Top Tech Tidbits for Thursday, November 12, 2020 - Volume 781The 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: A. T. Guys Has The Tech Gadgets You Need for the HolidaysIt's not too early to begin your holiday shopping for you or your loved ones, and we have the tech toys to fill everyone's stockings. Plus, use coupon "tidbits" to get free shipping on orders of $79 or more through November 19th 2020. Check out our line of Bluetooth headsets, including the Aftershokz Aeropex and Move, bone-conduction headsets that are both light and comfortable, and both wireless earbuds and noise-canceling models from Tribit. Lay your hands on the Orbit Writer, the $99 braille input keyboard, and pair it with the new A. T. Guys custom case. Check out the BlindShell, a simple cell phone with buttons and spoken menus. Tag your everything with stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips from WayAround. Read holiday carols with the Orbit Reader 20 Plus and Orbit Reader 40. Check out our new travel chargers, USB-C hubs, our folding Bluetooth keyboard, speakers, & more. Visit https://www.atguys.com/ for all of the latest gadgets, and don't forget to use that coupon. Free shipping valid for U.S. customers. Dear Tidbits Subscriber,1) Last Week's Most Clicked Tidbit (22.9% of all clicks.)How I Changed The Way I Charge My iPhone and Android Smartphones to Reduce Battery Wearhttps://www.zdnet.com/article/how-i-changed-the-way-i-charge-my-iphone-and-android-smartphones-to-reduce-battery-wear/ 2) JAWS Scripts for DiscordDiscord is an app that can change quickly, and Doug Lee is doing his best to keep up with the changes with his free JAWS scripts:https://dlee.org/discord/ 3) JAWS Alert ManagerAlso from Doug Lee, updated scripts aimed at giving JAWS users control over the handling of Windows and application alert messages:https://dlee.org/jam/ 4) More About JAMHere is an explanation of the JAWS Alert Manager from Web Friendly Help:https://webfriendlyhelp.com/jam-for-jaws-what-is-it/ 5) Updated Free Unigra JAWS ScriptsLastly from Doug Lee, the scripts for this fairly accessible Telegram client have received significant upgrades:https://dlee.org/unigram/ 6) NVDACon 2020 December 5th and 6th 2020This page contains a podcast discussing the upcoming annual free conference related to NVDA, links to archives of past conferences, and information about this year's conference, with the theme "Bridging the Distance:"https://blindabilities.com/?p=6325 7) October 2020 AccessWorldWe're a little behind on this one. In addition to articles and interviews related to employment, find "A Review of the Google Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat on iOS Devices and Amazon Alexa," "The Patriot Pro 12.9 Portable Video Magnifier for Business or Classroom," and "Popular Web Conferencing Programs Part 1: WebEx.," and "Small Business in the Gig Economy: How Freelance Services have the Potential to Create Employment Opportunities for People with Visual Impairments:"https://www.afb.org/aw/21/10 8) How to Add Siri Shortcuts to iPhone Home ScreenThis may be our first item from MashTips:https://mashtips.com/add-siri-shortcuts-to-iphone-home-screen/ 9) Picking Apart Apple's "One More Thing" AnnouncementsApple announced new Macs, and here is a review of the announcements that urge caution and investigation:https://www.applevis.com/blog/picking-apart-apples-one-more-thing-announcements?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 10) The World of Braille Devices with Freedom ScientificRegister for this webinar to be held on Thursday, 12 November 2020 at 17:00 GMT:https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TzVSqpd-S8WjHbBtpGb9qg?utm_content=145546456&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-2382446636 11) More Than Just Voice Changes, Accessing JAWS SettingsThis is another FS webinar requiring registration, taking place on Thursday, 19 November 2020 at 17:00 GMT:https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iFYSdWKYTya9LUfjufcliw?utm_content=143785260&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-2382446636 12) Review and Demonstration of the Mantis Q40 Braille Display from APHA review courtesy of the Mosen at Large podcast, episode #82:https://mosenatlarge.pinecast.co/episode/733073793b5141be/review-and-demonstration-of-the-mantis-q40-braille-display-from-aph 13) Assassin's Creed: An Accessibility ReviewApparently, this game is not yet playable by the blind, but much progress is being made:http://www.brandoncole.net/?p=482 14) iPhone 12 / 12 Pro Review, Part 1This review from Shelly Brisbin focuses on accessibility of these new phones and includes a transcript:https://www.relay.fm/parallel/38 15) Technology Fair (Virtual) From The Carroll Center for the BlindThis five-hour event, starting at 14:30 GMT on Tuesday, 24 November 2020, features plenary sessions, break-out groups and technology exhibits. The page describes the event and provides the registration link:https://carroll.org/events/virtual-technology-fair/ 16) Personal Power: The iOS Edition on Tek TalkHear from the author of this mammoth free book on Tek Talk on Tuesday, 17 November at 01:00 GMT:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/839935813?pwd=eXFMRHpxNnhFZlRiMHAzRWNWYXM3Zz09 17) Sight Tech Global, a Virtual Global Tech Conference for All Involved in Accessible TechnologyThis free two-day conference with the theme "Shaping New Technologies to Create a More Accessible World for People with Blindness and Visual Impairments" takes place December 2nd and 3rd 2020. This page explains the agenda and philosophy and contains the link to register:https://sighttechglobal.com/ 18) Accessibility Controller for Nintendo Switch Released in JapanFollowing in the footsteps of Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive controller, Japanese accessory manufacturer Hori has released its very own accessibility controller designed for the Nintendo Switch. At the moment this product is limited to Japan:https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/11/hori_releases_accessibility_controller_for_the_nintendo_switch 19) Raspberry VIA resource for visually impaired or blind (hence VI) users of the Raspberry Pi computer:http://raspberryvi.org/stories/index.html 20) Google Home Audio Tutorial From Mystic AccessThis 6-hour, $39 audio tutorial from Mystic Access covers all aspects of the Google Home personal assistant from a blindness perspective:https://www.mysticaccess.com/product/audio-tutorial-for-google-home/ 21) 32 Ways to Record Your Screen on Windows / Mac / Android / iPhoneIllustration and step-by-step instructions included for each:https://www.videoproc.com/download-record-video/how-to-record-your-screen.htm 22) How to Add a Text Caption Directly in a Photo in iOS 14Users no longer have to seek an extra app to add captions, and any captions added in the iPhone library will sync to the cloud if iCloud Photo Library is enabled:https://ttjtech.net/2020/11/02/how-to-add-a-text-caption-directly-in-a-photo-in-ios-14/ 23) Top Tech Tidbits Launches Reader Requested Most Clicked Tidbits SectionYou asked. We listened. In addition to this new section of the Top Tech Tidbits website which now provides an ongoing list of the single Most Clicked Tidbit from each issue, we will also consider sending these out as a separate quarterly issue if there is enough interest. Please share your feedback with us on this. There is no way to be added to this list except to be voted there by your clicks. By the decree of Tidbits readers, these are the most informative Tidbits:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/premium-subscribers.html 24) Top Tech Tidbits Buy, Sell or Trade Advertisements Now Just $5 A MonthIf you are interested in buying, selling or trading new, gently used or refurbished adaptive technology equipment, disability equipment and/or electronics you can now list your new, gently used or refurbished item in FOUR (4) consecutive issues of Top Tech Tidbits for just $5. Secure your ad in just 10 steps using a single form which includes paying securely. Learn more today at:https://www.toptechtidbits.com/buy-sell-trade.html 25) Tidbits Opinion Poll ResultsLast week we asked, "What are the Top 5 Assistive Technology products on your wish list this holiday season?" Notable responses included an Apple Watch, a BrailleNote Touch, the removal of Amazon eBook DRM, a pocket-size Kindle Paperwhite and a simple audio out adapter for Kindle that works. 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:Respond to the Poll: https://toptechtidbits.com/poll-3 Review / Share The Results: https://toptechtidbits.com/poll-results-3 Top Tech Tidbits Sponsor Classified Ads:Sponsor: GuideLights and Gadgets➜ This Week's Classified Ad:GuideLights And Gadgets: Great Buys, Service, and Innovation! New! Orbit Writer and Phone Case Can Do Double Duty; keep it safe, or use it on the go with our pre-installed secure Velcro patch option. $20 or $35 pre-installed. New Orbit Writer bundle; The Writer, hands free pouch, tutorial by Lisa Salinger, and our case; $140 or $155 with "on-the-go" option. New: Non-contact Talking Infrared Thermometer; Best in 15 years; $55 with shipping. New! portable entertainment system with Daisy player, Internet Radio and Podcatcher, calculator, timer, 5 alarms, Ivona Joey and Sally voices; $225. Call Barry: (617) 969-7500 📱️ http://guidelightsandgadgets.us/.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/ 🌐 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: John Panarese➜ This Week's Classified Ad:MacForTheBlind.com Launches Gift-Giving Initiative. Donate course time to someone that needs it today. Mr. John Panarese, Director of MacForTheBlind.com, is a world-renowned Apple Trainer and Consultant who is committed to ensuring that each of his students receive the very best education possible through each of the online and one-on-one courses that he currently offers through MacForTheBlind.com. John is a well-known Assistive Technology Consultant with a history of excellence who holds both ACSP (Apple Certified Support Professional) and ACT (Apple Certified Trainer) certifications. The benefits of his offerings can be truly life-changing, so we would like to invite you to change a life today by donating course time to someone that needs it. You may choose the recipient of your donation, and they may choose any course topic they like, or you may allow the course time that you donate to be allocated to those who are unable to afford it themselves. Either way you will be giving the gift of accessibility to those blind and visually-impaired students that need it the most. Your support helps to keep them connected, healthy and part of our community. Please consider making your gift today at: https://donorbox.org/macfortheblind.Director, https://www.MacForTheBlind.com Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://www.macfortheblind.com/ 🌐 Donate Course Time: https://donorbox.org/macfortheblind ❤ 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: Donna Jodhan➜ This Week's Classified Ad:This week's featured recipe from donna's subscription library! Creamy Crab Stew. A dish with a difference guaranteed to make your family keep asking for more! Yummy and mouth watering! Subscribe for free to any or all of my subscription libraries. Visit https://donnajodhan.com/donate.html. Your donations will be used to create complete virtual meals for families with kids with disabilities.Author, Donna Jodhan Publications Sponsor Since: June 4th 2020 Website: https://donnajodhan.com/ 🌐 Donate: https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan ❤ 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: 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: Be My Eyes➜ This Week's Classified Ad:Accessible Pharmacy, the new, home delivery pharmacy with a blind founder, is bringing its full range of support and services to Be My Eyes. Users of the Be My Eyes app can now call Accessible Pharmacy directly to get support with medication, medical devices, and even home delivery COVID testing. With a fully trained and discreet pharmacy staff on call from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Pacific, Accessible Pharmacy is the new way for blind and low vision consumers to get an easy, frictionless pharmacy experience. Call today — and you'll never have to take an Uber to the drugstore again. https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/accessible-pharmacy-joins-be-my-eyes.Lead Contact: Will Butler, VP of Community Sponsor Since: November 5th 2020 Website: https://www.bemyeyes.com/ 🌐 Download The App (iOS): Download The App (Android): About: Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that allows anyone who needs video support to get assistance from a dynamic range of volunteers and company customer support professionals from around the world. With more than 4 million volunteers and dozens of companies offering on-demand visual interpretation and support, Be My Eyes is a free, unlimited way to bridge gaps and get access to whatever information you need — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in any language. Download the app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Sponsor: Sprint IP Relay➜ This Week's Classified Ad:One challenge someone with a combined vision and hearing loss must address is accessing the phone system without adequate vision or hearing. Individuals with no hearing but vision can access the phone system using a videophone. Those with no vision, but who have hearing can use the phone as it was intended. How would someone with vision and hearing loss continue to call doctors, contact emergency services such as 911, arrange for medical appointments, contact businesses, or friends and family who do not text? One solution, for those living in the U.S. with a form of hearing loss, is Sprint IP Relay. Come learn more at our webinars, specialized for the DeafBlind community. 11/10 at 10 AM EST, 11/12 at 4:30 PM EST, 11/17 at 1:00 PM EST, or 11/19 at 1:00 PM EST. RSVP by November 6th 2020 to deafblind@sprint.com. CART and ASL interpretation will be provided.Sponsor Since: October 22nd 2020 Website: https://www.sprintip.com/ 🌐 Email: scott.davert@t-mobile.com 📧️ Download The App (iOS): Download The App (Android): Accessibility Customer Care: (800) 676-3777 📱️ About: Sprint IP Relay allows people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind or with a Speech Disability to make or receive phone calls using an internet connection, a computer, tablet or smartphone. Simply type what you want to say to the operator, the operator relays the message to the person you called and then types the caller's response back to you. This process is all done through text, so a user with a braille display, for example, would not need to see the screen or use their voice to communicate with the hearing caller. The Sprint IP Relay service is available at no charge for those who are eligible. Registration is required to verify an individual's identity and residency. If you are a person who is deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind or have a speech disability, you will qualify to register for the Sprint IP Relay Service. The user can call anyone at any time within the United States and its territories. Email scott.davert@t-mobile.com with any questions. 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 📱️ Local: (415) 694-7301 📱️ 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/.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 🎥 Free Apps & Actions from APH: https://www.aph.org/free-apps-from-aph/ 📱 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. Your Name Here
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