Audio Player Blind Bargains Qast 17: The Golden Age Of Braille N Print
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- Blind Bargains Qast 17: The Golden Age Of Braille N Print
This week Joe and J.J. prepare for the oncoming onslaught of tech that will arrive in the forms of Google i/O and Apple's WWDC. We have some great wrap up panels scheduled. So be sure to stay tuned to our feeds for episodes 18 and 19! However, before the cavalcade of announcements begin in earnest, this week the duo discuss your feedback and toss in a tip that will have you tapping your fingers to the beat of a different drummer.
Sponsor: BlindAlive
We'd like to thank this week's sponsor, BlindAlive for providing us the motivation and support needed to create this episode. No matter your level of health or fitness, there is an exercise program out there for you. To learn more about these fitness products, and subscribe to BlindAlive's podcasts, visit their website. And remember "Don't just live, be alive"!
Special note:
As you may know, Joe resides outside of Houston and he notes the terrible flooding that has come about to many portions of Texas due to the record amounts of rain. he suggests to those who have the means, and would like to help, that the American Red Cross is seeking donations for those impacted by the Texas floods. To learn more, visit the Red Cross website.
In The News:
Online Registration for ACB Convention in Dallas now Available
Also, NFB preregistration ends May 31st. If you have not already made your travel plans, this tweet might interest you.
@NFB_voice Discount from @Delta for #NFB15 attendees flying July 2-13: use meeting code NMLJV when booking & receive discount ranging from 2% to 10%
Breaking: You Can Now Binge Watch House of Cards on Netflix with Audio Description
BrailleNote KeySoft 9.5 Brings Exam Mode, Internet Radio, UEB Enhancements
Serotek Announces 3rd Generation of DocuScan Plus, Taking Upgrade Preorders for $149
Meanwhile, AI Squared came out with the ZoomText Mac CamReader.
Dave Williams announced his departure from Dolphin Computer Access this week on Twitter.
@dwilliamsuk Wishing everyone from @YourDolphin well as I bow out after 9 years. So long and thanks for all the cake.
Uber: Disability Laws Don't Apply to Us
These are the cities where you can now request a Spanish-speaking Uber driver
Windows 10 upgrades won't be free for everyone: Do you qualify?
Blind Gamers Are Embracing Developers Who Have an Eye for Accessibility
How To: Naming Title Ranges in Excel
Thanks to Char, from the cisco Academy, for sending in this excellent demo/tip for using JAWS and NVDA with Microsoft Excel. CAVI is a great place to gain skills and learn various computer programs. Check them out to learn what they offer!
Tip: Type Drummer
Bang out beats on the keyboard with Type Drummer
Sound Off
We mentioned a musical site earlier, however, we got this tweet in about another tune based site.
@yourchangeling Something you may wish to consider covering is that Spotify Premium is now user friendly with screen readers on Windows 8.1.
J.J. mentioned on the show that the beta version from last year, which contained more screen reader friendly controls, might now be the default public version. We'll give it a try and report back soon on what we find.
darknexus has some thoughts on the Korean backpack navigational aid and graphics display we spoke about last week:
"This is a joke, surely? As if we don't already stick out like a sore thumb with either our canes or dogs, and lose the practical use of one of our hands when walking... Now some company seriously thinks we'd want to lose the use of our one available hand while walking and look like some crazy sci-fi monster while doing it, all for the low price of under $7,000? I have to laugh. Laughter is the only sane response to something like this. I seriously doubt these people have ever even consulted with a blind person in their lives. I'll stick with my Aftershokz, cane, and my favorite Android GPS app which, I might add, cost well under $7,000 altogether... way, way under.
"To iPhone, or not to iPhone?". That is the age old question CW asks in regards to our interview with Jenny Axler of HIMS.
"This show is as good as always and I enjoyed it. The blaze ET sounds interesting, but I am having a hard time convincing myself into buying it when it comes out. If some has an IPhone, what is there in this device for them. On the IPhone, there is the voice dream reading app along with the bard app and the learning ally app. Of course, there is the KNFB scanning app. Other than the ease of use that this device is promising with the file browser, is there something else I am missing? It looks like it is being aimed somewhere between the EZ and the IPhone. I am not trying to say this device is useless, because it is not. Another thing that may be asked by some is why this device over the victor stream or the book port. To me, the built in camera with the OCR gives it an edge over the other devices that might come close, but is it Werth the extra price? I guess the thing that brings up all the questions is the fact that I am having a hard time finding a place in my life for this device even though I would like to own one. In some ways, I can see a point in having a device to read books on that is separate from the IPhone. I currently using a different phone then the IPhone, but I do have my share of IOS devices and I guess I am trying to figure out what slot this device fills for me that an app on the IOS devices does not fill."
J.J. often remarks that it is nice to have choices when it comes to making a purchase decision. Joe also relays some of the common reasons why people will choose a non-Apple solution for their reading needs. The truth is that there is no right answer for everyone. So choose the one that you think fits you best. Just be sure to do the research first yourself. Seek out the devices that interest you, look into the battery life of that choice and estimate the lifetime of use that comes along with whatever decision you make. Oh, and factor in the cost of a replacement device in case it becomes damaged or stolen. That one can shock a person if they ever see the actual retail price of a device out of contract!
Last Word:
The news line up usually has a few items that land in the recycle bin, as mentioned by J.J., and here are a few of those that we ... er ... um... found.
Hilariously honest job posting admits the pay is 'sht' and the boss is a 'dckhead'
Here's how your taste in music evolves as you age, according to science
How to Swear Like a Brit - Anglophenia Ep 29
Waffle-maker dispute results in 30 people kicked out of Mason County hotel, police say
Joe mentions a waffle maker in the shape of Texas. You can get your own on Amazon for around 60 bucks.
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