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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, July 16, 2020 - Volume 764The Week's News in Access Technologyhttps://toptechtidbits.com/ A Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. Publication Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. This Week's Featured Advertisement: Introducing the World's Newest Refreshable Braille Display: APH's Chameleon 20TM
At APH, we believe the future belongs to everyone. That's why we're committed to developing innovative technology that enables people with vision loss to conquer their challenges, pursue their dreams, and define their own future. Developed in partnership with HumanWare, the Chameleon 20 is a sleek, 20-cell refreshable braille display with Perkins-style keyboard, designed especially for students. Superior internal intelligence and multiple modes of connectivity allow students to use the Chameleon as a stand-alone notetaker, or as a braille display to read and edit classroom assignments. Chameleon includes a basic editor, book reader, calculator, clock, file manager, and three different colors of protective bumper cases - enhancing student engagement and productivity in and out of the classroom. Learn more about Chameleon's full suite of features, and order yours today at: https://www.aph.org/product/chameleon-20/. Greetings,1) SIRI Shortcuts in iOS 14Improvements are coming in Siri Shortcuts, which can be a handy accessibility tool:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8V8WMKijOk 2) NVDA 2020.2RC1 Available for TestingThis will be the final version of NVDA 2000.2 unless problems are uncovered:https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2020-2rc1/ 3) July 2020 AccessWorldThis issue of AccessWorld includes "A Roundup of the Apple 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference Keynote Address," "Maximizing your Efficiency as a Student Using Leasey Tools for the JAWS Screen Reader," "Get Back In the Conversation with the Bose Hearphones Bluetooth Headset," "Dolphin GuideConnect: Accessible Computing Made Simpler," "Vintage Games Series, Part 3: Going to War with Lone Wolf, Tank Commander, and Time of Conflict from GMA Games," "A review of Four Currency Reader Apps for iOS", "Listen up! A Review of When Your Ears Can't Help You See: Strategies for Blind or Low Vision Individuals with Hearing Loss, by Deborah Kendrick," and more:https://www.afb.org/aw/21/7 4) Easy Android Interface on Tek TalkProject Ray tells about their simplified Android interface on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday, 21 July 2020 at 00:00:https://zoom.us/j/839935813 5) Patreon Becoming AccessibleMany authors and entrepreneurs run their operations from Patreon, so hopefully these accessibility promises will become reality:https://www.lflegal.com/2020/07/patreon-press/ 6) 5 Ways to Customize Alexa So You Love Your Amazon Echo MorePeople who haven't tried to customize their Echo device will benefit from this CNET post:https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/5-ways-to-customize-alexa-so-you-love-your-amazon-echo-more/ar-BB16I8dF 7) Crash Course on Using WayAround to Increase Independence for ConsumersThis is a three-part webinar on Tuesdays at 17:00 GMT starting on July 21 2020. Register here:http://info.wayaround.com/vrt-webinar-registration?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=WayAroundTools 8) How to Record Vinyl Records Onto Your ComputerThis informative post comes from a site called Pitchfork:https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/how-to-digitize-vinyl-records/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=onsite-share&utm_brand=pitchfork&utm_social-type=earned 9) Buying a New Computer When Blind and Visually ImpairedThis RNIB Tech Talk podcast covers this main topic, and more besides:https://audioboom.com/posts/7631142-buying-a-new-computer-when-blind-and-visually-impaired 10) Using Teams for Remote Work for Blind and Low Vision UsersThis is a YouTube of a Microsoft webinar:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xXkClCHxXk&feature=youtu.be 11) The iPhone SE 2020: A Review From A VoiceOver and Braille User's PerspectiveThis is a largely favorable review, and focuses on braille, which always needs to be kept at the forefront:https://applevis.com/blog/iphone-se-2020-review-voiceover-and-braille-users-perspective 12) iOS 14 Preview: New Smarts, Better Experience for iPhoneThere seems to be a lot more information about the upcoming iOS version than there would have been in years past. Here's a good long article:https://www.imore.com/ios-14-preview 13) iOS 14 In-Depth Preview Public Beta is Live!Here is a YouTube version of the same content for those who prefer listening or watching:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI2-FHiQuOU 14) Nonvisual Soldering WorkshopHere is a first draft of documentation provided to participants in a weekend workshop on soldering for the blind:https://wp.nyu.edu/ability/nonvisual-soldering-workshop-at-itp/ 15) To 5G or Not to 5G by Anatad PodcastAnatad stands for Android News, Apps, Talk, And Deals:https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/episodes/Episode-42-To-5G-or-not-to-5G-egjcju 16) Tidbits Poll Results: As an AT-user in search of the most accessible experience, are you more likely to use your computer or a mobile device to browse a website?Last week we asked Tidbits subscribers, "As an AT-user in search of the most accessible experience, are you more likely to use your computer or a mobile device to browse a website?" So far 49 readers have weighed in with 30 votes for (A) My Computer. Desktop or laptop., 12 votes for (B) A Mobile device. Phone or tablet. and 7 votes for (C) It depends. You can still weigh in, or review the breakdown here:https://poll.app.do/more-accessible-website-browse-computer-or-mobile-device 17) New Tidbits Poll: Do you have physical disabilities other than blindness that require you to use Assistive Technology in addition to a screen reader or Braille display?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-other-than-screen-reader-or-braille-display Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:Sponsor: Dean MartineauEditor, Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Summer Special: Four training sessions for the price of five, $100: Windows, J-Say, iOS, many applications. Write to me and we can evaluate how well we can work together:topdot@gmail.com
Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/ 🌐 About: Dean Martineau is the Founder and a Contributing Editor to the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter. Sponsor: American Printing House (APH)➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Introducing APH's NEW Chameleon 20TM: A sleek, 20-cell refreshable braille display with Perkins-style keyboard, designed especially for students. Chameleon connects to multiple devices via Bluetooth®, and includes an editor, book reader, calculator, clock, and file manager - enhancing student engagement and productivity in and out of the classroom. Learn more about Chameleon's full suite of features at: https://www.aph.org/product/chameleon-20/.
Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐 Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️ About: Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has operated in Louisville, Kentucky as the world's largest nonprofit organization, creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired. APH believes that the future belongs to everyone. By offering innovative products and services, APH opens up a door of opportunities for lifelong independence and success. Sponsor: Donna JodhanAuthor, Donna Jodhan Publications➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Donna Jodhan! Much more than a culinary enthusiast! From appetizers to entrees and desserts to soups and salads and lots more!https://donnajodhan.com/library-recipes.html
President, Sterling Creations Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 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. Sponsor: GuideLights and GadgetsDirector, http://www.GuideLightsAndGadgets.us➜ This Week's Classified Ad:GuideLights And Gadgets: Great Buys, Great Choices! Orbit Writer Bundle: writer, case, neck pouch, and tutorial by Lisa Salinger: $140. Leather Bags and Protective Travel Cases for Your Notetakers and Braille Displays: Protect Your Investment! Our Soundbox Amplifiers: Listening on the go; No Wires; Great Sound; 5 models! We Love Our Customers, Answer Our Phone, And Give Great Advice: Not What To Buy, But What You May Need! Call Barry: (617) 969-7500 📱️. http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/.
Sponsor Since: June 25th 2020 Website: http://www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/ 🌐 For Gadgets and Leather Contact Barry at: For All Things Dog Contact Kae at: 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 PanareseDirector, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Looking for Mac courses to help you stay ahead? If you are a blind person or know of someone who is blind and seeking affordable training then John Panarese, world-renowned Apple Trainer, is your answer. To learn more, visit:https://www.macfortheblind.com
Authorized Apple Business Affiliate Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.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
Sponsor Since: June 11th 2020 Website: https://www.atguys.com/ 🌐 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 📱️. 6 of 12 Sponsorship Packages still available.
Website: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-packages.html 🌐 About: Top Tech Tidbits. The world's #1 online resource for current news and trends in access technology. Top Tech Tidbits Supporters:We couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your support!Tidbits Supporters (https://www.toptechtidbits.com/supporter-information.html) donate an amount of their choosing on an annual basis in order to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication. If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/donate.html. In tandem with Our Sponsors, these are the people that make the ongoing distribution of Tidbits possible: Platinum Supporters:1.) Gary Lee, Platinum Supporter since June 25, 2020. 2.) Anonymous Donation, Platinum Supporter since July 9, 2020. Gold Supporters:1.) Howard Goldstein, Gold Supporter since June 4, 2020. 2.) David Goldstein, Gold Supporter since June 12, 2020. Silver Supporters:1.) Your name here. Help support Tidbits today at: Bronze Supporters:1.) Your name here. Help support Tidbits today at: Top Tech Tidbits Subscription Information:RELEASE SCHEDULE:Top Tech Tidbits is released every Thursday morning at 6:00 AM ET.SUBSCRIBE:Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our CAPTCHA-free sign-up link, which is: https://toptechtidbits.com/subscribe. You can also subscribe to receive the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter on the Top Tech Tidbits Website at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter. It's that easy.DONATE:If you would like to become a Tidbits Supporter by making a small donation to assist with the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits publication, we offer the following options, with our sincerest thanks, and most heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support: https://toptechtidbits.com/donate.WEBSITE:Visit the Top Tech Tidbits website online at https://www.toptechtidbits.com.POLLS:Answering Questions: Are you an experienced or proficient user of AT (Assistive Technology)? Do you represent a company or organization that serves and / or operates within the AT (Assistive Technology) space? If you are, or if you do, we would love to hear your opinions on any of our many AT-related Polls. Weigh in and view the results for any Top Tech Tidbits Poll on the Top Tech Tidbits website at: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/polls.html.Asking Questions: 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. FACEBOOK:Are you on Facebook? Stop by and "Like" Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your Facebook News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/facebook.X (FORMERLY TWITTER):Are you on X? Follow Top Tech Tidbits to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology as part of your X News Feed: https://toptechtidbits.com/x.RSS:Do you prefer RSS? Follow Top Tech Tidbits via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Technology using your choice of news aggregator: https://www.toptechtidbits.com/rss.xml.QUESTIONS:Tidbits are intentionally concise. As a result we know that some readers may not always understand all of the items listed because little explanation is given. If a particular Tidbit brings up a question in your mind, feel free to ask, and we will try to answer as time and knowledge permit.ARCHIVEVisit the Top Tech Tidbits Archive at: https://toptechtidbits.com/archive where you can grab back issues.CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS:Any information for future issues of Top Tech Tidbits may be submitted online via our Top Tech Tidbit Submission Form at: https://toptechtidbits.com/submit-news or directed to our Editors at: editors@toptechtidbits.com. |
