Technically Working TW23 – Defining Success & Navigating Productivity Tools

In this episode, we discuss defining success on our own terms and avoiding comparisons. We highlight podcast hosts’ unique success stories and mention our oversight in sending files. We invite listeners to follow us on Mastodon and briefly touch on productivity tools. We tease the next episode on SaneBox and ongoing notification issues. We provide our contact information and invite questions for the next live stream episode.

Sending Files With LaunchBar

In this episode, the Send To feature in LaunchBar is explored. Learn how to quickly move files to specific locations with just a few keystrokes and navigate through folders efficiently. Stay tuned for more productivity tips.# You can tune into this call live every Tuesday.

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Friday Finds: “Tech Tussles: The CAPTCHA Conundrum and the Robot Vandalism Dilemma”

In this episode, we delve into two different issues that arise with the advancement of technology. First, we discuss the limitations and decreasing effectiveness of CAPTCHAs. Lynn Schneider, the host, highlights that as AI technology becomes more sophisticated, CAPTCHAs are easier to bypass, making them less secure. However, she mentions that companies like Google and Microsoft are working on making CAPTCHAs more accessible and efficient. They are developing potential solutions to address this issue, which we explore in detail.

Moving on to our second topic, we discuss the increasing cases of vandalism against delivery robots. These robots, used by various delivery services, have become targets for theft, acts of protest against automation taking over jobs, and simply acts of vandalism. Lynn emphasizes the significant cost of repairing or replacing these sophisticated machines due to vandalism. To counter this issue, some companies are considering deterrents such as adding cameras to capture photo evidence of vandals, alarms to alert authorities, and even arming the robots for self-defense. We delve into the legal and ethical implications of arming these defenseless robots, sparking a thoughtful discussion.

It is fascinating to witness the complexities that arise between humans and automation as technology advances. The challenges discussed in this episode raise important questions about our relationship with technology and how we navigate these complexities moving forward. As the episode concludes, Lynn expresses uncertainty about the definitive solution to the issue of vandalism on these machines. Although arming them might be an option, she mentions that the robots already have cameras to capture images of vandals, potentially leading to legal consequences for those who vandalize them.

Thanking the audience for their support and feedback, Lynn wraps up this week’s Friday Finds. She encourages listeners to share their thoughts and provides an email address, feedback@unmute.show, for any feedback. With a warm farewell and wishes for a great weekend and week ahead, Lynn signs off, promising to return with more intriguing topics next week.

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Securing Your Website

In this conversation, we stress the importance of securing your organization’s web presence. We discuss the significance of having a domain name for verification and business integration. We provide tips for maintaining control over your domain, such as enabling two-factor authentication and locking transfers. We also highlight the need for choosing a reputable hosting company that prioritizes security and keeping WordPress software up to date. We emphasize the importance of user management, backups, and making smart choices for website security. Listener feedback and suggestions are welcomed. Stay tuned for more news updates in the next episode.

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S1E2 – Starting VoiceOver

Episode Notes

Lesson 1 of VO Starter weekly discusses how to enable or start VoiceOver on an iOS device.

Please send any questions, or suggestions to feedback@iacast.net

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S1E1 – Introduction

Episode Notes

Welcome to VO Starter Weekly. THis introductory episode explains what will be covered in this podcast.

VO Starter Weekly is a weekly podcast that was inspired by the iOS app VO Starter. It will go through each of the lessons from the app in podcast form.

Please send us questions or suggestions about this show to feedback@iacast.net

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Help, My Blind Shell Classic 2 has Locked Up

In today’s episode, we discuss a helpful solution for blind shell users who may face unresponsiveness issues with their phones. When the usual unlocking methods fail, the best way to force a restart is by pressing and holding the back button on the phone. The back button is located above the number three on the keypad. Press and hold it for 15 seconds until you feel a longer vibration, indicating that the phone is restarting. Release the back button and wait for about 28 seconds to hear the startup sound, marking a successful restart. This method allows blind shell users to resolve problems like a frozen screen without the need to remove the battery.

Unmute Presents ACB Community replay for 22 August

On this episode of the Unmute Presents Community Call, we address a range of tech-related questions. We discuss tips for saving attachments in Outlook, generating QR codes, troubleshooting computer issues, muting messages on WhatsApp and GroupMe, and more. We also provide updates on recent podcast episodes and express our gratitude to the listeners. Stay tuned for the next show!

192 – Bing My AI

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Episode Notes

In this episode of the IACast, the main speaker, Michael Doise, introduces the rest of the group and mentions that they are now doing a pre-show before recording the episodes live on IACast radio. They also talk about their new travel and tech show that will be coming out soon. Michael and Marty give an overview of what they have been doing on Unmute, including a preview episode of the travel show.

They discuss various topics, including the changes happening on Twitter and the potential downfall of the platform. They mention that Twitter is no longer the same and that blocking users will no longer be possible except in direct messages. They also discuss the chaotic nature of the platform and the possibility of bringing back blocking behind a paywall.

There is a discussion about the use of different social media platforms and the need to reach a wider audience. The main speaker emphasizes the importance of serving the audience wherever they are, mentioning that Mastodon has a significant blind user base. They encourage content creators to consider using Mastodon to broaden their reach and engage with a larger audience.

The main speaker also mentions the issue of tools not supporting other platforms and the challenge of transitioning to new tools. They express frustration with companies serving people with disabilities using platforms that are not accessible. The main speaker advocates for open conversations and collaboration to find solutions. They praise the customization options and user-friendliness of the Mastodon app, emphasizing its potential for individualized experiences.

The main speaker also highlights the complexity of various social media platforms and acknowledges the limitations of some apps. They share their own experiences with Facebook and the limitations of the Threads app.

They discuss the rumors surrounding OpenAI’s potential bankruptcy, expressing skepticism and mentioning that someone will likely buy their technology or invest in them. They caution against unnecessary panic created by media reports and emphasize the importance of managing expectations and transparency. They mention their excitement about the Be My Eyes Be My AI beta and the new Bing app feature that uses OpenAI. They discuss the user experience of both apps and the challenges they have encountered, highlighting the limitations of AI technology.

They also discuss the importance of seeking education and assistance from pharmacies for individuals who need to take medications. They caution against over-reliance on technology and stress the need for caution and cross-referencing information.

The main speaker introduces the app picks for this episode, including the Mercury weather app and the Phind AI-based programming assistant. They also discuss their preferences for TV shows to watch.

The main speaker provides their contact information and encourages listeners to provide feedback and share their thoughts and preferences. They express gratitude to the other speakers for being part of the show and thank the listeners for tuning in. The episode concludes with an invitation to stay updated on new episodes and explore more podcasts on the IACast network.

Picks

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iacast.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our and Patreon pages.

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Technically Working 22: Smart Vision, Accessibility, and Listener Engagement

In this episode, we discuss the smart vision three phone, address the backup process for the blind shell phone, talk about file moving and using SD cards and USB thumb drives. We also touch upon using magnification and voiceover features simultaneously and share our experiences with different keyboards and braille displays. Additionally, we mention engagement on Mastodon and talk about sharing our shows on various platforms. Lastly, we hint on how next week will start by answering a listener question about our businesses and express gratitude for listening.

TW22 – “Smart Vision, Accessibility, and Listener Engagement”

In this episode, we discuss the smart vision three phone, address the backup process for the blind shell phone, talk about file moving and using SD cards and USB thumb drives. We also touch upon using magnification and voiceover features simultaneously and share our experiences with different keyboards and braille displays. Additionally, we mention engagement on Mastodon and talk about sharing our shows on various platforms. Lastly, we hint on how next week will start by answering a listener question about our businesses and express gratitude for listening.

Comparing Website and Mobile App Accessibility

Episode Notes

In this episode of the Programatic podcast, host Michael Doise explores the topic of accessibility in programming. He brings on expert Taylor Arndt to lend her insights and expertise to the conversation. Together, they delve into various aspects of accessibility in programming, covering both desktop applications and websites/mobile apps. 

The discussion kicks off with Taylor sharing her background in digital accessibility and programming, providing valuable context for the conversation. Michael mentions that future episodes will dive into more advanced topics, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the subject matter. 

One key point of focus is how desktop applications are audited for accessibility compared to websites and mobile apps. They examine the application of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to desktop apps, particularly those developed with Electron. This discussion sheds light on the challenges and considerations involved in ensuring accessibility in different platforms. 

The conversation then turns to specific challenges faced by developers when implementing accessibility features, such as dark mode, in their apps. They discuss the Blindshell Classic 2, an Android phone with its own app system that does not support dark mode for Android apps. This prompts an exploration of the need for exceptions in accessibility audits and the processes that companies have for granting them. Additionally, they touch on the fact that many accessibility professionals may not have a development background, highlighting the need for collaboration between developers and accessibility experts. 

Moving on, they tackle the technicalities of incorporating images in websites and mobile apps with regards to accessibility. The concept of decorative images, their purpose, and how best to handle them for screen readers is explored. They emphasize the importance of considering keyboard users and discuss whether hiding images from screen readers using ARIA is acceptable. The differences between handling images on mobile apps and websites are also considered, with a focus on best practices and exceptions to accommodate specific app needs. Conveying information through alt text and accessibility labels is highlighted, particularly for images that are critical to app functionality and flow. 

The speakers then explore the topic of profile images on social media timelines and discuss the accessibility and usability implications of different approaches. They suggest that using a person’s name as a description for the image may be more accessible than relying solely on alt text. They also compare the accessibility and usability of Twitter and Threads posts, noting that Threads can be technically accessible but pose usability challenges due to navigation complexities. 

Heading into the next segment, they analyze the differences in headings between websites and mobile apps, presenting their reasoning for specific heading levels and mobile-specific considerations. Collaboration with developers is emphasized as crucial for creating accessible apps, and the misuse of headings is cautioned against. 

The podcast then turns its attention to the usage of audio in mobile apps, addressing autoplay, interruptions, and the importance of uninterrupted audio sessions. The layout and distinction of images, buttons, and links in mobile apps are also examined, stressing the need for clear differentiation between buttons and links. Accessibility features such as underlined text for links are highlighted as essential components of an accessible design. Criticisms are voiced towards companies that fail to properly differentiate between buttons and navigable items in their mobile apps, and the importance of mobile-specific expertise in app accessibility is reinforced. 

The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the importance of code-level recommendations from developers who understand mobile platforms. Buttons, list items, headings, and images are emphasized as crucial elements to consider when comparing mobile and web accessibility. The necessity of captions and transcripts for audio content, as well as proper linking of web pages, is highlighted. Color contrast and adherence to WCAG standards are underlined as vital aspects to bear in mind. With a final message of programming being a creative and artistic career, the speakers emphasize the long-term benefits that good accessibility practices can bring to programmers. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and questions, with contact information provided for Taylor and Michael. The episode concludes, leaving listeners with valuable insights into the importance of accessibility in programming and how to approach it effectively.In this episode, we explore accessibility in programming with expert Taylor Arndt. We discuss auditing accessibility in desktop applications versus websites/mobile apps. We also cover challenges faced by developers in implementing accessibility features and handling images. Other topics include profile images on social media, heading structures, audio in mobile apps, and code-level recommendations. We emphasize collaboration between developers and accessibility experts and the importance of adhering to WCAG standards. Contact information for Taylor and Michael is provided for feedback and questions.

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