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Unmute Presents ACB Community Replay for the 19th of September

In this episode of Unmute, we discuss the latest iPhone and watch software updates, address audience questions on various topics including iOS 17 features and potential bugs, recommend Bluetooth headsets and navigation apps, provide instructions on accessing different voices in iOS 17, and offer tips on updating software and utilizing useful iOS apps. We also remind listeners to register for the ACB of Oregon conference convention and express gratitude for their support.

Technically Working Technically Working 26: Webcams, WordPress, and Working in Slippers

Technically Working 26:

In this episode of Technically Working, We kick things off with a discussion on whether or not Damashe should sell one of his web cams. Michael shares some tips on using notifications in Mona. We answer some listener submitted questions, including one about WordPress.

We disclose our thoughts on wearing shoes when working from home, which naturally goes on to discuss work environment, and some suggestions.

We love hearing from our listeners, so feel free to reach out to us via Mastodon or email.

Links

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Unmute Presents Slowing Speech Down

In this segment, we encourage support from our listeners through sharing our content and contributing financially. We then demonstrate how to slow down speech on the Blindshell Classic 2 to make it more accessible. We explain the range of speech rate levels and share an exciting announcement about an upcoming Community Call. Visit acb.community for more information. Stay tuned for more valuable content in our upcoming episodes.

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Friday Finds: “AI Miracles and Environmental Concerns”

In this episode of our podcast/show, we explore the power of AI in diagnosing rare medical conditions through the story of a mom who used an AI app called CHAT-GPT to find a diagnosis for her son’s condition. We also discuss the water consumption of data centers and the potential environmental impact, as well as the concerning shortage of laxatives and the dangers of their misuse. Thank you for listening, and we invite you to share your thoughts with us.

iACast Special – Apple September 2023 Event

Episode Notes

Join Michael Doise, Marty Sobo, Lynn Schneider, and Taylor Arndt as we discuss everything that was announced at Apple’s September 2023 iPhone Event.

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.

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194 – September 2023 Apple Event Predictions

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Episode Notes

In this episode of the iACast podcast, we have a group of hosts including Jeff Bishop, Marty Sobo, Lynn Schneider, Taylor Arndt and Michael Doise. We start by discussing our excitement for the upcoming Apple event and the release of new iPhones. We express differing opinions on whether we prefer the software or hardware announcements and mention the prevalence of rumors before Apple events. We then move on to discuss our hopes for what we would like to see on the new devices, including the possibility of a “one more thing” announcement.

Next, we decide to discuss non-iPhone topics first before diving into AirPods and the rumors of a USB-C case. We express our desire for a single cable to charge all our devices and discuss the possibility of waiting for the next generation of AirPods Pro. We propose the idea of buying just the case for the original AirPods Pro 2 that we already own and consider the environmental impact of releasing a new case with USB-C.

Moving on, we talk about the potential release of AirPods 4 and discuss the features we would like to see, such as volume control and better transparency. We also speculate whether the new U2 chip will be included in the AirPod 4s or the iPhone 15/16. We mention the possibility of AirPods being able to unlock devices and discuss the potential for health-related features like temperature monitoring. We anticipate that there will be a focus on vision-related technologies and discuss the potential release of new iMacs and a new M3 chip for Macs. We debate whether a separate Mac event will be held in October and consider the possibility of an ultra version of a product.

In the next part of the conversation, we shift our focus to the upcoming Apple Watch release. We express our hope for blood glucose monitoring to be included in the watch and discuss the lack of significant changes in the watch’s performance since the 6th version. We debate whether it’s worth upgrading from the 8th version to the 9th and mention the possibility of adding a button for assigning tasks or apps on the regular versions of the watch. We briefly touch on the iPhone and express our desire for longer battery life. We conclude the discussion by mentioning the upcoming Tuesday release and pondering how much money Apple will make us spend. We briefly touch on skipped iPhone models and discuss the iPhone X as the best one ever made. We briefly mention the increasing prices of iPhones and move on to discuss iOS and the possibility of changes in the HomePod.

We don’t expect Apple to release any new hardware for the HomePod mini but anticipate new software and added capabilities. We describe the round shape of the mini HomePods and mention their ability to be paired. We note that Siri only speaks out of one speaker when paired. We discuss the better audio quality of the mini HomePods for movies compared to TV speakers. We also mention the possibility of a journaling app in iOS 17.1 and new Mac software releases.

Picks

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Technically Working TW25: Workspace Setups, Timing Apps, and Tracking Packages”

This episode discussed CleanFeed, mishaps with recording, Double Tap, Steven’s TV show, connecting with our community, Slack notifications, package deliveries, video challenges for the visually impaired, and upcoming changes. They thanked subscribers and encouraged feedback.

“Uninstalling Applications on the Blindshell Classic 2: A Step-by-Step Guide”

NOTES: To remove applications from the Blindshell Classic 2, start by pressing and holding the back button. Then, press the down arrow, followed by number 4, OK, and up once, OK. Go to “Browse Catalog” and select option number 2, which is “Installed Packages”. Press OK and the phone will list the applications that can be uninstalled. Scroll down using the down button to select an application, like “Amazon Alexa” for example, and press OK. Follow the prompts to uninstall the package, in this case, selecting option number two for “uninstall package two of five” and pressing OK. Once the package is uninstalled, the phone will let you know and the number of installed applications will decrease from 18 to 17.

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193 – Specialist Phone Showdown

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Episode Notes

In episode 193 of the iACast, a lively group consisting of Michael Doise, Angie Fisher, Michael Babcock, Marty Sobo, and Lynn Shneider discuss various topics. They start by talking about the joys of food delivery and share their experiences attending the American Council of the Blind conference. They also announce that the iACast network is expanding with new content from Unmute Presents. There was a 30-minute episode on Thursday with all the details. Marty and Michael mention their behind-the-scenes work to bring the teams together, and Lynn gives an overview of the topics covered in the latest Friday Finds episode, including iOS 17, changes in social media, a headband for blind swimmers, and Google’s robotic dog.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of robotic guide dogs. The main speaker, as a guide dog user, expresses curiosity about trying a robotic guide dog and discusses the potential time-saving benefits of not having to take care of a real dog. They acknowledge the necessary training for both the robotic guide dog and its user and decide that this topic deserves its own episode to explore the opinions and reasons for and against using robotic guide dogs. They also tease a special announcement coming in the next episode.

The hosts briefly mention the topics covered in previous episodes of their podcast/show and highlight the diverse content available in the IACast network feed. They then discuss the upcoming tech events, such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google events, and announce that they will do event episodes for these events. They invite listeners to join their membership program to access these episodes. They also talk about the Threads social media platform and its accessibility on the web, as well as the possibility of switching to Mastodon once Threads supports ActivityPub.

Michael then discusses the different devices available for blind and visually impaired users, specifically the BlindShell Classic 2 and the Smart Vision 3. They mention the pros and cons of each device and emphasize the importance of considering individual needs and preferences when selecting assistive technology.

The discussion continues with a focus on the needs of elderly individuals when it comes to technology. They mention the complexity of smartphones and the importance of simplicity for older users. They also discuss the potential social considerations and the importance of prioritizing individual needs and preferences.

The hosts then talk about the importance of thinking about how different phones might affect the ability of sighted people to assist individuals with visual impairments. They emphasize the importance of listening to the individual and understanding their preferences and needs. They also discuss the social considerations and the need to prioritize the individual’s needs.

Michael expresses his desire for an iPhone and mentions the Slingers as a neat device he saw at a conference. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of specialist devices versus mainstream smartphones and highlight the importance of personal choice and requirements.

Next, the hosts share their picks for the episode. Michael recommends the HumanWare NLS E-Reader, Marty mentions his presence on Mastodon and the IACast network, Lynn recommends the Sennheiser Ambio Smart headphones for stereo recording, and Angie shares her pick, the Be My AI app for detailed picture descriptions.

Finally, the hosts share their TV show recommendation, Invasion Season 2 on Apple TV+, and end the episode by thanking the audience and announcing their upcoming move. They encourage feedback and following them on social media.

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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Friday Finds: “Clubhouse’s Comeback, The Rise of Private Groups & Marks & Spencer’s Innovation for the Blind”

In this episode, we explore the decline of Clubhouse and its attempt to revive itself with a new chat feature. We also discuss the growing preference for closed communities and its potential impact on organizations like ACB. Additionally, we highlight Marks & Spencer’s Braille gift cards, bringing accessibility and joy to the blind community. Don’t forget to subscribe and share our podcast on Apple Podcasts and our Friday Finds feed. Visit FridayFinds.show for more info and send your feedback to feedback@fridayfinds.show. Have a great week ahead!

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“Unifying Networks: The Merger of IACAST and Unmute Presents”

In this episode of the State of the Union podcast, we discuss the merger of IACAST and Unmute Presents to create a unified network. Listeners can now access all shows through the IACAST Network feed, and exciting new projects are on the horizon. We have revamped our website and developed the IACAST radio for a seamless listening experience. Join us as we build a strong community around our technology-focused content. .

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