All Cool Blind Tech Shows

For all of our listeners who have resolved to quit smoking this year: In this episode, James Oates talks about how to purchase the right E-cigarette. He reviews the different components of the device and how which ones are easier for a person with a visual disability to use. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a vapor liquid with the correct nicotine level. The products discussed in this episode can be found at: Beach Side Vapors.

The new year is also a fresh look for us! With that we are launching Breaking in Windows, a show dedicated to the discussion, review and demonstration of all things Microsoft and Windows related. What better a way to Break out our new show than to bring you what’s new with Windows 10! It’s almost straight out of Star Trek! James Oates brings Cory Martin, a recent addition to the CBT team on board to discuss the Microsoft event and to hash out what this could mean from an accessibility perspective. The year of 2015 is shaping up to be a very active one with some exciting changes at Microsoft, we will need to stay tuned to see how things play out and to see how the assistive technology venders will innovate to stay ahead of this ever-shifting landscape. Finally, although holographic technology may not be useable by those of us who are traversing life in the dark, the impact on product design might hold some surprising and possibly very welcoming changes for us. To hear us discuss this event in detail give this show a listen!

Winston Chen, the developer of the iOS app, Voice Dream Reader, sits down with the team at Cool Blind Tech to tell the story of how having been inspired by a Ted Talk podcast, his departure from mainstream tech, life on an Artic island north of Norway, and how that led to the development of Voice Dream Reader.

Introducing GoogleÕs Nexus Player, a streaming media and gaming device that displays content on your television by way of a Wi-Fi connection and a HDMI cable. In this episode, James Oates demonstrates how to perform a voice search using the remote controlÕs built in microphone. He shows us which applications come pre-installed, and how to download and install additional applications. Most importantly, he shows us how to activate and use Talkback, a built in screen reader for devices running Android.

In this episode, James Oates shows us how to add a Skype contact and make a Skype call using Cortana. He shows us how to compose a Tweet and check our timeline on Twitter. Finally, he demonstrates the functionality of the email application. Threw out the episode, he is using the built in screen reader, Narrator, on a Nokia Lumia 635 running Windows Phone 8.1.

In this episode Garth demonstrates the installation and setup of the applications Karabiner and Seil to allow the remapping of your CapsLock key for use as the VoiceOver modifier key. He also shows you how to set up another keyboard shortcut to enable and disable capsLock. * Go into System Preferences, Keyboard. In the keyboard tab of the dialog, activate the Modifier Keys button. In the table, find the CapsLock key option and assign “No Action”. * From pqrs.org, download and install the applications Karabiner and Seil. * Open Seil, and in the Settings tab, find the first table. In the table expand the row which relates to the CapsLock key. Activate this option by checking the checkbox. Move VO focus over to the Key Code field and VO+Spacebar on it. Now, overtype it from 51 to 110. . * Open Karabiner. You’ll receive a system notification the first time you run the utility. You’ll be prompted to allow Karabiner to control the computer using Accessibility Features. Follow the prompt and you should be taken to the Security and Privacy pain of System Preferences where you can grant access to Karabiner. * Back in the “Change Key” tab of Karabiner, use the search field to find the appropriate configuration in the table. You can search for blind and the list will be narrowed to the appropriate entry, Use CapsLock as VoiceOver key. Check this checkbox and you’re ready to use your CapsLock key as the VoiceOver modifier. To setup a CapsLock key replacement, go to the “Change Key” tab of Karabiner. In the Remapping Table, find the entry, Shift+Escape to CapsLock and check it. Now you’re able to use these keys to toggle CapsLock on and off.

p>In this episode Hugo demonstrates how to scan credit cards using Safari.

In this episode, James Oates tells us about Microsoft's new operating system coming in 2015. He shows us the new Start Menu, Task Viewer, and the Virtual Desktop Viewer contained in the current version of Windows10 Technical Preview.

In episode four, James Oates introduces us to Tweet Free, a fully accessible Twitter client for Windows8.1. He walks us through version eleven of Adobe Reader for reading PDF files. He demonstrates Adobe Digital Additions for reading eBooks. He shows us how to add a RSS feed to Microsoft Outlook. Finally, he demonstrates making a phone call using Google Voice inside of Google Hangouts.

The knfbReader app is the focus of this episode. It’s UI, it’s features, and some comparisons with other OCR applications available on iOS. This podcast was recorded after the initial release and installed on an iPhone 5 running iOS8. Garth shows the use of the current feature set in a few real world situations, gives tips on how to get the best out of it, and run in to a bug or two on the way. If you are still on the fence with respect to the purchase of knfbReader, than you will find this demonstration useful in making up your own mind.

Apple introduces braille screen input for iOS users. Follow along as Hugo guides us through the setup and functionality of the new braille input now available on iOS 8. To report any issues with accessibility on iOs8, you can email Apple directly at: accessibility@apple.com Apple feedback

In this overview, Hugo demonstrates some of the latest features in iOS 8. Looking for tips on using your iOS device? Now you can with the Tips app. Hey Siri is put through the hands free test and Siri now incorporates Shazam, a great feature for music enthusiasts. Hugo then moves on to showing you how to use Spotlight, if you’re looking for a contact or an app. Sometimes you’re looking for answers. Spotlight now gives you suggestions from Wikipedia entries, places nearby, trending news and more. Other features included are audio ducking, battery usage on individual apps, weather app, contacts in the app switcher, and notification centre. To report any issues with accessibility on iOs8, you can email Apple directly at: accessibility@apple.com Apple feedback

In episode 3 of James Oates Exploring Windows 8.1 series, James switches from JAWS15 to NVDA2014.3 and shows us four free popular applications from the Windows Store. He walks us threw how to use Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, and YouTube. James also demonstrates Xbox Radio and Google Hangouts. Many thanks to Brandon Cross for his time in editing this podcast.

In this first episode of a series, James Oates gives us an overview of accessibility options on Windows Phone8.1. Using an entry level Nokia Lumia 635, he demonstrates the built in screen reader Narrator, and runs through the apps you will find on your phones start screen. A run through of the Ease of Use options, a quick look at Internet Explorer and an introduction to Cortana, your personal assistant gives us a great insight to how Microsoft are shaping up after their slow start in Windows Phone accessibility.

In part two of Exploring Windows 8.1, James Oates takes us on a tour of all of the applications that are pre-installed on the start screen. The following applications are included in the demonstration: Mail, Skype, One Drive, Reading List, Calendar, Weather, Finance, Video, Music, Sports, Internet Explorer, News, and the Windows Store. James also briefly demonstrates Google Now on Chrome.