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Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. Masthead logo includes title as well as five stylized access logos, clockwise a long cane user, enlarged print, fingers signing interpreter, full braille cell, hearing aid user.

Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, June 25, 2020 - Volume 761

The Week's News in Access Technology
https://toptechtidbits.com/

A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication
https://mvsltd.com/

Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology.

This Week's Featured Advertisement: GuideLights And Gadgets. Come Shop With Us! Low Cost Electronics. High Quality Leather. Everything Dog: Safety, Grooming, Travel, Toys. We Talk to Customers So You Get What You Need Without Wasting Money on What May Not Work For You. Read on!

GuideLights And Gadgets logo. The silhouette of a man with a cane in one hand and the harness of a trained guide dog in the other walk together through the grass at sunrise. GuideLights And Gadgets. Personal. Affordable. Responsive. Trusted.

Link: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us

2020 Sample Convention Specials. The Inventory Reduction Act (IRA) of 2020 gives you this opportunity for these onetime specials through July 31: ➜ Magnetic Ball Bearing Watches - knock-offs that look great, at a fraction of the price; various style bands and colors; $55. ➜ Convertible Shoulder/Cross-Body Hobo Bag Backpack; very sturdy leather, single zip strap separates into 2 shoulder straps; approx 14x10x10 in.; $45. ➜ Soundbox Induction Amplifier Speakers; no wires, no bluetooth; just put your Victor Stream, phone, or even your Echo Dot on top and get room-filling sound at 3 times volume; 5 assorted plastic and wooden models; wood models are rechargeable; plastic versions use AA batteries; listen to our exhibit session demo; $30 - $75 ➜ iPhone Battery Case; best battery case we have ever found; 5000 MAH; works with iPhone 8, 7, and new SE2; raised charging button on back; Great protection for screen when dropped; 10 to 14 hours extra talk time; $52. ➜ Infrared Talking Forehead Thermometers; we have searched out every model to find the best the ones that work and have bought two models that seem to have slightly better calibration for accuracy: $70 or $90. ➜ Bonus Offer: Free 32 GB SD card. See web page! ➜ Orbit Writer. We are offering a unique bundle to celebrate the launch of the new Orbit Writer Bluetooth Braille Keyboard Phone companion. It will include: $99.95 keyboard, a protective sleeve with Velcro closure that Orbit Research sells separately for $15, our neck pouch described above that can hold both the keyboard and your phone. This bundle, including Free Shipping, is just $120! Contact Information: GuideLights and Gadgets, please email me (Barry Scheur) at bscheur@scheur.com or KaeAnn Rausch at GuideLightDogs@gmail.com or by calling me at (617) 969-7500 📱️ or KaeAnn at (781) 286-1696 📱️.


Greetings,


1) Basic Windows From The Keyboard Tutorial Podcasts

Here is a series of seven podcasts on keyboard navigation in Windows, including subscription information:
https://gttprogram.blog/2020/06/23/resource-basic-windows-from-the-keyboard-tutorial-podcasts-by-gerry-chevalier-sessions-1-through-7-with-more-to-come/

2) What's New in Windows 10 from Mystic Access

This month's free Mystic Access webinar will address new capabilities available in Windows V. 2004. It takes place on GMT Friday, 26 June 2020 at 00:30:
https://mysticaccess.zoom.us/j/85883527034#success

3) Access to Spatial Concepts and Information

The presenter of this Zoom call will discuss two projects that investigate the use of tactile and auditory modalities to increase access to spatial information motivated by two domains: (1) 3D design and (2) data visualization:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85047400570?pwd=dnVlQTFGdy9XS2ZtT0xnV1lCNU5SQT09

4) Getting the Most Out of Your Amazon Echo Smart Speaker

This is a Zoom call on Wednesday, 1 July 2020 at 19:00 GMT:
https://zoom.us/j2159880888

5) iPhones, iPads, and VoiceOver, Oh My!

VoiceOver navigation and useful apps is the topic for this Zoom call, on Wednesday, 1 July 2020 at 21:00 GMT:
https://zoom.us/j2159880888

6) Apps, Apps, Apps for iOS

Apps are clearly the focus of this Zoom call, on Thursday, 2 July 2020 at 22:30 GMT:
https://zoom.us/j2159880888

7) NVDA Training

Learn this screen reader on a Zoom call on Friday, 3 July 2020 at 00:00 GMT:
https://zoom.us/j2159880888

8) AccessWorld June 2020

In this issue we find 'The Walmart Groceries App: Let's Check it Out and See How Well They Deliver,' 'Book Review: Getting Started with Zoom Meetings: A Guide for JAWS, NVDA, and iPhone VoiceOver Users, by Heather Thomas,' 'Give Your Mac a Spring Cleaning with CleanMyMac X,' 'GuideConnect by Dolphin, Part 1: Getting Started,' and more:
https://www.afb.org/aw/21/6

9) Android 11 Beta 1.5 and The Revival of Oxygen on Anatad Podcast

This is the podcast episode from 20 June 2020:
https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/episodes/Android-11-Beta-1-5-and-the-revival-of-Oxygen-efmogo/a-a2h0suc

10) NVDA 2020.2 Beta 2 Available for Testing

Braille improvements and improvements to Windows One Core voices are among the changes coming in this version:
https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2020-2beta2/

11) What's Coming in iOS 14?

Apple held their WWDC Conference and revealed what we can look forward to in the new updates. One take on all this comes from Jonathan Mosen:
https://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/4/0/6/406c70d521f3ed4a/malp0045_Looking_at_Apples_WWDC_Keynote_from_a_blindness_perspective.mp3?c_id=76456709&cs_id=76456709&destination_id=2151986&expiration=1593049321&hwt=91c85a623fcae8a42e8792431417d0ca

12) Tech Doctor on WWDC

The Tech Doctor podcast returns after several months with a panel discussion about iOS 14 etc:
https://www.dr-carter.com/

13) AppleVis Extra 74: Recapping Apple's WWDC 2020 Keynote

The final take we'll include comes from AppleVis:
https://www.applevis.com/podcast/applevis-extra-74-recapping-apples-wwdc-2020-keynote

14) A Preview of iOS 14 and a Quick Look at Supersense AI, Ariadne GPS and Digit Eyes

This Maryland Library for the Blind call will be held on Saturday, July 11 2020 at 14:00 GMT. To participate, call (319) 527-4994 📱️. Previous event recordings and a schedule of upcoming calls can be found at:
https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Technology%20User%20Group.aspx

15) FSCast #185
Hear about product updates, summer convention specials in the US and more in this episode:

http://hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/a/5/8/a58f5be87b275274/FSCast185-June2020.mp3?c_id=76529705&cs_id=76529705&destination_id=699950&expiration=1593045966&hwt=fc55ff993b0311a758184148bd6d2fc5

16) Tidbits Poll Results: As a screen reader user, which of the following is more important to you?

Last week we asked Tidbits subscribers, "As a screen reader user, which of the following is more important to you? (A) Speech quality for entertainment purposes? Or (B) Speech responsiveness for productivity? So far 58 readers have weighed in with 53 votes (91.4%) for (B) Speech responsiveness for productivity, and 5 votes (8.6%) for (A) Speech quality for entertainment. You can still weigh in, or review the breakdown here:
https://poll.app.do/screen-reader-user-speech-priority

17) New Tidbits Poll: Has your use of Assistive Technology increased or decreased during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Share your opinion with us on this, and future AT-related polls, on the Top Tech Tidbits website where you can weigh in and view results:
https://poll.app.do/at-use-since-covid-19

18) Future Tidbits Polls: Do you have an intriguing AT-related question that you'd like to see posed to the Tidbits community?

While we cannot guarantee that all submissions will be utilized, we promise to choose the very best of them to be included in future issues. Available Poll Types are: Multiple Choice, Checkboxes, Drop-Down List, Scale of 1 to 5, and Ranking in Order of Preference. You may send your AT-related questions to:
polls@toptechtidbits.com


Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:


Sponsor: Barry Scheur

Director, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us

➜ This Week's Classified Ad: GuideLights And Gadgets invites you to: Listen, Learn, Like and Buy from our diverse selection of leather, electronics, and doggy products. We also carry Orbit, our new InsideOne Braille Computer, and even vintage items like the Talking Tennis Racquet. And we have 18 summer Convention Specials for you. Listen on ACB Radio for our exhibit presentations. For more info: Call Barry at: (617) 969-7500 📱️, or Kae at: (781) 286-1696 📱️. We LOVE our customers; let us help find just the right products for you! Go to:
http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us

GuideLights And Gadgets logo. The silhouette of a man with a cane in one hand and the harness of a trained guide dog in the other walk together through the grass at sunrise. GuideLights And Gadgets. Personal. Affordable. Responsive. Trusted.

Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐

For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at:
Phone: (617) 969-7500 📱️
Email: bscheur.gadgetsandtech@gmail.com 📧️

For All Things Dog Contact Kae at:
Phone: (781) 286-1696 📱️
Email: guidelightdogs@gmail.com 📧️

About: Our Scope of Products: We specialize in 3 lines of products, all intended to assist in access to adaptive electronics, enhance experiences for guide dog teams, and offer practical solutions for organization and travel with a variety of leather bags, pouches, and backpacks. Then there are the random products that are included, just for fun! We enjoy working with our customers 1-on-1 to their money is well spent and not wasted on something they may not use. In thinking about our customers and whether we will carry a product our guiding motto is that it must be: practical, affordable, simple, tested, and accessible (the pasta principle) and it seems to work very well.

What We Do: We bring our business either via zoom, phone, or to your conference or convention, to give each customer a chance for questions and where possible, "hands on" evaluation of the merchandise. Kae and I test and use each product as blind users before we put it in our catalog. In the case of products for guide and service dogs, our own three guides, Thor, Debra and Melody, are engaged in the process of evaluating the usefulness, durability, and/or fun of the product. We want each of our products to be useful, accessible, afforable, and, whenever possible, fun! Our inventory is constantly changing, so a visit to us is never the same experience twice!


Sponsor: John Panarese

Director, MacForTheBlind.com

➜ This Week's Classified Ad: It is a perfect time to start familiarizing yourself with your new Mac or iOS device! Why not contact John Panarese to receive top notch services!
https://www.macfortheblind.com

MacForTheBlind.com logo.

Authorized Apple Business Affiliate
Apple Certified Support Professional
Apple Certified Trainer
Assistive Technology Consultant

Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.macfortheblind.com/ 🌐
Email: john@macfortheblind.com 📧️

About: Macfortheblind.com is a place specifically for blind people who are either users or potential users of Macintosh computers or iOS devices, such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, iPod Nano, Apple Watch and Apple TV. I am a blind individual who has used the Mac ever since VoiceOver became available in OS 10.4 Tiger, and I own an iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Book Pro laptop computer, an iPhone 6S, an iPad Air, an Apple Watch and an Apple TV 4th Generation. In addition, I am an Authorized Apple Business Affiliate, and as an Apple Certified Support Professional and an Apple Certified Trainer, I offer training and technical support for individuals, agencies and organizations on the mac and all iDevices, as well as offering assistive technology consulting.


Sponsor: A. T. Guys

➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Now accepting preorders! A T Guys is pleased to be taking orders for the Orbit Writer, the new, compact $99 Bluetooth Braille keyboard that works with your smartphone or computer via Bluetooth and USB. Also available for preorder is the upgraded Orbit Reader 20 Plus and the just-announced Orbit Reader 40 Braille displays, now with built-in translation, clock, calendar, and calculator. To learn more, visit the link below or call (269) 216-4798 📱️.
https://www.atguys.com/orbit

A. T. Guys logo.

Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐
Phone: (269) 216-4798 📱️
Email: support@atguys.com 📧️
Skype: atguys
Twitter: https://twitter.com/atguys (@atguys)
Facebook: https://facebook.com/atguys

About: ATGuys.com. Your access technology experts, home for cool gadgets, accessories, and more. Our products are all tested to work great for blind and visually impaired users but also work just as well for anyone. If there's an item you're looking for, or if you have a question, please don't hesitate to send us a message or call (269) 216-4798 📱️.


Sponsor: Dean Martineau

Editor, Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter

➜ This Week's Classified Ad: A Message More Important Than Technology. At this time, when America's history of racial oppression can not be swept under the rug, I can do little better than to point you to the post made on the Blind Bargains site. One person who commented on that post suggested serious study of the book White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. My wife Judi and I will soon begin conducting serious study groups of this book via Zoom. The book is available on Kindle, BARD and BookShare, and the study guide we'll be using is free online. There are sure to be lots of other books, and lots of other approaches to studying this one, but if you might be interested in being part of such a group, drop me a note at: topdot@gmail.com.
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=21973

Top Tech Tidbits logo.

Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐

About: Dean Martineau is the Founder and a Contributing Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter.


Sponsor: Donna Jodhan

Author, Donna Jodhan Publications

➜ This Week's Classified Ad: Calling all culinary enthusiasts! Author Donna Jodhan has lots of recipes to share with you! From appetizers to entrees and desserts to soups and salads and lots more!
https://donnajodhan.com/library-recipes.html

Author Donna Jodhan logo.

President, Sterling Creations
President, Barrier Free Canada / Canada sans Barrieres

Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://donnajodhan.com/ 🌐

About: My name is Donna J. Jodhan and I have been blind all my life, but that has not prevented me from living independently as someone who takes care of my own home and garden, travels regularly for my job, and runs my own business. I am an entrepreneur, blogger, author, audio mystery writer, advocate, podcaster, and law student. I enjoy cooking, ice skating, playing chess, composing on my electronic keyboard, and communicating with nature.


Sponsors #6-12: Sponsorship Packages available.

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Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html 🌐

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