Security – SeroTalk / A podcast and interactive blog on the accessible digital lifestyle, produced by Serotek, the Accessibility Anywhere people Wed, 18 Feb 2015 12:30:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.3 A podcast and interactive blog on the accessible digital lifestyle, produced by Serotek, the Accessibility Anywhere people SeroTalk no SeroTalk ricky.enger@serotek.com ricky.enger@serotek.com (SeroTalk) A podcast and interactive blog on the accessible digital lifestyle, produced by Serotek, the Accessibility Anywhere people SeroTalkSecurity – SeroTalk /wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg / Why killing net nutrality will hurt the disabled /2015/02/18/why-killing-net-nutrality-will-hurt-the-disabled/ /2015/02/18/why-killing-net-nutrality-will-hurt-the-disabled/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2015 07:30:12 +0000 /?p=4740 Continue reading →]]> In a matter of days the FCC will determine our freedom on the internet.

I know that sounds really drastic but it is true. Why should we care though? Because, fact is, disabled people need the internet.

There are a lot of things that make me want to question all humanity, simply because it seems that common sense is becoming more and more a luxury than anything else today. Why? Today, I read an article that’s just promoting nothing more than false intentions.

I’m on twitter a lot and I read what my followers post a great deal. When I saw the article about the notion that Verizon was fighting against Net Neutrality to benefit the disabled populace, I didn’t have anything clever to say. I didn’t have a retort to utter. I didn’t even have a tweet to formulate in wake of this. Ladies and gents, there’s simply no other word to describe what they are claiming and the propositions that they claim, other than one. It’s a word that fits all, I believe, given this context and the huge array of just false debauchery that Verizon is trying to cook up.

LIES.

If you have not heard about the FCC and their latest plan to destroy the internet do a Google search for FCC and net neutrality. You will get some really interesting articles that basically outline what their new rules will entail.

It’s a proposal that would ban Internet providers from blocking or slowing down access to websites but may let them charge content companies for faster and more reliable delivery of their traffic to users.

It sounds good on paper and in a simple sentence like that. It’s not. I will briefly explain why.

Anything can be abused, including this new law. Internet service providers (ISPs), like Comcast or AT&T—believe that, as providers of internet access, they should be able to distribute bandwidth differently depending on the service.

They’d prefer, for example, to create tiers of internet service that’s more about paying for priority access than for bandwidth speeds. As such, in theory, they could charge high-bandwidth services—like Netflix, for example—extra money, since their service costs more for Comcast to provide to its customers—or they could charge users, like you and me, extra to access Netflix. They can also provide certain services to you at different speeds.

For example, perhaps your ISP might give preferential treatment to Hulu, so it streams Hulu videos quickly and for free, while Netflix is stuck running slowly (or we have to pay extra to access it). If you don’t think that won’t wrack up a huge bill, you are wrong.

How many people use cell phones and access Facebook, twitter, Netflix, ETC. This will affect everything that’s connected to the internet and they can all have a separate charge attached for that device to access websites and content.

This will also affect your tablets, game systems, ANYTHING that is hooked up to the internet. Knowing the USA, those fees can be taxed. enough said.

Imagine that Verizon or AT&T don’t like the idea of Google Voice, because it allows you to send text messages for free using your data connection. Your cellphone carrier could block access to Google Voice from your smartphone so you’re forced to pay for a texting plan from them. Or, they see that a lot of people are using Facebook on their smartphone, so even if they have the bandwidth to carry that traffic, they decide to charge you extra to access Facebook, just because they know it’s in high demand and that they can make a profit.

Obviously this will be great for people who have money spilling outa their pockets and who live in a financial bubble ignorant of the rest of us but I don’t think the FCC remembers that not everyone has money, If this rueling gets past it will ban some disabled people from using the internet. Let’s be real here.

Take SSI. How much is your internet bill per year now and how often do people on SSI rely on the internet and websites that host special content like Facebook, for social collaboration and school websites that often hold YouTube videos, which can have a steep price on it too on top of your internet bill if net neutrality is killed.

People on SSI or even SSDI won’t be able to pay all of that, given the fact that disabled people use the internet more than anything else for more than just socializing. People host teleconferences on Facebook, promote goods on blogs, the list goes on and I should not even have to point these out.

These ISP;s certainly won’t remember that not everyone has money because they want to have the money and they will want to have the money that they think they should have any way that they can get it, including charging people like you and I to use an email provider that isn’t with your default ISP like, for example, if you’re using Comcast and you look at your Gmail. Comcast could charge you to access Gmail even though Gmail is free.

The reason why blind people use Gmail is that it offers a lot of customization. For example, it offers free IMAP and POP3 access to mail clients. Yahoo does not.

This is why I say that Verizon is spewing illogical banter. There’s a stereotype about us Americans that say, frankly, we are greedy.

Verizon and Comcast really want to have this new rueling passed just so they can get more money and the fact that Verizon is using disabled people as a valuable excuse to justify why they want to kill Net Neutrality just so they can have more money really makes me, well, disappointed at my own country.

Hears the claim Verizon makes. Without a fast lane, disabled Americans could get stuck with subpar service as Internet traffic increases.

The issue that’s a constant problem isn’t even about the speed of access but, rather, the simple act of accessing something. I don’t understand how this will help us access something such as a website that isn’t designed to be accessible or obtaining some key information that’s in an accessible element on the inaccessible or partially accessible website. Since the internet often has inaccessible websites, even today, we would just turn to the phone, or, in my case, text one of my minions to look something up for me, adding a winking smiley at the end just because. The issue of speed doesn’t even culminate into a logical fit within this particular claim, if people really knew about screen readers and magnifiers and such. Instead of slower speeds dolling out a subpar service it’s the incomplete and botched content that we cannot access because developers didn’t make whatever accessible.

If there were, indeed, a way for ISPs to create two lanes of internet access, one slow, with costs to use all these demanding sites like Netflix and such, and one fast, combined with services like Facebook, it would ban a lot of disabled people from accessing some very key information all together all because of costs that would be designated by the ISP and then that would be yet another contender blind and visually impaired activists would have to constantly advocate for.

State rehabilitation will not pay for internet as is, and that’s just one monthly cost to access all websites and services. If this were to actually be enforced people with disabilities wouldn’t have access to certain sites at all because of the high costs that will, without a doubt, be determined by the ISP.

This could lead to loss of employment, fewer educational opportunities because this will affect schools too, and overall fewer productivity and would make the unemployment rate for disabled people increase because a lot of disabled people work from home, using many sites and services every day that wouldn’t be able to be accessed because, oh no! The bill is really high!

Speed is not the issue and it infuriates me that Verizon even uses that as a claim. If people know about screen readers, magnifiers, and accessibility issues with software and sites then they will see right through this fallacy. If they don’t know about disabled people and access technology it would be a simple conclusion that would make sense in their minds even though its hugely false, that speed would help us.

Access is an issue but the irony is access would be an even bigger issue, coupled with taxes and stuff, I’m sure, will be added onto these extra speed costs and costs to access content, thereby bridging the disabled homeless and otherwise on an even wider separation all because of money. Access won’t be an issue, it will morph into a barrier, one that will always be up.

This is just for work. Could you only imagine how disabled people wouldn’t have access to sites like twitter, where news is happening all day, every day? Oh my god!I don’t even want to entertain that nightmare.

I just cannot believe that Verizon would even say such a disingenuous thing. It won’t help disabled people at all. It would ban some from even using the internet, even some who are not disabled. I don’t think people who work at these companies know that not everyone works at Verizon or otherwise, but hey, in America, it’s all about the money. It’s all about the money.

]]> /2015/02/18/why-killing-net-nutrality-will-hurt-the-disabled/feed/ 4 A month off the grid. Living blindly without Internet /2015/02/13/a-month-off-the-grid-living-blindly-without-internet/ /2015/02/13/a-month-off-the-grid-living-blindly-without-internet/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2015 13:08:51 +0000 /?p=4724 Continue reading →]]> Usually, once in our lives, if not more than once, there’s a sentence that flutters out of our mouths without a hesitation. People have uttered this sentence in all cases of need, where they wanted something really badly but they felt as if that new book would enhance their lives or that video game would make the winter bearable or this movie would help with bringing the family together. So people say it, feeling like they really mean what they say,

It’s the sentence, “I need that.”

A dictionary has many definitions for the word need. Until October, when I decided to take up a challenge by a friend to not use any Internet for a whole month, I didn’t really understand what I needed or even why I needed it.

In September 2014, the sun speckled the ground with bursts of bright light even though the weather was cold in Chicago. I was sitting in a park with an engineer friend of mine, stealing his fries as we talked about the internship that I applied for but didn’t make. The topic nestled into the internship miss until, suddenly, he blurted out an exclamation of “oh my god, Robbie, you have GOT to read this!”

And so I did, or rather, listened, having limited vision and everything. It was an article that said that killing net neutrality would help the disabled. Verizon was saying that, if the Internet were split into a fast lane and a slow lane, disabled people would have much better Internet. Naturally, the irony wasn’t lost on me. In most cases, no matter how politically correct people wanted me to be ever since I started saying it, a good portion of the disabled populace were very poor, so the idea Verizon had was just utter nonsense.

“That’s a complete fallacy!” I spluttered, shifting my weight so my good eye could stare at Marcus full on in the face. “That’s just plain wrong!”

“I know,” he agreed, but we ranted and raved for a bit, just to make sure our thoughts were out in the open. Suddenly, though, as I was stealing a fry, he commented, “I have an idea. Why don’t I give you a challenge, you know, like a dare?” I liked the prospect of a dare so I accepted his challenge before having the intellect to ask what it was.

“Why don’t you, as a disabled person, live without the Internet for one month, and this means using Internet in schools and in libraries and the like, don’t use the Internet at all for one month.”

And that’s how it began.

Now, my memoir details my journey of living offline. Through my words and reflections, readers will know what adapting to a new kind of world is like. I was soon swept up in a different world, a world that was inaccessible to me and a world that I had to learn how adapt to, on my own since I live in an apartment complex by myself. I really did learn the difference between needing something and wanting the convenience of something.

I assumed I was going to do the everyday things that people did, such as walk outside, even though it was starting to get cold in Chicago. I thought my entries were going to be filled with sentences outlining what I did, rather than what I’d think about and declarations and observations of people. I thought that I’d write more about what I did and why I did it, rather than my observations about the Internet-less life and how it changing everything from communication to education to human interaction.

In the memoir, many aspects of life are examined. Why? Because I had a lot more free time to share with myself. The memoir is a diary that’s intimate and allows for a glimpse into the human psyche before being connected to everyone.

Living offline changed me in many ways that I didn’t even see coming. For the first few days, I needed to get online, I wanted to look up something. I wanted to type in the commands and the search strings that would get me exactly what I wanted, how I wanted it, where I wanted it. Without that power, for a few days, I was utterly lost because I didn’t know how to cope after that power had been taken away.

Even though I felt as though I was going to back down on the first few days, I gave it a shot still, and kept on with the challenge.

The fact is, the Internet is a requirement, especially for the disabled. I experienced much frustration simply because I could no longer do something so basic, such as hooking up a landline phone because I couldn’t download the manual from the website. I had to rely on the sighted population more than I have ever needed to.

This is because there isn’t as much accessible information offline as there is on the Internet. On the Internet I can look up any news I want to look up or any manual, for that matter. Take news content: Writers are not filtered by space and advertising columns so they can pepper the Web page with in-depth reporting and I could read it all.

Mainstream offline media doesn’t tell you about all the news that’s happening or the kind of topics people want to know. The fact is, people want to know. On the radio and TV everything is delegated by space and time. When you have limited options to get information, information becomes a need, not a luxury. I had to cope with losing that by asking more questions from other people and relying on their answers. Sometimes, it was effective. Other times, it left me feeling as if I was being denied information simply because I didn’t use the Internet.

We live, however, in a world that needs the Internet. I learned that the hard way when I didn’t get hired for a job because I couldn’t use the Internet. It really has shocked me how it’s turned into an unclassified utility. Sure, apartment owners are saying it is a utility but not the government, not the people higher up. It should be. Why? Because I know what it’s like, as a disabled person, to live without the Internet for one month. A disabled life without Internet is not a completely independent world. The Internet breaks down barriers, even if we can’t see them.

]]> /2015/02/13/a-month-off-the-grid-living-blindly-without-internet/feed/ 4 SPN Special: 100 Years of Amateur Radio /2014/10/03/spn-special-100-years-of-amateur-radio/ Fri, 03 Oct 2014 13:25:40 +0000 /?p=4599 Continue reading →]]> Listen to our SPN Special: 100 Years of Amateur Radio

Buddy Brannan recently had the opportunity to attend the 100-year celebration of the existence of ARRL–the American Radio Relay League–in Hartford, Connecticut. He brought back back a lot of great audio, and this is just the first of several SPN specials to come out of this event.

Among other things you will hear in this special, Buddy gets to play a phonograph machine from 1905 courtesy of the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut.

Then, he learns about the Morse Telegraph club and the history of Morse Code.

Next, Elecraft makes an appearance and Buddy talks about all the ameture radio equipment he has owned, currently owns and would like to eventually own.

After that, the president of AMSAT talsk with Buddy about the past, present and future of amateur radio as it relates to satellites.

Finally, the public relations director of the American Radio Relay League talks about the past, present and future of the organization.

]]> Listen to our SPN Special: 100 Years of Amateur Radio Buddy Brannan recently had the opportunity to attend the 100-year celebration of the existence of ARRL--the American Radio Relay League--in Hartford, Connecticut. Listen to our SPN Special: 100 Years of Amateur Radio Buddy Brannan recently had the opportunity to attend the 100-year celebration of the existence of ARRL--the American Radio Relay League--in Hartford, Connecticut. He brought back back a lot of great audio, and this is just the first of several SPN specials to come out of this event. Among other things you will hear in this special, Buddy gets to play a phonograph machine from 1905 courtesy of the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut. Then, he learns about the Morse Telegraph club and the history of Morse Code. Next, Elecraft makes an appearance and Buddy talks about all the ameture radio equipment he has owned, currently owns and would like to eventually own. After that, the president of AMSAT talsk with Buddy about the past, present and future of amateur radio as it relates to satellites. Finally, the public relations director of the American Radio Relay League talks about the past, present and future of the organization. SeroTalk no 52:44 SeroTalk Podcast 196: The Jamie Dilemma /2014/04/23/serotalk-podcast-196-the-jamie-dilemma/ /2014/04/23/serotalk-podcast-196-the-jamie-dilemma/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:32:13 +0000 /?p=4049 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 196: The Jamie Dilemma

Welcome to this week’s edition of the SeroTalk podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie visits with Hope Paulos of Fedora Outlier about all the exciting learning opportunities available from the company. Whether it’s iOS, Mac or Windows, they’ve got you covered. Also, be sure to check out their Delivering Access podcast which is also available on iBlink Radio. Topics discussed in this week’s podcast include:

Why the Windows 8.1 Update probably means no more Service Packs for Windows

Why I can live without Office for iPad

Windows Phone 8.1 Review

Purported iPhone 6 cases suggest design changes afoot

An Amazon Phone for Everyone—FREE!

Smartphone Makers Agree on ‘Kill Switch’ to Deter Thefts

5 ways Graphene material will change gadgets forever

5 myths about Heartbleed you shouldn’t believe

19-Year-Old Canadian Arrested for Heartbleed Hack

Apple says Heartbleed security flaw did not affect its software or services

Attention Pandora users! Pandora Radio 5.3 has broken some VoiceOver functionality. Read more:

Apple Patents Indoor Navigation System Based On Existing Wi-Fi Access Points

Apple Patents Graphical Interface For The Visually Impaired

Google Patents Tiny Cameras Embedded In Contact Lenses

The Rise and Fall of AIM, the Breakthrough AOL Never Wanted

Mailbag

From Brett Wilhelm:

Hi Serotalk. After listening to podcast 195, I wanted to comment on the issue of Braille notetakers versus IOS devices. Before I do, I will say that I am a proud owner of both of an Iphone 4s and BrailleNote Apex BT. I feel I have the best of both worlds, and can be more productive as a result. I’ll now discuss the areas I think my Apex docs best, followed by the things IOS does best.

Apex advantages 1. Instant start-up. The Apex powers on and is ready to work faster. 2. The battery. The Apex has a longer battery life and its batteries are user replaceable. And let’s not forget its longer battery life. 3. The Apex remembers its place in documents. 4. No need for Bluetooth. Unless I need to use it as a Braille display with IOS, there’s no need to use batter-draining bluetooth just to get Braille access to the device. 5. One keyboard, one device. I only need to touch one device.
I never need to move my hands off a keyboard and interact with a touch screen.

IOS advantages 1. The Iphone can be charged via USB, allowing it to be charged from a laptop even when no outlet is available. 2. More stability. Though Humanware has been constantly improving the stability of the Apex since its release, I find myself having to press its reset button on an almost daily basis. 3. App support. As great as the Keysoft operating system is on the Apex, it is not possible for users to design software for it.
With so many great IOS apps, it’s not always necessary to wait for software updates before the device gains more capabilities.

So, I think that IOS and notetakers still have a place in the blind community. I don’t see the disappearance of the notetaker or of blindness-spacific technology completely disappearing anytime soon. I hope you find this email informative and I look forward to more great podcasts from SeroTalk. Thanks, Brett Wilhelm

Blog comment from Jessica Rickards:

Keep up the great work guys! Excellent show, and quite an informative interview!

From Luis:

Hi SeroTalk hosts,

After listening to podcast 195, I wanted to reply about a couple of things mentioned.

First, I do have to agree with Mr. Steinkamp about fragmentation on iOS. It’s funny that he keeps on bringing up the original iPad which stopped receiving updates since iOS5.1.1. However, I did a full comparisons of fragmentation between Android and iOS. I was going to share the direct link. That I posted on a forum that I created over at SAMNet. And sadly because it was over 6 months ago, the post has fallen off the forum. But Apple has fragmented their OS since iOS2 with the introduction to appstore. Where the original iPhone back in 2007 came out. That phone couldn’t nor wouldn’t support iOS2.

Second, the comment about NoteTakers, has been around since 2010. Or even maybe earlier. I know the former CEO of Sero Tek has been against and I quote, “Blind Ghetto Products”, end of quote. But just recently I heard someone mentioning that he himself is now using a BrailleSense U2 Mini. And I know you will have a lot of people writing in about this. So, I’ll try to keep it short. The NoteTaker is as good as the user. If someone doesn’t know all about what the product can do, Then yes the product will be a waste of money. Like an Android or iPhone. Where I work sighted people have smartphones for there everyday tasks. But when I ask how is this feature working out for you? They stay quiet because they didn’t knew their phone was able to do that or they couldn’t figure out how to do it. So they just use the phone, email, and to watch YouTube or play games. While when I asked a student who used an MPower BrailleNote and is now using an Apex. He mentioned he preferred the Apex because it had more features. When I asked him like what or how are you using these features? His reply was, I don’t know I just know I like the Apex because it has more features. And for those who say, it’s just a waste of money. Since Main Stream devices are now accessible right out of the box. The device is, but the apps are only as accessible as the developers make them to be. Then, you’re at the mercy of them until they get around to fixing what they broke in accessibility. So, there is room for both, specially if you rely on Braille displays. Where on iOS Apple may break the ability to communicate with your Braille display as they have done on the last 2-3 OS updates. Or Google which according to an interview from That Android Show. It’s up to to the maker of the display to get it to communicate to your device.

Third, I don’t understand the hate on the front facing camera on the Nexas7, it did a pretty good job when I had to use it with Google Goggles. It was able to identify mostly everything I put in front of it. The same results that I get with my Nexas7 2013 model that has a back facing camera.

And forth, I am with Mr. Steinkamp about the Dice World posts. I rarely will post the generic tweet. More often then not. I will change the tweet to something random so not to bug my followers. Unless I beat Richard Wells. Then I have to brag about that great victory. As a matter of fact, I encourage anybody playing Bupster. To beat him in any and all Dice World games you play with him. He really enjoys giving gold to all.

Great podcast as always.

From Jake:

Hello all. I just wanted to say great job as always! I just had to comment on “It’s a Small World” turning 50. I vividly remember when I was a toddler, my parents and I went to DisneyWorld. This ended up being one of several trips that my family and I would take there. But my parents put me on that boat ride, and I can remember crying my eyes out from hearing that darn song so much. Obviously I got off the ride eventually, but I don’t remember the exact sequence of events that day. I have since grown to love DisneyWorld and Epcott Center. I haven’t been to either in several years, and I don’t believe I was ever at DisneyLand in California. I have also since grown to like that song. One other thing I remember is listening to a record my mom had in her vast collection, and I was fascinated at hearing the song in all the different languages. I definitely agree that the song has a good message. Well, thanks again for another good episode, and keep ‘em coming!

Best wishes, Jake

Roundabout

When Things Look Dark, Country Music Gets Sunnier

The science of seasonal allergies — and why they’re so awful

]]> /2014/04/23/serotalk-podcast-196-the-jamie-dilemma/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 196: The Jamie Dilemma Welcome to this week's edition of the SeroTalk podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie visits with Hope Paulos of Fedora Outlier about all the... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 196: The Jamie Dilemma Welcome to this week's edition of the SeroTalk podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie visits with Hope Paulos of Fedora Outlier about all the... SeroTalk no 38:23 SeroTalk Podcast 195: Information Wants to be Free /2014/04/17/serotalk-podcast-195-information-wants-to-be-free/ /2014/04/17/serotalk-podcast-195-information-wants-to-be-free/#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:11:27 +0000 /?p=4034 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 195: Information Wants to be Free

There is a lot to talk about on this week’s podcast. Jamie, Ricky and Joe break it all down for you. Then, Lisa interviews one of the developers of the incredibly popular iOS app DiceWorld As always, your feedback brings it all together, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

The Big Story

Heartbleed: How It Works

The 5 Things To Do About the New Heartbleed Bug

The Heartbleed Hit List: The Passwords You Need to Change Right Now

The Programmer Behind Heartbleed Speaks Out: It Was an Accident

Why is Heartbleed called Heartbleed?

Heartbleed’s lesson: Passwords must die

Welcome to the Post-XP world, but how on earth did we get here?

Microsoft is Still Making Security Updates for Windows XP, But You Can’t Have Them

A T Talk

CSUN: Is It Still the Definitive Access Technology Conference?

SPN Special: Maximizing Potential with Mainstream and Assistive Technologies

CSUN 2014 HIMS Special – Notetaker or iPad: Is It The Wrong Question?

From Applevis: Comparing iOS Devices with Braille Notetakers

From The Tech Doctor: Comparing iOS Devices and Notetakers

Fedora Outlier Announces The Mac Master Series

The popular TapTapSee App is now available for Android

Mainstream Matters

Zombies, Run! | New in Season 3: Player Choice!

Skype TX: Microsoft Targets Broadcasters

Google making Glass available to the masses for one day only

Mailbag

From Kelley Armstrong

Hi, my name is Kelley Armstrong and I live in Texas. First I just want to say I look forward to hearing the serotalk podcast and the three of you do a good job. Now I liked the operating system of windows XP but I have learned windows 8 and games are something I enjoy too. I play all the blind gamers games on my windows 8 laptop without any trouble at all. I do have a windows vista laptop I don’t use it I let my dad have it. I don’t think any of you will believe it but I recently just chunked an old desktop computer that ran windows XP and I have still in my possession a year 2009 dell net book running XP and to be frank I am fearful of turning it on and I am not even sure it can be upgraded to either vista or seven or eight. On a net book everything is external that’s why I don’t think it can be upgraded and no love lost too many security risks. I use an ipad two as my main computer I send and recieve email and do facebook. I go online and shop and check prices and read newspapers, listen to pandora radio and I play games and I like to listen to I blink radio and look at blind bargains. I like my windows eight laptop but if Mack computers weren’t so expensive I wouldn’t mind being a Mack user I built my life in IOS and I love it. I could live with or without a windows computer but if my ipad two were to quit on me I think I would go crazy. I am seeing hiccups in voice over and touch screen issues as my ipad is aging. I am finding my ipad not as snappy as it was when I got it and it was new. It’s a bit sluggish and I don’t know if it’s normal or not. I just think it’s amazing how far computers and technology have come and revolutionized the lives of blind people in general. In the education of blind children and the what use to be hard can and hopefully is easier to teach blind children. I was just starting out in elementary school in the year 1993 and the school really didn’t know what to do with me so they stuck me in the life skills class where mentally impaired and the kids in wheelchairs who cannot talk or comprehend what’s going on. I was neglected by the teachers because at first I didn’t learn abc’s and 123’s like every other five year old kid. Nope I was being told to feel of feathers and button buttons and zipping zippers until my dad threw a walleyed fit and it took a lot of badgering and griping but finally they got the technology and the resources to teach me braille.

From Kelsey Trevett:

Hi SeroTalk gang, I was listening to podcast 194 and had to input my thoughts into a couple of discussions you had on that episode. In particular, your chat about Windows 8,1 (update 1) and the Amazon Fire TV. Windows 8,1 update 1 has been anticipated by techie people for a while now… I mean a long while. Personally, I’ve been a user of Windows 8,0 from day 1 (literally) and so have seen it’s growth and development since October 2012. Windows 8,1 was a welcome update to Windows 8; many of my personal complaints were dealt with and some features were added (AKA put back). Update 1 (or spring update, etc) didn’t bring a huge change to the OS.
Yes, the search and power options controls came to the Start Screen – something Windows’ users have been begging for since it’s launch in 2012 – but apart from that and some minor changes, it seems a rather insignificant update. Sure, there are plenty of small fixes and changes which I’m not complaining about but I can’t see much (as a JAWS user) that really caught my eye (excuse the pun). As you rightly said, I think this is Microsoft’s attempt to back-pedal furiously into what they hope are the open arms of consumers. Unfortunately, I feel that it is too little, far too late. Windows 8 has got itself a reputation and it’s going to be pretty much impossible for Microsoft to shift it. As for the Amazon Fire TV (does it burst your TV into flames?) I have other thoughts. It is great that Amazon have come into the streaming market via the TV; they’ve had very similar services on their Kindle Fire line of products for quite some time now. What I did notice is the inability to access Amazon Music services from the device which is quite a big flunk on Amazon’s part. If you live in the Amazon eco system, you want it all, not just bits and pieces of the world you live in, right? Additionally, I read several articles from Twitter verifying my own fears – the device scores a 0 when it comes to accessibility.
There is no screen reader built-in to the system. This doesn’t leave me without hope; I’m sure that if we petition for long enough (as we did for iOS and Android app accessibility and Fire tablet access too), access to Fire TV will come. I’m not a person who believe wholly in fighting my way to the end; a peaceful approach is more my style. The missing accessibility is possibly for the reason I’ve come up with: “blind people don’t watch TV, do they? Really, they can’t see it!” I loved the April Fools edition of SeroTalk, Triple Click Home and That Android Show; I thought they were great fun and that a great laugh was had by all. Thanks for reading and bring on podcast 200!!!

Kelsey London, England, UK

And another from Kelsey:

Hi SeroTalkers, It’s Kelsey again – remember me? I was the one with the new Nexus 7 and I was diving in from iOS to Android. Well, after a few more months, I thought I’d send another email letting you know how it’s been going with the Nexus 7. I’ve now had the Nexus 7 for four months and am thoroughly enjoying the experience. Surprisingly, I’m finding it strangely easy to live in the Apple, Android and Windows universes all at once! It is easy to know when to use what for checking Twitter, reading emails, etc. The Nexus 7 is my desk device – the device that primarily lives on my desk and occasionally ventures out and about with me. I have done a lot more exploration of Android; I’ve tried some new apps, launchers and other such things. The Nexus 7, for me in any case, has become easier to use the more I get used to Android and the way it works. I’ve changed Talkback to single-tap selection, finding this method easier and more productive. Additionally, I’ve changed more Talkback settings to make it more of the experience that I desire and want from Android. My thoughts on Android haven’t changed although some new ones have come to me during these last months. I’ve found my own way of looking at Android – whatever you want from it, it can provide. You do have to put the effort in though – look for the apps / launchers / keyboards etc; do the research to find out how to perform a task; work out all the sneaky cheats with Talkback and other such things you may want to know. The operating system has a great interface; no customisation is required if the user doesn’t want to. The UI is simple and easy to use and so I feel Android is a good option for pretty much anybody, however good or bad their computer skills may be. My other thought with Android (as I have said before) is to remember that it isn’t going to explode in your hand. This mental advice has been ringing in my head quite a lot recently when fiddling with settings and the like. The device isn’t just going to explode, or fall apart, or whip out an evil hand and hit you round the face for pressing the wrong button. People need to be adventurous IF THEY WANT TO BE. There was no legal document that came with the tablet when you bought it that said: I agree that I have to change ten settings every day or else the evil NexusBot will come and kill me. No, no such obligation was agreed to. Therefore, you can change as much or as little as you choose. Thanks for reading and I hope my new experiences and thoughts will help new users of Android and people thinking of taking the plunge; it is well worth it.

Kelsey London, England, UK

Blog Comment From Dominique

Hey guys, just listened to the April Fools podcast, and also podcast 194. Good job guys, that was awesome. Just a thought, to see how it would sound, you guys should do the next one in complete 8k AM radio form. Deric, and Patric would be good at making a small segment sounding like that, reminds me of the guy that Deric made sing on that one beat and got played on the AM radio station, all by axidant that one time… Keep it up guys! Pease!

Roundabout

Jamie: No Laptops, No Wi-Fi: How One Cafe Fired Up Sales

Cops Found Stolen Laptop After Thief Called Apple Tech Support

‘It’s a Small World’ turns 50 with sing-along

]]> /2014/04/17/serotalk-podcast-195-information-wants-to-be-free/feed/ 2 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 195: Information Wants to be Free There is a lot to talk about on this week's podcast. Jamie, Ricky and Joe break it all down for you. Then, Lisa interviews one of the developers of the incredibly popular iOS app DiceWorld A... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 195: Information Wants to be Free There is a lot to talk about on this week's podcast. Jamie, Ricky and Joe break it all down for you. Then, Lisa interviews one of the developers of the incredibly popular iOS app DiceWorld A... SeroTalk no 1:41:59 SeroTalk Podcast 185: Get a Job, Hippie /2014/01/30/serotalk-podcast-185-get-a-job-hippie/ /2014/01/30/serotalk-podcast-185-get-a-job-hippie/#comments Thu, 30 Jan 2014 15:57:47 +0000 /?p=3677 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 185: Get a Job, Hippie!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. In addition to the news, Jamie visits with the developers of Fleksy about their decision to release Fleksy VO specifically for the blind community, as well as their plans for future versions of the app.

A T Talk

Clarification of Fleksy VO for iOS

GW Micro – Window-Eyes – Certification

Twitterrific 5.6 updated to include live tweet streaming, list management support, a VoiceOver bug fix, more

Chicken Nugget 1.3 released! Filters, reversable timelines, relative times, more!

SpellStack 1.2.7 includes New Tutorials to make learning the game easier and VoiceOver improvements

Visit the IRS Accessibility Page for accessible tax forms and information

Introducing: A Modern, One-of-a-Kind Lifestyle Magazine for the Blind

Cool Blind TechPodcastProject RAY, Smart Phones Made Easy

Mainstream Matters

Apple execs reflect on the Macintosh at 30

iWork updated with new features and modest accessibility improvements

Next-Gen Apple TV Releasing In March; Gaming Support Coming Via Update

Apple eyes two bigger displays for iPhone, another report says

Pentagon says it didn’t buy 80,000 new BlackBerry phones

Symantec: No hard timeline on Windows XP support

Microsoft publishes a new expert guide to mastering Windows 8.1

Internet pay-TV is coming. Will you care?

Friday Poll: How careful are you about passwords?

Five Steps to Take Immediately If You’re the Victim of Identity Theft

Mailbag

From Jenine Stanley:

Thanks for another great show, including the coverage of the GW Micro announcement.

But come on, we want to talk more eyeball stories! I have to say that hearing about people’s prosthetic eyes falling out really had me putting off getting my own eye removed for years. Then I learned that it just doesn’t happen that often for most people with good muscle control. My doctor gave me exercises to do to keep my eye muscles strong and that helped.

My two favorite “eye on the loose” stories though are these.

When I was in class getting my first dog in 1987 there was a man who had a prosthetic eye. He was a big guy, tough and all that. He and our instructor got on really well as they were both Vietnam vets, tough guys and all that. Our instructor was one of those old school guide dog trainers who delighted in showing you just how tough he was … until …

One morning the student with the prosthetic eye sneezed hard and well, you can only guess what happened. He was sitting on one side of the instructor and I was sitting on the other. The instructor was so freaked out that he kept dry heaving and stammering that he couldn’t touch the eye.

The student kept saying someone had to get his eye before one of the dogs ate it, probably mine too as she had that unfortunate weakness.

I got down on the floor and started feeling around for the eye with directions from the instructor, between his gagging. Someone from the kitchen finally came out and helped retrieve the eye but whew, it was a long day for that instructor after that one.

The second story happened to a friend. She was riding a roller coaster and when they hit a bump, her eye flew out. She was panicking because she was trying to figure out how to tell the park people and where to look.

She got off the ride and was fussing around when two teenagers came up. The girl was gagging and looked like she was going to truly throw up everywhere. The boy was holding my friend’s eye in his hand. It had flipped back right into his lap. Some first date.

It’s stories like these and the often told and retold one about the dog in guide dog class who eats someone’s eye and then deposits it in the next day’s business, usually shining atop the pile of pooh, that really give such a positive impression of prosthetics. Yep, sometimes our sick humor really isn’t too helpful.

From Pam Francis:

Hi everyone, Thanks for another informative podcast. On the light side, in response to your listener’s comment concerning prosthetic eyes, I knew a girl in high school who had 1 prosthetic eye. If she got upset with someone, on occasion, she would throw her eye at the offending person or target. I am in no way defending her actions. It seemed odd enough that it stuck out in my memories of people in school. Also congrats to GW Micro aligning with Microsoft for those who use later versions of Office. I would be very interested in your opinion referring to GW Micro’s latest move. Do you think they could be dipping their toe in to Microsoft’s waters hoping ultimately to replace Narrator as their default screenreader in Windows? As much as I enjoy my Mac & the voiceover experience, every screenreader has its flaws. I know AI Squared has made enrolls with Apple having been allowed to introduce its Zoomtext as a choice for low vision users on the Mac platform. I would really like to see Apple open it up to other screen readers to give voiceover users usability when voiceover is lacking. It would further accessibility for everyone. I take issue with your stance on Fleksy’s latest move. I understand app & website evolution. Through the years, I have heard your team congratulate Fleksy in its endeavors to make an accessible means of gesture typing on a an onscreen keyboard for everyone. We as a blind community have been sold a bill of goods. We were used as a marketing arm for Fleksy in its endeavor to configure an accessible messaging app without having to look at the screen. I personally, don’t appreciate being used as their guinea pig. If our community was indeed a test market, they should have had the integrity to tell us as much. If they need to make it “pretty” for the sighted community to accept it, they are defeating their purpose by saying one must look at the screen. They can’t have it both ways. We were asked to pay $14.95 when the app launched, & were happy to do so; knowing accessibility isn’t free. We are now relegated to our own version of the app, which on their blog says will be free forever. What a sham!!!!!

We are not segregated per our ISP’s or cell carriers with reference to messaging apps. I am enclosing my communication with Fleksy & their response; which I might add is a direct contradiction to their blog entry.

http://fleksy.com/blog/

Hello, Obviously, we as blind consumers are now considered separate, but not equal. We were used as guinea pigs to develop your product. Initially the app was offered for $14.95 on the App Store. After you sucked enough of us in, made us believe you were actually interested in developing something that would allow us to be equal to our sighted counterparts, you then made it free for everyone. That in itself is not as big of a deal as your most recent release of a separate keyboard for those of us who use voiceover. The initial design of the app worked well with VoiceOver anyway. Of course, that was your mode of operation. You wanted us to believe we were something that obviously we are not in your eyes. You excepted the accolades given to you by anyone using an iOS device within the blind community along with various websites dedicated to blind and visually impaired users. Ultimately, you’re not being fair to us relegating us to a separate app. If your market was ultimately the sighted community, you should have marketed that way to begin with. Though we are a minuscule part of the population worldwide, we do have friends who make use of technology. We initially revered your app for its inclusion. This is the 21st-century. We as blind people are no longer in a broom closet sitting around stringing beads for someone else. Your most recent actions have damaged any integrity any future developers would have attempting to develop an app claiming to be useful to those of us who are blind, while asking for our help. We as a blind community are no one’s guinea pig. In my opinion, those of us who paid our hard-earned money initially for your app only to be told we now have a separate app which is free deserve a refund. Shame on you!!

Hi Pam,

We can offer a full refund to anyone who has paid and is not satisfied for any reason.

We do however, stand by our position.

The separation of the apps is only temporary, and is not because we are targeting sighted users, but because we are transitioning to a mode where the main Fleksy app consumes our own SDK.

Doing Fleksy as an SDK has posed significant technical challenges, and it needs to be 100% robust in order to be used by other developers. It is orders of magnitude harder than simply having our own app on the store. Rest assured, we are making strides and are fully committed to ensuring a great typing experience for our VoiceOver users.

Until we get there, we appreciate your patience.

Best, Kosta Founder @Fleksy

Thank you for your response, I am still of the opinion, making an issue of separating the apps is a step back to the accessibility within our blind community and will damage any future integrity of any developer who may have our interests at heart needing our help as a community to perfect their product. You don’t seem to realize what it means, and has meant to us to be included within the sighted community having the ability to use a single app without worrying about whether or not it was accessible. We as a blind community were used initially to make the app accessible for everyone. That is why it makes no sense to me to separate the apps and make an issue of it to those of us who use voiceover. If you pay attention to your Twitter feed, I’m not the only one who feels this way. I needed more than 140 characters to illustrate my feelings. Again, shame on you!! Your issues with your SDK should not be the issue we as a consumer have to deal with referring to whether or not we have equality within your app. Why release a portion of it making us as the blind community feel as if we are second-class? Do it behind-the-scenes. Do it right. Don’t release it, until it’s correct. Thanks for reading. Pam francis

From Stan:

 Your discussion of having more than one screen access program is really quite important.  Let me give a real world example of how this plays out.  I work 20 hours a week at a genealogy library in the Medford, Oregon area.  I use both System Access and Window-Eyes.  I also have NVDA loaded on my home system.  I have access to WE at my worksite and I have SA on a thumb drive.  I do research at multiple websites at work I have both firefox and ie as web browsers.  There are sites where SA works more seemlessly than does WE.  On the other hand, firefox isn't able to be used with System Access because of the way that our website is configured. Because I also use docuscanplus from Serotek, I am able to scan pdfs in my work.  Twice a month we have to fill out timesheets that have to be scanned and sent to the service that pays me, the mighty docuscan is there to save the day so I need less sighted assistance.

Although I can use WE to access my bank’s bill payment system, it is much easier and less of a pain to do what I do with System Access. In other words in terms of access technology, screen readers like web browsers work differently in different situations. Sorry for the long email. Keep up the good work.

Roundabout

5 things successful people do before 8 AM

Why music slows down when you yawn

]]> /2014/01/30/serotalk-podcast-185-get-a-job-hippie/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 185: Get a Job, Hippie! Welcome to this week's edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. In addition to the news, Jamie visits with the developers of Fleksy about th... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 185: Get a Job, Hippie! Welcome to this week's edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. In addition to the news, Jamie visits with the developers of Fleksy about their decision to release Fleksy VO specifically for the blind community, as well as their plans for future versions of the app. A T Talk Clarification of Fleksy VO for iOS GW Micro - Window-Eyes – Certification Twitterrific 5.6 updated to include live tweet streaming, list management support, a VoiceOver bug fix, more Chicken Nugget 1.3 released! Filters, reversable timelines, relative times, more! SpellStack 1.2.7 includes New Tutorials to make learning the game easier and VoiceOver improvements Visit the IRS Accessibility Page for accessible tax forms and information Introducing: A Modern, One-of-a-Kind Lifestyle Magazine for the Blind Cool Blind TechPodcastProject RAY, Smart Phones Made Easy Mainstream Matters Apple execs reflect on the Macintosh at 30 iWork updated with new features and modest accessibility improvements Next-Gen Apple TV Releasing In March; Gaming Support Coming Via Update Apple eyes two bigger displays for iPhone, another report says Pentagon says it didn't buy 80,000 new BlackBerry phones Symantec: No hard timeline on Windows XP support Microsoft publishes a new expert guide to mastering Windows 8.1 Internet pay-TV is coming. Will you care? Friday Poll: How careful are you about passwords? Five Steps to Take Immediately If You're the Victim of Identity Theft Mailbag From Jenine Stanley: Thanks for another great show, including the coverage of the GW Micro announcement. But come on, we want to talk more eyeball stories! I have to say that hearing about people’s prosthetic eyes falling out really had me putting off getting my own eye removed for years. Then I learned that it just doesn’t happen that often for most people with good muscle control. My doctor gave me exercises to do to keep my eye muscles strong and that helped. My two favorite “eye on the loose” stories though are these. When I was in class getting my first dog in 1987 there was a man who had a prosthetic eye. He was a big guy, tough and all that. He and our instructor got on really well as they were both Vietnam vets, tough guys and all that. Our instructor was one of those old school guide dog trainers who delighted in showing you just how tough he was … until … One morning the student with the prosthetic eye sneezed hard and well, you can only guess what happened. He was sitting on one side of the instructor and I was sitting on the other. The instructor was so freaked out that he kept dry heaving and stammering that he couldn’t touch the eye. The student kept saying someone had to get his eye before one of the dogs ate it, probably mine too as she had that unfortunate weakness. I got down on the floor and started feeling around for the eye with directions from the instructor, between his gagging. Someone from the kitchen finally came out and helped retrieve the eye but whew, it was a long day for that instructor after that one. The second story happened to a friend. She was riding a roller coaster and when they hit a bump, her eye flew out. She was panicking because she was trying to figure out how to tell the park people and where to look. She got off the ride and was fussing around when two teenagers came up. The girl was gagging and looked like she was going to truly throw up everywhere. The boy was holding my friend’s eye in his hand. It had flipped back right into his lap. Some first date. It’s stories like these and the often told and retold one about the dog in guide dog class who eats someone’s eye and then deposits it in the next day’s business, usually shining atop the pile of pooh, that really give such a positive impression of prosthetics. Yep, sometimes our sick humor really isn’t too helpful. From Pam Francis: Hi everyone, SeroTalk no 1:21:40 SeroTalk Podcast 184: Jumping At Shadows /2014/01/21/serotalk-podcast-184-jumping-at-shadows/ /2014/01/21/serotalk-podcast-184-jumping-at-shadows/#comments Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:08:51 +0000 /?p=3671 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 184: Jumping At Shadows

Join us for this week’s edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie talks with Jeremy Curry of GW Micro about Window-Eyes for Office, the program whereby anyone running Microsoft Office 2010 or later can get a free copy of the Window-Eyes screen reader. Topics discussed in this week’s podcast include:

GW Micro Announces Global Window-Eyes Initiative for users of Microsoft Office

A Toast to GW Micro

CSUN 2014 View Sessions

Comcast Accessibility: More Than Talking TV

New information and picture-taking tips for TapTapSee.

NVDA Add-on for Station Playlist Studio

Blind Bargains: Review of TeleTender: Accessing the Internet Using a Phone for Free

Winamp survives to play for new owner

Announcing Fleksy VO for iOS. A new keyboard for VoiceOver users.

Microsoft to extend Windows XP anti-malware updates one year

Target data breach part of broader organized attack

Starbucks addresses security snafu with update to iOS app

Net neutrality gets a kick in the teeth

TWIT 441 on this subject

Netflix Stock Dives After Net Neutrality Ruling

The battle for the home: Why Nest is really Google’s new smart home division

Apple CEO Tim Cook handing out autographed iPhones at China Mobile launch

Facebook Paper expected to soon deliver news on mobile | Internet & Media

You can now do everything in this Radio Shack 80’s ad on a phone

Mailbag

Blog comment from Beth:

Regarding the article entitled “Why Do We Fear the Blind?” – from the NYTimes.com

What comes to mind when you hear the word “Amish”? Peacefulness, joy, a bucolic setting, good health, right? Well, yes, of course but there is much more than that. Turns out, the above ideas about the Amish are stereotypical. I am reading a very interesting book about the Amish and some intriguing realities about their lives have been imparted to me. This blog post is not meant to be a book review, I will post the book title and BARD number here so you can read it if you wish.

“Amish society” DB 51601

Here are a few things I have learned and, again, these are generalizations. Some of the Amish are rule-bound, with even some innocuous doodad on their horse harnesses being an offense. These strict rules can breed hostility and anger, which are often suppressed, since these emotions are not to be shown. It is now my understanding that mental illness is rather common among the Amish, which surprised me, again, a stereotype on my part. The book also stated that the Amish seem so gentle to tourists because, for a brief time, there can be conversations about the outside world, which interests many Amish and they can relax and converse normally, without having to think about rules. Also, there have been many church splits among the Amish, which make for family and other social upheavals and bitter fighting, which can last for generations. Some Students long to go beyond the eighth grade but can’t readily, which produces turmoil. So, wow, the Amish are just like the rest of us at th e core of things. Stereotypes are surface things, they always have some truth to them but look beyond the surface. Beth

From Greg:

Hello everyone,
I have a quick question, or maybe not so quick, for all you guys and dolls there at SeroTalk. With all the news you cover, how do you keep up with it all? Ok maybe I have a second question here. Where do you guys get all your news that you cover? I know of some sources like Engadget and sites like it but what are some others you guys use?

Thank you,

Greg Wocher(My last name is pronounced like poker with a w. So it is pronounced Woker)

Follow me on Twitter @GWocher

From Pam Francis:

Hi folks,

I think the biggest reason, if there is one for general society to “fear the blind” is lack of education along with the stereotypes portrayed in movies & other media. We are supposed to be musical, as have been Stevie Wunder & Ray Charles.
For those who are old enough to have seen the movie, A patch of blue, the blind girl in that movie was cast as an uneducated helpless imbecile.
Those of us who have been employed, live on our own & function within normal society; though we may need adaptive tools are seen as “amazing.”
Though the ADA has made strides with reference to various means of accessibility, no legislation can force acceptance.
I also think mainstreaming in schools has a double edged sword. Though it allows the person who is blind to interact with sighted piers, it does not offer valuable skills one needs to function in the world without a sighted family member.
I was exposed to both public school & the state school for the blind. I am thankful for both experiences; as it taught me when & how to ask for the help I needed at the time I needed it.
Given today’s technology, I still find people who find it unbelievable that I am able to use a computer & a normal smart phone.
A quick story to validate my point is this.
I did the normal traditional Christmas meal for my daughter & grandkids. My 5 year old grandson asked me to bake him a blueberry pie. While at our Christmas table, he innocently asked, “Grandma, how can you do this if you are blind? I was prepared to answer his question on a level he could understand, however my daughter chastised him for asking such a question.
I only hope the next generation of people who happen to be blind are treated with a little more respect than our generation has been. We all have to earn what we get in this world, be it material or respect for our character.
We shouldn’t have to go uphill to attain the same accolades our sighted piers take for granted.

Pam Francis

Blog comment from Russ Kiehne

After reading “iPad, Not the Most Economical Choice for Blind Consumers” and Testing Android Accessibility: I Give Up”, I’m glad I ended up buying a refurbished ipad mini. It has more volume and better sound than my ipod touch, victor reader stream booksense and plextalk pocket. With being able to lock the screen while playing audio content, I get much more play time than with my specialized players.

With the bard mobile app, I can read nls books on it. Books can be directly downloaded to the ipad mini. This can’t be done on my specialized players.
It’s going to be a while before bard mobile comes to android!

With the audible app, I can read books from audible. Books can be directly downloaded to the ipad mini. I can’t do this with my specialized players.

With the Kindle app, I can read Kindle books from Amazon. I can’t do this with my specialized playrs.

With voice dream reader, I can read books from bookshare, unprotected epub and other file types. I use it to read multi-part mp3 audio books.
What’s nice about voice dream reader, you can download books from both bookshare and Project Gutenberg directly to the ipad mini. I bought the optional neospeech voice to make it sound just like a booksense when reading any text based file. Voice dream reader is supplied with Acapela. I can switch between Acapela and neospeech. I can’t see buying a second generation victor reader stream in order to download books from bookshare to it. With the specialized players I have, I can’t download books from bookshare to them. Is there an app like voice dream reader for android?

With the downcast app, I can download podcasts directly to the ipad mini. I can subscribe and unsubscribe to podcasts on it. With my plextalk pocket, I can’t subscribe and unsubscribe to podcasts on it. With the other two specialized players i have, I can’t download podcasts to them. Is there an app like downcast for android?

My ipad mini is now my favorite device for reading books, downloading and listening to podcasts and old time radio shows.

From Stan:

Your article and discussion about perceptions about those of us that are blind really hit home with me. I was mainstreamed before mainstreaming became in vogue in the 60’s and 70’s in Pittsburg California.
Recently, I decided to touch bases with a former classmate. During the first couple of conversations things went well. The individual even told me that I should keep in touch. I noticed that during our third conversation that things changed abruptly. It was like I was having a conversation with a brick wall. Because I’m facebook friends with the sister of the individual concerned, I asked her what his problem was?
Here was the answer that I received. “I don’t understand Stan’s situation.” He further stated that he hoped that my feelings weren’t hurt. That didn’t exactly make my day. I really hate dealing with fake people.

From Mike Arrigo:

Happy new year!
I found Chris’s article about giving up on android interesting. He was actually on the eyes free list for a while, so many of us responded to his messages when he wanted to know how to do things. I think in some ways that his expectations are not realistic. Sure, 100 percent accessibility would be nice, but, we don’t have that on any platform.
If we go by his logic, than we should give up on windows, unless you use narrator for everything, you have to install and use a third party screen reader to use windows. Also, in many cases, we tweak our windows system, such as disabling some of the animation, or the arrow interface so the screen reader works better. The fact is, on every platform, you will need to use some work arounds to access everything you want. The main question is, on android, are you able to do every major task you could want such as phone calls, text messages, twitter, facebook, listening to music, email, etc. The answer is yes. I don’t think it matters whether you use the built in applications or need to install third party apps, especially when most of the third party apps are free. As Ricky said, that’s one of the great things about android, you can configure a device exactly the way you want it.

Blog comment from Tim Hornik

With regards to the comments from the Eyes Free Google Groups from Chris, I definitely understand his perspective. Android ventured a long way into the land of accessibility for the visually impaired. However, it has a little more to go within its stock set of apps before it will reach a level of ease for those transitioning or first time smart phone users. Yes, I have picked up a Nexus 7 a couple of months ago, and have enjoyed the experience.

However, for Droid to truly become a great competitor against iOS, two things must happen. First, the assistive technologies trainers, professionals, organizations, and similar must adopt Android as an alternative device for mobile computing. In my experience, only a few of these blind rehab specialists have embraced Android and offer it as an option. Secondly, the pool of resources needs to grow a bit more. I understand the difficulties with the various incarnations of Android, Sandroid, etc out there, but compare that to iOS. Maybe later on this year, this gap will shrink tremendously, especially as websites and resources like That Android Show, HTB2.com, Wolfdream De-Mystifying series, and numerous other websites and communities mature.

On a side comment about the security stuff, I could swear that some company called Serotek has this program called Socializer that has users inserting their social network login information for various accounts. Wait, I believe they also have some cloud service for storing OCR’ed documents. BTW, I use both. Anyways, I am weary about the NSA stuff, but care more about private companies who store and monitor my stuff. But this is my digital life, and not my real life. You can take all of this stuff away, and I am still me. Unless, we get to the point with neuro chips and our ghosts get hacked by the puppetmaster.

Roundabout

Why Cold Air Smells Different

Chocolate Braille? 3d printer for Chocolate

Lessons On Blindness, ‘For The Benefit Of Those Who See’ : NPR

For the Benefit of Those Who See: Dispatches from the World of the Blind: Rosemary Mahoney

]]> /2014/01/21/serotalk-podcast-184-jumping-at-shadows/feed/ 2 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 184: Jumping At Shadows Join us for this week's edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie talks with Jeremy Curry of GW Micro about Window-Eyes... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 184: Jumping At Shadows Join us for this week's edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie talks with Jeremy Curry of GW Micro about Window-Eyes for Office, the program whereby anyone running Microsoft Office 2010 or later can get a free copy of the Window-Eyes screen reader. Topics discussed in this week's podcast include: GW Micro Announces Global Window-Eyes Initiative for users of Microsoft Office A Toast to GW Micro CSUN 2014 View Sessions Comcast Accessibility: More Than Talking TV New information and picture-taking tips for TapTapSee. NVDA Add-on for Station Playlist Studio Blind Bargains: Review of TeleTender: Accessing the Internet Using a Phone for Free Winamp survives to play for new owner Announcing Fleksy VO for iOS. A new keyboard for VoiceOver users. Microsoft to extend Windows XP anti-malware updates one year Target data breach part of broader organized attack Starbucks addresses security snafu with update to iOS app Net neutrality gets a kick in the teeth TWIT 441 on this subject Netflix Stock Dives After Net Neutrality Ruling The battle for the home: Why Nest is really Google’s new smart home division Apple CEO Tim Cook handing out autographed iPhones at China Mobile launch Facebook Paper expected to soon deliver news on mobile | Internet & Media You can now do everything in this Radio Shack 80’s ad on a phone Mailbag Blog comment from Beth: Regarding the article entitled "Why Do We Fear the Blind?" – from the NYTimes.com What comes to mind when you hear the word "Amish"? Peacefulness, joy, a bucolic setting, good health, right? Well, yes, of course but there is much more than that. Turns out, the above ideas about the Amish are stereotypical. I am reading a very interesting book about the Amish and some intriguing realities about their lives have been imparted to me. This blog post is not meant to be a book review, I will post the book title and BARD number here so you can read it if you wish. "Amish society" DB 51601 Here are a few things I have learned and, again, these are generalizations. Some of the Amish are rule-bound, with even some innocuous doodad on their horse harnesses being an offense. These strict rules can breed hostility and anger, which are often suppressed, since these emotions are not to be shown. It is now my understanding that mental illness is rather common among the Amish, which surprised me, again, a stereotype on my part. The book also stated that the Amish seem so gentle to tourists because, for a brief time, there can be conversations about the outside world, which interests many Amish and they can relax and converse normally, without having to think about rules. Also, there have been many church splits among the Amish, which make for family and other social upheavals and bitter fighting, which can last for generations. Some Students long to go beyond the eighth grade but can't readily, which produces turmoil. So, wow, the Amish are just like the rest of us at th e core of things. Stereotypes are surface things, they always have some truth to them but look beyond the surface. Beth From Greg: Hello everyone, I have a quick question, or maybe not so quick, for all you guys and dolls there at SeroTalk. With all the news you cover, how do you keep up with it all? Ok maybe I have a second question here. Where do you guys get all your news that you cover? I know of some sources like Engadget and sites like it but what are some others you guys use? Thank you, Greg Wocher(My last name is pronounced like poker with a w. So it is pronounced Woker) Follow me on Twitter @GWocher From Pam Francis: Hi folks, I think the biggest reason, if there is one for general society to “fear the blind” is lack of education along with the stereotypes portrayed in movies & other media. We are supposed to be musical, SeroTalk no 1:21:32 SeroTalk Podcast 183: Audio Selfie /2014/01/15/serotalk-podcast-183-audio-selfie/ /2014/01/15/serotalk-podcast-183-audio-selfie/#comments Wed, 15 Jan 2014 16:41:26 +0000 /?p=3653 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 183: Audio Selfie

Welcome to this week’s edition of the SeroTalk podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. Topics covered in this episode include:

News in A T

SeroSpectives: This Year in Tech for 2013

Announcing the AppleVis Golden Apples of 2013

iPad, Not the Most Economical Choice for Blind Consumers

Testing Android Accessibility: I Give Up

App Turns Smartphone Into Virtual Cane for the Blind

Hey iOS peeps! Now you can school your Android friends in SpellStack . Grab us on the App Store!

Digit-Eyes 2.0 has a completely NEW and simplified user interface design plus NEW other New features

Why Do We Fear the Blind? – NYTimes.com

Here’s the Braille Challenge song

Mainstream Matters

CES 2014: Wearables, connected appliances, automated cars, and curved TVs

Yikes! Target’s data breach now could affect 110M people

Snapchat apologizes for leaked user data, updates app to let you opt out of ‘Find Friends’

Windows 8.1 update images pop up online

Why the Kindle Fire HDX is a far better tablet than the iPad

World’s First Commercially Available Self-Driving Car Launches

Here’s What Happens To Your iPhone In The Bitter Cold

Mailbag

From Pam Francis

Hi folks, I am curious to know whether Serotek as a company makes a practice of reaching out to mainstream app developers to educate them on accessibility of their apps &/or web pages. In most cases, as we all know, paying attention to the tech community it can be achieved without disturbing the “pretty” app or website. As a community, we all are, or should be grateful for the strides having been made in accessibility, opening a world to us allowing for more independence & education to current events etc.

As was so eloquently stated in your latest podcast, one truly needs to find a balance between blindness specific apps & mainstream apps to achieve maximum productivity in any area.

While we praise companies such as Amazon for finally allowing us accessibility to their products & library, I think at year’s end, we also need to take note of the apps or sites that have been broken that may have been previously accessible if for no other reason than by accident. If these previously accessible web pages or apps have been broken due to ignorance of the standards, I would think, if done constructively said developers would be open to modification of their app or website to achieve accessibility as was done prior to their upgrade.

I am also curious to know if any of you know of any site that offers any kind of interactive classes, especially dealing with Android. I am part of the eyes free list. Fortunately, there a lot of knowledgeable folks up there. However, I still have questions that don’t lend themselves to an email, not knowing if or when one will respond. There used to be a chat site called we the people. They were recreational while offering classes in many areas, i.e. helping one to learn a given screen reader etc. I am in no way saying the podcasts aren’t helpful, They are an excellent tool. However, other than the emails written commenting on stories, they are not interactive. Please in no way don’t take this as destructive criticism. It is not meant that way. I also heard you mention speakqualizer. I wish to this day there was a hardware equivalent. Speakqualizer was my first interaction with a computer. I had a friend with no vision who allowed me a temporary stint in his home. He used it with a monochrome monitor. I was used to trying to paste my nose to any screen be it TV or otherwise. This thing forced me to listen. It also allowed one to examine the post before DOS launched. If one knew what they were doing, one could make innumerable tweaks to one’s computer with that thing.

Speaking of early speech software, Who remembers Vert? I had to learn that program in Florida & be proficient enough in it for employment. I still have a laptop around here somewhere with a 20 meg hard drive with DOS 3.3 running Vert & Word Perfect 5.0. I also think there is not enough credit given to instructors who deal with us who have partial vision. There ar those of us who want to use our vision to its maximum, at times without considering the safety or lack of productivity in doing so. I say this because the lady who taught me Vert, actually took away my computer monitor, forcing me to pay attention to my headphones & interact with the keyboard. Without her diligence & perseverance I would not have been able to learn voiceover independently. I still use magnification, yet have learned when it is most productive to use one or the other. I know there’s more, yet I think this is enough for one email. Thank all of you for your tireless work. Sincerely, Pam Francis

From Jenine Stanley:

Interesting discussion of a blog post challenging the use of descriptors for our population.

I have to laugh at our CEO at the Guide Dog Foundation. He is one of the biggest supporters of our community and accessibility there is, but he also likes to have lots of lights on in our facility, even when the people he serves say they cause a lot of glare and such. He’s cool about it when told that they are too bright but here’s an example of how he handles it which I find highly amusing.

CEO walks into room where blinds are drawn because of afternoon glaring sunlight. All of the people in the room are sighted. I am on speaker phone.

CEO Opens blinds. “Sorry, we light dependant people need well, light.”

Everyone squints and says it’s too bright. He closes blinds part way.

I note to group that we as human beings are all light dependant. Some of us just can’t perceive it, which breaks us into a discussion about Seasonal Affective Disorder, that is totally off the point of our meeting.

We often tease our CEO that there’s “light dependant” and then there’s “Really light Dependant”. He asks if that’s the same as partials and totals. Uh, yeah.

Jenine Stanley

Blog comment from Rynhardt Kruger:

Are you able to update the version of Talkback on the device? The newest Talkback lets you enable the old gestures for changing reading granularity. Also, did the “focus speech audio” talkback setting have any effect on the ducking issue?

Roundabout

How gaming can help blind people navigate buildings in real life

The Beauty of Space Comes to the Visually Impaired

Listen to Strange Sounds Recorded in a Hole 5 Miles Deep

]]> /2014/01/15/serotalk-podcast-183-audio-selfie/feed/ 4 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 183: Audio Selfie Welcome to this week's edition of the SeroTalk podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. Topics covered in this episode include: News in A T Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 183: Audio Selfie Welcome to this week's edition of the SeroTalk podcast where Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss the top news stories of the week. Topics covered in this episode include: News in A T SeroSpectives: This Year in Tech for 2013 Announcing the AppleVis Golden Apples of 2013 iPad, Not the Most Economical Choice for Blind Consumers Testing Android Accessibility: I Give Up App Turns Smartphone Into Virtual Cane for the Blind Hey iOS peeps! Now you can school your Android friends in SpellStack . Grab us on the App Store! Digit-Eyes 2.0 has a completely NEW and simplified user interface design plus NEW other New features Why Do We Fear the Blind? - NYTimes.com Here's the Braille Challenge song Mainstream Matters CES 2014: Wearables, connected appliances, automated cars, and curved TVs Yikes! Target's data breach now could affect 110M people Snapchat apologizes for leaked user data, updates app to let you opt out of 'Find Friends' Windows 8.1 update images pop up online Why the Kindle Fire HDX is a far better tablet than the iPad World's First Commercially Available Self-Driving Car Launches Here's What Happens To Your iPhone In The Bitter Cold Mailbag From Pam Francis Hi folks, I am curious to know whether Serotek as a company makes a practice of reaching out to mainstream app developers to educate them on accessibility of their apps &/or web pages. In most cases, as we all know, paying attention to the tech community it can be achieved without disturbing the “pretty” app or website. As a community, we all are, or should be grateful for the strides having been made in accessibility, opening a world to us allowing for more independence & education to current events etc. As was so eloquently stated in your latest podcast, one truly needs to find a balance between blindness specific apps & mainstream apps to achieve maximum productivity in any area. While we praise companies such as Amazon for finally allowing us accessibility to their products & library, I think at year’s end, we also need to take note of the apps or sites that have been broken that may have been previously accessible if for no other reason than by accident. If these previously accessible web pages or apps have been broken due to ignorance of the standards, I would think, if done constructively said developers would be open to modification of their app or website to achieve accessibility as was done prior to their upgrade. I am also curious to know if any of you know of any site that offers any kind of interactive classes, especially dealing with Android. I am part of the eyes free list. Fortunately, there a lot of knowledgeable folks up there. However, I still have questions that don’t lend themselves to an email, not knowing if or when one will respond. There used to be a chat site called we the people. They were recreational while offering classes in many areas, i.e. helping one to learn a given screen reader etc. I am in no way saying the podcasts aren’t helpful, They are an excellent tool. However, other than the emails written commenting on stories, they are not interactive. Please in no way don’t take this as destructive criticism. It is not meant that way. I also heard you mention speakqualizer. I wish to this day there was a hardware equivalent. Speakqualizer was my first interaction with a computer. I had a friend with no vision who allowed me a temporary stint in his home. He used it with a monochrome monitor. I was used to trying to paste my nose to any screen be it TV or otherwise. This thing forced me to listen. It also allowed one to examine the post before DOS launched. If one knew what they were doing, one could make innumerable tweaks to one’s computer with that thing. Speaking of early speech software, Who remembers Vert? I had to learn that program in Florida & be proficient enough in it for employment. I still have a laptop around here somewhere with a 20 meg hard drive with DOS 3. SeroTalk no 1:12:19 SeroTalk Podcast 174: There’s Gold in Them Thar App Stores /2013/10/23/serotalk-podcast-174-theres-gold-in-them-thar-app-stores/ /2013/10/23/serotalk-podcast-174-theres-gold-in-them-thar-app-stores/#comments Wed, 23 Oct 2013 10:46:36 +0000 /?p=3362 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 174: There’s Gold in Them Thar App Stores

Jamie, Ricky and Joe have a lot to discuss in this week’s SeroTalk podcast. Topics covered include:

Blind Bargains: President Obama Declares October 15 Blind Americans Equality Day

HumanWare sees its global development expand through a partnership with Essilor

Lease to Own Option Now available for Adaptive Technology solutions costing over $1,700 from Triumph Technology

Reader’s view: Drive safely, pay attention and watch for the blind

There’s No Such Thing as a “blind Ghetto” Product

Why Can Some Blind People Process Speech Far Faster Than Sighted Persons?: Scientific American

Blind, Yet Now I See

Windows 8.1: What a difference a year makes

Microsoft pulls botched Windows RT 8.1 update, tolerates mediocre Surface 2 review (Updated)

Review: The Kindle Fire HDX Is the Amazon-centric Tablet Finally Done Right

Do I Need to Stop Using Microsoft Security Essentials?

Windows XP users get a year of Chrome support after OS retires

Nexus 5 quietly appears at Google Play for $349

Android 4.4 KitKat tweets hint at Oct. 28 launch

Google Maps for iOS updates with faster navigation, more languages

Tim Cook talks hiring of Angela Ahrendts as Retail chief, says she is ‘best person in the world for this role’

Amazon listing may be hinting at new Apple TV at 22nd Oct event

Mailbag

Jesse writes:

Hey guys. You do a very awesome job with the podcast. I love it! I was just thinking if Ricky did record a voice professionally, Serotek could make it one of the standard voices for system access and it would be your own trademarked voice. Just a thought. Keep doing an awesome job. Jesse

From Mike Arrigo Regarding the Amazon Kindle Fire HD, unless Amazon has changed their position, the device will be fairly locked down. You will not be able to side load apps, which means you could not install braille back or even the google play store. Also, the boot loader is locked with no way to officially unlock it, so installing a different rom would be difficult if not imposible. And, as stated, no access to the google play store. Because of these reasons, it’s not a tablet I would consider. If you want an android tablet, go with the nexus 7. Regarding mobile accessibility on Windows Phone 8, unfortunately this is not a screen reader. It’s a suite of applications, similar to what mobile accessibility is on android. However, on windows phone 8, you don’t have access to the native phone interface or any third party apps. If this is Microsoft’s idea of accessibility on this platform, I suggest they try again. This is not even true accessibility, and considering that IOS and Android provide accessibility for the native interface including third party apps, there’s no reason to go with a platform that only provides this limited functionality. Microsoft needs to do what Google and Apple have done, provide a built in screen reader that works with the native platform interface and built in applications, as well as third party applications that conform to the platform standards.

Here is a link to Windows Weekly episode 333 referenced by Joe

Roundabout

Steve Jobs ‘believed he was a World War II pilot’

19-year-old Dairy Queen manager does good deed for blind man

Thomas Edison’s Talking Dolls Sound Like They’re Possessed By Satan

Recommended Reading

Here is a list of the books which were mentioned in this week’s podcast:

Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

]]> /2013/10/23/serotalk-podcast-174-theres-gold-in-them-thar-app-stores/feed/ 2 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 174: There's Gold in Them Thar App Stores Jamie, Ricky and Joe have a lot to discuss in this week's SeroTalk podcast. Topics covered include: Blind Bargains: President Obama Declares October 15 Blind Americans Equality Day Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 174: There's Gold in Them Thar App Stores Jamie, Ricky and Joe have a lot to discuss in this week's SeroTalk podcast. Topics covered include: Blind Bargains: President Obama Declares October 15 Blind Americans Equality Day HumanWare sees its global development expand through a partnership with Essilor Lease to Own Option Now available for Adaptive Technology solutions costing over $1,700 from Triumph Technology Reader’s view: Drive safely, pay attention and watch for the blind There’s No Such Thing as a “blind Ghetto” Product Why Can Some Blind People Process Speech Far Faster Than Sighted Persons?: Scientific American Blind, Yet Now I See Windows 8.1: What a difference a year makes Microsoft pulls botched Windows RT 8.1 update, tolerates mediocre Surface 2 review (Updated) Review: The Kindle Fire HDX Is the Amazon-centric Tablet Finally Done Right Do I Need to Stop Using Microsoft Security Essentials? Windows XP users get a year of Chrome support after OS retires Nexus 5 quietly appears at Google Play for $349 Android 4.4 KitKat tweets hint at Oct. 28 launch Google Maps for iOS updates with faster navigation, more languages Tim Cook talks hiring of Angela Ahrendts as Retail chief, says she is ‘best person in the world for this role’ Amazon listing may be hinting at new Apple TV at 22nd Oct event Mailbag Jesse writes: Hey guys. You do a very awesome job with the podcast. I love it! I was just thinking if Ricky did record a voice professionally, Serotek could make it one of the standard voices for system access and it would be your own trademarked voice. Just a thought. Keep doing an awesome job. Jesse From Mike Arrigo Regarding the Amazon Kindle Fire HD, unless Amazon has changed their position, the device will be fairly locked down. You will not be able to side load apps, which means you could not install braille back or even the google play store. Also, the boot loader is locked with no way to officially unlock it, so installing a different rom would be difficult if not imposible. And, as stated, no access to the google play store. Because of these reasons, it's not a tablet I would consider. If you want an android tablet, go with the nexus 7. Regarding mobile accessibility on Windows Phone 8, unfortunately this is not a screen reader. It's a suite of applications, similar to what mobile accessibility is on android. However, on windows phone 8, you don't have access to the native phone interface or any third party apps. If this is Microsoft's idea of accessibility on this platform, I suggest they try again. This is not even true accessibility, and considering that IOS and Android provide accessibility for the native interface including third party apps, there's no reason to go with a platform that only provides this limited functionality. Microsoft needs to do what Google and Apple have done, provide a built in screen reader that works with the native platform interface and built in applications, as well as third party applications that conform to the platform standards. Here is a link to Windows Weekly episode 333 referenced by Joe Roundabout Steve Jobs 'believed he was a World War II pilot' 19-year-old Dairy Queen manager does good deed for blind man Thomas Edison's Talking Dolls Sound Like They're Possessed By Satan Recommended Reading Here is a list of the books which were mentioned in this week's podcast: Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey. SeroTalk no 1:22:46 SeroTalk Podcast 172: The Sarah Tech /2013/10/09/serotalk-podcast-172-the-sarah-tech/ Wed, 09 Oct 2013 09:23:56 +0000 /?p=3338 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 172: The Sarah Tech

In this podcast, Serotek’s own Matt Campbell drops by for his regular visit to the show. Did you know there was a pattern to his appearances? You’ll have to listen to the podcast to see what it is. In addition to referencing several stories, Jamie, Ricky and matt mention quite a number of books and authors. There are too many to mention here, so you’ll want to take notes as you listen. After the news, Lisa Salinger tells us about The Serotek Ambassadors’ Club and how you can become a member. Stories discussed in this podcast include:

NLS BARD Site Back Online Despite Government Shutdown

Is Congress catastrophically broken, or is it doing exactly what it was designed to do?

Zoom H6 Recorder Review

The New iPhone 5c and Walk-Through of the Initial Setup Process for VoiceOver Users

The Journey Toward Braille: Potential and Limitations of using Braille with iDevices

Dr. Abraham Nemeth, inventor of the Braille math code, dies at 94

The technological terrors of Tom Clancy

Valve Steam Machines, Steam Controller, and SteamOS: Visionary or Vapor?

Valve details specs for Linux-based Steam Machine prototype gaming PCs

Goodbye Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft Now Recommends You Use a Third-Party Antivirus

Why the blue screen of death no longer plagues Windows users

Facebook makes statuses editable… but is this open to abuse?

Facebook Pushes Passwords One Step Closer to Death

iOS 7 nausea and cybersickness: What causes it, and why it’s a sign of things to come

Mailbag

From Mike Arrigo

Thought you might be interested in this. It’s an interview with Susan Bennett who is definitely the voice of Samantha. I actually emailed her from her site, told her who I was and mentioned that her voice is used in a lot of products for blind people. She actually wrote back, she had no idea that her voice was so well known to blind people. She was actually very happy that her voice had made such a difference for us, regardless of whether you like Samantha’s voice, the person who created it sounds like a really nice person. http://tube.majestyc.net/?v=fL5s3pNJECk

From Aaron Linson

Hey guys, I’ve been a faithful listener to all of the Serotek podcasts. I have a point to make on the button issue with portable reading devices. As a college student I find my book port plus to be invaluable to me. I can jump through a book as fast if not faster than a sighted college student. I also find that I’m faster with the book player than a touch screen., pushing a button is faster than swiping and the kickback is instantaneous where as a flick takes a millisecond longer. Just my thoughts and opinions.
Thanks, Aaron Linson My vision is good, it’s just my eyes that are not

From Timothy Hornig

Greetings,

I appreciate the information and stances you all took with regards to visually impaired owning and using firearms. As long as the 2nd Amendment stands in it current interpretation and regulatory stances, we as a demographic should be allowed the ability to receive training, licensure, and ability to legally use them. Earlier this year, I received the chance to go turkey hunting, where my guide and I scored two birds. The ability to do this comes in large part due to the iPhone and a system called iScope (http://www.iscope.com)./ Before actually heading out, it took a little bit of time to work out our communications preferences with targeting.

Likewise, those who wish to own personal handguns should go through the most thorough set of training possible. However, I strongly concede to the point that these individuals, regardless of their personal abilities, should really look at the difference between owning for personal safety/defense and owning to own. A handgun in the hands of an ill-trained or familiarized individual is more dangerous to that person then in the hands of an highly trained person. As a reminder, it is perfectly fine to ask your local police department, firearm store, or shooting range to potentially store your weapon if you have concerns of home storage.

As for the iPhone 5S, one thought comes to mind, vid for I’ve Got a Golden Ticket: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29_uSlEEPSk

Enjoy, Tim

Roundabout

In new TV role, Michael J. Fox a pioneer

Fake Service Dogs, Real Problem

‘I’m the original voice of Siri’

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 172: The Sarah Tech In this podcast, Serotek's own Matt Campbell drops by for his regular visit to the show. Did you know there was a pattern to his appearances? You'll have to listen to the podcast to see what it is. Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 172: The Sarah Tech In this podcast, Serotek's own Matt Campbell drops by for his regular visit to the show. Did you know there was a pattern to his appearances? You'll have to listen to the podcast to see what it is. In addition to referencing several stories, Jamie, Ricky and matt mention quite a number of books and authors. There are too many to mention here, so you'll want to take notes as you listen. After the news, Lisa Salinger tells us about The Serotek Ambassadors' Club and how you can become a member. Stories discussed in this podcast include: NLS BARD Site Back Online Despite Government Shutdown Is Congress catastrophically broken, or is it doing exactly what it was designed to do? Zoom H6 Recorder Review The New iPhone 5c and Walk-Through of the Initial Setup Process for VoiceOver Users The Journey Toward Braille: Potential and Limitations of using Braille with iDevices Dr. Abraham Nemeth, inventor of the Braille math code, dies at 94 The technological terrors of Tom Clancy Valve Steam Machines, Steam Controller, and SteamOS: Visionary or Vapor? Valve details specs for Linux-based Steam Machine prototype gaming PCs Goodbye Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft Now Recommends You Use a Third-Party Antivirus Why the blue screen of death no longer plagues Windows users Facebook makes statuses editable… but is this open to abuse? Facebook Pushes Passwords One Step Closer to Death iOS 7 nausea and cybersickness: What causes it, and why it’s a sign of things to come Mailbag From Mike Arrigo Thought you might be interested in this. It's an interview with Susan Bennett who is definitely the voice of Samantha. I actually emailed her from her site, told her who I was and mentioned that her voice is used in a lot of products for blind people. She actually wrote back, she had no idea that her voice was so well known to blind people. She was actually very happy that her voice had made such a difference for us, regardless of whether you like Samantha's voice, the person who created it sounds like a really nice person. http://tube.majestyc.net/?v=fL5s3pNJECk From Aaron Linson Hey guys, I've been a faithful listener to all of the Serotek podcasts. I have a point to make on the button issue with portable reading devices. As a college student I find my book port plus to be invaluable to me. I can jump through a book as fast if not faster than a sighted college student. I also find that I'm faster with the book player than a touch screen., pushing a button is faster than swiping and the kickback is instantaneous where as a flick takes a millisecond longer. Just my thoughts and opinions.Thanks, Aaron Linson My vision is good, it's just my eyes that are not From Timothy Hornig Greetings, I appreciate the information and stances you all took with regards to visually impaired owning and using firearms. As long as the 2nd Amendment stands in it current interpretation and regulatory stances, we as a demographic should be allowed the ability to receive training, licensure, and ability to legally use them. Earlier this year, I received the chance to go turkey hunting, where my guide and I scored two birds. The ability to do this comes in large part due to the iPhone and a system called iScope (http://www.iscope.com)./ Before actually heading out, it took a little bit of time to work out our communications preferences with targeting. Likewise, those who wish to own personal handguns should go through the most thorough set of training possible. However, I strongly concede to the point that these individuals, regardless of their personal abilities, should really look at the difference between owning for personal safety/defense and owning to own. A handgun in the hands of an ill-trained or familiarized individual is more dangerous to that person then in the hands of an highly trained person. As a reminder, it is perfectly fine to ask your local police department, firearm store, SeroTalk no 18:19 SeroTalk Podcast 169: Space Gray Is the New Black /2013/09/17/serotalk-podcast-169-space-gray-is-the-new-black/ Tue, 17 Sep 2013 12:30:15 +0000 /?p=3274 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 169: Space Gray Is the New Black

This week, Jamie, Ricky and Joe return to their familiar places on the podcast. Topics discussed in this week’s episode include:

Extra Extra, Read all About it: the NLS Bard Mobile app is on its way!

JAWS 15 Public Beta

NCBI Podcast #16 Features Sendero GPS, the Serotek Socializer, and more

Amazon.com: Out of the Whirlpool: A Memoir of Remorse and Reconciliation eBook: Sue Wiygul Martin: Kindle Store

ATI Seminar Subscription

Keyboard shortcuts – Perform common Firefox tasks quickly

Homophones are Not Mistaken in Braille

Keeping Students with Disabilities Safe from Bullying

National Federation of the Blind Comments on Gun Ownership by Blind Individuals

Apple launches iPhone 5C: Color, costs aimed at emerging markets

2015: 64-bit ARM chips in iPhone 5S serve up taste of Intel-free future for Apple

Apple provides details on Touch ID’s privacy features

What’s right (and wrong) with the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s

10 new iOS 7 features for the enterprise

iCloud Keychain Removed in iOS 7 GM

OS X 10.8.5 update more than doubles 802.11ac file transfer speeds

Blast Processing

Microsoft’s Cortana shapes up to take on Siri, Google Now

Facebook suddenly deletes Social Fixer’s Facebook pages

Facebook testing videos that autoplay in mobile News Feed

Mailbag

From Luis

Hi Jamie, Joe, Ricky, or whom ever else that will join this week’s podcast,

After just finishing listening to Podcast 168 and listening to RoundAbout. The last story covered about the Simpson’s creator finding funny with his cancer fight. It reminds me about a story on CBS’s Today show back in February. On how creative a cancer survivor became with his wealth. Here’s the story that I got back then from a Houston morning show. By the way, as far as I know, no one has located the treasure yet, but be aware. That people have needed to be rescued when trying to follow the clues. Enjoy.

This Riddle Will Lead You To Millions! If You Can Solve It! Sarah Pepper February 28, 2013 A man was dying of cancer and so he hid a box with jewels and treasure in it! He wrote a riddle and if you can solve it the treasure is yours! I know, sounds like “The Goonies” but it is legit, it was on the “Today Show”! Here is the riddle. “The Thrill of the Chase”. As I have gone alone in there And with my treasures bold, I can keep my secret where, And hint of riches new and old. Begin it where warm waters halt And take it in the canyon down, Not far, but too far to walk. Put in below the home of Brown. From there it’s no place for the meek, The end is drawing ever nigh; There’ll be no paddle up your creek, Just heavy loads and water high. If you’ve been wise and found the blaze, Look quickly down, your quest to cease But tarry scant with marvel gaze, Just take the chest and go in peace. So why is it that I must go And leave my trove for all to seek? The answers I already know I’ve done it tired, and now I’m weak So hear me all and listen good, Your effort will be worth the cold. If you are brave and in the wood I give you title to the gold. Happy hunting!

From Mike Arrigo

The plextalk update is really good. Samantha actually sounds decent now, that was a change that is long overdue. I used to have a tech net subscription and I’m also sorry to see this disappear. It was a great way to get access to Microsoft software at a good price, and it’s how I got windows 7. I don’t know, some of the decisions Microsoft is making these days do not seem to be in their best interest. I have yet to hear anyone say that they really like windows 8, now they’re purchasing Nokia’s hardware division, and they’re discontinuing a service that is clearly still in demand. they are going to have to rethink some things if they intend to remain competitive.

Roundabout

First Blind Solo Kayaker Goes Down Entire Length of Grand Canyon

Why Do We Clap?

Surgeon live-streams knee repair with Google Glass

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 169: Space Gray Is the New Black This week, Jamie, Ricky and Joe return to their familiar places on the podcast. Topics discussed in this week's episode include: Extra Extra, Read all About it: the NLS Bard Mobile app is on... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 169: Space Gray Is the New Black This week, Jamie, Ricky and Joe return to their familiar places on the podcast. Topics discussed in this week's episode include: Extra Extra, Read all About it: the NLS Bard Mobile app is on its way! JAWS 15 Public Beta NCBI Podcast #16 Features Sendero GPS, the Serotek Socializer, and more Amazon.com: Out of the Whirlpool: A Memoir of Remorse and Reconciliation eBook: Sue Wiygul Martin: Kindle Store ATI Seminar Subscription Keyboard shortcuts - Perform common Firefox tasks quickly Homophones are Not Mistaken in Braille Keeping Students with Disabilities Safe from Bullying National Federation of the Blind Comments on Gun Ownership by Blind Individuals Apple launches iPhone 5C: Color, costs aimed at emerging markets 2015: 64-bit ARM chips in iPhone 5S serve up taste of Intel-free future for Apple Apple provides details on Touch ID's privacy features What's right (and wrong) with the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s 10 new iOS 7 features for the enterprise iCloud Keychain Removed in iOS 7 GM OS X 10.8.5 update more than doubles 802.11ac file transfer speeds Blast Processing Microsoft's Cortana shapes up to take on Siri, Google Now Facebook suddenly deletes Social Fixer’s Facebook pages Facebook testing videos that autoplay in mobile News Feed Mailbag From Luis Hi Jamie, Joe, Ricky, or whom ever else that will join this week's podcast, After just finishing listening to Podcast 168 and listening to RoundAbout. The last story covered about the Simpson's creator finding funny with his cancer fight. It reminds me about a story on CBS's Today show back in February. On how creative a cancer survivor became with his wealth. Here's the story that I got back then from a Houston morning show. By the way, as far as I know, no one has located the treasure yet, but be aware. That people have needed to be rescued when trying to follow the clues. Enjoy. This Riddle Will Lead You To Millions! If You Can Solve It! Sarah Pepper February 28, 2013 A man was dying of cancer and so he hid a box with jewels and treasure in it! He wrote a riddle and if you can solve it the treasure is yours! I know, sounds like “The Goonies” but it is legit, it was on the “Today Show”! Here is the riddle. “The Thrill of the Chase”. As I have gone alone in there And with my treasures bold, I can keep my secret where, And hint of riches new and old. Begin it where warm waters halt And take it in the canyon down, Not far, but too far to walk. Put in below the home of Brown. From there it’s no place for the meek, The end is drawing ever nigh; There’ll be no paddle up your creek, Just heavy loads and water high. If you’ve been wise and found the blaze, Look quickly down, your quest to cease But tarry scant with marvel gaze, Just take the chest and go in peace. So why is it that I must go And leave my trove for all to seek? The answers I already know I’ve done it tired, and now I’m weak So hear me all and listen good, Your effort will be worth the cold. If you are brave and in the wood I give you title to the gold. Happy hunting! From Mike Arrigo The plextalk update is really good. Samantha actually sounds decent now, that was a change that is long overdue. I used to have a tech net subscription and I'm also sorry to see this disappear. It was a great way to get access to Microsoft software at a good price, and it's how I got windows 7. I don't know, some of the decisions Microsoft is making these days do not seem to be in their best interest. I have yet to hear anyone say that they really like windows 8, now they're purchasing Nokia's hardware division, and they're discontinuing a service that is clearly still in demand. they are going to have to rethink some things if they intend to remain competitive. Roundabout First Blind Solo Kayaker Goes Down Entire Length of Grand Canyon Why Do We Clap? Surgeon live-streams knee repair with Google Glass Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? SeroTalk no 1:13:08 SeroTalk Podcast 159: There Is a Hole in Your Roof /2013/06/18/serotalk-podcast-159-there-is-a-hole-in-your-roof/ /2013/06/18/serotalk-podcast-159-there-is-a-hole-in-your-roof/#comments Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:30:51 +0000 /?p=2846 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 159: There Is a Hole in Your Roof

In this podcast, Jamie pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss the top news stories of the week including Apple’s WWDC keynote.

Reddit, Mozilla Join Coalition Demanding End to NSA Snooping

Chirpify Goes Beyond PayPal To Bring Direct, In-Stream Payments To Facebook, Twitter And Instagram

Bing’s U.S. search market share continues to climb

Amazon’s New Grocery Service: For $299, You Never Have to Leave the House Again

What I learned about the Xbox One from E3 | E3

Microsoft exec on Xbox One: No Internet? Get an Xbox 360

Download Chicken Nugget twitter client

Qube update available, works with new Twitter API. Start The Qube and auto update, alternatively, have an installer

iOS 7 looks great, but can it lure this Android user?

Editorial: The subtexts of Apple’s WWDC keynote

iFixit finds a plethora of minor tweaks inside the 2013 MacBook Air

Why the MacBook Air didn’t get a Retina display

Apple’s Rising Star: Craig Federighi

Report: Apple Ads Not Working Very Well

As Apple reorients its Maps, Google forges ahead

Our Position on the Posting on AppleVis of Information about Beta Versions of Apple Software

Roundabout

The OrCam: A Portable, Wearable Visual System for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons

Hands-free texting still distracting for drivers

Blind cyclists take to the track in Bristol »

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

]]> /2013/06/18/serotalk-podcast-159-there-is-a-hole-in-your-roof/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 159: There Is a Hole in Your Roof In this podcast, Jamie pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss the top news stories of the week including Apple's WWDC keynote. Reddit, Mozilla Join Coalition Demanding End to NSA Snoo... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 159: There Is a Hole in Your Roof In this podcast, Jamie pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss the top news stories of the week including Apple's WWDC keynote. Reddit, Mozilla Join Coalition Demanding End to NSA Snooping Chirpify Goes Beyond PayPal To Bring Direct, In-Stream Payments To Facebook, Twitter And Instagram Bing's U.S. search market share continues to climb Amazon’s New Grocery Service: For $299, You Never Have to Leave the House Again What I learned about the Xbox One from E3 | E3 Microsoft exec on Xbox One: No Internet? Get an Xbox 360 Download Chicken Nugget twitter client Qube update available, works with new Twitter API. Start The Qube and auto update, alternatively, have an installer iOS 7 looks great, but can it lure this Android user? Editorial: The subtexts of Apple's WWDC keynote iFixit finds a plethora of minor tweaks inside the 2013 MacBook Air Why the MacBook Air didn't get a Retina display Apple's Rising Star: Craig Federighi Report: Apple Ads Not Working Very Well As Apple reorients its Maps, Google forges ahead Our Position on the Posting on AppleVis of Information about Beta Versions of Apple Software Roundabout The OrCam: A Portable, Wearable Visual System for Blind and Visually Impaired Persons Hands-free texting still distracting for drivers Blind cyclists take to the track in Bristol » Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey. SeroTalk no SeroTalk Podcast 152: Muscles and Mousetraps /2013/04/30/serotalk-podcast-152-muscles-and-mousetraps/ Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:08:31 +0000 /?p=2641 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 152: Muscles and Mousetraps

This week, Lisa Salinger joins Jamie Pauls and Joe Steinkamp to discuss the top news stories of the week. Topics covered in this podcast include:

The @AP Twitter feed was hacked and no, the White House has not been bombed.

AP Twitter account is back, but it seems to be missing a few million followers…

Twitter said to be testing two-step security in wake of AP hack

Google: More government takedown requests than ever before

Eric Schmidt: Google Glass not coming to you until 2014:

Don’t hold your breath waiting for NFC on the iPhone. Mobile payments are still in their infancy, says Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook: Customers had to wait too long for the new iMacs after they were announced in October

Apple announces June 10 through June 14 dates for WWDC 2013, tickets go on sale April 25.

Tim Cook Offering Coffee Meeting at Apple HQ in Charity Auction

Voice search coming to Direct TV IOS app.

Netflix Surpasses HBO In Subscribers For First Time – 29.17 Million U.S. Subscribers to 28.7 Million

From Jeffrey’s Soapbox comes a post, “The must have accessible apps for blind android users”

TalkBack Update

Hims Gets It Right With Braille Sense Version Eight

Letter to Humanware: are you killing the Braillenote and hoping no one notices?

We are delighted and proud to announce The Nightjar game — featuring Benedict Cumberbatch — is now on sale

Window-Eyes 8.2 is Now Available

Outlook 2010 from the Keyboard – free basics of using Outlook without a mouse

Mailbag

From Mike Arrigo: > I also have a chrome book that Google sent me for testing. If you want to see how the accessibility works, install google chrome on your pc or mac, then install the chromevox extention. The chrome books work the same way. In my view, the chrome book is good at what it does, it just doesn’t do enough. You can play media files and view pictures locally, other than that, you must have an internet connection to be able to do anything with it. It really does not run any applications locally besides the chrome browser of course. So, there is no skype or messenger applications, no local office suites or any games that run on the device. You would need to use web sites that offered this. In a nut shell, I would say the chrome book is an internet appliance in a laptop form factor. For someone who just wants to do email and surf the web, it’s something to consider. Other than that, I would say to go with a full laptop.

> Hi Serotek team, my name is Tamer Zaid and I live in Houston Texas.

> Well, I have a question with which OCR app is officient with blind and visually impaired people to use. Is it Prismo? Or is there other apps such as those? I am a bigg fan of the i-Phone and specially the i-Phone 5. It is so fast! So, have a great day!

From Snow Bunny on Podcast 145: > Hey, guys, yes, I know, I’m way behind, thanks again for having content on demand! That service animal story was doggone interesting, ha ha, I’m a punster too! Owing to having no usable hearing on the left side and total blindness, my orientation and balance are much worse than in prior times and I get disoriented in my home. Do you guys know of a system with, say, some kind of tags which I could place on prominent objects and a handheld device to use to point around a room when I become dizzy and directionally unplugged? The device could speak, saying, “fridge in front of you”, for example. Here is something I came across. Please discuss indoor navigation more on the podcast sometime. Thanks and keep up the great work! Beth

Roundabout

Blind adventurer relies on his ears & a guide to ski. He’s also the first blind person to climb Mt. Everest!

How one man’s life changed from completely disconnecting for ten days:

McDonald’s burger bought in Utah in 1999 looks exactly the same as the day it was first flipped

128-Year-Old Recording Surfaces of Alexander Graham Bell’s Voice

Looking for headphones with a safer open ear design so you can still talk with others around you or hear your environment? Aftershokz Headphones utilize Bone Conduction audio that lets you listen to your favorite tunes, or SeroTalk network podcasts, yet still be able to hear your nearby surroundings. You can get 40% off if you use the promotional code SPN40 at the checkout area on the Aftershokz website just for being a listener of this very podcast!

To learn more about these amazing headphones, and to read about the new Bluez with wireless options, visit Aftershokz.com. You can also catch SPN’s own Mike Calvo, from last year, reviewing a pair of the Aftershocks that he uses in his daily work.

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 152: Muscles and Mousetraps This week, Lisa Salinger joins Jamie Pauls and Joe Steinkamp to discuss the top news stories of the week. Topics covered in this podcast include: The @AP Twitter feed was hacked and no, Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 152: Muscles and Mousetraps This week, Lisa Salinger joins Jamie Pauls and Joe Steinkamp to discuss the top news stories of the week. Topics covered in this podcast include: The @AP Twitter feed was hacked and no, the White... SeroTalk no 1:19:54 SeroTalk Podcast 148: Where Did All My Successories Go? /2013/04/03/serotalk-podcast-148-where-did-all-my-successories-go/ Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:57:52 +0000 /?p=2521 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 148: Where Did All My Successories Go?

Global internet slows after ‘biggest attack in history’

Wells Fargo’s website was hit by denial-of-service attack yesterday

Thousands of accounts found to host unsecured passwords, photos, and other files on Amazon’s cloud

MacBreak Weekly 343

Mike Calvo appears on the Wall Street Journal’s Lunch Break Live

The Court of Public Opinion is Not the Last Resort

Nokia Screen Reader  V1.50 is now available  on Nokia Store with full support for Whatsapp v2.9.6

A makeup course for the visually impaired.

The Old Hat Guide to iPhone Accessibility

iPhone and iPod basics with Lisa Salinger

Looking for an accessible RSS feed reader? Introducing QFeed:

An Immersion into Internet Explorer 10 with JFW 14

The passing of Mark Marvel

‘Speed of light’ fibre optic breakthrough hints at faster internet

Windows Blue confirmed as Microsoft hints at yearly updates

RIM founder Mike Lazaridis leaves BlackBerry

Is Windows Phone ready to replace your iPhone or Android?

Some iOS 6.1.3 users hit by battery drain and Wi-Fi issues

Apple lands in Chinese court in Siri patent battle

Sick of manually updating apps on your iPhone? This jailbreak tweak takes care of it automatically

Apple patents gesture control with touchscreen off, for iWatch?

What, exactly, WiFiSLAM is, and why Apple acquired it

Mailbag

From Mary Emerson

Hi,

I enjoyed your discussion of Braille displays. I’ve been using them for decades. At work I used Braille and never used speech. I did this partly because I worked in programming, technical writing, and system support, and Braille provided a great deal of information about formatting and code syntax. As a tech writer, I could proofread my books before they went out for final edits. My main reason for continuing to use Braille is that I am deaf on one side, and although I keep speech in the background, some of it is hard to understand, especially the new voices that sound like the words are chopped up and the phonemes are thrown together with random pitches and tones. I’m glad that Braille devices running Android are coming on the scene; I plan to get one later this year.

Mary

Roundabout

One Day, You’re Going to Die. Here’s How to Prepare for It

Virtual games help the blind navigate unknown territory.

Recommended Reading

Here are links to the Daniel Suarez books Freedom and Daemon, both of which have been frequently mentioned on the podcast.

]]> SeroTalk Podcast for April 1, 2013 /2013/04/01/serotalk-podcast-for-april-1-2013/ /2013/04/01/serotalk-podcast-for-april-1-2013/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:41:40 +0000 /?p=2482 Continue reading →]]> Listen to the SeroTalk Podcast for April 1, 2013

In our very first SeroTalk podcast for the month of April, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss the top news stories of the week which include:

Slammer worm slows

802.11g coming!

Linux legal battles

An overview of access on Linux

AS Windows 95 fades, a first look at the new .NET environment

Apple rumor, 20 GB iPod on its way

Mac OS 10.2 coming with no relief for those needing access

A wrap up of CSUN

Pac Mate review

A review of Open Book vs Kurzweil 1000

GW Micro to appear on Main Menu April 16th, 2003

Ai Squaired releases ZoomText 8.0

Mobile Pal plus GPS

]]> /2013/04/01/serotalk-podcast-for-april-1-2013/feed/ 2 Listen to the SeroTalk Podcast for April 1, 2013 - In our very first SeroTalk podcast for the month of April, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss the top news stories of the week which include: - Slammer worm slows - 802.11g coming! - Listen to the SeroTalk Podcast for April 1, 2013 In our very first SeroTalk podcast for the month of April, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss the top news stories of the week which include: Slammer worm slows 802.11g coming! Linux legal battles An overview of access on Linux AS Windows 95 fades, a first look at the new .NET environment Apple rumor, 20 GB iPod on its way Mac OS 10.2 coming with no relief for those needing access A wrap up of CSUN Pac Mate review A review of Open Book vs Kurzweil 1000 GW Micro to appear on Main Menu April 16th, 2003 Ai Squaired releases ZoomText 8.0 Mobile Pal plus GPS SeroTalk no 27:14 SeroTalk Podcast 145: The Phone Booth of the Future /2013/03/12/serotalk-podcast-145-the-phone-booth-of-the-future/ /2013/03/12/serotalk-podcast-145-the-phone-booth-of-the-future/#comments Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:20:26 +0000 /?p=2341 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 145: The Phone Booth of the Future

This week’s show presents yet another guycast with Jamie, Buddy and Joe. As you might expect, there is no shortage of opinions on all the stories discussed below. Send us an email, leave an iReport via iBlink Radio, or leave a comment on www.serotalk.com to give us yours.

New Sendero 2013 line up

VoiceOver saved in Apple, Samsung patent battle

An Update on the Seeing Eye app Being Developed by the Sendero Group

Blind Vets Warn Against VA Funding Guide Dogs

A keyboard that rises up from flat touch screens

White House: You have a right to unlock your cell phone

Rumor: T-Mobile to move to no-contract model soon

Smartphones to outsell feature phones in 2013 for first time

Twitter Killing TweetDeck for iPhone and Android

Facebook unveils redesigned, cleaner News Feed coming to iPhone, iPad & Web

Google at work Amazon Prime competitor

Get ready for used digital goods stores from Amazon & Apple. patents.

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 rumored to use eye-tracking software

Minor security flaw found in Samsung’s Galaxy Note 2

Talkback v3.0 released

How to Prevent Accidental Spending on In-App Purchases on Your iPhone

Apple’s iPhone might have been a ‘Mobi’

Apple reportedly cutting back on iPad 9.7 orders

iPhone 5S rumored to launch in August, new iPads in April

Apple’s iWatch may be unveiled this year, Bloomberg says

Mailbag

From Snowbunny

Hey, guys, great podcast!  You asked who doesn’t have Dropbox these days.  Well, Yours Truly, for one.  I’ve never been comfortable with the premise of Dropbox, you can walk a fine line regarding legality pertaining to what you have and send people on Dropbox.  Seems to me this was mentioned on a long-ago Serotalk podcast.  Copyright issues need to be taken seriously here.  Thanks too for the upcoming CSUN shows, can’t wait!  Beth

Roundabout

Pet Peves of the blind and visually impaired

Eat a Banana to Remedy Over-Caffeination

Seeking your opinion: should Serotek Start a newsletter?

Complete Serotek’s survey for your chance to win an iPad Mini

Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

]]> /2013/03/12/serotalk-podcast-145-the-phone-booth-of-the-future/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 145: The Phone Booth of the Future - This week’s show presents yet another guycast with Jamie, Buddy and Joe. As you might expect, there is no shortage of opinions on all the stories discussed below. Send us an email, Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 145: The Phone Booth of the Future This week’s show presents yet another guycast with Jamie, Buddy and Joe. As you might expect, there is no shortage of opinions on all the stories discussed below. Send us an email, leave an iReport via iBlink Radio, or leave a comment on www.serotalk.com to give us yours. New Sendero 2013 line up VoiceOver saved in Apple, Samsung patent battle An Update on the Seeing Eye app Being Developed by the Sendero Group Blind Vets Warn Against VA Funding Guide Dogs A keyboard that rises up from flat touch screens White House: You have a right to unlock your cell phone Rumor: T-Mobile to move to no-contract model soon Smartphones to outsell feature phones in 2013 for first time Twitter Killing TweetDeck for iPhone and Android Facebook unveils redesigned, cleaner News Feed coming to iPhone, iPad & Web Google at work Amazon Prime competitor Get ready for used digital goods stores from Amazon & Apple. patents. Samsung's Galaxy S4 rumored to use eye-tracking software Minor security flaw found in Samsung's Galaxy Note 2 Talkback v3.0 released How to Prevent Accidental Spending on In-App Purchases on Your iPhone Apple's iPhone might have been a 'Mobi' Apple reportedly cutting back on iPad 9.7 orders iPhone 5S rumored to launch in August, new iPads in April Apple's iWatch may be unveiled this year, Bloomberg says Mailbag From Snowbunny Hey, guys, great podcast!  You asked who doesn't have Dropbox these days.  Well, Yours Truly, for one.  I've never been comfortable with the premise of Dropbox, you can walk a fine line regarding legality pertaining to what you have and send people on Dropbox.  Seems to me this was mentioned on a long-ago Serotalk podcast.  Copyright issues need to be taken seriously here.  Thanks too for the upcoming CSUN shows, can't wait!  Beth Roundabout Pet Peves of the blind and visually impaired Eat a Banana to Remedy Over-Caffeination Seeking your opinion: should Serotek Start a newsletter? Complete Serotek’s survey for your chance to win an iPad Mini Do you enjoy our SPN Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey. SeroTalk no 1:22:20 SeroTalk Podcast 138: Facebook In Need of a Fist /2013/01/22/serotalk-podcast-138-facebook-in-need-of-a-fist/ /2013/01/22/serotalk-podcast-138-facebook-in-need-of-a-fist/#comments Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:37:14 +0000 /?p=2114 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 138: Facebook In Need of a Fist

Lisa Salinger joins Jamie Pauls and Joe Steinkamp as they discuss this week’s crop of stories, including the big one that prompted the title of this podcast. Finally, Joe and Jamie have a surprise for those who listen in past the credits at the end.

New Facebook Graph Search gives users power to slice and dice info from friends

How Facebook Graph Search Can Help Journalists

How The New Facebook Search Is Different & Unique From Google Search

Why Facebook doesn’t need its own phone

Microsoft Office 2013: What to expect on the pricing front

Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablet is expected to arrive in ‘weeks’

Microsoft’s Surface needs a reboot: Here’s how

Another top retail executive leaves as Apple looks for new head

Specs leak: BlackBerry 10 L-Series shows multiple variants, decent horsepower

RIM Attracts 15,000 Apps For BlackBerry 10 In 2 Days

A User’s Perspective on the Insignia Narrator Talking HD Radio

UEB & You: What You Need to Know About Unified English Braille

Nexus 7 Screen Protectors Survey

Verizon Wireless Introduces Mobile Accessibility App For Customers Who Are Visually Impaired

Mobile Accessibility Survey

Book Review: All You Need and Want to Know about iMessaging

HIMS is Pleased to Release Sense Notetaker v7.0 patch 2 featuring Support for Learning Ally

Download KeySoft 9.2.2 today!

2013 Rose Parade with Audio Description Now Available for Download

ZoomText 10.06

J-Say 11

Time to enroll in CAVI courses

Mailbag

From Mike Arrigo:

Great show as always.

Skype on the Mac is much more accessible than in windows. It has built in features to notify you of things such as receiving messages and when contacts sign in and out. The chat window is an html view so it’s fully accessible. I’ve merged my messenger and skype accounts, and I think this is a great thing. I don’t think text chat is dead yet, just like on a mobile phone, if you want to tell someone something very quickly, text messaging is quicker, and it also allows you to multitask and do other things while having an on going chat.

Regarding the iphone for straight talk, you have to pay full price for the phone I think. I wonder if it’s unlocked. I sure hope so, to pay the price they are charging for a phone that is locked is nothing but a rip off.

Regarding blackberry 10, I wonder if that will be accessible or if it will join the ranks of windows phone 8.

I agree with Ricky about the specialized smart phone. There’s simply no reason for that. The main stream phones that are available are accessible, assuming they use an accessible platform. People need to bite the bullet and learn how to use them the same as everyone else.

 

From: Ali

Hello,

I enjoyed listening to podcast 137. You guys provided a good perspective.

As far as backing up an iOS device, I still prefer backing up in iTunes, that way, you are certain all your content is completely backed up, and software updates are quicker.

Is there a difference between the Mac and windows version of iTunes? I have only used the Windows version.

Best regards, Ali

Roundabout

1928 video of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, captioned and audio described

]]> /2013/01/22/serotalk-podcast-138-facebook-in-need-of-a-fist/feed/ 2 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 138: Facebook In Need of a Fist - Lisa Salinger joins Jamie Pauls and Joe Steinkamp as they discuss this week’s crop of stories, including the big one that prompted the title of this podcast. Finally, Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 138: Facebook In Need of a Fist Lisa Salinger joins Jamie Pauls and Joe Steinkamp as they discuss this week’s crop of stories, including the big one that prompted the title of this podcast. Finally, Joe and Jamie have a surprise for those who listen in past the credits at the end. New Facebook Graph Search gives users power to slice and dice info from friends How Facebook Graph Search Can Help Journalists How The New Facebook Search Is Different & Unique From Google Search Why Facebook doesn't need its own phone Microsoft Office 2013: What to expect on the pricing front Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet is expected to arrive in 'weeks' Microsoft's Surface needs a reboot: Here's how Another top retail executive leaves as Apple looks for new head Specs leak: BlackBerry 10 L-Series shows multiple variants, decent horsepower RIM Attracts 15,000 Apps For BlackBerry 10 In 2 Days A User's Perspective on the Insignia Narrator Talking HD Radio UEB & You: What You Need to Know About Unified English Braille Nexus 7 Screen Protectors Survey Verizon Wireless Introduces Mobile Accessibility App For Customers Who Are Visually Impaired Mobile Accessibility Survey Book Review: All You Need and Want to Know about iMessaging HIMS is Pleased to Release Sense Notetaker v7.0 patch 2 featuring Support for Learning Ally Download KeySoft 9.2.2 today! 2013 Rose Parade with Audio Description Now Available for Download ZoomText 10.06 J-Say 11 Time to enroll in CAVI courses Mailbag From Mike Arrigo: Great show as always. Skype on the Mac is much more accessible than in windows. It has built in features to notify you of things such as receiving messages and when contacts sign in and out. The chat window is an html view so it's fully accessible. I've merged my messenger and skype accounts, and I think this is a great thing. I don't think text chat is dead yet, just like on a mobile phone, if you want to tell someone something very quickly, text messaging is quicker, and it also allows you to multitask and do other things while having an on going chat. Regarding the iphone for straight talk, you have to pay full price for the phone I think. I wonder if it's unlocked. I sure hope so, to pay the price they are charging for a phone that is locked is nothing but a rip off. Regarding blackberry 10, I wonder if that will be accessible or if it will join the ranks of windows phone 8. I agree with Ricky about the specialized smart phone. There's simply no reason for that. The main stream phones that are available are accessible, assuming they use an accessible platform. People need to bite the bullet and learn how to use them the same as everyone else.   From: Ali Hello, I enjoyed listening to podcast 137. You guys provided a good perspective. As far as backing up an iOS device, I still prefer backing up in iTunes, that way, you are certain all your content is completely backed up, and software updates are quicker. Is there a difference between the Mac and windows version of iTunes? I have only used the Windows version. Best regards, Ali Roundabout 1928 video of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, captioned and audio described SeroTalk no 1:02:59 SeroTalk Podcast 134: The Cheese Stands Alone /2012/12/11/serotalk-podcast-134-the-cheese-stands-alone/ /2012/12/11/serotalk-podcast-134-the-cheese-stands-alone/#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:54:27 +0000 /?p=2068 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 134: The Cheese Stands Alone

Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Joe Steinkamp have a lot to discuss this week, so let’s jump right into the stories covered on this episode.

National Federation of the Blind Condemns Amazon’s Push to Put Kindle E-books in Schools

Amazon making Kindle Fire more accessible via voice, touch controls

Blind Bargains: An Apology, and the Announcement of 2011 Blind Bargains Access Award Winners

Window-Eyes 8.0 Now Available!

★ iWork for iOS Apps Updated with Improved Accessibility

iPhone VoiceOver Function For People With Disabilities

iPhone vs. Android: One Year Later | Joe Orozco

The advantages of owning an iPad

Tim Cook Explains The Biggest Changes He’s Made To Apple After Steve Jobs

Apple to begin manufacturing some Macs in the U.S.

T-Mobile CEO: Our iPhone experience will be ‘dramatically different’

T-Mobile to end smartphone subsidies next year

Surface sales may exceed 1M in Q4, says researcher

Microsoft’s Android bashing campaign goes down in flames as #WindowsRage trends

Why don’t computer users take passwords seriously?

Twitter SMS bug lets hackers tweet via other users’ accounts

The skinny on Netflix-Disney deal (FAQ)

Roundabout

Apple Promises To Fix iOS 6 Maps For Christmas By Physically Altering Planet Earth [Humor]

Building a sensitive robot, and perhaps a future politician?

]]> /2012/12/11/serotalk-podcast-134-the-cheese-stands-alone/feed/ 2 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 134: The Cheese Stands Alone - Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Joe Steinkamp have a lot to discuss this week, so let’s jump right into the stories covered on this episo... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 134: The Cheese Stands Alone Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Joe Steinkamp have a lot to discuss this week, so let’s jump right into the stories covered on this episode. National Federation of the Blind Condemns Amazon's Push to Put Kindle E-books in Schools Amazon making Kindle Fire more accessible via voice, touch controls Blind Bargains: An Apology, and the Announcement of 2011 Blind Bargains Access Award Winners Window-Eyes 8.0 Now Available! ★ iWork for iOS Apps Updated with Improved Accessibility iPhone VoiceOver Function For People With Disabilities iPhone vs. Android: One Year Later | Joe Orozco The advantages of owning an iPad Tim Cook Explains The Biggest Changes He's Made To Apple After Steve Jobs Apple to begin manufacturing some Macs in the U.S. T-Mobile CEO: Our iPhone experience will be 'dramatically different' T-Mobile to end smartphone subsidies next year Surface sales may exceed 1M in Q4, says researcher Microsoft's Android bashing campaign goes down in flames as #WindowsRage trends Why don’t computer users take passwords seriously? Twitter SMS bug lets hackers tweet via other users' accounts The skinny on Netflix-Disney deal (FAQ) Roundabout Apple Promises To Fix iOS 6 Maps For Christmas By Physically Altering Planet Earth [Humor] Building a sensitive robot, and perhaps a future politician? SeroTalk no 1:15:50 SeroTalk Podcast 132: When Braille Strikes Back /2012/11/12/serotalk-podcast-132-when-braille-strikes-back/ /2012/11/12/serotalk-podcast-132-when-braille-strikes-back/#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:56:41 +0000 /?p=2027 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 132: When Braille Strikes Back

Welcome to yet another edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Buddy Brannan sit down to discuss the top news stories of the week. Items covered in this week’s podcast include:

How an Indonesian ISP took down the mighty Google for 30 minutes

Obama faces piracy, privacy tests in his second term

Pirate Cinema by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Microsoft’s Surface a balloting device in one precinct in Virginia

Why you can’t vote with your iPhone: There may be an app for it, but there isn’t an appetite

Amazon Prime give and take: get monthly payment option, pay more

New Tech Doctor podcast “Amazon Kindle Accessibility” featuring Lisa Salinger and Allison Hartley

Borrowing Books with Kindle and Prime by Lisa Salinger

Windows 8 may be ‘safer’, but you’re still not buying it

Report: Microsoft Office for iOS, Android could debut early next year

Microsoft Office for iOS, Android to have Office 365 subscription tie-in: Report

Microsoft confirms Windows Live Messenger retirement in favor of Skype

Windows RT 32GB tablets actually only have 16GB of usable space nullifying storage cost advantage over iPad

Surface with Windows RT is No PC Replacement

Taking Surface to Work

5 Reasons Why Apple’s Stock is Tanking

iPad-controlled street lights coming to London

Apple, publishers cut e-book deal with EU regulators – report

BANA Adopts UEB

Window-Eyes 8.0 Beta 2 Now Available

Roundabout

Climbing 103 Floors On a ‘Bionic’ Leg

After Paralysis, Blind Man Takes 1st Steps with Robotic Suit:

 

]]> /2012/11/12/serotalk-podcast-132-when-braille-strikes-back/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 132: When Braille Strikes Back - Welcome to yet another edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Buddy Brannan sit down to discuss the top news stories of the week. Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 132: When Braille Strikes Back Welcome to yet another edition of the SeroTalk Podcast where Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Buddy Brannan sit down to discuss the top news stories of the week. Items covered in this week’s podcast include: How an Indonesian ISP took down the mighty Google for 30 minutes Obama faces piracy, privacy tests in his second term Pirate Cinema by Cory Doctorow Little Brother by Cory Doctorow Microsoft's Surface a balloting device in one precinct in Virginia Why you can’t vote with your iPhone: There may be an app for it, but there isn’t an appetite Amazon Prime give and take: get monthly payment option, pay more New Tech Doctor podcast "Amazon Kindle Accessibility" featuring Lisa Salinger and Allison Hartley Borrowing Books with Kindle and Prime by Lisa Salinger Windows 8 may be 'safer', but you're still not buying it Report: Microsoft Office for iOS, Android could debut early next year Microsoft Office for iOS, Android to have Office 365 subscription tie-in: Report Microsoft confirms Windows Live Messenger retirement in favor of Skype Windows RT 32GB tablets actually only have 16GB of usable space nullifying storage cost advantage over iPad Surface with Windows RT is No PC Replacement Taking Surface to Work 5 Reasons Why Apple's Stock is Tanking iPad-controlled street lights coming to London Apple, publishers cut e-book deal with EU regulators – report BANA Adopts UEB Window-Eyes 8.0 Beta 2 Now Available Roundabout Climbing 103 Floors On a 'Bionic' Leg After Paralysis, Blind Man Takes 1st Steps with Robotic Suit:   SeroTalk no 53:05 SeroTalk Podcast 129: It’s Complicated /2012/10/23/serotalk-podcast-129-its-complicated/ /2012/10/23/serotalk-podcast-129-its-complicated/#comments Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:55:33 +0000 /?p=2010 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 129: It’s Complicated

Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. This week, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp once again discuss the top news stories of the week. Then, Jamie Pauls visits with laura Legendary of Elegant Insights Jewelry. Stories covered in this week’s podcast include:

Apple v Android: the winner is… the disabled community

Blind Community Raises Awareness with ‘Flash Mob’ Dance

Home Readers  | The gateway to shopping for the blind and visually impaired

Braille Plus 18 User Guide

Window-Eyes 8.0 Public Beta

OptiGuide

An Evaluation of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Using the Nexus 7

Newsweek turns to digital-only publication

Amazon launches Whispercast service to help schools, workplaces manage Kindle devices

Apple iPad Mini: The ultimate rumor roundup

5 Ways to Increase Your iPhone 5 Battery Life

Elop: a Surface phone would stimulate the Windows Phone ecosystem

Microsoft Office 365: More new packages and prices coming in November

Only 6% of Fans Engage With a Brand’s Facebook Page [STUDY]

Facebook partners with Panda Security

Mailbag

Blog comment from Sue

Great podcast as usual. About that article where it talks about blind people not being connected to the net for me I have been pretty lucky. I have been on the net since I was 21 years old which was in 96 which really opened up the door and that is how my husband and I met been married for nine years and loving it. As far as Lee there has got to be some blindness organization where they do something at least twice a month so he can get out and do stuff. I know when I grew up in PA there were two camps I went to during the summer. Also if he got a PC with either NVDA or System access he could at least keep up with what is going on in the world. Not everyone needs or wants a smart phone. I know they are awesome, for me I am mainly here at home and on the PC. My cell phone is a basic one. One of these days am going to get an Ipod touch.

From Christine Diller In Maryland

Good Evening Folks,

I just finished listening to Podcast 128. As always, a most informative presentation, a great job done by all!

While it’s nice having Ricky back, lending her expertise on various points of conversation, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Podcast 127, starring Buddy, Jamie, and Joe! I’ve never laughed so hard in all my life! You guys were awesome, even if my husband found me totally insane, sitting with my earphones in my ears, laughing hysterically over something of which he was totally unaware! Thanks for the hilarious show! Oh yes, much knowledge was gained as well.

Now if I may, a few comments from Podcast 128:

I’m a staunch advocate in educating the general public about blindness and low vision, leaving a positive impression. That’s not to say however, that I haven’t experienced situations where I wanted to scream, tearing my hair out! For example, I was once asked whether my dog cooked for me. Before replying, I had to take a deep breath, biting my tongue! It was so hard not to laugh! My dog and I, along with the individual in question, walked away, both feeling good about how I handled the situation, I think!

Now onto sounds that make one cry. The “fork against a plate” is one which causes me to cringe. Two others though, which drive me up the wall are “listening to someone crunching on an apple,” along with “hearing a person rubbing a page between their fingers, or rubbing pages together while they read.”

Wishing everyone a great week, and Joe, stay away from those emery boards!

From Pam Francis

Hi folks,

Thanks again for another informative podcast.

At the end you asked for sounds that made us cringe or react in any given way.

When I was young, I remember watching a test pattern on a black & white TV & hearing, “This is a test of the Emergency broadcast system.” The subsequent tone used to totally freek me out. To this day, I have schoolmates who have told me of my reaction. I had a very high pitched scream & ran in to a closet. By the grace of God, that menacing tone was replaced when the Emergency Alert system was activated. I still don’t like it; but do not run from the room or mute the channel be it TV or radio.

If I may, I would also like to ask another couple of questions & make another comment.

I have seen several articles posted by you & others regarding windows accessibility without a 3rd party screen reader. Per the surface tablet, if there is minimal accessibility to no accessibility, do you think Windows will have conceded to Apple with reference to tablet accessibility?

Also, if one is not familiar with Android as a platform, What is the learning curve with a Nexus 7 versus an Ipad other than accessibility gestures? I ask this because we are the launch city for Google fiber. Within our installation, we are given a Nexus 7, supposedly to be used as a remote. I also understand they have a conventional remote.

However I hope to use this opportunity to try to familiarize myself with some sort of Android, if for no other reason than to broaden my horizons.

You also made comments referencing wireless carriers having accessibility departments. Though I am a Verizon customer, I have yet to find a dependable link or contact number to get direct accessibility support. I know it exists with AT&T. I have been a Verizon customer for almost 15 years. Through the years, I have seen various phones attempt at accessibility be it gimmicky or intended. Their version of the Talks screen reader was a joke. I am forever disturbed by the customer service reps doubling as tech support reading data base answers from a computer screen rather than having raw knowledge.

I also made a futile attempt at contacting an accessibility team within google. They offer a feedback form with no means of communicating with anyone directly responsible for accessibility.

I am trying to make them aware of the needs of those of us who have such needs that are willing to subscribe to their service.

Apple does have a dedicated team with a dedicated number.

the number is, for your listeners benefit 866-204-3930 Keep up your tireless work for all of us. It does not go unnoticed.

Roundabout

Police use Taser on blind man, thinking his cane was samurai sword

]]> /2012/10/23/serotalk-podcast-129-its-complicated/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 129: It’s Complicated - Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. This week, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp once again discuss the top news stories of the week. Then, Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 129: It’s Complicated Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. This week, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp once again discuss the top news stories of the week. Then, Jamie Pauls visits with laura Legendary of Elegant Insights Jewelry. Stories covered in this week’s podcast include: Apple v Android: the winner is… the disabled community Blind Community Raises Awareness with 'Flash Mob' Dance Home Readers  | The gateway to shopping for the blind and visually impaired Braille Plus 18 User Guide Window-Eyes 8.0 Public Beta OptiGuide An Evaluation of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Using the Nexus 7 Newsweek turns to digital-only publication Amazon launches Whispercast service to help schools, workplaces manage Kindle devices Apple iPad Mini: The ultimate rumor roundup 5 Ways to Increase Your iPhone 5 Battery Life Elop: a Surface phone would stimulate the Windows Phone ecosystem Microsoft Office 365: More new packages and prices coming in November Only 6% of Fans Engage With a Brand's Facebook Page [STUDY] Facebook partners with Panda Security Mailbag Blog comment from Sue Great podcast as usual. About that article where it talks about blind people not being connected to the net for me I have been pretty lucky. I have been on the net since I was 21 years old which was in 96 which really opened up the door and that is how my husband and I met been married for nine years and loving it. As far as Lee there has got to be some blindness organization where they do something at least twice a month so he can get out and do stuff. I know when I grew up in PA there were two camps I went to during the summer. Also if he got a PC with either NVDA or System access he could at least keep up with what is going on in the world. Not everyone needs or wants a smart phone. I know they are awesome, for me I am mainly here at home and on the PC. My cell phone is a basic one. One of these days am going to get an Ipod touch. From Christine Diller In Maryland Good Evening Folks, I just finished listening to Podcast 128. As always, a most informative presentation, a great job done by all! While it's nice having Ricky back, lending her expertise on various points of conversation, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Podcast 127, starring Buddy, Jamie, and Joe! I've never laughed so hard in all my life! You guys were awesome, even if my husband found me totally insane, sitting with my earphones in my ears, laughing hysterically over something of which he was totally unaware! Thanks for the hilarious show! Oh yes, much knowledge was gained as well. Now if I may, a few comments from Podcast 128: I'm a staunch advocate in educating the general public about blindness and low vision, leaving a positive impression. That's not to say however, that I haven't experienced situations where I wanted to scream, tearing my hair out! For example, I was once asked whether my dog cooked for me. Before replying, I had to take a deep breath, biting my tongue! It was so hard not to laugh! My dog and I, along with the individual in question, walked away, both feeling good about how I handled the situation, I think! Now onto sounds that make one cry. The "fork against a plate" is one which causes me to cringe. Two others though, which drive me up the wall are "listening to someone crunching on an apple," along with "hearing a person rubbing a page between their fingers, or rubbing pages together while they read." Wishing everyone a great week, and Joe, stay away from those emery boards! From Pam Francis Hi folks, Thanks again for another informative podcast. At the end you asked for sounds that made us cringe or react in any given way. When I was young, I remember watching a test pattern on a black & white TV & hearing, "This is a test of the Emergency broadcast system." The subsequent tone used to totally freek me out. To this day, SeroTalk no 1:18:02 SeroTalk Podcast 124: Big Ol’ Crunch /2012/09/18/serotalk-podcast-124-big-ol-crunch/ /2012/09/18/serotalk-podcast-124-big-ol-crunch/#comments Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:41:34 +0000 /?p=1973 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 124: Big Ol’ Crunch

This week, Buddy Brannan joins Jamie Pauls and Ricky Enger to discuss the news of the week. Stories discussed in this week’s podcast include:

Go Daddy: Sorry about the outage. And no, it wasn’t a hack

“Six strikes” Internet warning system will come to US this year

California passes driverless car bill

Global TV shipments down again as Samsung dominates

BlackBerry sinks to zero sales in ‘a meaningful number’ of stores

iOS 6 coming Sept 19, here’s what’s new

 Apple’s era of secrecy is over

Five reasons iPhone 5 disappoints

Five great things about iPhone 5

Get your iPhone ready for iOS 6

Verizon will enable iPhone’s FaceTime on all data plans, unlike AT&T

Google VP says Apple v Samsung verdict was a “wake-up call”

Blind and online: Progress, not perfection, for visually impaired tech users

Bionic revolution: The tech getting disabled people into work

New Tips for Amtrak Travel

Working To Improve Autocorrect, An App Finds An Unlikely Audience: The Blind

What’s New in JAWS 14 Public Beta

Roundabout

Winner Is Served: Christine Ha Takes Top Prize on MasterChef

Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.

 

]]> /2012/09/18/serotalk-podcast-124-big-ol-crunch/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 124: Big Ol’ Crunch - This week, Buddy Brannan joins Jamie Pauls and Ricky Enger to discuss the news of the week. Stories discussed in this week’s podcast include: - Go Daddy: Sorry about the outage. And no, Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 124: Big Ol’ Crunch This week, Buddy Brannan joins Jamie Pauls and Ricky Enger to discuss the news of the week. Stories discussed in this week’s podcast include: Go Daddy: Sorry about the outage. And no, it wasn't a hack "Six strikes" Internet warning system will come to US this year California passes driverless car bill Global TV shipments down again as Samsung dominates BlackBerry sinks to zero sales in 'a meaningful number' of stores iOS 6 coming Sept 19, here's what's new  Apple's era of secrecy is over Five reasons iPhone 5 disappoints Five great things about iPhone 5 Get your iPhone ready for iOS 6 Verizon will enable iPhone's FaceTime on all data plans, unlike AT&T Google VP says Apple v Samsung verdict was a "wake-up call" Blind and online: Progress, not perfection, for visually impaired tech users Bionic revolution: The tech getting disabled people into work New Tips for Amtrak Travel Working To Improve Autocorrect, An App Finds An Unlikely Audience: The Blind What's New in JAWS 14 Public Beta Roundabout Winner Is Served: Christine Ha Takes Top Prize on MasterChef Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.   SeroTalk no 1:23:17 SeroTalk Podcast 123: Bing It On /2012/09/12/serotalk-podcast-123-bing-it-on/ /2012/09/12/serotalk-podcast-123-bing-it-on/#comments Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:39:30 +0000 /?p=1969 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 123: Bing It On

Join us for another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast as Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp tackle the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie Pauls and Patrick Purdue join Mike Calvo to discuss the iShower, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless shower speaker.

In The News

Amazon’s new 7-inch Kindle Fire: twice the RAM, faster processor, longer battery life, $159

Kindle Fire HD 8.9: how the new Kindle tablet compares with the competition

Amazon just put Android tablets on notice with the Kindle Fire product line

Amazon debuts new Kindle Fires, just don’t call them gadgets

The quest for the best search engine: Bing It On

Google wins patent on face-to-unlock feature

A Windows user’s life with the Mac, two months in

Nokia aims to dazzle with Windows Phone 8 Lumia 920

Nokia mangles Lumia phone launch by faking camera’s capabilities

No new Apple TV this year, report says

Apple: We didn’t pass iPhone, iPad device IDs to FBI

iPhone 5 rumor roundup

Apple claims dibs on new dock adapters, report says

The BrailleNote Battery Scandal

An indoor navigation solution for blind users? Check out Navatar

FSCast Episode 69, Augusst 2012 discusses the upcoming release of Jaws 14

Roundabout

AT&T to test Text-to-911 service in Tennessee

Why Remote Workers Are More (Yes, More) Engaged

Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.

 

]]> /2012/09/12/serotalk-podcast-123-bing-it-on/feed/ 1 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 123: Bing It On - Join us for another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast as Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp tackle the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie Pauls and Patrick Purdue join Mike Calvo to d... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 123: Bing It On Join us for another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast as Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp tackle the top news stories of the week. After the news, Jamie Pauls and Patrick Purdue join Mike Calvo to discuss the iShower, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless shower speaker. In The News Amazon's new 7-inch Kindle Fire: twice the RAM, faster processor, longer battery life, $159 Kindle Fire HD 8.9: how the new Kindle tablet compares with the competition Amazon just put Android tablets on notice with the Kindle Fire product line Amazon debuts new Kindle Fires, just don't call them gadgets The quest for the best search engine: Bing It On Google wins patent on face-to-unlock feature A Windows user's life with the Mac, two months in Nokia aims to dazzle with Windows Phone 8 Lumia 920 Nokia mangles Lumia phone launch by faking camera’s capabilities No new Apple TV this year, report says Apple: We didn't pass iPhone, iPad device IDs to FBI iPhone 5 rumor roundup Apple claims dibs on new dock adapters, report says The BrailleNote Battery Scandal An indoor navigation solution for blind users? Check out Navatar FSCast Episode 69, Augusst 2012 discusses the upcoming release of Jaws 14 Roundabout AT&T to test Text-to-911 service in Tennessee Why Remote Workers Are More (Yes, More) Engaged Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.   SeroTalk no 1:24:39 SeroTalk Podcast 120: A Slow News Week /2012/08/22/serotalk-podcast-120-a-slow-news-week/ Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:41:34 +0000 /?p=1921 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 120: A Slow News Week

Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. Here are the stories that Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss on this week’s show:

The cloud is still the safest place to be for small-to-medium businesses

Netflix’s new feature makes TV show marathons easier

YouTube Re-Imagined: 505,347,842 Channels on Every Single Screen

Amazon’s 10-inch Kindle Fire caught sailing through FCC certification

RealPlayer for Android exits beta

Windows 8 and Surface: Why has Microsoft gone so quiet?

RIM chief: BlackBerry 10 could be licensed to handset rivals

Apple

Apple Retail Stores Seeing Significant Layoffs of Recent Hires?

Apple is in danger of being boring

Judge urges Apple, Samsung CEOs to talk settlement

iPad Mini? Nah, here comes the iBook

Computers stolen from Steve Jobs’ home

AT

ClaroRead for Mac

Anywhere, Everywhere: That’s Accessibility

iOS or Android for the visually impaired revisited: Jelly Bean or iOS?

Where to go phone app for finding relief areas at airports.

Humanware is offering $200 off of the Trekker Breeze until August 31

Roundabout

Illinois allows mini horses as service animals

Michael Lauf’s ATIA 2011  interview with Cheryl of Jacksonville, Florida about her guide horse

Learn about Serotek’s SAMNet Vets program

London 2012: Isobel’s story – YouTube

Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.

 

 

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 120: A Slow News Week - Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. Here are the stories that Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss on this week’s show: - The cloud is still the safest place to be for small-to-medium bu... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 120: A Slow News Week Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. Here are the stories that Jamie, Ricky and Joe discuss on this week’s show: The cloud is still the safest place to be for small-to-medium businesses Netflix's new feature makes TV show marathons easier YouTube Re-Imagined: 505,347,842 Channels on Every Single Screen Amazon's 10-inch Kindle Fire caught sailing through FCC certification RealPlayer for Android exits beta Windows 8 and Surface: Why has Microsoft gone so quiet? RIM chief: BlackBerry 10 could be licensed to handset rivals Apple Apple Retail Stores Seeing Significant Layoffs of Recent Hires? Apple is in danger of being boring Judge urges Apple, Samsung CEOs to talk settlement iPad Mini? Nah, here comes the iBook Computers stolen from Steve Jobs' home AT ClaroRead for Mac Anywhere, Everywhere: That’s Accessibility iOS or Android for the visually impaired revisited: Jelly Bean or iOS? Where to go phone app for finding relief areas at airports. Humanware is offering $200 off of the Trekker Breeze until August 31 Roundabout Illinois allows mini horses as service animals Michael Lauf’s ATIA 2011  interview with Cheryl of Jacksonville, Florida about her guide horse Learn about Serotek’s SAMNet Vets program London 2012: Isobel's story – YouTube Please take this screen reader user survey and help spread the word about System Access.     SeroTalk no 1:00:51 SeroTalk Podcast 119: Posterior Print /2012/08/15/serotalk-podcast-119-posterior-print/ Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:30:21 +0000 /?p=1908 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 119: Posterior Print

Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Buddy Brannan sit down together and discuss this week’s top news stories. Among other things, here are the main stories covered:

Apple

132-page internal document shows how Samsung set out to copy the iPhone pixel by pixel

Apple vs. Samsung: Influence, or Copying?

Apple freezes AppleID password resets requested over the phone

An in-depth discussion of the above story can be heard on Security Now Episode 364

New iPhone’s Bigger Screen to Have 5th Row of Homescreen Icons?

Why a longer iPhone 5 screen needs to happen

General Tech

Verizon divulges high data plans under ‘Share Everything’

Starbucks aims to take Square, digital payments mainstream

Microsoft Office 2013: Goodbye to adds-in, bring on the apps

Online Radio Service TuneIn Comes To Tesla’s Model S, Now Available On 200 Platforms

Google’s Self-Driving Cars Complete 300K Miles Without Accident, Deemed Ready For Commuting

AT

A Ride in a Cab That’s Optimized for the Blind

Finding and Hiring a Driver

SeroSpectives Special: Mountain Lion

Super Egg Hunt Plus preordering is now live.

Christine Ha: MasterChef Contestant, Writer, and Cook

The Blind Cook – Sightless adventures of gastronomical proportions

Using your feedback to make Narrator work better with touch

A new version of Fleksy is out.

Roundabout

NASA: Your smartphone is as smart as the Curiosity rover

iPhone app aims to help visually impaired

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 119: Posterior Print - Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Buddy Brannan sit down together and discuss this week’s top news stories. Among other things, here are the main stories covered: Apple Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 119: Posterior Print Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Buddy Brannan sit down together and discuss this week’s top news stories. Among other things, here are the main stories covered: Apple 132-page internal document shows how Samsung set out to copy the iPhone pixel by pixel Apple vs. Samsung: Influence, or Copying? Apple freezes AppleID password resets requested over the phone An in-depth discussion of the above story can be heard on Security Now Episode 364 New iPhone’s Bigger Screen to Have 5th Row of Homescreen Icons? Why a longer iPhone 5 screen needs to happen General Tech Verizon divulges high data plans under 'Share Everything' Starbucks aims to take Square, digital payments mainstream Microsoft Office 2013: Goodbye to adds-in, bring on the apps Online Radio Service TuneIn Comes To Tesla’s Model S, Now Available On 200 Platforms Google’s Self-Driving Cars Complete 300K Miles Without Accident, Deemed Ready For Commuting AT A Ride in a Cab That's Optimized for the Blind Finding and Hiring a Driver SeroSpectives Special: Mountain Lion Super Egg Hunt Plus preordering is now live. Christine Ha: MasterChef Contestant, Writer, and Cook The Blind Cook - Sightless adventures of gastronomical proportions Using your feedback to make Narrator work better with touch A new version of Fleksy is out. Roundabout NASA: Your smartphone is as smart as the Curiosity rover iPhone app aims to help visually impaired SeroTalk no 1:23:17 SeroTalk Podcast 118: Twitigation /2012/08/06/serotalk-podcast-118-twitigation/ Mon, 06 Aug 2012 22:30:34 +0000 /?p=1889 Continue reading →]]> SeroTalk 118 Show Notes

Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 118: Twitigation

A helping of analysis, a smidge of prognostication, a dash of humor and a pinch of sarcasm are all a part of the recipe for this week’s SeroTalk Podcast with Jamie, Ricky and Joe. Your emails and iReports are the icing on the cake. Stories discussed in this week’s show include:

How to upgrade your Hotmail email address to @outlook.com

How new Outlook just made my Gmail usable again

Outlook is nice, but it’s no Gmail [review]

Windows 7 poised to topple XP as leading OS

Dropbox bolsters security: Will businesses be wary?

T-Mobile close to $2 billion deal for its 7,000 towers, report says

Watch live TV on your phone! No, really

Amazon’s cloud music service gets scan and match

What happened to Google’s Nexus Q?

Blind and visually impaired fastest growing iPhone market

Wifarer’s mobile app doesn’t just map the indoors, it maps the objects within

Learn about the excellent work that David Woodbridge does as an Apple Ambassador in the new Tech Doctor podcast

A Blind Trek Through Android – Part 1: Unwrapping the Jelly Bean (Getting Started)

No-C-Notes® Music – Download Digital Audio Sheet Music

NosillaCast #377 Fleksy Keyboard for the Blind, Motion X GPS for Geotagging, @jasonhowell of Tech News Today

AllMenus

Ten Affordable Screen Readers

Feature Writer Alena Roberts – Bring on the Braille

Mailbag

We had so much in the way of feedback again this week, thanks to all of you for your emails and iReports!, that we had to share a few of them here online in the show notes.

From Paul

“Dear All,

I listened with interest as usual to SP #117 and, as a blind person here in the UK (as well as an RNIB volunteer), I felt I had to respond to your piece about the RNIB’s promotional video.

The RNIB used to be called the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Only very recently in its history did it change its name to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, reflecting a significant change in attitude. Surely the ‘of Blind People’ assertion denotes a sense of ownership and involvement by blind people themselves in the activities of this organisation, as opposed to simply being on the receiving end of alms or other forms of charity ‘for the Blind’. In this context, has the RNIB really shot itself in the foot or, even worse, has it shot the credibility of blind people here in the UK with its emotive promotional material?

Let’s imagine for a moment that none of us has any feelings or sensitivities about what it means to be blind or visually impaired. What is the RNIB trying to do here? It is engaged in the activity of fund-raising. Fund-raising is about money, money and more money. Money is measured in numbers using arithmetic – not by racing pulses or elevated blood pressure which is perhaps more relevant to measuring emotions.

The problem faced by the RNIB is that it is having to compete for funds with the other 180,000 or so charities which exist in Great Britain. The existence of this mind-boggling number of charitable bodies is probably due to the insufficiencies of state-provided services: in Norway, for example, visually impaired people are horrified that we Brits have to go to charities for help to buy expensive assistive technology. In Norway, they get A.T. by right from the state, so there’s less need for the kind of fund-raising which is necessary in the UK. It seems that in the UK, members of the public are more likely to pay for services for ‘the less fortunate’ privately by way of philanthropy rather than by suffering higher taxes to finance public spending on the same services.

Remembering, therefore, that the success of a fund-raising promotion should only be measured in terms of the quantities of cash generated as a result, the real question is whether the RNIB’s current campaign is effective, not whether it is ‘appropriate’. For an organisation which is only in a position to offer services to visually impaired people if they have the funding to do so, staying financially solvent, especially during an economic crisis, is mission critical.

If we are to credit the RNIB or their promotions team with any intelligence (I think we should), perhaps we can give them the benefit of the doubt by understanding that their analyses and projections, following on from hard data through market research, have indicated that the heart-string-pulling technique of immersing poor little Emma in involuntary illiteracy would be the most effective method of persuading the Great British public to part with £3 per month (an amount somehow linked to the provision to Emma of a Daisy player or whatever).

The fact that blind people here in the UK, as well as elsewhere, might view this campaign technique with teeth-grinding, buttock-clenching concern could well be regarded as a price worth paying if the campaign produces the goods and enables the RNIB to do whatever it does. So, assuming that the RNIB’s approach has been precisely tailored to match the prevailing culture and mindset of the British public, perhaps our emotional responses to the promotional material can be regarded more as verdicts on the culture here in the UK, rather than on the campaign techniques of the RNIB.

The big question is, how can a body such as the RNIB continue to promote the interests of blind people if it cannot raise sufficient funds to survive or to provide services which are the basis of its existence?

Catch 22.

The other side of the coin is, of course, that the integrity, esteem and public perception of visually impaired people should not be sold at any price. It might even be possible to argue that if an organisation with the stated aims of the RNIB has to resort to financially rewarding, but socially damaging campaign techniques, it might well be time for such an organisation to review its own structure and costs in an effort to become more efficient so that it need not resort to inappropriate methods of campaigning.

If you were charged with ensuring the financial survival of the RNIB, what would you do and what would you rule out?

Paul”

 

From Gordon

“Hi everyone,

I have been listening to Serotalk 117 and the chat about the RNIB’s promotional advert.

My first thought was “this is revolting”.  It was so negative in its presentation of blindness and how blind people relate to the world around them.  I very much agreed with everyone’s comments.

However, to be fair to RNIB in some way, here in the UK this is very much an identikit charity advert.  It’s as though every charity appeal promo has been written by the same team of marketeers.  Perhaps there is a group of them in a little dingy room somewhere in the less well-paid quarters of London whose lives revolve around creating tearjerking appeals to the British public to separate our cash from our pockets and propel it into the meedy coffers of the charity sector.

Every ad has the same format, whether it’s for a disability charity, one for the homeless, overseas aid, animals … they are all tearjerkers and present the target as needy, helpless, defenceless and their only hope is the monthly charity aid being sought.  So, this RNIB advert is not so shocking in that context.

Except … a charity like RNIB, which is a membership organisation, should be presenting much more positive images and aims as it does in most of its work.  In this context, the advert is highly disappointing and is very much reminiscent of campaigns and attitudes It is out of step in a very

significant way with the usual campaigns of RNIB.   of previous decades.

Anyway, sending this response gives me a great opportunity to thank all of you involved in producing Serotak and the other podcasts for all of the really enjoyable audio coming out every week and month.  They are so informative and professional, a great pleasure to hear, especially as they are presented in such a friendly and involving manner.  Thanks everyone!

Gordon,

Stirling, Scotland”

 

From Pamela

“Thanks again for another informative podcast.

I still have major issues with the video you asked for a one word response to from RNIB.

We as visually impaired people deal with enough stereotyping & cynicism among general society without international help. Why is it that the image of a blind person who seems unmotivated or socially inadequate is the image that sticks in one’s mind versus those of us who are high functioning members of society; who on occasion do ask for help when needed?

There are times I wish we as high functioning blind  people who have either, or both held a job &/or run a household & raised a family, functioning as our sighted counterparts could somehow work with less functional blind people to help them integrate to the best of their ability within society.

If we did a better job within our own subculture of helping each other with concerns in daily life, we would not have to respond to such a plea for money from an organization who is obviously working with & for the benefit of blind people; though in another country. They would have a more positive image if we could be pictured helping a newly blinded person adjust to their surroundings rather than picturing them in a dim & dark world.

 I have an anecdote to share that may help you understand why I am so adamant.

I, as I am sure all of you have, done my share of traveling. 2 years ago I went to Seward Alaska alone for a week. I have family heritage there who was a part of Alaskan history. My Great Great Aunt wrote her autobiography while living there depicting most of her accomplishments. The focus of my trip was to retrieve information for my then ailing Mother who had never met her; but had read her book. The information I brought home was not in the book. At any rate, while in Alaska for the entire week I never was asked the age old question “What are you doing so far from home being blind?”

To make you laugh, as expensive as the Alaska trip was, the information, 50 pages & 125 pictures on a CD afforded me by the curator of the local museum cost me $9.

Without a militant attitude, though it has mellowed through the years, I have tried to educate by example. I have no problem with any legitimate organization asking for pledges or donations for their given cause if it is done in a tasteful manner.

Keep up your excellent work.

Scincerely,

Pamela Francis”

 

From Lewis

Hello Serotalk Podcasters,

I left you a voice mail but I screwed it up royally so here is my attempt at a coherent email.

My reaction towards the RNIB video that you played on Podcast 117 is sadness and anger. While listening to the audio I pictured someone who has nothing left in their life accept for this donated audio book player which has become their life line. This saddens me because here is an organization dedicated to enriching the life of the blind and visually impaired who is choosing to perpetuate society’s misconceptions. This sadness then evolved into anger. As someone who is going to leave the home soon to become independent and perhaps even risking burning bridges with my family this is a slap in the face. How could an organization portray the people they are helping in such a pathetic way? If were an employer who watched the video I would never hire a blind person accept out of pity! If RNIB wants shock value why not create a video showing blind people doing things and living a productive life. Show an Emma, who is playing with her friends, who still rides a bike, who discovered another way to see and then grew up to be successful. Then tell society how with their help more Emma’s can be created.

Thank you for letting me rant and keep up the great work. Oh speaking of independence, I would love to hear a podcast in which Mike Calvo and other Serotek staff discuss their journeys to become independent individuals. I would like to know what they wished they would have known, mistakes they’ve made, and anything I can do to make the road easier to travel.

Take care,

Louis”

 

From Dick

“Hello Jamie:  First, I want to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed your printing house tour.  I have toured the original printing house three times and the mmuseum twice.  In 1954 in kentergarten, through the third grade, I used the slate and stylus, as well as the hall braille writer. I received a perkins in the fourth grade.  But I digress. Though you did not include it in the audio tour, I hope you didn’t miss the Hall Of Fame.  It includes embossed representations of some of the well-known leaders in work with bllind persons and is very interesting.  I also listened to to the coverage of the ACB Convention through Serotek’s link to ACB Radio.  I have finished the Conventions’

Special Eppisodes one and two, and hope to complete eppisode three today.  Thank you for all the hard work you and others on the Serotek team do to put all this matterial together.  I believe it is very

informative to lots of people.   Dick Seifert, Little Rock, Arkansas.”

 

From Harry

“Hi Jamey, Joe, and Ricky,

I can’t thank you enough for the great coverage from the exhibit halls of both conventions!

I loved it, because both conventions had different exhibiters, and you got’um all!

I sure look forward to ATIA in January, 2013!

You all take care,

Sincerely,

Harry Brown”

Roundabout

About Emma: our response – RNIB

Twitter Algorithm Predicts When You’ll Get Sick (8 Days In Advance, With 90% Accuracy) [STUDY]

“Odor menu” lets blind patrons order food by smell, not braille

]]> SeroTalk 118 Show Notes - Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 118: Twitigation - A helping of analysis, a smidge of prognostication, a dash of humor and a pinch of sarcasm are all a part of the recipe for this week’s SeroTalk Podcast with Jamie, Ricky and Joe. SeroTalk 118 Show Notes Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 118: Twitigation A helping of analysis, a smidge of prognostication, a dash of humor and a pinch of sarcasm are all a part of the recipe for this week’s SeroTalk Podcast with Jamie, Ricky and Joe... SeroTalk no 1:14:44 SeroTalk Podcast 113: Roadtrain Platoon /2012/06/20/serotalk-podcast-113-roadtrain-platoon/ Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:06:57 +0000 /?p=1814 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 113: Roadtrain Platoon

Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk podcast. In this week’s episode, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss all the news of the week. Following the news, Lisa Salinger demonstrates Voice Book VO, the new Facebook app discussed on last week’s podcast.

Microsoft

Attention all Windows users: patch your systems now

Nokia Maps to replace Bing Maps in Windows Phone 8, report says

Microsoft offers glimpse of Office 2013 on Windows RT tablet

General Tech

Verizon offers buckets of data with the Share Everything plan

Amazon Cloud Player

Facebook plugs in WordPress for social sharing

Now in Skype: Advertisements

Reality check: the self-driving car

‘MasterChef’ Blind Chef Contestant: The Judges Discuss Christine’s Unique Advantage

AT

Tech Sessions at the 2012 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention

AppleVis:  Welcome our New Team Member!

Jamie and Joe appear on ACB Radio’s Main Menu show.

Android (Still) Not Very Accessible

direct Download for 30-day trial of Kurzweil K1000 13.01

NVDA 2012.2.1 Released   

Networks Set To Launch Video Descriptions

Apple

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display  

Apple CEO says Mac Pro update to come ‘next year’

Here Are The Services, Businesses, And Markets Apple Just Shook Up 

Apple’s WWDC keynote: What we didn’t get

What iOS 6 tells us about the next iPhone

Apple selects TomTom as primary iOS 6 maps provider (update: confirmed)

Upcoming iOS 6 To Have Upgraded Accessibility Features

Apple could still strike Android, Windows Phone with iOS 6 zinger

How Garmin Failed to See the iPhone Threat

Roundabout

Blind Olympic torch bearer runs unguided, assisted only by smartphone

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 113: Roadtrain Platoon - Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk podcast. In this week’s episode, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss all the news of the week. Following the news, Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 113: Roadtrain Platoon Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk podcast. In this week’s episode, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp discuss all the news of the week. Following the news, Lisa Salinger demonstrates Voice Book VO, the new Facebook app discussed on last week’s podcast. Microsoft Attention all Windows users: patch your systems now Nokia Maps to replace Bing Maps in Windows Phone 8, report says Microsoft offers glimpse of Office 2013 on Windows RT tablet General Tech Verizon offers buckets of data with the Share Everything plan Amazon Cloud Player Facebook plugs in WordPress for social sharing Now in Skype: Advertisements Reality check: the self-driving car 'MasterChef' Blind Chef Contestant: The Judges Discuss Christine's Unique Advantage AT Tech Sessions at the 2012 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention AppleVis:  Welcome our New Team Member! Jamie and Joe appear on ACB Radio’s Main Menu show. Android (Still) Not Very Accessible direct Download for 30-day trial of Kurzweil K1000 13.01 NVDA 2012.2.1 Released    Networks Set To Launch Video Descriptions Apple Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display   Apple CEO says Mac Pro update to come 'next year' Here Are The Services, Businesses, And Markets Apple Just Shook Up  Apple's WWDC keynote: What we didn't get What iOS 6 tells us about the next iPhone Apple selects TomTom as primary iOS 6 maps provider (update: confirmed) Upcoming iOS 6 To Have Upgraded Accessibility Features Apple could still strike Android, Windows Phone with iOS 6 zinger How Garmin Failed to See the iPhone Threat Roundabout Blind Olympic torch bearer runs unguided, assisted only by smartphone           SeroTalk no 1:32:05 SeroTalk Podcast 112: Fairy Dust and Farmville /2012/06/11/serotalk-podcast-112-fairy-dust-and-farmville/ /2012/06/11/serotalk-podcast-112-fairy-dust-and-farmville/#comments Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:16:05 +0000 /?p=1809 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 112: Fairy Dust and Farmville

This week, Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Joe Steinkamp sit down to discuss the top news stories of the week. Next, Jamie Pauls visits with Ben Vegiard of Active Information Systems about Voice Book VO, a new iOS app for Facebook. Highlights from this week’s news Include:

Security

Bad day for LinkedIn: 6.5 million hashed passwords reportedly leaked – change yours now

LinkedIn’s security issue reveals obvious: Passwords, users always a weak link

eHarmony member passwords compromised

General Tech

Five lessons from E3 2012

Don’t believe the lies, you can have a Start menu on Windows 8 Release Preview

Like XP or Vista: how will businesses treat Windows 8?

Facebook will disappear in a few years, says analyst

AT

Digit-eyes inducted into the AppleVis hall of fame by a large margin of votes

NVDA 2012.2rc2 Released

In it together: NVDA gets help from Adobe on PDF compatibility

Voice Book VO

Foursquare check-ins have become inaccessible?

FCC Seeking Nominations for the Second Annual Chairman’s Awards for Advancement in Accessibility

United States Secretary of Transportation to Address Convention of National Federation of the Blind

NFB Newsline now available on iOS

Best Buy Takes Pre-Orders for ‘The Narrator’

MLB Continues Accessibility Initiative with AtBat™ App for iPhone and iPad

Customized Quantum Omnidirectional Bar Code Scanner for BC Scan

Do you enjoy the SeroTalk Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey.

Roundabout

The Internet was invented in 1934 (sorta)

]]> /2012/06/11/serotalk-podcast-112-fairy-dust-and-farmville/feed/ 3 Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 112: Fairy Dust and Farmville - This week, Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Joe Steinkamp sit down to discuss the top news stories of the week. Next, Jamie Pauls visits with Ben Vegiard of Active Information Systems about Voic... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 112: Fairy Dust and Farmville This week, Jamie Pauls, Lisa Salinger and Joe Steinkamp sit down to discuss the top news stories of the week. Next, Jamie Pauls visits with Ben Vegiard of Active Information Systems about Voice Book VO, a new iOS app for Facebook. Highlights from this week’s news Include: Security Bad day for LinkedIn: 6.5 million hashed passwords reportedly leaked – change yours now LinkedIn's security issue reveals obvious: Passwords, users always a weak link eHarmony member passwords compromised General Tech Five lessons from E3 2012 Don't believe the lies, you can have a Start menu on Windows 8 Release Preview Like XP or Vista: how will businesses treat Windows 8? Facebook will disappear in a few years, says analyst AT Digit-eyes inducted into the AppleVis hall of fame by a large margin of votes NVDA 2012.2rc2 Released In it together: NVDA gets help from Adobe on PDF compatibility Voice Book VO Foursquare check-ins have become inaccessible? FCC Seeking Nominations for the Second Annual Chairman's Awards for Advancement in Accessibility United States Secretary of Transportation to Address Convention of National Federation of the Blind NFB Newsline now available on iOS Best Buy Takes Pre-Orders for ‘The Narrator’ MLB Continues Accessibility Initiative with AtBat™ App for iPhone and iPad Customized Quantum Omnidirectional Bar Code Scanner for BC Scan Do you enjoy the SeroTalk Podcasts? You can help us out a whole lot by taking this very short survey. Roundabout The Internet was invented in 1934 (sorta) SeroTalk no 1:26:38 SeroTalk Podcast 109: Cat-like State of Readiness /2012/05/22/serotalk-podcast-109-cat-like-state-of-readiness/ Tue, 22 May 2012 11:30:45 +0000 /?p=1756 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 109: A Cat-like State of Readiness

Welcome to this week’s SeroTalk podcast where Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp once again explore the top news stories of the week. Enjoy!

Windows

Avira Antivirus update wreaks havoc on millions of PCs

Intel Windows 8 tablets to hit retail stores in November

$99 and a trip to a Microsoft Store will get you a clean Windows install.

General Tech

Yahoo’s revolving door of CEOs: What happens next?

Is Facebook Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory?

 Google to centralize Android development and sales

Google bringing new smarts to search with Knowledge Graph

Mobile Computing

Is Mobile Computing Good For Productivity?

 Verizon to kill grandfathered unlimited data plans, makes my decision to leave easier

iPhone 5: Nothing decided except October (or not)

Reuters: iPhone 5 to have 4-inch screen

AT

iOS or Android for the visually impaired: nine reasons that count

Flipboard Updates with Background Audio Player, Gallery, and Accessibility Features

NVDA 2012.2beta2 Released    

NV Access Podcast: Episode 2    

Victor Reader Rewards – Save $75 on a new Stratus or Stream!

American Foundation for the Blind wind-up talking book record player

Roundabout

When did music become unimportant?

Woz: I don’t have broadband, and I never thought I’d get girls

Paralyzed Individuals Use Thought-Controlled Robotic Arm to Reach and Grasp

 

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 109: A Cat-like State of Readiness - Welcome to this week’s SeroTalk podcast where Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp once again explore the top news stories of the week. Enjoy! Windows Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 109: A Cat-like State of Readiness Welcome to this week’s SeroTalk podcast where Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp once again explore the top news stories of the week. Enjoy! Windows Avira Antivirus update wreaks havoc on millions of PCs Intel Windows 8 tablets to hit retail stores in November $99 and a trip to a Microsoft Store will get you a clean Windows install. General Tech Yahoo's revolving door of CEOs: What happens next? Is Facebook Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory?  Google to centralize Android development and sales Google bringing new smarts to search with Knowledge Graph Mobile Computing Is Mobile Computing Good For Productivity?  Verizon to kill grandfathered unlimited data plans, makes my decision to leave easier iPhone 5: Nothing decided except October (or not) Reuters: iPhone 5 to have 4-inch screen AT iOS or Android for the visually impaired: nine reasons that count Flipboard Updates with Background Audio Player, Gallery, and Accessibility Features NVDA 2012.2beta2 Released     NV Access Podcast: Episode 2     Victor Reader Rewards - Save $75 on a new Stratus or Stream! American Foundation for the Blind wind-up talking book record player Roundabout When did music become unimportant? Woz: I don't have broadband, and I never thought I'd get girls Paralyzed Individuals Use Thought-Controlled Robotic Arm to Reach and Grasp   SeroTalk no 1:23:24 SeroSpectives: This Month in Technology for April, 2012 /2012/05/04/serospectives-this-month-in-technology-for-april-2012-2/ Fri, 04 May 2012 09:45:50 +0000 /?p=1736 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroSpectives: This Month in Tech for April

 ABOUT OUR GUESTS

 

Rick Harmon manages various email lists related to blindness and technology. He also runs the Blind Geek Zone website and Podcast. Since their launch in 2006, the site and podcast have served as portals to hundreds of free tutorials and demonstrations for  the blind community. While he did the majority of these, he has selected high-quality submissions by others for inclusion as well. In 2007, Rick began offering paid training and support services, both in person in his local area, and by phone.

 

Pratik Patel is the President and CEO of EZFire, a firm dedicated to promoting usability and accessibility to devices, web sites, software, and other electronic material. He is the current chair of the Information Access committee for the American Council of the Blind and serves as the President of ACB’s New York affiliate. His background includes legislation, access to assistive technologies, accessible books and other instructional material as well as many different forms of new devices. His Recent efforts include the implementation of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which includes accessibility to videos, interfaces to televisions, DVR’s, and other mobile software and devices.

 

Randy Rusnak is probably best known in the community for his work on the Accessible Devices Website and Podcast. He is the producer of that podcast, and is one of four co-hosts. Randy works as a tech trainer at the Lighthouse Center for Blind and Low vision in Duluth, MN, and Enjoys communicating – with people, his five dogs, and parrots. Other hobbies include playing with all manner of Tech devices. And old and new time radio

 

 

KIDS

10 Things Kids Today Never Have To Worry About

Twitter gets an A+ in kindergarten classroom

Meet the Fifth-Grader Who Made a Video Game for His Blind Grandmother

 

COMMUNITY

Living in Public: What Happens When You Throw Privacy Out the Window?

Are Internet Friends Real Friends?

 

APPLE

Apple should dump the iPod Touch

New iPad ranked top tablet by Consumer Reports

AT&T’s iPhones: Free at last

Getting Started with the iPhone and iOs5 for Blind Users

Top 10 iPhone Apps for the Visually Impaired

Next iPhone said to ditch glass for Liquidmetal, arrive in June

 

SECURITY

Cell Networks to Form Phone Database to Fight Theft

What the Cloud Means for Data Security

 Does Your Password Pass the Test?

With 600,000 Macs Worldwide Reportedly Infected by Flashback Trojan, here’s how to check if your machine is one of them

 

WINDOWS

5 Computer Maintenance Tips You Should Not Ignore!

 Computer Maintenance Tools Available In Windows 7

Windows 8 Release Preview to Become Available First Week of June

 

Accessibility

Zello Brings Real-Time Group Chat to Your iOS Device

American Cancer Society Continues Information Accessibility Initiative

Publishers Call for Industry Cohesion on Accessible e-Books

 

 

 

]]> Listen to SeroSpectives: This Month in Tech for April -  ABOUT OUR GUESTS -   - Rick Harmon manages various email lists related to blindness and technology. He also runs the Blind Geek Zone website and Podcast. Since their launch in 2006, Listen to SeroSpectives: This Month in Tech for April  ABOUT OUR GUESTS   Rick Harmon manages various email lists related to blindness and technology. He also runs the Blind Geek Zone website and Podcast. Since their launch in 2006, the site and podcast have served as portals to hundreds of free tutorials and demonstrations for  the blind community. While he did the majority of these, he has selected high-quality submissions by others for inclusion as well. In 2007, Rick began offering paid training and support services, both in person in his local area, and by phone.   Pratik Patel is the President and CEO of EZFire, a firm dedicated to promoting usability and accessibility to devices, web sites, software, and other electronic material. He is the current chair of the Information Access committee for the American Council of the Blind and serves as the President of ACB’s New York affiliate. His background includes legislation, access to assistive technologies, accessible books and other instructional material as well as many different forms of new devices. His Recent efforts include the implementation of the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, which includes accessibility to videos, interfaces to televisions, DVR’s, and other mobile software and devices.   Randy Rusnak is probably best known in the community for his work on the Accessible Devices Website and Podcast. He is the producer of that podcast, and is one of four co-hosts. Randy works as a tech trainer at the Lighthouse Center for Blind and Low vision in Duluth, MN, and Enjoys communicating – with people, his five dogs, and parrots. Other hobbies include playing with all manner of Tech devices. And old and new time radio     KIDS 10 Things Kids Today Never Have To Worry About Twitter gets an A+ in kindergarten classroom Meet the Fifth-Grader Who Made a Video Game for His Blind Grandmother   COMMUNITY Living in Public: What Happens When You Throw Privacy Out the Window? Are Internet Friends Real Friends?   APPLE Apple should dump the iPod Touch New iPad ranked top tablet by Consumer Reports AT&T's iPhones: Free at last Getting Started with the iPhone and iOs5 for Blind Users Top 10 iPhone Apps for the Visually Impaired Next iPhone said to ditch glass for Liquidmetal, arrive in June   SECURITY Cell Networks to Form Phone Database to Fight Theft What the Cloud Means for Data Security  Does Your Password Pass the Test? With 600,000 Macs Worldwide Reportedly Infected by Flashback Trojan, here's how to check if your machine is one of them   WINDOWS 5 Computer Maintenance Tips You Should Not Ignore!  Computer Maintenance Tools Available In Windows 7 Windows 8 Release Preview to Become Available First Week of June   Accessibility Zello Brings Real-Time Group Chat to Your iOS Device American Cancer Society Continues Information Accessibility Initiative Publishers Call for Industry Cohesion on Accessible e-Books       SeroTalk no 49:54 SeroTalk Podcast 105: The Watched Phone Never Updates /2012/04/24/the-watched-phone-never-updates/ Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:42:41 +0000 /?p=1716 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 105: The Watched Phone Never Updates

In this week’s podcast, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp must do battle with a thunderstorm and a really loud lawn mower. There is one casualty as a result of the ensuing battle, but the show must go on and so it does. Who is forced off the island, so to speak? What are the top stories of the week? All of that and more awaits you as you listen to this week’s episode!

Entertainment

Dick Clark dies at age 82; fans pay tribute on Twitter

Social Media

Twitter’s no-lawsuit pledge: “We will not join the patent wars”

Why Facebook needs to build a browser

Legal Department

Apple and Samsung to meet out of court for settlement chat

Apple prepared to go to trial in the US over e-book pricing

Internet

Ex-FBI cyberexpert: Potential for digital Pearl Harbor is real

FedEx Office teams up with Google Cloud Print

Windows

5 Computer Maintenance Tips You Should Not Ignore!

Computer Maintenance Tools Available In Windows 7

How to bring the Start menu back to Windows 8

Cell Phones

Verizon’s 4G LTE blankets two-thirds of U.S. population

Next iPhone said to ditch glass for Liquidmetal, arrive in June

Carriers ponder Apple iPhone subsidy uprising: Will it work?

Will Windows Phone 8 makers be more free to tweak the OS?

Ebooks

Publishers Call for Industry Cohesion on Accessible e-Books

Why e-book DRM will die, and why this will make no difference to Amazon and Apple

AT

Learning Ally Audio App for your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

Product Evaluation: BrailleNote Apex from HumanWare

Roundabout

Are Internet Friends Real Friends?

 

]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 105: The Watched Phone Never Updates - In this week’s podcast, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp must do battle with a thunderstorm and a really loud lawn mower. There is one casualty as a result of the ensuing batt... Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 105: The Watched Phone Never Updates In this week’s podcast, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp must do battle with a thunderstorm and a really loud lawn mower. There is one casualty as a result of the ensuing battle, but the show must go on and so it does. Who is forced off the island, so to speak? What are the top stories of the week? All of that and more awaits you as you listen to this week’s episode! Entertainment Dick Clark dies at age 82; fans pay tribute on Twitter Social Media Twitter's no-lawsuit pledge: "We will not join the patent wars" Why Facebook needs to build a browser Legal Department Apple and Samsung to meet out of court for settlement chat Apple prepared to go to trial in the US over e-book pricing Internet Ex-FBI cyberexpert: Potential for digital Pearl Harbor is real FedEx Office teams up with Google Cloud Print Windows 5 Computer Maintenance Tips You Should Not Ignore! Computer Maintenance Tools Available In Windows 7 How to bring the Start menu back to Windows 8 Cell Phones Verizon's 4G LTE blankets two-thirds of U.S. population Next iPhone said to ditch glass for Liquidmetal, arrive in June Carriers ponder Apple iPhone subsidy uprising: Will it work? Will Windows Phone 8 makers be more free to tweak the OS? Ebooks Publishers Call for Industry Cohesion on Accessible e-Books Why e-book DRM will die, and why this will make no difference to Amazon and Apple AT Learning Ally Audio App for your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad Product Evaluation: BrailleNote Apex from HumanWare Roundabout Are Internet Friends Real Friends?   SeroTalk no 1:00:38 SeroTalk Podcast 98: TripleSpectives /2012/03/06/serotalk-podcast-98-triplespectives/ Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:59:19 +0000 /?p=1627 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 98: TripleSpectives

This week, while Ricky and Joe are off to CSUN, Jamie Pauls, Buddy Brannan and Lisa Salinger discuss the news of the week. Here are the stories they discuss:

Privacy

 

Five ways Google’s unified privacy policy affects you

 

iPad Rumor Roundup

Apple sends out invites for March 7 iPad event

iPad 3 rumor roundup

Apple iPad 3: What to expect

The curious case of the missing iPad 3 home button

iPad 3: Apple’s Biggest Test

AT

QRead: The Accessible eText reader from the future!

Window-Eyes and Windows 8 Presentation now available online

Listen to SPN coverage and Blind Bargains coverage on iBlink Radio.

App will help blind, visually impaired navigate streets

Blind Bargains: IPPLEX Rleases LookTel Recognizer Ap for iOS

Blind Bargains: Code Factory Announces Braille Support for Android with Mobile Accessibility V1.9

Blind Bargains: Free Mobile Accessibility App Now Available for Sprint, Boost, Virgin Mobile

Introducing ChromeVox (with audio description) – YouTube

Just Another Checkbox by Mike Calvo

Windows 8 Roundup

It’s Windows 8 download day: Here’s what we know

Windows 8 beta folds in 100,000 code changes (live blog)

Windows 8 Beta: Hands-on with Microsoft’s tablet-friendly OS

Is Microsoft hoping for the best but preparing for the worst with Windows 8?

Is Windows too expensive?

 

Apple

Apple reportedly cooking up new audio file format

 

General Tech

Verizon to offer shared family data plan by midyear

 

Roundabout

Nascar driver tweets during race, adds 130,000 followers

Blind attorney teaches self-defense and overcomes fear

Playing Video Games Can Help Improve Your Vision

 

 

]]> SeroTalk Podcast 96: We’re A Tween /2012/02/21/serotalk-podcast-96-were-a-tween/ /2012/02/21/serotalk-podcast-96-were-a-tween/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:45:39 +0000 /?p=1595 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 96: We’re A Tween

Happy Tenth Birthday To Serotek!

Wikipedia entry on the origins of the song “Happy Birthday”

You asked and we delivered! Serotek makes DocuScan Plus available on a monthly installment plan.

Egypt Revisited by Mike Calvo

 

Apple

Apple Mac OS X ‘Mountain Lion’ takes more bites out of iOS

Apple sold more iOS devices in 2011 than it sold Macs in 28 years

Apple responds to iOS contact data sharing: ‘It’s a violation’

 Apple iTunes chief accepts Steve Jobs’ Grammy

Apple to announce the iPad 3 on Wednesday, March 7?

Apple’s Android nightmare: Google’s Motorola purchase gets EU OK

 

Google

DOJ approves Google, Motorola Mobility merger

Google’s grand vision: what the Motorola deal means for Android

 

General Tech

Windows 8: Enabling accessibility

Road To CSUN

Microsoft Anti Virus blocks google.com

Norton gets personal with One

 

AT

Hope 1.0 is now available

ChromeVox version 1.18.0 is now available

How to Add an Attachment in Outlook with Window-Eyes

Internet Explorer 9 with Jaws and Window-Eyes textbooks $75 each.

Braille Under Siege As Blind Turn To SmartPhones

Braille is spreading but who’s using it?

 

Round About

new TechTalk show details online

Medical ‘miracle’ as doctors recover blind woman’s sight by putting a tooth in her eye

 

]]> /2012/02/21/serotalk-podcast-96-were-a-tween/feed/ 1 SeroTalk Podcast 93: A Promise Ring and a Password /2012/01/23/serotalk-podcast-93-a-promise-ring-and-a-password/ /2012/01/23/serotalk-podcast-93-a-promise-ring-and-a-password/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:35:19 +0000 /?p=1517 Continue reading →]]> Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 93: A Promise Ring and a Password

This week, Jamie Pauls and Ricky Enger welcome Joe Steinkamp back from his cruise. After Joe and Jamie compare cruise notes, Jamie, Ricky and Joe get down to business and discuss the top news stories of the week including:

ATIA 2012 Coverage coming to iBlink Radio and SAMNet Radio

 

AT News

2012 New Notetaker from HIMS

Blind Bargains Poll on Note Taker versus Laptop and iPhone

HIMS announces the Braille Edge

Humanware expanding line with new 80 cell Brailliant

Blio on Android now accessible

December 2011 marks the last cassette edition of The Braille Monitor

Hadley Launches New Blinded Veterans Initiative

 

We next discuss the fact that Serotek’s SAM Vets program is going strong

As a follow up to a December podcast, Lisa’s Security Essentials tutorial: SA now reports tabs instead of buttons.

SamNet participates in SOPA protest

 

Internet

SOPA Derailed

Zappos.com hacked; 24 million customers affected

Google testing login authentication via QR codes

Going Google-Free: The Best Alternatives to Google Services on the Web

Kurzweil Educational Systems Releases firefly: a Universally Accessible Web-based Literacy Solution

Accessible Firefox on Mac OS X – things are ramping up

 

Apple

Everything you need to know about the Apple Education Announcement from Gizmodo

Apple integrates Facebook into iOS 5.1?

 

We next comment on emails and iReports from our listeners.

 

Round About

Is Stephen Hawking’s voice music to the ears?

Burger chain courts blind diners with sesame seed Braille on buns

Teens Share Passwords As a Form of Intimacy

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