and then you have twice the screen real estate

Once you have it opened up and in the middle you'll have a whole big

Screen that's kind of like the size of two phones together or two phone screens together

so there's only one other company that's doing this right now and

It looks like there's some good and bad. It looks like it's gonna be a little bit more streamlined on the pixel

It's gonna be a little bit

thinner won't be as thick and as bulky.

Again, you know, I don't have one of these in my hands, so I won't be able to

really give it a whirl until they actually hit the market.

But there

were there will be some good new features I think they're bringing that'll be

a little bit better than the other.

And we'll have to just see how it goes as it comes out, hits the market

and people have an opportunity to be able to play with them and take a look at them.

Yeah, and I am wondering how the accessibility is going to be.

I mean, I know that TalkBack is the Android screen reader that we would be using.

And I didn't hear Google address accessibility at all yesterday, which I was kind of sad about.

But let's hope that we would have good access to these new products.

I agree, definitely. I hope that they've implemented the accessibility features into their software

so that everyone has an opportunity to be able to use them. I would think that they

did do that, but we'll just have to see how it all works. One thing I'm a little bit curious

about is I'm not sure anyone has seen a working screen reader on a folding phone, so that'll

be interesting.

And I would just love to get my hands on that folding phone. I just can't... Like I'm trying

to picture it in my head what it would look like.

Yeah, so if you were to take your phone and you were hold it vertically in your hand,

think of having a second phone on top of that phone.

And if you were to put them side by side, that's basically what it'd be like with a

hinge in the middle.

Oh, that just sounds amazing.

I don't know.

I have to, like I said, I might just have to get my hands on that somehow.

See what it's like.

And Marty can let us know what other things he found,

you found interesting from the presentation from yesterday.

Yeah, so they also came out with the Pixel 7a,

which is the middle of the road, a phone to the Pixel 7.

So every year they come out with, you know,

the phone that has all the features,

all the bells and whistles.

That one's always a little bit more expensive.

Then they come out with the one that has the A after it,

which has all the important features,

but they leave out some things

to keep it a little bit more affordable

for those who want to have a solid phone,

but they don't want to pay the higher price.

So that's what came out yesterday was the Pixel 7a.

The Pixel 7 was already out.

And then there was also a Pixel tablet that was announced.

So they're getting back into the tablet market

and we'll have to see what that's all about

and how that works once that hits the market.

And there was a bunch of other software developer things

that were announced as well.

So we'll see all that stuff as it kind of hits the market

and ask our developer friends to chime in

on all of those things.

Right, and also I guess the thing that I thought

what's great was that, uh, Bard, Google Bard, their AI, um, app is now open to everyone.

Yeah, there's no more wait lists, correct?

Without a wait list. Yeah. I think it's certain countries. There are certain, is that, I,

if I'm not mistaken, it's not everywhere, but.

I think in most places it is, uh, not a wait list anymore.

>> Right. Then also, they're talking about really

incorporating the AI into regular Google search,

which is certainly something I would expect to be the case.

>> Yeah, definitely. We'll just have to see how that all looks

once it hits and everyone is able to use it.

>> Right. They're talking about how they're going to,

having been able to open it up to everybody.

Now, there's going to be a lot more input and

a lot more training, I guess,

from just having the openness,

people being able to use it.

My whole thing is, okay,

if I'm going to help train this thing,

do I get anything for that?

This is something I often think about.

But I used it yesterday and I think it's getting better.

>> It's getting better every day, I think.

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Unmute Presents: A Lady

Thu, 11 May 2023 14:33:34 -0000

In this episode of Unmute, Lucy talks about all things A Lady, also known as Lady A. Lucy shares some of the general skills and things that can be done with A Lady, such as setting the time, using A Lady as a timer, naming and labeling timers, and setting alarms that can wake you up to your favorite music.

ACB Community Call on May 9 2023

Tue, 09 May 2023 18:27:01 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

Automating Your Mac with Hazel

Sun, 07 May 2023 07:18:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore the power of using third-party apps like Hazel to automate tasks on your Mac. We take a deep dive into how to set up rules and conditions to move files from one folder to another automatically. Whether you're looking to keep your downloads folder organized or need to move client files to the right folders, Hazel can save you time and headaches. We also discuss the next step in automation, which is creating a keyboard Maestro macro to send emails to clients with links to their files. Tune in to learn how to streamline your workflow and be more efficient with your Mac.

Navigating Creative Spaces and Staying Safe in the Digital World

Fri, 05 May 2023 14:54:57 -0000

Show Notes:

Ed Sheeran's copyright lawsuit and its potential impact on creators.
Balancing the rights of creators with the flexibility needed for creativity.
The importance of staying safe in the digital world and using common sense.
Accessible Mother's Day cards for moms with low vision.
The potential dangers of AI and its effects on society.

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Unmute Presents: Audio Description: Making Movies and TV Accessible for the Blind

Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Unmute Presents podcast, Marty and Michael are joined by Sheila to discuss audio description. Sheila breaks down what audio description is and how it is similar to captioning for the deaf population. Michael shares his personal experience with audio description and how it has become a staple in his movie and TV watching routine. The group also talks about a free service called Audio Vault, which offers audio-only downloads of movies and TV shows from the '70s to current releases. They also mention the ADP website, which lists all the audio-described options for streaming services and movies. Finally, they provide tips on how to turn on audio description on various devices.

May 2 2023

Tue, 02 May 2023 19:08:00 -0000

Welcome to this episode of Unmute Presents, where we bring you a community call from the American Council of the Blind. In this episode, the hosts discuss a range of topics, including how to report issues with apps or programs to the company, such as Zoom, to ensure that they are aware of any problems and can work on fixing them. They also talk about the recent collaboration between Apple and Google to standardize tracker devices and provide tips for navigating Zoom, including how to find the raise hand button under reactions. The hosts also answer questions from listeners, such as how to check for updates on Zoom and how to set it to automatically update. If you're new to Zoom or experiencing issues with any app or program, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform.

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Transcript:

[Music]

This is an ACB Community Call presented by American Council of the Blind.

[Music]

This unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023.

[Music]

>>Appingions expressed on ACB media are those of the respective program contributors and

do not necessarily reflect the views held by the American Council of the Blind.

It's elected officials support its staff.

[Music]

>> Good morning, everyone, and welcome back to another Unmute.

Just want to give you a couple of reminders here at the top.

First is we're going to get through all first-hands,

and if we have time, then we'll go through second-hands.

Make sure you give everyone the same respect.

What their question is, you would want with yours.

If you have any questions, comments, or anything else,

you can reach us at feedback@unmute.show.

Michael, how's it going? What you got for us today?

>> It is going well.

I don't have anything for you today, Marty.

Nothing at all. - No, bummer.
Yeah.

No, I am super excited.

I've got some feedback from Chanel last week.

So on Sunday, we published not a comprehensive,

but a quick overview of using Mac GPT on the Mac.

And hopefully that answers some questions.

And of course, if you guys have any questions,

feel free to ask them after checking that out.

And then on Friday, we posted our Friday finds,

And that was an intriguing episode that I'm frantically trying to get logged into because

I forgot that we were going over these as we were starting.

And then on Thursday, we also, what did we talk about on Thursday, Marty?

What did we or what are we going to?

What did we?

No, what did we?

See, that's just my quick pop test to let you know that I don't know what we're talking

about.

So we talked about USB security, don't plug and play with the MOSC and why you should

track of that, what you're plugging your devices into. And then Lynn and Marty, now that I got

logged in, that's, that's our, we're, we're, we're getting days mixed up. So Lynn and Marty on Friday

talked about subscriptions, scams, and privacy, exploring the latest in tech news on Friday find.

So that was a fun episode. And then again, Sunday we talked about Mac GPT and Marty did,

do you have anything you want to talk about related to some of the content that we published?

because I know I've gotten some contacts about some of that.

Yeah. Well, we definitely have been hearing from people overseas,

which is kind of surprising.

And that sort of blows me away because it's really difficult

to schedule studio time with people who are in another content overseas.

Time zones are upside down, so we'll figure it all out.

But we got some good surprises coming up for some,

let's say, some awesome apps that you guys will get to hear about

in the next probably week or so.

So I'm excited about that.

And if you guys have questions, go ahead and raise your hands

and we'll start knocking the questions out.

I have a question for you, Marty.

Have you gotten stuck in Zoom under the apps dialogue

and you can't see other things in Zoom?

Has that happened to you?

No, not yet.

Oh, well, enjoyable.

What that is because I have not heard about this yet.

So what I just discovered, and it looks,

and I'm sure Herbie probably has a way to correct me,

but it looks like the F6 keystroke does work on the Mac as well.

But I got stuck in a window where all I could read about was

Kahoot and AI smart business cars.

I'm like, what is this?

And then I realized where my focus had moved to.

So if you do get stuck in that and all you hear is like Kahoot

and you're using your arrow keys and random things aren't quite working for you,

then try your hitting your F6 key, which takes you to

different places inside the interface.

So I will ask you about this.

And this has actually been a topic that's been out for quite a while,

and there's a lot of controversy over it.

But what it looks like is that Apple and Google are going to team up

and they're going to try and give more settings, more options,

more ways to control how people track your tracker devices,

such as air tags and the like.

So what do you think about that?

And if anyone here has their thoughts on that, go ahead, raise your hands.

and love to hear what you guys thoughts are on this,

but Michael, what do you think?

So from understanding correctly,

because I've not heard of this,

and then we'll go over to the single hand that we got raised.

So we'll get to you in a moment.

But my understanding is,

so Google and Apple, and I imagine probably Tile

and these other device trackers

are looking to team up together,

so that way they can work interchangeably.

Is that what you're saying?

Yeah, and also giving people, like for example,

if you have a tracker, you have more options

to be able to figure out how it's working,

what it's doing, how it's tracking you,

or if somebody else has a tracker around you

that maybe isn't yours and they're trying to do something

kind of shifty, let's say,

then you would be able to see or know about it

because it would be not within the safe zone, basically.

I think it's about time then, because, you know, the safety of these devices, you don't

think about, and hopefully you don't find yourself in that scenario, but it's about

time that we're talking together and that information is interchangeable between platforms.

Monica, whose hand is up?

Chanel.

Hey, Chanel.

Hello.

Well, it's funny because I checked the podcast this, like, go, I don't know, an hour or two

ago, and there, I didn't see the one with Mac GPT.

I go to check it again. Sure enough, it's there. So go figure.

I will listen to it later. And I just,

I didn't know that F6 worked in Zoom on the Mac.

It doesn't seem to work in mine.

Interesting. Yeah. It's switching me between different panes.

I do command accent that kind of does the same thing.

Yeah. That'll switch you between the actual windows and zoom though. Right. Okay.

I think when I've got stuck in that apps thing before,

Maybe I just tried to do escape or command W.

Um, I just wish zoom didn't make it.

So we had to be in there, but I want, yeah.

So appreciate that there Chanel because, uh, yeah, F six is now it's not working.

That's interesting.

Cause it was on the Mac.

Cause I'm like, why is it not working?

And I thought that my FN key, cause that gets me all the time.

Right. - And with this external keyboard,

for some reason, Mac OS sometimes honors

my respect in system settings, sometimes it changes.

So, okay.
But yeah, give that a listen, Chanel,

and hopefully it gives you some ideas.

One of the things that we did talk about,

well, that I did demonstrate later on in the podcast,

is the importance of prompting

and actually constructing the prompt to chat GPT.

And the example I used is,

instead of just saying, write me show notes for a show,

Let Chat GPT know something like, you are an assistant to a podcast host on the unmute

presents podcast. Here are the details we covered in today's episode. Please provide me show notes,

a title and the promotional paragraph for this episode. And I found that when you, when you

craft your prompt that way, it, it gives you more usable information than the generic info you might

get from Chat GPT. So I demonstrate that in the audio. So intrigue next week, or of course,

if you send an email about your thoughts on that.

Thanks.

No problem. Monica, who do we have next?

Abraham is next.

Hello, Abraham.

Abraham, how's it going?

Hi, I'm good and you yourself?

Good, thanks.

Zoom acting weird.

So besides your app issue, which I think I had before,

when people are sharing audio, it is you are sharing audio,

and I have to Alt+F4 to get out of that window,

and every time I tab to something,

open the Participants panel,

it goes back to that window, you are sharing audio.

Does F6 work in that window?

Have you tried that by chance?

No, I tried that.
Okay.
And what's happening now?

I don't know if I have scripts installed.

I think that Doug Lee made my Zoom scripts.

And I'm I Alt-Wise, I'm not raising my hand.

I had to go into the reactions menu.

Interesting. It would almost be worth--

so since you said scripts, I'm assuming you're meaning JAWS.

It would almost be worth finding out

if you temporarily go back to JAWS factory defaults

and suspend those scripts if your Alt-Y works.

Because I wonder if it's looking for the placement of Ray's hand

on the screen, but when they moved it under reactions,

then it may not--

that's probably why it's happening there.

I enabled help and said,

"Accept call when I pressed Alt-Y."

But I switched to NVDA and you are sharing computer audio.

>> Yes.

>> I'm still stuck on that.

>> Yeah.

>> I don't think that's good.

>> It's funny, I was reading an article while I was

actually lurking in the background of Herbie's cooking call this morning.

And someone shared their screen and it popped up on in the middle of my article.

I'm like, I really, there's nothing users can do, but it is really frustrating how

Zoom just takes over everything when you're trying to do other things.

Yeah.

There's a suggestion too, and this isn't just for Zoom, but it will work with Zoom.

If you ever have an app or a program, something like that, that you're having

issues with and you're continuing to have issues with it, you know, register a

complaint with the company, whether it's Zoom or any other app, this way, they at

least they know. And the more complaints they get about things that aren't

working or problems, maybe you could create a ticket with them, whatever they

allow you to do, let them know so that they'll know that you're having these

problems. And I'm sure if you're having these problems, other people are having

the same or similar problems. So the more they know, the more they're aware to

look at a fixing. So if you don't say anything, then maybe they don't know. So

If you're able to take a few extra minutes to register a complaint or a suggestion

that something's not working, go for it.

Okay.

We'll do things.

Alan.

Hey, Alan, how's it going?

Hello guys.

I'm wondering if the same problem going to work in Windows as well as the

same messages might come up in Zoom regarding the trackers.

Yeah.

It's well, currently what they were talking about was the Apple air tags,

which works with any Bluetooth device.

So, I think that they're trying to get everyone to jump on board so that all of the trackers

kind of work with the same technology so they're not used in ways they shouldn't be used for.

Yes, I know sometimes they've got a button sometimes disappears, so I have to use the F6

button to get it.

Right.

Yep, yep. Sometimes that F6 button will move that focus for you and that's a good tool to

have in your back pocket.

Perfect, Alan.

Well, thank you and feel free to reach out with another question.

Monica, do we have any other hands right now?

Yes, Jane.

Hi, Jane.

Hello.

My question has to do with Zoom also, but I have an SE 2020 iPhone and today

I was on a Zoom call and I tried to raise my hand to ask the question and

it wouldn't let me.

What?

So wouldn't let you, meaning when you went to go to the button to raise

your hand, it didn't let you?

It wouldn't let me.

It wouldn't do, when I said, so I flipped left and right

and it told me settings, a couple other things,

but I didn't find the raise hand button under the wall.

Do you remember if you heard something that said reactions?
I don't know.
Because I think what happened is

the raise hand button is under reactions.

And so if you don't-

Okay, I'll try that again.

Try that next one, Carl.

So you think it's under reaction

because I know when you guys, ACB gives the instructions,

yes, the more buttons in the right-hand corner

and the mute button in the left-hand corner,

but you kind of have to click left and right to find them.

Right.
No, they really aren't there

if you're using an SE 2020 or an SE new version, whatever.

Well, that is good to know.

And maybe we can play with that.

I know the raised hand button from the recording

has been moved out of the more tab for most users.

Although we do still run into some users like this.

So look for reactions and then it should be under there.

Okay, 'cause I went into settings

and I got something else and I was like, okay.

So I got all the way out.

Do you ever check to make sure

that your Zoom is updated all the way?

What's that?
Do you ever check to make sure

that your Zoom is getting updated?

Do you check to make sure your Zoom doesn't have any updates

that you've updated it to the most current version?

How do you do that?

would go into the app store.

And then on the top right corner,

there's a button that says accounts and you click on that.

And then you would scroll down,

you would see updates,

anything that has apps on your device

that need to be updated will show.

Oh, okay, I thought you meant,

because I was wondering if I went into my Zoom app,

would it say if I'm updated?

No, no, no, you gotta go into your app store

and then go to accounts

and then you'll see it down there at the bottom.

if there's an update for it, it'll be there.

And if you don't see it right away,

you can do a three finger swipe down to refresh it.

And sometimes that'll pop and then you'll see updates.

Thank you very much.
Marty.
Yeah, you can go to your my account under your Zoom.

You can go to my account under Zoom

and you can check what version you have.

And you can also set it to automatically update.

Okay, thank you.

I'm new at this, but I thought I managed to master Zoom,

But like I said, when I went into Zoom today to raise my hand, it wouldn't let me.

So I'll check that out.

Thank you very much.

Thanks, EG for the chip.

All right, Monica.

Thanks, you have Kim.

Hello.

Just to confirm what the previous lady was saying, it's funny because my iPhone

made, um, it made Zoom look different without me even telling to it updated.

And so what you need to know is now on the bottom of your screen,

instead of there being five little pictures or whatever they are, there's six.

And yeah, the one that says reactions, double tap on that and raise hand will

be the first thing you hear double tap on that.

And so, uh, a boy in that line, kind of, I also have a question about Siri.

I just recently updated to 15.4.

I waited forever.

And one bug that Siri now has,

I used to be able to hold down my home button.

I have an FV20, I think, yeah.

So I hold down my home button,

I used to be able to say on the app store, find,

and then I'd name the app.

On this new update,

Sperry won't go to the App Store.

She'll say, "Here's what I found on the web for go-to divine office," or whatever.

I tried it two or three times and then I said, "Okay, be that way."

So I went into the App Store on my own and I wrote it in with my Braille device.

The app that I was looking for,

it popped up right away.

But Siri is, I think my smartphone is getting stupid as far as she's concerned.

Well, a couple of things here.

The first thing is you're not the only one that's having issues with Siri.

Everyone in this update has had issues.

We're hoping that they are going to start resolving these issues

in the next operating system, which should, they'll probably talk about it in June at WWDC

and probably they'll release it sometime end of the year,

September-ish, maybe October, just all depends.

But a workaround for that would be,

you could also go to the App Store,

go to search and then in the search box,

once you have the VoiceOver cursor in there,

you could dictate what you're looking for

using the dictate button on the keyboard.

And I know it's not a perfect situation,

but at least if you don't wanna type it

and you wanna dictate it, that's a workaround for you.

>> Yeah, I keep forgetting about Duketay too.

>> If you don't see the little microphone on your keyboard,

you can go into your settings and turn it on and then it will show up.

>> Okay.

>> I have a suggestion if I may.

>> Go for it, Chanel.

>> Yeah. Sometimes it's just a matter of the syntax you use with Siri.

Like you might have to say search for in the App Store instead of GoTo,

or on my Mac now if I want to open anything with Siri,

which usually I don't,

but I have to demonstrate that for the class.

I will say open the text edit app.

If I just tell her open text edit,

she'll be like, "I can't do that."

But if you say open the text edit application,

then it's just a matter of fooling her to get what you want.

But honestly, 99 percent of the time I don't use her.

But the one percent that I do, that's what I've found.

>> One other quick tip I will tell you really quickly is that in this update as well,

one of the issues is it doesn't always pick up what you say from the very beginning.

So what people do is they'll activate Syrian, wait a second,

then they'll say what they're looking for.

And when they're done talking, they'll wait another second and then turn it off.

That way you're sure that it's going to get,

hopefully it will get all of what you're saying.

But a lot of people are having problems because it doesn't pick up the first part of what they're saying

because they activate Syrian and it starts right away talking.

and then it doesn't pick up everything you're trying to say.

Okay, thank you guys for your help.
Yeah, no problem.

All right, Monica.

Okay, next we have Sheila.
Hey, Sheila.
Hey guys, how are you?
Good, how are you?
I am doing just fine.

My question is not Zoom.

Good.
Way totally not Zoom.

And Outlook, which is what I use for my mail email.

How do you request a red receipt for someone

that it's an important email that you want to know that got.

And I know I've done it before,

but I went the other day and couldn't find it.

I will tell you for sure,

because I don't remember off the top of my head

and my favorite keystroke in Microsoft products,

unfortunately does not work in Outlook.

So for those who did not know,

Alt-Q will let you search the menus

for what you're looking for in every product but Outlook.

So Sheila, if you stay tuned,

I will look up that keystroke or where to go to get that,

unless someone else has an idea and they can chime in

because I don't know.

Okay, thanks.
No problem.

Who do we have there next, Monica?

Why look, she loves Antara.

We have Kristy next.
Hey, Kristy, how are you doing?
Hello, how are y'all doing?
Good, good.
Good, I have a question about the Alexa Kindle voice.

Like, okay, you can change Alexa voice,

you know what I'm saying, for the whole operating thing.

but when you're trying to get it to read a book to you

from Kindle, is there any way to change the voice

to the male voice or not yet?

Have you tried switching your main voice to the male voice

and then does that work?

No, well, the male voice, I have the main,

I actually have the main voice as my male voice

and that's what I want.

Gotcha, but it's still reading with the female voice.
Yeah, it's still the Kindle stuff.

my Kindle books that I read on it, it still reads in the female voice. So I didn't know if there was

something separate I had to do, or if that's just a fluke and it doesn't work, if the Kindle

reader doesn't have the male voice. I don't have an answer for you on that, but we can reach out

and see if anyone does on that one because, yeah, that's a good question. I think the Kindle reader

is determined by whoever the book is written by and the person that is doing the recording.

They don't make a male version and a female version, I don't think.

Well, the Kindle Reader actually, EG, uses the text-to-speech for Amazon. So it's not,

I think what you're thinking of is the Audible Whisper version of the book,

which would be pre-recorded, but the Kindle Reader itself should be the Amazon TTS. So it should

switch over to the mail-wise if your default is now.

Yeah, my default default is mail, but no, it doesn't do that.

Yeah. Yes, and thank you for that. And, you know, we are gonna I'm gonna ask Lucy if she knows all

send her an email if she has any ideas because she's who I go to for a lady tips unless someone

else has an idea. Okay, thank you. Real quick before we move on, Monica, I did want to follow

up with Sheila and Sheila, I'm going to email these or text these directions over to you so you have

them. And it looks like you go into the message itself when you create it in Outlook, go up to

the file menu and then choose options and then mail. And when you're in mail, you can pick if you

want a read receipt or if you want a delivery receipt, and then that will apply to that specific

message. And as it's explained in the Microsoft documentation, and again, I'll text you. So if

So if you don't, didn't catch them,

then you'll have them in a moment.

As it explained in the Microsoft documentation,

they suggest only sending read receipts

for important messages or people will stop sending them,

which is why I stopped sending them back myself years ago,

but I see the importance of it for sure.

Oh yeah, there are occasions as a state president

that you need to know somebody got your message.

Yes ma'am.
Thank you, Michael.
No problem, thanks a lot Sheila.

Who do we have next Monica?

>> I don't know who EG is. Hey, EG.

>> Thank you, Michael.

>> How's it going?

>> Fine. I just wanted to add one other thing on

the Zoom that I've experienced,

I think maybe others have too,

is that when like for unmute presents,

I always go in and I click on my calendar,

and I've got the link there,

and that's how I get into unmute presents.

The issue there is that if I do that a bunch and I don't

actually go in and sign in to Zoom,

then some of my settings in Zoom will go away.

So for example, how I have myself named will change.

It'll revert to my Google setting as opposed to my Zoom setting.

So sometimes you may find that your Zoom settings change

without seemingly doing anything,

but it's because you haven't gone into Sign In.

If you go in and sign into your account again,

you can reset your, whether you have a photo or whether you have

a naming or any of those conventions.

Great tip.

And often what I have found is you get signed out

when Zoom updates.

That is correct.

At least when they do a major, when they do.

Yes, yes.

Not every update, but every once in a while,

when you're like, why am I, what do you mean iPhone?

That's probably me.

And then something that if you didn't know this,

if you're like, am I iPhone?

I'm on an iPhone.

If you tap that participants tab

in the middle of the bottom of the screen,

you are always the participant at the top.

So if it says iPhone at the top thing, you are iPhone.

So thank you, Eiji.

Did you have a question or did you just want to share that tip?

I just wanted to share the tips since we were talking about Zoom a little bit,

but you guys do a great job.

Thank you very much.

Thanks Eiji.

Appreciate it.

Thanks, Eiji.

Judy.

Hey, Judy.

How are you doing?

Hey, guys.

So getting back to complaining about Siri, because I've definitely fallen out of love

with Siri since iOS 16.

And I don't really know that anybody's got an answer for this, but one of the--

I have often used Siri to send a quick text

and my conversation will appear on the screen

or it used to appear on the screen.

So I could look to see if Siri understood everything

or if I wanted to change it and there'd be a send button,

nothing appears anymore.

And I think that started actually with iOS 16.

I don't even think it was one of the updates to 16.

So I don't know, have you guys heard about them

doing anything about that at all?

I mean, have you experienced that at all?

Siri has just been not great in this update, I would say, in 16.

They've been trying to make improvements and fixes sort of throughout each time they do

a point update, you know, 0.1 to those ones.

But it's still not great.

We're hoping that in 17, all these issues will get resolved.

But unfortunately, there's nothing we can do with Siri and making any setting changes

or adjustments to make it work.

Right, yeah, I know.

It's kind of one of those things where it is what it is.

Yeah, I know.

It sounds like my dryer is here, so I am going to step away for a quick moment to deal with

that delivery real quick.

But one thing to think about, Judy, with Siri is in the Siri settings, there is an option

that you can enable or disable that says confirm action from Siri.

And so it might be worth playing with that as well.

Okay.

All right.

Thanks for that.

Appreciate that.

And Judy, one other thing before you go, I will say also, you could actually go into

your messages and go to the person.

And once you have the body of the message open for whoever it is you're trying to text,

you can use the dictate from the keyboard and that might work a little bit better for you.

Right.

Yeah.

No, I have just always found Siri faster that it, you know, pick up the phone, send off

a quick text and then I could see right then and there if it, you know, if he understood

it.

But yeah, I mean, I know I can, I can do that from the messages app as well.

Even though it doesn't show up on your screen.

So say like you're going to pick up your phone, you activate Siri, send a text message.

Does it at least repeat back to what it said or is it not doing that either?

No, it does.

But sometimes I'm wondering, like for example, this morning, I always put the punctuation.

So I said, "question mark."

He repeated back, "question mark."

And I wanted to be sure that he actually was, that it didn't say the words, "question mark,"

because it doesn't always do that.

He'll usually say, you know, question and it was saying, "question mark," and there

were a couple of other things in a text that I just wanted to be sure that it came out

okay, and I used to be able to look at that and see what you know what Siri was actually understanding

and it just doesn't yeah it doesn't show up at all. Like I you know I've told I've said this a

lot of times but you know with this particular round in 16 for whatever reason Siri doesn't pick

your voice up right when you activate it so you know activate Siri try waiting a second then start

speaking, you know, and then when you're done, wait a second, and then we'll stop

Siri and see if that helps at all.

Because I wonder if it's missing the beginning of what you're trying to say.

Yeah, well, it's not just that, like, I mean, I understand that it said it doesn't

show up on the screen at all, or it used to, you know, the conversation with Siri

used to show up on the screen if I was texting.

So, I mean, that was the point.

But yeah, I appreciate that.

And I will often go into messages if I'm just annoyed with Siri, I'll just go into

the app and just do it that way.

So, thanks.

All right, well, good luck. Hopefully we'll hope we're better in 17. Right?

Exactly. Thanks a lot. Yep. Petra is next. Hey, Petra, how's it going?

It's going, it's going well. Thank you very much. My comment is about the weather app. I just

use the native weather app that comes with the iPhone. And that is totally messed up lately

since the last update. I have about nine cities that I would keep track of my sisters, my daughters,

local wherever I am at the moment and then my home city and so forth.

And when I open the weather app, it comes up and first of all,

we'll say Wi-Fi off or something like that.

And I'm thinking, heck, I'm not even in the status bar.

Why is it telling me that?

And then it will give me entirely the wrong city and it takes forever to get back

to the city that I want to be in. And then when it's there,

Sometimes it will say left justified error or something,

or it goes into the precipitation

by every second of the day.

And I can't get out of there.

Is there a better weather app

or does anyone use the native Apple app?

And can you tell me how to navigate that better?

So a couple of things.

The first thing I will tell you is they did break

the weather app and it was having all kinds of issues

for a little while.

They did for the most part resolve it,

although it still does have some bugs.

If you're looking the way the map,

do you have any vision at all

or are you not able to see anything at all?

No, I don't have no vision at all.
Okay, well in the weather app at the very top,

that's gonna be where it's gonna tell you the city

and the weather currently in your city.

And if you have voiceover on,

it will also tell you what the high of the day

and the low of the day will be.

If you scroll or move your finger down,

the next thing is gonna be like every hour or every,

you know, minute or whatever,

how it kind of goes across the timeline.

The five day forecast or the seven day forecast

is gonna be under that.

And so you would have to get under that

to see what that would be.

Now I'm also gonna say it is still a little bit buggy.

So if you're looking for some other suggestions

for weather apps, I can give you two.

Both of them work with voiceover

and both of them have free and paid versions.

A lot of people really, really like Weather Gods,

which does work with Voiceover and people love that a lot.

And number two would be Carrot Weather,

which people also like a lot

and it also works with Voiceover.

But they both have free versions

and then they also both have paid versions.

So you'll have to decide what you want there.

But those would be the two suggestions

for alternatives that I would recommend.

And I will second that.

Weather Gods is a great application,

especially if you just want to hear what the audio or what the weather is like.

Uh, that's what I use weather gods for.

And then, um, with carrot weather, if you Google carrot weather, you're going to

see it's the snarky weather app, which is fine.

And that's all good.

You can calm that down if you want, but what I find to be the most valuable

thing about carrot weather is carrot weather allows you to completely

customize the interface.

So let's say you don't really care about what the, what the precipitation

is over the next six days.

you can take that out and not even see that information

and only see the information you want.

So for someone who's looking

for a very customizable application,

it does take a little bit for you to get it set up

and configured the way you like it,

then definitely check out Carrot Weather.

And then if I remember right,

I think you can even set different views

for different cities.

So if your kid lives in a city that gets a lot of rain

or has more storm alerts,

you can get those information too.

So I hope that helps a little bit.

My only question about that,

And I'm not sure if you know this or not, Michael,

is the customization behind the paywall

or is that in the free version?

Yep, it is behind the paywall.
Okay.
Well, you know, the weather app,

the way you were describing it used to work that way.

It's not working that way anymore on my phone.

But the sad thing is about two years ago,

Apple bought a dark sky.

Right.
It was a really, really good weather app.
Yes, it was.
And I thought, wow, in fact,

My daughter who uses an Android had dark sky

and had to pay for it.

And then I was gonna get it for free.

And it was so good that I could be on the paratransit

and the driver could be looking for a particular address.

And dark sky would actually tell me the address

of where we were and what the weather was.

And Apple bought it and they've taken dark sky away

and they've ruined the weather app.

Well, I'll try one of the other options,

see if there's work anybody for you.

I think you'll be super happy with carat weather

if you used to use dark sky, I would definitely check it out.

All right, thank you very much.
All right, have a good one.
Next.
Hello, Marie.
Hi, I have one quick comment and one question.

First quick comment is I don't know about a Mac,

an Outlook, but Outlook on a Windows PC,

the Alt-Q absolutely works perfectly

'cause I use it all the time.

It works very reliably. - There's a security word

not on Windows, so thank you for letting me know

it does work.

I thought you might be talking about on a Mac,

because, and I don't use a Mac,

but no, it works really good on my Windows PC.

My question is, I have a three year old laptop

that I'm thinking about passing along to somebody,

and it's running Windows 11.

Do you know, they say that the reset feature

in Windows 11 will absolutely reset everything,

and will wipe out all of your data.

Do you know if that's true?

So for Windows 11, if you go into settings

and you do the reset PC, it will offer you to just reset

or to erase all of the files and reset,

and that will cleanly erase the files.

Of course, when you erase files on a computer,

anyone who kind of knows what they are doing

and needs to, could get access to them,

but that is the most efficient way to just give it away

or to sell the computer.

Okay, do you know, this originally came with Windows 10,

but if you do the reset,

it still will be running Windows 11, correct?

Yes. - It won't go back to 10.
Yep, you can make it so it's still on Windows 11.
Okay, thank you very much.

That's it. - No problem,

Marty, I'm gonna step away for about 20 seconds.

Okay, who do we have next, Monica?
We have Melissa next.
Hey, Melissa, how's it going?
I sent an answer on mute with this, Eric.
Hey, Eric, how's it going?
Last hand for now, unless Melissa can unmute.

She's not here, so.

Eric can go ahead with his question if he...

I did send it.

OK, I've sent it a couple of times, Marty.

OK, let's move on.

If either we'll go to Anne.

All right. Sounds good. Hey, Anne.

Can you hear me?

We can hear you. There I am.

Oh, there we go.

OK, go ahead. Wow.

Go ahead, Eric.

This is my first time and I'm on the iPhone

and I download it 16 and I'm having all kinds of bugs.

>> Don't forget to do all the updates once you get 16 on your phone.

You might want to go back and make sure that you have all of your updates there.

You can get rid of as many bugs as you can get rid of.

>> Okay. I know that I do need to do another update.

I have two questions.

One is with the rotor.

Since I did the updates,

I lost part of my editing rotor functions.

It doesn't seem like it is where usually go to reset it.

Has anybody had that issue?

>> I think what they do is there's

some things on the rotor that

are things that they just put on there,

but you could customize a rotor.

So you could take stuff off or put other stuff on,

to kind of customize it to whatever suits you.

So if you want to mess around with the rotor

and either add, change things with it, whatever,

you would go into settings, then accessibility,

and then voiceover, and then rotor.

And then once you're in the rotor,

then there's a bunch of settings and changes that you can do.

I know, but when you get in there, for example,

before you could go in there and tell it

to like give you, right now,

it won't even allow me to set a link on the rotor

or where you would be able to do the rotor to set a format.

So it would be easier to do like an application.

>> Right.

>> I thought that that was weird and I did

send a message to Apple about it.

Well, did you go into the settings for the rotor and see if you can add back the things

that you would want to have on your rotor?

Yeah, that's what I've been fighting with for the past two days.

So I mean, I've been trying to work around it, which is a pain, but you know, if it's

not working for you, did you try calling Apple Disability and see if they can help you get

the rotor set up?

It should not be this difficult, but if you are having issues, actually the first thing

I would say to do is to update, do all your updates first and then see if you're able

to do it because there could be some bugs with the updates.

So make sure you get all your updates all the way as far as you can go.

And then if you're still having trouble with it, I would try calling Apple Disability because

it shouldn't be this difficult.

My other one is on the Messenger app.

When you want to go into one of the chats,

how exactly do you do that now?

Are you talking about like text messages basically?
Like, you know how you get alert

that you have a chat message?

Right.
When you belong to a community.
Are you talking about,

This doesn't sound like the Apple Messages app.

This sounds like something else.

It's part of, I think it's more or less

part of the Facebook.

Oh, Facebook messages or whatever they call it.
Yeah, yeah.
It's pretty much works the same way

as the Apple Messages app.

You would need to open that app up.

So you have to have that app installed on your phone.

It's a standalone app on iPhone.

So do you have it installed on your phone right now?

I thought I did.

I guess I better double check.

Yeah, so the first thing is you would need

to have it installed if you don't,

but once you have it installed,

then you would do a single finger double tap to open it up.

And then the first thing you'll see is a list

of all of the people that you message with.

And if you have any groups or whatever,

you click on the one that is the group.

And when you do a single finger double click,

it'll open up the body of that message.

and then you can actually reply in the message,

just like you would on Apple Messages.

There'll be a box you can type in or dictate in

and it'll put your message into the chat.

And is there a voice command for that?
You could try, if you know exactly what it's called,

you can try saying or using Siri to say open Facebook

messages or messenger,

I don't remember exactly what it's called,

but that'll only work if you have it installed on your phone.

And if you say something like open messenger, which will, that's the fastest way to open

Facebook messenger is just to say messenger.

If you don't have it on your phone, and I was going to drop this as a comment too earlier,

the most reliable way I've found for Siri to actually prompt you to go download the

app in the app stores to say open and then the app name.

And if it can't find it, it'll say, would you like to search the app store for this?

And you can just double tap on the search button and it takes you right to the page.

Okay.

Thank you so much.

Yeah, no problem. If you have any issues, come back and let us know.

All right. Thank you.

All right. Ann, go for it.

Can you hear me?

We can hear you.

Okay.

Sorry about that. Thanks for being nice to me.

Okay. Okay. I'm glad he got in.

There is a new update that came out, what, a couple of days ago, I think.

And a friend always tells me about it. I'm glad she does because I wouldn't know.

But she said, when you're downloading it, you download it and then it asks you the same thing again and again and again.

And then she restarted her phone and it worked.

Should you have to do that in the middle of that particular or this particular update that has just come out?

Well, I would think you would never want to turn off your phone or restart at the middle of an update.

That wouldn't be good.

Well, she had to because it wouldn't, it wouldn't let her go forward.

And she said it worked perfectly. So now I'm scared.

Interesting. Uh, I haven't seen that issue personally, Michael,

you've seen this update that came out two days ago or whatever.

Um, so I am on the latest update.

The only time that I've ever been told to restart my phone is it'll,

it'll walk me through restarting it. And, uh,

then I just double tap on restart and that tells me that it's fine.

Is it telling, did it tell her to actually go and restart her phone or what?

No, she said it kept telling her to update.

I mean, once she got in the middle of it, whatever that prompt is there, it kept

giving it to her, but it wouldn't do it and wouldn't move.

And she figured after three tries, she would, she would just restart the phone.

She restarted the phone and it worked.

So I went through fine.

Yeah.

So, so that sounds like it was just kind of a glitch.

Uh, technology can be technology sometimes.

So I definitely recommend not restarting your phone while you're doing an update.

But in those instances, sometimes you just got to make a judgment call.

I mean, you can either do it or you can call Apple and they may have you do the

same thing and then you have the reassurance if something does go wrong.

But I definitely get her concern because you, you don't, you're always told,

don't turn it off while it's updating.

So yeah, I have not seen this though.

No, I'm going to wait till I have siding systems to do this one.

There you go. Whatever makes you comfortable for sure.

Thanks.

No problem, man. Thanks a lot. Who do we have next there, Monica?

Abraham.

Hi there.

Hi. How do I go about uninstalling a JavaScript?

How do you go about uninstalling a JAWS script? Okay, so I am, I may need to follow up with

you via email if I can't remember off the top of my head, but what you can do is go

into the JAWS utility menu and there's a option to show JAWS settings path and that will open

the proper JAWS settings path in File Explorer and then in there is the JAWS script files.

But you want to remove the script files and the keyboard manager file as well. And if you

need more directions, I can send that to you via email because I know I kind of butchered it.

This is Chanel.

Okay. Hey, Chanel. Thank you.

Yeah, some of the like the Zoom scripts actually show up and they're from, if you have the ones from

Brian Harton at least, they show up in the in your you know ad remove and there have been quite a few

updates to the scripts so it may be worth you know making sure that I just double checked and

I only have Teams scripts here.

Oh, okay.

I'm thinking maybe Teams is open in the background and

it's trying to answer the problem.

That could be your problem, yeah.

Because I think Alt-Y in Teams does answer a call, right?

No, I think it's control-shift-J.

Oh, okay. Because you were saying it was saying answer call.

I don't know what's going on. It's weird.

But it's not to fix it on my laptop, only my desktop.

So another thing to try, Ibrahim, is in Zoom, do JAWS Key Q and C1.

Oh, I checked all my hotkeys default.

Okay.

Well, I was reading JAWS Key Q to see what version of scripts the JAWS was loading on your laptop

versus the desktop to see maybe there's different version numbers on each of the computers.

So we can have Zoom in focus if you do JAWS Key Q, it'll tell you that.

Okay.

Hopefully that helps a little bit or drop us an email and we can try to send you

some follow-up directions for manually removing scripts. And it might be worth playing with

Brian's scripts because you can download those for free to see if they work.

Brian Hartchen from Hartchen Consultancy. If you just search for H-A-R-T-G-E-N

Zoom scripts, you'll find it right away. He has a free version and a paid version of JAWS scripts

that provide additional functionality for Zoom individuals using JAWS.

And actually the free version is already built into JAWS now.

But the paid, I'm trying to remember the paid basically allows you more

customization of your alerts and there's a couple other things I just can't remember.

So, yep.

Thanks so much.

Thanks, Janelle.

Thanks, Abraham.

Appreciate it.

Uh, we have about 10 minutes left.

Who do we have next, Monica?

Bell Mills is next.

Hey, Bill.

Hi.

Can you hear me?

We can hear you.

Good.

I have a Zoom concern here.

It seems like today is a lot of questions about Zoom.

This one, I'm a member of a Bible group.

Every week they send an ID and a password.

do not send out a link and all every week it's it's a different ID and password. So

this time I could only enter the ID and and you know I went to join meeting and so on and I just

and I went into settings and couldn't make heads or tails out of anything. You know I just don't

know what to do and I'm scared to death to do they only send out the phone number or do they send out

I'd click here. Oh, they just all they do, they don't, they just send you the number, they send you

them, like they say ID, and they'll give you a number, and you have to put it in. And this is on

this week, I worked with my computer. Sometimes I go to the iPhone. Oh, oh, I tried both, both. So,

this week, and I never could get in. So I don't understand it. I have tried to get them,

or I talked to somebody about, please send me a link.

(laughs)

And I think a lot of people would be happy with that.

They don't send you one that says join now?
Join, no, no.
There's a lot of times when they send out

a Zoom invitation, they'll send like a link

and then also the phone numbers.

This is a separate thing from the community.

This is here in town.

So they just send you the participant code?
They just send the codes.
Or the meeting ID.

Yeah. And so you have to, so what to do.

So, bell, are you trying to access this on the blind shell or the iPhone?

Cause I know you're on both.

Well, the blind shell, I just can't seem to get that going.

So I have the iPhone and I do some zooming on that, but I have to use my keyboard,

you know, Apple keyboard.

I hope nobody criticizes me for that.

But anyway, so, but this time.

I was not able to get anywhere.

So send us an email.

First of all, thank you for your email about pricing.

I definitely, that was a good read.

Appreciate you sharing that with us.

Um, and, and send us an email as well though, because, uh, apparently

I accidentally turned dictation on.

And so my wife was getting a dictated message of what I was saying.

Anyway, send us an email and I'll test it on my end because I think, uh, the, first

of all, I want to see why you can't use zoom on the blind shell.

Let's troubleshoot that.

So that works for you.

And secondly, um, I think if you go to join meeting, it should just ask you for

the passcodes or for the meeting ID.

So if it's not, let's figure out why it's not.

Well, see it asked for the ID, but it won't give me, it, it won't let me put in a password.

Even after you hit ID and then join.

And, and yeah, that's when you hit join, it should prompt you for the passcode

then and it's not, no.

Okay.

Yeah.

Shoot me an email.

Let's play with that one.

Weird.

Okay.

Yeah.

Thanks.

No problem.

Thanks for coming.

Thanks. Have a good one.

Monica.

Yes, we have Malcolm and Herbie

and you got six minutes.

All right.
All right, let's try and knock these points out.
Let's make it make Malcolm.

How's it going?

Good, good, good.

I have a question about an update

that you were just speaking about.

On my iPhone 13, it has iOS security response,

16.4.1 parentheses, little a parentheses.

Is this an update we should do?

It says the rapid security response update.

Anytime there's an update,

especially regarding security, I would suggest doing it.

Yes, yeah, yeah.

And there's not a major update,

so you're not going from like 16.4 to 16.5.

So the point updates, the 16.4.1 generally,

obviously not all the time,

doesn't fix accessibility problems

that may have already been broken or vice versa.

So those are typically safe to do

and it keeps your stuff secure.

OK, thank you.

No problem, Malcolm. Thank you.

All right, Janet.

Hello, Janet.

Hello. Yesterday, Apple was having a bug

when people tried to install the 16.4 point A.

But I think today people might be might be able to get

get the install, get it, get it, get it to install because you got

verify, verify the secure or whatever in it.

Kept saying it was failing and it was it was it was on it was on Apple site. Okay. Good to know

Updating yesterday try to get and should be able to install the update today

Perfect because they were they were I guess they were

Rolling it out and it was rolling out slowly

So like five percent of the people would get it and then another hour ten percent or what, you know, whatever

So, yeah, I just thought I'd mention that and y'all have a great day

Thanks a lot.

And so if you had problems updating yesterday or recently, then try the update again and

hopefully that'll fix it.

Marty, look at that time.

We did great.

And I got a dryer installed during the hour and signed the papers and everything.

There we go.

And we wrapped it up with four minutes.

So you want to tell people how to get in contact and close it out?

And thank you, Monica.

Sure.

Thanks everyone for being here for another Unmute.

And thanks Monica and Herbie for helping us out today.

If you have any questions, comments, or anything else,

you can reach us at feedback@unmute.show.

And we'll see you guys next week.

Thanks a lot.

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(upbeat music)

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Unleashing the Power of Mac GPT for Content Creation

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:29:43 -0000

Show Notes: In this episode of Unmute Presents, we explore the capabilities of Mac GPT, a powerful chatbot that can assist with content creation and more. We discuss how to set it up, demonstrate its use, and showcase how it can be integrated into your workflow for increased productivity.

Unmute Presents - Mac GPT

Transcript

Michael: [0:04] Hey there, and welcome to this Unmute Presents podcast. I want to thank Chanel for coming to our Tuesday call and asking that we do this. If you have something you'd like to hear from us, remember we're live in ACB community every Tuesday at 10am pacific time.

[0:21] That's 1pm eastern visit acb.community for more information. So on Tuesday, Chanel wanted us to talk a little more about what is Mac GPT? How are we using it? And can we give some quick demonstrations of what we're doing to get it to work? So I'm going to go over the app. I'm not going to go fully in depth, but I'd love to answer any questions after the show. And if you have any questions, reach out to feedback at unmute.show or ask us live on Tuesdays. In order to use chat GPT with Mac GPT, I know a lot of letters. You need to either have a premium account through chat GPT or an API key. I don't think for your council work, and I'm sure someone will correct me on that if that is incorrect. I am using the API key method. If you Google Mac stories SGPT, then you'll find a great article which will give you some explanations of how to set up your API key and how you can go ahead and make sure you don't get overcharged because this can become very addicting. Now, once you do that, you can put your API key or log in to Mac GPT. So get it all set up. And once you have that set up, you'll see something like.

Voiceover: [1:41] Application, Mac GPT, Mac GPT, window, edit text.

Michael: [1:44] And that says Mac GPT window, edit text. Now, if you just open the app, you don't have to do this, but I want to show you something that I think can make a big difference to people. If we do VO home toolbar, and we locate that toolbar and we interact with it.

Voiceover: [2:00] Until bar five items, native selected radio button.

Michael: [2:02] One of two, we have a couple of options that you can pick from. If you signed in with the web, then just leave it on web. I leave mine on native experiment and see what works best for you. But I'm going to go to the end of this toolbar clear button group. And we're going to press VL space on that. This is a brand new conversation with ChatGPT and me. So I'm going to stop interacting with the toolbar, go to the end of the page, and then press VL left arrow once, twice to the edit text. And I'll go ahead and select that. And now I'm going to prompt chat GPT, and I'm going to say, you're a chat bot that is being demoed. Oh, comma and say hi to Chanel. She's the reason we're doing this episode this week, period.

Voiceover: [3:01] Oh, and say hi to Chanel. She is the reason we're doing this episode this week.

Michael: [3:04] And I'll hit enter. And now if you press VO end, you'll hear stop button.

Voiceover: [3:09] Here, stop button.

Michael: [3:10] That means it's still working. If you don't hear stop, then it's all the way done. So let's press VL left arrow because we don't hear it.

Voiceover: [3:17] Send a message, edit text.

Michael: [3:19] And then press VL left arrow one more time. And this is a list. This is where our conversation is. So we'll interact with this. Enlist.

Voiceover: [3:26] You're a chat bot that is being demoed on a podcast. Say hi to the listeners and remind them to stay subscribed to unmute presence. Oh, and say hi to Chanel. She is the reason we're doing this episode this week.

Michael: [3:33] And we'll press VL right arrow to hear what the chat bot came back with.

Voiceover: [3:37] Hello listeners. I am a chat, but being demoed on this podcast, thank you for tuning in and listening to the show. Don't forget to stay subscribed to unmute presence for more interesting and informative episodes and a special shout out to Chanel for making this episode possible. Thank you.

Michael: [3:46] If we press via right arrow, 63 tokens, $0.00.

Voiceover: [3:49] 0 1 2 6.

Michael: [3:51] That's how much money I spent for that specific transaction. And that's a very important thing that is not shown to you by default. So let me show you two more things. If we stop interacting with this list and we press via left arrow, top button image toolbar to the toolbar and interact with it in toolbar five items native selected radio button one of two we now have some additional options that are available including web rate your shape fill copy button group copy which will copy the entire conversation Now, let's clear this. And I'm going to go show you in preferences, a couple of things you might want to be aware of. So like you can on any other Mac app, well, any other well-designed Mac app, you can press command comma.

Voiceover: [4:37] Now in general window GPT 3.5 turbo API model pop up button.

Michael: [4:41] And this lets you choose the GPT model 3.5 turbos, what most users have. But the one thing that I wanted to show you is toolbar. If you go from the toolbar at the top of the screen to show tokens per message, check checkbox. By default, that's unchecked, so you won't see how much you're spending, but if it's something you really want to pay attention to, then you can go check that checkbox and you'll see those tokens with the amount of money that's been spent. Let's command W out of here.

Voiceover: [5:08] Map GPT, window, toolbar.

Michael: [5:10] And as I recommend, go poke around in the settings because you can make some preference changes and one of which you'll see here in a moment. Oh, launch, launch bar.

Voiceover: [5:20] Application.

Michael: [5:21] Press and hold D for drafts.

Voiceover: [5:23] Drafts, drafts, draft, blank, window, edit text, beginning of text.

Michael: [5:26] And now I'm going to blank edit text. If I press up arrow, beginning of text, nothing there. If I press down arrow, end of text, nothing there. So now I'm going to type the first change that you'll notice that's different than default. If I type slash GPT followed by, and I'm going to dictate this. Say hello to all of the listeners of the unmute presents podcast period. You're being demonstrated in a live, well, I guess, pre-recorded show period. And I'll tap the control key to stop the dictation. And if I hit shift enter, you'll hear a sound and then And I didn't edit any of that out because I wanted you to hear what voiceover would do. Now if I press my down arrow.

Voiceover: [6:24] I'm at the bottom and there's some new stuff on this text.

Michael: [6:31] So let's do command up arrow. And I'm going to read this entire screen.

Voiceover: [6:36] Misspelled GPT say hello to all of the listeners of the unmute present podcast. You're being demonstrated in a live. Well, I guess prerecorded show. Hello to all the listeners of the unmute present podcast. It's a pleasure to be a part of this live demonstration. And I hope that I can be of assistance to you all. If you have any questions or need any help, feel free to ask. And I'll do my best to assist you. Thank you for having me on the show.

Michael: [6:51] And as you can see that auto filled and your prompt was still at the top of the draft. So if you wanted to rewrite it or readdress that thing, you can again, by default, you use plus GPT for me. I prefer slash and I went in and changed that in the preferences. So how do I use chat GPT? Well, let me give you one last example. And it's something that I think might be good for you to observe. And I opened map GPT by using command space, typing MA and holding C. So this is a way that I use it. I'm going to go through my workflow and just dictate what I'm doing. If it doesn't make sense, then just assume that I'm dictating. You're an assistant to a podcast host who needs to promote their latest episode. Period. Create me some marketing messages I can post on LinkedIn, comma.

[7:50] Ideas for pictures I can post on Instagram with captions, comma. And then what I'll do is I'll go ahead and let it finish typing that out. And then I'm going to hit shift enter. I'm going to paste this in and then here's what we're going to see is something. When I hit enter, um, it's going to start working and I'm going to VO left arrow. And I think you'll hear the sound. I'm not sure if you will, but voiceover will be freaking out and I'll show you that here in a moment.

Voiceover: [8:23] Okay. So I'm going to hit enter. freaking out and I'll show you that here in a moment.

Michael: [8:24] So this is it typing away and you can verify that by pressing V O N. Stop button.

Voiceover: [8:29] And it says stop generating stop button.

Michael: [8:34] It still says stop. And I'll show you what it gives me here in a couple of moments with the material that I gave chat GPT, which actually chat GPT gave me in the first place. So let me play for you everything that it heard and what it came back with and what we spent.

Voiceover: [8:50] In list. youtube short idea. three tech stories with. you're an assistant to a podcast host, who needs to promote their latest episode. create me some marketing messages. i can post on linkedin. ideas for pictures. i can post on instagram with captions. and some ideas for short form blog post to promote this episode. Overall episode title. subscriptions, scams, and privacy. exploring the latest in tech news on Friday finds. Episode show notes. On this week's Friday Finds episode, we're covering a range of topics in the tech world. First, we discuss the recent changes to the popular app, Voice Dream Reader, and the impact of a new subscription model on users. Then, we dive into the flood of ScamChat GPT apps on the Mac App Store and provide tips for staying safe while browsing. Finally, we explore the rumor of app sideloading coming to iPhones and the potential privacy and security implications for users. Join us as we delve into the latest in tech news with an accessibility view. Promotional paragraph. Friday Finds is a weekly 30-minute tech story review show brought to you thanks to Unmew Presence. This week on Unmew Presence Friday Finds, Lynn, Marty, and Damash are bringing you the latest in tech news with an accessibility view, from the recent changes to the popular app, app, voice dream reader to the flood of scam chat, GPT apps on the Mac app store and the rumor of app side loading coming to iPhones. We cover it all. Join us as we explore the potential impact of these changes on users and provide tips for staying safe and informed in the digital marketplace. YouTube short idea, three tech stories with an accessibility view. Friday find episode preview, a quick 30 second teaser that highlights the three stories covered in the episode and emphasizes the accessibility view perspective. LinkedIn post ideas.

Michael: [9:51] And so that was the data that it gave me. And now here's some LinkedIn post ideas.

Voiceover: [9:56] Are you up to date with the latest tech news? Check out our latest episode of Friday finds where we explore subscriptions, scams and privacy with an accessibility view. Join us for a deep dive into the latest changes in the tech world. Our latest Friday finds episode covers everything from voice dream reader to app side loading on iPhones. Want to stay informed and safe in the digital marketplace. Tune into our latest episode of Friday finds where we provide tips, Instagram, caption ideas. Police car revolving light, new episode alert, police car revolving light. This week on Friday finds we're exploring the latest in tech news with an accessibility view tune in for insights on subscriptions, scams, and privacy, and that is some ideas that it gave me and I cut some of those out because there was a lot in there.

Michael: [10:27] And as you can see, this is how I can use chat GPT, and then I can go in and copy some of these use the clipboard manager and launch bar to be able to get back to them. And hopefully that helps you a little bit with being able to leverage max GPT in your workflow and be more productive when it comes to producing. This is Michael again with unmute presents available as a replay on your favorite podcast platform. Check us out on Tuesdays, 10 AM Pacific time. And that's 1pm Eastern.

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Subscriptions, Scams, and Privacy: Exploring the Latest in Tech News on Friday Finds

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:30:00 -0000

On this week's Friday Finds episode, we're covering a range of topics in the tech world. First, we discuss the recent changes to the popular app, Voice Dream Reader, and the impact of a new subscription model on users. Then, we dive into the flood of scam chat GPT apps on the Mac App Store and provide tips for staying safe while browsing. Finally, we explore the rumor of app sideloading coming to iPhones and the potential privacy and security implications for users. Join us as we delve into the latest in tech news with an accessibility view. transcripts:

Transcript:

Hey everybody, so I am the bearer of the bad news. To begin with here, last week we talked

about Bookshare raising its membership fee to 80 bucks for those of us who pay out of

pocket and unfortunately this week we have another sad tale of something that we're paying

for that we didn't used to have to, for some people that is. So I was looking at the iPhone,

The VI phone, it's called the VI phone list.

This is an email list, it's a Google,

I think it's a Google list that basically talks about

everything iOS for blind and visually impaired folks.

There is an app that we, many of us in the blind community

know and love and trust.

And it is called Voice Stream Reader.

This app has been around, oh my gosh,

I can't even, I'm not exactly sure how long,

but it is a quality app.

I mean, most people that use this app just love it.

We are just, you know, the developer is awesome.

He really, really, if there's a problem,

you could write to him and he would help you right away.

His name was Winston Chen.

His name is Winston Chen, I should say.

Great developer.

So it was sort of a shock to a lot of us

when we find out that there will now be,

that the app was sold to a group

that I've never heard of,

but the applause group it's called.

I've never heard of that group,

but apparently they are taking over the development

and everything about Voice Dream Reader.

Well, I've never even heard of that group either.
A floss group?
Yeah, do you know what else they make by jam, sir?
I don't.

Winston said that he liked the group

because he felt that they would continue developing the app,

that they would really do right by it.

So if you've already have the app,

you're grandfathered in, so you wouldn't have to pay.

I don't know about upgrades or anything like that.

So it's $59.99 is gonna be the annual price.

So that's, you know, 60 bucks a year is something that,

it sort of shocked me a little bit.

Yeah, that's a lot of money, 60 bucks a year?
Yeah.
This is one of the higher, most expensive prices

I've seen.

And you know, the thing is,

once someone kind of goes for something like this

and tests the water, then everyone else sort of goes,

well, if they're doing it, we can do it.

And the thing that makes me nervous

is that if everyone starts charging, you know,

50, 60, $7 a month for apps, you know,

you're really gonna have to decide

what apps you absolutely need

and what apps you absolutely don't need

because you can't just get everything, you know?

Yeah.
Because people can't afford,

if you were to add all that up,

just if you're paying for three, four, five apps,

you know, 60 bucks a year for all of those

becomes a lot of money.

Demoss, did you use this app for anything?

Is this your tools you got in your toolbox?

I have been a voice stream reader user

since it was released and I continue to use it today.

Yeah.
Voice String Reader is very, very heavily used

in the education market because of the text

to speech capabilities, whether it's using a built-in voice

or someone to specialize voices.

It also will play audio books back,

handles daisy files, EPUBs, docs, plain text, et cetera.

Another wide usage of the application

and kind of where Winston was trying to position the app

in addition to helping those with blind and low vision

is people who are dyslexic are also very heavy users

the app because of the text highlighting that happens visually and some other features that

are in there visually for those people.

So very popular app.

I've been using it and recommending it to people for over 10 years now.

Now my question to you, if the price went up to 60 bucks a year, would you still use

it and pay that money to you?

Is it that important or would you find something else?

So let me get some clarification here because I may have missed it.

But as far as I know, the cost is just for the Mac application, correct?

Or are they also implementing this across the iOS app?

It seems to me that it is on the iOS side as well.

That's why it was discussed on the iPhone list, which is basically for iOS issues.

Okay, because as it stands right now, or at least as it stood before this change was announced,

you only paid a subscription for the Mac app.

So if you already own the iOS app, that was free.

So for me, I don't have to pay for the iOS access at all.

I do pay for the Mac app.

I pay a monthly subscription for the Mac app, primarily because I wanted to support Winston,

because again, I bought this app when it was on sale for $4.99 when it first released.

And this was over 10 years ago.

I have been getting routine use.

This is one of the apps that if it's not on my phone,

like it doesn't work right.

So giving him $4.99 a month, I think,

is what the subscription currently is on the Mac,

was no problem for me.

I don't really use the Mac app all that often.

I may add things to it from there,

but I still primarily use it on my iPhone.

If this change is also going to affect current iOS users,

then that's a little bit different of a story.

For me, when I pay 60 bucks a year for it, I would.

I mean, I don't know if I would pay 60 bucks a year

just for the Mac app,

but if they're doing a wholesale change where,

you know, the only way to access the Apple Cross platform

is to pay 60 bucks a year,

and I feel like I'm probably gonna end up paying 60 bucks a year

'cause I don't know of another application

that is as fully featured as this one is.

Like, you know, you can read EPUBs in the Kindle app,

but there's no audiobooks there.

It doesn't do OCR, so that's another feature

that's built into Voice Stream Reader is OCR on iOS.

So if I drop in a scanned PDF that's instantly OCR,

then I can read it.

And the handy thing for me with Voice Stream Reader

is putting a PDF or EPUB file in

and having it play back as though it's an audiobook,

meaning I can lock my phone, put it in my pocket,

and proceed to do dishes or whatever it is.

Yeah, it just does what it does and does it very, very well.

Winston said-- and I guess this is something

that we all have to get to grips with--

that the one-time pricing model is just not sustainable now.

If you want an app to grow with the times,

change with the different developments in the iOS,

and it's a moving target, a constant moving target.

And I guess--

[BEEPING]

Lots obviously. Are we gonna get sideloading on our

iPhones?

App sideloading. This is the big rumor. It's supposedly coming in 17 iOS 17 and

Apparently Apple's gonna pick which markets

sideloading can occur in and they're saying that Europe is probably gonna be first because

Europe has a lot of

anti-monopoly

That's why I think they're saying that what is it? The iPhone is gonna be have the

SBC because they're saying, you know, it's not fair that Apple has this monopoly on the app store

and so I think a lot of this is coming from Europe. I would agree with you there. I would say that

In the beginning this probably and this is I have no inside knowledge on this

I this is just my own opinion

But I think that if they're going to do something like this

They're gonna start only in Europe and they're gonna see how it goes

I think this is something really that's gonna be a major undertaking

I'd be really curious to see how are they gonna still

continue to make it safe?

How are they going to police it?

I mean, as we just got done talking about,

they're having some issues

with their own app store currently.

So how are they gonna add a side loading app store,

keep that safe?

So I think that they're gonna start off in Europe

and see how it goes there if they implement this,

if they're actually gonna do this.

And we'll have to see how that goes.

And we'll see if they bring side loading

to other countries, US and alike.

It'll be interesting, definitely.

I definitely want to know and see how they're going to keep track of this,

police it and keep everyone safe or if it's going to become completely out of

control. I don't know.

Yeah. It worries me a lot because you know,

there are sort of advantages to the walled garden right now.

Yeah, definitely.

You can keep it, although we can sideload on the net.

I mean, not when they're not trimming the weeds back into the walled garden,

not so much.

Yeah. Yeah. So I guess.

I mean, just like in the story,

we're hearing problems with other apps that they're getting in there and they're

getting by the process.

That's a consistent problem with Apple.

The GPT apps are new, but the underlying issue of scam apps

or fake apps or pretend apps getting by app review

quite a bit is not a new story in the Apple App Store

for iOS's community at least anyway.

Nobody pays much attention to the Mac App Store in general,

but you see a lot of this in the iOS App Store.

I mean, oftentimes you go into the App Store

and you search for an app and by name

and you're getting different results at the top

versus what you're looking for

and sometimes it's even made to look like,

I mean, there's a weather app or there was.

They probably have gotten rid of it now

that made the news.

But before Apple had their weather app on the iPad,

there was a weather app that was called Weather Space,

and this is what was in the actual text

of the app submission, right?

So it looked exactly like what Apple's app would look like

before they had one for the iPad.

It looked just like the iPhone app

just designed for an iPad screen.

And they were charging like,

you know, I don't remember how much.

It wasn't a ridiculous amount of money,

but they were fooling people that this was the Apple app.

They were like, people would look at that and say,

"Oh, it looks like the one on my phone.

"I'm gonna get that one," right?

Not realizing Apple's not gonna charge you

in app subscription for weather.

It's not a thing they do.

Yeah, and that's what they're saying about the open AI chat GPT.

When you look at some of these apps,

it looks like it's coming from this company.

It's from open AI.

And that's where the problem is.

It's not.

You know, I mean, you can find--

you don't really-- if you want an open AI account,

you go on their website and you make one.

And then you can do whatever you want with it at that point.

It's your login credentials and stuff like that.

But you just have to be aware.

And I think Damasi would agree, because Damasi

does a security podcast, right?

And I think that Mac and iPhone people,

we tend to be a little bit more complacent

because we think we're safer, right?

It's Apple, you know, Apple doesn't have virus programs,

Apple doesn't have malware.

But when you think about everything that's included

in your Apple account, your credit cards,

your, you know, your whole life, I mean.

It comes down to a proportion gain, all right?

If you only have 10 people using Macs

and two people get a virus, well, people are gonna assume

that Macs are pretty impervious to viruses, right?

Whereas when you scale from 10 people using the Mac

to a million people and 200,000 get a virus,

that's a much bigger number, so you start paying attention.

There's always been malware on the Mac

or around the Mac ecosystem.

It's just the smaller it was, the less of an issue it was,

especially compared to, now compared to general malware

in the Windows world versus the Mac,

it does seem like there's nothing happening

over here on the Mac.

But there are things going on,

and there are people actively trying to attack the Mac

as well as there are people trying to defend the Mac.

I don't think you need to run out

and install any virus on your Mac if you don't do

silly things on the internet, but other than that,

With the sideloading conversation, though,

I kind of feel like this.

So I've heard some people say they're worried about it.

I've heard some people say they don't care.

I've heard people say this and that.

I want to kind of put a little perspective in here, though.

First off, even if sideloading comes to everybody

at some point on iOS, it doesn't mean you have to do it.

People on Android have the capability

to sideload applications, but first you

have to go and enable the functionality.

And secondarily, you have to actually want to do it.

If you don't want to do it, it doesn't affect you.

It doesn't weaken your security because the feature is there.

As far as the EU-- so the EU has the DMA, the Digital Markets

Act.

And this is kind of where they're hitting it at Apple

and Google a little bit too.

They're going after Apple harder

because Apple has made it a little easier for them to say,

well, the only way people can get on your iPhone

or your iPad is to go through your store.

We don't like this.

We need to open this up a little bit more,

make it more flexible.

The rumor currently is that, yeah,

they're gonna turn this on in Europe first

because that law goes into effect in 2024.

So they're gonna have to do something

if that's what they tell them they have to do.

I don't think that anybody's told Apple they have to do this.

I think they're trying to prepare for it

and get ahead of it.

As for security, the thing is,

I don't know that Apple's gonna take this approach

because they're a very large company with a PR department,

so they may not say this the way that I'm gonna say this,

but if you decide to go turn on a feature in settings

to side load an app, that relieves me

of the responsibility of what you side load.

That's not my problem, right?

I don't mean that to be a jerk about it,

but the facts are, if I have a store,

if I'm running Apple and I have an app store,

and you can go to the app store and download an app,

or you choose, you make a choice,

and I'm not forcing you, nobody tells you,

in order to get Apple Music, you gotta go sideload it, right?

Just about anything you want is gonna be an app store.

If you want to sideload an app,

that is your responsibility.

So say with the Mac, right?

I can choose to go through the Mac app store.

I can go to a trusted third-party developer

that has their app notarized and signed and all of that,

so it'll just run.

Or I can go outside of those miles

and download somebody's random code off of GitHub

and force it to run on my computer.

At that point, I have bypassed the protections

that were in place for me.

So that is completely my responsibility.

I think the way that they handle general security

for everybody there is kind of the same way

have done it on the Mac, which is there will be the iOS app store, as there always has

been. There will be a mechanism, maybe not functionally exactly the same, but basically

what we have on the Mac with app notarization and app signing. So, my Mac currently, if

I download, if I go to Rogan Meebuh's website or if I go to Texas Mandarin, I download their

app from their website because they're not an app store at all. I have no problems running

their software because one, it's been signed with their developer certificate and two,

Apple has the notarization, which is, you know, developers send their third-party app

to Apple, Apple scans it for malware and malicious things and if it passes their tests, they

sign off on it and give it an Apple signature as well.

So now you have the developer account certificate and you have Apple certificate saying, "Yes,

we have trusted and verified this app."

It runs fine on your stuff.

I think that's the way they'll handle it on iOS because it seems to me they already have

that mechanism in place with Gatekeeper on the Mac.

Like just use that same protocol there to get that to work for people.

And again, just as on the Mac, you have the ability to stay just in the App Store and

never download or run anything that's not from the App Store if that's what you choose

to do.

I feel that it's gonna be the way to handle it on iOS

for people now.

If you go out there and download somebody's random code

and put it on your iPhone,

it's just your risk, right?

You did that.

Yeah, especially now because the Apple ecosystem now

is I mean, people have savings accounts, right?

They have basically banking.

I mean, this is what the malware creators

and virus creators now, they just want money.

They used to be able to--

Yeah, but I wouldn't panic so much

about that part of it though,

because the thing is the sandboxing rules on iOS

still are gonna be in effect.

So just because even if I go out and say download app from a third party again

Assuming nobody does anything silly with a law that forces Apple to do something less secure

Apple's approach is gonna be okay. You can go download app if it's notarized and signed it

I have no problem running, but it still will have to adhere to the same sandboxing

You know rules that apply. I mean we switch from the Mac all the time, right? I can go download

transmit which is a

FTP client right doesn't matter what that does but I download the app

I open it up and before I can use this app

I have to give it certain permissions because that is the structure Apple has put in place on the Mac to help protect me

Oh this app would like to access files in your document folder. Okay. Well, maybe I don't want to give you a document folder access

So I say no, right? So it's not the fact that

Sight-loading instantly means the end of the world at the end of your security

My biggest concern with it really is that we're gonna see a lot of these larger companies start to pull their apps out of the

App store because they will have a little bit more flexibility in what they can do when it comes to tracking your data

tracking you and

You know amortizing your usage of their app to make money. So Facebook is when it comes to mind

I'm not picking on Facebook particularly but Facebook likes to gather scrape all the data they possibly can so my concern is that we're gonna see people

Like meta pull the Facebook app out of the App Store pull Instagram out of the App Store

So that they can actually run the code that they typically run on their website or that they would run on Android

It gives them a lot more data about you as a user

Apple doesn't let a lot of that stuff through the store for them

So they step outside of that now they they're not up under those restrictions

I'm more concerned about people's privacy with the apps that they choose to use because

a lot of these bigger companies may move out of the store.

As opposed to, I am about somebody getting a side-loaded application that goes in and

empties their Apple savings account or spins up and gets their Apple credit card.

Because all of that stuff is still secured the same way it was.

You're not going to be able to go through my Apple wallet and yank all my cards out

of my Apple wallet and get that information because it's encrypted in a way that nothing

on the system actually gets to read that data.

Same with your fingerprint or face ID information.

It's not readable by any part of Apple's system,

including Apple, 'cause it's encrypted.

All you get back when you do Face ID, for example,

is here's the face I just saw is what the camera says,

and on the encrypted space side of the phone

where you're at that information store,

it says, "Yep, that matches what I have."

Or, "Nope, it doesn't match what I have.

"Don't let 'em in."

So I'm not concerned so much about the security

as I am about people's general privacy.

Because these bigger apps will move out of the store,

because look, if Facebook moves out of the store,

people will go get Facebook.

If, say, a Marco Arment decides

he's gonna take overcast out of the store,

well, who's gonna care?

I'll probably get it, but most people are like,

"Psh, man, you know, I'll just shoot out the podcast app."

But Instagram, Facebook, Twitter,

you know, if they move out of the store,

people will have to start sideloading,

and that's when I get more concerned about their privacy.

All right, everyone, so thanks very much

for checking out our Friday finds,

and if you have questions, comments, or anything else,

you can always reach us at feedback@unmute.show,

and I wanna thank Damasi for joining us today.

Thanks, Damasi.

Thank you.
And Lynn, thank you.
For your assistance.

Sir, it's been fun.

And we'll see you next time.

[music]

[Music fades]

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Unmute Presents - "USB Security: Don't Plug and Play"

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, we’re joined by tech expert Damashe, who shares valuable insights on USB security. With the convenience of charging our devices in public places, it’s easy to fall into the trap of plugging and playing without considering the potential security risks. Damashe breaks down the dangers of using public USB ports and provides practical tips for staying safe while charging on-the-go. Tune in to this informative episode and learn how to protect your devices and personal information from potential threats.

April 25 2023

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 19:47:53 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Mac Whisper: The Ultimate Audio-to-Text Transcription Tool"

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore the powerful Mac app called Mac Whisper, which allows you to transcribe audio files into text with ease. Our host Damashe takes you through the application interface and demonstrates how to use it to transcribe a YouTube video into text using the Tiny model.

You'll learn about the different models available in Mac Whisper, how to select the right one for your needs, and how to use the app to transcribe audio files from your computer or record app audio.

Whether you're a content creator, a journalist, or simply someone who needs to transcribe audio files on a regular basis, Mac Whisper is an essential tool that can save you time and effort. So tune in to learn more about this amazing app and start transcribing like a pro!

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Unmute Presents - Friday Finds, batteries, book Sharon Netflix

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

[MUSIC]

>> Hey, all. Marty here. Today,

we're coming at you with our Friday finds.

With me, I've got Michael.

Say hello, Michael.

>> Hello, Michael.

>> Lynn, say hello, Lynn.

>> Hello, everybody.

>> Lynn, why don't you kick us off with our first story?

>> Sure. Well, I'll just quickly introduce myself.

I'm Lynn Schneider, and you may know me as

Kane Prince around the Internet.

And I am a right now sort of an intern, I guess you could say.

I'm interested in branching out

and becoming a content producer.

And I decided to ask the best teachers that I could find.

We'll do our best to learn to use something.
And so I'm really excited.

I love technology.

You guys probably know me.

I do the ACB crafters on Fridays.

I'm involved in lots of different,

I'm totally blind from birth from anaphylmia.

I was born with that eyes. Yeah.

I'm really excited to be here

and to share some news stories with everyone.

My first news story of the week has to do with

the freestyle libre readers

that many people use for diabetic control,

blood sugar control monitoring.

Why don't you tell everyone who may not know what a freestyle librarian is exactly just so they understand what it is?

So these readers actually help people

Monitor their blood sugars

without having to stick themselves with needles all the time and

Many people are doing this that they will sync up with your phone

so that you can have access to your readings and

It will tell you if you need insulin or

Actually, I think that they they even you can even get insulin

Injectables that they will actually do the injection for you

So you don't have to poke yourself with a needle.

So the new technology, the old technology actually,

what people used to have to do if they didn't have these,

you know, digital phone apps was they would have to take

either a little needle, poke themselves,

and then they'd have to use a little strip,

put that in another machine,

they would have to get a little drip of the blood

and then suck that into the little strip

which goes in the machine and tells you

what your glucose level or what your sugar level is,

which is glucose at that exact moment.

And it would reach you on the screen,

whatever the number is.

And some of them are accessible and some of them are not.

And the ones that are accessible will speak

the what's on the screen, your glucose number

or sugar number at that moment out loud to you.

Now the new technology, which what Lynn is talking about is you get this little tiny

sticker which you stick on and it goes under your skin just enough so that it can check

your blood and you don't change it.

It sits there constantly.

And then what happens is you have an app on your phone, which you open up and then when

you hit the app, it automatically draws your blood sugar for you and then gives you the

reading on your phone on the app and then it will keep track of all that information

so that the next time you go to the doctor they can see what your trends are and you

can also obviously look and see what your trends are and see if your blood sugars are

high low and different whatever the case may be.

So with all of that being said so Lynn now what is the problem that they're running into

these machines?

Well, basically what's happening is that the lithium ion batteries in the readers, some

users are reporting that they're swelling and that they're overheating and sparking.

Wow, really?

Okay.

In rare cases, they're even catching fire.

So in response, the manufacturer has, which is the freestyle libre, the manufacturer has

is advise people to do a few things.

Basically, they want you to use the adapter that it comes with.

Because what's happening,

they say is that people are not using

the adapters with the right power wattage.

>> So this is specifically the power adapter, is that correct?

>> Right.

>> So people are using

different power adapters that didn't come with the machine

and that's causing the machine to do wacky things, correct?

Right, right, that's right.
And so they're fixed to this is use the power adapter

we send you in the box and don't use any other one.

Right, and they do have some,

there's like four, they say there's like

tons of these devices out there.

You can still use them, but there is a recall.

So you should just be aware that there is a recall out there

and you just want to contact the manufacturer.

Visit freestylebattery.com.
Marty and I were discussing this yesterday.

We're talking about the Bookshare price increase.

And if you're a Bookshare member who like me pays

for their own Bookshare membership,

you know that Bookshare membership was always $50.

So let's give them a primer on what Bookshare is exactly,

'cause I guarantee you a lot of people are gonna be,

well, wait, isn't Bard Bookshare or isn't Bookshare Bard?

So let's give them a little primer on what Bookshare is.

Right, yeah, that's good.

And so there are lots of ways

that blind people can get books, of course.

The traditional NLS National Library Service,

NLS tends to sort of cater to

The people that like to read for relaxation, and that's fine.

>> Casual readers.

>> Of course, you have to have a qualifying print disability.

The thing that separates Bookshare from NLS is that

Bookshare tends to have more academic content.

It tends to have more,

for people who like me are into lifelong learning,

students use it, they get their textbooks that way.

And, you know, students get Bookshare for free.

The problem is it caters mostly to students, but adults like me really like it because

I'm a lifelong learner.

I like to have access to academic things.

And unfortunately, they are increasing their annual fee from $50 to $80.

It's actually $79.99 or some crazy thing like that.

So basically $80.

So that's a pretty steep increase, I think, for people who pay for their own membership

like me because I'm not a student, so I don't get a free membership.

And I guess this is just my little mini rant.

I feel that for people like me, in the email they sent to all the members, they say that

they feel like the people in richer countries should be able to afford the price increase.

And of course, I'm considered being in a high income country.

I am not a high income person.

I can guarantee you that.

certainly everybody is suffering from the effects of inflation.

>> Yeah, definitely.

>> We know that every prices of everything are increasing.

They've said that they've not increased their prices

despite the fact that their costs are going up.

My little mini rant here is to say that many people like me who buy their own,

For example, I bought my own Mantis.

I think people might look at me and say,

"Oh, well, you have the money."

But it was a hardship for me to do that.

>> What is the Mantis exactly, just so people know?

>> It's a Braille display.

So it allows me to read my screens in Braille and read books in Braille.

It's just a wonderful device that I hook up to my phone or my Mac,

and it allows me to have braille output.

And the reason that I wanted that

is because I do a lot of volunteer work.

And unfortunately, volunteer work is not considered work.

So I'm not a student--

No, it's considered work, but for free,

you don't get paid.

Yeah, exactly.

By the way, this is National Volunteer Week,

so this, you know, as an aside.

I get a 30% price increase,

which is what it comes down to is drastic.

It's shocking to anyone.

But the other thing that I consider full transparency, I do not currently

pay for bookshare, so I will be open about that, but is the value you get

from bookshare still worth $6 a month?

And when you break it down monthly, it's like, oh, that's for all the books

that I get, that's not a lot, but when you go and take the pricing, almost

double it, it's sticker shock to people.

It is.

In fact, I was almost wondering, cause I take allergy medicine and it makes

me have really weird dreams. And it was at night when I saw this,

I'm like, I just see that up, it's going to increase 30 bucks.

So I think that's interesting about this too, is definitely

like I agree with Michael, it's going to be sticker shock when

you first hear how much the increase is. But even at the new

number, like if you're paying, you said what is it 80 now,

Lynn? Is that what you said it was?

It's going to be 80. Yeah, right. So next time it comes up. Yeah.

Even if you're at $80 a year, if you were to go to a bookstore and you were to buy

Five books that's going to cost you on the average $20 a book

And that's going to be way more

Than $80 a year if you were to go and buy books from the bookstore

You know at right full pop so on one hand. Yes, it seems to

be like a very expensive pay raise or monthly fee raise to the membership. But you could go on there

and you could download 10 books a day, 15 books a day if you want. I mean, you can't go into any

bookstore and down or purchase and let us see you have tons and tons of money, you know, 15,

20 books a day. There's just no way. It would be far, far, far more expensive.

Right. So, and I think that there's this also this mythology out there that blind people don't want to pay for anything.

And that is in my case, that is certainly not true. I do not mind paying for things. I don't expect to be given everything for free.

Now, they do say that if you find that it's a hardship, you can go on the website and ask for a

a discount.

So if you, I mean, they are allowing that, but I just wonder what happened to me, the

cost go up so much.

And I am not sure how many of us pay for our own bookshare because so many people get it

paid for some states, even I think California actually is one of the states where you can

get it the membership free.

So there are, I guess they're kind of figuring that it won't impact a lot of people.

But unfortunately, it does impact me and because...

And you know if it impacts you, it's going to impact other people.

I am sorry to report that if you guys get your discs by mail, well, you're going to

have to find another way to get your discs sent to you by mail because Netflix is going

to end that program. And the interesting thing is that I didn't really, I didn't even know

that Netflix still sent out stuff by mail. I mean, I know that that's how they started,

but I had no idea that they were still doing it. And the funny part about it is I saw the

story on AOL.com. I was going through my Google news and I saw it there and I saw that it was,

the story was carried on in several outlets, but one of them was AOL and I'm like,

"Gosh, I didn't even know AOL still existed."

I know. That's pretty weird, actually.

Yeah, that was weird. I felt like I was going through a time warp or something.

But yeah, so that's, they say that people, the people that get their DVDs by mail, they like it

because some of them don't have really good internets, you know, internet access. I know,

it's interesting as being on the Zoom calls, how many people just really don't have good internet.

You know, they're always breaking up.

It actually does. There's a few things here. And one is, Les, we were just talking about in the last story, you know, there's inflation, right? So you look at a digital product opposed to a physical product, right? So a digital product, they put it up there. It's endless. It's never going to run out. It's always there. People can stream it, stream it, stream it. You know, there's no, there's no love loss there, you know?

You know, right. Sorry about the physical product. What happens with the physical product? Someone has to, you know, pick the DVDs they want.

Then you have to have people going around and packaging up those DVDs, putting them in the mail, sending them to the people.

And then the people watch the DVDs and they got to turn around and they got to send them back.

And a lot of times I think when you send it back, Netflix was eating the cost of the postage both ways.

Right. Exactly.

So when you look at the money that they're spending on doing just the shipping alone

and paying people to pull the DVDs and put them back when they come back in, and how

many people really are watching DVDs at this point?

I mean, if you go to a store, like an electronic store, it's even hard to find a DVD player

anymore, you know?

I don't own one.

I think I have one on an old laptop somewhere in the house,

and I think my mom has an older TV

that has a DVD player on it.

But what they said was that people still like it

because they say that some films,

like some esoteric sort of unusual films,

they are not allowed to be streamed

for copyright reasons.

And so they could--

You go back to when Netflix started

and their whole business model was, you know,

sending out DVDs to people,

they'd watch them send it back, get more, right?

But as a couple of years into the business,

they decided to start doing a small feature

where some TV shows or some movies

would be available for streaming, right?

And they were kind of the first ones

to really kind of start that.

And in the beginning, it went well, people liked it,

and then they were able to add more and more

to the choices of things that you could stream

because nobody else was doing it.

And as years went on, all of these companies went,

well, wait, why are we giving all our content away?

We can have our own platform.

And then it started all of these companies popping up

with their own platforms and their own streaming services.

So you lose a lot of those shows due to licensing and all this other stuff on Netflix.

So I thought it was funny the other day they were saying, I was looking at the article and it was talking about how one of the founders, there were two founders and one of them wanted to test whether he could send a DVD through the post office.

So what he did is he got a Patsy Cline.

It's DVD and send it to his friend. I'm like some friend like

Okay, just send me a Patsy Cline DVD

But um, yeah, that was interesting and then

Of course, that's how they sort of were able to beat blockbuster because people liked

The idea of getting these movies in their mailbox and stuff like that

It was kind of it was interesting and new and of course now it was convenient

I mean, what if you work on Wednesday and you go,

"I'm going to be at home with the kids,"

or, "We'll have a date night at home," or whatever it is.

You can order your DVDs, they're there,

and you don't even have to go anywhere or do anything.

They just show up in your mailbox and there you go.

Now I will say with them discontinuing the DVD service,

which is not something companies usually do,

but they're giving you an actual bonus.

And the bonus is they're not going to change the price

of anyone's plan,

but they're going to bump up the quality of the video

that you're gonna be able to stream at no extra charge.

I think it's a little bit of a higher quality video.

It's not huge.

And this could be good or bad.

It may not make a huge difference.

I feel like the only way it's gonna make a huge difference

is if you're one of those who still has a giant TV

in your living room and you wanna watch movies that way.

But majority of people are watching movies

like on their phone or their iPad.

And really in those scenarios, I'm not sure that that high quality video is going to make that much of a difference really.

Yeah.

And so, yeah, I mean, it's sort of an end of an era, you know.

Right.

Now, with all that being said, there's another story coming out of Netflix and Lynn, what's that?

Well, apparently they are going to crack down on you guys who are sharing your password.

Right.

So what this means is, let's say I have an account and I pay and I go, "Hey, Lynn, here's my username and password."

And, "Hey, Michael, here's my username and password. You guys can log on and watch whatever you want, whenever you want. I don't care."

Or let's say you're a parent and you've got kids, right? And you don't want to pay multiple accounts.

You give your kids the username and password and say, "Get on there and watch whatever you want."

You know, you guys can just use my credentials to get in there.

Well, they're cracking down on that because they don't want to have five people using

one account.

That's not the point.

They want to have everyone paying for an account or get a family plan or something like that.

So, I'm just wondering, do they have family plans?

I mean, do they have things where you could conceivably?

I believe that they do have something.

I'm not exactly sure what the price structure is or exactly how it works, but I'm pretty

sure that there is a way and I think it's more money where you can go in and you can

choose a family plan, which would be more expensive than a one person plan or a single

user. And then you have up to, you know, five accounts that you can assign to people. So,

you know, you can assign, you know, account to you and then your three kids can have their

own and your husband can have one or whatever the case is. Right?

Right.

And I'm not sure how their pricing structure works on that.

It would be a kind of a similar thing to other companies

that do the same thing.

Like for example, both Spotify and Apple Music,

they have what's called a family plan.

And so for example, with Spotify, right?

You can either pay a flat rate for a single user

and then you can have unlimited usage for that flat rate

to listen to as much music as you want.

If you have family and you want to have all your family, kids, whatever,

you pay a little bit more money and then you get to sign up to five

accounts total. I want to say, I think it's five for Spotify.

So then each kid would get their own login and then they have their own

library, their own, all the things, right?

And that's not sharing with the whole family.

Only you see your individual plan and everybody else only sees their individual

So that's how it works for Spotify.

I believe Apple Music is pretty much a very similar way.

And I'm not sure how Netflix is doing it,

but I think they do have something similar.

And I think that's everything for this week.

Yeah, I think so.

And I really want to thank everybody for tuning in.

And it's good to be here.

I've got awesome teachers and that's a good thing.

Good thing for me and I hope to see you guys again in another podcast pretty soon.

Sorry about that.

Yeah.

All right.

Thanks so much Lynn for being here.

We so appreciate having you.

And with that being said, if you guys have any comments, feedback, we're going to try

and do this news thing on Fridays.

So if you have any ideas, if you have a story you want to hear, or if you have any comments

or anything like that, feel free to email us at feedback@unmute.show.

And we hope you guys have a great weekend.

Michael, say goodbye.

Goodbye.

And Lynn, thank you very much and say goodbye.

Goodbye, everyone.

Have a great week.

And I'm Marty.

Yep.

And I'm Marty, and we'll see you guys next time.

Awesome.

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Unmute Presents - AI With Lynn

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

[MUSIC]

>> Hey all, Marty here and we are back with another Unmead episode.

Today, we're going to be talking all about Chat GPT.

With me today, I've got Michael.

Say hello, Michael.

>> Hello.

>> I also have Lynn with us today and say hello, Lynn.

>> Hello, everybody.

>> Why don't we start this out with what exactly

is chat GPT for those who don't know.

So Michael, why don't you kick us off?

Yeah, so I will share it the best way

that it's been explained to me

and then hand it over to Lynn

to fill in anything she wants to with it.

The best way that chat GPT or the technology

that is text generation is explained to me

is it is auto-correct on steroids.

Instead of just tapping that middle word

in the middle three words that are above your keyboard,

if you didn't know if you start typing and you leave it on

above your keyboard on iOS and Android,

three words show up that you can tap to auto fill

and your phone can auto guess what the next word's gonna be.

Well, this is that on steroids because A,

the prediction of the next word actually makes sense

based on the context of the information

that you prompt the AI with,

and B, it then will fill it in

and automatically form sentences

because it's aware of proper English grammar,

and conscious of it a lot more than I am.

And that's the best way that I have learned

to explain what chat GPT is.

What about you, Lynn?

All right, so to me, chat GPT is a brain helper.

It's a thought helper, it's a creativity helper.

It thinks very fast.

We don't like to typically say that AI thinks,

but for the purposes of understanding what it is,

have you ever sort of stopped and think,

gosh, if I could just tell this computer what I want,

if I could just tell this word processor what I want to say

and then have it say it for me.

Work processor, write me a paper.
Exactly, exactly.
Work processor, write me a paper on,

insert subject here.

>> Yes. When we think about AI, artificial intelligence,

basically what we're talking about is a tool that helps us.

I like to say, some people would say that it takes over our thinking.

In my opinion, from my use of it,

it helps my creativity, it boosts it.

It helps me to think in different ways.

A lot of times, I will ask it a question,

and it will come back with an answer,

and it was like, "Wow, I didn't even think that.

I wasn't even thinking from that angle."

So it really does help,

I think, to broaden your horizons when you're doing your work.

One time, I had to write a customer service letter,

and I was really angry,

and I wrote all this stuff into the chat box.

Then I asked GPT to write a professional-sounding letter,

and it came back with a letter that would be written by a person that wasn't crazy angry.

[LAUGHTER]

It did a beautiful, beautiful job of coming back,

and here is a letter that you could actually send to a customer service.

>> There's a lot of processes that you can use for chat GPT.

I mean, really anything, right?

I mean, you can use it for a paper

you may be writing on a certain topic.

You can maybe do it on a marketing project you're doing

if you're trying to market something.

I mean, there's so many different use cases for it.

It's endless.

So Lynn, what would be like a workflow?

You would start out with some kind of an idea,

you're writing something.

How would you do your workflow?

You would start out and then go from there.

I think what's really important and Michael and I are going to probably emphasize this

over and over is something called prompting.

And prompting is the philosophical question, what's more important?

Having the right answers or asking the right questions?

And when it comes to AI, when it comes to chat GPT and others like it, the important

thing is how you ask the question and you will get better as you use the system.

And so, for example, when I was doing a presentation for bits, which was, I messed up because I

was just had just gotten a braille display and I wasn't sure what the heck I was doing,

but I had asked it to write a public service announcement about why or how people should

behave around guide dogs. And it wrote basically an introduction, and several bullet points

explaining why you should do this, that, or the other thing, and then an ending. So it

was like, it did that in five seconds. Something that might have taken me a long, long time

to do, especially since I don't have a guide dog and I really don't really know a whole

lot about guide dogs, but it cuts the crap. I mean, I like to say that, but it really

gets to the point of what you're trying to do.

And let's take a step back for one second. Maybe Michael, you want to explain what prompting

is.

Yeah, so it's interesting. I've fallen into the trap of having a conversation with the

AI when I actually just wanted to go experiment.

So firstly, if you are like, I've heard of this, you know, at its time,

I want to go play with this after I hear this podcast from Unmute present.

Uh, I really understand it a little more.

Just, just be aware that you might suck a little bit more of your

time than you expect to.

Um, so be conscious of that.

So a prompt is your information that you share with the AI itself.

For example, I sent a prompt and said, who is Michael Babcock?

And that prompt, my question to it is, is what it came back with a response of.

And it responded and told me as an AI language model, I'm unable to search

the web to tell you who Michael Babcock is.

I followed up with that and said, you are a AI assistant to Michael Babcock,

a founder of a company called PayOnMedia LLC.

We publish podcasts and help small business owners share their voice with the world.

And then I said, ask me some questions about, or ask me some questions that I can answer

to help you better assist me.

And then I hit enter and it asked me, it started asking me questions.

So now I'm going to keep this specific chat open and answer these questions and then

start asking the AI model itself for assistance that I might need.

For example, going back to what Lynn was talking about, can you provide me a

response to a customer service email?

The customer is upset because the product was not provided to them in a timely

manner, explain to the customer that we are sympathetic with the problems that

the customer is having with delivery.

And we are going to resolve their issue to the best of our ability.

Here's the tracking number and provide them with this USPS tracking number and,

and giving them that information.

That's a lot of rambly information that the customer is going to be like,

that's not professional, but Chat GPT wrote a professional email.

And the only way that I have found to be able to really modify the way that the

email comes out, especially the tone, that's important.

And that's what will help you stand out from what other people are doing with

Chat GPT is that customer service email.

I said that I said, write me a customer service email.

I started that prompt with write me a customer service email in a polite, but

professional and casual tone, and then gave it the information

that I needed to convey in that email. And that's how it came

up with the email that I was happy with. And then the last

thing, and then I'll stop talking and hand it to Marty

Orlin is, I, I think this is a way you can get into building

some interesting things. And when you start, I've been adamant

about telling people to start from the end and work backwards.

When you start from the end and work backwards with automation,

and you run into a place where you need a computer program

to automatically rename a file.

So that way it can match a certain file type.

So you can move that file.

Think about how open AI can help you.

And I hear, and I know how I'm gonna transition this,

that chat GPT 4 is better with writing code

and stuff like that.

So Lynn, can you, what is chat GPT 3.5 and 4?

Right, 3.5 is the, it's sort of an incremental development between 3 and 4.

Right now, 4 is, I guess they consider it under training or that they want to make sure

that it's good enough before they, I guess, release it to the general public.

I have access to it because I have GPT Plus, which I pay $20 a month for, but I am addicted.

So is chat GPT 4, is that only behind a paywall and everyone else gets 3.5 or how would someone

want to utilize 4 opposed to 3.5 if that's the newer out of the current technologies

that are out there?

This is a good question and if you don't have a paid account, I'm not sure.

There's a combo box on mine because I have GPT Plus and it lets me choose which model

I want to use.

3.5 is only available.

You have 3.5 and 3.5 Turbo for the free customers.

Some paid customers have access to four and some people can get access to four on the

API.

So if you're using an app that I can talk more about in the near future, then you can

leverage that.

And if you want to try the difference in chat GPT 3.5 and four, and you don't want to pay

anything, Bing is using a version of chat GPT four.

So if you ask the same question to both chat GPT and Bing, you can see the difference in

responses. So we should explain to people here, you know, how this works because you have regular

chat GPT in a web browser, you have other apps that you can install on your computer, you have

a big other technology companies such as Google and Microsoft that are implementing it into their

software. And I think with all the headlines, people are going what you know, it's a little bit

kind of hard to follow. So we have it in the browser. So you could go to chat GPT, and you

could just use it strictly in the browser. And then we have, for example, if you're a Mac user,

you can use what's called the Mac GPT. And Michael, you want to give a little primer on that?

Do I ever? So Lynn, are you on the Mac? I forget you're on the Mac, right?

I am. Yes.

Yes.

Yes. So I'm using Mac GPT. This does require a little bit more setup, but you had to go get

API key and there's some good directions that we can point people to on how to

build a to get this and it's very accessible to do but you put that API

key in and then you have an app that runs on your Mac and you open it up and

there's a prompt right there a edit field that you can type it and you hit

enter and then if you VO left arrow once there's a list there that you can

interact with and go and see the response that chat GPT gave you. Pass the

response is a copy button. So you can copy the response from

chat GPT, which is amazing. And what's even more awesome about

this is if you are using chat GPT for I believe you can use GPT

for with the Mac app, you'll have to try it by following the

and I type slash GPT space and then my prompt followed by shift

enter, GPT will fill in the rest of, like it fills in the answer of the prompt right there.

So I don't even have to pop you and paste it does inline GPT filling. And then I go delete

the prompt at the top. By default, the keystroke is plus GPT space. And so that's Mac GPT in a

nutshell. And it is it's awesome. Right. And they do have APIs, right for developers. And there was

was a little shortcut called Super Siri. You would say Super Siri and it would actually

give you a chat GPT prompt. So it's pretty awesome.

That's pretty cool. In the same sense, there was I believe Federico Petici from App Stories

had a shortcut that he built that he put out. Michael, I think you played with that a little

bit, right?

Not a little bit. I'm actually racking up a slight bill on my API usage. I'm at 27 cents right now.

Better be careful. It might break the bank. Yeah, I use SGPT quite regularly. That's the article

I recommend people going to to follow to learn how to set up your API key. So you invoke Siri,

you say SGPT. It says, "What would you like to ask GPT?" And it gives you a hint of some ideas.

What's really nice is if you give it access to your clipboard and stuff, for example,

you can copy a URL on your clipboard on the Mac, send it to SGPT and ask it for a summary

of the article, which can be really helpful. And then SGPT also has the ability to access your

calendar. So if you tell it, analyze my calendar and tell me how many meetings I have, it can

process that information too. Okay. I could talk a little bit about Google Bard. Okay.

>> If you want. So, Bard has just opened,

Google has just opened up their AI to the public,

and it's in beta.

I am on a list, David Goldfield's list.

I don't know if anybody knows about his list,

but it's for the blind,

but he does a lot of stuff with AI on there.

It turned out that Google has released it.

It's, if you guys hear something, something about Bard,

just don't get confused.

It's not the same thing as the,

as the library service reading material.

I heard they're actually gonna be changing the name

actually.

Okay, I hope so.

Cause it's kinda, you know.

It's confusing.
Chat GPT is kind of a yucky name too.

Let's get a better name guys, you know,

type it in and see what it says.

The problem that Google's gonna have is that,

you know, Google sort of thrives,

lives and dies by advertising.

So right now it's free.

Right now there's no advertising in it.

But most of the reviews that I've seen,

the tech reviews say that it really has some work to be done.

What I think is unfortunate about BARD is that with chat GPT,

when it gives you an output of a prompt that you give it,

it will have a thumbs up and a thumbs down.

But if you hit thumbs up,

it's going to ask you what you liked about it.

You hit thumbs down, it's going to say, "What happened?

Why didn't this go right?"

Unfortunately, on a board,

you just get a thumbs up and thumbs down.

I wish they would have a prompt that says,

"Here's the problem with this output."

I asked about French fries and I got something else.

>> Onion rings.

>> Onion rings, yeah. So I think that having that response,

being able to tell the model and

the NChat GPT or OpenAI that this prompts,

this didn't work, something,

it gave me an answer that was not right.

In this way, I think people can train it more because they can really give more feedback

about the answers that it gets.

One thing that I have a lot of fun doing with AI is writing stories.

If you are somebody who is creative, you can type in, you'd say, "Write me a creepy story

about a vacuum cleaner."

It will write you a creepy story about it later.

Some of them are really fun, but it can be just fun just doing that.

Say you have two sides of a political debate, you can ask it to be one side and ask you

questions.

So you're kind of having a debate with it and it's presenting the side that you want.

And then you can come back with your own arguments.

So it's sort of, it is interactive.

It's very interactive.

I have used it for therapy.

Wow.
You know, I--
Yeah, I would have never even thought about doing that.
Sure, yeah, I've used it.

Like, I am so mad at my sister because da da da da da.

Now, obviously you don't wanna give it sensitive info, right?

You want to sort of be aware and also it gets its facts wrong. They all do. So if you know

I wouldn't like use it to do an appendectomy on somebody like

You want to make sure I'm right now it does, you know, they even give you a warning that says that it may give

Factually inaccurate info so I

I would say if you're going to use it to do your graduate thesis or whatever,

you might want to really check your facts.

Yeah. So Michael, do you know how it's going to be implemented with Microsoft and how they're

going to be using it?

No, but it's my understanding that it's going to be a pretty streamlined system in Microsoft.

And I explained how inline on the Mac at least works. So I could see them doing something similar

or just having a keystroke that you press that you prompt it. And then it could put

put that information into word.

The possibilities are limitless with this technology.

I wanna emphasize a couple of things that Lynn said.

One is, check your facts,

check the information before you just run with it.

I think that's something that was reiterated to me

when I learned about Spouse Check when I was younger.

Listen to what it says, the computer's not always right.

And I think that's important.

And then secondly, it can definitely be a good

mental support tool. Obviously, seek professional assistance if

you need if you need it, but it can't hurt to ask some of these

questions and get information. Well, let me rephrase that. It

can't hurt dependent on the the way you use the information

Marty, you mentioned earlier, I couldn't imagine an angry GPT.

I heard about the other day called a chatbot called chaos GPT.

that's prompted with the sole intention of creating a plan to destroy humanity.

So like anything, that sounds great to me.

That's just crazy.

Yeah.

But like anything, a butter knife can be used to spread butter on toast or

stab into someone's chest.

Yeah.

All about how you use your tools.

So another way that chat GPT is being implemented is into an app, for

example, called Be My Eyes.

And what Be My Eyes is, is that if you need assistance

and you're someone who's visually impaired or blind,

it opens up an app on your phone,

somebody on the other end connects with you,

they can utilize your camera on your phone

and you point it at whatever it is you're looking for

and they can tell you on the other end what exactly it is.

So for example, if you're in the grocery store

and you're looking for the chicken noodle soup,

you're on the aisle, there's a hundred cans of soup up there

and you can't figure out which one,

You can get your phone out, you can connect on the app.

Somebody will come on and use your camera and tell you,

"Oh, that one right there, that's the chicken noodle soup."

And they can tell you which is the name brand.

And so you know exactly what you're getting.

So what Chat GPT is doing and what the app company is doing

is they're gonna implement this technology into the app.

And so what that means is this technology is going to be able

to do the same thing on its own using the technology

without having an actual human come on the line.

Now, if you do have a failure with the technology,

you still can ask it to connect to a human,

but this is gonna be really cool to see

how as this goes along, how smart it gets,

how accurate it will be and all of those things.

So I'm kind of excited to try that technology out

and see how well it works and where we end up with it.

Yeah, they call it the virtual volunteer.

And I think right now it's only being rolled out to certain people.

I think they're still testing it and stuff, but yeah, it's slowly being rolled out.

I'm on the, you can get on the wait list.

And I'm still on the wait list.

I thought I had it, but I had the tab, but I don't have the, I'm still waiting for

the, there's a tab that's this virtual volunteer.

And if you go in there, you can sign yourself up to be, you know, to have that virtual volunteer.

I'm still waiting.

So, but yeah, well, as you get it and you play with it, you can report back and let us know, you know, your

experience and how it works and stuff.

And I really, I just love that we're having this conversation because I think right now when people talk about

AI, it's always, you know, it's gonna, you know, take everybody's job and eventually

it's gonna destroy humanity and all that. And the way I look at it, well, that may happen,

but until then, I'm gonna write a mean essay.

There you go. And you know, we're gonna be coming back to this topic because there's

going to be continuous new information quite a lot, you know, there's going to be different

companies, you know, they're going to be doing stuff, different apps, and it's going to be

be implemented all over the place.

So we'll make sure that we keep you guys updated

and kind of let you know what's going on

as we hear things and figure it out moving forward

and all that good stuff.

So, and in closing, we'll keep you all updated.

If you wanna reach out to us,

you can reach us at feedback@unmute.show

with questions, comments, or anything else of that matter.

And Michael, anything in closing?

Just stay subscribed. Don't forget to share this episode with someone if you found it to be useful.

We really appreciate you joining us, Lynn. Thank you for coming today.

Oh, it's been real. Yes.

Thanks, Lynn. And thanks, Paul. And we'll see you guys next time.

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Script Talk - April 18th

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 18:46:12 -0000

[Music]

This is an ACB Community Call presented by American Council of the Blind.

[Music]

This Unmute Present Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023.

Thanks to Script Talk for visiting us.

[Music]

The opinions expressed on the ACB Media Network are those of the content providers and should

not be viewed as an endorsement of any product or service.

Nor does it reflect the views of the American Council of the Blind, its elected officials,

or its staff.

Welcome everyone back to another Unmute.

We want to just as a quick reminder here at the top, remind everyone that we're going

to take first hands.

If we have time, we'll take second,

but also we want to remind everyone to be respectful.

If you wanna get all your questions answered,

be respectful to everyone,

the same as you would want yours to be respected.

Also, if you need to get ahold of us,

questions, comments, anything like that,

you can reach us at feedback@unmute.show.

And today we're gonna be doing all things script talk,

so that'll be fun.

And in the meantime,

Let's get Michael to give us a couple of quick announcements.

How's it going, Michael?

It's going well, Marty.

I appreciate it.

And I appreciate each of you for taking time out of your day

for joining us either in the podcast live stream

or here in Zoom.

So as you know, I like to go over some of the content

that we've recently published in case you have missed it.

And one of the pieces of content that you probably heard

when you were in the,

when you are subscribed to the podcast feed

is the advertisement that Marty and I threw together

pretty quickly.

I think it turned out okay,

but I do kind of have a biased opinion.

In addition, after that,

we published a interesting piece from a voice,

community members already know very well,

and that is Lucy,

and she came and graciously shared with us

a breakdown of the A-lady devices,

specifically with a screen.

So if you've ever been curious, why would I want a screen?

Why do I need to interact with my A-Lady device?

I can just use my voice well worth the listen

to listen to Thursday's episode,

search for a mute presents on your favorite podcast platform.

And then Marty did a demonstration of a new tool

to about a hundred starts at about $130

and it's a USB microphone that he bought

and he really likes because it's quick and easy

to get a decent sounding recording.

It's called the Sennheiser profile microphone.

and you did a review of it and a recording.

And if you're interested, you can go listen to that.

That was published on Sunday.

So that's a quick recap of what we've published recently.

And remember, you can search for unmute presents

on your favorite podcast platform.

Marty, why don't you introduce our guests today,

which people are excited to hear from?

Yes, I would like to introduce Jenna Reed,

director of marketing to talk to us all about script talk.

And Jenna, thanks for being here and take it away.

Thanks so much, Marty.

Welcome guys.

If you have any questions, let's try to wait till the end.

But if something I say is not loud enough

or it's confusing, please don't hesitate to jump in

and I will answer and try to clarify.

So our company, we're fortunate,

we're based on the West Coast of Florida.

So we're down in Florida.

We've been around now for over 25 years.

A lot of people might not know that, but yeah,

we started out in Veterans Affairs.

We're still available with our script talk station,

with veterans to help them.

And that's where we got our start.

So we've since branched out to,

oh, I think we're in over more than 20,000 patients

are now using script talk

and more than 7,000 pharmacies throughout the country

are now using script talk.

So you might ask, what is script talk?

Some of you might have one, if you do, yay.

If you do not, I'm gonna go through it

and I'll tell you the easiest way possible

to get one if you don't have one.

So, Scriptalk is a free service, absolutely free guys.

I promise, no charge for the labels,

no charge for the device.

There is no charge and it does not run

through your insurance company.

This is a free service that is provided by the pharmacies

to ensure your independence and safety.

So what they will do is they will do a small circular,

it's called RFID, Radio Frequency Identification Label.

So they have a simple software program

that we provide them right in their computer system

where they are gonna program this label

with all of your information.

So you will be able to hear doctor's name, dosage,

medication, everything that's gonna be on this label.

So without further ado, you know you're getting

a demonstration.

So let me turn on the device.

Device, if you don't have one, it's similar,

I would say to an old school CD Walkman.

It's about the same in size.

It's white, it's got a smooth surface.

And on the side of it is a little spinny wheel,

and you're gonna spin that to turn it on

and to control the volume.

I'm gonna crank it up,

so hopefully it doesn't blow anybody's ear drums out.

Script taxation ready.

So that little circular label that they're going to give you is typically on the bottom of your prescription bottle. I'm topping it.

So I'm going to set that down right on top of this machine.

And then in the front of the machine are three buttons.

You've got a circular read button and then beside that are your next and your previous buttons.

So say you only want one piece of information or you want your doctor's name or the prescription number.

You can quickly jump through to access it.

But for my purposes today, I'm going to go ahead and play the whole thing for you.

Patient John J. Smith, medication, homoxysil in 250 milligram capsule instructions.

Take one capsule three times daily. Quantity 30 capsules. Prescription date January 10th,

2020.

expiration date January 10, 2024.

Refills remaining zero prescriber.

Dr. Ben Casey scriptability pharmacy to reorder this prescription dial 800 555 1212 prescription number 123456 warning important finish all this medication unless otherwise directed by prescriber.

Warning, this medicine may be taken with or without food.

Warning, may cause diarrhea during treatment.

If it persists or becomes severe,

tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Warning, persistent diarrhea due to colitis

may rarely occur weeks or months

after using an apionis.

All right, you guys are getting the hint.

The cool thing about this device is it runs on batteries

or you can plug it in.

And how do you get this device, you might ask.

Well, basically when you tell the pharmacist

that you want this, they are gonna fill out a simple form

with your information and they are gonna send that to us

in Vision America and Florida,

and we're gonna ship this device out to you for free.

You can keep it as long as you need it, no cost.

All we ask is when you're done with it,

if you'll send it back to us

so that we can pass it on to the next patient.

Now, for those of you who are a little more tech savvy,

we have apps too.

Now I'm bad, I have an Android,

I know a lot of you guys are going to have iPhones,

but I've gotten the Android.

So I'm going to open it up.

It's yelling at me.

Now, if you have an iPhone, it's going to automatically

have your NFC near-field communication enabled,

so you don't have to worry about this.

For my phone, I have to go in and enable it.

And so it's going to walk me through doing that.

I'm going to turn that on.

So the cool thing about--

Please bring in prescription tag.

Because it's a slightly different voice,

but it works identical to that station.

So you have two options with the app.

You have a full scan feature, which is cool.

It's gonna go through all that info,

just like that station did,

or you have a quick scan feature,

which is just gonna hit that high level info.

So if you have an iPhone,

you're gonna take that medication

and that label on the bottom

and you're gonna hold it up

to the top screen of your phone

and it's gonna pick it up.

Now I have an Android, so mine's a little different.

I'm gonna hold it on the back of the phone

the camera. Amoxicillin 250 milligrams capsule. So that's your quick scan. It's just going to

give it to you really quick. Now the full scan feature, let's do that real quick. Tag is not

valid. Do you want your report? I'm not supposed to do that Doreen. Obviously the tag is valid,

it just read it. Prescription information, patient name, John J Smith, medication, amoxicillin 250

milligrams capsule instructions take one capsule three times daily so as you can see it does the

exact same thing it's just a lady's voice instead of the man's the cool thing about the app as well

is it has a my meds button so under that my meds anything that you full scanned on this app

is now on a list for you so say you're going into your doctor's office you have an appointment

coming up. And I know personally, I can't print out some of my medications. I don't even try.

I just everything's the same. But if you're going to a new doctor or a specialist, and they want to

know what you're taking, you know, you can pull up this MyMeds and just hand your phone over and

they can see everything that you're on. So that's a cool thing about that feature. And also have a

pharmacy. So say you're on the road, and you need to find us for talking to you at a local pharmacy,

it's got a lookup function so you can find the pharmacies near you. And then as a side note,

our website and visionamerica.com also if you scroll down to the very bottom of the front that

homepage also has a pharmacy lookup. So you can go in and you can enable it to automatically know

what your zip is and it's going to pull up within I think like five, ten, twenty mile radius of you

all of the pharmacies that offer script talk.

And then this app also has a help feature

that will walk you through how it works.

So that is the gist of it.

So basically there are two ways to get signed up.

You can go to your pharmacist and you can request it.

I can say that some of the big ones that we're in,

we're in all Walmarts.

If they're not aware of it, they should be,

or you can call us directly.

And we will work behind the scenes to get you set up.

So think CVS has spoken Rx, Walmart has script talk,

depending on what area of the country you're in,

their chances are very good

that you're gonna have a pharmacy near you

that does offer it or can offer it.

Now, if you're using a smaller mom and pop

independent pharmacy, we obviously can't guarantee that.

But what we can do is if you give us a call

and give us their information, we can call and educate them

and explain to them that they have patients

that are interesting in getting this

so that we are more than happy to set them up.

It is a very cost-effective program.

We're not looking to make a ton of money on it,

so it's cost-effective for your pharmacist to offer this.

And at the end of the day, to me, safety is priceless.

So I think that is pretty much all of my information.

We do have it available in translation.

So if you or a friend or family member

or your neighbor speaks Spanish,

if the pharmacist has a translation key,

that's a separate service,

we can also provide the script talk station unit in Spanish.

We actually do a total of 25 different languages.

So that's pretty cool.

If you do have some musical vision

and you just want large prints, we can also do that.

We work with a lot of the mail orders

and the bigger pharmacies to provide,

it's a large print label, Booklet Style,

that's physically attached to that bottle.

And it's like a wave or flag that comes off

and it's got up to 22 point font.

And it's gonna have all that key information as well.

So we do that.

And then probably not as applicable,

but I'd like to mention it is our dual language labels.

So that would have English as well as

one in 25 different languages.

Again, that's a Booklet style label that's attached.

And then we also have Braille, which is nice.

We do the grade two contracted Braille.

So it's just kind of like a cheat sheet

to let you know what medication you have in front of you.

And then I know a lot of folks that like that Braille,

also like having that RFID or script doc tag on the bottom

so that they can access all of that information

whenever they need it.

Finally, we offer controlled substance safety labels.

These are for your stronger medications.

There's a lot of risks inherent with taking those.

So that one is kind of cool.

Again, it's a booklet style label that attaches.

It's gonna have all those warnings and key information.

But the cool thing about that label,

it also has a QR code so that when you scan it,

it's got a pretty cool audible video associated with it.

That's gonna kind of remind you, take it during the day.

Don't take it with alcohol.

Just those key reminders of how to take

those stronger medications safely.

Awesome, thanks, Jenna.
Yeah.
Yeah, we really appreciate that.
Go ahead, Michael.
We really appreciate that.

And I think Marty has some questions.

I have some questions.

And if you listening on Zoom or Clubhouse have questions,

raise your hand and we'll get to those.

What were you gonna ask, Marty?

So I guess my first question would be

when it comes to scanning the bottles,

I know that you can put it right on the machine as well as have the app.

Do they always put the labels in the same place?

So you're not fun,

the laying around with the bottle trying to figure out where the label is to get

the machine or the app to read it.

They do typically, um, because it is circular,

they're going to gravitate to put that on the bottom of that prescription bottle.

Now, if you have a package, that's not a traditional bottle,

they will put it on there as well. A lot of times,

there's like a little hang tag that they'll stick on.

So it's gonna stick out.

So you're gonna feel that sticking out

and it's gonna have that label on it.

So it should be pretty easy to locate it when you've got it.

I guess my second question would be

if you have a medication that may not come in a bottle,

for example, like either eye drops

or maybe a medication that's like a patch

or something like that,

would do they put the sticker on the outside of the package,

not directly on the actual eye drop bottle

or whatever's inside the box if it's like a patch

or something like that, right?

Typically it will be on the outside of the package.

You can talk to your pharmacist and see if they'd be willing,

like if it's an eye dropper or something like that,

if they'd be willing to put it right on that little bottle.

Now it depends on the size of the bottle

as to how easy it is for them to get it on there.

But you can always talk to your pharmacist

and make a request if you'd like.

Cool. Awesome. Michael, what do you got?

Yeah, I do see we have a couple of hands, so I will jump over to Sheila and get

those here in a moment, but I have one question that I bet one, maybe a couple

of listeners are wondering about.

You mentioned that you work on the iPhone and you work on the Android.

Do you guys have any plans or are you in the process of working on the

blind shell classic two at this time?

We are, we're actually in touch.

We are not on them yet.

I think the real Sam is one we're working with.

I want to say, what is the other one?

I think there's another one out there too.

And of course I'm drawing a blank who we are in talks with those developers.

So we're looking to get integrated in their systems so that when you, you know,

we'll be a part of their, um, their operating system so that you can

find us on there as well.

Beautiful.

Thank you very much.

Sheila, who's our firsthand today?

Yes.

Go ahead, Beth.

Yeah.

Okay.

Um, I was when, uh, can you hear me?

Yeah.

>> Yeah, we can hear you.

>> Yeah, yeah.

I was wondering, like with the device, you were saying that you wanted us to send it back

when we're done, but how are we going to remember which medication is what

if we don't have the device?

>> No, as long as you're on the medications and you have the labels,

you do not have to send the device back.

You know, for some reason, you're not taking those medications, or perhaps you've changed pharmacies

one of the rare pharmacies that does not offer script talk and you're not actively using it,

then we request that you send it back. But as long as you're actively taking those medications

with the script talk labels on them, we will touch base with you every six months and we'll

touch base with you like right after you get your labels just to make sure everything's going

smoothly, but we're not going to like hound you or anything like that to send it back to us.

Because my, I have Lewis family drug that's the, because I'm in Northwest Iowa that's in,

I think it's in South Dakota, so I don't know, I hope they use Scrip Talk, but

yeah, that I would have to give them your number, I guess.

Yeah, so you can ask them. I would also encourage you, if you want to give us a call, and I will

give it out now, I'm sure it'll come up. Our phone number, you can find us, obviously our website,

is E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N, america.com.

Okay.
There's a pharmacy lookup in there by your zip code.

And also you can call us at 1-800-890-1180.

And we have a wonderful patient advocate care team

that works the phones.

We're here Eastern time from 8.30 to five weekdays.

And they're great.

Okay.

And if you guys want to get that as an email,

you can email us feedback@unmute.show

and we can shoot you off an email

with all the pertinent information that you would need.

Yeah.

So if you call us, we can talk to your pharmacy.

If for some reason they do not offer it,

we can educate them.

Or we can now look for a pharmacy in your area, Beth,

that might offer it.

I know you're tied into them and you love them,

but if for some reason they do,

you do our best. - Yeah.

Thanks a lot, Beth.

Who do we have next?

Thank you. - Hi, Diane.
There we go, I think you can hear me now.
Yeah. - Hey, Diane.
Yeah, I think that certainly from my experience,

the issue with this program and maybe others like it

seems to be, I gotta get my phone,

quiet down, hold on.

It seems like advocating to get pharmacies to sign up for it is the issue.

I've been trying to work on my mail order pharmacy for years and I know that someone

named Caroline, I think her name was Caroline, has told me that she had been in touch with

them and that they were interested, but that it was going to take several months for them

to work out the contract.

So apparently, if they're still doing it, if they really are interested, it's been a

long time.

I haven't heard anything.

And I'm kind of wondering about your use of the word "rare" to describe the number of

pharmacies that don't have this.

I would think there would be quite a few if you're looking at small, independent pharmacies,

large chains.

you know, I understand but I, you know, is it really that difficult to get to convince these

smaller pharmacies that they should do this? I guess it must be.

We do our best to educate them and bring them on board. Some of the smaller pharmacies,

we can get them signed up quickly. Some of the larger ones like mail orders do take a little bit

of time and longer. But what I can say, if there's a particular pharmacy that you're interested in,

The more patients that want this service, the more we can push them to offer it.

To us, it's an easy sell. We believe in independence and safety. To us, we will push

and we will advocate. You guys can advocate. We'll give you brochures. We do everything we can.

But at the end of the day, these pharmacies, we do what we can, but we can't make them.

Yeah, and well, the website is loaded with information, especially that the pharmacies

can look at. You know, and I've, by the way, mine is pharmacy advantage, if anyone's interested in

advocating. So I guess that's my concern is that it seems to be a hard sell for, you know, some of

the pharmacies. Diane, um, gosh, you're probably not comfortable giving your phone number. I was

gonna say, if you want to call us, we can update you on what's going on after the fact.

>> Diane, if you want to email us at feedback@unmuedotshow,

I can get your information to

Jenna and she could contact you.

>> Yeah. I'll reach out to you.

Because is that a hospital system?

>> Yeah, they operate through a hospital system.

>> I've been working with them on the marketing side,

so I can say they are coming along.

>> Okay.

>> As far as I know, it's soon.

So I mean, when you were talking about a big system like that, yes, unfortunately, sometimes

some of the contracts take a little while to work through.

But we are getting there and we are equipping them with brochures and all that kind of good

stuff.

So they're coming, I promise.

Okay.

All right.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Who do we have next, Sheila?

And thank you, Diane.

Darcy.

What have we got in Clubhouse?

We have Janet here in Clubhouse.

Go ahead and unmute Janet.

Hey, Janet.

Hello, everybody.

Good morning or afternoon, Twel.

Hey, M&M.

I just wanted to say a great job, Jenna.

I've had my script talk for, I don't know,

a couple of years from my pharmacy.

And the question I have is, if you use the app on your phone,

do you need to sign in or anything?

Or how's it going to know that it's from you?

Basically, the best way I can describe it

is it's a basic platform.

So it doesn't have to have your name or your information.

All of your information is in that actual tag.

And this is just a reader.

This is just going to understand what's on that tag.

So it's gonna have all your--

Oh, okay, okay.
So once you have it downloaded on your phone,

it will ask you to register with us

just so we know you're using the app

and we have your basic info,

but you should not need to sign in every time.

So unless there's an update or something like that,

you should just be able to keep rolling with it.

Okay, I was just curious as well.

So thank you very much.

My pleasure.
Y'all have a great day, good job.
You too, thank you. - Thank you.
All right, EG, you can unmute.
Thank you.
Hey, EG, how you doing?
Hey, Michael.

I had a quick question.

I tried to look up.

Alexa, stop, sorry.

For example, who is your reminder?

What's your name?

I tried to go to the website, and I must have done something wrong because I got a bunch

of envisions but not yours.

Is there, what was the website again?

It's E-N-V-I-S-I-O-N-A-M-E-R-I-C-A.

Okay, that's the part.

Okay.

Yeah, there's a lot of Envision Healthcare and Envision is a lot of different things.

Yes. Yeah. Now, if you're putting us into the search engine, I would say E-N hyphen,

Vision America. We've got a hyphen in our official name, which throws us off a little

bit.

All right. Having a hyphenated last name, I understand that well. The second part is

I talked to my pharmacy about, and I use a large regional grocery store chain pharmacy

here in Texas, and I have talked to them about doing large print, and they said they don't

do that. But so I wanted to go to your website and see if I could see if they were in at the

corporate headquarters in San Antonio if they if they were based. It's a TB food chain. And I

don't know if that's one that you would recognize or not. So yes, it is one that I recognize in one

of our big, bigger partners. So yeah, okay. Because then it hasn't gotten down to the store

level yet. So thank you. Yeah, I have actually a question to extend on eg's question. So if they

are in the system and they're a large format pharmacy like you say and they're working with

you, if they're not accommodating him at the local level, is that something that he can do to

go through you to help him get the labels or whatever he may need?

Well, we can do is if they don't have the large print labels, I do not believe HEB offers them.

However, what I would encourage is if you are with one of these pharmacy chains and you want

want an option that they are not currently offering, call us.

Give us your information.

Because we are in constant discussions with these guys.

And we can tell them, look, we have all these patients that

are interested in getting it.

So the more of you guys that we can say need this,

the easier it is for us to justify it for them.

Because some of these pharmacists

are going to understand it right away.

But at the end of the day, it's a business.

So we want to do everything in our power

to push them in the positive direction.

So the more information that we have,

the more of you that want it at that pharmacy,

the easier it is for us to educate them,

that there is a demand for it out there.

One last question if I could,

and that is there's a big push right now

with my Part D provider to do by mail.

But some of the things like they have to stay refrigerated,

I dropped, I don't wanna do by mail.

So if I'm actually using two pharmacies at once,

is that an issue or not?

As long as both pharmacies are set up with script talk,

you can get it from both.

It's not a problem at all.

Basically the only thing yeah, we do is we equipment,

put them with the software to do it.

And then the programming device,

whether it's a specialty printer

or it's basically that demo unit that I

demoed for you earlier, that script talk station device,

they can also use that,

the smaller ones to program your labels.

So that's all they need.

Thank you very much.

It's a great project.

My pleasure and give us a call if you need any help.

As I said, call us and give us your information

and we'll let HEB know.

And I'm not seeing any other hands at this time.

Are you Sheila?

No.
Okay. Well, if you have a question,

feel free to raise your hand.

I have a question that came up to me, Jenna.

Well, I was thinking about it

and I appreciate you coming and sharing this.

If I was to have the script talk application

on my phone and I use an iPhone and Android and a blind shell,

so any of those devices,

and I went and I was visiting a friend

and they use script talk as well.

Is that information available to me using the app

or is it tied to a device specific?

Basically it's just the reader.

So your phone, yeah, your phone or your device is,

like if your friend is visiting you

and they don't want to bring their device with you

and you have one,

they can use your device to read their medications.

Very good, okay, perfect.

Thank you very much.

But it doesn't store the information.

Now the only thing that it's gonna store it

is your app is gonna store that basic information.

So if they use your app to do it.

So Jenna, just to maybe clear up a little bit

of confusion, can you speak to what the difference is?

And when you scan, it just gives you the basic information

and then it's gone after that?

Correct. - Or if it's gonna save

the information on your device as a history

of all of your medications, what would be the?

Correct, so when you open up that app at the top

or it will, when you swipe through the functions.

Please present prescription tags.
She's yelling at me, she wants food.

So there are two options at the top.

Your first option is gonna be your full scan option.

That's the option that's gonna read everything

under the sun that's on that label.

And is that where it saves that information

on the device?

That's where it's gonna save that information

under my meds.

And then you can swipe through and you can click on it.

So anytime you want to go back and look or hear that information,

say you have a friend visiting you, hopefully they have this on their phone

for privacy concerns.

I probably wouldn't encourage them to use your app to scan their medications

unless they don't care. So, or they can use the quick scan prescription.

The quick scan function is that quick function,

it's not going to remember.

Okay. I was just bringing that up only for the sake of,

If you're using the app and someone else is using the app,

you wanna make sure that you're not getting

your medications mixed up with somebody else's medications.

So that's really what I wanted to kind of get clear

to make sure that if you're gonna help someone

with your own device,

make sure you're not saving their medications

into your own device,

and then you don't know which is theirs and which is yours.

And just remember that the script talk station reader

is not equipped to remember anything.

So you're not gonna get that list

or any of that info on there.

Oh, okay, great.

And I think we have another question.

You do, Beth.
Welcome back, Beth.
Oh, thank you.

Yeah, I was wondering,

it doesn't read over the counter meds or no?

Not over the counter.

Now, if you wanted to ask your pharmacist

if they would be willing to program a label

for your medications, you are more than welcome to.

But our system is more geared

for your prescription medications.

right. Because sometimes I do like buy things like Tylenol and you know, sometimes I like know the

bottle, but just say if I forget like if it's Tylenol or leave or whatever. I can't make any

promises, but you could have a conversation with your pharmacist and see if they'd be willing to

help you. You know, it can never hurt. The worst they're going to say is no, but I have suspicion

that they might be willing to help. Oh yeah, yeah. Because they're nice over there. I think they

They will. And the Braille, you just send the tags, the pharmacy puts it on. Is that

like with the Braille, you don't need any really, you don't need the app or the device,

right? No, no, the Braille, it's a clear overlay that goes over top of that traditional label.

so that your doctor, if anybody needs to see that medication, they can still read it.

But it's, yeah, it goes right over top. Now, if you choose to get that electronically,

both RFID in conjunction or in addition to, so that you can use it with script talk too,

then that you would need the device for. But for the braille itself, you don't need it.

So the pharmacy, like, who brailles it? Like, I'm confused.

They do. We equip them with a printer. And now this is not one of our most popular offerings,

because I know a lot of folks don't read Braille. If you do, that's awesome. But we have some mail

orders, I believe that offer it. But we equip them with a special printer that's going to print that

Braille and then they stick it on that label for you. Oh, okay. So yeah, right in the software that

that we offer them, it'll translate it into Braille for them.

Does that make sense so that they can print it right to their Brailler?

Oh, kind of like the Braille printer on a computer.

Only this would be smaller, right?

You got it. You got it.

It's actually a decent size.

It's called Braille RX.

It's a decent sized printer, but it's going to print

basically specific for that label.

So, yeah, we just came out with a new one.

Oh, OK.

Okay. Sounds good. Yeah.

Thank you, Beth. Appreciate that question.

I do have a question for you though, Jenna, real quick.

With the script talk software and everything,

when you're adding information to the labels,

like when the, I'm sorry, I got distracted.

When the pharmacist is adding information to the labels, that works out great.

But is it possible for the consumer to add information to labels or modify

those details. No, unfortunately it is not. It is specific for pharmacies. You have to have that

programmer and that software and that equipment in order to do it. So once it's programmed,

now if you have a special request that you want the pharmacist to include on that label, you can

talk with them. You know, if there's something on there that you want added, you know, they might be

able to work it into the system that they can add it on for you. But once that is put on your bottle

And once you leave that pharmacy with it, there's nothing. Yeah. Unfortunately,

there's nothing that you can do. It's not editable. That's the word edible. Changeable.

I think I like that word better. Changeable by the patient.

Yeah, sounds good. Thanks a lot. I appreciate that.

My pleasure.

Who do we have next?

Dane.

Hey, Jane.

Changeable is easier to say.

I know.

I know. Editable does not sound right. Edible.

No, no, it does not.

something but edit edit yeah no we're not okay go ahead hello I like that too uh so I have a

couple questions with do you guys label um insulin vials and if so I know you guys do

insulin pens and um I used to be a insulin pen user and now I'm on this patch system but

Do you label vials and if I am dealing with another pharmacy that doesn't use you, how do I convince them to use your labels?

Jane, what I would recommend, I don't want to answer your question incorrectly. I don't know that we do work with pharmacies to do the vials, but I don't want you to quote me. I don't know.

And I don't want to give you wrong information.

So what I would encourage you to do Jane is give us a call or email Marty or Michael and with your information and have them forward it to me.

And we will reach out to you after to talk to you about this and to work with you on your pharmacy, because we can educate them on our end and see what we can do for you.

And again, I just, I don't think that they do,

but I can't say that for sure.

That's an instinct response.

That's not a, I don't know for a fact response.

Does that make sense?

Why would something like insulin be unsure

just out of curiosity?

'Cause the way they make them,

it's hard to put labels on something like that.

It might be, it's just, you know,

the pens I know for a fact,

but I just haven't had a lot of requests.

I do a lot of the shows and the events

and the things like that.

that hasn't come across my desk that I don't want to say one way or the other.

And there's probably a way that they can do it.

I just don't want to give them accurate information and say yes,

when I'm not 100% sure.

I don't know how do they come in boxes.

I'm not diabetic and I don't have, you know,

well, okay. So yes, these, uh, vials, they come in boxes when it looks like a

regular, um, well, kind of a small medicine bottle.

And I guess the reason there is no reason that can't put the label on the box.

Okay.

I mean, it sounds like it would be, as I said, I think it would be, you know,

they might be able to do it.

I don't see that they wouldn't.

I'm just,

the only thing I would say is I would maybe go on what you said earlier about

something like eyedrops, where they put it on the outside of the box instead of

the actual, you know, eye drop bottle or actual insulin pen, just there may not be enough

room I'm guessing.

Yeah.

That would be my guess.

That's the way I want this to put it on the, because it's never going to come out of the

box unless you have to use it, but that's a different story.

So forgive my ignorance guys.

I haven't dealt with that a whole lot.

But we'll put you guys in contact if you want there Jane, just to find an actual resolution

because that could be something that may not be available, but could be available.

And so we appreciate you asking for sure.

We want to get your pharmacy set up with it.

And once they're set up, then we'll see about getting it on there for you.

And you said you had a couple of questions.

Were those all of them?

Jane.

I'm assuming so.

Oh, she saw us.

Yes.

Okay.

Perfect.

Thanks, Jane.

Thanks, Jenna.

Marty, do you have any other questions or does anyone else have any other questions at this

time for Jenna before we let her go?

We greatly appreciate you jumping in to share information.

I live in Oregon and a legislative imperative back in 2019

that I was first part of was mandating

for prepared individuals accessible labeling systems.

And that's the first point that I had heard

about script talk and how script talk works.

So I was excited when Marty mentioned

that he had talked to you.

Yeah, yeah, no, at the federal level, there are guidelines,

But I think it helps tremendously with awareness

and knowledge when the states get active in it as well.

I know Nevada has done something,

Oregon's done something,

Maryland just pushed something through

that's waiting the governor signature.

So a lot more of the states are getting active.

Once it's on the state level and the pharmacy board

can work more specifically with the pharmacists,

that helps bring this into play a little bit more

and helps convince the pharmacists

the importance of it as well.

So one thing I would love to add is if you guys are online on social media at all,

you know, I have fun running our social media accounts.

I look for stories, both entertaining and educational.

So if you're on any of the social media, I would love for you to look us up under Facebook,

Twitter, we're also on LinkedIn.

So if you're not already following us, I'd invite you to do that as well.

And then again, our number real quick, if I may, is 1-800-890-1180.

And do reach out to Marty or Michael.

If you have questions that I didn't address or I couldn't give a specific

answer, you know, connect with me after the show, they'll give you my information

or I can reach out to you directly.

And we will definitely get you taken care of.

Okay.

Hi, Beth.

I see your hand going off.

Go ahead, Beth.

Shanda's becoming a real professional at this.
Yeah.

So we just went for an Envision American Facebook.

Do we talk to you directly?

I'm sorry.
Have you messaged you directly, I mean?
If you want a message,

I'm the one that usually gets all those messages.

So if you want to say hi to me, you can.

But we have a page that you can follow on there.

Let me pull it up real quick.

And right now, I can do my handle.

My handle at spacebook.com/envisionamerica.

Oh, okay.
And then if you follow us, you know,

like I think Pennsylvania just launched a pro,

yeah, if I can talk right, Pennsylvania just launched

a program to teach students disability inclusion,

which I thought was pretty cool, of something brand new.

You know, Wegmans, we just rolled out

a pilot program at Wegmans.

So if you're in the New York area, guys,

Five stores are piloting script talk right now.

That's a new one.

I was recently and did a podcast with a VA or BVA,

I should say.

So that's on there.

A health system just picked up our dual language

translated prescription labels.

So that's like a hospital system.

Similar to what I think Diane was asking about earlier.

Not the same one, no, but this is a different one.

But yeah, give you an idea of some of the stuff

that I look, I'm always,

So if you have a story or something you'd like to share,

don't hesitate to poke me

because I'm always looking for good stuff.

Not just promoting who we are and what we do.

I like to, you know, look for good educational,

fun stuff to share with you guys.

'Cause you sell other products, I'm sure, right?

Or just-

Actually, our specialty is accessible labels right now.
Oh, cool, yeah.
Now that's our specialty.

You might've heard of the ID main in the past.

We still-

Oh, what?

The ID mate is a barcode scanner, a UPC scanner.

We do not sell it anymore.

We just recently with COVID, we were looking at rebuilding it and the parts were harder

to get.

It was getting really expensive, but that was our bread and butter.

What we founded our company on was a barcode scanner that could help you tell the difference

between like peas and carrots in your cover or, you know, and if we didn't have it in

in our database that go out to Amazon or jet.com.

I think Walmart might acquire a jet, like Walmart.com.

And it could tell you how to cook stuff too.

So, okay.
We used to sell that, but right now,

our primary focus is accessible prescription labels.

So right now, the same area of growth

is a dual language translation.

So a lot of folks, if you don't speak English

as your first language, you can get a little scary.

and other sending problems with these medication labels

that you can't read and understand,

which so many of you guys would be aware of.

So.

Jenna, this is Michael here.

Is Envision going to be at the ACB convention in Schomburg

to allow people to check out the devices in person?

You know it, we will be there.

Charlotte will be there for us this year, I believe.

And then Dave's son, David Reistrick,

who's one of our founders, his son Ben,

who now serves as an attorney,

We'll probably be popping around to help out as well.

So please give them a hard time.

If you go stop by the booth,

there'll be his first big show for us,

but I didn't tell you that.

Awesome.

Marty, are you still there?

And thank you again, Jenna, from me.

And unless anyone has any other questions,

I think we'll go ahead and wrap it up.

Yeah, I just want to say thank Jenna one more time.

We really, really appreciate it.

If you guys need any information about how to contact Jenna,

you send us an email, feedback@unmute.show

and we'll make sure we get you all the pertinent information.

Other than that, everybody have a great week

and we will see you next time.

Thanks Sheila and Darcy for helping us out today

and we'll talk to you guys soon.

(upbeat music)

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Unmute Presents - The Profile Mic

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

[Music]

Hey all, Marty here. Today I'm going to be talking to you about a brand new microphone that's just

come out on the market. This is called a Sennheiser profile. So who would this microphone be for?

This microphone would be for someone who is looking for a second backup microphone

or someone who does not want to deal with interfaces, software configuration,

all of that stuff that can be a real pain in the rear. So first, this microphone is

constructed really nicely. You can use any regular stand or tripod, which I would recommend,

because if you get the stock microphone,

it comes with a small round tabletop stand,

but that is pretty low to the table.

So you would want to get something

that can get it up a little bit,

otherwise you're gonna be kind of hunched over

and there's no adjustment.

It's one of those just sit it on the table

and that's about all you get.

I actually put the microphone onto a tripod to get it up and that works much, much better.

But the tripod I'm using is still portable.

The microphone itself is really solid.

It's metal construction, so it's really durable.

Also on the back, you've got two ports.

You've got a headphone jack for monitoring yourself and you've got a USB-C port.

USB-C port goes right into any device that will take USB. So you can put it in

a Windows machine, a Mac machine, an iPad, or any other tablet, anything that takes

USB-C. You don't need any software whatsoever to make this microphone work.

You just plug it in and that's it. It just works. And then you can use any

software for recording that you would want to use. So if you're on an iPad or

Mac, something like that, you can use voice memos if you want or any other

recording software. Same for Windows and anything else. So super easy, no

configuration with any software, which is great. Just plug it in and go. Another

Another great couple of details about this microphone is the front of the microphone

has a mute button, which is great.

You can just hit that mute button whenever you need to and it's capacitive so you're

not going to hear any loud click noise or anything like that.

It also has a gain knob.

It's got a mix knob and a master volume knob.

So you have everything you need right on this microphone for making any kind of adjustments,

if you need to mute, if you want to adjust the gain of the microphone, the mix in your

headphones and the master volume.

And that is a great set of options to have right on the microphone, especially when you

don't have any software.

So you plug it in and everything you need is right on the front and ready to go.

When you hit the mute button, another cool feature about that is if you have vision,

you can see the lights around the knobs will turn red, letting you know that you are on

mute.

So you get a visual there as well.

If you're not muted, then they go to like a white-blue color, letting you know that

you're not muted.

So who would this microphone be for?

Someone who's traveling, if you need a secondary microphone and you don't want to carry an

interface, a big huge microphone, XLR cables, all of that jazz, then I would say this is

a great companion.

It will just plug in and go.

If you are someone who just wants to get your content out and you don't want to worry about

messing around with interfaces,

messing around with software,

trying to configure and do all of that stuff,

then this is the microphone for you.

You basically set it up, you plug it in,

and you hit record and you start talking.

Another problem that this microphone actually solves

is if you're someone who's visually impaired or blind,

then this would be a great microphone for you.

Everything on here is tactile.

So as long as you know which buttons or which knobs

do what thing, then you're good to go.

It's pretty easy to learn and figure that out.

Everything is in vertical.

So the very top button would be the mute button,

and then the next three buttons,

gain, mix, and master volumes, just go down vertically.

So, real easy to figure everything out,

real easy to configure.

You can monitor your headset pretty easily.

You just plug it in and you're hearing yourself.

So this is just, you know, a great microphone,

good quality sound.

And if you're looking for something quick, dirty, easy,

no fuss, no must, then I highly recommend this microphone.

It'll be a great option for anyone.

It comes in around $130 for just the microphone

with that base stand.

And then they have a whole bunch of other options.

So for example, if you wanna get this microphone

with a boom arm, they have that option,

I believe it's around $200.

And then there's a whole bunch of other configurations

where you can get it with headphones,

you can get it with a boom arm,

you can get it just the microphone by itself.

So you can check out all the different packages and options they have for sale.

So this is a great option.

I highly recommend it for anyone who wants good quality sound, something easy peasy.

So there you go.

Hope you check it out and enjoy and we'll see you next time.

[MUSIC]

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Unmute Presents - Echo Devices With A Screen

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Unmute podcast, the host Marty and his guest Lucy discuss the Amazon Echo Show and its features. The Echo Show has a screen, camera, and a screen reader called Voice View built into it, which enables those who are blind to use the device. The screen allows users to access YouTube videos, watch Netflix, and Hulu, and identify products by holding them up to the camera through a feature called show and tell. The Echo Show comes in different sizes ranging in price from $39 to $260, and the different models are distinguished by the size of the screen. The Voice View screen reader can be activated by asking the device to enable it or by holding down the reset button and placing two fingers on the screen. The gestures used to navigate the screen are similar to those used on a smartphone. The Echo Show can also be used to call into Zoom meetings and can be hooked up to smart home devices. The hosts recommend purchasing the Echo Show on Amazon and suggest considering the size of the screen when choosing the model. The episode ends with Lucy sharing her email address for any questions or feedback.

Transcript:

[MUSIC]

>> Hey all, Marty here,

and we are back with another Unmute episode.

Today we have our good friend Lucy back,

and she's going to be talking with us about

a lady and all of that fun stuff.

So Lucy, how are you doing?

>> I'm great. I'm excited.

This is going to be fun.

>> So what are we going to be talking about today?

Today we are going to talk about the Echo Show and what you can do with it.

Awesome. Sounds great. So take it away.

Okay. So there are quite a few things you can do with this device that you can't do with the other

lady A devices. And the reason is that it has a screen, a camera, and a screen reader built into it

called voice view. And that's for those of us who are blind, who can't see what's on the screen.

And so we can enable that and have it read to us what's on the screen.

So the the you call it the screen view.

Is that what you called it?

What did the screen reader was?

What was it called?

Voice View.

And that's the screen reader, correct?

Yep.

Awesome.

OK, cool.

All right.

So in a little bit, I will attempt

to demonstrate some of the cool things I've

learned about the device.

But we all know how demonstrations go

when we want them to go well.

Yeah, definitely.

Good luck.

Yeah, I know, I'm just saying. So first, let me just talk a little bit about what this device is.

It's obviously an Amazon Echo device, and it's also called Alexa, or as I like to call them

in my other shows, I do Lady A. So.

Now, these come in different sized screens, is that correct?

Yep.

Yep.
So you could get a, you know, depending on your needs,

you can get different size screens, right?

Yeah, let me, yeah,

I'll talk about that in just a second.

So like I said, there are two features

that distinguish this.

And one is that it has a screen and a camera

and this allows you to perform quite a few things

that you can't do on the other Echo devices.

For example, you can access YouTube videos,

You can watch Netflix and Hulu if you have those accounts

or Amazon Prime Video if you are a Prime member.

And you can also do what is called show and tell.

And it will identify products by holding it up to the camera

and reading the barcodes.

And you can even call into Zoom meetings with this device.

However, this is kind of difficult

and I've only had minimal success with it.

The other feature that distinguishes the Echo Show from the other Echo devices is that it has the built-in screen reader apart from the one that allows all the other devices to talk.

And this is called Voice View, like I said.

So there are currently several different models of the show, and all of these have different generations of them because they come out with new ones all the time.

So the way that these are distinguished

is the size of the screen.

So we have the Echo Show 5, which is the smaller one,

the Echo Show 10, and the newest one that I know about

is the Echo Show 15.

And so they come in different colors

and they range in price from like the five inch one

I found today for $39, which is kind of cool.

Wow, that's cheap.
Yup, and the 15 inch one,

the most expensive one I saw was $260.

And this one comes with Amazon Fire TV built into it

and it has a remote and all that cool stuff.

So, and so obviously the difference of all these models

in this is in the size of the screen.

And I think also the quality of the camera.

And I have the eight, the first generation.

And as far as I know,

mine can do most of what the others can do,

except the newer ones also have

an indoor security camera feature

and it has motion detection,

but I don't really know about these things

because I don't have that on mine.

So I don't know about them.

So they have a camera, like I said,

which can be turned on and off.

And a lot of people like to keep their camera off

because of privacy issues and things like that.

They think that Amazon is watching them, I don't know.

Doesn't it come with like a little cover

that you can like put over the camera

if you really are that uncomfortable with it?

Or it has a switch also that you can turn off.

I don't know about a cover, it might,

but I don't know about that.

but you can turn off the switch.

Well, that's good.

At least they are thinking about people's privacy

and how uncomfortable it would be.

So that's cool that they implement that.

Yeah.

So when you get these and set them up,

it starts speaking in a female voice,

but you can change it to a male voice if you want to,

like with all of the devices,

you can do that with a simple command.

I don't particularly like the male voice,

but it's just a matter of preference, I guess.

So, and I think I said this on my prior podcast episode

that there are five wake words that you can use

for all these devices and they are Alexa,

Amazon, Echo, Ziggy and computer.

And mine happens to be called computer

that I'm working with today.

So I have five devices and so I've used all the wake words.

So I guess that means I can't buy anymore.

Yep, you're done.

Once you use all the wake words,

it's time to take a break, right?

Yep, I guess so.

So the Voice View screen reader that I talked about

can be activated in two different ways.

First by just asking the device to enable it.

And also you can manually hold down the reset button

and place two fingers on the screen.

And I can't seem to get that to work,

but anyway, just saying.

Okay, so let me see if we can

demonstrate a couple of these things.

So let's do the show and tell

and see if it can read this product that I have.

Cool, sounds good.
Computer, tell me what I'm holding.
Let's see.

(upbeat music)

I think that's sparkling ice water. For more info on this product, say, computer, details.

Computer details?

Zero sugar. Sparkling ice coconut pineapple is a fruity.

Flavorful sparkling water made with zero sugar. Each bottled water contains only five calories

for guilt-free refreshment. Better for you ingredients.

Made with colors from natural sources. Sparkling ice is made with better for you ingredients

and bursting with real-

Okay, stop. Okay. Yeah, so that was pretty good.

Definitely.

Some things are not as easy. All right, let's try one more thing. Computer, what am I holding?

Let's see. Remember to hold your item about a foot above

the countertop and centered with the camera. Yeah.

I read the following words, non-GMO, sweeteners water infused with clementine essence, water

and.

Yeah, but let's try it one more time.

Computer, what am I holding?

Let's see.

It looks like dugout mugs.

No, no, no, no.

Sugar jets.

Let's see.

All right, one more time.

Computer what am I holding?

Let's see

It looks like retro deco solidus no, that's certainly not right well gee

I got it to read this one earlier. It was hint water

Time flavor yeah

And now it won't read it so darn it. What is it looking for this the barcode on the item you're holding well

Well, you know, I thought so, but then other times it does read some things on the label.

So I have tried it with documents to see if it can be like an OCR and I haven't really

had any success with that.

So I am not really sure to tell you the truth.

It'd be interesting because one thing I would be curious to know is if it is looking, for

example, for the barcode, if you can't see the item you're

holding, you would just have to kind of turn the item around

until hopefully the device picks up whatever it's looking for.

And that's what I was doing. And, and the first time you use

this particular skill, they have a tutorial that you can access

and it tells you exactly what you need to do in order for it

to read this, you do have to know where the camera is, and it's in the upper right hand

corner of my device. And so, you know, you have to center it with the camera and do all

kinds of turning and up and down motions. And it will tell you, you know, if it's not

seeing it, remember to move the item up and down or remember to hold it a foot from the

device and whatever. So the reason I think that it does read the barcodes is because

it said for more details, you know, say more details. So and I think that it was giving the

details listed probably from the barcode. Right. So that's what I think. But I...

That or maybe it was doing what you were saying is maybe it is reading the text on

the face of the item. So maybe it can do both. I don't know. Yeah, I guess we'll figure it out

some point or another, right? Yeah. So anyway, it's interesting. And, you know, I've had

limited success, sometimes better than others. I don't know if it has to do with the lighting,

probably. Probably has a lot to do with it. But anyway, so, you know, that's something that you

kind of play with and practice with. So it's kind of cool if you live alone and you don't have

anybody to help you read something and you need to know what something is.

Yeah, that's great actually.

You don't label things like me.

Yeah.

All right. Okay. So let's see about this voice view thing here. Computer enable voice view.

It must be on the e-

Oh, there it goes.

Three unread messages.

46 degrees.

Mostly sunny.

Discovery.

Huh, unread messages from what?

OK.

I don't know, but let's see what we're doing here.

Dropping to find out if food is ready to feast on.

Say hello.

Try computer.

Dropping on the kitchen.

Now is that on the screen?

Is that how you're able to navigate?

Yeah.

And the gestures are very similar to those on a smartphone.

or tablet, the flicking and double tapping and things like that.

And from what I understand, it it appears to be a lot like

the Android screen readers that talk back.

Is that it?

Android's talk back. Yes. Yes, I thought. So.

So let's just see computer.

Open Prime Video.

Here's Prime Video.

Okay, so let's see what's on this screen.

Back button Harlem season 2 Amazon Originals Prime Movies Prime TV Shows Prime TV Shows

Back button The Power season 1 No Traces ZDZ Jones in the 6th season 1 Carnival Row season

[BLANK_AUDIO]

>> The back prime TV show, back button.

>> All right, let's see.

>> Back button, Harlem sees Amazon Prime Movies.

>> So just using finger gestures to swipe on the screen.

>> Yep, I'm flicking to the right on the screen and then I double tap on TV show.

and read a few of those.

Now I just double tapped on movies.

Oh, cool.

So the gestures are very much like a smartphone.

Yes.
Reggie, read two.

Creed, die hard.

Mrs. Harris goes to Paris.

Let's just double tap on that.
Loading.
Okay, so yeah, you can watch movies

and all that good stuff.

Cool.
So yeah, and you can open YouTube on there

and you can search for things,

whatever you want on YouTube by using,

when you hit the search button for YouTube,

an edit box appears and a keyboard pops up.

So you have your letters

And you can change the way you type on the keyboard

just as you can on a smartphone by touching the letter

and then double tapping it to activate it

or just swiping around and finding the letter

and taking your finger off and that will activate it.

That's how I have mine set up.

Oh, cool.

I think it's great that they keep the gestures

very similar to a smartphone

so that it's not a huge learning curve

if you're already familiar with a screen reader

on a smartphone.

So that's pretty cool.

Yeah, it is very cool.

So like I said, you can also call into Zoom meetings with it.

It's kind of clunky because when you open Zoom,

you have to put in the meeting ID

and then the password for the meeting.

And so I have been able to get into a couple of meetings,

but I wouldn't, I don't know, I wouldn't recommend it.

It's just, you know, it's kind of-

So just out of curiosity,

let's say that you received an email

and in the email it was click here to join the meeting

and you click that, would it automatically open or no?

No, no, at least not that I'm aware of.

You have to have the meeting ID and yeah,

Okay, well.

Yep. But, you know, at least it can be done. So yeah, so that's about it, actually, that

is different from, you know, the regular devices. There are some games and skills that are,

are just for the Echo Show devices.

Maybe next month I can talk about some of those.

Yeah, that would be really great.

I'm sure people would love to hear about the skills.

Yeah.

A lot of people are always wondering,

what are they and how do they work

and how could they benefit them?

That would be great for next time we can

definitely dive into the world of skills.

Oh yeah, there's just thousands of them.

Yeah.

So if people wanted to take a look at and pick up one of these devices, where would

they find them?

Well, the best place would be Amazon.com.

And in the search feature, just type in Echo Show.

And there you will find all of the different sizes that we talked about and the price range.

And like I said, there are different generations of them.

I think the newest one of the eight and 10 are second generations.

And the five, I think is third generation by now.

So, um, you know, um,

is there anything people should be looking for when they go to kind of decide if they

want to pick one of these up, which would be kind of the best one for their needs?

Well, I guess, you know, depending on what you're going to use the screen for, if you

have some vision, you might want to choose one of the ones with the larger screen because

that will give you, you know, a bigger field.

But like me, I didn't really care and I don't know why I bought the eight.

I don't know why I did that, but I could have, you know, easily gotten the five and been

perfectly happy with it. But, but yeah, I think that's really the only thing and just what you

want it to do if you get the newer one, if you want the motion detection and the inside security

camera. That's another thing that I don't care about. But

and you could actually, if you had an outdoor, like a ring doorbell, which is also made by Amazon,

you could make it so the screen on your A-lady could see the camera and the outside.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's cool.

That's really cool, I think.

Very cool. Yeah. And I mean, you can hook up all your smart home devices to this,

just like you can with all the Amazon devices, Alexa devices.

Prime movies.

Oh, be quiet.

I said...

Well, that is awesome. So everyone, if you want to go and take a look at these,

check them out on Amazon. And if you decide to get one, you'll have to let us know how it goes.

And Lucy, if people want to get ahold of you or see more about what you're doing,

how can people find you? All right. You can email me at elucy4083@gmail.com.

And let me know what you think of the device if you happen to buy one, or if you have any questions,

that I probably won't be able to answer. No, I'm just kidding. So yeah, that's it.

All right. Well, thanks so much, Lucy, for coming and giving us an A-Lady update,

and we appreciate it. And we're looking forward to seeing you next month and talking

all about skills. So thanks, everyone. Have a great one, and we'll see you next time.

[Music]

[MUSIC]

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Unmute Presents - ScripTalk Talking Labels

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:32:00 -0000

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April 11 2023

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 19:22:16 -0000

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Unmute Presents - Navigating the Blind Shell Classic 2: Exploring Notifications and Menu Options

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, we explore the Blind Shell Classic 2 and how to navigate it. We start by discussing how to check for notifications, including a high-pitched beep that indicates when you're at the bottom or top of a menu option. We also cover how to use the number pad to cycle through options and how to delete notifications.

Throughout the episode, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to access and navigate the various menu options on the Blind Shell Classic 2. We also share some tips and tricks for using the device, such as pressing and holding the back button to hear new notifications.

Whether you're new to the Blind Shell Classic 2 or a seasoned user, this episode is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their navigation skills and get the most out of their device.

Transcript:

[Music]

On the Blind Shell Classic 2, if you press and hold the back button, you'll hear something like

[Music]

One new notification, 7.18 pm.

That tells me that I have one new notification, the time and the fact that I am back at my home screen.

In most places on the phone, you can press the top left button to hear something like

[Music]

One new notification, one of six.

You hear that there are six options.

We'll use the number pad and tap the numbers two through six to cycle through the options.

7 18 PM Friday, wifi state, not connected.

Bluetooth enabled, no connected devices.

Signal strength, 50% 4g battery state, 100% six of six.

So that high-pitch beep means that you are at the bottom or top of a menu option.

I want to go back up and see my notifications.

We'll press number one.

One new notification.

One of six.

We'll press okay.

Message sending to five, four, one, four, three, five, one of two.

And though I only have one notification, it said one of two, because if you press

the last option that's available or the up button once, delete all two of two, you

can press okay to delete all.

No item.

No notifications.

One of six.

[MUSIC]

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Unmute Presents - Chatting Audio With JC

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:34:24 -0000

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April 4 2023

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:14:56 -0000

Transcript

[0:01] This is an ACB Community Call, presented by American Council of the Blind.

[0:10] Music.

[0:17] This Unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, and I did something a little different to the podcast file. Did you notice? The opinions expressed on the ACB media network are those of the content providers and should not be viewed as an endorsement of any product or service, nor does it reflect the views of the American Council of the Blind, its elected officials or its staff. Hello everyone and welcome back to another Unmute. We wanna remind everyone here at the top, we wanna have everyone have their first questions answered. So we'll get through all the hands first. And once we get through everyone's first go around, we will take second hands. Also remember to be respectful to everyone as you would want your question respected as everyone else. So be kind.

[1:08] Also, we have a big announcement today. We wanna let you know that on the 18th of April, we're gonna be having a special event with Script Talk. They're gonna be coming and demonstrating their devices and talking about how you can get involved in getting a Script Talk for yourself, if that's something that you want or need. So that's gonna be April 18th right here. So stay tuned for that. And as always, if you need to get ahold of us, you can reach us at feedback at unmute.show for questions, comments, or anything else. And Michael, what do you got for us today? I always have something as Marty mentioned, raise your hand if you have a question, we'll get to your questions in a moment. Actually we have a hand raised right now, just so you know.

[1:53] All right, thank you very much, Patricia. Appreciate that. I do want to go back and let people know that on Sunday, Marty and I chatted with you briefly about the new voice isolation functionality, which is one of the several new features available in iOS 16.4 that was released on last Monday. And then on Thursday, we sat down and we chatted about multi-factor authentication with my friend Damasi and talked about the different types of multi-factor authentication. He did a, in my opinion, great job at breaking down why you need to use multi-factor authentication and some things that you might want to be aware of, especially when you're wondering, well, what's right for me? What do I need to use with the tools that are available to me? And then we did also break down that elucid YubiKey, which is something we often talk about. And that's available on the Unmute Presents podcast feed. Last thing that I will mention before we jump in and ask Patricia who our first hand is, Because we...

[2:58] Have a new thing and I will personally shout out the first person who goes over, Keyboards

[3:03] and connects with us over there cause we're going to start pushing it more. So if you've, if you have an Instagram account, you're interested in Instagram, we have no content over there right now. Uh, but the first person who follows us there, I will say hi to you. And uh, yeah, that's, that's all I got for that. So Patricia, who do we have first on the list today? All right, Jewel, you are first up. Go ahead. Hi, Joel. Nice. Hi. I have a question I'm not sure that you can help with since it's a keyboard command question for iOS. I switched from an iOS, from iPhone SE to an iPhone 12, like I mentioned. And when I did so, the voiceover command switched on me. So it was control option, so the far left and the one right to the left of the spacebar, but now it's using the one to the left of that, the first and the third keys. And I'm wondering if there's a way to change that back, because it's still doing the same with the old phone, but it's doing this new command with the new phone. And it's driving me nuts because I'm so used to the other command. I wonder, because I've had this happen to me on the keyboard before, and all keyboards can be different. Is your keyboard specifically in iOS mode?

[4:25] It is a Logitech K380. So I don't know that it is specifically in iOS mode, but it's the same keyboard with both phones. Right. That's strange. I'm not changing anything between the two phones. Yeah, I've not heard of that. So what you're saying is like the command and option keys are swapped on the other phone? Yeah. So with the SE, it's the one, the far left was control, and the one just to the left is a space bar. But with the, 12, it moves over to the third key, which is the one to the left of that other one that's being used, which I thought was the function key. So it's confusing me. Yeah. Unfortunately, I'm not 100% sure on that one. If someone else has an idea, Marty, do you have an idea? Because I don't. The only thing I could suggest is or ask, I would say is both phones are updated to this equal same operating systems and all that good stuff? Yes, both are on 16.4. Hmm. This is Chanel.

[5:27] Yeah. So one thing you can actually do is use the caps lock key and that should work irregardless of the keyboard layout, regardless of what they've changed, you know, the bottom look keys to, um, by default voiceover, you know, is set to use both caps lock and control an option. I, Well, I don't know if it's that way on iOS, but I would think and Caps Lock is, you know.

[5:53] I use that on my Mac all the time and I know it works on iOS as well. Okay. Either way, it will take some adjustment. Do you know if the Caps Lock, if I use that, is it going to affect how Caps Lock works? You just double, you just double tap the capsock real quick. And like Chanel, I use it on my Mac as well, because a lot of the web apps that you come across will use control option as modifiers. So that way you don't have to do control option tab followed by control option in the keystroke. And so you can navigate web apps. So that's a, thank you for bringing that up Chanel, but yes, that might be. And then that will, as you said, work consistently across. Navigation

[6:34] And I do believe by default, it will work without having to make any changes. So thanks Julie. Thank you. Before we go on to the next question, I do want to say that about 90 seconds ago, Blaine Anthony followed us on Instagram. So I promised I would shout out whoever followed us. So if you are Blaine, thank you for following us and being the first follower. Who do we have next, Patricia? Next we have Desi. Go ahead. Hi Desi. How's it going? Good morning, Michael, Marty, and everybody. As everybody has probably heard, I'm heading to Nauseam by now. I am moving from Phoenix to Franklin, Tennessee, toward the end of the month. And I'm going to be needing to learn a lot more routes that are very unfamiliar to me at this point.

[7:21] And I do have Bose Frames to use with any of the GPS apps that I might decide to use. But I'm just really kind of looking for an opinion on what is the best GPS type app to use for getting walking direction routes that seem to be reasonably accurate. My first suggestion would be BlindSquare because you can set it to identify what's around you as you're walking. So for example, you're walking down a block and it will say, you know, 100 feet to your left is whatever coffee shop you know 200 feet to your right is once you figure out the area you can turn it off or tame it down so it has a lot of options to be able to to adjust how much information you wanted to yell at you or not yell at you.

[8:14] But that is a good one for a new area and definitely cruising around and figuring out what's what. You could even have it on while you're driving around or maybe on a bus or in a cab or Uber Lyft, any of those things. And it'll identify what's around you. And you'll be able to get familiar without necessarily having to be walking everywhere. So it has some good use cases for, you know, learning your way around the area. Yeah, that's good. And also, what about the Explore app from GoodMaps? Has anybody used that? Well, the thing about GoodMaps is, as far as I know, it's indoors. I think they do have one that's outdoors also, but I just don't know how good it is, actually. I've never used it.

[9:03] Well, I would assume, and you know what, assuming Mike got a person, but because Mike May's involved with it, I would think that it's probably pretty good since he's a blind user himself. But yeah, okay, well, thank you very much. I appreciate it. Yeah, no problem. Good luck. And we'll have to hear how it goes once you move and how it all goes. The thing is, you know, contact your local, you know, whatever council of the blind or Instagram

[9:34] whatever is in that area, get a mobility coach and have them teach you the routes you need to do while you're there. That'd be the best way to start out. Yeah, well, while I'm there, it's probably going to be pretty permanent. So I'll be there for a while. So, there you go. Thanks a lot. Good luck. Thanks. Before we go on to Sharon, are there any hands in Clubhouse? There are, Herbie has his hand up.

[10:01] Okay. I'm mute. And we're just not hearing her be able to hear him in the other room. Yeah, we're not hearing. Are you hearing me now? Yes, we are. OK, there we go. I need to know how to use my loopback anyway. Can anybody teach me? They're just kidding. So I was going to be good and not to say ask anything. But then, Michael, you mentioned the I word Instagram. So I have two questions. One, you can easily answer, probably. And the other one is going to be a bit more involved. A, how exactly do you follow somebody over on Instagram? And B, how exactly do you use Instagram in the first place? Because I have that app and it's always confused me quite a bit.

[10:45] So, let me be fully transparent with you there, Herbie. Firstly, to follow someone, if you, there is a search edit field, I believe that you can type in their username. And then one of the first elements on their actual profile is going to be a follow button. Or when I went and followed Blaine, I hit the, it actually said follow back because they were already following us. I don't know about using Instagram and I will endeavor to share some thoughts slash tips next week if someone reminds me, because I will forget, because I am using this as an opportunity to learn to use Instagram myself and hopefully reach a wider audience and experiment with it. So I will share my findings with you in the future, Herbie. All right, so is that the search under the followers and following, or is there a different search? I believe that is the correct search. Yes. Updates and Reading

[11:36] And then are you under unmute presents? Yes. If you just search unmute presents, all one word, you should find it right away. All one. That's what I did wrong. Okay. Yep. All one word. Cause Instagram works a lot like your other social media. Right. You can use at to tag people. So it's at unmute presents all one word. All right. Very good. I was lucky to get that.

[11:56] Who is next? All right, next we have Sharon. Go ahead. Hi, everyone. First of all, I want to say thank you for the scroll bar tip that you gave. Oh, yeah. No problem. Yeah, that was really helpful. I'm using that all the time. So, I have two quick questions. I don't know if there's a way to have Apple notify me when they're going to do a minor update. I just go in the settings and look periodically, but it seems weird to me that they don't have a notification for that. And the other thing is, I got a summary, a news summary from CNN every morning, and I do a two-finger swipe down very gently to get it to start, but every once in a while, I lose it and I get popped into Apple News, and then I can't get back to it, and I don't know what to do about it. Well, addressing the first question about the notifications on updates, I would suggest following one of the big Apple websites. You have a bunch of them, 9to5Mac's really good, MacRumors is really good.

[13:06] They will always tell you when things come out pretty immediately and you'll know right away. They have a lot of other good information on there as well on a daily basis. That's typically what most people do. So that's why Apple themselves don't really do it all that much because everyone does it kind of for them. So I would suggest- again on the website please. The first one I said was nine so it'd be like the number nine.

[13:31] Two and the number five so it's nine t o five mac mac.com and just you could go on there and you'll see they have tons of stuff if you have an rss reader you could put it in that another one I would suggest would be mac rumors they're really good as well uh and there's a bunch of others so Okay. Those two will get you where you need to go. They got tons of great information and things like updates that are coming out. They'll tell you right away as soon as it comes out. Okay. And then the other part about the news. So were you trying to use the app switcher? I didn't really get what you meant about the second you keep popping into news. And then what happens? I've opened up a link to CNN. It has CNN morning news or whatever. And I get over to where it starts to read heading one, and I want to read all, and I do two-finger swipe down, but if I do it too, not gently enough, somehow it jumps me out of it, and I'm back in Apple News, and I don't know why.

[14:36] Yeah, I think you just got to be a little bit more cognizant about your gestures. That's the only thing I can really suggest. Michael, you got anything? Yeah, go for it. Yeah. And this happens to me all the time. Sometimes when I do the flick down, the two finger flick down to read, it accidentally triggers the back gesture, like the scrub gesture to go back a previous page. And I think that's what's going on for you. Oh. That happens to me all the time. Windows Shutdown

[15:04] Okay. You're not alone. So, and if that happens, how do you get back to where you were? You pretty much just have to find it again. There's not really a forward. Yeah, it's just kind of like, you know, noodling around it just to get yourself back. It's kind of unfortunate, but it's kind of what we all have to do and different. But I think that's what's happening for you. Okay. Have a good day. Yep. Thanks. Good luck to you. Thank you. Next, we have Beth. Go ahead. Hey, Beth. How you doing? Yeah, I was wondering if this is a Microsoft question. A lot of times I had a problem when I do Alt F4, it seems like my computer has not shut down. So I then turn the power off and then try again, but it hasn't been shutting down lately with Alt F4. I don't know if that's a Microsoft question, if that's what that is. If... Yep.

[16:06] So I can help you with this, Beth. And I didn't know that people were doing this. So full transparency and I will help. I'll tell, explain to people what's going on and then the best way to shut your computer down to make sure that it's shut down. It came to my attention probably about two or three weeks ago that a lot of times what people have been taught to do is to go to their desktop and then Alt F for it. And then this pops up a dialogue that asks if you want to shut your computer down, restart, go to sleep, whatever you want to do. And you press up. He doesn't do that. Right. So you press up arrow to shut down and you press enter. What often happens at this point, if an application is open that's preventing the computer from shutting down, you may not be notified dependent on the screen reader. So what I suggest to people is after about 10-15 seconds, you sit there and wait for a second, press your Alt Tab key. What's going to happen is you're going to see something that will set, well, you'll be told something that will say something like, Notepad is preventing Windows from shutting down. Then you can tab to the Okay button, and that will allow you to shut Windows down, and it will not save anything that you have in Notepad.

[17:20] If you tab to cancel and you press Cancel, that will cancel the shutdown process. I think that's what's happening with you, Beth. So try after a couple of seconds after you hit Enter on Shutdown to Alt-Tab and see if there's something that's preventing it from shutting down. Another way, if you don't want, for people who are like, I don't want to go to the desktop to Alt F4 out of the desktop, which it makes sense why people have been taught to do that because you quit applications with Alt F4. So why not quit Windows with Alt F4? But Windows key plus X, like X-Ray, anywhere within Windows will pop up a menu. And on this menu, you can go down to shut down or sign out is what it says. And it's a submenu. Press enter on that sub menu and you can go down to shutdown, restart, sign out, sleep, whatever you want to do. That will allow you to do it right there from that menu as well. Like with a lot of things in technology, there's a lot of ways to accomplish things. Hopefully, Unmute will be teaching a bit more about Windows in the near future. Wink, wink. Yeah. I'm thinking of maybe with system access, It seems like they have these users for them, but if I have a problem, they don't respond.

[18:38] Like, oh, no replies. I'm thinking of kind of in my head, kind of thinking of getting JAWS, because it seems more people know about JAWS like if I have problems. System access. A lot of people don't know about it. A lot of them do. Yep. And I discovered too, if you pay $99, right, a year, that's cheaper than getting JAWS than system access.

[19:04] So I have to think about that. Yeah, so JAWS does offer the home user license, which is $99 a year. So that can be a lot more affordable too for some users. Right. Yeah, because I'm just thinking system access has like bunch of described movies and shows And I'm wondering if you can do that with with jaws because I don't want to get rid of something that you know I'm gonna miss like those shows like all in the family and some of those old. Be My Eyes In Canada?

[19:36] Descriptive ones so those are separate from Jaws, so you would still need to pay for access to the Saro tech network in order to get access to those So yes, that is separate. Okay. Okay, thanks. I'll try that. Try that exiting and see how that works. They're shutting down. Yeah. Okay. Thanks. Do we have any hand in clubhouse? We do. Andrew, you can unmute and talk. Thanks for bringing me up on stage. I have a couple of questions. One is I just found an article a couple of weeks ago. I think it was like March 14th in regards to Be My Eyes out of Denmark. And their movement towards incorporating AI into their app. And right now, at least according to the article, it will only be available in the UK and the US, I'm in Canada. I'm just wondering, have you seen that? Are you familiar with it? And is there any more information that I could gather about how that would work? There was. Perhaps no. Yeah, actually, they are implementing it. I'm not sure how long it's going to take for them to get into all of the different countries, but they are currently working on implementing it. The short version of this story is They were approached to use the software in their app, and they worked out something where.

[21:03] They're not getting charged to use it. There's a great 30-minute story with those guys on Blind Abilities, which came out, I wanna say, about a week or two ago. It's probably pretty close to the top of the feed, but it's a great conversation with them, and they give you the insider on the whole new app that's coming out. So I would check that out and you'll be able to hear probably most of what you're looking for there. Yeah, I appreciate that. The other quick question I had is, I recently got an iPhone 13 mini, and I find that and it seems to kind of almost remember a gesture. For instance, I might tap the phone once with two fingers and it turns off the speech. Or I might do another gesture and it's not really performing that gesture, it's scrubbing out the screen or what have you. And I've increased the time interval between a double tap or what have you to what I think is appropriate. It seemed like that's what I was doing on my other phones. But it still seems to... It's like you said, it's almost like it remembers that I've tapped it once, and then if I tap it again, it'll perform that double tap back or what have you. I'm wondering if you've experienced that.

[22:25] What it sounds like to me is that you may be accessing or activating an action that might be on your rotor. You might want to go in and take a look at your rotor and see what's on there. And if there's something that you want to stop it from doing when you're using gestures on the the screen, you can just take things off the rotor, add things to the rotor. A lot of people will hit the rotor and not realize they hit it and then they activate something they didn't mean to activate. So I would take a look at that and see if there's something that's happening Changes in Zoom

[22:58] there and you can either eliminate or add things to the rotor. Yeah, I've had that happen in terms of... It changes my English to whatever, a different voice and I'm like, okay, I get the road or somehow. So I'll try to look at that and see if that may be causing. So I thank you very much. Appreciate you letting me speak. Yeah, no problem. Have a great day. Good luck to you. Okay, we do have some hands in June. But I want to make sure are we cleared in clubhouse? Darcy? We are. Okay, good. All right. So next we have Roberta followed by Rachel. Roberta, go ahead.

[23:31] Hi there. Um, I have a question about the zoom app on my iPhone using voiceover. I used to have in the upper left area of the screen, it would show my avatar or the avatar of the person speaking. And that is not there anymore. Now I have a button that says tap to speak. Any thoughts? It changes zoom way too often. And it's like a grocery store. When you figure it out, they change it all around on you. I don't know. Wait. Yeah, I mean, I have not seen this. It might be worth looking at in your settings Why? Oh, I see. I see. Oh, so that's how it works. Yeah, so that's how it works. At when you're not in a Zoom meeting under meetings and see if there's an option to always show I like that. Oh, and then you guys are going to be doing everything with us, right? Yeah. And then, yeah, I'm going to be going back to my office. I'm going to be doing all the work and doing all the stuff. And then, you know, I'm going to be doing a lot of stuff. Keyboard on iPad

[24:14] The view that you want versus a tap to speak view So, yeah. So, yeah, I'm going to be doing all the work. And then, I'm going to be going back to my office. And then, I'm going to be doing all the stuff. Because that is strange and it sounds like a view got changed. So, yeah. So, yeah. Yeah. Oh, wow. So, I'm going to be doing all the work. Now, in order to actually change settings in the Zoom application, when you're not in a meeting on a mobile device, you do have to be signed into a Zoom account. So if all you see is sign up or sign in, then go ahead and sign up or sign in, and then you should be able to modify any settings. Okay, I'll take a look. Thank you. Hey, Rachel, go ahead. Hello, my question is, I have a new iPad.

[24:49] And I don't remember the model, so I apologize, but it is one of the newer ones. And I have a Logitech keyboard that came with it. It's part of the cover. Um, my problem is when I hit the enter key, it is automatically putting me into the calendar. Doesn't matter if I'm in pages, typing, putting me into the calendar and my up and down, right, and left arrows are not working, are not working the way they are supposed to work. Do I double tap each one of these or what am I doing wrong? Um, so I, I might have something for you to try and Marty might as well. But I'm gonna jump in here real quick with the arrow keys. I don't know why the enter key is dropping you into calendar, but it would be interesting if you press your left and right arrow keys together, does, and I don't expect you to know right now, AudioVault

[25:40] but try that and if voiceover says quick nav off, then try navigating and see if things work the way you expect them to. Okay, and then how do I turn it back on again?

[25:52] That's a toggle, so you simply press left and right arrow keys again. Okay. Yep, give that a try and see if it helps with your navigation on iOS with a keyboard. Gotcha. Thank you very much. Thank you. Yeah, let's give that a try and we'll see if that works. Who do we have next, Trish? We have Maria. Go ahead, Maria. I'm sorry, it's Marie. Marie, go ahead. Hi, Marie. You are muted right now, I believe. Yes, she is. Okay, I hit it again. I hit it twice, I guess. Okay, I have actually a comment for Beth and some other users. There is a website called audiovault.net and it's free and there are multitudes of both TV shows Comment on phone

[26:35] and movies all audio described. They're mp3 files and you can download a plethora of movies and TV shows for free. Perfect, well thank you. Again that's audiovault.net correct? Correct. All right well we appreciate that and uh who do we have next there Trish? We have no one in Zoom. Is there any everybody in class.

[26:56] Not currently. Oh, righty. Whoa. Let's go ahead and, uh, Marty, do you... Oh, go ahead, Trish. We do. See, we appreciate it. All we have to do is say there's no hands and then people raise their hand. It's that stuttering couple of seconds to fill that 10 seconds for someone to raise their hand. Go ahead. That's how it always works. Go ahead, Chanel. Yeah, sorry. And then it, well, it took me a... I'm on my phone and I'm not very good with finding things on the touch screen, but I But I just wanted to say, speaking of phone, if you have your phone set to receive automatic updates, that will also help. Now, I know some people may not like to do that. I think it was Sharon who wanted to be able to know, you know, what Apple releases, even the minor updates. And I would, for me personally, the best way to get that is to have automatic updates on.

[27:51] And your phone will notify you as well. when I just forget where I turn that on. I can go look real quick, but I didn't have a chance to look before. I think it's in. It is under settings, general software update, and there's a checkbox to turn on automatic updates. Is that the one you're talking about? Yeah, that's the one I'm talking about. Yep, and in iOS 16.4, there's also a separate checkbox there. If you're familiar with the Apple TV, this will be familiar for you. Now, if you're interested in getting beta software for your iPhone, You simply check the box that says that you want to get beta software. And then there's three radio buttons. There's none, developer, and public. If your phone is enrolled in the developer program, then you'll get developer betas when they come out in June. If you are getting the public betas, then you'll get the public betas in July-ish, which Homekit

[28:43] is what historically they've been available. Or you can just skip all that beta nonsense and just wait until the new 17 comes out in September, but it's a faster and easier way to be able to opt into Baydals now. That's a lot faster. And if you've never seen that before, it's because it just came out in this last update.

[29:00] So that's a new feature. Awesome. So you want to go turn that on if you're interested. Yeah, I'll go check that out. Who is next, Trish? All right, we have Jeff. Go ahead, Jeff. Hey, Jeff, how's it going? Hey, it's going well, good. I guess if I didn't have a question, it would be going better. However... This is only kind of loosely related to, you know, computer stuff.

[29:24] So I added a smart plug, it was successfully able to add it to the home app, used to be called HomeKit, I think. And the switch itself, the plug, you know, I can tell the S-Lady to turn it on or off. However, the item that I have plugged into it still needs me to use that app to do the powering on and off. It sounds like all of the things that you have aren't all compatible with the same system. Yeah, like now it's an AV receiver. So the only other thing I can think of is maybe there's some sort of power limits or whatever. Go ahead, Darcy. You're probably going to bring up the same thing I was thinking of. Well, I was thinking, I mean, not all devices. I mean, you can imagine, like, if you think about all the devices that you have and you unplug them and then you plug them back in, they don't always turn back on right away, right? Like that you have to turn them on. And when you use a smart plug, you're essentially doing that, right? You're essentially unplugging it and plugging it back in. So you actually, you're better off with a smart plug to use devices that are always on. Like for example, I have a smart plug and I have it plugged into a fan, right, in my bedroom and I have that to come on at night. But it's an old fan with like a physical switch. So when it, when the.

[30:47] The smart plug comes on, then it comes on. But if it was something that had to be turned on with a remote control or whatever, it's not going to necessarily do that. All that happens when you when you turn on the smart plug. Is the device gets power. It doesn't necessarily mean it's going to turn on. And one thing that I can suggest, and funny you bring this up because we, Demasi and I talked about on another show we host called Technically Working. Recently, we were talking about HomeKit and home automations. If you have an app for the AV system, as Darcy was saying, the HomePlug might not be the best solution. But if that AV system doesn't show up in home app, look into something like home automate, home automation or home bridge. That's the word I was thinking of, because those tools could bring third-party services into the home app that would connect to your AV app possibly and allow you to control the power through the home app with automations as well, if you need to automate some of that too. Right. And even if you're talking about something that doesn't actually have an app, like some sort of AV thing, you might be able to get like what they call an IR blaster, which is basically something you can point to your device and it can mimic all the remote control codes. Old Speaker Tech

[32:05] So there's there's other options, but I don't think as far as an AV receiver goes, the smart plug is probably your best bet, like Michael said. All right. Well, thank you for your help. Yeah, no problem. Thanks for bringing the question. We appreciate it. And Home Assistant is the other one that I was thinking of that I couldn't get out. So home home bridge or home assistant or pool tools. Who do we have next? Trish? We have Jesse. Go ahead. Hey, Jesse. This is my day for asking questions.

[32:33] I have a pair of Sonos play one speakers that I bought like in the oh, maybe 2017, I want to say. So they're still being supported right now. But, you know, I'm cringing at the thought that before too long, they won't be supported anymore. And I'm wondering at that point what to do with them. And also because I am moving, I also have a pair of the original HomePods, the big HomePods. And my thought is to keep the HomePods because I'm pretty much an Apple person. I've got my iPhone 14 Pro. I have an iPad Mini 6 and I have my Mac Mini. So it would seem like it would be smart to keep my HomePods.

[33:34] But does anybody have any thoughts about when these things do become obsolete? What is the best thing to do with them? I do specifically for Sonos because I've been watching this and it's been an interesting adventure to watch, especially with Sonos' transition from the S1 to S2 software, which is their new app that they released, I believe, mid last year. Two things. Number one, if you decide that, hey, I like Sonos, I like that ecosystem, and if you were unaware, I actually have HomePods and Sonos playing together with each other, So I can use the advantages of Siri, but also push audio to the Sonos Ones that I have throughout the house as well, and listen to that all with my voice using Siri, which is pretty cool.

[34:21] And so what you can do with the Sonos Play Ones, if you're like, hey, you know, I do want to upgrade to this new speaker that Sonos released that's a competitor to the HomePods themselves, at least that's what a lot of tech people are saying, is Sonos offers a trade-in program. So you can take your older Sonos devices and trade them in for about 20 to 30% of the value. So it's not a lot, but it gives you a little bit of money and it puts newer devices in your home and allows you to, to responsibly send those other devices and get them disposed of and save you a little bit of money. That could be a solution. A lot of times what I will do is I re-home electronics. I have an audio mixer here that I am advertising at a very low cost to someone on Facebook because I know that there's people out there who need this $500 mixer, but they might only have $150 and it's literally just sitting behind me doing nothing. So that's another solution as well. And then of course you can reach out if it's something that has batteries, obviously I do recommend reaching out to your local waste management facilities and ask if they have any recycling programs for batteries and other electronics.

[35:31] Yeah, okay, but now what about my home pods? Mm-hmm, Kikos. Is that what I'm... Yeah. Well, you know, any electronics that you have, you can always, you know, hand me down to a family member or possibly a good friend. And you can also check with, you know, other organizations that may not have funds to buy all that stuff. So a donation to a nonprofit that's using it towards helping people in whatever way that you may support, we might love to have a couple of donations to use with whatever they're doing. Sure. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Apparently, on one of my HomePods, I have it sitting on an end table and I must have spilled coffee at some point or other. There's a little bit of a coffee stain on the bottom of it and I'm trying to figure I don't think people are going to mind too much about a small coffee stain or something like that on them. Oh, probably not. Yeah. But the other thing about the home pods though is won't they also eventually become obsolete? The older ones, because now they've got the new big ones out and.

[36:40] Well, here's the thing is yes. In terms of the software, it may not be running the current version of the software. So it's not going to be running the current version of the software. Because yes, in terms of the software, it may not be running the current same software that's on the new ones, but you can still connect them and use them to play music, which is going to be far better than what majority of people probably have or can afford in their home. So they might just love them just for the fact of being able to play great sounding music on them.

[37:12] Yeah, yeah. Because I've been wondering, but you know, this is the really sneaky thing about having everything be connected by your phone or whatever, or the home app, because they do become obsolete. Back in the day when you could play your records on your stereo, this is aging me, I know, you could keep your speakers and stuff for as long as they would play for you. I'm having a hard time adjusting to this culture of... After four or five years having to upgrade to whole new speakers when the ones I have are working perfectly fine, Back to GPS

[37:55] but I want to be able to do the latest and greatest stuff. Well, there's technology for you in a nutshell. Thank you very much. Who do we have next, Trish? I can definitely relate to that though, Desi. So we do have three hands. Before we move on to Beth, is there anyone in Clubhouse? There is not. Okay, Beth, go ahead and unmute that.

[38:20] Yeah, I know you were talking about, or somebody was talking about GPS. Is that blind square or whatever? Is that in iOS or is that just in Android? You can see I tried Soundscape a long time ago, and it didn't seem to work really good. Like it wouldn't say this is on your left, or do you have to program it to work like if you want. I want to get to say to like an apartment in my complex and I'm not sure where it is.

[38:53] Okay, to answer your first question, it's definitely on iOS. So you can get it in the app store. I don't have an Android device, so I'm not sure if it's on Android or not, not, but I'm sure you could easily look it up. Yeah. You can just ask Michael and he'll tell you.

[39:08] Yeah. The other thing is, you could go into the settings and you could adjust it to whatever your needs are. If you're in a new place, you can have it giving you lots of information all around you so you can get familiar. And once you're familiar with the area, you can tame it down and not have it giving you so much information. I will say that if you are trying to navigate and you're trying to get from point A to point B, you may want to tame it down a little bit because otherwise it can be a little overwhelming that it's throwing everything at you while you're trying to navigate to somewhere. So if you're just cruising around and you're just trying to identify yourself, it's great. Shokz QUick Tip Multi Point Pairing

[39:55] But if you're trying to actually navigate from point A to point B, you might want to tame it down because it can be overwhelming otherwise. Yeah, yeah, I have iOS. I just thought that, you know, there's certain apps in Android that there's not in iOS. So it's called Blind Square. I had that name right, correct? Correct. Okay. Okay, thanks. Yep, no problem. Good luck. Okay, next we have Jewel. Go ahead. Welcome back, Jewel. Yeah.

[40:25] I just had a quick tip for everybody that I found out recently. If you have Aftershock headphones, they can connect to more than one device. So when I switched to the iPhone 12, I decided to keep my SE because it is busted on the back and it has a bad battery so it's, you know, no trade-in value. So I'm keeping it as an iPod touch. However, I tried switching my headphones over to it and found that it will connect to both.

[40:57] So I'm keeping the old phone as an iPod Touch basically as a dedicated book player because it has 128 gigs of storage and the new one only has 64 gigs. So it's going to be all my books and stuff. So you can connect to more than one device. You'll want to connect the one that is you're going to want to use like Siri and phone calls and stuff for second because that way when you hit the side button on the headphones, it will connect to the second device. But then you can use the first device to listen to things and just pause it from the device.

[41:36] So just that I mentioned that. And if you need assistance with doing that with your aftershocks headphones specifically, because the procedure can vary dependent on the model itself, feel free to reach out to either shocks or the individuals who you purchase them from, or look up the Aftershocks manuals, several of which are available at atdais.com. And that is great. I do, I forget about that because I just use it with my Shox quite regularly. So what I do is I have my iPhone, well, I have the blind shell connected to my Shox headphones, and then I have my iPhone connected, and then it will not play audio from both devices at once, but it will switch between devices, and it is almost like magic. Iphone 12

[42:21] Yeah, it's really cool. And you don't even notice it. Yeah. Thank you, Joel. Appreciate it. I'll mention that the steps that I mentioned are for the open move. So I'm not sure what would be for other models.

[42:34] Yeah, they're very similar, but button placements can can alter. So appreciate you sharing that with us. And thank you, Joel. And we do have someone in Clubhouse now. All right. Let's jump over to Clubhouse real quick.

[42:46] All right, Cindy, you're up. Hello. Hello, how's it going? Good, how are you? Good, good. Um, okay. I have a iPhone 12 question.

[42:57] My iPhone 12, when I'm like typing or calling somebody, the voice is real slow. How do I change that? Because I tried to go into settings and stuff.

[43:11] And I couldn't figure it out. You have to go to settings, accessibility, voiceover, And then there's going to be a voiceover speed. Shuting Down WIndows

[43:21] Down there and you flick up or down or you can slide it to adjust how fast or slow you want voiceover to speak. Okay. So one more time, it's settings, accessibility, voiceover, voiceover speed. Okay. Thanks. Yep, no problem. Thank you. Hey, next we have Doc. Go ahead, Doc. Hey, Doc, how's it going? It's going pretty good, but I understood you had a different way to shut down Windows. Yes, sir. So instead of going well, it depends. How do you currently shut Windows down? I do Windows M followed by old F4 and then enter on shut down. Beautiful. Okay. The other way that I was mentioning to people is if you hold the Windows key and you tap X like X-Ray, anywhere inside of Windows OS, this will pop up a menu and going towards the bottom of the menu, I believe it's the second option from the bottom, is a sub menu that says sign out or shut down.

[44:31] And if you choose that sub menu, then you can sign out, shut down, restart your computer, put it to sleep, whatever you want. And then of course, because it's a menu, you can get familiar with the quick nav keys to be able to quickly type the letter to take you to sign out or shut down and then open that menu and then choose the option you want on that menu screen. Okay, so you can go right straight to Windows X-Ray. Yes sir, hold Windows key down and tap the X like X-Ray. Okay, yeah because what I was having to do sometimes in the other way it would not shut down certain programs.

[45:12] And then what I was, you know, it would say pause, canceled to go back and save your work and stuff? Mm-hmm. And then what I do is to hit Windows and start typing Task Manager. But then the list got, like for Outlook, for example, is one that famously wouldn't close completely. It would be so far down the list, it was very laborious to try to find it that way. So did you try hitting Shift-Tab by chance when you got that screen that told you that the apps were preventing you from shutting Windows down and there should have been a shut down anyway button and press enter on that. And that should skip. Oh yeah, sure. Okay. Yeah, I know I had to bypass that, but Windows help desk suggested doing the task manager. Question About BlindSquare

[46:09] And actually closing whatever program was not functioning properly. Gotcha. And I appreciate that. So yeah, give that a try. Try Windows key X, go down to sign out and see if that- I'm gonna try that. Perfect. And in the last 10 minutes we have here, do we have any other hands in Clubhouse? Darcy, thank you. It doesn't look like it. Nope, not right now. Alrighty, what about Zoom, Trish? All right, we have two hands. Chanel, go ahead. And you're right, we're almost at the 10 minute mark. So I was just wondering again, I've heard you talk about BlindSquare And I thought that only told you what's around. Does it also give you point by point directions? I mean, turn by turn or whatever, sorry, using wrong terminology. As far as I know, it does, used to anyway, unless they've changed it. It has a lot of functionality. All of the features of being able to tell you what's around you was kind of a secondary feature too, that it also will navigate you around.

[47:11] There was a lot of controversy in the beginning because people got annoyed with how much information it would throw at you and they didn't realize that you could turn things on and off. Yeah, I kind of got frustrated with that too. And I turned, yeah, so I, and I thought it, okay. Anyway, it's been like a year since I've used it. Yeah, it's been years since I've used it also. And so who knows how much it's changed since I've used it last. This is Joel. The BlindSquare app itself does not do turn by turn. However, if you have a P.O.I., you can send it to another app from there, Thermostat inquiry

[47:46] like Apple Maps, Google Maps or Open Maps Outdoor. So and then they'll do it simultaneously. Oh, good to know. So so Blind Square doesn't actually have the navigation directions, but you can send the direct or you can send the point of interest, which will then give you the turn by turn directions with Blind Square running at the same time. Perfect. Thank thank you for clarifying that, Joel. Appreciate it. Trish, who do we have next? Marie, go ahead. Hi Marie!

[48:18] Okay, I have a question this time. My beloved VIP talking thermostat recently bit the dust, and I'm using one now. It has a digital display, but it also has buttons. And I'm using it fairly well, but occasionally I have to call Be My Eyes and say, okay, what's the setting? Because I have it too high or too low.

[48:40] Of all the ones that are controlled with the apps, like the Alexa ones and the Nest thermostats.

[48:50] Are there any of them that if your wifi goes out, is there any way that you can control them manually or directly from an app, maybe through cellular on your phone? Only if it would connect over data. So what that means is a lot of times when you're not home, so say like you're traveling to visit a family member, and you want to log onto your thermostat from their house and set it so that by the time you get home it'll be the temperature you want it to be. If the thermostat has that capability, you could turn off your Wi-Fi and see if you could log into the thermostat over cellular data. Okay. I really don't like being dependent on having a Wi-Fi device without some kind of manual or or are different. Like on the Nest, it used to have a manual control on it where you would rotate it right or left to do the adjustments and then push the button. But I don't know about all the other ones. A lot of them are flat now and some of them have buttons, some of them are touchscreen. They're all a little bit different. So you're gonna have to just kind of check and do your research. I mean, another thing too, is you can call your power company. A lot of times they have grants where they're giving them away for free they come install it for you. So you might want to see what they have for those options. Then you wouldn't even have to pay for it. If there's one that's compatible with your needs.

[50:16] But I've heard the power companies a lot of times, they can then program those devices on their own without your control. They're trying to get you to save power. And I don't know if that's true or not. I just heard that. It could be just a rumor. Just a quick back to the Sonos speakers. I have a house full of Sonos speakers and I have a Play 5 and two Play 1s. No, four Play 1s that are probably 10 years old. They still work fine. There's no reason. There's no reason they may be obsolete, but that doesn't stop them from working. And I have a Sonos One that is three or four years old and it works with the new software, it works with the new assistant, everything.

[50:55] So I wouldn't be concerned. I love my Sonos speakers. Yeah. I mean, if you like the Sonos speakers like you, I'm really fond of Sonos ecosystem. As I said, you can upgrade your older speakers to get those newer ones, which will then play with the HomePods. For example, if I tell Siri right now to play what's currently playing here on my desk in the living room, it'll play it on the Sonos that are in the living room because they're all tied together with AirPlay. So yeah, Sonos is great. And I'll tell you, if you send us an email to feedback at unmute.show, and if someone listening to the podcast has some ideas, we can help facilitate sharing that information along with you about accessible thermostats. I've heard great things about the EcoBees, but I've never asked if they have buttons or knobs. So if you listening have any ideas, then we'd be glad to share that information along and you can send an email to feedback at unmute.show as well. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you guys very much. You're welcome. No problem. I have an idea. Okay. Hey, this is Ann. Hi Ann. My thermostat, it just so happened that my company had it. I didn't even know, but I really liked my thermostat because every time I switch from 78 to 80, and then 80 to 82, or whatever, the way it's made, it just clicks. And so when I click.

[52:20] And then at the top of it, you can feel little indentions. So then I know when I click it to this particular indention, it's on 80, or I click it back to this other indention, it's on 70, and that's just five clicks. So I don't know what kind it is, but.

[52:43] If you can look around for, if you don't want everything talking to you, you. Um, you know, um, that that's just clicks. It's not talking to me. It just clicks when I turn it. That is the statement of the day that I really appreciate. And I can't express to you how much, if you don't want everything talking to you, that is why I'm learning how to use a Braille display right now. So I agree. Sometimes it's annoying when you have things talking all over the place. Yes. Yes, it is. Well, thank you for that suggestion, Anne, and definitely appreciate everyone. Marty, it looks like we are coming up on the top, so I will let you wrap things up. All righty, well, thanks everyone for coming. We wanna remind you that two weeks from today on April 18th, we're gonna be having a special event, which is gonna be Script Talk. So if you're interested in hearing all about how you can get your medication bottles to be read out loud to you, then come check that out. It'll be a good one. Also, if you want to get ahold of us, feedback at unmute.show is our email address and questions, comments, or anything else. You can reach us there. Everybody have a great week and we will see you.

[53:56] Okay, go. So real quick, going back to this windows X shutdown thing. So does that shut down the computer differently than shutting it down from the desktop? No, no. Okay. It's just an alternative way to get there. The Windows X menu has some other options in it as well, but it's a similar process. It's actually closer to going to the start menu, pressing up and then going over to shut down. OK, one of the things I will mention real quick, too, if you are wearing USB headphones when shutting down your computer, most of the time, another indicator you will get is it will make clicking sounds like it's turning off. So that's another indicator to know if your computer has shut down properly. So just throw that out there as well. It's quick. And I have one quick question, if I may. If you use the Windows X, will it shut down all the programs that are open? Or is it still the same process if you were to use the Alt F4? Yeah, it's still the same process. It's just a different way of getting to the same menu. Okay, thank you. Yep, no problem. And appreciate everyone joining us. We'll be back next Tuesday. Again, feedback at unmute.show. And we look forward to having Script Talk on the 18th. Have a beautiful day. You.

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Mastering Voice Isolation: A Guide to Blocking out Background Noise

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 16:02:59 -0000

In this episode of Unmute Presents, hosts Marty and Michael discuss a new feature called voice isolation, which can help you get better audio quality by blocking out background noise while on a phone call. Michael demonstrates how to enable this feature on iOS 16.4 and provides a step-by-step guide to activate voice isolation. He also shares some useful tips on how to re-enable this feature on every phone call. Tune in to this informative episode to learn how to master voice isolation and get crystal clear audio quality during your phone calls. Don't forget to share your feedback at feedback@unmute.show and visit acb.community for more information about their weekly live show every Tuesday at 10am Pacific Time (1pm Eastern).

Transcript

Marty: [0:05] Hey all, Marty and Michael here. Today we're going to show you voice isolation. This is a new feature that was released in this previous update that just came out a couple of days ago. And what it is, is if you have a lot of noise around you and you need to really get better audio out of your microphone, this will block out the sounds around you such as outdoor sounds like if a fire engine goes by or if there's a lot of traffic anything like that. So Michael is going to show you how to enable this and Michael take it away.

Michael: [0:44] Full transparency initially I was going to bring my phone into the recording but well I kind of lost my adapter so I'm going to walk you through the process of enabling voice isolation on iOS 16.4 while on a phone call. Out by making a phone call. So what we'll do is we'll start by telling Siri to call someone real quick. Call 458-666-3342. Calling plus one 458-666-3342. This will now call a number and the phone is on like I'm making a phone call to someone. Now if I take the phone away from my head, you'll be switched over to speaker.

[1:29] So what I need you to do is find the time in the top left corner of your screen. Three finger flick up and you'll hear that you're in your control center. If you explore the screen you'll see something that says Video Effects towards the top of the screen. If you slide your finger to the right it'll say Off.

[1:47] Continuing your finger to the right will say Selected Phone. And if you slide your finger or flick to the right again you'll hear Standard. If you double tap on Standard this says Selected Standard button. And then you can flick to the right and there's an option that says voice isolation button. Double tap on voice isolation button and this will then be selected. Wide spectrum, as of the time of recording, is not available on actual phone calls. So, though it shows, you can't actually enable it. Do a scrub gesture. This is two fingers sliding fluidly from the right back to the left and then to the right again. Or use your single finger and swipe up from the bottom to do a home gesture. Press your home button if you have an SE and this will take you back to your control center. Do this again to get back to the in-call screen and now people can hear you a lot more clearly on their phone. Quick note, it appears that you do have to re-enable this every phone call that you want to use it on. We hope you found today's demonstration to be helpful. If so, please Please feel free to share your feedback at feedback at unmute.show. Remember every Tuesday at 10am Pacific Time, that's 1pm Eastern, Unmute Presents is live. Visit acb.community for more information.

[3:15] Thanks to Andre Louis Shorts Collection for the music used throughout this podcast and zap splat sounds for the sound effect used as the transition.

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Unmute Presents - Multi-factor authentication- What you need to know

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Transcript

[0:07] Hey there and welcome to another Thursday episode on the Unmute Presents podcast. Michael here, and I'm joined by a commonly heard voice around, well, around my voice and around the unmute parts. This is Demasi and today we're talking about two-factor authentication, second factor authentication, or 2FA. And Demasi, have you heard people call it something else aside from that, that people might want to keep their ear out for and listen up on?

[0:37] Yeah, sometimes you may hear it referred to as well as a multi-factor authentication, which in some places those terms actually do mean different things, but it's sort of like, you know, Googling has become a generalized term for searching the internet. People often use all of those terms that you mentioned as well as multi-factor to mean the process of putting in a username, putting in a password, and then having something that you are, uh, that you either have or that you're given at the moment of needing it to act as a second factor or a, uh, extra additional layer to your logins on the internet.

[1:16] And people hopefully have a form of this on their bank accounts at minimum bank accounts and email addresses. I would say, is there any other minimum things you would say? Of course, ideally anything that, that offers it, but what at minimum would you say people have it on? My bank forces me to have it and my email forces me to have it.

[1:36] Yeah, so I and I would start with those two actually like anything that touches any kind of money any kind of financials where if someone was able to access that maliciously, it will cause you serious pain. You want that on so any financial institution and as Michael said my bank forces me to have it on. And there's also extra safeguards in place with most banking you know applications and websites where if you're logging in from from an unknown location like there's gonna be some extra hoops you have to jump through which is good it can be annoying when you're in a rush but it's good because they're protecting you it's not just like oh we're gonna let you sign in for South Dakota even though we've never seen you anywhere in that part of the country before. We don't want that to happen. Other places, right.

[2:25] Email of course and the reason you want it on your email account is simply because that is kind of the key to everything else. If people are able to access your email, they can easily one just by perusing your inbox and deleted an archive folder depending on which email service you're actually using. They'll be able to see prior emails from services that you use, which just gives them a direct connection like, oh you're a Dropbox user, okay. So now I'm gonna go to Dropbox.com, I'm gonna put in your email address and say I forgot my password and because I'm in your email, well look I can get in. So that's another reason to have email set up. I would say any accounts also that allow for direct drawing, so it's not directly a financial institution, but anything that can directly draw from your financials. So think your iTunes account, for example, right? You don't really have a whole lot of authentic. I mean, you do, but once you've set things up to your liking for your convenience, you know, just run up a tab in the Apple store or the app store. So, you know, you want that to be protected things like, you know, I'm trying to think of other services.

[3:39] You're a better seller for that.

[3:40] Your play store, your, yeah. You know, your internet account bill. Because again, you know, or cable bill, cable account, because again, those things can easily cost you money because you have payment information stored on file. And there are things people could potentially want that they will make you pay for. So, you know, if you ever... Internet provider or cable provider that you use and somebody wants to watch that big fight coming up or the next You know Wrestlemania or whatever like, you know, they'll just charge it to you or watch it and you know now you got a Extra $57 charge you weren't looking for or I mean you can even charge an Apple TV because they're pushing their app so you that is a concern that people have an all-in-all of your a lot of your Um, cable providers are also enforcing a form of two FAA and not calling it that.

[4:32] So what we talk about today may sound familiar. And if it's something you're familiar with, hopefully some of the knowledge will help you be informed so you can explore additional options in more secure ways. And I've seen this happen to mossy with spectrum, sending me a text message to my phone number that's registered with the account. And then saying, we can't make any changes until you give us that code. Now I called spectrum. So I knew who I was calling. I verified my pin number, which is our security pin that we have. But in order for me to make another change, I have to give them that code that they text to the number. That would be a form of two FAA, right?

[5:10] Yep. It is in a sense, because you still can't do an action without that, you know, external piece of information, right? Like it's not just, Hey, what do you know? like give me your birthday and then we'll let you do whatever you want to. It's like, no, we're going to send this. And if you don't have access to that phone in order to give them the code and you don't have that, which means nothing's going to happen. So that is a form of that. I see this oftentimes, too. sometimes we're just logging into services that don't directly offer. 2FA, but however they are providing a form of 2FA, I just didn't have an opportunity to set it up and choose what method I would like to choose. You know, I log in, I put in an email, and I put in a password, and then they're like, oh, you know, you're logging in from a different device. Here's, you know, we just emailed or texted a code to your number on file, and you need to enter that. So those are all things that you will generally see, and oftentimes companies are trying to make that process of two-factor or or multi-factor, that's really where you're getting kind of to the actual meaning of multi-factor authentication because we're making you verify in several different ways that you are the person that should be able to access this account and do whatever, you know, changes, upgrades, et cetera, that you wanna do inside of that account. I wanna go back one second, because one place that you really should probably have two-factor on your account, and they're kind of enforcing it on a low-level way, I've seen with a lot of people, is Amazon.

[6:34] Because again, once your payment information is in Amazon, if someone gains access to your account, they're buying whatever they want to buy. Like Amazon does not ask you to authenticate yourself a second time. Like go into Amazon and purchase something. The minimum they're going to ask me for may be to log in again if I'm on the website. If I'm in a mobile app that I've managed to add to my Amazon account, or as a malicious person I've managed to gain access to Michael's Amazon account through an app, they're never gonna ask me again for a password or anything like that unless Michael goes and changes it. So therefore now I'm just buying stuff with Michael's card. I can add a new address to have it shipped where I want it to. So Amazon for sure. And what I have seen with Amazon, again, this is a form of multi-factor authentication for you where you have to put in your username and password, but before you can continue on into your account, they're either sending a code to your phone, or now what they're doing a lot with people is just sending a link that you have to click that verifies like you got this and you also approve this. And they're giving you information as to where the log in occurred, the type of device, et cetera.

[7:43] So those are all things that. A good company that either one, if you want to look at it from an altruistic standpoint, they really care about their customers and their safety. Or if you're more cynical, like I am, you're going to look at it from the standpoint, they're cutting down on customer service, support requests, and, you know, having to having to replace a whole bunch of money that somebody maliciously, you know, basically stole from someone by forcing you to have to go through a few extra hoops, especially when signing in from an unknown device.

[8:12] So you mentioned something when we were talking about multi-factor authentication and how if you had a choice, you may pick, you may have picked something different, but you were in a hurry. So you just got a text message to verify that you were who you were. What type of choices does someone have?

[8:28] What choices does someone have? So, generally speaking, the most broadly found options out there are going to be SMS messages where you're going to give them a phone number and they're going to send you a text with a code that you have to enter. This also can be done in some places I've seen where you can use an email address, so they'll just email you the second factor code and you have to type it in. Bye. Thank you for watching. And I'll see you in the next video. Next, I would say, would be in a more secure, would be an app of some sort, a 2FA code generator.

[9:04] And that takes the form of probably the most widely known of these at this point is Google Authenticator, where you scan a QR code. And basically what's happening on the backend, on a very high level is your phone that scans, the QR code contains a secret that your phone stores. It basically is matching up the time on your phone with the time of the server. And that way, because these codes change every 30 seconds, in most cases, some I've seen do 60, but usually it's 30 seconds so that they match up. And they're called time based. Wow. One time. These were the call time based authentication is really what it is. So you want the server time in your phone's time to be matched up because your phone will generate a code that says 1 2 3 4 5 6 and the computer on the other end that you're authenticating to the server that the website is on or that the app is you know connected to also needs to be to verify that code and they're using some cryptography in the background to kind of generate what should the code be at this you know during this 30-second interval.

[10:11] Generally although it's not widely spoken about you usually have about 35 seconds for those codes so if you catch it say at the three seconds when you see it and there's three seconds left in that 30 second cycle most systems will honor the code you know a few seconds over because obviously you got to look at it and then type it in right and it would be horrible if we just get caught in this weird loop where you can't get the code in because you keep timing out so most cases you will have a couple of seconds over that 30 seconds but thereafter that is not gonna matter if you punch it in or not because it's no good to you and no good to the server because it's not calculating anymore.

[10:52] That is more secure than text messages for a couple of reasons. It does not make you bulletproof. Let's be clear, nothing about two-factor is bulletproof. There are several situations here recently where companies have been breached due to social engineering practices and people have been tricked into typing in, say, their six-digit code that was generated by an app. So it's not bulletproof. You still have to be aware of what you're doing. But it is more secure because, one, it's on a device that you have versus a text message, which if someone is able to hijack your SIM, most of us honestly probably are not targeted for that, but the easier those things become, the more likely it becomes more widespread. So let's say if you happen to breach a cell phone carrier, for example, and you're able to access customer records, well, why not do a little SIM swapping while you're in there? I mean, you're already in there, right? Might as well have some fun. But generally speaking in the security industry, time-based one-time codes are considered to be more secure than text messages because text messages are just sent in the clear. Like there's no encryption on them. There's no nothing. So they can be, there are different ways people can impersonate you or insert themselves in the middle of that conversation and be able to grab a code via a text message. Email, I think, would be a bit more secure because most times the connections between your email client and this server and the mail server are going to be encrypted.

[12:21] But time based one time passwords tend to be more secure. And again, Google Authenticator is an app for that. Authy is a pretty decent app for that. I've not personally used it, but I know a lot of people that have and they liked it. And it offers the ability as well to sync across devices, which can make life a little bit more convenient. Their security seems to be fairly well, you know, fairly pretty good as well. I hope so.

[12:45] That's dangerous. Bye.

[12:49] Microsoft Authenticator is also another option that a lot of people have used, especially if you're in the Windows world. Not being a full-time Windows user, I've never used that as well myself, but hear good things about it from people in the security space. So, you know, I tend to trust their opinion because they're managing other people's security. Also, a lot of the password managers, I can't say all of them because there are a lot of them out there that I've never even heard of, But for example, one password and bitboard and both offer the ability to store one time passcodes in your vaults alongside the items that you're using to log in with. And there's a bit of a, you know, it's a personal perception situation. I do have some of my I have a lot of my two factor codes stored right alongside the login item in one password because it makes filling those in easier. I'm still going through the steps. The security level is still there protecting my account, but it just makes it a bit more convenient for me.

[13:50] However, my Gmail or Workspace account two-factor code is not in one password. I keep that out in a whole separate app. Similarly for say my bank, or at least a business bank I use, because they allow me to do this. I don't have those codes stored there as well. The next level up I would say for this would be YubiKeys, or I say YubiKeys and what I really mean, YubiKeys have kind of become the Google of security keys because everybody just refers to them as YubiKeys. There are other brands out there that exist, but security keys are the next level up in security. And what makes these a little bit better than the other two options is, one, you have to have this device in your hand so it lowers the opportunity, the risk of phishing, because even if, let's say someone gets you to go to, PayPal with two Ys, P-A-Y-Y-P-A-L.com, and you have two-factor setup with PayPal, but it's just a six-digit code. If everything looks okay to you and you don't check that URL, you could give the attackers all the information they need, your username, your password, and your two-factor code at the moment for them to turn around and immediately use it to log into PayPal, right? This could happen. It has happened to people, not with PayPal necessarily, but it has happened. Whereas with a security key, if you were to go to payypal.com.

[15:14] And let's say you put in your username and your password and now it's asking for the security key because that's what they see on their end, it's not going to work because the security key that you have connected to PayPal, they've exchanged a cryptographic secret that's only held on your device and held on PayPal's server like you know you have a secret key that signs a thing PayPal has a key that signs a thing and the only way to decrypt it is to have the the opposing private key so it's not gonna work simply because the security's gonna be like well I don't recognize you don't have a site stored for you don't have a entry stored on your key for this site so it instantly red flags if nothing else has thrown anything up now security keys are not the most easiest thing to deal with Not every site that offers two-factor even offers it as an option. And, you know, they can be a little expensive to buy into because recommendation, including my recommendation, is if you're going to go down that path is using security keys, have a minimum two. Because and I'll tell you a good reason why there is the, I have one on my key ring, Michael has one on his key ring. And you lose your keys or you can't find your keys. Or as Michael did one day, you know, you hand your wife your keys because it has the Jeep key on and she drives off and then he's like, oh crap I can't get into my stuff.

[16:30] One day?

[16:31] My YubiKey's on my key ring. Where's the one day I knew about it where it's like oh, oh my, no. But another reason is, so one of the security keys that I have had, and I'm gonna say it was the second one I actually bought. The first one I bought, I bought a $25 YubiKey.

[16:50] Works quite well, has NFC and USB-A. I bought a second one as a backup, and when I switched computers, just to give you a little bit of background. So I switched computers. I have a Mac Mini that's now running as a home server. I have a laptop now, a MacBook Air. So I stuck the YubiKey because this computer never leaves my house. And it was one of the small nano keys that's meant to stay in a USB port. This one happened to be USB-A. They also make USB-C versions of this. You do not want to put these in a computer that moves. Right, this Mac Mini does not move. It's not leaving my house. And if someone breaks into my house and has physical access to the Mac Mini, I promise you I got a lot bigger problems than that they're gonna look at this weird USB thing and be like, oh, I guess I can log in as this guy now. They're like, oh, I got a new Mac Mini. But I had this key out for some reason one day, I think I had been moving the computer around or something. I dropped it and it cracked. So that key is no longer working. If I only had one key, I would be locked out of a lot of things at the moment. So you always want to have at least two now my recommendation if you want to go down to YubiKey or the security key path I do purchase YubiKey. I keep saying YubiKey They are not the only brand that exists But they are the one that I am most familiar with because they are what I have owned All right, they they are what I do own.

[18:09] You'll see good Tyson, which is a similar thing if you're looking for something That's not YubiKey So actually the Google Titan Google Titans keys were available.

[18:18] I don't think Google is actually selling those anymore There was a hardware vulnerability discovered in their keys that they were selling. This is about four years ago. So if you see Google Titan security keys anywhere, and they're not being sold direct from Google because they may fix it and bring them back, I don't know. But as of what I know right now, they're not for sale by Google. Don't buy them. Don't ever buy a used key. Do just don't do it. Buy them brand new.

[18:47] YubiKey does have keys that are 25 bucks and they have a and these are the Yubikey security series is what I believe they are called. But you can very easily determine whether they're the right key or not, because they will have either USB-A or USB-C as the connector for plugging into a device, and they will also have NFC in them. Those are good. I have one of those is one of the first ones. That's actually the first one I bought, because I was like, I don't know about a security key thing. I'm not going to spend 50 bucks on them. And then I don't like it. Or is it accessible or does it work? Like, how do I use this thing? I got a touch a disc. Where's the disc? I don't know any of this stuff So here's the thing. They basically look like little very very thin flash drives And there's a little circular indentation. That is where you put your finger when you plug it into a computer or tap it on the back of your phone For NFC to authenticate and it says touch the disc on your thing. So they are very usable. There's no screen there there are nothing like the What were commonly referred to as like the footballs back in the day where you would have a little token on your keyring that? Generated the code on the device and you will have to look at it Like I was terrified at one point when I was getting a job. Dealing with IT that they were going to give me one of those things and I wasn't going to be able to sign into anything because I couldn't see the code on the thing because nobody made a talking one. Not sure you would have wanted that anyway, blaring out your code. Your code is 123456. It's like, oh, we just own that guy.

[20:14] But security keys are a reasonable solution if you want to go there again, I really suggest buying two.

[20:22] Now, just for anybody that is really interested in them, you don't have to go out immediately and buy two. Because most services, and I'm thinking Google, Dropbox, many other services, GitHub, if you happen to use GitHub.

[20:36] But a lot of services will allow you to add a key, and I'll take this from the Google standpoint, because just about everybody has a Google account of some sort. You can add a key and still have other means of providing two-factor, right? You have to actually go through some Herculean steps to force Google to only allow the use of security keys on your account. So even though I have a security key, two security keys on my Google account, I can't always fall back to a six digit code with the app that I have that code saved in. Or if I had my phone number in there, I can have them send me a text message. I don't have that turned on. So you can start with a single key to see if this is something, a part of your life that you want to start to, you know, implement tighter security if a security key is going to be the way you want to go. You can't buy one. Spend 25 bucks and try it out with something like Google or Dropbox or any service that doesn't quickly restrict you to only using security keys. Now, there are some systems where once you put a security key in, you're done. Like there's no more fallback failover solutions like your security key is going to get you in or you ain't getting in. So if anybody's interested, you can definitely try that. There are a couple of middle tier.

[21:53] I'll say middle tier. I kind of feel like they sort of fall in between the two-factor apps with the code generators and a YubiKey or a security key, excuse me. I keep saying YubiKey. A security key. Those are systems sort of like Duo is one that comes to mind for me as well as Microsoft Authenticator has this capability as well. You'll see this with Google if you have a Google app installed on your mobile device and you sign in from an unknown browser or something, it will send a push notification to your device where you just approve it. It says we've detected you're trying to log in near and it'll give you a location and sometimes a browser type and all of that device that you're signing in from and then there's a yes or no button or approve or deny button depending on the application. That is still multi-factor authentication or second factor authentication because you still had to put in the username and password to get there. Those are definitely more convenient.

[22:49] Again, sort of like security keys, not every service is going to support that, however. And even the ones that do tend to use their own applications for this. So you're not really going to have that integration with push across the board for a lot of your services unless you're working in an enterprise or you set this up in your own small business or something like that. Because, yes, Microsoft Authenticator will send you a push for your Microsoft account. Google's gonna want to use their app to send you a push for their service. EBay wants you to use the eBay app to get a push for their service and so on and so forth, right? That kind of reduces the convenience especially if you're like me where I don't have Microsoft Authenticator installed anywhere. I barely have any Microsoft apps installed at all. So no pushes from them. Security keys are what I use for my Microsoft account. So those are the kind of the different, you know, methods of two-factor authentication. And there's some others that, you know, are more stringers that really aren't common, but the most common ones are going to be get a text, get a code via text message or link. You know, also usually sometimes you will have the option to use email as opposed to a text message.

[24:00] A one-time code or general six-digit code authenticator, such as the Authy app or Google Authenticator or you know adding it to your password manager. And then security keys are going to be the primary ways and the primary choices that you're mostly going to see. Security keys less so than the other two options. Text messages and authenticator apps are the most common ways. If you have an option go with the authenticator app. Some services only give you text messages. Take the text messages. You may hear people say oh it's so insecure and is, you know, there are a lot of gotchas in that situation. One, you have to be targeted enough for people to really go through the effort to try to SIM jack you. Hasn't happened to me yet. Highly unlikely that it ever will, unless doing this on mute show really makes me famous and people can have more money than I actually have. You know, they'll be sadly disappointed if they get into anything, but hey.

[24:58] But any kind of security is better than none. Locking your door is better than not locking your door. Think about it that way. Also, use what you're comfortable with is the main piece of advice I give people. If you're most comfortable with a text message because you know you're never going to possibly lose your phone, you're always better to recover, hey, do that. If you're going to do an authenticator app, investigate options for backing up that data or storing that data in a secure location to recover. Times with the security, with the apps, with the authenticators, you're gonna get you know anywhere between 5 to 20 recovery codes from the service that you're setting that up with. Save those somewhere secure, password manager, encrypted disk, print them out and stash them in a safe. Do something because those are your backups to get you in if you you know drop your phone in the lake and now you don't have your authenticator app but you still need to log into Google so that you can initiate the process to recover your phone. Right. You know, you want to be able to do that.

[26:02] I'm glad you brought up the security codes because I was going to mention that. Um, and so if you get that opportunity, definitely download those, save them and explore what multifactor authentication works best for you to mostly before we wrap it up today with our very interesting show, and I say that in twofold, how the editing comes out and all the content is, um, do you have anything else you want to share?

[26:31] I don't just generally, you know, set up two factor wherever you can, whenever you can make use of it. Because here's the thing, if nothing else, you know, you can't be held responsible for what a company decides to do with their data and how they handle it. You know, you can do all of the right things, have a great, super strong password and all of those things. And if somebody gets breached and is able to, you know, if they're storing your password and securely on their server, that's not your fault. There's nothing you could have done about that. and in most cases we have no way of knowing it until they get breached. But if two factor is in place for you, at least it offers another layer of protection for your online account in case your password is ever leaked in any sort of breach. And it makes you less, you know, you're not as low hanging a fruit as those who don't have it on. So, you know, lock your door. It's like you go out in public, you lock your car doors because people walk by and they just yank on car door handles. If a door opens, they're in there. If a door doesn't open, they tend to keep walking.

[27:33] Stay secure. And we will check in with Demasi next year and see if that statement about not having a lot of Microsoft apps is still accurate, uh, give him a year with parallels and maybe he'll start using them. Check out Technically Working for more information on that. Unmute is live on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Pacific time. That's 1 p.m. Eastern Sundays. We bring you something to teach you. And then Thursdays we go in depth with people like Demasi. Thanks for joining us, Demasi. And how can people reach out to you if they're interested?

[28:11] You can check me out at bedrockinnovations.com slash contact. If you are on Mastodon, Uh, do me a favor and just go to, uh, demasi.yourownpay.com, and that'll get you to my masternown location. Uh, if you mentioned me on Twitter, I still will get a notification. So, uh, I may reply.

[28:33] Thanks for joining and thanks for listening.

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March 28 2023

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:51:26 -0000

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How to Share an Article from Safari Using VoiceOver

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Introduction: • Marty shows how to share an article from Safari using VoiceOver Steps to Share an Article: • Open an article in Safari • Go to the bottom toolbar • Locate the Share icon in the center • Do a single finger double tap to open the share sheet • Choose from different ways to share the article from Safari • Options include texting or emailing the article, saving it in notes, or in a read it later app • Other options include copying, printing, and more • Peruse the share sheet and enjoy exploring the different options Conclusion: • Following these simple steps will allow you to easily share articles from Safari using VoiceOver

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Unmute Presents- Michael on Parallels

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

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March 21 2023

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 18:40:09 -0000

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Configuring ACB Media on the BlindShell Classic 2

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 14:34:18 -0000

[0:01] If you'd like to set up a list of favorites for ACB media, these directions should help you while using the Blindshell Classic 2.

Press and hold your back button. 7.45 PM. We'll press down. Call. One of seven. I want option number four, so I'll tap that. Applications. Four of seven. Press OK. Internet browser. of eight and I'm looking for media that's option number four media four of, eight will press ok camera one of six and then option number four internet radio four of six press ok popular stations one of five and you can check these different categories out but what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna go down to search search hit ok search that sound means I can type so I'm gonna write a by pressing the number two once. Capital A. Wait for that click. So I'll write C, which is the number two, three times. If you press the down button, you can get it to click sooner. So that way you can press B, which is the number two twice. Press okay. After you hear that last click. Loading.

[1:18] ACB mainstream. One of 14. Now there are 14 streams for some reason, multiple ACB media of some of the channels are showing up. So here's the process I use. Because the favorites works in a last in first out model, I have to add the favorites backwards. For example, if I add ACB media 10 now, it'll be at the bottom of the favorites list, and then I add ACB media nine through ACB media one, if you want ACB media streams to be the top of your favorites, then you will need to consider what order to put your favorites in. Note though, putting your favorites in order won't be changed at all. You may just have to go down to get to the first ACB media option. So I'm going to go ahead and put these together by finding ACB media 10. ACB media 10 convention information, which at the time of this recording is option number three. I'll press okay. That's going to start the playback of the audio playing ACB Media 10 convention information told you three of 14.

[2:34] You want to hear some audio from the stream because it might take a couple of seconds You want to make sure that you're favoriting a stream that would be something that is working. So we'll press OK The media stops and you hear save to favorites. Press OK. Playing ACB media 10 convention information. Three of 14. The phone then repeats the name of the channel and it tells you that it's playing. So after 10, I want to put nine. I'm going to go ahead and jump to ACB media nine. Playing ACB media nine live to 14 of 14. And within this application, I know that ACB media nine is option zero. In the Internet Radio application, you can press 1 through 0 to jump to the search result and start playing that after you've started playback. And now all of the favorites have been saved in the proper order.

[3:34] Music.

Transcript

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Unmute Presents - Trial Style - Access Technology News thanks to Tech VI List

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0000

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March 14 2023

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:54:53 -0000

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Unmute Presents - Screen Time Tip

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Damashe: [0:04] How's it going everybody? This is Demasi Thomas. Based off of a recent conversation on, as of the time of recording at least, a recent episode of the Unmute show that me andMichael Babcock recorded, go check that out at Unmute.show, including to get the episode to hear more about the situation that this tip here is going to help mitigate. Now before I get into showing this screen time tip here, I do want to mention that since recording that original episode of Unmute with Michael, it has come out that there is a potentialworkaround to putting this in place. However, I'm gonna continue and record this tip anyway for a couple of reasons. Number one, I said I was gonna do it. And Mike's depending on me to record it so that he has some content, all right? Number two, I do expect that Apple will probably close off that workaround if that is being put in place by someone intentionally. So we're going to get into it here. I'm going to unlockmy iPhone.

Voiceover: [1:07] 220 APM. Settings. Search.

Damashe: [1:10] Search field. I'm already in Settings. So I'm going to go to Screen Time.

Voiceover: [1:13] General. Button. Screen Time. Button. Settings.

Damashe: [1:17] And also feel free to make use of this tip for managing any other screen time stuff and putting it behind the passcode. I have some experience with this simply by managing my kids' iPads and restricting some of their activities and setting down time. Now what we're gonna do, I'm gonna quickly navigatethrough here.

Voiceover: [1:37] Words, headings, family, heading.

Damashe: [1:38] There's the family section and I'm gonna scroll past that and I want to find.

Voiceover: [1:45] Use screen time passcode.

Damashe: [1:47] Use screen time passcode. Now this is for my device because I didn't tap into one of my family members devices. I'm gonna double tap on use screen time passcode.

Voiceover: [1:56] Passcode, zero of four values entered.

Damashe: [1:57] And I'm gonna enter my passcode. Yes, yes, I know you're hearing my passcode. Trust me, it will be changed.

Voiceover: [2:02] Five, two. So we're going to enter. enter. Passcode zero four values entered.

Damashe: [2:10] I'm going to re-enter that passcode again. This is just a four digit pin.

Voiceover: [2:14] One, one, five, two, one, eight. Text field is editing. Screen time passcode recovery. Heading. If you forget the screen time passcode, you can use your Apple ID to reset it. Apple ID. Text field is editing. Email. Character mode. Forgot Apple ID or password.

Damashe: [2:29] Button. Now I'm going to choose to skip this particular option. Because the idea here is that I want to make sure that no one will be able to recover this passcode from me. Let's see if they offer me an option.

Voiceover: [2:48] Don't let me skip, let's tap OK.

Damashe: [2:51] Okay, so hitting OK didn't work, let's hit cancel. Alright, yes I'm sure.

Voiceover: [2:58] Apple ID gives you a secure way to reset the screen time passcode if you forget it. Skip. Button. And I want to skip. Passcode. Four values entered.

Damashe: [3:04] So hitting cancel there is what allowed me to not put in that recovery step. Now, this is where the temporary workaround that I think Apple will patch will come up. People have said, and it's been reported I have not yet tried this, but however, people are saying that even if you take the step that I just did that says I don't want to use recovery, skip thatstep, it still gives you the option. So be mindful of that, but I do feel that that is probably an unintended behavior that Apple will fix. So now I have my Screen Time Passcode set. I'm going to go to the settings. And we want to go to Content and Privacy Restrictions. I'm going to double tap there. Now I have a profile in place that already has preset some of these options here. So I will show you where you need to go. I'm going to scroll all the way to the bottom.

Voiceover: [3:58] Background activities. Allow. TV provider. Driving focus. Reduce loud sounds. Cellular data changes. Passcode changes. Allow. Demd. Button. Account changes. Allow. Demd.

Damashe: [4:06] Button. Now this is currently demmed out because of a profile that I have installed. But this is what you will want to activate in order to protect this is you want to use your screen time passcode to prevent account changes. Right now what this does just so you're aware is it's gonna dim out a lot of things for you that you're gonna have to go to screen time and unlock using your passcode before you can saygo change your Apple ID information or anything like that. But that is a way to mitigate against someone's taking your phone having learned your passcode steal your phone because this will be a malicious activity. Activity and then using your phone's passcode to reset your Apple ID password thereby locking you out of your Apple account, So that is the tip that I shared in the Unmute episode withMichael. That is how you do it. Unfortunately, I can't take you all the way through the process because I already have this particular feature locked down using a profile on my device. Maybe I'll doa video on that one.

[5:08] But there you go. Just to repeat those steps, you're going to go on the screen time. First, you're going to scroll to the bottom and select choose use screen time passcode. Use a good four digit code that you don't share with anyone. Mine just happened to be my month and day of my birthday, but I'm gonna change that as soon as I start recording. For my cases, I did not want to use my Apple ID to recover my screen time passcode, so I hit cancel and I hit skip again. Right now there is a workaround that is allowing, still allows that password recovery or that PIN code recovery to happen via your Apple ID, even though you've said that you don't wantthat. That is what I expect Apple to patch up and tighten that up. There's probably unintended consequences. From there, then you're gonna go to content and privacy restrictions and scroll all the way down to the bottom. And I started at the bottom and worked my way up backwards. So flickingleft if you're flicking. After you get to the bottom of that screen and you want to toggle account changes to on so that it's protected by your screen time passcode. Hopefully this tip is helpful and we'll catch you next time. Be sure to check out the Unmute Show at Unmute.Show.

[6:22] Or tune in live on Tuesdays on the ACB Community Call at 1 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Pacific, or just visit acb.community.

Transcript

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Protecting Your Personal Data While Socializing - Guest Damashe

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Michael and Damashe share tips on how to protect your personal data while socializing. They start by discussing how to protect your phone from being accessed by strangers, such as by using screen curtains and setting up a screen time passcode. Damashe emphasizes the importance of not handing your phone to anyone and instead relying on others in your group to take pictures if necessary. They also discuss the benefits of using screen time to prevent unwanted account changes, and how to set up a separate passcode for screen time. Damashe shares his experience using screen time to secure his kids' iPad and notes that this added layer of security can also be applied to iPhones. Finally, they discuss the importance of using a strong passcode to unlock your phone, and how to make it more complex by using alphanumeric passcodes. Damashe shares his own experience of using T9 input to create a word-based passcode. They remind listeners to keep their passcodes for screen time and phone pin different for added security. Overall, this episode provides useful tips on how to protect your personal data while socializing and enjoying your time with friends and family.

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Announcement: No Tech Call Today"

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Notes: In this brief announcement episode, Marty informs listeners that there will be no live Tech Talk call today. He emphasizes that this is just a reminder and encourages listeners to check out previous episodes, such as Lucy's discussion on A-Ladies and the quick tip on scrolling with voiceover. Marty also mentions the upcoming episode with Michael and Damasi, where they will be discussing safety and security. However, the main purpose of this episode is to let listeners know that there will not be a live call today. Listeners who were looking forward to the live call will appreciate this timely and clear announcement from Marty. Tune in to this episode for a brief update on the Tech Talk schedule.

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Scrolling on IOS

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

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"Unmute Presents: All About A-Lady Devices and Games with Lucy"

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

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February 28 2023

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 21:56:44 -0000

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Maximizing Your Workflow with LaunchBars Send To Feature

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

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Unmute Presents - comparing HomePods

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Michael Doise and Marty Sobo talk about the different homePods

February 21 2023

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 20:12:52 -0000

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"How to Navigate with VoiceOver Using Less Fingers"

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Description: In this episode, Marty provides a quick tip for Mac users who rely on VoiceOver to navigate their computers. He demonstrates how to use the Caps Lock key to make interacting with web pages and apps easier and less cumbersome than the traditional method of using CTRL and OPTION. Key Points:

To navigate with VoiceOver, use the VO keys (Option and Control) and the space bar to activate apps or other items.
To interact with something, use CTRL OPTION SHIFT and the up or down arrow.
Using this method can be difficult and like playing Twister with your fingers.
An easier way to interact is to use the Caps Lock key instead of CTRL and OPTION.
To navigate, hold down the Caps Lock key and use your arrows.
To interact, hold down the Caps Lock key and the Shift key and use the up or down arrow.
This method is much simpler and less cumbersome than the traditional method.

Additional Notes: This episode is a useful resource for Mac users who rely on VoiceOver to navigate their computers. The tips provided by Marty can help users streamline their interactions with apps and web pages, and make their computing experience more efficient and enjoyable.

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Unmute Presents - Picking The Perfect Mac- Understanding The Pros And Cons Of Each Model

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0000

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Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming. Unmute Presents - Picking The Perfect Mac- Understanding The Pros And Cons Of Each Model

The Your Own Pay Podcast Network Unmute Presents

Transcript

Marty S: [0:06] Hey all, Marty here and I am with Michael Deust today. Say hello, Michael.

Michael D: [0:11] Hi everyone, it's great to be here.

Marty S: [0:13] So today we're going to be talking about state of the Macs. We've been getting a lot of questions from people about, I want to get a new Mac. What Mac should I get? What's the difference in this Mac? What's the difference in that Mac? So Michael and I are going to help guide you through all of the the different Macs that are available. So Michael, which one do you want to start with?

Michael D: [0:37] Well, I think we should start at the bottom as far as pricing goes and work our way up. What do you think?

Marty S: [0:45] That sounds great. So with that being said, it sounds like we're going to start out with the Mac minis.

Michael D: [0:50] Yes. So we just got new Mac minis this year. We talk all about those on different podcasts already, but it's pretty incredible. They start out with the M2 and at $599. And I think that's one of the cheaper Mac minis we've seen in a while, don't you think Marty?

Marty S: [1:11] Oh yeah, absolutely. I mean, it's definitely the biggest bang for your buck, I would say for the power that you get right out of the box. So a lot of questions that I've been getting is, for example, if I get the Mac mini, the base model, what will that do for me? So do you wanna talk about what it comes with and kind of where you're at at the 599 price point? If you start out with a Mac mini by the way, it's gonna be 599 for the base model with no upgrades. And then Michael, you wanna take it away from there?

Michael D: [1:44] Sure, so the base model, it's 599. You get the M2 chip, which means it's gonna be very fast. You're gonna get a lot of specs. You're for sure gonna get eight gigs of RAM. And the only one piece of information, I'm not sure. I think it's 256 gigs of hard drive.

Marty S: [2:02] Yeah, the base model comes with 256 SSD.

Michael D: [2:06] But it only comes with one. So if you're looking for faster speeds, you may not want to go for the base model. So what that means is on the higher models, they have two chips for the SSD. And so like if you get 512, it's two 256 gig chips. And I know that sounds technical, but just think more expensive, faster read and write speeds to the hard drive. So you can think of it as remembering things faster or processing data faster from your storage. Correct.

Marty S: [2:39] Now, let me preface this by saying really quickly, if you're someone who is going to be doing day-to-day tasks like browsing the web, email, listening to music, even maybe if you're going to do some audio recording or editing your photo stuff like that. You know, the base model is still going to be super fast. I mean, it's going to do everything you want to do and more. So just because it has slower read write speeds on the hard drive, that just means that if you're doing higher end things, you may see the slowdown there. But if you're doing day to day stuff, it's going to be plenty powerful for you.

Michael D: [3:19] Well, even think of it like this, and a lot of people don't think about this. I know a lot of our audience will not be doing this activity, but copying images off or onto a flash drive or between folders on your computer or things like that. Those images nowadays can get pretty big, so those are things to consider. But again, most people won't notice this. And one thing to keep in mind, you can, there are some programs or apps that you can get in the store that will work on that are on iOS that will work on the Mac. So if there are iOS apps or games that you like that work on iOS, they will run on this machine at that price point, which, you know, when you put it like this, it's kind of interesting that a $599 Mac mini is cheaper than some iPhones.

Marty S: [4:11] I know that's crazy. Actually, it's cheaper than most iPhones. I think the SE comes in around $500, I think. So that's the cheapest phone. I mean, what is it?

Michael D: [4:23] I think the SE is around 430 to 450. Okay.

Marty S: [4:25] But even then, look, you're getting a brand new Mac computer. I mean, if you were to buy, you know, any of the higher end iPhones, you're spending almost double that, you know?

Michael D: [4:38] Right. Right.

Marty S: [4:40] So also I want to say that this is the absolute base model with absolutely no upgrades whatsoever. So you can go in and you can upgrade the hard drive and you could upgrade the RAM. The RAM can go up to 16 gigs and then you can update the hard drive. I believe on this model you can go to two terabytes now.

Michael D: [4:59] Is that correct? Yes. And then there's the option for the M2 Pro Mac Mini, which brings it to a whole new level. Basically, we'll talk about this Mac in a bit, but it's almost to the level of the Mac Studio, which is really impressive in a Mac mini case. It also does, these can get up to really good Wi-Fi speeds, good Bluetooth, and they'll have HDMI support. If you want to hook it up to a TV on the M2 Pro models, you can do that and it's going to look great with the HDMI 2.1, so it's gonna be work extremely well.

Marty S: [5:41] Also on the chip, the higher end chip, I believe you can go higher on the RAM, is that correct? Or are you still at 64 gigs? 64 gigs, right. So, and then I believe you can add more hard drive space. I wanna say up to eight terabytes.

Michael D: [5:55] Yes, and actually we were wrong. It's 24 gigs of RAM on the M2.

Marty S: [6:00] Okay, 24, okay, gotcha. So you can go the jump. If you get the Pro processor, you're going able to go up from 16 to 24 gigs of RAM, correct?

Michael D: [6:13] No, if on the base model, you can go from 8 to 24 on the M2, and on the M2 Pro, you can go from 8 all the way up to 64. Okay, gotcha.

Marty S: [6:23] Cool. And then hard drives, you can go, what's the upgrade specs on the hard drives?

Michael D: [6:29] On the M2 Pro models, you could go up to 8 terabytes. Awesome, there you go.

Marty S: [6:33] That's a lot of hard drive space.

Michael D: [6:35] Wow. Yes, it is. And a lot of money.

Marty S: [6:37] Yeah, that probably cost a ton, I bet. Okay, awesome. And who do you think this machine would be good for? Who would be using this machine?

Michael D: [6:44] The M2 Pro machine, if you want to use it for a server, or if you want to use it for music editing, or for doing production work, this for base amounts, this will be great. Some developer work, you could do that on here. you can do some basic, you know, you could play some games if you want to do that. So this is more of a higher-end machine. Now keep in mind, you know, you're not going to see any UI stuttering on any of these machines, so don't worry about that. You know, that's all going to work. It's just in what, how fast it's going to be able to do tasks. That's where we're at in computing now, folks, and I think that's amazing. So you're going to lower in development, lower in games, music production, and.

[7:38] Video editing can be done on this machine.

Marty S: [7:41] Yeah, and one thing to note as well, which a lot of people don't realize, on the higher-end machine with the upgraded chip, you also get two extra Thunderbolt ports. So that allows you to have four instead of two, which is on the lower models. And for those who aren't sure what that is, Thunderbolt is similar to USB-C, except that it's faster data transfer transfer speeds and it also carries data, video and power. So for example, if you've got a display like the studio display, which Apple has, which has everything built into it, basically you plug that into Thunderbolt and you're good to go. It's going to carry video power, data, the whole nine yards. So it's really convenient for that.

Michael D: [8:28] And you could tell it's a Thunderbolt cable cause it's a very thick cable. So it's very interesting.

Marty S: [8:34] Yeah, definitely. Okay, so next case.

Michael D: [8:39] So I think we should move on to now the laptops.

Marty S: [8:43] All right, so then if we start at the low end of the laptops, we'd be going to the MacBook Air. And I believe there's actually two models of the MacBook Air, correct?

Michael D: [8:52] You know, I think, yes, there are. They still have the M1 and now the M2 MacBook Airs.

[9:00] The M1 model is, I think they only have one version of that, and it's $100 less, so it's right at $1,000. The M2 MacBook Air is right at $1,100. But i'm going to be honest with you and say this do not just don't go with the m1 it's not worth the m2 air is a beautiful. Beautiful machine. It is newly redesigned. The M1 Air still uses the older wedge shape design. The M2 is a very nice design. It's the new, it's more boxy, but it's flat all the way through. So it's built like the newer, new MacBook Pros.

Marty S: [9:44] Yeah, the design language is just the same. It's, if you look at it, it's kind of like a small version of the MacBook Pros.

Michael D: [9:49] But there's no, unlike the MacBook pros. There's no vents, there's no anything. Now one thing to note on this is the speaker quality is noticeably different. Some say it's terrible. I think it's decent for what you get. I do think it's less of a quality than the MacBook Air of 2020 than the M1 MacBook Air. But you know, they had to make a compromise somewhere. And with that design, it the speakers are in the hinge, which is kind of interesting.

Marty S: [10:21] Now something to think about right here, I will say, you know, you get this machine and the compromise, maybe you don't get as good of sound out of it, but the portability you get it's super lightweight. It's easy to throw in a bag. It's easy to take with you. It's got a great battery life. And when you're at home, even or on the go, you can use any headset earbuds. So you can do plug in headset and use, you know, full size cans. You can use any headset you want to use there. It has a headphone jack, 3.5 inch millimeter, and it has Bluetooth as well.

Michael D: [10:56] Yep.

Marty S: [10:56] And on the Bluetooth, you can use AirPods or any other Bluetooth earbuds you choose to use. And if you're at home, you can Bluetooth to nice speakers and get a good sound that way.

Michael D: [11:08] Now something that a lot of people do not realize about the MacBook Air. And this kind of blows people away when you hear this. It's thinner than an iPad in the Magic Keyboard case and cheaper. Think about that. It's you know, the iPad is supposed to be a tablet. It's thin and you put it in a keyboard case and it should be light and thin. But it's not. The iPad Pro in that keyboard case is thicker and heavier than the MacBook Air, which can do a lot more.

Marty S: [11:38] Right. So on the MacBook Air, it comes in a 13 inch display. That's the only size it comes in. It starts out just like the Mac mini. You got a 256 gig hard drive on the base and you've got eight gigs of RAM on the base. And both of those are upgradable. 16 gigs of RAM is the max on those. And I think two terabytes is the max on the hard drive on those.

Michael D: [12:06] That's 24 gigs of RAM is the highest.

Marty S: [12:08] Okay, 24 gigs. 24 gigs, there you go.

Michael D: [12:10] Okay. Now one thing that's interesting about this that you might wanna take note of, if you're doing professional work, it will do great. It will do great. But after about 10 to 15 minutes, it will slow down. And the reason is there's no fan. There's no cooling system fan built in. So you're just using the processor so it will throttle if it gets too hot. So that means it just slows it down to keep it from burning up.

Marty S: [12:40] And do you want to talk about what port? We did talk about the headphone jack already, so I believe there's also two USB-C ports.

Michael D: [12:47] Two USB-C ports, the Thunderbolt ports, actually. Right. And it also has one MagSafe port. And that's different from the MagSafe from the phones. And it's very, they call it MagSafe 3. And it's a kind of a. Blast from the past if you used older MacBooks. So it's MagSafe is the magnetic charger that attaches you can charge it through USB-C and I highly recommend I have a MacBook Air and I absolutely love it. I highly recommend you get it with the 35 watt charger You can get a 60 watt that'll charge it much faster, but the 35 watt has you plug it into the wall and it has two thunderbolt ports on it. So you could plug your computer into that with the MagSafe cable and your phone. So technically you have three ways to charge something with that one with your computer and the adapter so that's pretty cool.

Marty S: [13:46] Yeah and the thing to note about this which is really great is that MagSafe adapter for powering is great because then it leaves both of your USB-C ports open for other devices. If you're doing audio and you need to plug in an interface or any other kind of thing that you would need to do external hard drives or anything like that, you still have two available ports to you for now that they've added that Mac safe adapter, which is not how it used to be on the M one. I believe you just have the two USB-Cs and one of those you have to use for charging. So that's really something to think about keeping the back of your mind, which is a really nice upgrade. It's actually a pretty big deal for people who are doing a lot of production work and stuff like that.

Michael D: [14:30] Now one thing before we move on, I do want to say this about Mac laptops. Mac laptops are some of the only computers that will give you the same performance plugged in or not plugged in. And I think that's kind of a big deal.

Marty S: [14:43] Definitely. All right. And that would be the 13 inch MacBook So moving on, where do you want to go next?

Michael D: [14:53] So let's go ahead and go to the next tier up, which is not the pro lines yet, but let's talk about the let's go to the back to desktops because this is kind of the mid range, right? Let's talk about the IMAX. And the iMac is a very nice sleek design. It's a 24-inch machine, and it's running an M1 processor, and not the Pro or the Mac's, just an M1. So basically, you've got a fan-cooled M1 in the form of a desktop. And...

Marty S: [15:31] So for those people who don't understand or are new to kind of the Mac world, I just want to say that the iMac is a computer that's been around a really long time and it's an all-in-one. So what that means is you have your display. In this case the display on the M1 is 24 inches and then you have basically the mouse and the keyboard and then the ports and everything around the back. So that's it. It's kind of like the screen the mouse and the keyboard and everything's inside the screen. So So it is a desktop, but there is no tower or anything like that. So it's all inside the screen.

Michael D: [16:10] It's basically an iPad on a stand. That's really what it looks like.

Marty S: [16:14] Yeah, pretty much. That's true.

Michael D: [16:16] I mean, the design is exactly an iPad on a stand without a screen.

Marty S: [16:22] So who do you think this would be for?

Michael D: [16:24] The iMac is for casual computing users that want a family computer that anybody could just sit down at and browse the web and check email. It can do a lot of the things that you can do some audio editing. You could do some low level development work and some gaming. But again, this is an M1. It's still going to be a great computer, but it's an M1. It's not a pro, it's not a max. You're not going to be able to get that awesome computing power out of it. So I would definitely. Only get that if you want a computer for like the family. And, to be honest, you could probably get the Mac Mini, which is an M2 now for $599 by a keyboard and mouse and get your own monitor and come out cheaper.

Marty S: [17:12] And you can get your choice of a monitor and, you know, you can get a larger monitor or a smaller monitor. You have kind of whatever choice of monitor you'd want to get. And you also have the option of getting something like a super high end monitor that plugs in Thunderbolt and possibly has a hub built in and speakers and all that stuff. Or you can just get a super basic, you know, HDMI monitor that will just do the job. So that's kind of the gotcha about the iMac is it is what it is. You know, you can't really change anything.

Michael D: [17:43] And you can't upgrade it. The old iMacs, you could upgrade them. You cannot upgrade this one. So my kind of, my view on the iMac right now is if you want an iMac wait, we're gonna get more, I'm sure this year. But I would wait definitely on an iMac.

Marty S: [18:02] Yeah, I'd probably agree on that. All right, well, so we're talking about desktops. Do you wanna go to the studio next, which is an interesting situation right there?

Michael D: [18:12] Yeah, let's go on to the studio and then we'll go back to laptops again. The studio is, the Mac Studio is a, you could think of it as two Mac Mini stacked on top of each other. Take off the stand and take off the bottom part and just lay them together and you've got a Mac Studio. They do that so they could put a lot of metal for cooling for the higher end processors. So on those again. I'm recommending waiting because you get an M1 Max or an M1 Ultra. The M1 Ultra is a great chip. It's basically two M1 Max chips which is, you know, they're all in one chip. It can do a lot. I think it can still only go up to eight terabytes from what I remember, but it can go up to, I think 128 gigs of RAM. I think that's the case.

Marty S: [19:14] Maybe not only on the highest end one, I believe on the on the on the on. Yeah. On the lower. I believe it's 64 gigs before. That's correct. Yeah. Also, because you get so much more space in the tower. Basically, they're doubling the height of the Mac Mini is what you can compare it to. They put ports in the back and the front, which is kind of cool because I always thought it was kind of weird that they put all the ports all the way in the back of the Mac Mini, it would be so much more convenient to have ports in the front so you can just plug something right in right away if you need to instead of having to reach around the back and do all that.

Michael D: [19:50] Now there's a, the one thing is we don't wanna cause any confusion here because the M1 Mac's version of that Mac Studio, those ports are USB-C. The M1 Ultra version of that, those front ports are Thunderbolt from what I remember reading.

Marty S: [20:06] I believe that's correct.

Michael D: [20:07] So, yes, it does have more ports and I do not believe it has the USB-A ports like the Mac Mini does. The Mac Mini is built to be used with a lot of different hardware, whereas the Mac Studio is, you know, USB-C, Thunderbolt focused.

Marty S: [20:26] Well, this is built kind of more for higher end work. Yes. So, people who are doing higher end are going to want as many ports at the highest level, which means fastest data transfers and all that kind of good stuff. So people aren't going to be buying USB type things, they're going to be buying Thunderbolt or USB-C things. So data transfer for hard drives, for video, whatever you're doing is going to be much faster at a higher level.

Michael D: [20:54] And you're going to use probably a Bluetooth keyboard and all those kind of things. So So all those things are, you know, the M1 Max, M1 Ultra, they're great chips, they're gonna run well. I'm using an M1 Max 16 inch computer. So that M1 Max is great. And because it has better cooling, you're gonna get even better cooling support than you do on a laptop. So the Pro machines will throttle, but we'll talk about that in a little bit. I still recommend waiting if you need something good like this. I think we're gonna see another Mac Pro this year.

Marty S: [21:28] Everyone's waiting to see actually what's going to be with the higher end computers.

Michael D: [21:31] Mm-hmm. We're hoping for a Mac Pro, but that would complete Apple's transition. They said there would be a two-year transition to Apple Silicon, but there's still one Mac left that's Intel and that's the Mac Pro. Which I don't recommend anybody getting.

Marty S: [21:46] Correct. It's ridiculously expensive for outdated technology at this point. But with that being said, should we go back to the laptops?

Michael D: [21:55] Yes. So let's go to the...

Marty S: [21:58] Why don't we get the elephant out of the way and talk about the 13-inch MacBook Pro?

Michael D: [22:02] Yeah, I was about to say the computer that should not be the 13-inch MacBook Pro. And I guess if some people really like that form factor, that's great. But you know if you buy a MacBook Air with an M2 chip, you know, you're it's it's a MacBook Pro with an M2 Not a pro just an M2 So I don't really understand why that's needed right with the old case I believe it even still has a touch bar.

Marty S: [22:34] It does still have a touch bar I kind of look at this computer is similar to you know an iPhone SE They have the same design language as an iPhone 8, but it has new technology inside. So even though it's old on the outside, it's got new updated technology on the inside, which basically means it has the M2 processor. So this machine is good for somebody who wants to get into, I guess, you know, a MacBook Pro at a low level. You still get the touch bar, but they didn't change any of the design at all. It's identical to what those models were when they came out originally. So you're still only getting, I believe, two USB C ports, I want to say. No Max.

Michael D: [23:21] That's correct. That's correct.

Marty S: [23:24] And you get the touch bar 13 inch screen. And there you go.

Michael D: [23:29] I'm not really sure It would be a good workhorse machine day-to-day tasks things like that The only advantage it has the two advantages it has over the air is this one It has a fan so it won't throttle down after 20 minutes Number two is it has better speakers it has the Two speakers on each side so if those things are very important, then that's a good machine to look at Yeah, now here's something to think about.

Marty S: [23:58] You know, Michael just was talking about fan, no fan. Now, the thing about this is that if you're somebody who is on a budget, but you're doing some pro stuff, like for example, you're doing rendering and you need to export files and things like that, and your computer is going to be at a high level of processing power for a period of time, every time you're doing some kind of a big export or a big render or something like that, you might want to really consider this computer over the 13 inch MacBook Air because the 13 inch MacBook Air without the fan is gonna start choking when it gets really hot where the 13 inch MacBook Pro with the touch bar is gonna have a fan that's gonna kick on and keep that machine running at that max level without starting to choke. I mean, that could be a big deal for some people. If you need a machine to do that kind of task and you're on a budget, that's something to definitely think about.

Michael D: [24:58] Well, I'm just gonna be very honest and say that that is an option. However, looking at statistics, it's not a terribly big difference. If you've got tasks that are taking longer than 20 minutes to render, then you're probably not on the right machine anyway. Does that make sense? You know, I can render a one hour 1080p video on that error and it takes about five to ten minutes. So if you're doing 4K and you're doing all that kind of stuff, then you probably should have. Yeah, because you're looking at time is money at that aspect, right? Because if you're kind of doing that for a job as a living or trying to become a creator, you need that better hardware. And after about 20 minutes, that's when the MacBook Air starts to really slow down. And it's going to still do a good job even while slow. It'll do better than any Intel Mac would. But also, once you start configuring that 13-inch MacBook Pro and you get it to the specs that you need, 16 gigs of RAM and you get your 1 terabyte, 2 terabytes of hard drive, then you're already starting to look pretty close to the next computer we want to talk about, and that's the 14-inch MacBook Pro territory.

Marty S: [26:21] Yeah, so 14 inch Mac, MacBook Pro, they were designed, redesigned to these computers about a year and a half ago, I want to say, when they originally came out with the, let's see, it was the M, they started out with the M1 Pro and Max, I believe is what they were called. The base model, this is still the same configuration at 512 on the hard drive to start with, and I believe it's 16 gigs of RAM to start with. And they introduced a whole new redesign to this. It's got way more ports on it. It's got a higher resolution display. It has larger screens where before you started out at 13. Now you're starting at a 14 inch display. It does have that camera bump up in the top center of the display. You get a high notch. You get a higher end camera there. So the design is really, it's really nice. It's not as lightweight as what they used to be, but you're gaining back all of the ports, which is what everybody really was asking for, especially at that pro level. They would rather have all the ports on board so that you don't have to worry about carrying around a dongle or anything like that. So you can basically pick up your machine and your charger and go and be ready to go wherever you're at. this past keynote.

[27:49] They announced these same machines, but they upped them to the M2 chip. So you want to talk about that, Michael?

Michael D: [27:58] So I've got several things to say about these. The 14 and 16 inch both have the same screen. And what's of note here on the screen is that they are iPad Pro level screens. They're using the Pro Display XDR technology, which means they're using... What's that? Basically, you get the full blacks, but you get like... It just turns on the lights for certain zones. So if you're watching a movie, you get the full black color where it's dark and the full white colors where it's white. And you do see, they call it blooming around the areas, but that's for low vision, that's negligible. It's still an amazing screen. And there's even a program called Vivid that makes the screens even better on those machines. I absolutely love these computers. So you have the good screens. You've got the, you basically have two HomePods, one on each side of your keyboard. The speakers are that good.

Marty S: [29:08] Yeah, speakers sound incredible on these machines.

Michael D: [29:10] Incredible speakers. You've got three Thunderbolt ports. You've got a MagSafe port, just like on the MacBook Air. And you've got the high impedance headphone jack. So you get really good quality audio from those. And you get an SD card slot and an HDMI connector. So you could hook it up to a TV. And this one even has 2.1 on the new Macs. So. There's Wi-Fi 6E on these new machines. There's Bluetooth 5.3, and they can be configured up to 8 terabytes of space and 96 gigs of RAM on the M2 Max, which is better than the M1 Max. So, these are fantastic computers.

[29:59] And, you know, I love my studio display, and I use it all the time. But sometimes, like if I use a computer for a long time, though that sharper 16-inch display is so much better than the 27-inch regular LCD display that the studio display is using, and it's just fantastic. I don't even really notice the camera notch anymore. It blends in, you get used to it. The track pads on a Mac are still top notch. I've still yet to find a Windows computer that has as good of a trackpad as a Mac. The keyboard is finally back to being amazing. The battery life, I think it's 21, 22 hours for watching video from what I remember for the M1 Mac or M2 Mac's computer. So it's pretty fantastic what these machines can do.

[30:58] And the power you get in these machines, you'll not see anywhere else. And they do my developer workflow. I can have several simulators and Android emulators going, virtual machines going. And I'm only running 32 gigs of RAM, which is on more than any other computers have had. So that's pretty fantastic.

Marty S: [31:18] Yep. So these machines come in 14 and 16 inch displays. And other than that, they're the same. You can get the specs the same. They come the same. Everything on these machines start and end the same way. The only difference is the size of display 14 or 16. And they're excellent machines. I mean, they're workhorses. You know, they're really awesome. So if you're looking for a super high-end machine that can do it all, you know, you want to pick up one of these machines.

Michael D: [31:52] The only thing I would recommend is if you're getting a 14-inch stick with the M2 Pro. And that's because the M2 Max needs a little bit more of a heating area, a way to dissipate heat, and you don't get that as much in the 14-inch machine. So the rule of thumb is typically if you want the Pro, go 14-inch. If you want the max go 16 inch, just for the amount of heat that the 16 inch, I mean the M1 and M2 max will put off. So just depends on what you buy.

Marty S: [32:25] All right, well. That is the Mac lineup as of today. So it's a good primer. If you guys have any questions, thoughts, still are unsure what you should get, you can always email us at feedback at unmute dot show and we can try and answer any questions you still may have. Hopefully this will help. I want to say thank you very much to Michael for being here and helping us get through all of the Mac lineup. So thank you, Michael.

Michael D: [32:57] Sure thing, anytime.

Marty S: [32:58] And you want to tell people where they can find you and what you do?

Michael D: [33:01] Sure. So I'm the host of the iACast podcast, which is part of our great network we've built with the wonderful folks here at Unmute Presents. So you can find me on the iACast and all over the place. And I'm Mike Doeys on Twitter. And just look for me on Mastodon and other places. So I'm always around. You can email me at mike.dois.icloud.com if you have any questions.

Marty S: [33:27] Awesome. Well, thanks a lot, Michael. And thanks, everyone. and we'll see you next time.

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February 14 2023

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 19:43:27 -0000

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Unmute - Democast - Moving Apps on IOS with Marty

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0000

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What Is Reality

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0000

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February 7 2023

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:55:56 -0000

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Unmute Presents: Democast - Optimizing Workflow with LaunchBar and TextExpander: A Demonstration"

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 09:59:00 -0000

Michael walks through his process for quickly posting a blog post
He uses a keyboard commander to start the process
He uses text expander with date math fill-ins and date fill-ins to automate some of the steps
He also uses the clipboard manager with LaunchBar to speed up the process
Michael highlights the benefits of using these tools and how they make a huge difference in his productivity on the Mac
He mentions that he is still learning more about LaunchBar and how it can help improve his workflow

He invites listeners to visit payone.live for more information and to join the Unmute Presents show every Tuesday at 10am Pacific Time/ 1pm Eastern

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The Current State of Social Media: An Authentic Conversation

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Damashe and Michael are discussing social media and how it is changing. Michael mentions that he uses YouTube to learn and is starting to post more content to teach people. Damashe mentions Lyre as a good app for RSS and mentions Net Newswire on iOS as a free app to get started with. Damashe also mentions external feed services like FeedBin which allow you to subscribe to users, lists, or hashtags on Twitter and can be synced with an RSS app. Michael mentions the ATIA23 conference and asks Damashe if he has played with VN on the Mac.

Fixed with Correct File: January 31 2023

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:41:42 -0000

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"Appear and Disappear: Navigating Hiding and Showing Apps in Messages on iPhone and iPad"

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 09:30:00 -0000

[0:03] Hey all, Marty here. Today I'm coming at you with a quick tip, a messenger tip. So in messages, when you are in the body of a message, at the very bottom, you'll notice there's all these little icons that do different things, such as Apple Pay. Some of them have little stickers, all different kinds of things. If you ever get tired of looking at these things and you want to clean up your app a little bit and make it cleaner, All you have to do is take your finger, put it on the space where you enter text, swipe once to the left, you'll find a little icon that says apps. Double click that and that will hide all of those little icons. And then you have a super clean interface. If you want to bring the apps back, all you have to do is put your finger back on the space where you enter text, swipe once to the left, find that little apps icon, double click it, and it will bring back all those little apps if you want to utilize those once again. [1:19] Feed. We are there every Tuesday 10 a.m. West 1 p.m. East and if you're not signed up you, You can get all the information you need at acb.community.

Marty

Track 3: [1:32] And we'll see you next time. Thanks a lot.

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Unmute Presents - Live To Recording Process

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

Unmute Presents - Live To Recording Process Transcript

Jingles

Marty: [0:05] So Michael, we get tons of questions, especially recently, people ask us about the process and how we edit our shows. Specifically, you know, we do the unmute call every Tuesday. And then once that show is over, we, you know, edit it, publish it, put it out, and we do all those things, you know. So that would be probably a good primer as that's one of the front facing projects that people see. Because of the live show that we do on Tuesday. So why don't we start with walking through and maybe answering some of the people's questions about that process. So what we do is let's say say we start with a live show in Zoom and we broadcast that out to the world and everyone can come that's live and we're doing it straight out. Once we're done with that and we go off the air, then the editing process and everything starts with the backstage and all the behind the scenes magic happens. So why don't you talk about your workflow from that point once we go off the air and Give us a primer on your process.

Michael: [1:27] Yeah, so it starts a little bit before that actually and it starts way back in May I created a zoom room that is always the same and Maybe it was June somewhere around there and the first thing I did as I said always record to the cloud. Being part of ACB community you have to keep a recording on file and everyone's call is recorded So I set it up to automatically record because as we all know I am horrible about remembering to do the things I need to do But that also gives me the added benefit. So let's go back to where you brought us to we get done with the call and then about.

[2:01] 15 ish minutes later. I get an email from zoom that says hey your cloud recording is available You can click this link to download it So I click that link and I download what turns out typically to be three or four different files. Which is the audio and video versions of our call? But the video version is typically black because none of us use video So I just disregard that and the sound quality is going to be a little lower than than people would probably want to listen to. So then the next thing that I do is I grab that audio file that I downloaded and I bring it into Reaper and.

[2:36] I have a Template and Reaper that allows me to trim out the silence very quickly, So for waiting for someone to unmute I can pull that silence out so. So the listeners on the podcast don't have to wait like everyone else had to, to get someone unmuted and to get them on the call. And then I add some compression and I use a tool called RX Isotope Repair Assistant. And that gives us a constant sound that we are sounding like everyone sounds like they're pretty level and voices are good. In Reaper, I render the file to a Dropbox folder, which is tied to my Alphonic account. And I'll talk about Alphonic in a moment. When I render the file, I check a checkbox that says, add this item to a new track, or add rendered content to a new track as an item. And then I render it. And that means that I take the edits that I made in Reaper and I save them as a file. Typically Flac, a lot of people use Wave. You don't want to save at MP3 right now, but ultimately that's where we're going to get to.

Marty: [3:47] Let me stop you right here just for a quick sec because I want to just make sure that people kind of understand this. This is a very important piece that we're forgetting to put in so that people really understand. So the ultimate goal in the end is to make it sound like, we're in the same room, right? So we use Zoom and mostly we use Zoom and its recording features. That's kind of more like an insurance policy and it is actually really good. And we do actually use that a lot of the time. But we also record locally. And so what that means is, I'm recording, locally on my own system, and you're recording locally on your own system. And that's going to be the highest best quality. And you don't hear, you know, all of the hiccups from the internet, you get all that cruft, that all goes away. So if that happens, all good without any issues, then we take our local recordings and that's what we edit from. Those are gonna be the best sounding, the best quality files, and that's what we go with most of the time. There are times that we do use the Zoom, sometimes you just can't get around that. But for most of the time, the ultimate goal is to try and sound like you're in the same room. And the way you achieve that is by recording yourself locally.

[5:16] Whoever you're recording with, if that's possible. Once you have all of your recording done, you take the. Local files that you've recorded, and those files are what goes to Michael, and then he edits all of those local files. Unless there's a major issue, then, you know, we have that zoom recording as an actual insurance policy, like a backup if we actually have to use it. So, okay, now go from there.

Michael: [5:40] So so that's all good and that's how we're recording this podcast that we're talking about right now or that we're talking on right now, so I can do things like this and I can move my audio over here and I can do different things with Marty if I Wanted to and you guys I'll hear him in a minute in a different place than where he originally was don't worry I'll fix it in your headphones, but with our zoom calls on Tuesdays though I first of all are you recording locally on those calls because that is a call I do not record locally and I just use the zoom recording for because we won't have local recordings for all the participants Are you recording locally on those?

Marty: [6:16] I actually am not recording locally on the Tuesday call. That is the only time I actually don't record. There is a lot that goes into that and there's a bunch of stuff going on in the background. And realistically, that is the one situation due to having, we got Zoom going on, we got Clubhouse going on, we got people calling in. There's just so much stuff going on in the background that that's the one time I do not record locally due to all of that, you know?

Michael: [6:45] And that's why I grab just the Zoom audio for our call and I do some compression and some post-production to make it sound like, you know, yeah, we're not going to sound like we're in the same room on the Tuesday call, but we're at least going to get the highest quality audio that we can, while working with multiple different audio sources. So, so and so might call in from an iPhone, someone might call in now from a blind shell or someone might just call in from a landline, And we want all those levels to be consistent. So what I do is I render the file in Reaper and that goes into.

[7:19] Dropbox and then I use offonic which gives a literal normal level of volume for everyone's audio It'll boost the silent ones it reduces the loud ones to give everyone a consistent sound. This then puts an mp3 file in my dropbox, which is moved to the ACB media folder So ACB media has access to the file and then I go to pine cast and I upload the audio from pine cast to. The so pine cast is our podcast host. That's where we send the files to and how your podcast app gets it, So I click on or I select the unmute podcast feed itself and I add a new file and I put any notes that I want to in there for the show notes and, then I choose the mp3 file for the edited episode when I hit publish your podcast app is made aware of the fact that there's a new episode and then you can go listen to it and it served to you from the pinecast server so I don't have to worry about keeping those up and everything. So hopefully that's a good overview. Does that all, I mean it may not all make sense, Marty, But does the process make sense?

Marty: [8:26] Yeah, definitely. I think that it's a good kind of overview of how it all works. So we've got the editing down and I think people understand or at least kind of have a bird's-eye view of that. So once editing is all done, then we have to get it out there so that everyone can receive the edited version into their podcatchers, which is the term that we use. But what that actually is is the podcast application that you use. So depending on who you are, you can, if you're on Apple, you can either use Apple podcast app that they make, which is on all of the Apple devices and that's free. And then there's a bunch of other third party apps that are out there. Myself, I use Overcast. I believe Michael, you're still using Overcast. And so yeah, whatever, application that you use, it's all the same. You could get the same. You put in the unmute presents feed and every week, as long as you're following subscribing, whatever they're saying these days, I don't know, they change it every other week, I feel like. So as long as you're doing that, you'll receive the new podcast every time we push it out. Now two things happen. There is is a version that goes to the actual ACB feed.

[9:52] Then there's a version that actually goes to the unmute feed. And the huge difference there is in the editing, it's the same exact show. Once it's edited, both of the identical shows go in the both feeds. The difference is...

Michael: [10:09] There is one difference in the file and and you would only know this if you subscribe to the ACB community. But one of the acb members, uh, because what I typically do for our podcast is I cut out the acb disclaimer I should maybe leave it in there But the way we have it set up is there's music playing as we go into the episode So that's why I cut that disclaimer out So what rick or one of the acb members does rick or larry or one of them over there? is they add that disclaimer to the beginning of the podcast and then it goes out so there's that one modification made and that's the only difference. Everything else is the same.

Marty: [10:45] So in the ACB feed, you will see the unmute show there, but then you're gonna get a bunch of other stuff from the ACB community, from other calls that happen throughout the week. So in the unmute feed, you're only gonna get the unmute call, but we also drop other content into that feed as well. So you wanna be following, subscribing, whatever it is these days there if you wanna get other content from us. But yeah, that's kind of the primer on that. So you got anything you wanna add to that, Michael?

Michael: [11:21] Yeah, no, I think that's a good explanation of it And so this podcast episode that you're listening to you're either going to find it on youtube as a random piece of content, Because michael's trying some weird marketing things or you'll find it in the podcast feed But it's not going to be in the acb community podcast feed. It'll only be in the unmute presents podcast feed That's the same with sunday's content Uh is sunday will only be in the unmute presents podcast feed It will not be found in ACB community and that's why if all you are subscribed to or following or or whatever, To is the ACB community and that's how you get our replays and you're like Why don't I don't get these Sunday shows are talking about these Thursday shows, That's because those are only published to the unmute feed not ACB community. I.

Marty: [12:07] I think that's pretty good. What do you think, Michael?

Michael: [12:09] Think that is good and And, uh, you know, the cool thing about recording locally is I can move people around and make them dance between your headphones.

Jingles

Michael: [12:18] Anyways, that's it.

Marty: [12:20] Yeah, it sounds like you're spinning around in a circle with your audio. So anyway, if you guys have any questions for us, if you want to hear more about any kind of audio stuff, the way we do our process or anything else for that matter, we got a new email address, which is feedback at unmute dot show. So that's feedback at unmute dot show. So you can reach out to us there. And if you have questions or you have suggestions, anything like that, there you go. So, all right, that's it for now and we'll see you later.

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January 24 2023

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 20:02:54 -0000

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Visit acb.community to learn more about ACB Community!

In the latest Unmute Presents call, we discussed various topics related to technology and accessibility. We covered the topic of moving apps on IOS, the fact that Zoom is now available on the BlindShell Classic 2, which is a smartphone specifically designed for blind and visually impaired users, Computer Audio, Tweescake, the importance of using passkeys and two-factor authentication (2FA) security keys to protect your online accounts, creating image descriptions, the latest apps and features available on the iPhone 14, smart homes, and tips and tricks for using Outlook and Excel more efficiently. Remember, if you have any feedback or questions about our call, you can reach out to us at feedback@unmute.show

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Unmute Presents - Democast - Google Lookout on the BlindShell Classic 2

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 15:39:44 -0000

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"Unmute Presents: Unlocking the Secrets of iCloud Encryption with Damashe"

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Marty and Damashe discuss the ins and outs of iCloud encryption. Damashe explains the difference between regular encryption and advanced data protection, and the implications of each. He also discusses alternative options for those who may not want to use iCloud encryption, such as using a UB key or storing sensitive information in a secure note within iCloud Keychain. Marty and Damashe also touch on the importance of two-factor authentication and being mindful of what information is stored on cloud services. Damashe also mentions how Apple Watch can be used as an authenticator for added convenience. Overall, the main takeaway from the episode is the importance of not forgetting passwords when using advanced data protection, as it can result in losing access to all stored data. Please note that the following is an automatic generated transcript using AI. Any errors or discrepancies may occur.

Michael: [0:07] Welcome back to another Unmute podcast. Happy Thursday. I am here with Marty and we have a special guest here. How goes it Marty?

Marty: [0:16] Pretty good. Hey all, how's it going? Well, today we do have a special guest, friend of the show and personal friend of ours, Damasi say hello.

Damashe: [0:25] Good afternoon. Happy Thursday to everybody.

Marty: [0:28] So today we're going to be talking about encryption, specifically iCloud encryption, which was introduced about a month or so ago in a recent update. So Damasi, do you want to start with explaining what this is and how it works?

Damashe: [0:48] Yep, so in December, and I am a terrible, terrible preparer, because I don't know the exact date but I do know when iOS 16.2 was released, iPad OS 16.2, Mac OS 13.1 and whatever version of audio OS for the HomePod and tvOS is out. They were all updated in December. With those updates Apple introduced what they call advanced data protection for iCloud. And what this really means at its bare bones is that Apple is giving you the ability, to now take control of holding your own encryption keys so that they no longer have access to the things that you have stored in iCloud, that they previously had access to. This does get a little down in the weeds a bit because there's data Apple has always never had access to. So your health data, your keychain data, if you use iCloud keychain, they've never been able to access that data. They've never had access to it. They've never had the encryption keys to that stuff from day one that they introduced it. However, they're bringing those protections forward to other services, which include iCloud Drive, your photos, and some app data, depending on whether or not the developers choose to take advantage of the APIs that are exposed for them.

Marty: [2:16] Well, maybe we can take a step back just for a quick sec and for those maybe who don't know or maybe don't understand Maybe we can explain what exactly encryption is.

Damashe: [2:28] Encryption is at a very basic point, and excuse me, anybody that really gets down and understands this a lot, but to kind of simplify it the way I explain it to people is encryption is scrambling your electronic data so that it cannot be read by someone who does not have the key. And you can think of the key simply as a password. You know, that's simplifying it a little bit, but you can think of your key as a password. So a very quick example, if I have a file on my computer, just a regular plain text file, and I write in my credit card number and all of that information, social security number, if I wanna make sure no one else but me can read that file, then I am going to encrypt that file with some piece of software that will basically scramble that data. So if anyone comes along and opens up that file, all they'll get is gibberish. The only way to get that file back into a readable state would be for me to enter a password that then would unscramble that data and allow it to be read.

Marty: [3:27] And how do we know if this is something that you would want to turn on or not? How would I know? Do I want this turned on? Do I not want it turned on? How would this benefit me or maybe not benefit me and get me into trouble that I might be in a bigger hole than I would want to be in.

Damashe: [3:46] That's a very good question, Marty. So we're going to start with some reasons why you may not want to do this and some of the caveats to think about before even going down the path of exploring turning it on because it's not for everyone. Apple has introduced this because a lot of people do need theseprotections but not everybody does. One caveat to this is if you turn on, advanced data protection for iCloud you then become responsible for your data 100% Apple syncs it for you, absolutely. And they also make sure, you know, they do a lot of double checking and ensuring that you have certain things in place before you turn this on. And I'll cover some of those a little bit later, but you don't need this if you're just a casual user and you don't feel that you have to protect your data. It's entirely up to you, but be aware that if you do this, like you and a trusted recovery person are the only people that will be able to help you get back into your data. So if you lose your phone or you lose your iCloud password, Apple does have in place the trusted recovery person that can help recover your account.

[4:59] But you're not going to have a link where you can go to apple.com or iCloud.com and click I forgot my password and restore the data that was encrypted in iCloud Drive or restore the data that was encrypted in Health. And I'll give an example that many people unfortunately have experienced. If you wipe a device and you did not have an iCloud backup or you wipe a device and you don't have the ability to unlock your keychain, because let's say for example, and I had this happen to somebody recently, they lost their iPhone, where their iPhone got damaged. They got a whole new iPhone replaced. They signed in with their Apple ID and all of that stuff. For whatever reason, this person could not remember their old iPhone password, and they didn't have another Apple device to pull a password from either, so they were not able to access their key chain, which means anything that was stored in their key chain is now lost to them forever, because they did not have a way to access that. And Apple does not hold a key to get you back into your iCloud key chain. So they lost their key chain data. They weren't using key chain as their primary password manager, but any data there is gone. The health data that they had stored is gone, because they were not able to unlock their iCloud keychain because they didn't have the key that was being requested, which in this case was the password from the previous phone that they had lost maybe a week ago, something like that.

Marty: [6:21] And it's just with encryption on or with the encryption off.

Damashe: [6:25] So that scenario I just described with the keychain, that is whether you have this advanced data protection on or not for iCloud, because again, Apple does not hold the keys for your iCloud keychain. They do not hold the keys to decrypt your data. So only your devices have the ability to decrypt the data in your keychain and in your health.

Marty: [6:45] So, the lesson to be learned here is don't forget your password.

Damashe: [6:48] Exactly, exactly. Or make sure you have a device you know the password for. Now, with advanced data protection on, this person would have lost access to anything that they had stored in iCloud as well. So any files that they stored in iCloud Drive would have been lost, their photos would have been lost to them because they would have also been encrypted.

Marty: [7:08] And there's no way Apple can help you if you have this iCloud encryption turned on, right?

Damashe: [7:14] That is correct. Apple has no way. It is what they call trust no one encryption, which means things are encrypted. They can be synced. They can be shared. They can be, you know, you can, anybody can gain access to this data once it's encrypted this way, and nobody can decrypt it. It's up to you and your trusted devices. Whereas the way things stand for everyone today that does not have this feature yet turned on, or chooses not to ever turn this feature on, is Apple has the ability to help you get back into your account. Apple has the ability to help you restore your photos because your data itself is encrypted on Apple servers, it's just that Apple has the key. And to give you a different sort of perspective of that, think of when you own your house versus renting a house. Typically when you own a house, you and whoever you give a key to are the only people to have a key to enter your home. Whereas typically when you're renting a home or an apartment, you have a key, somebody else you give a key to will have a key, but your landlord also has a key. So if you lock yourself out of the house, you can call your landlord up and say, hey, sorry, can you come unlock my door for me, please? So I don't have to break a window to get in. Well, up under the advanced data protection rules, there's no landlord to come bring your key and let you in.There's no locksmith to come pick your lock and get you in either. And there's not a window for you to break either. So you're just locked out of your house.

Marty: [8:32] Yeah. So again, the lesson to be learned here is absolutely do not forget your password or you are going to lose all of your data. So don't forget your password, write it down, take a picture of it, do whatever you got to do. Don't forget your password. if you're going to turn on iCloud encryption.

Damashe: [8:52] Yeah, and I would also say for people, you know again, It's your choice whether or not you choose to turn this on. I will turn it on at some point because I need to really truly understand like how it works and where are those rough edges that you know cause problems or things that you have to consider and I probably have a very good document on what gets encrypted, how it works, how they handle sharing because you're still able to share, you know, iCloud data.

[9:15] Documents, you're still able to share photos and things like that and they handle those situations and they've done a very good job at architecting this. However, If this is at all a thing that you're like, I don't know, I'm not sure, or you're concerned, or anxious at all about losing access to your data and not having any other means to recover other than a trusted person, don't do it. I'll put this caveat in right now. So I don't personally know how the trusted recovery person works because I have not set this up yet. So I don't know. I don't think they have the ability to just, you know, hop into your iCloud data whenever they feel like it. have the ability to help you recover your account. However, if you don't have a person like that around that is trusted enough for them to be that support person to help you back in if you get in trouble, again, don't do it. If you're one of those people who are like, I don't have anything to hide. I don't care who sees what. It doesn't matter to me. Don't do it. You don't have to do it. It's not a thing you're being forced to do. It's not a thing that is even easy to do. Because Apple does make you jump through quite a few hoops to ensure that you understand what you're getting yourself into.

Marty: [10:24] So for those people who maybe like options or for those people who maybe, this sounds scary and they don't want to dive in, let's talk about maybe a couple of options they could do aside from iCloud encryption. We've got, you know, other services, other applications. And so if we were going to have a secondary option, what would your suggestion be for a secondary option? I know a lot of people really are into the UB keys and stuff like that. Maybe you want to talk about that and how that works a little bit if someone wants a secondary option instead of using this Cloud Encryption.

Damashe: [11:06] So the iCloud encryption is just that. It is encrypting more of your data is always encrypted. I want to make sure everybody's clear about that. And Apple is just Apple currently has a key, right? If you go to the advanced encryption, then they don't have the keys, which means Apple can't turn your data over to the FBI or whoever else may come knocking from a government or law enforcement agency, or even to malicious hackers, right? You know, they can't give it to them. They're like, well, we can't give you Demasi's data because we don't have, I mean, we can give you the data. We just can't help you decrypt it and read it because we don't have the keys. If you're looking for a little bit more protection first, you should always have on two factor. I think Apple is really at the point right now, it's very difficult to have an Apple ID without having two factor set up. They are introducing more advanced two factor methods at some point, those are currently not out as far as I know. If you are a person that you don't want everything encrypted or iCloud is not even the primary place that you store a lot of data, but you are concerned about encryption or protecting your data that goes across the internet through the cloud, again, I want to be very clear. Any cloud storage servers I'm familiar with, whether that be iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, all of these companies do encrypt your data while it's moving across the internet. So no random person in a coffeehouse should be able to read your information. And they also encrypt your data.

[12:29] Typically it's encrypted at rest, which means while it's on their server, it's not actively moving, It's just sitting there. It's still encrypted. Again, it's like iCloud, though. Dropbox has the keys to Dropbox. Google has the keys to Google. So they could read your data. They can hand your data over.

[12:44] If they are breached at any point by a malicious actor, and the malicious actor manages to gain access to those keys, then, well, now this person has access to your data. So be mindful of that. And I always tell people, be mindful of what you put on a cloud service. because any employee of that company has the ability to probably read that data. Most certainly their IT staff has the ability to read your data. Maybe the frontline customer service person that helps you reset your password can't, but there are people at the company that can read your data. So don't put anything there that you are truly afraid to have get out into the world.

[13:21] Now, an option for having some level of better protection for your data, again, just to start with Apple, right? ICloud Keychain. Apple never has had access to iCloud Keychain. So, you know, safe to store your passwords. They can't read them. They can't hand it over to anybody. They also have secure notes inside of your iCloud Keychain. So if there's information, again, I go back to something like maybe a social security number or, you know, the super secret combination to your vault that's in the closet. You know, maybe you put that in a secure note in iCloud Keychain, which means it's protected. You have access to it. and by all means you should really be able to access that from any device that supports iCloud and iCloud Keychain. So that is a way to securely store that information for you.

Marty: [14:09] And when that note be the same kind of note that you would say, for example, open up your your Apple Notes app and make a note there, put some kind of sensitive information, and then put a lock on that note.

Damashe: [14:21] Not exactly the same because I'm not quite 100% sure how the notes encryption works, like what the underlying architecture to that is. I don't know if Apple could unlock that note for you or not. Inside of your keychain, however, a secure note is just a edit field where you type in a bunch of stuff. There's nothing fancy. There's no shapes, no check boxes, no none of that sort of stuff in a secure note. And I know for sure Apple could not access that data. in your notes application, however, you do have that ability, as Marty mentioned, to encrypt a note or lock a note with a password or touch ID or face ID, which is in a lot of cases a reasonable protection for you because if someone else accesses your device, unless they have access to your password that you used or your face or your finger, they're not going to be able to unlock that note.

Marty: [15:13] One thing I've been enjoying a lot, which is pretty convenient, is actually using my Apple Watch as an authenticator to get in instead of having to punch in a password all the time, or maybe using my face all the time so that's a good way to go if you have an Apple watch.

Damashe: [15:32] Apple Watch tells with, you know, unlocking your, I use it all the time to unlock my Mac, to unlock my password manager, which is one password,on the Mac all the time, because I use a Bluetooth keyboard. So my laptop is about a foot away from me. So I don't have to lean up if I could just double click Apple Watch that is a handy feature.

Marty: [15:53] Yeah, I love it. I use it all the time as well. Cool. Well, this has been a great primer on iCloud encryption. And Damasi, thanks for coming and help us explain all of this. So if people want to find out more about what you're doing, How would people check out your work and what you're up to?

Damashe: [16:12] So the best way to find me is go to bedrockinnovations.com or drop an email to hello at bedrockinnovations.com.

Imaging

Marty: [16:22] All right. And thanks to Masi once again. We appreciate it. Always having you on to explain some of this hard stuff. And to everyone else, if you want to get ahold of us, you can reach us at unmutepresents at gmail.com. And we'll see you next time. Thanks.

Transcript

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January 17 2023

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 01:34:53 -0000

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Democast - Virtual ROuting With Loopback on the Mac

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

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Unmute Presents - IA Cast 2023 Tech Predictions

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 16:44:40 -0000

this is a podcast Marty and Michael were on. You can subscribe to the IA Cast in your favorite podcast app Our demoCast will publish tomorrow morning and Damashe will share with you about loopback on the Mac.

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Raz Mobility on our January 10 2023 Unmute Presents Call

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:19:59 -0000

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Democast - Installing Bard to the BlindShell Classic 2

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0000

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Hot Off The Press - Unmute Presents - Bard on the BlindShell Classic 2

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:28:34 -0000

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Unmute Presents - Mac Apps

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

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January 3 2023

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 19:45:52 -0000

This transcript was auto generated.

02] This is an ACB Community Call presented by American Council of the Blind.

[0:10] Music.

[0:18] This Unmute Presents Community Call was hosted on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023. Welcome everybody to another Tuesday. I hope everyone had a great holiday and everyone had fun and had a healthy, happy holiday. Want to remind everyone that, make sure that you respect everyone the same way that you would want to be respected with your questions and give everyone the same opportunities as you would want. We're going to go firsthand through. And then if we have enough time, we'll take people's second questions. So you can go ahead and raise your hands and get that going. Uh, it'd be interesting to hear if anyone got any new gadgets over the holidays or maybe any new gadget services.

[1:08] Also, I want to introduce you to Michael Babcock and he has a couple of announcements for us as well. Hey Michael. Hey Marty. Are you saying people don't know me? You're introducing me. Anyways, I'm introducing you. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know who I am. So I got some new gadgets that I can fill people's ears with if we don't get any hands But a couple of the announcement well, I got one new one, but it looks like we do have a hand But I will go through the announcements real quick We did publish a couple of podcast episodes to the unmute presents on.

[1:39] ACB community feed and and there was a little bit of confusion with that this morning So if you want to get all of the content that we publish including the content on Thursdays more longer form content and Sundays more shorter form content in your favorite podcast app just search for unmute presents and you'll find one that says unmute presents on ACB community that is the only podcast feed that we have our podcasts or our unmute present shows are also published to the ACB community podcast feed so I think that's That's where some confusion may have arisen earlier today, but just search for Unmute, Presents and you'll find Unmute Presents on the ACB community with Marty Sobo and Michael Babcock as the hosts. Speaking of that podcast on Sunday, I published a, Different style. I'm not sure that I'm sold on that style. So if anyone listened to it, I'd love some feedback on it But a different type of of Sunday type of content, which was talking about day one journaling My intention was hey, let's start New Year's out with a brief overview of the day one journaling app for those who may be, Interested in journaling and documenting their their life and experiences This usually lasts for about three to five months for me and then I lose track of itSo I'll be fully fully transparent about that though be kind of cool to get a a.

[3:06] 365 day journaling streak so, you know, we'll see what happens with that and then on Thursday We published a episode where Demos Demosy Marty and I talk about our audio, setups and what we're doing for audio and how we've been, Configuring our devices and then of course we have last week's call with Michael Dois that was published last Tuesday in the podcast feed. Just a couple more things real quick and then we'll get into it. The next Tuesday, the 10th, we will have a individual from Raz Mobility to come talk to us about the Mini Vision 2 phone, which I've been playing with it over the last couple of days and I kinda like this phone. It's kind of cool. Doesn't have a lot of the added features that some of the other devices have, but it is a very durable form factor and the buttons are big.So I'll hint at that. And if you want more information about the Mini Vision 2, feel free to join us next Tuesday. And as I said, RAS Mobility will be here. That's all the announcements I have. Sheila, do we have any hands? You do, Cindy.

[4:15] You may unmute. Hello, Cindy. Hey, Cindy, how's it going? Good. Michael, I got my charger card for my headphones. Now I have a question. You said it was going to work out of both ears, but it's not. Is there any way to fix that? So what do you mean? You're not getting audio out of both ears? Right. And are you using it wired or wirelessly? I'm using Bluetooth, yeah. Okay, so you're using Bluetooth. And what are you playing content on? Is it your phone? Yeah, my phone. Okay. And it's like music that's only playing out of one ear? No, it's everything music, shows, movies, whatever it is. So and voiceovers only coming out of one ear as well? Um, I haven't used voiceover yet, but okay. Okay. Well not okay. Um, it sounds like there may be a balance Setting and accessibility that we may need to change.

[5:18] That is that is unique because it should be playing out of both ears and I promise you it's not as as problematic as it seems to have been so.

[5:28] Give me a call. I will be in tomorrow morning starting at 7 a.m AM our time. So give me a call and we can help troubleshoot it. And if we need to, we can get a replacement headset out to you because, uh, it should be playing out of both channels out. Is it playing out of only the left or right channel?

[5:46] The left one. Okay. Yeah. Give me a call tomorrow and we'll do some further troubleshooting. Okay. All right. Thanks. Perfect. Cindy. Thank you for coming in. We appreciate it. Who is next? Uh, there, uh, no, Belinda. Sheila.

[5:59] Beth, you may unmute. Hey, Beth, how are you doing? Hi, happy new year. Happy new year to you. Oh, I have a question. Yeah, I play on my computer. I have Groove Music, that's a Windows. It plays my music maybe for about sometimes a half hour, sometimes an hour, sometimes a little more. Then it says like groove. It says groove music can't cannot play send feedback and you have to send feedback to Microsoft I guess to Microsoft but I don't know how to do that because I you know, they, I guess they act like you have to have an account with Microsoft.

[6:48] But so you gotta Like should I call the help desk or run it? So you can call? Microsoft accessibility with that What it sounds to me like though is Groove Music is getting to a file in your music list that it can't play the file back. It doesn't have the ability to play that file format. Do you know if it's happening with the same file every time? I don't know. It doesn't say like a certain file. It just says Groove. Yeah. So, so here's what I would try doing. Next time it happens. Are you a JAWS user? NVDA user? using zoom? Um, I use, um, system access. Okay. I don't know what it is in system access in NVDA and in JAWS. There is a option to read the entire screen with JAWS key or NVDA key plus B for box, and that reads the whole dialogue box, that message that tells you the file cannot be played should have the name of the file that cannot be played, in that message itself, even if System Access isn't reading it out outright. So what I would do is A, reach out to Microsoft Accessibility. If that's the path you want to go down or B, see if you can get the name of the file that it's having problems playing and either remove it from your groove music library or from your music playback list. Because as I said, it sounds like it's trying to play a format it can't play. Oh, okay. Yep. Yeah.

[8:18] Because it stops playing everything. Exactly. Yeah, so hopefully one of those will help you there, Beth. Okay. Okay, thanks. Thank you. If anybody has any tech questions, raise your hand. We'd also love to hear if you got any new gadgets over the holidays or any gadget services, anything like that.

[8:36] So who do we got next? Rick, you may unmute. Hey Rick, how you doing?

[8:43] Rick Troiano, you can unmute, sir. While we're waiting for that, Belinda, do we have any hands in Clubhouse? We do not at the moment. Okay. There we go. Okay. There you go. You got it. Good job. Okay. How you doing? Can everybody hear me okay? Yep, we can hear you. Okay, great. Here's what's going on.

[9:06] I have an iPhone 13. I'm all updated, downloaded, all that kind of stuff. When I go to access the bar, and I say to Siri, open bar, Siri gives me all kinds of weird stuff, like stuff about space or it will just say hello or it just it's it's really acting weird and it's, only on bard it's only when i can go to access a bard uh in this update series had some issues with iOS 16.2 on the phone.

[9:59] Whatever they have done, they kind of screwed up some stuff in the background. Well, they sure did. Yeah, you're not the only one. A lot of people have been having serious problems with this update. So hopefully in the next update, they'll resolve some of these issues.

[10:16] Sometimes it doesn't always recognize the app you're trying to open. What I would suggest is try restarting your phone. Do you ever restart your phone, like shut it off, turn it back on again? Do you ever do that? About twice a day. Oh really? So you're actually shutting it off, powering it down, turning it back on again. Powering it down, turning it back on, yeah. And you're not getting any other luck with it working. It just does the same thing. It doesn't recognize BARD. It doesn't recognize BARD. I have to do it like three or four times, or I say something else and then I go back to Bard and it'll recognize Bard. Until they fix it, you might want to move the Bard icon to somewhere that you can access it easily to get it open with a double click. I know that's not a perfect solution, but you might just be, battling a losing battle if you just continue to try and get Siri to open Bard. Yeah, I didn't think about that because I have like 14 pages. So yeah, maybe I'll move it to my My home page something that could also help you as well without having to move your apps around to that I do in I've never had good luck with Siri. I mean every once in a while she works well for me, but if you didn't know.

[11:39] Directly above your dock. There's that page changer where it'll say like page one page two page three If you double tap on that now, it'll bring up your spotlight search. And then you can just put in B A R and towards the top of your screen, you should be able to find right there. So you could also do it. You can also do from your home screen, a three finger swipe down and you'll get that same search box. Yep. Okay, the gotcha with the home screen why I don't typically recommend that too much is you can't be too high on your screen Or you'll bring down your notification center. So.

[12:16] Okay. Yeah, either way three fingers swipe down from about the middle of the screen or one finger double tap on that page Which will bring you into spotlight Which is where you can search type in bar or just a couple of letters and then it will find your or a Bard right there towards the top of the screen. One last tip for Braille screen input users and I appreciate Herbie for bringing this to my attention because I was not aware of the fact that you could do this but if you switch to Braille screen input on your rotor, you can actually start typing B-A-R right there and then it'll say Bard Mobile and you can two finger flick to the right to activate Bard as well. So hopefully that helps you in the interim. It doesn't solve the problem but it gives you a few other solutions. And that search function will work on any app. So you could just hit that search box, type in anything you want and open anything from right there. So that just might be faster if you have a lot of pages of apps. Yeah. All right. Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it. Yeah. Good luck. Let us know how it goes. All right. I will. All right. Who do we got next? Scott.

[13:21] Hello, Scott. All right. I have a possible answer for this as a follow-up. All right, Scott. Let's hear it. The actual name of the app is Bard Mobile. I usually have pretty good success telling Siri, open Bard Mobile. Oh, yeah. That might be a good... Yeah, if he's just saying Bard, he's not saying the full name, maybe it's confusing. That's probably out. I'm sure it's my guess, my immediate guess anyway.

[13:50] Because if you give the exact name of the app, then it might, I think, usually now some... Now here lately though I've noticed that especially with 16.2 I've noticed that sometimes if, If you say the exact name, it won't... Or if you say the name of the app and what you think may be the exact name, it probably is. It'll sometimes say something like, I will need to do something or I will... I couldn't find... Or the closest thing I found to it, like it thinks you're looking up a location or something, some sort. you know, it'll do something unexpected. Even if you say open this or that, it'll still come. Siri seems to be a little more, a little harder to hear lately. Maybe it's, you know, if you realize how old it is, it's like 12 years old, I think. She is the oldest smart assistant.

[14:51] Yeah, Scott, if you didn't know in this new current update, you can now just tell Siri to restart your device and it will restart it. You don't have to go into the menus and all of that. So for those of you who need to restart, you can ask Siri to do it now.

[15:09] But I, but I did, but of course, as far as getting the barred app, you know, to, to get it to open the barred app, it might be helpful to say open barredmobile. So yeah, that's a good tip. Try that and, and let's see if that works for you. Thanks, Scott. All right. Linda, do we have any questions in clubhouse? We do. We have Kim. All right. Hey, Kim, how's it going? Going good. Can you hear me? We can hear you loud and clear. Oh, okay, because my button said mute and I thought. Does that mean I'm unmuted? Just a tip for the person who's having trouble with BARD, I still haven't updated yet. I'm on 15.7 and every time I think about it, I hear about a new problem. But what I do, there are some apps that I just never close and BARD is one of them. So all All I have to do is go to my app switcher to get to Bard. But there's like four or five apps that I just never close if that's any help.

[16:15] Well, thank you. Now, I will make everybody aware, and I'm not sure everyone experiences this. This could be an intermittent thing, but in current 16.2, which you haven't updated to yet, so you're lucky, when you're on a phone call, the app switcher doesn't always work. So if you're on a call and you go into the app switcher, you get stuck and you're not able to switch through the apps using the app switcher. So just be cognizant of that when you're- I didn't even know you could do that. Yep, you can do that. Yep, you can do that. Yep, yep.

[16:50] I'm gonna stay here until I absolutely have to update, I think. At some point you will, but if it's working for you, then do what makes you feel the most comfortable. There's no reason to mess it up if it's working for you. Okay. Thanks. Thanks. Have a great day. You too. Anybody else in Clubhouse? Not at the moment. All right. Back to Zoom. All right. Pam. Hey, Pam. How's it going? Doing well. If we can just get through this weather situation today and not have a tornado, I'll be happy. All right. Hopefully that'll happen for you. What? I wanted to suggest to the one having problems with getting the Bard app to open. Now, I will confess I very rarely ever use Siri and I've always been that way. I just I use her when I have to, when I'm in a big hurry, whatever, or if I don't know where to look up something. But something I have heard other people say, And it makes sense to me and it they say it works and that is when you open.

[18:05] Bring up Siri. Don't just Immediately plunge in and say open such-and-such.

[18:13] Wait a second or two because, Sometimes if you jump right in in, Siri will not hear the first word or a couple of words that you said. So you bring up Siri, you're still holding the button down, and you wait a couple of seconds and then say open whatever. Because if you don't, Siri might say, well, what do you want to know about such and such? So you might want to try that as well. And I can only suggest that because I've heard other people say that it worked for them. Yeah, especially if you're using Bluetooth headphones of any kind. You definitely want to wait that one second in the beginning because a lot of the Bluetooth headphones have what's called latency, which is a little bit of a delay. So if you jump right in and you hit the Siri button and just start talking, It might not catch the first few words that you say. So you might want to start Siri,wait a second or two, and then speak.

[19:21] Got it. Thanks. Thank you. Do you have someone else? Go ahead. Sorry, Bill. Triple G. Greg, you can go ahead. Hey, Greg. How's it going? Hey. Hi, Michael. Hi, Marty. How are you? Hey, hey. Happy New Year to you. Happy New Year to you. Two quick ones. One, have you heard of a monster microphone? And if so, are they any good? Got one for Christmas. And then the other real quick one is, and you've probably addressed this before, and this is probably an iPhone update issue. Every time I dictate something on the iPhone, like say I put in something like, Sheila is so cool on my iPhone. It messages who I ever send that message to. It messages like twice or even three times sometimes. So it double dictates or triple dictates. Sheila is so cool.

[20:19] And I'm just wondering if that's a bug fix that I can fix with updating or if anyone's heard of that. So I think Sheila's just tapped your phone so she can re-emphasize it. Especially if it's only when you say that line. No, no, it's when I say anything. Have you have you updated to whatever the current is? What do you know what operating system you're on right now?Which one? I'm on 16, the first version of 16. Yeah. Yeah. You might want to try and bump up to 16.2. If you're on just the first version of 16, there's been a lot of bug fixes. It's not perfect at 16.2, but it does actually fix a lot of stuff. Another thing I can suggest is if you're going to text someone and you're having issues doing it totally through Siri, I would say go into your messages and go to the body of the message, of the person that you want to send a message to and dictate that way into it. So for example, you would go to Sheila, you know, in your list of messages, then go down to the message box, and then you can dictate the message that way. And hopefully that will solve that problem. It works better that way than trying to do the whole entire thing through Siri.

[21:41] Okay, okay. And by the way, Sheila, you're really cool. Any words on Monster? I was just looking at this microphone. It looks like a dynamic microphone, which means it's going to pick up your voice if you're close to it like this, or if you back up a little bit. So it's a good microphone. It looks like I have no personal experience with this microphone, But from everything I was able to see on it, it looks kinda kinda handy. It's it's for karaoke. Is that correct?

[22:14] I guess so or for just talking on the community. I'll try it out. The only issue is I don't think it has a headset with it, so I'd have to plug in. Most of them don't. Is that particular microphone USB only or is it USB and XLR or only XLR? Do you know what it is? USB and XLR, I do believe. Yeah. I would look on the bottom or maybe on the side of the microphone and see if there's a headphone plug-in on there. If there is, then what you do is you get a regular headphones that have that kind of plug that sometimes they have a small version, sometimes they have a larger version, but on that one, it sounds like probably, my guess would be a small version. What you do is you take your headphones, you plug it into the microphone, then you take the microphone, plug it into the computer via USB, because I'm assuming, which is dumb of me, by the way, don't ever assume that you don't have an an interface unless you do. But if you don't, then you plug the mic directly into the computer. Then what you do is you can monitor your headset through the microphone. Your volume, your mix, and all of that stuff. You can mess around with that once you get it plugged in and see. If you do have an interface, then of course you plug the microphone into the interface, interface into the computer, headphones into the interface, and then go from there. Okay, okay.

[23:37] And if I have questions, I'll just bug Michael someday. Yeah, let us know and we'll do it every weekend to help you out. I would say if it doesn't work right out of the gate when you plug it in, you might need to go into your system settings and maybe change a couple thingsin your audio output so that it's actually going out to the right place. That might be the only other thing you have to do. Okay, thank you. Happy New Year.

[23:59] Happy New Year to you, good luck. let us know how that microphone works out for you. I yeah people will be hearing it tomorrow night on open mic. So yeah, all right sounds good Thank you. Yep, All right. You ready for zoom? Yes, we are gala. Hey dala. How you doing? Hey guys, okay So I have a question maybe some maybe somebody can help me, Okay, is there any Gadgets that would work on the tv? For that place to describe to you what it actually complex.

[24:32] It's kind of like the movie theater. Okay, there's a couple of things here. So first of all, do you do streaming or is this just on your regular TV? It's on a Maruko like Disney Plus and Netflix and stuff like that. Okay, so not every single movie has all of the closed caption or closed caption and description and all that, you have to make sure that you have it turned on, and also that whatever show or movie that you're watching has that available to you. Also, are you using a Roku box? Is that what you said you were using to have all your apps and stuff on there? Yes, sir. You might want to go into the Roku settings itself and see if there's a couple of things that you can turn on. I know Roku also has the voice option where you can use your voice on the remote control to be able to open apps or look for different things on there and use your voice if that's easier for you. So a lot of those settings are actually in the Roku settings itself. And then you would just have to make sure that the show that you're watching offers, the extra descriptive translation and stuff. Awesome. And just so you know, not every show has that. So. Okay. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate it. That, that works. Yeah. Yeah. No problem at all.

[25:59] Okay. Bye. Yep.

[26:02] Right. We have Herbie here in Clubhouse. Hey Herbie, how's it going? You're supposed to be on vacation. No, that's not till next week. Oh, okay. I'm flattered you want to send me off that much sooner. Wouldn't you rather have two weeks than only one week? No, I'd rather actually have none because I am too much needed around here. But that's neither here nor there. You never know, I might still try to be on the call next week I'll actually get to join in at 10 in the morning instead of at noon. So there you go. I hope you'll be in your time zone, Marty. Yeah. One thing to mention though is Greg, if your microphone does not have a headphone jack, you can still use your current, or even if it does, you can still use your current headphones that you have plugged into the computer. All you need to do is once your mic is plugged into a USB port, leave your USB headphones plugged in and in the control panel, go to sounds and go to the recording tab and set your default mic to the monster mic. That's all you need to do. You'll still have your regular headset for your input and your monster mic for your output and you'll be a roaring success. I think the only thing you can't monitor yourself when you do it that way though. First of all, you can and if you really want to monitor yourself, which is that is a really personal preference thing, I find most people actually don't like to do that.

[27:30] Including myself. But if you want to, there are two ways. One, again, if the mic has a headphone jack, then you can do it that way.

[27:38] But the other way is on the microphone properties, if you go to the properties button and you go to the listen tab, you can check the box and route it through your headset. There is a latency, but it will let you hear yourself if that's what you really want to do. But I do find that most people because I have this discussion a lot when helping people with station playlists You know, I mentioned there's something about them having to hear themselves through the mic and then most people with my experience I really don't want to hear myself.

[28:12] That really comes down to a personal preference thing and it also comes down to do you even have a regular set of Corded headphones too for that matter that would even plug into the mic So there's multiple ways to solve that problem, but thank you her because I appreciate that because yeah, it you can you can have different inputs and outputs on both windows and Mac depending on whatever pie. Yep. So, yep. So really boils down to personal preference and what you want and what equipment we have access to and stuff like that.

[28:45] So and it's painful because I'm actually having to give windows advice today, but to see, know, top goes. But, yep.

[28:55] Thanks, Harvey. Della, I want to go back to you and your your message because the irony so I was looking on, Roku's accessibility website and they post a picture of the button you need to press four times to enable accessibility Which seems to be a little?

[29:18] Overhanded I guess or a little out of touch because a picture doesn't help However, I did do some further research and there's a star button which is directly.

[29:29] Below into the right of the up down left and right navigation pad So it's going to be on that row of buttons below that navigation pad on the far far right hand side if you press that fairly quickly and.

[29:44] In steadily four times Then your TV will start speaking to you and it will tell you you know What elements you have highlighted on the screen and how you can? Interact with those devices. It is the screen reader for Roku is what it's called used to be called accessibility guide and that'll allow you to go in and when you've went into something like Disney plus and Disney plus is great about this. I would say most of their titles have audio description. You can always go to ADP dot ACB dot org to search a specific title to see if the audio description is available. But once you've started playing a piece of content that has that audio description, if If it doesn't immediately start playing, press that center OK button, choose the languages option and then you can choose English, AD or different language AD if you need that, other language with audio description and it's available. So hopefully that'll help you with jumping in and using the screen reader on your Roku device and getting started. Again it's that button on the far right below the up down left and right pad. You press it four times and it will start talking to you.

[31:00] And my mom goes, yeah, no problem. And on those remotes are is it the same on every Roku remote? Or is it just a specific model? Do they all keep them the same? How does that work on the, road? Okay, unless your device is super old, the Roku remote are pretty much the same. So you just, press that button and you should four times and you should be good to go. How old is your Roku that you have? Oh, goodness gracious, probably seven years old. Oh, wow. Okay. They last but you You should be good to go if you have any problems. There is a Roku accessibility webpage that isn't the most accessible. Gotta appreciate that. But it definitely is available if you need any further assistance or reach back out to us, okay, Dahlia?

[31:44] I really appreciate it. Thank you all. No problem, good luck. Thanks for joining us. Do we have any other hands anywhere? Cause I'm not seeing any. No, not here. All right, and Belinda? Perfect. So Marty, I've been playing with automation lately. Oh boy, here we go. We do have one here, just hang on a second and I'll get to them. And I've got one here too now. Let's take zoom while Belinda's getting her hand on class. Teresa, go ahead. Hey Teresa, how you doing? Okay, I have a question. Okay. It kind of has to do with the e-reader from the NLS issued out. And I was, the other day I downloaded a book from, from Bard in Braille and it's got several volumes, but it started at the second volume instead of, you know, the first, you know, like volume two of 10 volumes. I said, wait a minute, what's going on here? That was kind of strange. I don't know if I need to go back in and delete it and then try again or what.

[32:50] Yep. I would just go delete the book that you downloaded and then try to redownload it and hopefully then Start with volume one if it doesn't then get the BR number, For that book or the title and reach out to your local library and let them know that it's skipping volume one, Okay, you know because I haven't even gone into it. I hate to think how many other volumes got skipped.

[33:15] Besides just number one. Yeah, it could just be a computer glitch too. You should be good to go I have not seen that happen. But for me the first thing I would do if that happened is to.

[33:26] Delete the book and then redownload and see if that fixes it. Okay, I'll do that then.

[33:34] No problem Certainly, all right. We have Ray here in Clubhouse. Hey Ray, how you doing?

[33:43] Good morning Marty Michael Belinda and Sheila have a question recommendation if you have one about that playing DVDs on a Windows 10 and also using JAWS.

[33:55] You have a DVD player right now on your machine or you don't have one We are or not. We have one, but I'm not sure which one we're using but it's a little difficult to use but Something that's more accessible and easier to, Maneuver and navigate so you do have a DVD reader in your computer though, correct?

[34:16] Okay, so what I use on Windows is VLC, It's by a company called video land. It's a nonprofit organization Organization if you just search for video land or VLC you'll find it and then when you go in there, You can go into the menu option and choose open DVD and open the DVD and start playing it from there, Your spacebar will work as your play pause, Your previous and next chapter will be your arrow keys and then to turn the volume up or down You just use up and down arrow keys. Okay. Well, thank you so much I'll give that a try and great show and everybody have a happy new year, You too, thank you very much. Thank you. All right, you've got another hand in here, Tim, you can unmute. Hey Tim, how you doing? Happy New Year. Oh, happy New Year guys. Wait for my computer to stop talking to me. Okay. Um.

[35:12] I have a problem with CIU's theory. I'm very low vision, but I also have Parkinson's and I can't do voiceover because I can't do the gestures. I mean, I've tried and the gestures just don't work for me because I think my banger say too much. Yeah. So what I will say right out of the gate here is you are a perfect candidate to use a voice control and voice control allows you to use your whole phone with your voice. So you can open apps, close apps, do whatever you need to do, dictate all of that. So you should definitely take a look at voice control and that'll help you a lot be able to use your phone more than you are now. Oh, I've never heard of voice control. Yes, built into your phone. It's for people just like you who maybe can't use their hands as good as they would like.

[36:18] And even if you're someone who has low vision or no vision and you need to use voice over, you can audio, which means with your voice, do the voice over gestures so that you can hear what's on the screen. So for example, if you're on your home screen and you have voice control turned on, you can say, you know, swipe right and it will then say Safari, swipe right. It'll say mail, you know, swipe left. It'll go back to Safari again. Open mail. It'll do all of those things for you. So and it does work with voiceover and you can use the voiceover gestures auditorily and it will do all the things you need it to do. Okay, now of course, well I use the Bluetooth headset and I use Siri to make all my phone calls and texts and all that stuff. But the problem I keep getting is my stupid phone. I'll ask, I'll say, call so and so and it will say which one, you know, or it says, or I ask it something. It'll say, here's what I found on the web.

[37:33] And of course, I can't see anything on my phone.

[37:37] How do I get Siri not to, I've tried to convince Siri that I'm blind and not to do that. And it just keeps, it just keeps doing that. So a couple of things I'll say here. One is you wanna try and put as much information for a person into one contact. So for example, Jim Smith, you wanna put the home phone number in there and also put mobile phone number in there. And there's, you could label both of those with the little dropdown menu. And then when you go to call Jim Smith, you can say, call Jim Smith home, or you can say call Jim Smith mobile. But let's say you maybe have a couple names that are similar.

[38:27] There is in your contacts also a space for a nickname that you could put whatever kind of nickname you wanna put in there. So for example, maybe Jim Smith is your best friend and his name is Jim Smith, that maybe you call him Bubba or something like that. You could put Bubba in the nickname and then you could just say call Bubba home or call Bubba mobile and it will do that. Okay. You might need a little help with that from someone just to help you get it going the first time, you know, with the moving some of your contacts around and things like that if you have trouble with it. But once you get it sorted out, it'd be much easier. And it's called voice control. Yeah, it's called voice control in the accessibility settings. Okay, that's just about okay. Yeah, you can actually tell Siri to enable voice control now, too. Yeah.

[39:27] You should be able to use voice control no problem with an iPhone 11.

[39:36] Okay Also, but is there any way to stop Siri from saying, you know which one or I mean like like the other day I was trying to get it to call Best Buy. It's the same call Best Buy in South Charleston. Yeah you're gonna have something that broad you're gonna have a little bit of issue with because for example when you say call Best Buy there's so many of them. You might want to try and narrow down your search to the location where you are so for example, where do you live like what's the city you live in. I live in Cross Plains, West Virginia, third world state West Virginia. So you would want to say call Best Buy.

[40:22] In and put your city, you know, I do that. And I say, Well, the one that's here is in South Charleston. If you wait, if you if you do wait a couple of seconds, it will list a list of them. And she'll start from the top and say, there's this one, do you want to call this one? And you can say no, it'll go to the next one. And then you say yes on the one it wants you wanted to call. Okay. Yeah, well, it just usually just shows me that when I touch on those and nothing happens. Yeah. If you wait for her, she'll talk you through it. It's just that you've got to be a little bit patient. What's that? I think that might be broken in one of the later versions. I know exactly what you're talking about. But I also know he's talking about to where serial just pop up on the screen and give you the list. And she, now that I think about it hasn't actually been reading that list to me. That may not be working properly right now. Okay. Well, it won't, it won't read the list to me.

[41:26] Yeah. It's supposed to, it's supposed to. And hopefully that's one of the things that they can fix in the near future. This is one of the incidences where, where I would definitely recommend reaching out to Apple accessibility and letting them know the challenges that you're facing, including the fact that Siri is displaying results on the phone, but you can't interact with those results. And it would be helpful for her to prompt you for which one you'd like to call and actually ask you by name or list them off. Because I think I have observed what you're saying. I live in a small enough area that most of the time when I tell Siri to call business, it'll call it right away. But I do remember what Marty was saying, where Siri would say, which one? We have Walmart here and Walmart here. And then you could tell it which one. And it hasn't been doing that. Yeah, I tried to tell them to call best buy.

[42:18] In South Charleston, which is where the best buy is. So it's not ideal, but a solution for that in the interim could be to add that specific best buy once you know their phone number to your contacts, and then you should be able to call, best buy and it will call the one that's in your contacts. Okay, well, like I said, I just got a new television. But I've talked to, I finally got them and talked to them and they sorted out the problem. Well, good. I'm glad to hear that. And, uh, good luck with, with Siri. Hopefully some improvements will come in the near future. I hope so. That thing drives me crazy. Yeah. Siri is having some problems right now and everyone's experiencing different issues. So you just got to be a little bit patient. Hopefully they'll get the Siri issue resolved sooner than later. That's the hope. And experiment with voice control. Okay, thank you. Yeah, good luck to you. Okay, thanks. All right, we have a race in Clubhouse. All right. Triple D is back up. Hello, Greg. Hey, Greg. Hello. Hello.

[43:28] I have a quick question just about TV. Michael, what was the thing you said to do on Roku-enabled TVs? Does it work even if you don't have Roku built in? Then I just wanted to get your opinion on a TV that they saw, did at convention last summer, the Hisense X class TV.

[43:57] I don't know who makes it. I think it was. I think it's a Best Buy. Hisense I think is a Best Buy brand. Yeah, yeah.

[44:05] So I wanted to know if you have experienced that and if that's going to give me any, as far as having a built-in screen reader or audio description, if that's going to give me any advantages. So thanks. One thing, Greg, I will tell you right away is that if you're going to use an external box like Apple TV or like a Roku or something like that, then the actual TV you get isn't going to make a huge bit of difference because you're not actually going to use the interface inside the TV that comes with it. You're going to be using whatever box you decide to buy, whether it's, like I said, Roku or Apple. what you're going to be using, not what's actually in the TV. Now, if you really want to get Roku, what a lot of people do is they actually get a TCL TV that actually has Roku built into the TV. That's what they use is the Roku software. And then you don't need to buy an external box, you just get the TV. And then you get the Roku remote. And you just use Roku directly within the TV. If you're going to use anything else, Apple or, any of the other ones, then it's just gonna be about which box you buy. And then the TV itself is really gonna be about what size you want and the kind of quality of picture you can see the picture at all.

[45:27] And Hisense does also bundle Roku software. I just looked it up with some of their TVs. So that I don't specifically have any details about that particular model. You mentioned Greg, maybe worth searching Hisense on acbmedia.org to see if there was a podcasted version of that specific session in order to answer your question about enabling accessibility. And then I want to come back and talk on audio description for a moment for people as well.

[45:57] So in order to enable accessibility, what used to be called accessibility mode, I believe, but the voice screen reader, you quadruple press the button that's on the right-hand side of the row of buttons that's directly below the navigation pad. So you have an up, down, left, and right with an OK in it. If you slide your finger down the remote from the down key, you'll find a row of buttons And then slide your finger all the way to the right and that button will be the button you press four times to enable text to speech. It's a toggle. So pressing it four times again will disable it. And I haven't done this on a Roku in a while. I believe the first time you do it, it's going to give you some basic directions for navigating with the Roku interface. Now when I wanted to come back and talk on with audio description, and I think this is important for a lot of people. It doesn't matter in I would say 98% of the cases what you're using to get the streamed content. If the streamed content allows you to change the language then it's worth looking in the languages menu to see if audio description is available. So on my Apple TV remote I believe if I remember right we haven't set in the settings on Apple TV to always playaudio description when available, but I believe you can get to the languages menu by pressing.

[47:22] The up arrow or the up direction on the direction pad while playing video content. And then you have like subtitles and then audio languages and different apps do it differently. There's a little bit of confusion with that, but as long as you can get into the languages settings, then you should be able to choose English or proper language for your needs, that's AD or audio description in order to get that to start playing in your device. So hopefully that helps a little, Triple G. Did we lose him? It looks like, all right, Sheila, do we have any other hands in Zoom? Yes, Theresa. Hey, Theresa. We are not hearing you, Theresa. Theresa, you can unmute.

[48:02] Yep. You're still muted, dear.

[48:05] Okay, this is Teresa. I'm glad I'm following Triple G because I saw that TV last summer and it had built-in apps and the remote, when you operated it, it talked. And I put my hands on it. Oh, okay. Did you like it? Was it easy to use?

[48:31] Yeah, it was. I didn't and I even put my name in a drawing but unfortunately I didn't win.

[48:37] But he said you could find it at Walmart. Yeah, I believe Hisense is a Walmart brand.

[48:44] You just have to find out if you want that exact model.

[48:49] Otherwise, so two things you would if that particular TV that you saw last summer has something specific that no other TV that's a Hisense has, you'd have to get that model and try and find that model in Best Buy. If all of the high sense TVs have whatever feature that you're looking for in it, then you would just have to find out how do you turn it on, on whichever high sense TV you end up deciding to buy, if you're going to use their software and not use like an external box like Roku or Apple TV or any of those.

[49:22] Right, but the way he talked, it was like you didn't need all the, you know, the external boxes, you know, because it had built in apps. I don't know if these are for the apps or for the streaming services, or what? Well, every TV, every smart TV has apps built into it. The issue is not every TV's.

[49:44] Software, which is the system that you would navigate around to find all the apps, click on them and do all that stuff. Not all of the systems in there, the software is great, you know, that's That's why a lot of people choose to go with Roku or Apple TV or something else, just because they don't always keep up on the software. It changes year to year depending on the model of the TV. It's harder to figure it out. When you go with something that's really popular like Roku, Apple TV, stuff like that, then you're gonna be able to keep up more. They're gonna keep the software updated. You will get more people knowing how to use those devices because there's more of them out there. So, and they also implement more of the accessibility features and things like that. So that's why a lot of people prefer that. And if they switch and they get a new TV, they can still keep their same box. They either get a new Roku or take the same old Roku and just plug it into their new TV. So it's really kind of a preference to be honest with you. And it's kind of funny that Triple G should bring that up because I remember the gentleman that showed it to me, he was talking about how the Macy's parade would be described and also.

[51:09] The Roses parade and I was following that yesterday and of course I couldn't hear the description. I mean, I couldn't hear any audio description. I mean, I could hear what they were saying when the flows came by, I like to watch the parade, kind of because I have a heart for marching bands. I was in my high school marching band, so I always have a special place in my heart for marching bands. That's a side note, but anyway.

[51:38] Well, Teresa, we appreciate that. And yeah, it looks like you should be able to find some more details. You can do a search for TVs on ACB media to get more details about that. And yeah, so thank you for reaching out. Appreciate it. And Markle and Marty, you've got five minutes, guys. Okay, thank you. And I'll mute, and I'm sorry. No problem. Thanks for coming. And yeah, we're at 55 after, so Marty, it looks like we're clearing hands in Zoom. Is there any hands in Clubhouse?Otherwise, Marty will wrap it up for us. Oh, we're good.

[52:11] Perfect. All right. Well, thanks everybody for another Tuesday here in Unmute Presents. If you want to get ahold of us, you can email us at unmute presents at gmail.com. If you have questions, comments, if there's anything you would like to see or hear about, let us know. And don't forget about one week from today, next Tuesday, we're going to be having Raz Mobility here to talk about their phones. So that should be a fun event. And Michael, you want to go through the podcast one last time and let everyone know how they can reach out and get those? Yeah, so if you go and subscribe to unmute presents on your favorite podcast app You can get access to Sunday's day one content that posted.

[52:56] Thursday's audio setup that posted and last Tuesday's repeat of the unmute presents photography session to This call will be in the podcast feed probably in about half hour 45 minutes from when the call ends and then this coming Thursday, Marty and I are doing a part two of our audio setups And I'm not going to commit to anything on Sunday, but I think I have an idea and we may have a guest presenter, showing loopback and how he's using loopback with some of the audio setups that, Marty and I are working with so definitely get tuned in if you're interested in that type of content and You can reach out to us at unmute presents at gmail.com. That's all I have, I'd like to thank Sheila and Bell for helping us out today. We so appreciate all of your assistance Again, if you want to get a hold of us on mutepresents.gml.com and everybody have a great and we'll see you in the community.

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Unmute Presents - Our Audio Setups

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:30:51 -0000

On this episode of Unmute Presents, Marty Sobo and Michael Babcock are sharing all about their audio setups. They'll be discussing the interfaces they use, the microphones they currently have, and any upgrades Marty is making to his setup. They'll also be answering your technology questions live every Tuesday at 10 AM Pacific time (1 PM Eastern). So if you have any burning questions about audio setups, be sure to tune in and get all the answers you need. Whether you're a professional podcaster, musician, or just looking to improve the quality of your home recordings, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your headphones and join us for Unmute Presents - Our Audio Setups.

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December 27 2022

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 19:59:27 -0000

Episode length: 56 minutes
Episode date: December 27th
In this Unmute Presents community call, Michael Doise shares his experiences with taking photos as a visually impaired individual
Tips and tricks for using cameras on iPhone and Android devices are discussed
Michael will return in January for the final installment of this education series
Tune in to the Unmute Presents community call every Tuesday
Visit acb.community for more information about upcoming events and resources

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Unmute Presents - Democast - ACB Media on the BlindShell Classic 2

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0000

On this Unmute Presents Democast Michael shows you how to add ACB Media to your favorites on the BlindShell Classic 2 phone.

Remember that you can always tune in live to our calls on Tuesday at 10:00 AM PT - 1:00 PM Eastern. Simply visit:

http://acb.media/

to get the join in information.

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Unmute Presents on sunday-edition-December 18

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0000

This is a replay of Marty and Michael on

Unmute Presents on sunday-edition-that aired on ACB Media 1 on December 18th.

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December 20 2022

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 19:56:46 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

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Unmute Presents - Democast - Restarting your phone with Siri

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 17:05:07 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is coming up in the ACB Community.

In this episode, Marty shows you how to use Siri to restart your iPhone.
This feature is only available on IOS 16.
The episode is 1 minute and 7 seconds long.
Marty, the host of Unmute Presents, will guide you through the steps of using Siri to restart your phone.
Whether you're experiencing issues with your phone or just want a quick and easy way to restart it, this episode has you covered.
Tune in to learn how to use Siri to restart your iPhone on IOS 16.

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Unmute Presents - IOS 16.2

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.An automatically generated transcript can be found below.Here's the link mentioned in this podcast episode.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Here's the link mentioned in this podcast episode.

Security Bits — 23 January 2022

Auto Generated Transcript

Unmute Presents - Ios 16.2

The Your Own Pay Podcast Network Transcript

Music

Marty Sobo: [0:13] Hey all, we are back today with another Unmute podcast. Update of 16.2 has been released. This has been released to all of the things. So it's on your computer, it's on your phone, iPad, watch, all across the board. It is everywhere. And there's some great new features that have come out and we're going to discuss those today. With me, I've got Michael Babcock, say hello Michael.

Michael Babcock: [0:42] Hello, Michael.

Marty Sobo: [0:44] And I've got Michael Dois with me as well, say hello Michael.

Michael Doise: [0:47] Hello everyone.

Marty Sobo: [0:49] So we're going to start out with an app that they actually have on all of the devices. So you have it on the Mac computer as well as iPhone and iPad. And this is called the Freeform. This is an infinite place that you can jot down your ideas. You can either type, you can use a pencil or pen, all of the things. So to get more in detail and really talk to us about what you can do with Freeform, today we're going to have Michael discuss with us what Freeform is, what you can do with it, how it works. So Michael, why don't you give us a primer on it?

Michael Doise: [1:26] Sure. So Freeform is a new app in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It's a collaboration tool. And what it lets you do is it's an infinite canvas where you can add shapes and lines and arrows and, visual elements to create like flow diagrams and things like that to this canvas. And you You can add text boxes or sticky notes or things like that, to this canvas, change colors and all those things. And the neat thing is it's all accessible with voiceover. So I can drag and drop an item onto the canvas. I can even grab the handles of that box to resize it with voiceover, double tap and hold and drag, or use rotor actions. That works as well to do all these things. So it's a really neat app. And I feel like it was delayed. It was originally supposed to be out in 16, but I'm glad they took some more time on it and really filled that out. So Freeform is pretty neat to play with. I haven't found a general purpose for actually using it, but I know a lot of business folks and people will be able to share accessibly with that. So at least check it out, figure out if you like it or not, and go from there.

Marty Sobo: [2:47] Yeah, it's a great way to share if you're having a meeting and you want to jot stuff down and you want everyone in the meeting to be able to see, you know, notes or diagrams, you can import all kinds of documents, PDFs, markup, all that kind of stuff. So it's good in that sense. One thing I will say, which I feel is a little bit of a bummer, but it just all depends on your preference. It does not have dark mode. So you're always going to have that bright white background unless you drag a black shape onto the work area. But as a default, there is no dark mode. Anything else that you can think of that you want to say about it? It does work with voiceover and the other accessibility features, so that's good.

Michael Doise: [3:38] It works with zooming and all those things, so it's worth checking out for sure.

Marty Sobo: [3:43] All right, so the next thing that we have is Apple Music Sing. So this is where Apple Music is now showing the lyrics so that you can do karaoke. So anyone want to chime in and discuss how this works?

Michael Doise: [4:00] So Apple Music Sing, they've always shown, or for several versions, they've shown the lyrics so you could do karaoke and so you can read the lyrics as it goes on. The difference here is that from what I've understood, you can lower the vocal track in a song so that you can sing out the lyrics and you can probably do share play and things like that so you can do karaoke online with your friends. So it's more of a, you know, online karaoke tool, which I think is pretty neat where you could just lower the track and do those kinds of things. It's not on every song though, folks, so I believe only certain songs are supported with Apple Music Sing.

Michael Babcock: [4:41] Somewhere else.

Marty Sobo: [4:44] The next feature that was released was called iCloud Enhanced Data Protection. And what this does is it encrypts all of your data for end to end. So Michael, you want to talk about this a little bit and what this does?

Michael Babcock: [4:58] Sure, sure. So not only did Apple increase the encryption levels and security aspects of iOS, which they talked about in the WWDC of 2022, but they also have brought in these features and made them live. I am super excited about iCloud Private Relay, which allows you as the end user to be able to browse the web like you normally would without having to make any changes to your network settings. For example, not having to join a VPN and what it looks like in my understanding, full caveat or full transparency, I am not the most smartest network person out there, but my understanding is that traffic is encrypted, to the DNS provider. And then from the DNS provider to the website web host, it is also encrypted. So that means your internet service provider will know that you're making a search, but they don't know where you end up at at the end. And I'll put a link in the notes for this episode to an amazing explanation done by Bart Bushots over at SecurityBits from the NoSillyCast. So that way you can better understand it because he does a great job at explaining it. But more importantly, the fact is it's live.

[6:18] You may run into some interesting problems unless those have been solved with some web pages, but you can go in and tap on your name, tap iCloud and then tap on the setting to switch it on. But Michael, they also announced some interesting airdrop updates and you have some opinions about these.

Michael Doise: [6:36] Yes, I do. So it has been a political issue where in China they've had some protesters that have used airdrop as a way to send.

[6:51] Where they've used airdrop to send data to or information to people Nearby by using airdrop if they if people have their settings set to everyone so Apple originally said well for folks in that, demographic we're going to, set airdrop to only work with, Everyone for 10 minutes, and then it goes to contacts only well now in 16.2.

[7:20] It has been set to Everyone for 10 minutes only if you have the everyone setting turned on, My view on this is that AirDrop is a feature not a lot of people use. If you're going to see family for Christmas and you do use AirDrop, and you say, hey, I want to send you this great picture of all of us, or I want to just AirDrop it because that's the easiest way to do it. Well, if your family member is not in your contact list for some reason, or if they're a distant family and you want to send it to everybody, everybody, you could just tell them, hey, go to settings, turn it to everyone.

[8:00] And they can just leave it that way. AirDrop requires 30 feet of distance or less to be able to see an iPhone to send to that phone, usually even less than that. So typically you're not going to be getting things that you don't want. And so now somebody may go turn that to everyone. and then 10 minutes later, they go to use AirDrop again and they don't know why it doesn't work and they're not tech savvy to go figure out, oh, I need to go change that setting back to everyone again. So I feel like it's really not the best approach if you want people to use a feature to set that or make that a rule for, well, everyone, to be limited to a 10 minute interval. But you will have a only 10 minutes if you change your setting to everyone in AirDrop. So that is an update that's come out this year.

Marty Sobo: [8:57] Very good. So. Moving on the next feature, which isn't quite as big of a deal, but is for some, which is always on display, always on display is on your lock screen, it never turns off all the way. So you can see if you set it on the table, if you're not having it in the pocket or whatever, you can look and you can see that the screen will always be on. It'll be in a dimmer state. But one of the things that people were complaining about is that it takes up a lot more battery power to be able to run always on display. So one of the features that they added in this go-around was the ability to be able to turn off wallpapers. So what that means is your screen is always black.

[9:47] It's not showing any animation or any kind of wallpaper or any of that. It's just a solid black screen with nothing else. And you'll see the time and the date and your widgets that you choose to have on the home screen. They're saying that this is gonna save the battery a lot. We'll actually have to see since the update just came out yesterday, there hasn't been enough time to see how much it actually will save the battery. So we'll have to test this. We'll check it out and see what happens over the next week and see how different it really is, how much battery it actually saves, all of that good stuff. So, you guys have anything you wanna chime in on with the always on display?

Michael Doise: [10:33] And I believe they have it where you could turn off notifications on there as well, so that's also gonna help.

Marty Sobo: [10:40] Definitely, anything to save battery, that's gonna be the most important thing, because if you don't have battery, don't have access to anything.

Michael Doise: [10:47] Right, you know, I just want to say I think it's a pretty big update one thing from a low vision standpoint on the iPad is that, There was a major zoom issue with with moving around with three fingers, you would zoom out and it would almost cause the system to hang while you're scrolling and doing different things on the iPad. This was on my iPad Mini and Pro, and that appears to be fixed, so you're going to have a better zoom experience in the full version of 16.2, so everybody with low vision, you'll really enjoy that.

Marty Sobo: [11:23] Yeah, I would definitely highly recommend updating it. It's got a lot of security features across the board. It's got some good stability issues and I would say it's working pretty solid so it's safe to update. It didn't take that long. I got it going. It started downloading immediately and I think 15-20 minutes later it was installed. So it was pretty easy to install. It didn't take a whole lot of time and as we move forward and more and more people have it installed, there'll be less you know strain on the servers and it would be even faster to download. So if you have internet that's not so great or maybe you're only running over cellular, I would suggest maybe wait in a few days until a lot of people already have it downloaded and installed and it might go a little bit faster for you and take a little less time if that is something that you're concerned about. All right, well I think that's going to cover it for today. Thank you, Michael D. Anything you'd like to say in departing words? Definitely. And thank you for coming.

Michael Doise: [12:27] I would just like to thank you both for having me and I look forward to be on more of these and you know, it's been great talking to you guys about this new update and And I hope to see everybody around.

Marty Sobo: [12:42] And we'll definitely talk with you again soon. And Michael B, you got any departing words?

Music

Michael Babcock: [12:49] I always have something to say. Just want to thank everyone for listening. Appreciate it. And remember that on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Pacific time, that's 1 p.m. Eastern, you can join the Unmute Presents Community Call at acb.community for more information and to ask your questions, especially after doing this update. Thanks a lot, Marty.

Marty Sobo: [13:10] Thanks you guys. and we'll see you next time.

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Unmute Presents - Education Series taking Pictures on December 13 2022

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:50:00 -0000

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Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming. The following transcript was auto generated:

2022-12-13 - Unmute Presents

The Your Own Pay Podcast Network Unmute Presents

[0:01] This is an ACB Community Call presented by American Council of the Blind.

[0:11] Music.

[0:18] This Unmute Presents Education Series was hosted on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022. All right, welcome everyone to our first education event, photography. So we're gonna be doing that today. I just wanted to remind everyone here at the top, we're gonna follow the same rules when it comes to questions, make sure everyone gets their first question answered. And then if we get through everyone, we'll take second questions. If you have any comments, questions, or you need to get ahold of us, You can email us at unmutepresents at gmail.com. Michael, how's it going? What do you got for us today?

[1:06] Mark Nielsen Oh, see? That's what happens when we double mute ourselves! Anyways, it's going well, Marty. Thanks for asking. So, as Marty said, we have something a little bit different this time. I believe we'll have an opportunity for questions and answers to be asked. However, I also have some new announcements to make. So firstly, let's get the elephant in the room out of the way. We have been podcasting a lot more content now. So we've almost tripled the amount of content that's coming out in the podcast feed. On last Thursday, we had a podcast that dropped between Marty and myself and it was about 26 minutes long talking about backing up and being able to backup your content and make sure that you are secure as well as backup power solutions. In addition on Sunday I published a short form piece of content that's talking about how to subscribe to the Unmute Presents Podcast. I know.

[2:12] If you don't know how to subscribe to the Unmute Presents podcast, how are you going to hear the podcast to help you subscribe to the Unmute Presents podcast? Anyways, I just wanted to throw that out there for people who are interested in overcast. My thought was you may be subscribed somewhere else, so maybe you're interested in how to do it in overcast. Lastly, very important, after some requests from individuals and some desires, I can confirm that I have a representative from Raz Mobility, the company that makes the MiniVision and SmartVision phones, coming to speak at Unmute on January 10th. So we'll remind people, especially those who are regular visitors to the Unmute Presents call, that January 10th at 10 a.m. Pacific time, so our regular time, that's 1 p.m. Raz Mobility will come and demonstrate slash talk about the mini vision line of products and, Sounds like they'll be shipping me one to test out. So hopefully I'll have some more feedback on that So that's the announcements I have remember that this podcast will be podcast This call will be podcasted, Shortly after the end of it and with that we have a special person here So Michael is going to hand it off to Michael to introduce himself and talk about, Photography from a visually impaired individuals perspective. Hey Michael.

[3:35] Hi everyone. Thank you guys so much for having me. Thanks Marty and Michael It is, you know an honor and a pleasure to be here with you guys once again if you guys remember I, Was with you guys before when we discussed way around the tagging and scanning solution, for your iPhone and Android so if I'm sure You can go back and listen to that, but I'm back again on a multi-part series. And this is a very...

[4:05] Close topic to me because I feel like I'm a photography person. I love taking photos. While I was a teacher at the Chris Cole Rehabilitation Center, I did a photography class occasionally. So I figured it would be neat for us to do this in a podcast form, and where we can do it over several sessions. It won't be every week, but we will do this occasionally. To talk about photography. And, you know, a lot of people think, okay, I have an iPhone, it's got a camera on it, I can use it to read things or use it with sighted assistance to.

[4:50] See something or things like that. And most people think I don't want to take pictures because I can't see them. Well, the truth of the matter is that there are a lot of ways that you you can enjoy photography or you could use it to share with your family. And today we're going to keep it simple. We'll go into more of the apps in a later session. We'll talk about a few things today, but the biggest thing that I want to talk about is the fundamentals and I may open up the camera app with voiceover a little bit just to show that off. But the biggest thing, the most important thing, is to know that you can use the camera on your phone.

[5:41] To take good pictures. And it doesn't matter if you have a little bit of vision, a lot of vision, no vision, it really makes no difference. We can all take great pictures with our phones. And that's why we're here today. And so one of the things that I want to talk about is, first off, how does, you know, If you're on an iPhone, and this is kind of geared towards the iPhone, and maybe eventually we'll come back and talk about Android. On the iPhone, we have our cameras. And most people think, I've worked with so many people that are blind or low vision, they think that the cameras on the back of their phone is just at the center of the back of their phone. And so a lot of people have difficulties in knowing where to hold their phone. You know, every phone has a little bit different camera placements and like the Samsung phones have, I call it the camera stoplight on the S21 because it has three camera lenses, one above the other and above the other. And the iPhone has cameras that are, you know, there's three of them on the the Pro models too on the others.

[7:04] But the nice thing about these phones is they're all in one place. They're all centered around one area on the phone. Now on the Pixel lineup, they're in different places. Lining up your cameras is pivotal. It's key to taking a good picture. The way that our eyes work is that we see out of our eyes straight ahead, and then we have an amount that we could see on the sides. Your camera works the same way. So it's kind of like you have your central vision in your peripheral vision. Right? So as light comes into the camera, it sees things just very similar to how our eyes work. That's how we take videos and that's how, you know, all these things work.

[7:54] So when we take a picture, we're seeing what's, you know, behind our phone, like, as if they are eyes. So the one thing that happens is some people will hold their phone as if they're looking at the, screen or as if they're, you know, in all different ways. And the biggest thing that you that I like to say is when you're when you're looking when you're trying to take up take a good picture.

[8:24] You need to make have your phone you need to hold it parallel to what you're trying to take. So if we're out doing O&M and we're out getting trained on, you know, we're crossing a street, you have parallel traffic that is in front of you. You hear the cars in front of your face. You want to hold your phone, you know, in that kind of an angle where it's up and down, so where the lightning port is pointed towards the ground and the volume buttons are pointed to the left in your Siri button and things like that are pointed to the right. And that way, if you have the cameras pointed away from you, then you're going to take the better shot. Now, if, you know, you always change that based on how you're going to be, you know, facing like if you have something on a desk, then you want to have the phone parallel to the desk. And then have it a few feet away. You know, a lot of times other people think, you know, I need to put the camera right up to the thing that I'm trying to take a picture of. And that doesn't work either. You know, a lot of folks, including myself, are very used to the iPhone's camera app. You know, I happen to have a face right here, and I'm going to use it.

[9:52] So I'm going to turn on VoiceOver.

[9:56] VoiceOver said nice answer. Boston, 74 degrees Fahrenheit, mostly cloudy. I'm on my home screen. One of the nice things about VoiceOver is it will give you information about your environment when you're using the camera. I'm going to open the camera app. Camera, double-tap to open.

[10:19] Camera, take picture button. It automatically focuses me on the take picture button. But what I want to do is I'm going to flick left until I hear the viewfinder. Camera mode. Zoom. One point camera control status. Photographic styles. Camera controls. Viewfinder. Focus unlock. Image. Okay. So it's... Don't tap to focus. Computer keyboard. So it's already telling what is in, you know, it's seeing, which is kind of neat, it's describing things. So I'm going to look to my left.

[10:54] And voiceover's not doing it. Viewfinder, focus unlocked. Image, double tap to focus. Adult, printer, sofa, wood processed. Nomatic video photo portrait penny. 420, adult, sofa, wood processed. So it's interesting that it's not doing the one face that it used to do. Mine's doing it actually. So Taylor's is doing one face.

[11:22] So that's really interesting. There's so the nice thing about the iPhone is it will tell you how many faces are in the picture. And mine was just telling me that there's an adult and what was in the picture. So, and I was using the technique that I just explained. Now, one of the things that you do have to do is, and that helps sometimes, is to slowly move your phone until you get the shot that you want. Moving your phone quickly is not going to get, you won't get all the details. It takes you a second to focus. But then you would wanna find that take picture button and then you could double tap on that to take a picture. Now, one of the big questions people have is, okay, I took a picture. And we'll talk about how to work with pictures in another lesson. But one of the things that I want to talk about is the concept of a live photo. And what that is, is once you take a picture...

[12:33] Then it actually takes a second and a half before and a second and a half after the picture is taken. And so you could double tap and hold on the picture in your photo library.

[12:46] And it will play a small little clip of what was happening when you took that picture. So, you know, some people they even gotten well good enough where you can label a picture by talking right before and right after or during the taking of the picture. Very difficult because you only have three seconds. But you can do it. It's kind of neat. So for example, one of the things that I enjoy is I love rivers and water and I love taking photos of that, right?

[13:22] But, you know, it doesn't matter much if you can't see the picture. So one of the things that I enjoy doing is, you know, if there's, if like I'm taking a picture of a river and there's a ship going by, you know, you may get a picture while you could hear the motor of the ship or horn or different things that identify what the picture is. And it's really kind of neat. You could have people talking in the background, you could have, you know, waterfalls, or you could have different things. It's like, oh, you know, that audible cue reminds me that I was at this location when I took this. And you could then say, oh, hey, check out this neat picture I took at this aquarium or this place just based on the audio that was in the image on the live photo. So that's why live photos is great. The camera app really is an amazing app for what it does. And it's only one app on the phone.

[14:30] But one of the, going back to the concepts, we talked about how to position the camera and how to hold your camera. But one of the things that is really important is holding your phone still. And the reason is that the more you hold your phone still, the better the image will be. The iPhone has, unlike a lot of cameras like DSLRs or big bulky cameras, your iPhone has a very big brain. And it can go in and say, oh, well, there's blurriness in this part of the image. There's dimness here. There's all these things. And so it can actually enhance during the taking of the picture to make your picture look great.

[15:23] Now, it also has settings where you can turn all of that off and do what's called shooting raw. And that means that the picture that you take is just the data, like the light that comes into the camera. So the camera itself is called a sensor. The lens and the sensor all work together to take in light and translate it into something that our phones can understand. And we use a sensor in our cameras to do that. So one of the questions you may ask is, why does our phones need to have three cameras? Or I like to call the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra the incomplete braille cell. And that's because it has five camera lenses.

[16:21] And it actually has dots one, two, and three, and then dots four and five of the braille cell. So there's five lenses on that thing. And it really does like, and I think the flash is in position six. So, I mean, you could argue that that's a full braille cell. So, you know, It just gets crazy when you look at all of those cameras.

[16:52] And each one has a different purpose. The iPhone Pro models have a wide angle lens, they have a regular and a telephoto lens. And all those, you don't need to know exactly what all those mean, but like the wide angle makes it to where you could look, take pictures of a wider shot.

[17:15] And each of them has different clarity values and all of that, you know, you could look up online, but different lenses are better for certain things than others. But what it allows you to do is now they have software built in where you can take a picture with one lens and you say, oh, I didn't get exactly what I wanted in that one shot. So you could zoom out after taking the photo and say, ah, that has it in there. So I'm gonna use that version of the picture. So there's a lot of image editing things you can do, you know, with an image that having one camera doesn't let you do. The other thing that it lets you do is zoom in further. So if you're using OCR, it can do those things. And you know.

[18:06] That's why we have all these cameras on our devices is so that we can take advantage of different lenses different light levels and things like that. For example in the things change all the time certain lenses do not support night mode and what that lets you do is if you have something that it's really dark outside you can take a picture and it will. Make it look really good at night. And the interesting thing about that is, is that it's Google Pixel does it, iPhone does it. I'm not sure about Samsung if they have that built in or not. But it just makes shots look great in low light. Each one does it a little different, but it all makes pictures look great instead of being blurry. Because that's always been, you know, if it's really dark outside, it's hard to make a shot look great.

[19:04] So, you know, those are some basic camera fundamentals. We have our, you know, our basic, you know, there's a lot of terms like aperture size, which means, you know, the size of the lens or light levels can come in. We have, you know, different stats there. But the biggest thing to really think about with cameras is what is going to be the best camera that you can use at the time. I own a Canon Rebel T7i, which is a really nice, well, it's not really nice, but it's a good digital camera that has detachable lenses. And that's great. And I love that camera. It has a touchscreen and all those things. completely inaccessible, of course.

[20:00] But you can do some great shots with it. The problem with that camera is it's a huge camera that needs a camera bag and you have to lug it around if you want to take it somewhere. With your iPhone, you have an accessible, an affordable camera that you don't have to buy anything else with. The iPhone camera, Apple does these shot on iPhone ads and things like that, where they show all these pictures or videos and things like that.

[20:35] So there's so many ways that you can use your iPhone with that. The other thing I wanna talk about is the difference between portrait and landscape. And if you're not aware, portrait mode is where you're holding your phone with the power button, like we talked about, pointing down to the ground and volume to the left and the side button to the right. Now, if you...

[21:05] If you're holding it like that then it's in portrait and think of a printed piece of paper eight and a half by eleven Piece of paper that is a portrait page if you're holding it, you know As we would normally print it off the printer, If you turn that page to landscape or on its side Then what you're doing is you're you're holding it in a different viewing angle, and we do that with our phones. We can turn our phones to landscape to watch a movie or take a video or any number of things there. So you could take a picture or a video in portrait or landscape and a picture looks great in portrait.

[21:53] But you can get more to the left and right in landscape. So it just depends on, you know, if you have a family photo, you may want to use landscape. If you're taking a selfie, you know, you may want to use portrait.

[22:10] So these are all of the different things that you can use, you know, terms and ways of doing things where you can hold your phone, where you can make your photos look great.

[22:28] So, I guess at this point, I would like to open it up for any questions because, you know, I could go on about different topics, but I'd like to know what people are interested in learning about photography. So before we get to those questions, Michael, thank you so much for coming and explaining a lot of these. I have a comment that I want to make and a question for you. So the comment that I want to make is, and I think this is kind of interesting, while he was talking and demonstrating the camera on iOS I have my pixel 6 Pro here that I was playing with because I'm like I wonder if I can get some of that feedback from the pixel 6 Pro and you can one of the cool things is is it'll tell you one face 30% of screen great for selfie is the feedback that the pixel when you're using your front-facing or back-facing camera Again, this is on the Pixel 6 Pro with Android version 13, What but but on the other hand it does not give you?

[23:29] Environmental feedback such as the iPhone does where it tells you that you're pointing it at a computer or whatnot So, you know give and take with with both of these devices There are tools on Android to be able to make that happen, my question for you though Michael is when I, I go and I look at cameras and I look at phones and it says this camera has a 36 megapixel camera and this camera has 120 megapixel camera. Does bigger megapixel numbers always mean better?

[24:04] Great question. And the answer is no, bigger does not mean better. With megapixels, most iPhones have always done pictures I've done pictures at 12 megapixel. And even with the iPhone 14 Pro lineup, they increased the sensor to 48 megapixels, I believe. And what happens is when you have it set to 48.

[24:31] It's going to take a picture, use its artificial intelligence, and take all of that great information and scale it back down to 12 megapixel, because those 48 megapixel images are huge. They take up a lot of data, and they're big. Now, what you can do, and we talked about this earlier, you can set your settings to RAW, and you can get that full 48 megapixel image, but it won't be edited or no AI work will be done to it. You could do all of that as production on your own, but that just means that there's more work you have to do to it. But you can get that full 48-megapixel image. The sensor is slightly bigger on the 48-megapixel compared to the others. So you'll notice the camera bumps are bigger on the 14 Pro line.

[25:28] And so you do get more information than a 12 megapixel, but you may not get as good of an image in that space. So there's aperture size, light level.

[25:45] All of those things are keys to making a good image, not just your megapixel size. Kind of like on your computer when you say, well, I've got 16 gigs of DDR2.

[25:59] I've got 8 gigs of DDR4. Which one's better? Well, there's a lot of factors that go into there. the speed of the memory can balance out the amount of memory. So it just depends, you know, if there's compared to and also comparing unified memory, like on the M1 chips to, you know, non unified memory, they all have their trade off. So it's again, kind of like music editing. What does what you're looking for? Certain lenses are better for night shots, certain images, like, I think the new iPhones, even their new lenses can take macro shots. And macro means, you'd think it'd mean big, but what it means is, if I take a macro picture, I'm taking a picture of a butterfly or a caterpillar, or a flower, and I'm making it huge so that I could see it in detail, even though it's a tiny thing. We're making something small, bigger, so we're macroing it. So there's, you know, all of those things go into account when you're looking at lenses. And that's why it's better to have more lenses on a phone than to not. And I love the camera on the iPhone SE. It's a great camera, but it's only one.

[27:20] There's only one lens. So you only get the capabilities that you have on that one lens. But even on the iPhone 13, for example, I went bowling, and I took both of these phones.

[27:32] I took the R3 phones because I'm that kind of person. The SE I had the 13 and the 14 Pro. And I zoomed in on the scoreboard at the top of the bowling alley to see how well I could read it. I could barely read it with the SE. I could read it a little bit better with the, 14, I mean, the 13, and then I could read it extremely well with the 14 Pro.

[27:59] The last thing I'll say on all of that is camera placement is key. Knowing where the line of sight with your cameras is important because one of the things that really just gets me on some of the Android phones like the Pixel is you need to know where you're going to aim your camera, right? And, so when you have the camera bar, I call the Pixel's camera area the camera bar because it goes from one side of the phone to the other and they spread those lenses out, you don't really know where that, lens is pointing compared to other lenses. So it could be the left part of the phone, the middle part, or the right part of the phone. Whereas on the iPhones or the Samsungs, it's all in that one upper right area. So those are things to look at too when you're.

[28:51] Buying a phone is where's the camera? Kind of like on the iPads. Most of them, when you're using the camera is if it's in landscape it's off to the left and the new iPad it's in it's on landscape on in the center so there's just so many for camera placements, it's good to just Google, I have an iPad Pro, where's my camera? That sort of thing. So Michael, I wanted to jump in, I had a question for you as well. A lot of people are really interested in being able to capture text with their phone or their iPad. So maybe you can talk a little bit about the best way to capture text, what is OCR? And once you have the text captured, where you would put it, whether that's a stock app or any third party apps.

[29:45] So OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. And the thing about OCR is it's now built into the camera app and you can even use the Notes app. So I would start with the Notes app and there's a, you know, we could demo this on another podcast. But the neat thing about the Notes app, there is is a way to scan a document. And it will take the text that is in there in a picture and put it in the Notes app. But optical character recognition is basically OCR. And what it does is it takes an image and uses artificial intelligence to figure out if there's text in that image. So of course, lighting and clarity and all of those aspects that make a good photo make a good text image for OCR. This means that apps like Seeing AI, which is one of my favorites, and Envision AI, SuperSense AI, all of those use AI to look at the text and figure out what is written there. So when you scan a document, it's basically taking a picture. You.

[31:01] This is how OpenBook and others do it too, guys. They use a camera to take a picture or a scanner to scan the image, and then it looks at it and comes up with the text. So you can read text with the camera app, but I highly recommend something like the Notes app or Seeing AI. The nice thing about Seeing AI is it will try to format the text with headings and links, and maybe not links, but colored text and bullets and lists and things like that, so that you can easily navigate it with voiceover, which is really nice for scanning text. For the best rules of thumb for scanning a document is, we talked about having your camera parallel with whatever you're trying to capture. You want to do that with this as well. You want to have it about a foot to a foot and a half away from the text you're trying to capture. The nice thing about Seeing AI is document mode and several others is that these apps will actually tell you if you have a page in view. So I highly recommend those. The Notes app can do certain things. It'll tell you text detected, things like that. But check out Seeing AI and we'll go into OCR a little more in other lessons and talks.

[32:27] All right. I think we have a question, I believe, in Clubhouse. Chanel, do we want to see who's got a question in Clubhouse? Well, we can ask Andrea for that. I don't believe there are currently no hands in Zoom. But Andrea, who do we have in Clubhouse?

[32:50] Let's see. Nancy is now your... Oh, okay, Nancy. Yeah. Then we may not have any questions. No, we do not have any questions in Clubhouse at the moment. Okay. And I'm just double-checking Zoom. If anybody has any questions in Zoom, you can go ahead and raise your hands and we can take some questions. Oh, all right. E.G., I think...

[33:19] Hi, E.G. Yeah, go ahead, Nanmoo. Hello. How are you doing? I'm doing fine, Marty and Michael. Real quick question. The speaker mentioned three different programs, Scene AI and Vision AI, and I couldn't quite catch the third one. The other one was SuperSense AI, I believe. SuperSense AI? That's correct. All right, I'll check that out as well.

[33:44] Thank you. All right. And next up we have Nate and I do believe we have someone unmuted in Clubhouse. If you could mute until your turn, that'd be great. But next up is Nate. Hey Nate, how you doing? I'm trying to get unmuted. Okay, quick question. Where would you recommend to go to find step by step directions to take photos with an iPhone? Michael and Marty, you guys may know this, but there's a book, right? Is it through APH? It might be under the Take Control series. They put out a lot of books by the... What were you going to say, Michael? There is an accessibility book that's not through Take Control. If you stick around with us, Nate, for about 30 more seconds, I'll find that book for you. I know exactly what you're talking about there, Michael. All right. Let's go to Clubhouse. Oh, I'm sorry.

[34:40] You We do have a hand in clubhouse now. Herbie. Hey Herbie. Right. Hello. I want to go back to something you were talking about and I think I may have lost something. So you were saying that really, for instance, like we do not benefit from the higher megapixel cameras with the iPhone. Is that what you were saying or am I misunderstanding? So we do benefit from the higher megapixel. The higher megapixel does not always mean a better picture is what I was getting at. But what happens is if you have it just set to, the defaults, it still takes a 12 megapixel camera, but what it does is it takes that 48 megapixel that's on the 14 Pro line and scales it down and uses the more information that's given in the 48 megapixel. And the AI is like, oh, I can make this better by using this data, I can make this better by using this data, and it makes a better picture at 12 megapixel, partly to save space, but partly because a 48 megapixel image, if you were just to put like the resolution in like for printing or just for editing would be huge.

[35:57] So there's, you know, we do benefit. It's just typically it scales it down to 12 megapixel. Alright, so one other question I have because this is always an issue and maybe you I don't know if you have an answer for this or not, but when it comes to OCR apps like, you know, seeing AI and all that, do they benefit from, you know, like you say, because one of the things I've always thought about is do I want a 14 Pro because it's going to have a better camera than just even the 13 and maybe see things better. Would you say that is the case or do you have an answer for that? You know, it depends on, you know, the way I look at it is any better main camera, like the 48 megapixel that's built in the 14 Pro, will definitely make those apps work better, because they can take advantage of taking pictures in that. You know, even if you don't use the app, you could always take a picture in another app and import the picture into the app. Because some of these apps do not have zoom capability. So like the zooming and being able to zoom in and out can really affect how well the scan the image is.

[37:14] But like if the app itself does not take advantage of the camera system, you could always use another app. You know, even having like the camera app read the text out loud, you say, oh, that's getting a really good shot of that. Take the picture and then import it into seeing AI, and that will give you probably the best OCR.

[37:37] All right, perfect. Thanks, Nell. Who do we got next? Okay, we have two in Zoom and then I'll double check in Clubhouse. First up is Ebrahim. Oh, wait, I think, hold on, Michael, did you have something you wanted to jump in with? Yeah, I just wanted to follow up on Nate's question before we go to you at Ebrahim. So there was a book produced and it's available at National Braille Press by, Judy Dixon. The name of the book is Capturing and Sharing the World, Taking Photos and Videos with an iPhone. So that may be helpful for you as well. Again, available at National Braille Press. Thanks, Michael. All right, Chanel.

[38:13] Yes, Ibrahim, go ahead and ask your question, please. I wanted to know when positioning your camera to an object, say you want to take a picture of an object, is your phone centered to that object or are you centering your camera to the object? Great question. If your camera is on the top right of my phone. Great question. You want to center the camera. So that means that a lot of people will just try to center their iPhone with the picture, but with the object. But you want to think of it as the top, right. And that's why I always say, like the Google Pixel later phones, they have that whole bar, So it's hard to know where to line up, but with the iPhones, you want to think of a, make a straight line with like mentally, or if you need to do it, you know, with your hand, can I take your hand from your camera and go to the object that you want.

[39:15] Make it a straight line. And then, you know, usually if you're taking a picture of an object, you know, about like the same for OCR about a foot away, we'll get a good picture, a good shot. I always get confused when I think it's super sense tells you to put your phone in the middle of the page and then slowly left it up. So I always put my phone in the middle of the page instead of where the camera should be in the middle of the page. If you get anything. Well, the reason why SuperSense tells you to do that is once you get to a certain distance away from the page, the whole page will be in the camera viewfinder anyway. So that will work for a page, but if you're looking at other objects or people, that's where it might differ. Even with a page, if it's an abnormal size of a page or different things, just use that other method as well.

[40:15] One thing I'll jump in here really quick. If you have a hard time keeping your phone steady while you're trying to scan text from a document, say on a piece of paper or something like that, they make a plethora of different kinds of stands. A lot of them have a way to have your phone, so the camera's facing down and the screen's facing up. Then you don't have to hold the phone. You can then have the phone facing down at the table, and then you can take the paper and move that around in front of the camera until it sets up and gives you the perfect spot to actually then grab and scan the text. They make stands for iPads and iPhones in all different kinds of price points and stuff like that. It's something to think about having if you have a hard time keeping your phone steady. That would help a lot. Another thing is really... Oh, go ahead. Sorry, I was just going to say that what also helps me keep my phone steady is instead of tapping the take a picture button, I use the volume up.

[41:22] Yes, exactly. That's what I was about to say. Is that if you're taking a picture and you want to hold your hand steady, double tapping is going to move your phone a lot. And so pressing that volume up or volume down keys will take a picture pretty quick. Another thing, and this is a little bit geeky, a little bit on the nerd side, but there is a...

[41:52] If you go into the Shortcuts app, if you go to the gallery, you can do a search for the shortcut called Say Cheese.

[42:03] And basically what this will do is you add it to your phone and you can tell S-Lady or S-I-R-I, Say Cheese. And it will automatically, with anywhere on your phone, you don't even have to be in the camera app, don't just take a photo out of your camera.

[42:24] That is kind of cool. One thing I will confirm also for people who are curious about it, the volume keys do work with Pixel Now as well. They did not for a while. So now with the least again, the Pixel 6, it will work for you to just tap one of the volume keys to take the picture as well.

[42:44] Fantastic. All right, Chanel, do we have another hand? Yes, we do. We have several. But first, we're going to go to Jule and then checking Clubhouse. So Jule, go ahead and unmute, please. Hi. I actually have several questions. I'm doing all right, Michael. Thank you. That's Marty. Sorry. Horrible voices. I actually have several questions and they're not necessarily about taking pictures, but with the Photos app and the OCR apps. So the first question I have is about, about labeling photos in the Photos app. Is it better to do a three finger double tap to label or is it better to do a caption through the info button? And is there a case purpose for the other way?

[43:30] I'll give my thoughts, but I'd love to hear what Michael and Marty have to say on this. I like the caption because if you change your phone, you move it, you change phones and things like that, the three-finger double tap is a voiceover label. And so if something changes about that image, right, that can change. But if you caption it, then that is a little different. So Marty and Michael, what are your thoughts? I think actually labeling the picture itself is going to be always the best way because then the label will follow the picture around no matter what or where you have the picture. If you do it the other way, it's only on your device. Once the photo leaves the device, if you didn't actually label the photo itself, then the text would be gone or the labeling would be gone for that photo and you'd have to do it wherever it landed next. So to clarify, you mean the captioning label, correct? Correct. Okay, just clarifying.

[44:30] And then I don't label my pictures because I'm a horrible person and I don't really care. I mean, I do, but most of it, I don't take enough pictures that I would be lost on going through my pictures. I know what pictures I took on what dates usually. And when I don't remember, honestly, I don't need that picture anymore. So I personally do not label pictures myself. I just go off of the metadata that's provided to me from voiceover with information inside that image or the date and time of the image.

[45:02] Yeah, I will say I have 500 pictures from the last year including 200 from a recent photo shoot. So labeling is important. Yeah, yeah. So there's nuances. So I did have a couple other questions but we can go to other people and come back if you'd rather. Yeah, we have a few other hands up. So let's get to those and then we'll come back around if we have time, Jewel. Okay. Do we have anyone in Clubhouse?

[45:28] Yes, Cindy Hollis.

[45:31] Hi. Hey, Cindy. Hey, I love taking pictures. I'm totally blind. I do it all the time and I am told they're really good. I wanted to offer a suggestion for taking photos. If you have access to Aira, which most of us do, at least for free, It might be minimal for those that aren't paying for the service once every 24 hours. I think it is, Or once every 48 hours. I don't know it's changed. But anyway.

[46:01] Having them help you take the picture will give you some ideas on where to move your hand how far distance wise eyes tilting.

[46:13] I knew if we lost her. Yeah, we did.

[46:19] Anyway, tilting, tilting it, distance, all of that stuff.

[46:26] So I just think that that's another resource.

[46:30] It definitely is. Thank you, Cindy, for sharing that. I meant to mention it because Aira is one of those tools that just keeping your toolbox, you can go take your own pictures, but having sighted interpretation of those images is while you're in the motion of taking the pictures, I think it helps me a lot with being able to orientate myself. And also with lighting. We don't always think about lighting in our house, in the room, and where the light should be coming from. If it's behind us, whether it's in front of us, those kinds of things, once you start learning that from them, you'll pick up on it and you'll go, oh, well, it's not giving me the information I want. Oh, maybe I should turn the light on. So, all right, thank you. And Cindy, I wanna mention that that is really good advice.

[47:23] You know, that having Aira help is a really good way to get a good picture and they are really good at taking good photos. I don't know how much control over all of the cameras on your phone they have. So that is one thing to keep in mind as well. So if anybody knows, if they can use like all three cameras, that's, you know, that'd be really good information to know. There are some apps, third party apps. There are some third-party apps that allow you to use all three cameras. I believe one of them is called Filmic and you can actually use each one of the cameras in a different way separately and individually. So, you know, it costs a little money for it, but it really enhances what you can do with all three cameras.

[48:13] But some apps just like certain OCR apps just use the one camera. Like you can't zoom in or out using the other two cameras if you have that system. So that's one thing to, and one thing that's neat about seeing AI and other apps that use the LIDAR is you could actually get a good determination about how far away from an object you are, using that LIDAR with seeing AI in other apps. So that's also a really, if you know I need to be a foot away, then you can use that to determine that.

[48:49] All right. Chanel. Yes. Okay. Next up we have Nora. Nora, you may unmute. Hey, Nora. How you doing? Doing great. Hi. Yeah. My question is, I have an iPad 16.1.1, a new iPad, and I have a camera and I'm wondering if I want to take a picture of a document, like say a notice from the management where I live, how far or any object without any writing, how far distance can I take a picture with the camera?

[49:32] I would say about a foot. Oh okay, I just wondered. Thank you very much. Yeah, no problem. Two foot and a half. Okay, thank you. Yep. All right, Janelle. Okay, next up we have Anthony.

[49:50] Hello, I'm also a huge photo person, so I wanted to drop two tips into the conversation. The first one for OCR, I bought a plain black placemat. And if I center the document on the plain black placemat and use my elbow to my fingertips as the distance, I usually can get it very, very quickly and a very, very clear scan of that. The other thing when I'm helping folks who are trying to take pictures for the first time with the iPhone, I told them to make a cradle with their left hand using the pointer finger and the thumb, basically making that L and holding the phone with the right hand and sending it in and holding it to their chin and figuring out where the camera will fit between the two spaces between your eyes above your nose and moving it forward from there. And then as you turn your head, take your phone, you know, holding it and take it the same way. And what I've done it with Ira with folks, but I know you could do it with seeing AI and certain other. Use the object recognition in an OCR app or, or Ira, and then try to focus on things before you start taking pictures and get that feedback.

[51:11] And that'll kind of teach you where you need to hold the camera to get certain things. Like, you know where things in your house are. I have a wine rack and I have a figure on top of the wine rack. So whenever I have somebody here that needs that, we'll focus on that first. We'll get a clearer image of that and then move on to other things. But once you kind of get the orientation of where you're holding your phone, you'll be able to take really good pictures. Right, Anthony, are you using a stock app to capture or what are you using for your app once you have the text captured.

[51:44] I use Microsoft Seeing AI mostly, but I also have the Envision glasses, so I also have the Envision app on the phone and once in a while I use that too. Cool, thank you. And especially, by the way, for checks, if you want to do, everyone's like, oh, I can't do mobile banking, I can't do mobile banking. Put the check on the black placemat right in the center, hold it up, you know, an arm's length up and you'll get it within, you know, then flip it over and do the other side. And once you do one or two checks, you'll become an expert.

[52:15] You know, oh, can I add something real quick? You know, with checks, what I typically do for, you know, is I will put the phone on top of the check and then lift it up until like I use Chase for my banking and it can, auto take the and it'll tell you. Yeah. So I just lift the check. I mean, I lift the phone up, you know, put it down on top of the check, lift the check in the back, lift up the phone over the check, and then it will automatically take the picture. You know, another thing that I do as a tip for me, I'm low vision, so you know, I will use my phone to take pictures, but what I do is I put the camera basically, where my right eye is, where my good eye, and that's the same side of the iPhone. So I put the camera about where my eye is, and then, you know, may lift up a little bit to see the screen. But if you make it to where you're looking through the camera, like where your eye is, like the phone's in front of your eye, then you're going to get a pretty good shot if you're looking in the direction where the object is. So that's another way.

[53:26] Make it to where your phone moves with your head if you move your phone around to find something. Yes. All right, we're running a little bit close on time. So let's try and get these last couple of questions answered real quick. Yes. Did we have anyone else in Clubhouse? Not right now. Okay. So let's go ahead and go to Jane Suh. For me, can somebody explain the how does my iPhone work now with the supposedly you can use your iPhone camera as your, what is it? Web cam thingy? Continuity cam. Yeah. Whatever that's.

[54:17] Yeah. So the way that works and it's really neat is that you can use a stand, Belkin makes one and you attach it to the top of your computer to your top of your Mac.

[54:29] This is a Mac only feature. There's other apps that make this work with windows I don't know what they are off top of my head but built into Mac you can clip your phone to the top of your computer and, Your phone will just show up as a device that you could pick from in zoom, Supposedly or or you know any of these apps It works I've been using it actually for some live TV content that I'm producing with a couple of companies And you don't even have to clip it to your phone. I actually have a tripod sitting behind my MacBook. So it goes over the screen and over my boom arm. So it doesn't, well, actually my boom arm goes over it. So it doesn't see my boom arm, but it sees my face in focus. And I use the camera app to make sure that it says one face centered before I go in. If you're a Windows user, you can use the Can You See Me app at canyouseme.app. But then in zoom I go to the right of the video enable button There's an option says video drop down you choose that and then you choose camera iPhone camera, And then your iPhone will make a sound to let you know that it has switched over to that and then your camera is working Just fine. I know we have another hand but real quick if you are on windows and you need to do this My recommendation is a tool called camo camo.

[55:48] Does it use the? Back facing You can use whatever camera front or back, I think. By default, it'll use the back facing. And one other thing, if you're on a Mac computer, there's also a setting where you could have one of the cameras facing you and the second camera facing down at the desk at the same time. If you wanna talk and also demo something, it'll show your desk and you can show that you're demoing something either on your phone or something else, putting something together, unboxing something, any of that. So it allows you to have one camera facing you at your face and one camera facing down at the table at the same time. So that's a pretty cool feature also.

[56:32] All right, Chanel, we got a little more. Well, we do, but that's a repeat. Do we have time? Yeah, let's try and get the answer real quick. Okay, Jewel, go ahead and unmute. Okay, so I'll cover the other question that I had. Is there an app, an OCR app, that allows you to edit the description that it creates or add an additional description within that app.

[56:57] Hmm So like for example if I have a photo of a cat and it the description and seeing a says it's a dog Can I change it to say it's a cat?

[57:09] Um I'm not sure I know that you can one. Yeah.

[57:17] All right, it'd be nice.

[57:21] That might be something to suggest to Microsoft for their seeing AI apps. I'm going to do that. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you, Jewel. And thank you, Michael, for coming. This has been a very interesting conversation and really makes me remember that there is that important camera in my pocket that I could be using. And I'll let Marty close it up for everyone and tell you how to get a replay of today's call.

[57:49] All right, everyone. Thanks for coming. We are back next week with our regularly scheduled content asking any of your tech questions and trying to get those answered. If you have questions, comments, suggestions or anything you can email us at unmute presents at gmail.com. And I'd like to thank Chanel and everyone else who helped us out today. And Michael, you got any last parting words for us? Nope, just that thing. Oh, other Michael or were you asking me?

[58:24] No, I don't have any parting words Thank you for joining us again Michael And if you guys missed anything or you want to go back and listen to the replay It'll be on the unmute presents podcast feed here within about an hour.

[58:36] Thanks Michael Dois for coming out. We really appreciate you today and everyone else have a great week and we'll see you back here next week same time same place and have a great week everybody.

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Voiceover: [0:31] Settings, button.

Michael: [0:33] Then the top right corner will have... We'll double tap there.

Voiceover: [0:35] Add podcast, button.

Michael: [0:39] We can add a URL or flick to the right to get to... We'll double tap to edit.

Voiceover: [0:42] Search directory, search field. Insertion point at end, cap U, N.

Michael: [0:47] And we'll type in unmute. Hit the search button in the lower right hand corner.

Voiceover: [0:52] Search, search. All podcasts, back button.

Michael: [0:55] And then locate.

Voiceover: [0:56] Search results, unmute presence on ACB community, zero unplayed, MarrySOVO and Michael Babcock, HeyO Media, Button.

Michael: [1:02] We'll tap on this.

Voiceover: [1:04] Add Podcast, Back Button.

Michael: [1:05] And this brings you to a list of all of the podcast episodes that we've currently published. If you flick to the right, you'll eventually locate the follow button.

Voiceover: [1:13] Follow, Button.

Michael: [1:15] If you double tap on this, this then shows you a list of the episodes again and places.

Voiceover: [1:17] Follow, Damned, Done. Button.

Michael: [1:22] Focus on the done button. We'll double tap on done. And then you can find the unmute presents podcast in your list of subscribe to or followed.

Imaging

Michael: [1:32] Podcasts. Don't forget that on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Pacific time, 1 p.m. Eastern, you can tune in live with Marty and I. Head on over to acb.community for more information about how you can subscribe and be part.

Transcript

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

Unmute Presents - backups with Marty and Michael

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 19:49:49 -0000

Listen to Marty Solo and Michael Babcock talk about backing your electronics up in this unmute presents exclusive.

Welcome to the Unmute Presents Exclusive content.

We announced this new content coming on our past call.

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

December 6 2022

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:31:38 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

November 29th

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 19:13:11 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

NOV 22

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 19:32:10 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

November 15th

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 19:46:00 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

Nov 8

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:59:49 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

November 1, 2022

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:41:56 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

October 25th

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 22:17:15 -0000

You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

Visit acb.community to learn more about what is up coming.

Support Unmute Podcast Network by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi

October 18th - Wayaround

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 21:30:12 -0000

October 11

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:19:27 -0000

Unmute Presents - October 4

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:21:19 -0000

Unmute Presents - September 27th

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:52:25 -0000

Unmute Presents - September 20th

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:52:35 -0000

Unmute Presents - BlindShell USA September 13

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:43:48 -0000

Unmute Presents - September 6

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:42:27 -0000

Unmute Presents - August 23rd

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:29:39 -0000

Unmute Presents - August 16th

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:28:48 -0000

Unmute Presents - August 9th

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 22:24:54 -0000