TAlking TEch for 23 Dec 2014

For this program, some sources of reading, suggested apps if your getting a new iOS device, and some podcasts to listen to over the summer break here in Australia.

 

Sources for Reading:

 

Kindle app on either iOS or Android.

 

iBooks on iOS or Mac (Yosemite).

 

Audible.com

 

Vision Australia: 3000 daisy books, 400 newspapers/magazines and a selection of podcasts from Va radio:

 via I-Access reading on the 3g daisy player, in Voice Dream Reader on iOS or Darwin Reader on Android.

 

Apps To Get You Started on iOS

 

ABC Radio

 

ABC iView,

 

Audible

 

Audio Archery

 

BBC iPlayer

 

Blind Square

 

Downcast

 

Facebook

 

Find my Friends

 

Find My iPhone

 

iBooks

 

KNFB Reader

 

Kindle

 

Light Detector

 

Money Reader

 

Pages

 

Pandora radio

 

Skype

 

Twitter

 

Voice Dream Reader

 

Youtube

 

Podcasts

 

A selection of main stream and tech related podcasts to add in to your podcast player such as iTunes on Mac or windows or Downcast on iOS.

 

ACB Radio Main Menu

 

http://mainmenu.acbradio.org/rss.php

 

Access Talk

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/AccessTalk

 

Accessible Devices

 

http://accessible-devices.com/feed.xml

 

All About Android

 

http://leo.am/podcasts/aaa.xml

 

Applevis

 

http://www.applevis.com/podcasts/feed

 

Assistive Technology Update

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/AssistiveTechnologyUpdate

 

Apple Keynotes

 

http://podcasts.apple.com/apple_keynotes/apple_keynotes.xml

 

Cool Blind Tech

 

http://coolblindtech.com/podcast?format=rss

 

Computalk (VA Radio)

 

http://feed.viostream.com/27499783-0240-4d1d-8251-b9644fc10822

 

Daily Tech News Show

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/DailyTechNewsShow

 

Download This Show (Radio National)

 

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/feed/3777916/podcast.xml

 

Freedom Scientific FSCast

 

http://www.freedomscientific.com/FSCast/rss.xml

 

iMore Show

 

http://feeds.feedburner.com/PhoneDifferentPodcast

 

iSee - learning about Apple products from a blind perspective

 

http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com/feed/

 

iFive for the iPhone

 

http://feeds.twit.tv/ifive

 

iPad Today

 

http://leo.am/podcasts/ipad.xml

 

Mac Break Weekly

 

http://leoville.tv/podcasts/mbw.xml

 

MacCast

 

http://www.maccast.com/erss.xml

 

Nosilla Podcast

 

http://www.podfeet.com/NosillaCast/rss.xml

 

Security Now

 

http://leoville.tv/podcasts/ces.xml

 

Talking Tech (VA Radio)

 

http://feed.viostream.com/bcc3b547-e1bd-4c93-bdac-981cffb57d11

 

The Tech Doctor podcast

 

http://www.dr-carter.com/?feed=podcast

 

Tech News Today

 

http://leo.am/podcasts/tnt/

 

Tech News Tonight

 

http://feeds.twit.tv/tn2n.xml

 

This Week In Google

 

http://leoville.tv/podcasts/twig.xml

 

This Week In Tech

 

http://leoville.tv/podcasts/twit.xml

 

Windows Weekly

 

http://leoville.tv/podcasts/ww.xml

 

Your Tech Life

 

http://podcasts.yourtechlife.com/xml/podcast/yourtechlife.xml

 

Summer Break

 

There will be a summer edition of Talking Tech, I will be back with Stephen in March 2015.  For now, have a happy new year.

Talking Tech for DEc 16 2014

How To Use A DVD etc ON A Mac without A DVD Drive - from How To Geek

 

These days lots of computers come without a DVD drive, this article explains how you can still do this.

 

http://www.howtogeek.com/204867/how-to-use-cds-dvds-and-blu-rays-on-a-mac-without-an-optical-drive/ 

Liquid Metals Help The Blind See Tech 

 

A prototype of a possible tactile or Braille display device using electric Magnets in a Ferro solution.

 

http://www.newsweek.com/liquid-metals-help-blind-see-tech-289644?piano_d=1 

CAVI CAST: prototype of remote control for NvDA

 

Only a prototype at the moment to enable remote support using NVDA.  Funding sources need to be found to bring the project to completion.

 

The following link will play an mp3 file of the CAVI podcast.

 

http://t.co/fZPesdUMyC 

Access World for December 2014

 

main article that caught my attention was the MountBatten Brailler, good to see it getting a mention again: fantastic tool for students and teachers.

 

Remember you can also get the MBCom iOS or Android app for the Mountbatten as well.

 

Just another quick note, you can get the AccessWorld app for reading this and other articles or back issues.

 

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw151206 

Freedom Scientific Releases 90 day Trial License of JaWS For Windows

 

This allows developers or anyone else to buy a licensed version of JaWS for Windows, and the 90 day trial will go towards the total cost of a full license: further 90 day licenses can be purchased.

 

http://www.freedomscientific.com/About/News/Article/67 

Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2014

 

A great run down of available Bluetooth speakers for less than $50, $100 to $300 range, and $300 and above.

 

http://9to5mac.com/2014/12/15/best-bluetooth-speaker-2015/

Talking Tech for Dec 9 2014

A Quick “How Many Does it Take” Joke

Q: How many programmers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None, it’s a hardware problem.
Well: I thought it was funny (smile).

 

I’m Not Sure If I would Buy This Satechi’s Bluetooth Keyboard: but 5 devices supported.

The Satechi’s BT keyboard: This just sounded like a great keyboard from Amazon and I certainly could access 5 devices from the same keyboard: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and work laptop.

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/12/08/satechi-wireless-bluetooth-keyboard-review/ 

Thinking About Christmas Or All Year Round: Remember the Aldi iOS App For Grabbing deals

Aldi has specials on a regular basis, and besides groceries, you can grab some great technology hardware as well such as tablets, cordless phones, wifi extenders, power boards etc. This week I picked up a great slim line tower fan with remote which has tactile buttons on both the fan and remote.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/aldi-australia/id429158202?mt=8

Finally got To Play with the DAISY 3g player From Vision Australia

I must say, I am quite impressed by this player with the ability to be able to just turn the daisy player on, and within a minute or two access my daisy books, newspapers, magazines, and podcasts directly from the Vision Australia I-Access Online Library service.

NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE APP

Note: I’m not sure how well this app for iOS or Android works with Braille: seems to work ok with voiceOver on iOS, but not yet checked out Android and Talkback.

The National Relay Service (NRS) is for any Australian who is deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired who wants to make phone calls.

The app provides easier ways to make calls through the NRS in Australia.

This app gives you access to the following call options:
• internet relay – if you want to type and read your conversation
• Speak and Listen – if you are hard to understand on the phone  
• video relay – if you use Auslan
• captioned relay – if you can speak but can’t hear clearly.

The app is a world-first in combining a range of relay calls and support functions in a single app.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
For both internet relay and Speak and Listen the app provides additional benefits or features that are only available through the app. These include:
• the ability to use customised phrases and call set-ups that you can pre-store on your phone or tablet
• the ability to ‘click through’ from contacts stored on the device
• better notification for incoming internet relay calls
• the option of inserting text for users making Speak and Listen calls
• the ability to utilise the device’s GPS in providing location information.

COST
The app and any calls you make using the app are free. However, you will be connecting to the internet and will be using broadband data. How you are charged for this data will depend on the plan you have with your service provider. 

MORE INFORMATION
See

 

http://www.relayservice.gov.au

 

to find out more about the NRS or the NRS app.

 

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/nrs-app/id935552036?mt=8

 

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.communications.nrsapp

Microsoft Disability Answer Desk

The Disability Answer Desk is where people with disabilities can get support with Microsoft products and accessibility features.
Connect with a Microsoft expert:
Call 1800 280 300
Hours of operation:
Every day: 8 AM – 9 PM (AEST)

http://support.microsoft.com/answerdesk/accessibility/?ln=en-au

 

Dictating beter

A lot of tips on how to improve your dictating ability.

 

http://atmac.org/dictating-well-principles-from-a-master?utm_content=buffer7abc1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

 

How to Wipe your Phone or Tablet before Selling It

You may well want to know "How to Wipe Your Phone or Tablet Before You Sell It", CNET provides guidance.

 

http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-wipe-your-phone-or-tablet-before-selling/

Next three Shows: my favourite iOs/Mac apps, Podcasts, and Audio Books Suggestions For the Holidays

In the next several shows I will be going through my favourite iOS apps, Mac apps, the podcasts I listen to all the time with recommended podcast listening programs, and some audio book suggestions for the Christmas holidays.

 

 

Talking TEch for Dec 2 2014

Talking Tech for November 25 2014

  

 

Serotek Loses Another Staff Member

 

Jamie Pauls (the sixth person) has also resigned from Serotek last week.

 

Guess we will just have to wait and see what impact this has upon their services.

 

 

http://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=11959 

 

 

International Day for Persons with a Disability

 

The International Day for Persons With a Disability is on the 3rd d of December 2014 the main focus of which is   the development of sustainable technology.

 

Just have a think about how many main stream products and now becoming more and more accessible (such as Apple, Android, and Microsoft), and what you can do to encourage the continuing development of current and future products.

 

 

http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1620

 

Family Sharing from Apple on iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite

 

Family sharing is across iOS and OS X allowing you to share music, apps, movies, TV shows, and Books.

 

All of this content can therefore be shared between iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Apple TV or Mac.

 

You can setup family sharing up to 6 people in iCloud on both iOS and Mac.

 

You will find the family purchased items under purchased in the Apps, iBooks and iTunes Store: For the Apple TV, look under shared in the Movies or TV shows tab.

 

In addition family members also get access to shared reminders, Calendar, and photos.

 

An indirect way of giving someone a great christmas present in your family.

 

However, please be aware that purchases made by family members will get build back to the main organisers credit card.  If a family member has iTunes gift card credit, this will be used first, except if they are the organiser in which case it will be ignored as it is seen as personal credit.

 

For more info on family sharing go to:

 

http://support.apple.com/en-au/ht201079

 

 

Finger Key ADDS Touch ID to your Mac

 

This nifty application that you run both on your iPhone and Mac, allows you to unlock your Mac by using touch id from your iPhone, and works well with Voiceover on both iOS and OS X.

 

Mac app

 

http://www.fingerkeyapp.com 

 

iOS app

 

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/fingerkey/id932228994?mt=8

Talking TEch for Nov 25 2014

Serotek Announced the resignation of 5 Staff Last Friday in the US

 

Letting 5 staff go for what ever reason really should have been immediately followed up by a proper press release.

 

These are the folks that produce System Access, SAMN, Docuscan, iBlink Radio, and several well known podcasts including Serotek’s weekly technology podcast.

 

Official statement link follows but this could have been handled a lot better on Twitter over the week end where it got a bit nasty on Serotek’s behalf of which these Tweets by the company have now been deleted.

 

The official blog release didn’t arrive until Monday Aussie time, a bit late.

 

 

So no more podcasts it looks like from Serotek, but we’ll have to wait and see.

 

According to the company their still on track for the future.

 

  

http://www.serotek.com/blog_revving_up_for_the_road_ahead

 

Global RED Campaign to Fight AIdS Supported by Apple

 

From November 24 through to December 4, Apple is supporting the RED global campaign to fight the spread of AIDS through sales on the app store and their retails stores.  When you purchase specific apps or products, a part of the sale goes to support this vital campaign.

 

http://www.apple.com/red/

 

In Other Apple News: Free button changes to Get button in the iOS App Store

 

Don’t be put off if your looking for the Free button to purchase a free app now in the iOS App Store: it has now been changed to Get button instead.

 

Some Tech Christmas Ideas for 2014

 

Thought it would be nice to list  some tech type items to put under the Christmas tree for 2014 or to purchase any time for that matter.

 

From Amazon or from their own Suppliers

 

The BEM Bluetooth Speaker band for use with iPhone or Android..

Fitbit Flex band for tracking your steps etc for iPhone or Android..

Kindle Fire HDX Android based tablet for Kindle books etc.

AQ Audio Speakers for cost effective Airplay speakers around the house.

Aftershokz Bluetooth bone conduction  ear phones.

RIVO keyboard for iOs or Android.

 

From Apple or Apple Retailers

 

Apple TV.

iPod nano or iPod shuffle.

iPod touch.

iPhone or iPad.

iTunes gift cards that can be read by the iPhone or Mac camera to get the code.

Talking Tech for November 18 2014

Talking Tech for Nov 18 2014

 

More Yosemite Podcasts from me:

 

Changing your Login iCloud to use your iCloud (AppleID) Password,

Setting up SMS Text forwarding from iPhone to Mac,

New browsing mode in Safari,

Voice dictation and voice commands, and

Using iBooks, and

Sending a voice mail message with Messages.

 

http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com

 

 

In Apple news: from OS X Daily

 

OS X 10.10.1 is released:

 

Mainly wifi and email fix’s.

 

http://osxdaily.com/2014/11/17/os-x-yosemite-10-10-1-update-mac/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+osxdaily+%28OS+X+Daily%29iOS 8.1.1 is also released:

 

iOS 8.1.1 released 

 

Main notes were in relation to making iOS 8 more stable on iPhone 4s and iPad 2.

 

http://osxdaily.com/2014/11/17/ios-8-1-1-update-available-download-ipsw/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+osxdaily+%28OS+X+Daily%29More on the iOS 8.1.1 update from Applevis:

 

iOS 8.1.1 Accessibility Updates from Applevis 

iOS8.1.1 is now available to go get if you are running iOS8. One of the very welcome fixes is the automatic announcement of who is calling again while the phone is ringing. Siri is fixed and acts correctly now

 

http://www.applevis.com/blog/advocacy-apple-applevis-assistive-technology-ios-ipad-iphone-ipod-touch-news/apple-releases-ios

AccessWorld for November 2014

 

A review of the KNFB Reader app (which quite impressed the reviewer), for iOS,a review of several mobile connected  health devices (most of which are not accessible), and making music with the Beamz: a great tool for fun and education.

 

http://www.afb.org/aw/main.asp

 

 

Google to Test Fly Balloons which transmit wi-fi over Western QLD: from the Guardian

 

This is  just very cool indeed.  These balloons fly at twice the hight of a jet and stay up for 100 days.  Testing will be done by Google in conjunction with Telstra for the test trial.  This type of thing would be of great benefit in covering disaster sites etc.  From the same Google lab that has brought  us Google glass’s, and the Google driving car.

 

Article from the Guardian

 

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/17/google-test-fly-balloons-transmit-internet-australiaArticle from SMH

 

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/google-to-bring-project-loon-internet-balloons-to-australia-20141117-11o7ad.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nc&eid=socialn%3Atwi-13omn1677-edtrl-other%3Annn-17%2F02%2F2014-edtrs_socialshare-all-nnn-nnn-vars-o%26sa%3DD%26usg%3DALhdy28zsr6qiq

Talking Tech for November 11 2014

Talking tech for November 11 2014

 

A bit of a mixed bag this week.

 

Podcasts from me

 

I’ve started producing a number of podcasts on Yosemite (OS X 10.10).  At this time they include making calls from your Mac via iPhone, answering calls on your Mac via iPhone, Hand Off between iPhone and Mac, Notifications Centre, iBooks, and toggling adjustment volume sound.

Have posted 4 of these so far to my podcast blog at:

 

http://davidwoodbr.podbean.com 

iOS app: Tap To Share

 

When doing my demo of Notifications Centre and Tweeting about what I was doing a demo on, a person on Twitter commented that it would be nice to be able to tweet from Notifications Centre on iOS, not just in Yosemite as was previously available.  A person commented with the Tap To Share app which puts a widget in the Notifications Centre to post to Facebook and twitter.

 

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/taptoshare/id922023749?mt=8

 

Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel more accessible on iOS with VoiceOver

 

Earlier this week Applevis tweeted that  Word and Excel were now more accessible on iOS with VoiceOver.  I’ve briefly tried Word, and whilst it is better, spell checking still seems to be an issue: i.e. Pages much better for this.

 

Microsoft Word: Applevis

 

http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/productivity/microsoft-word 

Microsoft Excel: Applevis:

 

http://www.applevis.com/apps/ios/productivity/microsoft-excel 

How to Migrate files to iCloud from Dropbox andWhy you may Want to Wait: from iMore

 

By the looks of this article, Dropbox or another general cloud drive service is still better than iCloud.

 

http://www.imore.com/how-migrate-dropbox-files-icloud-drive 

 

How to Prevent iTunes from Syncing Automatically with your iPhone: from iBlog

  

This article is handy if you don’t want iTunes always connecting when you plug your iPhone in.

 

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2014/11/05/how-to-stop-itunes-from-automatically-syncing-when-you-connect-your-iphone/

Talking Tech for October 27 and November 4 2014

Talking Tech for October 27 and November 4 2014

 

October 27 2014

 

As I said in last weeks show, I would catch up this week with all the Apple news from the recent Apple event held a few weeks ago.

 

Apple News

 

In the Apple event two weeks ago, Apple Announced iPad 2 air, iPad mini 3, iMac 5k, OS X Yosemite release, iOS 8.1 available last Monday Oct  21 in the US (Tuesday aussie time) which includes Apple pay (for US only) and other bug fixes and improvements.

 

A quick highlight of these products in this show, except Apple Pay which is not currently available innAustralia.  I’ve also listed the other iPads and Macs that are sill current, which gets a little bit confusing for the iPad range.

 

iPad air 2

From $619 wifi.

Connectivity: wifi or wifi/cellular.

A8x chip.

Touch id.

Reduced glare.

No side switch.

Thiner and lighter than the iPad air.

9.7 display.

Colors: silver, gold or space gray.

8mp camera.

Storage: 16, 64 or 128 GB.

 

iPad air

From #499 wifi.

Connectivity: wifi or wifi cellular.

A7 chip.

Thiner and lighter than the iPad 4th generation.

9.7 display.

Color: silver, gold or space gray.

5MP camera.

Storage: 16 or 32 gb.

 

iPad mini 3

 

From $499 wifi.

Similar to the iPad air 2

7.9 display.

 

iPad mini 2

From $369

Similar to the iPad air.

7.9 display.

 

ipad mini

 

From $299.

Similar to the iPad 2

A5 chip.

7.9 display.

Storage: 16GB.

 

Note - iPod touch

You can still get an iPod touch from $249 for 16GB (32 or 64GB as well) if you don’t want an iPad or iPhone.

 

Here is a link comparing iPad models.

 

http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/ 

The new iMac 27 with 5k display

 

Really for video or photo editing.

From $2999.

 

Note - you can still get the standard 21.5 (from $1349) (and 27 (from $1999).

 

http://www.apple.com/imac-with-retina/ 

New Mac mini

 

A good entry level Mac.  You’ll just need your own keyboard, mouse/trackpad and display (if required).  Mains powered.

From $619.

Note - MacBooks start at $1099 so still a good deal to get in to a Mac.

 

http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ 

iOS 8.1 and OS X Yosemite

 

Now both released with new features and improvements.

Continuity and hand off really do bring iOS and OS X closer together.

 

iOS 8

 

http://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new/ 

OS X Yosemite

 

 

http://www.apple.com/osx/

Talking Tech for 21 October 2014

Apple News

 

In the Apple event last week,Apple Announced iPad 2 air, iPad mini 3, iMac 5k, OS X Yosemite release, iOS 8.1 to be available as Oct 21 in Australia (today) which includes Apple pay (for US only) and other bug fixes and improvements.

 

Will go more in to the Apple announcements in next weeks show.

 

Apple and Android Apps Highlighted at Vision Australia Texpo 2014

 

At the recently held Vision Australia Texpos held in Sydney and Melbourne, the App Fantastic workshop highlighted a number of Apple and Android apps for use by people who are blind or or have low vision.

 

The apps that were highlighted have been put up on the Vision Australia Adaptive Technology Blog page which can be accessed with the following links for both Apple and Android:

 

Android Highlighted Apps

 

http://www.visionaustralia.org/living-with-low-vision/learning-to-live-independently/using-technology-and-computers/blog---accessibility-and-assistive-technology-blog/blog/accessibility-blog/2014/10/16/app-fantastic-texpo-session-android-apps 

Apple Highlighted Apps

 

http://www.visionaustralia.org/living-with-low-vision/learning-to-live-independently/using-technology-and-computers/blog---accessibility-and-assistive-technology-blog/blog/accessibility-blog/2014/10/15/app-fantastic-texpo-session-iphone-and-ipad-apps

Talking Tech for October 14 2014

In this weeks show, spending some time talking about android accessibility as I did a presentation on it at the recent BCA NSW/ACT state conference in Newcastle and will be presenting on it again at the Vision Australia texpo in Sydney this Friday.

 

Next weeks program I will be talking about the Android and Apple apps that were highlighted at both the Melbourne and Sydney VA Texpos.

 

Android accessibility includes:

 

 

Screen reader: Talkback: supporting Braille displays via BrailleBack, and general Bluetooth keyboard navigation: i.e. no specific Talkback commands.
Low vision: magnification, large text,
Hearing: Closed Captions.
General: auto rotate screen, speak passwords, accessibility shortcut, and text to speech output control.
´On phone, ability to set the power/sleep button to hang up call.

No other accessibility options such as with iOS with assistive touch, switch control etc.

All accessibility settings in Settings, Accessibility. NB to find accessibility, remember to scroll down to bottom of the Settings screen.
Android does not have toggle function for quicly turning accessibility features on or off as with iOS.

Some general usage comments

1. Various manufactures of Android devices such as Samsung, LG, HTC, Amazon etc.
2. Can get different versions of Android on different hardware or different on same hardware depending on manufacturer update schedule.
3. Google itself produces its own range of Android devices which are the first to be updated: hence why ATCS at VA have Nexus 7 tablets.
4. Recommend that users try and get a phone or tablet with at least 4.21: i.e. 4.21 introduced magnification settings. Current version is 4.4.
5. Recommending that the Samsung range of phones and tablets is the best way to go for most users. Eg S5 has triple click for turning Talkback on or off, and user experience seems to be a lot more stable.
6. Google Now is not as good as Siri for speech users: eg asking Google Now “where am I?” results in a map not, telling you where you are in the case of Siri. SVoice may be as good as Siri, have not yet verified this.
7. When purchasing apps from the Play Store, you can return it within 15 minutes (i.e. uninstalling it) and receive a refund if the app was not free.
8. Using the Play Store to purchase music, books, movies et is all accessible particularly with Talkback.
9. Home button at middle bottom of screen is your friend, plus apps button directly above this when at a home screen to easily locate apps or scroll between app screens. Always have Back, Home, and recent apps at bottom of all screens.
10. Can get Eloquence as a software synthesiser. Other synthesizers are widely available including Acapela.
11. Can use Talkback with a BT keyboard and Braille display. NB no Talkback commands are assigned to the Bt keyboard as with Voiceover on iOS.
12. Oddly, on the Nexus 7, Talkback does not tell you when the unit is charging, only the charge percentage. The Kindle Fire hd on the other hand with Talkback does report if the unit is plugged in and charging.
13. Using Alt-tab on a Bluetooth keyboard switch’s between recent apps. Start typing an app name with the BT keyboard to locate an app.
14. Main difference between navigating with Braille on the home screens with Talkback as with iOS, is that all icons are shown on the Braille line and you have to locate the icon that is shown with dots 7 8flashing underneath. Some Talkback commands are used with the Braille display. No UEB at this time.
15. Overall Android absolutely ok for low vision users, still not as good for speech users as with iOS.
16. Good starting web address is:
http://inclusiveandroid.tk

Talking Tech for October 7 2014

A couple of quick announcements, and then an overview of the Vision Australia Texpo.

World Sight Day October 9 2014.

See what Vision 2020 is doing for World Sight Day on October 9, and catch the World Sight Day National Press Club address on the 8th of October via ABC Streaming 12:30PM ESD.

Vision 2020 Australia World Sight Day October 9 2014

http://www.vision2020australia.org.au/events/world-sight-day

ABC 24 Streaming

 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/abcnews24/

World White Cane Day October 15.

See how Vision Australia is celebrating International White Cane Day in:

Melbourne

 

http://www.visionaustralia.org/about-us/events/event/2014/10/14/default-calendar/join-us-for-international-white-cane-day-at-federation-square 

Sydney

 

http://www.visionaustralia.org/about-us/events/event/2014/10/14/default-calendar/celebrate-white-cane-day-2014-in-sydney-with-vision-australia

Presentation at the BCA Computer Users Group: a comparison between Apple and Android.

On Wednesday at 1PM I will be giving a talk on comparing Apple iOS accessibility to Android Accessibility.

For further information about this meeting or the Computer Users Group in general please email Branch Secretary, Adam Morris:
secretary@bcacug.org.

Presentations at the BCA NSW/ACT State Conference

On Saturday the 11th of October I will be giving two presentations at the BCA NSW/ACT State Conference: one on Apple devices, and the other on using Android devices.

 

Texpo - Melbourne 10-11 and Sydney 17-18 October 2014

Texpo show cases Vision Australia services, assistive technology exhibitors, talks on finding out about assistive technology including Apple, and Android devices, and product specials to save money whilst visiting texpo.

Simulated office, classroom and kitchen will be on show as well, including a place to watch audio described movies.

Exhibitors at Texpo 2014, Melbourne

1. Optek Systems

2. Oricom
Special offer: Visit Texpo 2014 for your chance to win 1 of 6 Care60 phones.

3. Quantum - Reading learning Vision
Special offer: choose between a free minimax hand held CCTV with any purchase of a desktop CCTC or 10% discount across the product range for orders placed at Texpo.

4. Visitech Magnifiers

5. Pacific Vision International Australia) Pty Ltd

6. Australian Lions Visual Independence Foundation Inc
Special offer: Purchase a Kaptan Plus GPS device at a special price of $100, marked down from $700.

7. Sight Management Pty Ltd

8. Beonlight

9. Blind Citizens Australia

10. Real Thing – RealSAM
Special offer: Visit the Real Thing stand at Texpo to purchase a RealSAM device at a special price of $199, a discount of $100 off the retail price.

11. Glassbrick

12. Optelec

13. KISA

14. Own Fone Australia
Special offer: Receive a voucher code for a 10% discount off all OwnFone handsets.

14.. HumanWare
Special offer: Receive a 5% discount on any product ordered at Texpo and a 10% discount and free deluxe leather case worth $77 with the purchase of a new generation Victor Reader Stream during the Texpo period: 9-17 October.

Seminars on Friday

10:30am
Your library, anywhere, anytime

11:30am
Introduction to adaptive technology, hardware and software (Entry level)

12:30pm
App fantastic – the latest apps for daily living (intermediate to advanced)

1:30pm
Accessible Android devices

2:30pm
Latest Apple devices and IOS8 accessibility features

Seminars on Saturday

10:30am
Your library, anywhere, anytime

11:30am
Introduction to adaptive technology, hardware and software (Entry level)

12:30pm
Latest Apple devices and IOS8 accessibility features

1:30pm
Accessible Android devices

Equipment Solutions Shop Specials

1. Zoomax Aurora HD + free handheld video magnifier
The cheapest 24” Widescreen Desktop Video Magnifier with movable screen and high definition technology.
When you purchase a Zoomax Aurora HD ($2599) you will receive a free Zoomax Snow handheld video magnifier (valued at $475.00)
Available while stock lasts.

2. ScanBox+
Paper thin portable scanner for your smartphone.
Scanbox is made of durable, laminated card that folds to create a stand for your phone similar to a lightbox used for photography. Once set up, the phone sits on top at the correct height to scan any object that fits in the box. Used in conjunction with apps such as Prizmo, TextGrabber or KNFB Reader. Attach a 9V battery and this will power the LED lights. Was $55 now $20.
Available while stock lasts.

Talking Tech for September 30 2014

Using Home Plus Power or just Power on your IOS device

 

Last episode I mentioned that if an app got stuck on your iOS device (iPhone, iPod touch or iPad) you could use Home plus Power to reboot your device.  Whilst this does work, it really should only be used as a last ditch method as it is much lie cold booting your computer.  

 

Adam Morris who runs the iOS Mailing List from Australia, reminded me that it is probably safer in the long run to try and Power off your iOS device from the Power button and turn it back on again first.  If this fails, try the Home plus Power button combination. 

World Site Day and Eye Health Heroes

 

Vision 2020 Australia is hosting a number of events surrounding World Site Day coming up on the 9th of October including a Talk at the National Press Club on the 8th of October, and a dinner at parliament house Canberra 30th of September to celebrate Eye Health Heroes in the research and prevention of blindness but also for those who support people who are blind or vision impaired in the community.

 

I will be attending the parliamentary dinner as a hero representing Vision Australia sharing our positive stories in relation to gaining access to technology and information.

 

For more information, go to:

 

http://www.vision2020australia.org.au/events/world-sight-day

 

Talking Tech is now on iTunes:

 

You can now subscribe to Talking Tech via iTunes at:

 

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-tech/id919830401?mt=2 

 

Talking Vision also Available from iTunes

 

Another popular program from Vision Australia is also available from iTunes: Talking Vision:

 

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/talking-vision/id912605678?mt=2 

 

Just Under Two Weeks for Vision Australia Texpo in Melbourne (Kooyong)

 

A reminder that Vision Australia Texpo is coming up on the 10th and 11th of October to be held at Vision Australia Kooyong from 10-4 Friday and 10-3 Saturday.

 

This will be followed by Vision Australia Texpo Sydney the following week on the 17th and 18th of October.

 

More information to be had at:

 

http://visionaustralia.org/texpo/

 

Learning to Touch Type: an Online Downloadable Resource from Vision Australia

 

These set of 23 mp3 files are available for anyone to download who wish’s to learn how to touch type.  Rather than having to get access to a typing training program, just download and listen to these MP3 files.

 

These mp3 files are located at:

 

http://www.visionaustralia.org/living-with-low-vision/learning-to-live-independently/using-technology-and-computers/help-yourself!-technology-podcasts-and-resources/computer-access

 

JAWS 16 Beta

 

The public beta version of JAWS 16 has been available for a few weeks.

 

Some of the new features include:

Command Search,

JAWS Standard changing to JAWS Home Addition which will now work on both Windows Home and Professional,

Semi Auto Forms Mode,

Convenient OCR for PDF documents,

improved performance for Microsoft Word 2013,

Enhanced  language support in voice profiles,

JAWS discontinues support for Windows XP (only Vista and above support),

Windows 8.1 Reading List app support,

Windows 8.1 People app support,

New touch screen gesture for unloading JAWS, and

Improve JAWS recovery.

 

To get more info and to listen to FSCast go through the new features in JAWS 16, go to:

 

http://www2.freedomscientific.com/downloads/jaws/jaws-public-beta.asp

Other Screen reading Options for Windows

 

Window-Eyes For Office

 

If you have Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013 installed, you can get a free copy of Window-Eyes, rather than having to pay full price:

 

http://www.windoweyesforoffice.com

 

NVDA (Non Visual Desktop Access) is also Available to Windows Users

 

NVDA is a free (donations welcome) screen reader for Windows which can be installed on a PC or on a UsB stick.

 

For more information or to download a copy of NVDA, go to:

 

http://www.nvaccess.org 

Talking Tech for September 22 2014

Some of the general, Settings, Siri, and accessibility features that you will find in iOS 8.

 

General Features

 

1. Lock screen Notifications: 

Can do more with items on your lock screen: e.g. reply to a message, Facebook, Twitter etc by flicking up.

2. Notifications Centre now has today and Notifications tabs.

3. On the Home screen, clock now displays the time.

4. Recent contacts from the App switcher:

Allows you to quickly contact your recent contacts.

5. Word prediction:

When you are typing, iOS will now give you a list of word predictions to choose from when you are typing in to an edit field such as typing in to Notes.

6. Maps: adjust the tracking options in Maps to give you more details and the next cross street.

7. Send an audio message via Messages.

Hold up to your ear, wait for ding, speak, and then put phone down to send.

8. The Weather app now gives you more information concerning daily information.  The app also uses the Weather channel.

9. FaceTime: new look:

Separates video from Audio calls.

10. Go to desktop version of a webpage in Safari:

Go to right of address and select desktop site.

11. Hand off.

Hand off what you are doing on one device to another such as Mail etc.

12. New apps: the tips app and the Health app.

iBooks and Podcasts get installed by default now.

 

Settings

 

 

1. Battery usage: tell what apps are draining your battery.

Settings, Usage, Battery usage.

2. Settings, iCloud, iCloud drive

Contains list of apps that are using the iCloud drive.

3. Last known Location:

Settings, General, iCloud, Find My iPhone, send last location:

If battery goes dead, you will be able to find your iPhone where the battery went dead.

Can turn cellular use of iCloud drive off.

4. Settings, Safari: choose search engine: i.e. DuckDuckGo so that your search’s will not be traced.

5. Message history:

Settings, Messages, Message history, keep message for: 30 days, 1 year or forever.

6. in Settings for each app: you have iPhone settings, and the actual app settings.

7. Settings: Privacy: each app can now - allow location access: never, or only while using the app.

 

Siri

 

1. Settings, Siri: voice activation on.

Uses “hay Siri” when on power.

2. Using Siri to identify music:

Identify this song.

3. Using Siri to find and download an app:

“Download Downcast”.

 

 

Accessibility

 

 

VoiceOver

 

1. Braille keyboard: turned on in Settings, General, Accessibility, VoiceOver, Rotor, Braille keyboard.

Use the rotor to access the Braille keyboard in the same way you access the hand writing mode.

2. Braille display option: Settings, General, Accessibility, VoiceOver, Braille: Turn pages when panning, separate Braille display output, Braille display input, and Braille screen input.

3. Direct typing mode accessed via the rotor when in an edit field.

4. Alex Voice available for the iPhone 5s and above.

Within Speech/dialects/English voices, you can select Alex.  Just a warning it is a very large file: close to 900mb.

5. Audio ducking now available to toggle on or off from the rotor: Settings, General, Accessibility, VoiceOver, rotor.

 

Other accessibility changes

 

1. New Zoom options:

Follow focus toggle,

Zoom keyboard toggle,

Show controller toggle,

Zoom region (window, full screen or lens), and

Maximum zoom.

3. Gray scale toggle.

4. Buttons shapes toggle.

5. Speech: Speak screen toggle: swipe two fingers down from the top of the screen.

6. Increase contrast:

Reduce transparency,

Darken colours, and

Reduce white point.

7. Now under media we have:

sub titles and captioning, and

Video description.

Talking Tech for September 16 2014

Apple Keynote for September 9 2014 

Apple mentioned 5 items in their September 9 2014 keynote announcement:

iPhone and iPhone Plus,

Apple Pay,,

The release date for iOS 8,

Apple Watch, &

U2 did an album release on the iTunes Store.

 

There was one extra thing which happened very quietly, this was the discontinuation of the iPod classic, leaving the nano, and the iOS range now with all lightning cables: except for the iPod shuffle of course with the 3.5 connector

 

If you want to listen to the Apple September 9 keynote, here is the link:

 

http://www.apple.com/live/2014-sept-event/

 

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus

 

iPhone 6 from $869 and iPhone plus from $999.

 

I have ordered the iPhone 6 plus 128GB due to turn up on either the 19th (Friday) or 22nd (Monday) of September.  I also ordered the iPhone Plus leather case.

 

By the way, Apple sold 4 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in the first 24 hours.

 

 

features:

 

4.7 and 5.5 inch displays.

Silver, gold, and space grey.

16, 64 & 128GB.

a8 chip and the new M8 chip.

6.9 or 7.1MM thin.

High resolution screen.

50 or 80 hours of audio.

Standby: up to10 or 16 days.

8MP camera with new sensor and other improvements.

Barometer.

Supports VOLTE and wifi calling.

With the larger screen, Apple has utilised the extra space to fit more stuff on the screen with the default iOS apps.

New Reachability function by tapping twice on Home button to scroll the screen down to reach higher items on the screen with your thumb: i.e. one handed mode with the larger screen.

Another feature to encourage one handed operation was the physical relocation of the Power/Sleep button from the top of the phone to the right hand side.

 

iPhone 6 and 6 plus was available to order Sep 12, and shipping September 19.

 

iPhone 5S now with 16 or 32GB from $749.

iPhone 5c: 8GB $529

 

 

http://www.apple.com/iphone-6/.

 

iOS 8

 

iOS 8 available 17 September.

 

I will be talking more about iOS 8 and its new features next week after it is officially released.

 

Interestingly, whilst iOS 8 was talked about, no mention was made of Yosemite (OS X 10.10) particularly in relation to hand off.

 

http://www.apple.com/iphone-6/ios-8/

 

Apple Pay with NFC

 

fast, secure and private: starting off in the US.  Can also use it online.

Works with a secure chip in the iPhone Six or iPhone Plus together with touch id and passbook.

Just hold your finger on the touch ID, and a vibration and a discrete beep will announce that you have paid successfully.

 

This will be a lot more secure particularly with the current use of credit cards and contact payment options where you can just tap your card and under a certain amount (such as $100 in Pet Barn for example) you don’t even have to use your pin.  Consequently, if someone stole your card, they could quite happily make these types of purchases.  With Apple Pay, it is all bit around your finger print.

Starting off in the US in October.

 

http://www.apple.com/iphone-6/apple-pay/

 

Apple Watch

 

Features:

 

2 watch sizes:

3.8 or 4.2 thickness.

Square or rectangular shape with rounded edges..

 

3 models:

Apple Watch:

Stainless Steel or space black stainless steel cases.

A range of stylish bands.

 

Apple watch sport:

Anodised aluminium cases in silver or space grey. Strengthened Ion-X glass. Colourful  durable bands

 

Apple Watch Edition:

18-karat gold cases in yellow or rose. Sapphire crystal. Exquisitely crafted bands and closures

 

Uses the crown of the watch (the winder on old watch’s) for digital navigation, plus can determine the difference between a tap or press.

Precise time keeping.

Personalise watch faces.

Similar clock app functions: stop watch, timer, world clock etc.

Ping your iPhone to determine its location.

Hand over to your iPhone such as writing a Mail msg on your Apple Watch and then finishing it off on the iPhone.

Sends notifications and alerts including by tactile feedback on your wrist.

Runs its own apps, and there is an Apple Watch SDK for developers.

Health and fitness device.

Press a button on the crown to bring up a list of your closest friends and easily send them a message etc.

Answer a call on the watch and then transfer to the iPhone, car system or Bluetooth.

Silence an incoming call by putting your hand over the Apple watch.

For fun, use the builtin walkie talkie to talk to other Apple watch users send them a drawing or send them a tactile tap to let them know your thinking about them: you can also send your heart beat by holding 2 fingers down on the screen.

Will work with the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, iPhone six, and iPhone plus.

Works with Apple Pay and passbook.

Play your music on the Apple Watch or on your iPhone and control your Apple TV.

Has common apps to that of the iPhone including Calendar, Weather, and Maps.   Nice feature with Maps is that the Apple Watch will vibrate to tell you which way to turn: i.e. different tactile feedback for left or right turn.  

Doubles as a remote for the Eyesight camera.

Mag Safe Charging.

Internal water resistant speaker.

Siri.

Voice dictation.

 

Available in early 2015 starting at US $354

 

http://www.apple.com/watch/

 

U2 Album Release

 

The album that U2 Launched on the iTunes Store: Songs of Innocence: will be available for free to all iTunes customers from the 9th of September through to October 13 2014.

 

iPod Classic Discontinued

 

After 13 years, the iPod Classic finally got quietly retired.  This makes all of the portable Apple products accessible, and most using the lightening connector (besides the 3.5mm port on the iPod shuffle).

Talking Tech for September 9 2014

How To Pause Music Or Podcasts on the iPhone Without Touching The Screen

 

This is a very simple tip but sometimes forgotten, if you have your head phones plugged in to your iOS device or an audio cable going to your car stereo, just pulling out the cable will stop your music or podcast playing.

 

http://osxdaily.com/2014/08/19/pause-music-podcasts-iphone-ipod-audio-cable/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+osxdaily+%28OS+X+Daily%29

 

How To Get Your iPhone Or iPad Ready for iOS 8

 

These tips are quite good if you are thinking of updating to iOS 8: check your device compatibility, free up some storage space (usually updates require at least 3GB of space free), check for current OS or app updates and update, backup your device, and particularly if you have an iPhones 4s or iPad 2, hold off for a few weeks to see how other folks are going running iOS 8.

 

http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-prepare-your-iphone-or-ipad-for-ios-8/

 

Majority Of Time Taken Up on Digital Apps On Mobile

 

At least from my experience, I spend a lot more time using the apps on my iPhone, than I do using the desktop.

 

http://techcrunch.com/2014/08/21/majority-of-digital-media-consumption-now-takes-place-in-mobile-apps/

 

The Everyday Tasks That Your Phone Does Better Than Your Computer

 

I agree with this article and certainly use my iPhone for all of them: checking email, banking, reminders, searching google, and reading through your news feeds.

 

http://lifehacker.com/the-everyday-tasks-your-phone-does-better-than-your-com-1625393067?utm_campaign=socialflow_lifehacker_twitter&utm_source=lifehacker_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

 

A Guide To Using Twitter:

 

This is an excellent article on introducing new users to Twitter and explains a lot of the functionality in simple terms.

 

http://readwrite.com/2014/08/21/twitter-jargon-illustrated-rt-mt-canoes-darth?utm_content=awesmsharetools-sharebuttons&utm_medium=readwr.it-twitter&awesm=readwr.it_q2N4&utm_source=t.co&utm_campaign=

 

30 Days With Android

 

Marco blogs his experience of using Android for 30 days, lasting 18 days with some interesting observations.

 

http://30dayswithandroid.blogspot.de/2014/08/day-1-decision-and-configuration.html

 

Accessibility Head to Head - Apple Verses Android

 

A neutral discussion of Apple verses android in respect to blind or low vision usage.

 

http://takesugar.wordpress.com/2014/07/22/accessibility-head-to-head-android-vs-apple/

 

Are Smart Phone Users Loosing Their Appetite for New Apps

 

This article mainly points out that most people are satisfied with the apps they have, and see know need to change/purchase another app that does the same thing.

 

http://www.zdnet.com/are-smartphone-users-losing-their-appetite-for-new-apps-7000032826/

Talking Tech for September 2 2014

iPhone 6 Rumor Round Up

 

This Talking Tech show all about the iPhone 6 rumors.

 

September 9 announcement with pre-orders two weeks later as usual on September 19 with delivery early in October: well according to the rumors at least.

 

Now for the actual rumored features of the iPhone 6 starting from the most unlikely to the most likely.

 

Haptic feedback.

Enhanced GPs functionality through the use of sensors.

Protruding rear facing camera (as with the iPod touch).

NFC.

Reversible UsB to lightening cable.

1GB RAM (still the same as the iPhone 5s).

Removing the rear top/bottom glass inserts.

Rounded front panel bezel.

Safire glass.

Increased display resolution.

1800 MAH battery

Up to 128GB storage.

4.7 and a 5.5 inch model.

Larger iPhone 6 to be called the iPhone 6L.

 

5 Things that Some Android phones Have That iPhone 6 will Most Likely Not

 

 

VOLTE.

Infrared for remote control.

Micro SD card expansion slot.

A longer life battery.

NFC.

 

http://www.zdnet.com/five-things-android-smartphones-have-that-are-unlikely-to-come-to-the-iphone-6-7000032760/

 

Of Course The Other Rumored device

 

In the September 9 announcement we might also see some type of iWatch of some sort: guess we’ll soon know.

Talking TEch for August 26 2014

3 funny tech jokes

 

These are just 3 short one liner jokes that I cam across on Twitter.

 

A programmers wife says “run to the Store to buy a loaf of bread.  If the have eggs, get a dozen”.   He comes home with 12 loafs of bread.

A Farmer had 97 sheep, but when he rounded them up he found that he had a hundred.

What did the CPU say to the managed memory pool? free you later allocator.

 

A Tech Fact: Interestingly The Definition Of A Computer in 1946

 

In 1946 the Merriam Webster Dictionary defined computer as “a person who tabulates numbers; accountant; Actuary; bookkeeper.”

 

QANTAS and Virgin Get Green Light for Inflight Gadgets

 

As of today you will be able to use your tablets and phones for the whole flight.  However, they will still to be in flight mode, but you can still do your work.

 

http://www.smh.com.au/business/aviation/qantas-virgin-get-green-light-for-inflight-gadgets-20140825-108aev.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nc&eid=socialn%3Atwi-13omn1677-edtrl-other%3Annn-17%2F02%2F2014-edtrs_socialshare-all-nnn-nnn-vars-o%26sa%3DD%26usg%3DALhdy28zsr6qiq

 

 

The First Of My Two Purchase’s this week

 

It is still tech, but probably not quite what you expect.  I am now the proud owner of a hands free sensor kitchen bin which I purchased from Kmart.  Just walk up to the bin, the lid senses you are there, and the lid pops up: put in your rubbish and the lid closes after about several seconds.  The lid of the bin is the thing that does all the work, so if the actual bin part breaks, you can just buy another bin that fits the lid.

 

The Second Of My Purchases For The Week

 

I wanted some good head phones for work to block out the noise in the open plan office, and also needed them to work with my iPhone and Mac.  After a bit of searching around I finally decided upon the Beats Wireless head phones (not to be confused with the Beats Studio Wireless head phones).   For some reason I couldn’t find the Beats Wireless head phones on the Apple online store, only places like Harvey Norman, JB etc: purchased mine at Harvey Norman.

 

The Beats wireless fold up in to a soft carry case (included) and come with a remote cable for iPhone (with clicker) to use them as wired head phones, Bluetooth supported, mini UsB cable for charging the rechargeable battery which lasts 10 hours on Bluetooth and 20 hours wired, and a user manual.

 

Whilst not completely over the ear, the soft filled part of the ear cups do cover all of your ear and block out quite a deal of background noise.

 

The left ear cup has the Beats logo on it and at the bottom the UsB mini port.  The right ear cup has in a  clockwise clock layout the multi function on/off/answer/hang up button 12 12, next track at 3, 

volume up at 4, volume down at 7, previous track at 9, in the middle play/pause button, and at the bottom the 3.5MM head phone port.

 

They were easy to pair, when you plug in the cable Bluetooth is turned off, and they make a cool sound when you turn them on and off.

 

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/headphones-audio-music/headphones/wireless-headphones/beats-by-dr-dre-wireless-on-ear-headphones.html

 

Painting The Back Of The Accessibility Fence - iMore

 

In June 2014 Rene Ritchie from iMore wrote an article entitled: Apple and Accessibility: Pushing Back against uunacceptable realities:

http://www.imore.com/apple-and-accessibility-pushing-back-against-unacceptable-realities

which gained some attention in the blind and low vision community with him appearing on the Tech Doctors Podcast: Painting The Back Of The Apple Accessibility Fence.

 

Just another example of how main stream technology sites are mentioning accessibility more and more.

 

http://www.dr-carter.com/?p=315

 

A Famous Steve Jobs Speech Is Hidden on the Macs Hard Drive

 

These two speech’s are Here’s To the Crazy Ones from the Think Different campaign, and the Commencement address to Stanford university in 2005. all in one file (apple.txt), just paste in to Go To Directory (Shift+Command+G) /Applications/Pages.app/Contents/Resources/.

 

Just remember, you’ll need Pages installed on your Mac for this file to exist.

 

http://osxdaily.com/2014/08/20/famous-steve-jobs-speech-hidden-mac-easter-egg/