Talking Tech - Vision Australia Radio Vision Australia

This week Stephen revisits a program from late last year in conversation with David on the technology advances in 2024.

 

Notes from 26th December 2023:

What is Computer Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 

In simple terms, it is making computers think like Humans.

Eg recognising speech, making decision, and recognising patterns etc.

 

General examples of Computer AI

 

Advanced Web Search Engines.

Recommendation systems.

Virtual assistance.

Speech recognition.

Automatic translation.

Automatic audio translation.

Automated speech synthesis.

Smart home.

Predictive maintenance.

Natural language processing.

Super play.

Content creation.

Image recognition.

Automated image generation.

Automated music composition.

Automated text summary.

Face detection.

Spell checking.

Word suggestions.

Weather prediction.

Cyber Security.

Medical diagnosis..

Health and well being.

Automated customer service.

Trains.

Shipping.

Aviation.

Automatic Driving Assistance.

Self driving cars.

Autonomous Drones.

Robotics.

 

Examples Of Computer AI for Blind or Low Vision

 

Object recognition.

Distance from objecgts.

Indoor navigation.

Scene description.

Currency detection.

Colour detection.

Light detection.

People detection.

Hand writing recognition.

Optical Character recognition (OCR).

Word prediction..

Bar or QR code detection.

Voice control.

 

Examples of Handy AI Apps for Blind or Low Vision Folks

 

Assistive Tech

 

Seeing AI (various channels/Options).

Be-My-Eyes (Virtual Assistant feature).

Envision.

 

Magnifier on iOS (door, People, text, and obstacle detection).

Chat GPT.

Bing/Copilot.

Bard.
Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Minute: Envoy Connect Audio Player for the Vision Australia Library

 

Straightforward and easy to use with the Windows Kiosk application to access books and download to the plugged in player. Then unplug, and enjoy your audio book.

Remember, the Vision Australia Library is open to anyone with a print disability, and the Vision Store is available to anyone interested in vision related products such as  the Envoy Connect.

Contact the Vision Australia library or Vision Store via the main 1300 847 466 number.

 

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/envoy-connect-audio-player-for-va-library.html

 

Honda Audio Scene Detection App for Travelling in the car

 

The beta of this app sounds quite amazing for blind or low vision car travellers who want to know what is happening around the vehicle when traveling. Computer Vision, AI, GPS, weather etc all rolled in to one experience.

Currently in beta.

 

https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/new-ai-based-honda-scenic-audio-app-will-help-make-the-joy-of-the-journey-accessible-to-the-blind-and-visually-impaired

 

Vision Australia and Acoustic Vehicle Audio System (AVAS) for Electric Vehicles

 

Fantastic to see Vision Australia’s extensive hard work over the last 5 years paying off getting the AVAS in to legislation for electric vehicles travelling under 25KPH for blind and low vision Australians.

 

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-04-19/vision-australia-commends-federal-governments-move-mandate-acoustic

 

aple Accessibility Update 2024 Online Event - Make it Yours, register for either May 1, 2, 8 or 9 for a one hour Session

 

Multiple dates/times, and various accessibility options such as CC or AD.

Always great to get an update or refresher on accessibility.

I think Apple is getting in early  or GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) later on in May.

 

https://events.apple.com/content/events/anz/au/en/default.html?token=xww6uj7woR0X9A3c8a4GQkNVdHioJeacopALBwoa3Nf9qRbkVl1f2R7bxjPU29UduZhb5czMzvZ9JEnGCAWlUFwYp_VRfv60aevvydumHi_QB-xfBuh_fjKoLcaRgBQ960JADmFvS09e1L-9pugzkuFIT6bQ&a=1&Locale=en_AU&l=e

 

 

WeWALK Zoom Webinar on the New WeWalk, 2, US April 25 6PM GMT.

Looking forward myself to finding out about the new features in this sonar smart cane with associated smart phone app.

Link is to register.

As far as we can tell, this is on very early Aussie time on the 26th of April at 3AM.

Here is hoping that they will post the webinar afterwards for folks to enjoy.

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNQH9uwcb6kp8K1m7aoBubxvncqozcPZ5T31JIlV4uy17zg/viewform

 

 

Leather case now available for pre-order for the BT speak.

 

Great to see this pre-order happening to keep your BT Speak protected with an excellent case from Turtle Back..

 

https://turtlebacklv.com/products/blazie-bt-speak-fitted-leather-case-with-protective-key-cover-and-strap-by-turtleback
Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Minute:: Mini Guide Cane Holder  

 

As the name suggests, it is a holder that you slide your Mini Guide in to which is attached to your cane.

 

I only purchased mine this week and it is one of those items which I should have purchased when it first came out, it is so handy smile.

 

Several links below

 

Two links firstly to the Va Store shop page for the Mini guide Holder, and then the link to the actual Mini guide itself on the shop site.

 

Mini Guide Holder

 

Mini Guide (itself)

 

After I posted the Mini Guide Holder podcast on my iSee feed, 

 

Podcast demo of the Mini Guide Holder

 

I received lots of queries about the Mini Guide itself, hence the linked demo next.

 

Podcast demo of the Mini Guide itself 

 

Microsoft testing Ads in Windows 11 Insider Build within the Start Menu

 

Windows is starting to sound like a Smart TV screen.

 

SD Cards to Hit 4TB by 2025

 

This sounds great for moving large files around from device to device if you need to. However, I just hope folks don’t use them as permanent storage solutions.

 

Apple Argues About Why it is Still Ok to sell MacBooks with 8GB RAM

 

I used to think this was ok, but with AI in particular wanting more computing resources, I’m wondering if this is still the case.

 

Apple Intends to Overhaul Entire Mac Line Up with M4 AI Chips

 

I think the M3 only came out 5 months ago, and at the end of this year it seems the M4 will be out.

It is going to be very interesting to see what happens at WWDC in June with AI for iOS and Mac OS.
Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking Tech for April 9 2024

Product Minute: Shokz Open Move Bone Conduction Head Phones

 

Two reasons why I always go back to these head phones.

Firstly of course, they are bone conduction head phones leaving my ears free to listen to what is around me.

Secondly, they use a standard USBC port which means for my ever growing collection of USBC devices plus their cables, they still fit wright in.

 

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/shokz-openmove-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-grey.html

 

Update from Blazie Technologies

 

Due to overwhelming interest in the BT Speak Pro, Blazie Technologies has decided to discontinue the Bt Speak basic.

For the moment, the company is only selling from their Own website.

 

https://www.blazietech.com

 

Another Update, Touch Pad Pro Foundation Getting Closer (sort of) to Launching the Braille Doodle 

 

—

 

Copy of Email April 5 2024

Dear BrailleDoodle Family,

We've found it incredibly challenging! We're at the point where we just can't wait any longer!

We've been hesitant to post an update without any significant progress to report. However, we're thrilled to share that recent advancements in manufacturing have been truly remarkable.

Throughout this process, we've strived to maintain transparency, and in that vain, these past few months have been frustrating and, at times, even scary. It's hard to overstate the precision required for every aspect of the BrailleDoodle to function flawlessly. With over 1600 metal beads and holes in the BrailleDoodle, even a single malfunction is simply unacceptable.

After numerous adjustments, we're finally producing fully functional BrailleDoodle samples, one after another. Below, you'll find an audio-described video showcasing the BrailleDoodle being put through its paces.

We're confident that BrailleDoodles will soon be in the hands of people within the next couple of months. We understand that many of you are disappointed by the delays, but when you finally have this product in your hands, you'll realize it was worth the wait! The BrailleDoodle is poised to be nothing short of incredible!

Despite the chaos of this journey, we're immensely grateful that you've chosen to be part of the BrailleDoodle family. As we've emphasized many times before, you're not just customers; you're the ones breathing life into the BrailleDoodle!

Warm regards,

The TouchPad Pro Team 

 

—

 

The new Owners of Voice Dream Reader (Applause) Backs down from Subscription   Model for Everyone 

 

Good to see what overwhelming feedback can do.

 

https://applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados/applause-have-backed-down-purchased-voicedream-features-will-stay

 

 

Review of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

 

Interesting, these glasses are getting closer and closer to what Envision are Orcam are doing, but only for $550 or so Australian.

 

https://applevis.com/podcasts/review-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses

 

My Chat on Studio One Fromm VA Radio Re AI and how it Would Assist Blind or Low Vision Folks

 

50 minute or so tech chat about AI.

 

https://omny.fm/shows/studio1/a-i

 

Trying Out my Zoom H4 Essential with the BTA1 Connection to my iPhone Via the H4 Essential Control App

As the file list on the H4 is still inaccessible via the internal guide voice, this app gives you full access to the file list and other functions of the H4 including being able to remote control it via the app say in the case of using it for lectures.

Note - there is also an app for the H6 Essential, but not for the H1.

 

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/h4essential-control/id646717678
Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Minute: 10 inch Digital Clock with 30 Alarm Reminders

 

Excellent bed side or wall mounted large print clock.

One thing that my wife holds on to, is our clock on the wall at home so she can just glance at the time when she needs to.

 

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/10-inch-digital-clock-with-30-alarm-reminders.html

 

Another Update from CSUN Conference 2024, Sony

 

A lot more than just the PS5.

 

Google IO for May 14 2024

 

AI, and new hardware.

 

https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-io-2024

 

Apple WWDC for June 10 2024

 

AI and new hardware.

 

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/26/24111331/apple-wwdc-2024-event-date-ai-artificial-intelligence-m4-ios-18

 

 

Wearables and Ethics

 

End the program today with a chat about wearables, particularly ones that use camera’s and what responsibilities users have to using them.
Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Product Minute: Zoomax Snow 12 Inch video magnifier with Speech (more than half price)

 

Very handy portable tablet sized video magnifier and OCR print reading device.

 

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/zoomax-snow-12-with-speech-magnifier.html

 

A Chat About the new BT Speak and bt Speak Pro

 

Note taker or note taker and full desktop.

 

My Demo:

 

https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/2d3u25/BTSpeak_Pro_demo6d30p.mp3 

 

Blazie Tech Website:

 

https://www.blazietech.com

 

Zoom H4 Essential Thoughts for My Usage

 

Odd for me at the moment, going back to my Zoom Podtrak P4. I think I got caught up with accessibility, and not looking at my current functionality with the difference between the P4 and the H4 Essential.

 

Humanware Announces V2.2 for Brailliant and Mantis 

 

V2.2 - single USB or BT terminal mode, and better power management.

 

Aira Announces Beta  of Access AI Feature for Photos

 

AI will tell you what it thinks is in a photo, and a human will verify.

 

https://aira.io/aira-announces-new-access-ai-feature-at-csun/

 

ARX Vision 1.5 Joins up with Microsoft Seeing AI on Android (limited release)

 

Interesting to see how this new version of the ARX Vision goes with the power of Seeing AI and Navilense on Android. I still have some concerns about scene detection and object recognition. Like Chat AI systems, don’t rely 100 percent on what you are being told smile.

 

 

Pre-Order the Braille emotion from HIMS

 

New updated version of their note taker.

 

https://hims-inc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Braille-eMotion-Brochure-DIGITAL.pdf
Support this Vision Australia Radio program: https://www.visionaustralia.org/donate?src=radio&type=0&_ga=2.182040610.46191917.1644183916-1718358749.1627963141
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.