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In Episode 195 of the iACast, we are joined by Michael Babcock, Marty Sobo, and Lynn Schneider. Michael and Marty discuss their recent work on the Unmute podcast, including their Friday finds and their thoughts on music and podcast apps. They also mention their recent live iACast show on the Apple Keynote event and the new websites for Friday Finds and Unmute. They tease an exciting announcement about the iAccessibility app. 

Moving on, we delve into leaked information about Apple’s new phones, specifically the use of tetraprism technology. We express frustration with misleading titles in tech journalism and praise Apple for their transparency. We also appreciate Apple’s innovative use of titanium in their products. We are particularly excited about the blue titanium iPhone and plan to do a large unboxing video. However, we are frustrated with Apple’s decision not to sell standalone cases for AirPods, which forces customers to buy new buds even if they don’t need to. We discuss the environmental impact of this decision and speculate about reselling the cases separately.

Next, we address conflicting rumors about lossless audio support and contemplate buying USB-C EarPods for compatibility with our Macs. We discuss the convenience of recording high-resolution videos directly to a USB-C SSD hard drive and the potential for connecting iPhones together and transferring files using the Files app. We note that the cable included with the phone is slower and explore other options for faster speeds. Additionally, we mention the ability to charge other devices with the phone and discuss the lack of quick charge capabilities.

Shifting gears, we share our own purchases and storage needs for the new phones. We discuss phone storage capacities, the pricing of higher capacity models, and the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. We also delve into medical technologies and the potential impact of smartwatches in healthcare. We talk about the importance of checking spam folders, the upcoming features of the Apple Watch 9, and the possibility of glucose meters. We discuss the potential insurance coverage for smartwatches used for medical purposes and their role in medical monitoring and well-being.

Moving on, we share our frustrations with the iPhone pre-order process and compare the perspectives of Android users and iPhone users. We note the high demand and congestion during iPhone launches and how Apple has hired more retail staff to address this. We discuss the convenience of pre-ordering online and Michael’s plan to upgrade through their carrier. We mention the preference for financing through carriers and the distinction with Apple financing. We advise listeners to do their homework and choose the best option for themselves.

We mention concerns about iOS 17 bugs and advise against early upgrading. We talk about the importance of knowing one’s tolerance for problems and waiting for stability before updating. Finally, we discuss the new ringtones and alert tones in the upgrade, including the replacement of the tritone for the system alert sound. We encourage listeners to check out the new sounds, back up their data, and share our personal backup process.

We wrap up the episode by asking for listener feedback and sharing our personal picks and where to find us online. Listeners can find more information about the show at iacast.net and reach out to us via email at feedback@iacast.net. They can also follow us on Twitter at IACastNetwork and check out more great podcasts on the iAcast network at iacast.net.
Picks

• Marty: Apple Keynote for September
• Lynn: Friday Finds
• Michael: Maestral for macOS
• Michael: iOS 17 ringtones

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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.

• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra 2
• AirPods 2 with USB-C
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Pro

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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

• Lynn: Hurricane Track Youtube channel
• Jeff: OpenShell for Windows
• Taylor: New apartment
• Marty: HomePod Mini
• Michael: Starfield

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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

• Angie: Be My AI
• Michael: Humanware NlS E-Reader
• Lynn, Sennheiser Ambeo Smart headset
• Michael D: Invasion season 2

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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. #IACast.Read transcript

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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

• Marty: Mercury Weather
• Michael B https://phind.com
• Jeff: Concept2 ErgData
• Taylor: Bing for iOS
• Michael D: Ahsoka on Disney Plus

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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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In this episode, Michael Doise flies solo as the host and kicks off the conversation by expressing his appreciation for the audience and his enjoyment of doing the podcast. He updates listeners on the upcoming changes and news in the iAccessibility and Techopolis realms, including the re-release of the VO Starter app with more lessons and content for iOS 17. He teases a surprise and mentions that the app will be available for free. Michael also talks about the success of iACast Radio, with over 100 hours of listening in the past week. He welcomes Michael Babcock to the discussion, and they briefly chat about TV shows they have been watching.

Moving on to their podcast, Unmute Presents, Michael mentions the great content they have been producing and their progress in catching up with publishing episodes. He highlights various shows and recommends checking out their podcast on the radio station or subscribing to their podcast feed.

Shifting gears, Michael addresses the recent stir on Mastodon caused by an article from The Verge about SanDisk SSD drives losing files despite a firmware update. He shares his personal experience with such drives and expresses concern about Western Digital’s handling of the situation. He commends the speed of the SSD drives but emphasizes the importance of considering other brands with reliable drives.

The discussion shifts to the ongoing debate between iPad and Android tablets. Michael shares his experience as a blind individual, finding the real estate on an iPad overwhelming and the keyboard support not ideal for his needs. However, based on limited experience with Android tablets, he believes that the iPad is the better choice overall. He compares features and functionalities, highlighting advantages and disadvantages of both platforms.

The speaker also discusses their use of iPadOS and the improvement in navigation with the item chooser feature and keyboard commands. They emphasize the need for good backup solutions and prioritize the importance of backups. The speaker then dives into the topic of keyboard support, noting the inconsistency across different brands of Android tablets and the standardization of keyboard shortcuts on iPad apps.

Michael touches on the limited storage space of Android tablets compared to the massive storage capabilities of iPads. They mention the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms, such as better sound quality on Samsung tablets and the convenience of accessing specific content on iPads. The speaker recommends considering individual needs and usages when deciding between tablets.

In closing, Michael expresses their enjoyment of having guests like Michael on the show and shares their pick for great content, Foundation Season 2 on Apple TV. They provide their contact information and encourage listeners to send feedback and stay tuned for future episodes.
Picks

• Michael B: Hijack on Apple TV+
• Michael D: Foundation season 2 on Apple TV+

Providing Feedback
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