RNIB Tech Talk episodes
Showing episodes 241 to 250 of 638
SuperNova, What Three Words and Emails
Good day, everyone! Team Tech Talk returns for yet another show, full of accessible tech gossip and talking points. Settle down with a brew and a biscuit, and let us entertain you for the next hour! On today's show, Steven is joined by Robin, Tim, Emails Andy and special guest Sue Dunn, who is a service user at the KVIN. Sue joins us to talk to us all about her experiences using SuperNova, the magnifier and screen reader for Windows. Can it be a serviceable alternative to other options? How customisable is it? Also on this week, Hannah joins us from the RNIB Technology For Life team to tell us all about What Three Words- the app that divides the world into three metre squares, gives each square a unique combination of three words, that makes it easier to find and share exact locations. We dip back into emails as well - and thank you so much for filling our inbox back up over the last week! We talk a little more about the disappointment regarding the RNIB Digital Radio, Steven asking Microsoft for favours, fully talking telephones, and problems with making phone calls on the Amazon Echo. [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) for all your correspondence, as ever. Join us next week!
Back Into Our Email Inbox
Yes, it's us again, twice in one day - we spoil you! On this episode, we have Steven, Robin, Andy, Callum and Shaun - and it is our goal to clear the TT email inbox - do we succeed? You'll have to listen to find out! We start off the show a little confused, which admittedly, isn't that hard for some of us! But we soon dive back into your questions and queries, including: Lady A devices with minds of their own, a little more Aftershokz and cheek vibrations, reading manuals, fanfares, the merits of Voiceover, more NVDA chat, being wanted, this time with an actual NVDA user, bonny ladies or bunny ladies, working Netflix with Audio Description on your iPhone, convoluted Apple shortcuts, and loads more! Want to air your opinion on Aftershokz, accessible TV's, screen readers or smart speakers? Email us at [email protected] We'll be back next Tuesday at 1PM on both radio and podcast - see you then!
A Bank Holiday Email Special
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Tech Talk! What a treat we have for you this week - two Tech Talks! Now, I could explain that one aired on Bank Holiday Monday, and the other in the usual TT timeslot of Tuesday 1PM on RNIB Connect Radio, but you don't need to worry about that, as this is podcast world! Both shows are coming to you at the usual time. How generous are we? Very! Steven is joined by Robin, Andy, and a returning Callum this week to hopefully empty the email inbox - firstly, we cover a rather impassioned email about the RNIB Digital Radio we reviewed a few weeks back - some people believe the product is falling far short of expectations, leaving them a little underwhelmed - as we like to be unbiased about these things, we talk about the apparent shortfalls. Does this radio discriminate? Also, we hear about a success story of someone reporting an accessibility bug to the developer - it always brings a smile to hear these types of stories, especially when the company then goes out of its way to improve the software for an audience it maybe didn't consider the item was for. We also dip our toes back into the NVDA chat, after an email from a coder - what would be the best screen reader to progress to for an increase of productivity, but with a lack of resources to try them all? Also on this week, we talk about Steven's big head (literally in this case, although he's been hearing that figurative insult for years now!), tips on using smartphones left handed, incognito mode, Lady A on a PC, accessible TV's and PVRs (Personal Video Recorders), Aftershokz, Soundscape, and... what's in the box?! Coming up in 379, Shaun Preece... You lucky people!
Apple's Spring Loaded Event, Braille Displays, and Amazon Echo
It's Tuesday, it's 1pm, that means only one thing...Tech Talk! Steven, Robin and Tim are all here to talk about the smorgasbord of new colourful products from Apple... yep, sorry haters, of course we're talking about the Spring Loaded Event, including the new iMac, and AirTags, and improvements to Apple TV. What do the team make of the news; underwhelmed, overwhelmed? There is more to talk about, as ever - Ben Rendle is here from RNIB's Technology For Life team to tell us how he uses the Amazon Echo in his home, we're also joined by Paul Bepey to hear about Braille Displays, including the ElBraille. As Steven mentioned in the show, next week we have not one, but TWO Tech Talks... you lucky people! You can tune in to RNIB Connect Radio on Bank Holiday Monday at 5PM to hear show one of our email specials, and then the second will be in our usual timeslot on a Tuesday. If you only listen via podcasts, no need to panic - both shows will drop one after the other on Tuesday at 1pm. You still have time to get your emails in for those shows - but be quick! Want to air your opinion on the Apple event? What to talk about the latest tech product in your life? Have you purchased the new RNIB Digital Radio we talked about last week? All subjects will be covered! [email protected], and Andy will add them to the list for next week. Until then!
Blind Android Users, Covid Test help from Be My Eyes, and the RNIB Digital Radio
Here we are, once again, talking accessible technology on the aptly named Tech Talk! Steven is joined by Robin, Tim and emails Andy for this week, as well as a whole host of special guests! Firstly, Steven has been chatting to the team at http://www.blindandroidusers.com, for an in-depth talk about Android and accessibility, availability, popularity, as well as the updates to TalkBack, Android Braille options, and taking the first steps away from a certain smartphone rival! Also on the show, Steven gives a full and detailed, hands on review of the new RNIB digital radio (https://shop.rnib.org.uk/rnib-digital-radio-89822) , including the features and functions it has. Not only that, we hear a clip from an interview from RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh on how Be My Eyes can help you with your Home Covid tests, we very briefly mention the Apple event which is happening today (April 20th), (but we'll save that for another time), and we tackle your emails and voicemails, including a couple more tips on productivity. To email us your thoughts on the topics we covered today, email [email protected], and you'll hear it in an upcoming show. If you'd like to find out more about Blind Droid Users, you can find them on your podcast app of choice, as well as smart speakers, and on internet enabled victor reader devices. You can follow them on Twitter (https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers) here, or join their mailing list sending an email to to [email protected] Chat to you all soon!
New RNIB product catalogue, Echo Show 10, and accessible gaming
Hi there! Welcome back to Tech Talk. There is loads and loads and loads in today's show, how on earth we cram everything in to one hour is beyond comprehension! Firstly, we can say that Steven, Robin and Andy are re-joined by Tim once again, after a brief absence - welcome back Mr Schwartz! On today's show, we talk about some new products coming soon from the RNIB that has Steven all giddy! The new product guide was revealed at the start of April, and we talk through some of the items available - full demos from Steven coming soon, if he can ever stop saying the word "excited"! Also this week, Steven chats with Dennis Stansbury, Amazon’s UK Country Manager for Alexa Experience and Devices, about the Echo Show 10 - the newest in the 'Lady A' range of smart speakers, which includes a 10.1" HD screen that moves automatically and always keeps you in the frame - a big plus for video calls, and following recipes in the kitchen! Our Technology for Life team feature comes via Fraser Fleming of Triple Tap Tech in Scotland, who is talking all about accessible gaming! What's that, you want more? Fine! We even have time to dip our toes into the pool of emails - this week, moving from PC to Mac, and what that means for those switching from Jaws to Voiceover. All that, plus clamshell phones, QVC, Perky Duck, sunsets, ruminating, Demolition Man, and being covered in chocolate. We love to read your emails, so if you have thoughts on the Echo Show 10, gaming consoles and accessibility, the new products from Amazon or anything in between... [email protected] P.S. Coming soon to this feed - a special Tech Talk Geek Out podcast on Aira! Chat to you all next week :)
Google Lookout, Smart Crosswords, and a handful of emails
Good day, lovely people! On today's TT, Steven, Robin and Andy are once again joined by Shaun to talk all manner of wonderful things! Some big news to come from Sky TV last week - Sky Q now gives more control to visually impaired customers, thanks to the service’s latest update, including a new Voice Guidance feature, which has got everyone all giddy! Also, we hear all about Google Lookout, as Davinder Kullar from RNIB's Technology For Life team explains all. Robin's having a few cross words with Lady A this week too - did you know you can do crosswords (or play crosswords, according to Steven), on your Echo device? In emails this week, defending NaviLens, QR codes, and a question about cooking hobs not being accessible. Finally... Get well soon, Tim! Chat to you all next Tuesday!
Tech Tips for Managing Workflow, RNIB Braille Library changes, and Sharky
Do you ever feel overwhelmed, like you're spinning far too many plates, and that things are getting on top of you? How many unread emails do you have? How many times a day does your work phone ring? Well, we here at Tech Talk feel your pain - so we've gathered the crew to talk about some 'Top Tech Talk Tech Tips' to help battle workflow, productivity and time management! Steven Scott, Robin Christopherson and Emails Andy return with self proclaimed Tech Talk black sheep Shaun Preece, to talk about overflowing email inboxes, FOMO and learning to switch off from 'work mode', prioritizing tasks, and being 'overfaced'! There are some really helpful tips on getting the most out of Outlook, Notepad, phone apps, and more. Also this week, we hear from Mohammed Atif from the RNIB Technology for Life team, this week introducing us to Sharky, the JAWS 2021 voice assistant. In emails we talk about Clubhouse accessibility, and using NVDA as a first-time PC user, we hear a clip from Toby Davey's recent interview with Dave Williams about the new RNIB Braille Library on demand service starting April 2021, and we also talk a bit about 'Calls', the new Apple TV+ show which is all about audio! All that, plus Hells Angels, A Star is Born, Lord Doctor, Greenland, and we send out best wishes to Tim, who is recovering from the after-effects of his COVID jag - get well soon, Mr S! To email your thoughts and feelings: [email protected] PLUG! Robin will be talking all things accessibility with Emma Pratt-Richens, Senior Research Engineer (Accessibility Specialist) at the BBC - Tuesday 6 April at 1pm. It's free to register, click here (https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6416170283101/WN_K1rJdDg1T1WGLh0Qlhht1A) ! Other up-coming webinars can be found at http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/webinars Back next week!
One Year of Lockdown - A Tech Perspective
Good day Tech Talk fans! We need a name for you... Talkies? Tekkers? If you have a better name, email in ;) Anyway, welcome to this week's show, and it's a bit of a special one this week, with a particular theme - Joining Steven and Robin this week are Madleen Bluhm and Ben Rendle from the RNIB's Technology For Life team. It's been one whole year of COVID-related restrictions, in the UK at least. As of today, around 40% of the UK has been vaccinated - it seems like only yesterday we were worried about loo paper shortages, and getting money back from booked summer holidays. Steven and his regular contributors have been recording Tech Talk now from our home offices, our spare rooms, and wherever there is space, since episode 317. Today, on episode 372, we look back at an unprecedented twelve months. What can we make of the last year, from a technology perspective? Have we seen any positives since last March? What about Madleen and Ben - have some of the questions they've been asked in the TFL team been challenging, or has it opened up new tech possibilities? We'd love to know what you've made of Working From Home, online banking, video conferencing software, dealing with limitations of travel and seeing family. Email us at [email protected] One final note - there is a light at the end of this long tunnel we've been in. We hope Tech Talk has helped you over the last year, that the show has kept you company in times of isolation, given you laughs when some days it's been tough to smile, been a companion in times where we've not seen our colleagues, family and friends. For those of you who have not only listened along, but followed government restrictions, kept your distance, worn your masks and washed your hands - thank you.
IKEA's audio catalogue, LIDAR, and Hungry Hippos
Good day to you all! Welcome to another Tech Talk, brought to you by RNIB Connect Radio. This week marks the one year anniversary of self-isolating, working from home, and social distancing from our friends, extended family and co-workers - time flies, eh? Let Tech Talk cheer you up as spring is just around the corner! This week's episode, featuring Steven, Robin, Tim and Emails Andy, covers the news and talking points from the week - did you know there's an audio version of the IKEA catalogue now online? Well, it's less of a full catalogue, more of a "tour for the ears", as IKEA themselves describe it. Think of it like an audiobook, with all the items in the story having price tags; could this kind of innovation catch on? We play an audio sample, and share our thoughts. There's a new audio game on the iOS and Android market called Blind Drive, and as we're all fans of playing games and not doing actual work, we all promise to try it out, and see if the praise is justified! What else? Well, Steven's reviewing the Sonic 2, which is a portable USB memory stick player and Bluetooth speaker. Will Steven listen to more audiobooks on it? Tim and Robin are sceptical! The tech also gets put through Steven's "how many toes would this break if I dropped it on my feet" test. Very scientific, I believe NASA operates similar methods. More? You want more? Okay! We hear from Madleen Bluhm from the Technology For Life team about LIDAR, We chat about Apple apparently discontinuing the full-sized HomePod to focus on the HomePod Mini, in emails we get asked about the Apple Watch being suitable for running, and also about hidden dialog boxes on the Mac being a pain in the derriere! All that, plus Andy possibly being replaced by 'Mia', lost llamas and hungry Hippos, hefty thunks, "open calculator!", narrators putting you off certain audiobooks, and Noah's Ark. As ever, if you want to join in the chat, you can! Email: [email protected] Tweet: @RNIBRadio using the #AskTechTalk. Chat soon!