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Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, October 15, 2020 - Volume 777The 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: Join Us and Let Us Show You What Supporting Tidbits Can Do For You. Only 4 Sponsorships Remaining. Test Drive A Quarterly Sponsorship Today For Just $325.00 USD.
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Greetings,1) Chrome OS 86 Makes Chromebooks Better for the Visually ImpairedThis comes from Android Central:https://www.androidcentral.com/chrome-os-86-lands-new-accessibility-features-updated-photo-editor 2) AppleVis Extra 78: Recapping Apple's 'Hi, Speed' EventApple has announced their new phones for the year, and this is one of many ways to learn about them:https://www.applevis.com/podcasts/applevis-extra-78-recapping-apples-hi-speed-event 3) Mosen at Large Recapping Apple's October 2020 Event From a Blindness PerspectiveA recap of the October 2020 event discusses the HomePod Mini and the new iPhone 12 range, all from a blindness perspective:https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/73fefed3e78848b3/recapping-apple-s-october-2020-event-from-a-blindness-perspective 4) My Vote Against The iPhone 12Finally, here's a post expressing skepticism:https://joeorozco.com/my-vote-against-the-iphone-12/ 5) A Beginner's Guide to Using iOS with VoiceOverThis is a good clear and up-to-date introduction from AppleVis:https://www.applevis.com/guides/beginners-guide-using-ios-voiceover 6) What Laptop Do I ACTUALLY Use?This YouTube video discusses how, and whether, to choose a laptop nowadays:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Icn51qWIZA&feature=youtu.be 7) Buying A New Laptop on BBQThis episode of Blind Bargains Qast includes discussion with three recent blind laptop purchasers discussing their experiences:https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=22022 8) iBUG Android Insight Conference CallThis is a weekly informational call about Android accessibility which takes place state-side on Wednesday evening, or GMT Thursday, October 15th 2020 at 00:00. Here's the Zoom link:https://zoom.us/j/7428486329?pwd=M003RmZaa3pTbWRlZ00xbSs4YTlmUT09 9) NVDA 2020.3 ReleasedThis new version features improved performance in Microsoft Office, new German Braille tables, and more:https://www.nvaccess.org/post/nvda-2020-3/ 10) Friday Night WorkshopsDavid Goldfield conducts periodic workshops on tech topics. This is the list to learn about them. Subscribe here:fnw+subscribe@groups.io 11) HumanWare on Tek TalkLearn about the latest in blindness technology from HumanWare on GMT Tuesday October 20th 2020 at 00:00:https://zoom.us/j/839935813 12) Instructional Courses for Anything AppleThese short courses come to us from MacForTheBlind:https://blindabilities.com/?p=6220 13) How to Pin Conversations in the Messages AppThis Tech Juggernaut post helps us streamline our iOS 14 conversations:https://ttjtech.net/2020/10/12/how-to-pin-conversations-in-the-messages-app/ 14) New Tech Announce Mailing ListDavid Goldfield gathers lots of information about adaptive and mainstream tech and sends many messages to this mailing list. A few of the messages appear in Tidbits but many more do not, so you'll get more tech information, and a fair number of email messages, if you join. Here is the subscription address:Tech-vi+subscribe@groups.io 15) How to Supercharge Your Windows 10 Experience with PowerToysIn what I think may be our first article taken from BleepingComputer, we learn about PowerToys, which includes a Keyboard Manager and Bulk Renamer:https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/how-to-supercharge-your-windows-10-experience-with-powertoys/ 16) Alexa Now Has Its Own Questions for YouA new feature from Amazon allows Alexa to ask for clarification on your requests, in addition to a number of other improvements. It might not seem like much, but figuring out when to seek clarification requires considerable artificial intelligence, and is a step towards having machines learn from humans on the fly:https://www.wired.com/story/alexa-own-questions-you/ 17) Flatten Inaccessibility Report Illustrates Impact of COVID-19 on Blind and Visually Impaired AdultsThe American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) recently announced the release of the Flatten Inaccessibility research report, which was the culmination of survey findings from 1,921 U.S. participants who are blind (65%) or have low vision (35%). The survey investigated the experiences of these participants during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine how they were affected in areas including access to transportation, healthcare, access to food and supplies, employment, education, and voting:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-foundation-for-the-blind-announces-flatten-inaccessibility-report-illustrating-impact-of-covid-19-on-blind-or-visually-impaired-adults-301140476.html 18) New Android Accessibility Feature Alerts You to the Sounds You Don't HearAndroid devices will let their owners know if its microphones pick up the sound of a child crying, dog barking, or faucet running. The new Sound Notifications accessibility feature is designed to keep those who may be unable to hear those noises apprised of the situation around them.https://voicebot.ai/2020/10/09/new-android-accessibility-feature-alerts-you-to-the-sounds-you-dont-hear/ 19) Assistive Technology That is Changing LivesCNN lists 11 different Assistive Technologies that they say are currently changing people's lives. These include an AI suitcase, the Scewo Chair, WeWalk, the Myosuit, Wayband, Wayfindr, a Haptic Baton, Eye Gaze Technology, the OrCam MyEye 2.0, and the Music Not Impossible Suit:https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/05/world/gallery/assistive-technology-spc-intl/index.html 20) New Tidbits Sponsor TestimonialOur latest sponsor testimonial comes to us from Mr. John Panarese, Director of MacForTheBlind.com. A big thank you to John for agreeing to share his sponsor experience with us:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/testimonials.html 21) Tidbits Opinion Poll ResultsLast week a reader asked, "I am looking for a simple turn by turn GPS that will give me information as I walk around without having to hold an extra device or shake my phone to get info. I use to have a Kapten GPS which was very small and read out my location as I was walking without having to enter a destination. I could tag and name special places, though. Does anyone know of something that would fit my needs. I travel with a guide dog and walk a lot." So far we've received 2 recommendations. Review them here:https://poll.app.do/polls/accessible-turn-by-turn-gps/results 22) New Tidbits Opinion PollHow would you rate your overall accessibility experience with Microsoft Outlook on a scale of 1 (Inaccessible) to 5 (Completely Accessible)? 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/scale-1to5-microsoft-outlook 23) Future Tidbits Opinion PollsDo 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: Dean Martineau➜ 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.Editor, Top Tech Tidbits Newsletter
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: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Adaptations Online Store➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Featured Products: Revolution Cane Tip: Standard Roller Tip: $14.50 | Locator Dots: Small Pack of 6 (Clear or Orange): $2.00 | NFB Metal Cane Tip: $3.00 | TMAP - On Demand Tactile Street | Map (set of two maps): $25.00 | Ambutech Aluminum Folding Cane: $35.00 | NFB Chris Park Telescoping Cane: $45.00 | BoldWriter 20 Pen (Individual or 6-pack): $2.00 | Bump Dots: Mixed (50 count): $7.00 | Braille Apple Catalina VoiceOver Guide OSX 10.15 (3 volumes) - Latest Manual: $52.00 | SpeedDots iPhone Tactile Screen Protector, Phone Layout: $12.00 | NFB Chris Park 7-Piece Folding Cane: $50.00 | Visit https://adaptations.org/ to learn more today!
Sponsor Since: October 1, 2020 Website: https://adaptations.org/ 🌐 Toll Free: (888) 400-8933 📱️ About: Founded in 1902, San Francisco's LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired promotes the independence, equality and self-reliance of people who are blind or have low vision. Adaptations is your online go-to for tools, technology, and accessible solutions for blind and visually impaired people. Sponsor: American Printing House (APH)➜ This Week's Classified Ad:APH's Braille Trail Reader LE refreshable braille display will start your students' braille journey with a positive technology experience that allows them to discover the joys of reading and writing. This 14-cell braille display features a Windows app for easy file transfer between teachers and students. Also perfect for the working adult: users can take notes, and create, edit and read text and braille files. Learn more at https://www.aph.org/product/braille-trail-reader-le/.
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: GuideLights and Gadgets➜ This Week's Classified Ad:GuideLights And Gadgets: Great Buys, Choices, Service! New: Spectacular Promotion: InsideOne Windows 10 Braille Computer with 32 Cell Display; $3,900 through December 31st with $500 upgrade to new model. Orbit Writer Bundle, $140; Our own leather case, neck pouch, and tutorial. Roomy leather "biker" chest pack with hands free phone holder for AIRA, etc. also fits 20 cell display, $55.00. Our own new Orbit Writer & Phone Leather Case: Tough enough for a biker, $20; 3 Multi-Pocket Leather Cross-Body Bags, $36 with free shipping! New Soundbox Stereo Model: Listen on the Go; No Wires; Great Sound; 4AA batteries, $50.00. Call Barry at (617) 969-7500 📱️ for full details.Director, 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: A. T. Guys➜ This Week's Classified Ad:If you're like me, you probably have more things to plug into your computer than available ports. That's why we've now added the Plugable USBC 7-in-1 Hub. Plug it into your laptop and you will get 3 USB ports, SD and Micro SD card slots, a USBC charging port, and an HDMI video port. It's available now for just $29.95:https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28&products_id=331
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 📱️. Sponsor: John Panarese➜ This Week's Classified Ad:There's no denying it! The world of Apple technology is here to stay! And you have the perfect opportunity to receive one-on-one training! Let John Panarese, world-renowned Apple Trainer, help you! Visit https://www.macfortheblind.com to learn more today!
Director, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com 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: Donna Jodhan➜ This Week's Classified Ad:This week's featured audio mystery from Donna's online store! Rally in the Rose Garden! Plots and plans that went horribly wrong! One murder turned into two! Suspects turned into victims! Donate to any one of my special causes and receive free unlimited access to all 3 of my subscription libraries! Visit https://donnajodhan.com/donate.html to learn more today! Your support makes the difference in keeping our children connected, healthy and part of our community.
Author, Donna Jodhan Publications 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. Your Name Here
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