Thankfully this week Joe is in the air, rather than swimming in the rising waters of Texas, so J.J. is in charge of this episode. And since it just happened to be the week of Google i/o at the time of this recording... why not bring aboard his old pals Access Ana and Steve Nutt to talk about all things Android and more.
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In The Google i/o News:
The 12 most important announcements from Google I/O 2015
Google's Android M preview build will run on the Nexus 5, 6, 9, and Player [Updated]
Android M embraces USB Type-C, MIDI devices
Android M's Google Now on Tap shows contextual info at the press of a button
The Android Pay details Google didn't tell you
Yes, Brillo is Google's HomeKit, and it's just as ambitious
Google Has A $20 Million Plan To Beat Disabilities Around The World
Android M has a dark theme option
Google Maps allows turn-by-turn navigation offline
What we didn't get from Google I/O 2015
Discussion Topic: Talk Back On Talkback
It has been a little more than 7 months since the TAS "Terrific Trio" reformed under the umbrella of Android. but that doesn't mean they do not have anything to say about the latest version of Talkback or the new Shine app. Tune in to hear what these three had to say about Lollypop now that it has matured since their last chin wag. Steve even provides a great Talkback tip, saving us the trouble, near the end of the discussion!
Tip: Set an Alarm from Google Search
J.J. demos a simple search shortcut that ties your computer to your mobile phone. It's among the new Google search tricks for Android, which also include setting reminders and sending directions to your device. Check out this Google help page for the details on how to make this happen.
Sound Off:
On previous episodes we've mentioned how the EU tends to be ahead of the US with mainstream inclusion efforts when it comes to things like currency and audio description. Kathy, after hearing our conversations about products labeled in Braille, passed along this note.
"Hi. Just a note about something accessible in another country. This one is really helpful!
In the U.K. OTC medications and many personal care products such as a lot of shampoos and mousse, etc. have Braill on the box. Of course if you trash the box, you're SOL.
One box I bought said "sugar free black currant lozenges." Another said "paracetamol 500mg" That's their equivalent of Tylenol.
I've seen BandAid boxes labeled. I've even seen some bottls of wine labeled in Braille. I understand that some things in France are in Braille as well. I only know this because someone brought me some nice scented lotion from France.Just thought this was kinda cool. I'm going back in October to northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K. My friend who is going with me promised me we'd really check it out at the local chemist. (That's pharmacy/drug store.)
Cheers. "
Steve, during this portion of the program, adds some more context to this and he might have inspired a bit more jealousy from those of us across the pond who admire the forward thinking over there.
Last Word:
J.J. notes that Joe didn't leave any digital leftovers in the news line up. However, he did manage to find this gem that seemed to tickle Access Ana to no end!
Adidas Releases An Android Companion App For Its $200 'Smart' Soccer Ball
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Category: ShowsEven though it wasn't a main focus of the show, I find it interesting that some frustration has been expressed over the screen reader friendliness of Facebook. I understand this causes screen reader users to stop using Facebook, but I have stopped for a different reason. I find that the Windows8.1 and iOS apps for Facebook work with screen readers, but then the content of most of the posts is inaccessible, due to the growing trend of people to convey messages through pictures.
a snowsprite Monday, 06-Jul-2015 11:00 PM ET:
Playing catch up here. So happy to hear the android team together again! You're just as awesome as I remembered ... and as full of plays on words? Hee hee.
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Joe Steinkamp is no stranger to the world of technology, having been a user of video magnification and blindness related electronic devices since 1979. Joe has worked in radio, retail management and Vocational Rehabilitation for blind and low vision individuals in Texas. He has been writing about the A.T. Industry for 15 years and podcasting about it for almost a decade.
