This week we cover: News of Apples’s latest phone, the iPhone 16e; An update to info about the WeWALK Smart Cane 2, including news that it will soon be available from the Vision Store, shop.visionaustralia.org; Damo’s recent venture in to the world of Network Radio. To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to …

This week we cover: News of the WeWALK Smart Cane 2 with more information available at wewalk.io; A little about Damo’s YouTube channel, including how he produces content with explanation of overcoming the challenges involved for a person who is blind. Damo’s channel can be found at youtube.com/@theblindtestdrive; News of the Be My Eyes app, includ…

This week we cover: Further news in the wake of the announcement of DeepSeek, the Chinese based AI tool; News of the Access On podcast of the American National Federation of the Blind feature on Blazie Technologies, blazietech.com; An explanation of the recently revamped Seeing Eye app from Microsoft; An explanation of the Invites app from Apple; A…

This week Damo takes us through: Some highlights from last week’s updates to Apple software products; A recent experience with Notebook LM, a Google AI tool; Some points to keep in mind about DeepSeek, the new AI tool from China; An update to Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini, which may be of interest to those who use hearing aids. To access the program, pr…

This week we cover: Vision Australia’s Alexa Smart Home program enabling participants to gain skills with Amazon Alexa devices. Furtherr information can be found by emailing [email protected]; Updates to the BT Speak from Blazie Technologies at blazietech.com and an associated podcast from Robert Carter (the Tech Doctor) athttps://www…

This week, while Damo continues his annual leave, Stephen chats with Jim Pipczak, Access Technology Lead with Vision Australia, based in Melbourne. To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech To write to the show use [email protected] Support this Vision Australia Radio …

This week, while Damo continues his annual leave, Stephen chats with Kent Walsdorf, Access Technology Lead with Vision Australia, based in Geelong Victoria. To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech To write to the show use [email protected] Support this Vision Austral…

This week, from the Coorparoo Office in Brisbane, we feature a recent conversation Damo had with Kimberley Nean, a participant in the Vision Australia Graduate Program. Kimberley Takes us through her life long encounter with the twin challenges of deteriorating hearing and vision, with emphasis in particular on the use she has made with evolving ac…

This week, reflecting on the year of development with assistive technology Damo looks at : breakthroughs with Smart Glasses with focus on the Meta and ARX Vision products; Release of the pockets sized BTSpeak from Blazie Technologies and Orbit Speak from Orbit Research; The release of the Dot Pad and Monarch multi line tactile braille displays; The…

This week: Damo explain availability of Vision Australia Assistive Technology and Quantum RLV services over the holiday season; We complete the round up of Apple software released in mid December; Damo explains some of the technology he uses when relaxing and holidaying; With technology scammers particularly active at this time of the year, There a…

This week: With Apple software updates released last week, Damo explains highlights of the enhancements for iPhone and iPad IOS 18.2; With video description now possible through multiple apps, Damo describes a comparison he made with the performance of Seeing AI and Piccybot; We have news of significant upgrades to the capabilities of the Humanware…

Show notes for Talking Tech of 10 December 2024 This week: We have a reminder of the Vision Store at Vision Australia as a resource for your Christmas shopping at shop.visionaustralia.org; News of this week’s release of upgraded Apple software; There is news of accessible, programmable cooking devices with the Meater range of products; Damo explain…

This week: Damo has tips on purchasing a new Windows PC; There is info about the Humanware Mantis Q40 Braille Display upgrade to incorporate text to speech output; RIM the accessible Remote Incident Manager from Pneuma Solutions introduces AI help tools. To access the program, presented by Stephen Jolley and Damo McMorrow you can go to varadio.org/…

This week with Christmas fast approaching, Damo visits the Vision Australia Vision Store at Coorparoo in Brisbane and chats with Store Coordinator Ruby Lacey. Ruby explains the Tonie accessible toy; the Tape King talking tape measure and spirit level; and the Colorino color identifier and light sensor. The Vision Store can be found at https://shop.…

This week we discuss: AT support available through the Vision Australia Help desk which can be reached in Australia by phone on 1300 847 466 and by email via [email protected]; Inclusion of BE My Eyes as an option on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses News of the Blind Shell Classic 3 phone, likely to arrive in Australia early in 2025. To acc…

This week we discuss: The November 2024 update to the BT Speak from Blazie Technologies with more information at https://www.blazietech.com/software-updates; Damo’s experience of AIRA with the Meta smart glasses; the training webinars from Vispero available online via https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/freewebinars/archivedwebinars To acces…

This week we discuss: The 2025 upgrades to Jaws, Fusion and ZoomText from Freedom Scientific, released last week and with more info from https://freedomscientific.com; An update to the NVDA screen reader from NV Access with more info from http://nvaccess.org; The latest suite of Apple software updates; An explanation of Applevis, the community reso…

This week we discuss: The BT Speak Braille input pocket computer from Blazie Technologies with more information at https://blazietech.com; The new Orcam Read Lite “point click and listen” reading device available from Quantum RLV via https://quantumrlv.com.au or Vision Australia via https://shop.visionaustralia.org; The Victor Reader Stream 3 from …

This week just days after International White Cane Day on October 15, we focus on some technology initiatives that can assist with moving around independently. Including: The revolutionary Australian Sensaball white cane tip with more information at https://sensaball.com.au; News of the Glide mobility aid under development from Glidance at https://…

This week we cover: News from Selvas BLV of the Braille Sense 6 firmware upgrade; Damo’s experience of the Notebook LM AI tool; News of the major upgrade of Windows 11 to 24H2 with further details at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 A battery preservation tip for IOS users of the iPhone 15 Pro or higher. For the podcast y…

This week we cover: An experience of using Chat GPT to access a PDF user manual; Discussion and comparison of the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses and the ARX vision wearables; News of David Woodbridge joining Humanware Australia; News of the Australian launch of the Monarch Tactile Braille display. For the podcast you can go to varadio.org/talkingtech T…

This week we cover: Explanation of the Meta Rayban smart glasses and the partnership with Be My Eyes; News of a major upgrade to the Humanware Prodigi low vision product; News of a major upgrade to he Hartgen Consultancy Jaws related Leasy product with more detail from https://www.hartgen.org; A more detailed look ahead to the annual upgrades to FS…

This week we cover: Some new accessibility features in iOS 18; A look ahead to the annual upgrades to FS products JAWS, Fusion and ZoomText; The upcoming launch on October 10 by Quantum RLV of the Monarch braille and tactile device, at a webinar with registration via Webinar Registration - Zoom. Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://…

On this week's Talking Tech Stephen is joined by new co-host Damo McMorrow, Vision Australia's Access Technology Officer. Damo shares with us what his role involves as well as what technology he uses. Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1…

On this weeks Talking Tech, Stephen and David discuss the September 9 Apple event. Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Oleh Vision Australia

This week on Talking Tech Stephen and David cover a range of new tech including hands on experience. Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

On this weeks episode Stephen and David discuss the changes in assistive technology throughout David's career as well as some new tech on the way. Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info…

Tonie Box Starter Kit Light Blue https://shop.visionaustralia.org/toniebox-starter-set-light-blue.html New Siri verses old Siri https://9to5mac.com/2024/08/17/new-siri-vs-old-siri/ 2 Part sounds of Apple Podcast series on Twenty Thousand Hertz Podcast https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/2024/08/15/two-part-sound-of-apple-podcast-series/ Google Event 2024…

Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Oleh Vision Australia

Product Minute: Big Purple Phone Silver Fox Large print phone for low vision, seniors or people with cognitive challengers. In the box: Phone, stylus, charger/charging chord, phone case, welcome booklet, Nokia booklets, Physical Buttons; Emergency SOS, volume, and power. Connectivity: Head phone jack, USBC, and 3.5mm head phone jack. Also Bluetooth…

Product Minute: Synaptic software for your Android Phone or Tablet What is Synaptic: Synapptic is an all in one software or app package for people who are blind or vision impaired, , that works on android smartphones and tablets. Synaptic overview: Find your way around with clear and bright icons. All screens have the same look and feel. In other w…

The Vision Store is available to anyone in the community who would like to have a bit of help with being able to see things that bit better. We had a campaign a while ago now which was called “when glasses no longer help”, a now a new campaign called Tech for Your eyes”. Check it out at the Vision Store website: Https://shop.visionaustralia.org Bip…

Product Minute: blindShell - accessible phone MountBatten Brailler Tutor chat with Peter Cracknel. https://shop.visionaustralia.org/campaigns/mountbatten-brailler-tutor.html Vision Pro released last week in Australia: spacial computing, access with low vision or sight. https://www.apple.com/au/apple-vision-pro/ Samsung Unpack event last week: Z Fli…

Product Minute: HeadBeam Plus. Excellent wearable head torch with spotlight and flood light functions, SOS mode, and gesture on/off response. Note - whoops from me, I got to excited and called it a head lamp rather than HeadBeam. https://shop.visionaustralia.org/headbeam-plus.html Further Education Bursary Awards 2025 Open to Certificate IV and abo…

Vision Store Product Minute: Arkon Smart Phone desktop Stan One of the main ways I can tell if a product I use is amazingly amazing, is if I keep using it over a number of years. The Arkon Smart phone Desktop Stand is one of these. I can put my smart phone at a range of heights, and positions depending on whether I am on a video call, demonstrating…

In this show we concentrate on talking about 3 wearable devices for Australian users: ARX Vision (coming soon in the next few months)), Orcam MyEye 3, and Envision glasses. ARX Vision. Requires USBC cable connection to Smart phone or BSC2. Basic operation requires the ARX app. Works as a camera on Android as well with the Seeing AI or Navilens app.…

The 3G network is shutting down in August. Stephen Tinker, Telstra's Regional Manager for Victoria, shares with Peter Greco good news on a new initiative which will see 12,000 mobile devices being sent to Telstra customers in difficult situations. To find out if your phone will work after the 3G network is closed down text the number 3 to 3498. See…

Three-quarters of Australians with disabilities experience barriers from engaging in sport. Peter Greco hears from Dane Cross about the difficulties such as the availability of tailored programs and special equipment. Also with the end of the financial year coming up, how you may be able to help. More here: Sporting Wheelies See omnystudio.com/list…

Product Minute: Orcam Read 3. This handheld device can read printed or digital text aloud and can act as a stationary reader when used with its stand. Connect it to a smart tablet or computer and use the AI assistance to ask questions about the text it reads or even have it summarised for you https://shop.visionaustralia.org/orcam-read-3-with-stand…

In this weeks Talking Tech it is all about Apple WWDC 2024 keynote, and what is new in the 6 OS’s, and of course Apple’s own Apple Intelligence. For more info on the beta info for Vision Pro 2, iOS 18, iPad os 18, watch os 11, TV os 18, and Mac OS 15, check out the US Apple website at: https://www.apple.com Remember that these are developer betas o…

Product Minute: Get up to 15% off selected assistive tech devices from the Vision Store. Sale ends June 30, or while stocks last. Come in to any Vision Store or shop online at https://shop.visionaustralia.org/onsale Blind Shell Classic 2 Ok for When Telstra Drops 3G network on August 31 2024 All is safe, your Blind Shell Classic 2 will continue to …

Product Minute: EOne Bradley Watch More than a watch, a classic Time piece. https://shop.visionaustralia.org/campaigns/eone-bradley-mesh-silver-watch-40mm.html The Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre is offering two PhD Scholarships. Candidates who identify as having a disability are strongly encouraged to apply. You can learn abo…

In this podcast, Toby Walsh is joined by Vision Australia assistive technology guru and 'Talking Tech' presenter David Woodbridge to chat all things Artificial Intelligence. Toby Walsh is Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of New South Wales, rese…

Quick list of links for this weeks show. OPen AI 4o Online Presentation https://www.engadget.com/openai-claims-that-its-free-gpt-4o-model-can-talk-laugh-sing-and-see-like-a-human-184249780.html?src=rss&guccounter=1 The Chat GPT Mac Desktop app (for Chat GPT Plus Subscribers) https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-chatgpt-desktop-app-is-more-helpful-than…

Product Minute: Mountbatten Tutor. Happy to say the Mountbatten Tutor is available from both Vision Australia and Quantum RLV. Great for pre-Braille training in to primary. Could be used by adults as well, but not primary focus. Braille, emboss, type in via QWERTY keyboard, see what is happening on the inbuilt screen, and link it up to a smart phon…

In this weeks Talking Tech, Stephen gives a warning about the potential of the Sonos app update May 7 in the US not being accessible with VoiceOver. Stephen catch’s up with Sam Taylor (ATC) from the Va Brisbane office on a general discussion about assistive and main stream tech. Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustral…

This week Stephen revisits a program from late last year in conversation with David on the technology advances in 2024. Notes from 26th December 2023: What is Computer Artificial Intelligence (AI) In simple terms, it is making computers think like Humans. Eg recognising speech, making decision, and recognising patterns etc. General examples of Comp…

Product Minute: Envoy Connect Audio Player for the Vision Australia Library Straightforward and easy to use with the Windows Kiosk application to access books and download to the plugged in player. Then unplug, and enjoy your audio book. Remember, the Vision Australia Library is open to anyone with a print disability, and the Vision Store is availa…

Product Minute:: Mini Guide Cane Holder As the name suggests, it is a holder that you slide your Mini Guide in to which is attached to your cane. I only purchased mine this week and it is one of those items which I should have purchased when it first came out, it is so handy smile. Several links below Two links firstly to the Va Store shop page for…

Talking Tech for April 9 2024 Product Minute: Shokz Open Move Bone Conduction Head Phones Two reasons why I always go back to these head phones. Firstly of course, they are bone conduction head phones leaving my ears free to listen to what is around me. Secondly, they use a standard USBC port which means for my ever growing collection of USBC devic…