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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, August 20, 2020 - Volume 769

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: Top Tech Tidbits Launches Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisements. Reach Over 6,500 Adaptive Technology Professionals, Educators and Enthusiasts For Just $25

A newspaper that reads 'CLASSIFIEDS' across the top showcases a variety of new and used Adaptive Technology and Low Vision products for sale within the Top Tech Tidbits Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisements section.

Are you interested in buying, selling or trading new, gently used or refurbished adaptive technology equipment, disability equipment and/or electronics?

In keeping with our continued commitment to better serve the readers of the Tidbits community, while at the same time seeking new ways to generate additional support for the ongoing distribution of the Top Tech Tidbits Publication, we are pleased to announce the launch of Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisements.

You asked. We listened. Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisements may be purchased by anyone at a cost of only $25. You can secure one in just 10 steps using a single form which includes paying securely using any major bank or credit card. Use cases include: (A) Buy, sell or trade a new or used product. (B) Buy, sell or trade a service. (C) Advertise an available job or open position. The Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisements section will follow the Sponsor Classified Advertisements section within the flow of the newsletter each week.

In addition, all Buy, Sell or Trade Classified Advertisements will also be listed within the new Buy, Sell or Trade section of the Top Tech Tidbits website, where your Classified Advertisement will remain until your product or service is sold, or until you request that your listing be closed. It is our sincerest hope that many of you that we have spoken to will find value in this new and cost-effective way to reach the Tidbits audience. So if you're interested in buying, selling or trading new, gently used or refurbished adaptive technology equipment, disability equipment and/or electronics, learn more today and secure your ad at:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html


Greetings,


1) Exploring Blind Photography for iOS

This innovative Zoom training will take place on Thursday, 20 August 2020 at 22:00 GMT. Learn photo basics, how to get your photos labeled and described, and share your own tips and tricks! Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqdeuvpjMoHNACPPu-6kIB38APVWHQKARl

2) An Introduction to Technology for Teachers of Blind or Low Vision Students

This is another event on this date which is filled with 20's, and it starts at 16:00 GMT. Here is the registration page:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qR8PQSY7S-ySsYJ6q6eVjw

3) August 2020 AccessWorld

In addition to articles focusing on entrepreneurship and the summer conventions, we find 'A Review Of the Mantis Q 40 QWERTY Braille Display by APH and HumanWare,' 'Sign Here: Tips and Tools for Filling out Business Forms,' 'Learning to Code with Swift Playgrounds,' 'Book Review: Capturing and Sharing the World: Taking Photos and Videos with an iPhone, by Judy Dixon,' and 'Book Review: Personal Power: iOS Edition, by Michael Feir:'
https://www.afb.org/aw/21/8

4) How to Find Barcodes on Products:

The person behind the SuperSense App for the Blind has written a blog post about finding bar codes:
https://www.supersense.app/post/how-to-find-barcodes-on-products

5) CSUN 2021 Will Be Virtual

This big March tech conference will be fully online:
https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=21996

6) ANATAD Podcast

Episode #47 of this Android podcast continues the iPhone Vs. Android discussion with a pro-Android emphasis:
http://anatadpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

7) Mosen at Large Episode #56

The two main topics here are the recent gaffe where Apple released Watch iOS betas that didn't work with VoiceOver and the new book on browsing with multiple browsers:
https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/1dc67ac0f74d4e64/apple-excludes-blind-people-from-its-first-ever-watchos-public-beta-and-that-s-not-ok

8) When One Browser Isn't Enough, on Tek Talk

The aforementioned book will be featured on Tek Talk on GMT Tuesday 25 August 2020 at 00:00:
https://zoom.us/j/839935813

9) Training and Tech Support on Tech it Out

The August Tech It Out discussion from Hadley focuses on learning and on solving tech problems. This Zoom call will happen on GMT Wednesday, 26 August 2020 at 00:00:
https://hadley.edu/discussion-groups/tech-it-out#

10) Registration for Free iOS Courses

The TTJ courses we've been mentioning recently are open for registration until August 31st 2020:
https://ttjtech.net/courses/

11) TTJ Podcast

The TTJ team produces at least one episode a week, with episodes about various Apple devices and accessories:
https://anchor.fm/the-tech-juggernaut

12) Training on Digital Recorders and Recording Apps

Shaun Williams conducts free trainings on Sundays at 20:00 GMT. This Sunday, he will discuss digital recorders and apps for recording on phones. Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcOqvrzojy_JpiR4xzgDO4v6ClT-pzw

13) Challenge Your Brain with the Doing It Right Game for iOS:

This AppleVis podcasts demonstrates an audio puzzle game with lots of brain challenge:
https://www.applevis.com/podcasts/challenge-your-brain-doing-it-right-game-ios

14) Double Tap Canada Episode #147

Double Tap Canada is asking the question, 'Can you really enjoy mainstream console games if you are blind or have low vision?'
https://doubletap.online/dtc147

15) How to Disable Raise to Wake on iPhone, and Why You Might Wish to as a VoiceOver User

This podcast highlights one of the first things I do to make the accessible iPhone work effectively:
https://www.applevis.com/podcasts/how-disable-raise-wake-iphone-and-why-you-might-wish-voiceover-user

16) Tidbits Opinion Poll Results: Last week we asked Tidbits readers, "What product would you recommend and/or what advice would you give to a blind user looking for the most accessible smart thermostat today?"

So far we've received 9 recommendations. Since these were actual recommendations you can read the actual responses themselves by clicking the "Results" button on the poll itself. Products recommended so far: Honeywell WiFi Thermostat, VIP3000, Ecobee, Nest, and TalkingThermostats.com. 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/smart-thermo-for-the-blind

17) New Tidbits Opinion Poll: A Reader Asks, "I've always wondered if other blind cane users could recommend any device that I could use that would compliment my cane in which it could be alerted to any objects in front of me that the cane itself could not physically pick up. For example, something that could alert me to items such as tree branches or stuff from waist height and up."

https://poll.app.do/blind-cane-assist

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

Send your AT-related questions to:
polls@toptechtidbits.com
Answer past Poll questions you may have missed at:
https://www.toptechtidbits.com/polls.html


Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:


Sponsor: American Printing House (APH)

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

Blast Through Braille Barriers with PageBlasterTM and PixBlasterTM: Two New Embossers from APH! Easily emboss the documents you need for work or school with PageBlaster and PixBlaster. These embossers use APH's free braille transcription program, BrailleBlaster, to produce high-quality interpoint braille and tactile graphics. Learn more and order today at:
https://www.aph.org/be-the-boss-of-your-embosser/

American Printing House (APH) logo.

Sponsor Since: July 2nd 2020 Calendar icon.

Website: https://www.aph.org/ 🌐

Toll Free and Customer Support: (800) 223-1839 📱️
Phone: (512) 895-2405 📱️
Fax: (512) 899-2284 📱️
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/WENRlCNDsxQ

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 Jodhan

Author, Donna Jodhan Publications

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

This week's featured Home & Garden article from Donna's subscription library! Fixing a Toilet That Will Not Shut Off! You can avoid calling a plumber and just do it yourself! To subscribe and discover more! Visit https://donnajodhan.com/library-home-garden.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.


Sponsor: GuideLights and Gadgets

Director, 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, just a couple left. Leather Bags and Protective Travel Cases for your computers, iPads, notetakers and Braille displays! Protect your investment! Our Soundbox Amplifiers: Listening on the go; No Wires; Great Sound; 5 Models to choose from! We Love Our Customers, Answer Our Phone, And Give Great Advice: Not What To Buy, But What Will Work, And At The Best Price! Call Barry at (617) 969-7500 📱️. 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, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com

➜ This Week's Classified Ad:

No more excuses and no more reasons! Now blind and vision impaired persons can look forward to becoming experts with Macs and IOS devices! Let world renowned Apple trainer and consultant John Panarese show you how! Visit https://www.macfortheblind.com to learn more.

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:

Would you like to learn to control your computer with your voice, or to create documents using your voice rather than the keyboard? There are several tools to accomplish these objectives. I can provide training in their use. Write to me at topdot@gmail.com if interested.

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: Your Name Here: 6 of 12 Sponsorship Packages still available.

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Top Tech Tidbits is the world's leading not-for-profit Access Technology publication that reaches over 15,000 Access Technology professionals, educators and enthusiasts each week. Over the last 12 months our 100% legally-compliant opt-in subscriber list has had an Average Open Rate of 37%, an Average Click-Through Rate of 42% and an Average Bounce Rate of 2.8%.

We now offer 12 Annual Sponsorship Packages which are used to support the ongoing distribution of the publication. There are currently 6 of these 12 packages still available. Secure one of these remaining packages today for only $325.00 USD for the next 3 months, or save $100.00 USD and join us for the year. All Sponsorship Packages are offered on a first-come, first serve basis. Please help us to support the ongoing distribution of this publication. Consider showing your support for Access Technology over the next 3-12 months while enjoying these incredible benefits:

Sponsorship Package Benefits:

➜ 1.) 4 "This Week's Featured Advertisement" Spots Over The Next 12 Months: Each Annual Sponsor may choose (from those dates still available within the Top Tech Tidbits Sponsorship Calendar) up to FOUR (4) "This Week's Featured Advertisement" dates within the calendar year of their sponsorship. That's 4 Issue dates reaching 15,000+ Access Technology subscribers each.

➜ 2.) 48 Classified Ad Spots Over The Next 12 Months: Each Sponsor is also allocated ONE (1) Sponsor Classified Advertisement in every issue of Tidbits (each week) for the full year of their sponsorship. That's 48 Issues reaching 15,000+ Access Technology subscribers each.

And that's not all. If you'd like to learn more, please head on over to the Sponsorship Information section of the Top Tech Tidbits website at https://www.toptechtidbits.com/sponsorship-information.html. If you're ready to secure your Sponsorship today please contact Aaron Di Blasi of Mind Vault Solutions, Ltd. at: sponsorships@toptechtidbits.com.

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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:

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1.) Your name here. Help support Tidbits today at:
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Top Tech Tidbits Subscription Information:


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WEBSITE:

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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.

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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.

ARCHIVE

Visit 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.


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