It's the last show before J.J. and Joe jet off for summer conventions, however, there is still a lot to talk about prior to next week's big events. New products, new tutorials, a tip plus some fascinating feedback in "Sound Off". We also reveal our winner, and the identity of said voice, in the Secret Sound drawing. So pack a bag and prepare for the onslaught of information coming your way in episode 22!
Sponsors:
We wish to sincerely thank HIMS, who would like to remind you that "Your needs are our solutions". Check out the E-Bot Video Magnifier, the Blaze EZ reading solution, the new Smart Beetle Braille Display and more by visiting the HIMS website. Or, follow them on Twitter.
We would also like to thank the gang at Mystic Access for sponsoring our show this week. In this episode, we include some excerpts from their new Victor Reader Stream tutorial. Use code BBQ through July 4 to save 10 percent on the tutorial. To learn more about Mystic Access, visit http://www.mysticaccess.com
and follow them on Twitter
In The News:
Blind Bargains 2.0 for iOS Released
New QRead has Goodreads Integration, Downloads Bookshare Titles Directly
Say Shopping iOS App Released; Lets you Buy Things with your Voice
The Sighted Guide to VoiceOver
Apple Hosting Rare Public Session at ACB Convention
Join Humanware at NFB and ACB conventions: Discover the new Breeze+ and more Special pricing on site
Luwrain: an operating system for those who are blind
Transit Guide-Bots for Blind Passengers?
Algorithms for eyes: How deep learning can help the blind
Forsyth County homeschoolers Braille invention spotlighted in D.C.
Amazon's voice-controlled Echo is now available to anyone that wants it
iTunes Movie and TV content without closed captions to be removed from the US Store
In a related, but older story, DOJ proposed rules amending ADA Title III compelling movie theaters to provide captions
Demonstration: A T Guys Summer Product Preview
A lot of you may be familiar with A T Guys, the company behind the Blind Bargains Qast, but we often get asked, what exactly do you all sell? J.J. takes some time to go over nearly the entire A T Guys catalog including some audio demonstrations. You can order anything you hear about at the A T Guys website or by calling (269) 216-4798. Also, tune in to hear a special coupon code which may save you a few bucks.
Secret Sound Winner!
We'd like to thank all of you for entering the Secret Sound contest, sponsored by Speed Dots, as it was a blast to read all the possible identities of the aurator of the sound. Ricky, Shelly and even Jenny Axler were all submitted as the creators of the sound. However, in the end, Chris Jones was the lucky winner from the pool of contributors who guessed correctly that the sound did indeed come from Ms. Lisa Salinger. And for those out there who didn't win, or guess correctly, remember that you can still get your hands on a Power Cube by heading on over to Speed Dots's' website. Also, while you are there, thank them for sponsoring this show and for letting us have a bit of fun with sounds from our wonderful hosts.
Tip: You're Talking Too Much
No really, you don't have to use complete sentences when giving voice commands. J.J. explains how to give shorter commands with voice assistants like Google Now and Siri.
Sound Off
Our first email fell into our inbox from Steve.
"Just updated the newest version of your app. Only been playing with it for a few minutes, but very much love the new layout. I particularly like the links to the bargains that are listed. Thanks for your improvement. So far it is very good!
that's awesome Steve. Glad you like the new design. Next, Roger enlightens us on some real world experiences with the recently FDA approved Brain Port.
" Hi JJ and Joe,
I have two issues that I would like to bring to your attention.
Please stop the endless bantering between Joe and JJ, it takes up to much time and many times it has to do with inside jokes and personal experience. Plus many times you over talk each other or guest speakers and things are missed, like in BB cast 20 you talked over Ricky about the price of the new four line Braille display.
When you had the three ladies take over the show and they practiced good panel discussion and debate, it was very refreshing and a joy to listen too. Please practice their behavior, and make your show better!In your BB cast 21, you made mention very lightly and somewhat derogatory in reference to the BrainPort Vision device produced by WICAB out of Middleton Wisconsin.
Please do your homework on topics like the BrainPort Vision device before you put your foot in your mouth and come across as a idiot.
I have beta tested over 7 years, the BrainPort Vision device or as you referred to it as the Optacon for the mouth.You can do so much more then see the ball or banana.
I stopped beta testing in May of 2013 do to very deadly and serious medical condition, which took 23 months to get back to where I am ready to beta test the new model this August 2015.
I could read housed numbers, stop signs, car license, distinguish between the sidewalk and grass or see the soccer ball on the grass and run up an kick it.
I also could read flash cards with letters or numbers, computer screens, stores in the mall, where I could stand 50 feet or more away and look up and read JC Pennys, Lens Crafters, The Gap and so on.
It was released in Europe
For sale in 2013 and were finishing up FTA testing in the United States, before they could sell it too.
I had introduced the CEO and President of WICAB to HumanWare upper management to see if they would be interested in producing the hardware and selling it world wide.
WICAB was working on a totally wireless BrainPort Vision device when I left, so you would not have any wires hanging out of your mouth or connected to the Oakly glasses.
You could talk to people with the sensor in your mouth, not much difference then people who have a cigarette, gum, or food in their mouth.For deaf-blind persons this device would give them one of their senses back to assist them in their travels, a great mobility device potential.
I hope you will take my first suggestion-advice seriously to improve your podcast and the second comment that you should do your homework before you open your mouth!
Regards,
Roger Behm"
We appreciate emails like this one a lot. Not only does it clear up some things about the unit, it also has a lot of practical information about who and what potential the Brain Port has in store. As J.J. noted during this portion of the show, we can't be familiar with everything out there. And emails like this one help us out a great deal as we can pass along this report to others who might be interested in using this device. As J.J. was right though, they should use comments like yours in their PR! joe stated, also in this same portion of the show, we like to hear what others may have to say about our audio quality. We aim to be "Podcasty, not broadcasty". By this we mean that a podcast can share some aspects of a radio show, however because this is a different medium, we aren't locked into some of the trappings of an "On Air" format. Our shows could be 24 minutes or 2 hours and 40 minutes. Since We break the show up into segments for those who want to listen to the show in chunks, we don't impose any hard limits on our hosts and guests. We enjoy our conversational style over a more formal "Point/Counterpoint" debate. We hope that we make our listeners feel like they are just hanging out with a group of like-minded friends. Or at least that is our initial goal when we sit down to record a BB Qast. Because if you aren't having fun doing a show, of any kind, then it comes out in the sound of that show. And we so do like to have fun!
Here are some tweets that caught our ear this past week.
@FredWurtzel: Great show 21. Thanks for coding discussion. I like idea of scripting for Windoweyes as a place to start.
@jcast: I love the push notifications in the updated version of the app. New layout is great, too. Thank you.
Thanks! We've been thrilled with all the positive comments since the app's release. Spread the word!
Last Word:
We're back on track with the odd and the strange this week. Be sure to tell us what you think in the comments section about this week's offerings.
What are all those weird noises you hear on an airplane?
12 consumer brand names that are mispronounce all the time
Tindog is Tinder For Dogs. Seriously.
Be sure to come back for Blind Bargains convention coverage from Orlando and Dallas, as we talk about the latest in tech and so much more. Thanks for listening.
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Category: ShowsGreetings; I, for one, enjoy the back and forth banter among the hosts. And, as for sarcasm, at this point in my life I think in sarcasm so I appreciate and enjoy it. Separately, Joe mentioned how he wants to know the locations where people listen to the podcast. Well, I am an American, born and raised in New York, who now lives permenantly in the Philippines. Still, your voice doesn't usually echo off the walls as I almost always use headphones. You don't find many blind x-pats here but I wonder if there might be interest among the blind community in such things. If you think there might be I'd love the opportunity to speak of what I have learned. Keep up the great work and I'll think of you here in the islands of paradise. Kevin Barry krbarry@hotmail.com
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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.
