iSee - Using various technologies from a blind persons perspective.

Windows 10 Narrator Series Episode 9 - navigating on the web with Narrator

In this demo using the Narrator Online User guide, I demo navigating by list of links, headings or Land Marks.  Demo the Table reading mode and the Narrator Find command.  Run through how to change and navigate  the Narrator reading view, and summary comment on bringing web links etc, scan mode, Narrator Find, Table reading, and reading views all together.

Demo of adjusting Reading Speed of Audible books on the Amazon Echo using Alexa

When you are listening to Audible audio books on your Amazon Echo, Alexa now lets you adjust the REading Speed by saying Alexa:

Read Faster (up to max 150 percent),

Read Slower (down to 75 percent) or

Read at Normal Speed (back to 100 percent).

Finally we have at least some control of Auidble audio books speed as we do on the Iphone, not as fast, but certainlyh better than nothing.

Now I can really enjoy my Amazon Echo with my Audible books the way I like to listen to them.

 

Windows 10 Narrator Series Episode 8 - Scan Mode, Narrator Views, and using Narrator Gestures with the Touch Screen

In this demo, I run through Scan Mode toggled via Narrator+Space, Narrator Views (changed with Narrator+Up/Down Arrows and navigate via Left/Right Arrows), and using Narrator gestures with the touch screen.

 

Windows 10 Narrator Series Episode 7 - Navigating within a document with Narrator keyboard commands

In this demo, I use Notepad to demo the various Narrator navigating commands for previous, current and Next Character, Word, Line, Sentence, Paragraph, and Page.

I also demo continuous reading and show with the FN key it allows the cursor keys to be Home, End, Page UP, and Page Down.

Windows 10 Narrator Series Episode 6 - Typing Echo and Keyboard Settings

In this demo, I take you through the Typing Echo and Keyboard settings in Narrator settings access via Control+Windows+N.

Also do a bit of a demo showing how my typing settings sound by launching and typing in to Notepad.

 

Windows 10 Narrator Series Episode 5 Startup options for Narrator including Narrator Home

In this demo, I look at the startup options for Narrator within Narrator Settings accessed by Control+Windows+N, and go through the Narrator Home screen which is ahndy for beginer Narrator users.

Note - keep in mind that this and other demos is based upon the Windows Insider build of Windows 10 and is mostly what you can expect when the next version of Windows 10 is officially released.

Windows 10 Narrator Series Episode 4 - changing Volume, Pitch, Audio Ducking, and an initial intro to Scan Mode

In this demo I take you in to Narrator Settings with Control+Windows+N and introduce you to Scan Mode with Caps Lock+Space Bar as an initial intro to this function.

Windows 10 Narrator Episode 3 - adjusting speech rate, Volume, Punctuation, and a tip on Verbosity

In this demo I take you through adjusting Narrators Speech rate, Volume, Punctuation, and a tip on Verbosity.

For the first 3 items, the minus (hyphen) and equals keys are used to to adjust.  The Equals key is the key that also has the Plus on it if you hold down the Shift key.  so a better way of thinking about this seuqnce is to think of mius and plus as least of way of remembering the commands which are:

Narrator+Minus decrease or Narrator Plus increase Speech rate,

Narrator+Control+Minus decrease or Narrator+Control+Plus increase Volume, and

Narrator+Alt+Minus counter clockwise or Narrator+Alt+Pus clockwise cycle through Punctuation.

Note - your Narrator key can either be Caps Lock or Insert.

Finally I have atip on Narrator+V for Verbosity where if you have it on Verbosity level 3, it will read list numbering such as on the desktop.  If you add a Shift to this command, you can cycle backwards through the verbosity setings.

 

Quick demo of using the Home, News, and Voice Memos app on the Mac with VoiceOver

In this demo, I give you a quick look at how I use the Home app to access devices at home, the News app to keep up with news, and Voice Memos to quickly do and playback recordings from my Mac.

Of course, these were the apps that Apple ported from iOS on to the Mac OS to give the best of worlds for either accessing these apps from iOS devices or the Mac OS desktop.

Demo of the Mac app Tooth Fairy to put Bluetooth icons on menu bar for faster access to AirPods etc.

In this demo, I demo the Mac app Tooth Fairy to show how easy it is to add a Bluetooth icon to the menu bar (in VoiceOver terms the Extra Menu) to allow faster access to AirPods: eg switching them from the iPhone to the Mac.

Link to the Mac App Store for Tooth Fairy

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toothfairy/id1191449274?mt=12

Windows 10 Narrator Series Episode 2 - Narrator keys and Input (keyboard and touch screen) Learning mode.

In Episode 2 of the Windows 10 Narrator Series, I identify the two Narrator keys (Caps Lock or Insert) that are used to start a Narrator command.

I then move on to demonstrate the Input Learning mode accessed via Caps Locs plus 1 that allows the user to explore the keyboard, Narrator commands, and the touch screen (such as on a Surface pro) without the keys, Narrator commands or touch's on the screen being acted upon.

To exit Input Learning mode, Caps Lock+1 twice.

As I point out in the demo, if you want to use the Caps Lock function, press it twice to turn it on and again twice to turn it off.

 

 

Windows 10 Narrator Episode 1 - turning Narrator on and off

In this first episode, I show you how to turn Narrator on and off with my Surface Pro using the keyboard shortcut Control+Windows+Enter - this will turn Narrator on or off.

For keys orientation, on the Surface pro keyboard, the keys to the left of the Space Bar going from left to right are Control, Function, Windows, and Alt.

The second method I demo is to use the Windows Run command like this - Windows+R, type in the word "Narrator" without the quotes, and press the Enter key.

When the Narrator interface comes up, you can TAb to Exit Narrator and press the Space Bar or ssimply press Control+Windows+Enter.

The final option I talk about is to use Cortana to turn on or off Narrator.  Run Cortana with Windows+C, say "turn on Narrator" without the quotes smile, and Narrator should turn on (of course say off instead of on to exit Narrator).

For some odd reason, on my Surface Pro this Cortana command(s) doesn't work.

Folks asked, so here is What is in David's tech cary bag and tech bag.

Some folks have asked for a while now what actual tech I carry around with me as I seem to have a lot of stuff.

So here is the tech stuff organised in to what I carry in my over the shoulder tech bag, and what is in my carry/wheel  tech bag.

 

Demo of the Rivo 2 custom Bluetooth keyboard for VoiceOver (Talkback and Voice Assistant) now with Mic to use Siri/phone and Speaker to use VoiceOver/phone

In this demo, I give you a full run down of the Rivo 2 keyboard.

Since my first demo of the Rivo 1 back in 2014, extremely pleased to have been able to give the Rivo 2 a good go through.

The Mic and speaker really make this a great solution for using your iPhone (in my case) truly hands free as it were.

Envoy Connect - basic and simple to use daisy player with solar charging from the Vision Australia Library

In this demo, I give you a physical description of the Envoy Connect, turning the unit on, navigation, and turning the unit off.

I also mention what you get in the box, and the option you have to plug the unit via a micro UsB cable in to a UsB charger or power the unit via the USB cable from a PC which allows you to also transfer daisy audio books on to the player.

For more information about the Envoy Connect, you can contact the Vision Australia library on 1300 654 656.

In the new year 2019, the Envoy Connect will be available for sale via the Vision Store from Vision Australia.

Demo of using Apple Car Play using VoiceOver on our family's shiny new red Subaru Forester I-S 2019 SUV

In This demo, I show you that as a VoiceOver user, you can still enjoy all the benefits of Apple's Car Play using a combination of siri from the Cars Talk button, and accessing audio/apps on iPhone with VoiceOver.

Really hope you enjoy this demo as much as I had producing it.

Really pleased with car Play and of course the Subaru Forester smile.

A work around for people who find the VoiceOver iPhone X gestures a bit hard to use

In this demo, I show you how to use the Assistive Touch menu to replicate the Home, App Switcher, and Reachability VoiceOver gestures on the iPhone X and iPad.

Note - you can still access Notifications and Control Centre via the 3 finger flick up or down from the status line using VoiceOver.

I have had several customers at Vision Australia who have been to an Apple Store and have had this work around suggested to them, so thought I'd share this on a podcast.

 

 

Demo of how to setup Live Listen on your iPhone for use with your AirPods to use iPhone as a remote listening device

In this demo, I show you how to setup Live Listen for use with your AirPods to allow you to use the iPHone as a remote listen device such as when your wanting to hear a person in a noisy restaurant for example.

Sunu Band firmware update tip demo as of October 2018 - voiced obsticle detection distance for indoor or outdoor sonar modes

In this demo, I show you how to toggle via a 1 finger double tap on the touch surface of the Sunu Band, spoken distance obstacle detection for indoor and outdoor sonar modes.

note - the voice which is peaking the various modes etc is coming via the Sunu App in this case running on my iPhone when I am using the buttons, and touch surface on the Sunu Band.

There is also an Android version  of the Sunu app as well. 

If you are in Australia and you would like to order a Sunu Band, go to the Vision Australia shop:

 

 

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shop/product/sunu-band

 

Feer, The Game of Running Blind - Endless Zombie runner game demo

In this demo, I take you through the main screens of the game including Help, Tutorial (on how to play the game), sounds, profile, upgrade, and play a game or two to give you an idea of how much fun this game is to play.

Link to the iOS App Store:

https://www.feer.at/index.php/en/home/

Demo of the new Amazon Echo Show using Voice view screen reader

In this demo, I give you a physical description of the Amazon Echo Show with its 7 inch touch screen, how to turn on Voice view (screen reader), Voice view Tutorial, some basic and handy gestures, navigating around the Amazon Echo Show with the touch screen, turning on the Start and End action sounds, and playing music/movies.

Oh and of course, using Alexa smile...

Changes and sound of the new Amazon Echo Dot as of October 2018 verses the previous version

In this demo, I go through the main feature differences between the new and previous version of the Amazon Echo Dot plus play a bit of music and a audio book for you to hear the difference.

iOS 12 demo - new iPad gestures for VoiceOver re iPhone X style gestures

In this demo I take you through the new iPhone X style gestures for VoiceOver for the Home button, App Switcher, Control Centre, and Notifications.

Short drag from botom of screen: Home button.

Long drag from bottom of screen: App Switcher.

Short drag from top of screen: Control Centre.

Long drag from top of screen: Notifications.

Short drag then down from bottom of screen - Show/Hide the Dock from within an App.

 

Vision Australia Retail Store chat/demo - catching up with Steve Bennett from Dolphin Computer Access to discuss their products

In this chat/demo, Steve and I discuss SuperNova, Guide, and Easy Reader.  We also chat about the stand alone Guide Reader for accessing the Vision Australia library by simply plugging a box in to your TV/Wi-Fi network.

Dolphin's wweb address is:

https://yourdolphin.com

For folks in Australia, contact the Vision Australia Vision Store on 1300 847 466 or visionstore@visionaustralia.org

 

HomePod iOS 12 demo - Find My iPhone, making/answering a call, and multiple timers.

With the release of iOS 12, Find My iPhone, answering/making calls, and multiple timers became available for the HomePod which I demonstrate.

A discussion with Dr. Fernando Albertorio from Sunu about the Sunu Band O&M mobility device

Whilst Dr. Fernando Albertio was in Australia presenting workshops on the Sunu Band at the Vision Australia offices in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, I caught with him at the Vision Australia Parramatta office to have a chat about the Sunu Band.

Demo of the Microsoft Sound Scape 3D Audio GPS app (now available in Australia as of September 12 2018

In this demo, I take you through installing, setting up, and exploring the Microsoft Sound Scape app.

The Link to the iOS App Store is:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-soundscape/id1240320677?mt=8

A demo from the Vision Australia Vision Store of the Cobolt Systems Induction Hob

In this demo, Amanda from the Vision Australia Vision Store gives a quick run through of the Colbolt Systems Talking single Induction Hob.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shop/product/talking-single-induction-hob

A demo for the Vision Australia Vision Store on the Sunu Band - wearable ultra sound navigation device

Some customers popped in to the Vision Australia Vision Store at Parramatta and wanted a demo of the Sunu Band plus a recording that they could take away with them, hence this demo of the Sunu Band and app as a bit of an overview.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shop/product/sunu-band

Demo of using the Orbit Reader 20 between the iPhone with Bluetooth and the Mac with USB

Demo of switching between VoiceOver on iPhone and VoiceOver on the Mac.

Tip, don't touch the iPHone whilst the Obit is connected via Bluetooth as focus will return to the iPhone whether you are in standalone mode or on the Mac.

 

Demo of the Repeat Timer iOS app for iPhone and Apple Watch

In this demo, I take you through using the Repeat Timer app which is excellent for timing interval based tasks such as radio programs, podcasts, exercise etc.

You can both set the length of the interval and how many repeats that interval is for.

The free version is limited on interval time and repeats, but will give you a good idea of the app, price is about $2 or so Australian in the App Store.

Both the iPhone and Apple Watch versions work well with VoiceOver.

 

 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/repeat-timer/id443410415?mt=8

Playing Family Trivia and Musical Chairs on the Google Home

In this demo, I take you through a bit of a demo playing family trivia and Musical Chairs which according to Google can have up to 100 players: let the fun begin.

Demo of using the Aira app, MiFi, Smart Glasses, and making an Explorer/Agent call

In this demo, I take you through using the Aira service - from turning on the MiFi/smart glasses to connecting with an agent to carry out a bit of home organising.

To sign up as an Explorer or to find out more about Aira:

http://www.aira.io/australia

 

Agent hours 24hrs, Customer Care (1800 765096) 11PM to 11AM sydney time for folks in Australia.

Demo of the wearable Tap Keyboard from Tap With Us

In this demo I take you through a description  of the Tap whearable keyboard (5 rings that you whear on your fingers and use finger taps for keyboard/navigate), the Tap Manager app to set it up, the Tap Aloud app to teach yourself how to use the Tap keyboard, and show you how to navigate VoiceOver with the tap.

For more info or to purchase the tap goto:

http://www.tapwithus.com

 

Demo of the FlickType Pattern Recognition Keyboard and App as of June 21 2018 (Flexy keyboard rises again).

In this demo, I take you through downloading FlickType to the iPhone, go through the FlickType screens/Tabs, use the demo mode within the FlickType app for pattern typing and sharing out via the Share Button, upgrade the app to use FlickType as a System Wide Keyboard, and do some more tap typing in Notes and twitter.

An Excellent app, and worth the small monthly subscription fee. 

Demo of the Orcam II

In this demo, I give you a brief description of the Orcam II itself, turning on, adjusting the volume, checking the time/date, reading text manually or via a gesture, and checking the denomination of some paper money.

Go through navigating the settings menu within the Orcam, and then briefly discuss suspend mode and turning the unit off.

 

Demo of the Windows Insider build for the new Narrator Quick Start Guide July 15 2018

In this demo, I take you through the excellent Narrator Quick Start guide that Microsoft has developed for Narrator users in Windows 10 insiders build which should be part of the full release when the public release of Windows 10 happens laer this year.

Microsoft is to be commended not only on this excellent improvement to Narrator, but to Narrator's functionality overall.

Enjoy..

Google Home Demo - What games can I play?

Here in Australia, the games that I can access with my region set to Australia are a bit different to other regions.

Consequently, every now and again I ask Google Home (or mini) what games can I play? as the number is always expanding.

To give you a snapshot of waht currently is on offer, here is the answer to What games can I play? for July 15 2018 in Australia.

A bit of a play around with the Orbit Reader 20 refreshable Braille display and note taker

In this demo, I give you a physical description of the Orbit Reader 20, a go through of its functions, take you through the systems  main menu, switch between Stand-Alone and Remote modes, transfer a Braille file from my Surface Pro using Narrator on to the Orbit Reader 20, and then demo linking it up to VoiceOver on my iPhone.

HomePod demo - moving music around between multiple speakers

In this demo, I show you how you can ask Siri to move music to particular speakers or move EVERYWhere to play music on all speakers.

HomePod demo - switching between multi room and stereo pair

In this demo, I show you how to change between multi room and stereo pair using the Home app of course using two HomePods (smile).

Samsung Series 5 32 inch Smart TV demo using Voice Guide

In this demo, I take you through accessing the Samsung Series 5 32 inch Smart TV with Voice Guide.

Model Series 5 32 inch UA32M5500AWXXY.

Google Home demo - paring Google Home to a Bluetooth speaker

In this demo, I show you how to pair the Google Home to a bluetooth speaker so if you choose you can use this BT speaker as a default play source for music.

I also show you how to unpair the speaker if you don't want it associated with the Google Home.

Note - this is different to Enabling Bluetooth on Google Home to use it as a Bluetooth speaker from another device such as your iPhone or Android phone etc.

HomePod demo - toggling automatic software update on or off and checking firmware software version of HomePod

In this demo I show you where to go to toggle automatic software update on or off within the Home app and also where you can check for the current firmware software version of HomePod .

HomePod demo- sending, receiving and reading Messages on HomePod

In this demo I show you how to send, receive and read Messages on HomePod.

HomePod demo - creating notes and reminders

In this demo, I show you how to create and add to notes, and how I use reminders in a number of ways on the HomePod.

HomePod demo - playing media to HomePod and other wireless speakers from the Mac

In this demo, I give you a demo of my wireless speaker setup at home and take you through the simple process of playing to the HomePod and other wireless speaker devices around my home.

HomePod demo - using Home Kit devices

In this demo, I take you through the Home Kit devices that I use in my home to control lights, radio, heater, and checking the temperature inside and outside all done via the HomePod.

HomePod demo - using the timer

In this demo, I take a quick look at the timer function offered by the HomePod.

HomePod demo - setting and managing alarms

In this demo, I show you how to set single and repeat alarms, toggle alarms on/off, label alarms, delete alarms, and check status of alarms using the HomePod. I also go through setting and managing alarms from the Home app.