Last week, Android news took center stage, but now it's time for Apple to have its bite. This week's Qast features J.J., Jamie Pauls, and Buddy Brannan on a mission to slice through the news from Apple's World Wide Developer Conference. Plus, Patrick gives us a cool tip about Field Test Mode and we learn about a smart garbage can? And don't fret, Joe will be back to grace our airwaves very soon.
Sponsor: BlindAlive
We'd like to thank this week's sponsor, BlindAlive for providing us the motivation and support needed to create this episode. Check out their new set of four workouts designed for everyone, including those with limited mobility. To learn more about these fitness products, and subscribe to BlindAlive's podcasts, visit their website. And remember "Don't just live, be alive"!
In the News
Before we get to the news, a big congrats to our own Patrick Purdue who recently got engaged to Melanie. It hasn't been decided yet whether they will live stream the wedding.
We did our best to talk about All the news from Apple's 2015 Worldwide Developers Conference and highlighted some of the stories we felt would have the biggest impact.
Newly unveiled iOS 9 focuses on more proactive Siri, better multitasking
If you have an older device, this one may help you out. iOS 9's new features can significantly reduce the size of installed apps.
More than 30 hidden iOS 9 features that Apple didn't really talk about during WWDC
Siri's 'proactive' overhaul makes it Apple's answer to Google Now
Apple Music vs Spotify: What's the difference? Apple Music launches June 30 with a 3 month free trial.
WWDC is a conference for anyone with a programming mind, even this teen developer who won an Apple scholarship
and started programming at age 12.
El Capitan, next version of OS X, to arrive
Square is giving away NFC payment readers which will help businesses accept Apple Pay and other payment solutions. Plus, the readers are wireless, meaning they don't need to be plugged into a headphone jack to work.
It may seem trivial to some, but I know some people will appreciate that With iOS 9, Apple's HealthKit will finally track menstruation.
BlindSquare is launching indoor GPS using beacons in version 3.0 Here's a demo of it in action. You may want to turn on captions for a richer experience.
Also, BlindSquare recently won an award from the FCC.
J.J. mentions Hound a new voice assistant that may eventually blow Siri and Google Now out of the water. It's only available as a beta for Android at the moment but will come to iOS shortly.
Tip: Field Test Mode
Our tip is actually more of a demo this week, as Patrick Purdue demonstrates Field Test Mode, a way to test signal strength on your iPhone.
Here's an article with more details.
Sound Off:
We asked you for your thoughts on WWDC, and some of you responded over Twitter.
@jeffyoung_: At 1st glance #AppleMusic sounds like a big win for the Blind, accessible solution on all major platforms. Who else can claim that? It could also go the way of iTunes radio, but it has a lot of potential.
@Armstrong25: as far as new siri integration I m absolutely excited about what it s going to do with maps
Also, this in our Email box:
I listened to Blind Bargains Qast 18 with your new web player, and I thought it was great! It sounded very good, and all the buttons were labeled. There was a button to do everything volume up and down, fast forward and rewind, play and stop. I really liked it.
Leanne
Thanks Leanne. We love our web player, which is a cool free product called AblePlayer. You can get it for your website as well
Last Word:
If you're eating out, here's some foods you may wish to avoid. The 9 Highest-Calorie Meals at Chain Restaurants
And, we love smart devices, but this intelligent device for your garbage can may be going too far.
We'll talk to you again next week, and also have a new contest with a great prize. Until then, enjoy the show.
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
