Blind Level Tech

Aftersight
  • 4,7 (15)
  • NOTÍCIAS DE TECNOLOGIA
  • SEMANAL

Where accessibility meets innovation. Hosted by Evan Starnes, Blind Level Tech explores the latest in assistive technology, accessible design, and everyday tools that empower the blind and low-vision community. Each episode dives into real stories, expert insights, and practical solutions—from screen readers and AI tools to mobility tech and inclusive apps. Whether you’re blind, low vision, a professional in the accessibility space, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping lives, this show offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Produced by Aftersight, Blind Level Tech is more than a tech podcast—it’s a platform for inclusion, discovery, and possibility.

  1. HÁ 2 DIAS

    Tech News and Updates April 2026

    1) Episode Summary In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes is joined by producer Jonathan Price for a monthly tech news digest covering mainstream tech, access tech, AI, wearables, and listener comments. The episode opens with a preview of upcoming conversations, including Sriram Ganesh from Lumen and Shanell Matos from RightHear, highlighting AI email management, indoor orientation, accessibility beacons, and tools designed to help blind and low-vision users navigate daily life with more independence.  Evan and Jonathan also discuss major access-tech updates, including InnoSearch’s move into nonprofit status, the importance of supporting useful nonprofit technology, and the growing role of wearable AI. They talk through Meta Ray-Ban glasses, Aira integration, EchoVision glasses, and how AI-powered tools may continue shifting from phone-based experiences into glasses, watches, and other hands-free devices. The conversation then moves into broader tech news, including AI processors, Apple’s ecosystem, Apple Intelligence, Windows Copilot, Microsoft’s approach to AI integration, and Evan’s real-world experience testing Android after years in the Apple ecosystem. The episode keeps a conversational, practical tone while asking the larger question underneath all the tech: does this actually help people live, work, navigate, communicate, and access the world more easily? The episode closes with listener comments about Meta glasses, EchoVision, app accessibility, banking independence, and how listeners can reach out to the show with feedback, questions, or tech they would like reviewed. 2) Contact Info Blind Level Tech / Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Featured hosts/contributors Evan Starnes — Host, Blind Level Tech Jonathan Price — Podcast Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Blind Level Tech is hosted by Evan Starnes and produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Aftersight provides news, information, and resources in audio format for people who are blind, have low vision, or benefit from alternatives to print. (00:00) - — Welcome to Blind Level Tech (00:55) - — Jonathan joins Evan for the monthly tech news digest (02:26) - — Previewing the upcoming Lumen episode (03:25) - — First impressions of Lumen’s AI email assistant (05:17) - — Previewing RightHear with Shanell Matos (06:44) - — RightHear, indoor orientation, and accessible places (08:34) - — Beta testing, promo codes, and listener engagement (09:30) - — InnoSearch becomes a nonprofit (11:14) - — Supporting access-tech nonprofits and product demos (12:01) - — EchoVision glasses and dedicated accessibility controls (12:28) - — Aira integration comes to Meta Ray-Ban glasses (13:31) - — AI wearables and hands-free access (14:33) - — AI processors, Apple Silicon, and local AI possibilities (16:51) - — Microsoft Copilot, Windows changes, and File Explorer frustrations (18:31) - — Apple leadership, Apple Intelligence, and future direction (22:15) - — AI integration across Apple’s ecosystem (23:37) - — Hearth Display and future smart home tech previews (24:58) - — Apple’s slower, more deliberate innovation style (26:24) - — Evan’s Android experiment begins (27:34) - — Pixel, TalkBack, Gemini, and Android accessibility wins (28:57) - — Android frustrations and TalkBack bugs (29:55) - — Gemini and YouTube video descriptions (31:02) - — Why Evan still carries both Android and iPhone (34:18) - — The blue bubble vs. green bubble debate (34:56) - — Listener comment: Meta Ray-Bans and EchoVision (37:22) - — Listener comment: app accessibility and banking independence (38:51) - — How listeners can contact Blind Level Tech (39:53) - — Closing thoughts and signoff ★ Support this podcast ★

    41 min

  2. HÁ 2 DIAS

    BLT Bite: Exploring your Environment with OOrian

    As promissed, here is the BLT Bite demo of the OOrian app.For this demonstration, we go on a walk to Evan's office, and On this demonstration, we take you on an immersive walk from Evan's home to the office, while taking in everything OOrian points out along the way.It is strongly recommended to use headphones for the best listening experience.If there is a particular feature of OOrian you would like demonstrated in a future BLT Bite, let us know by sending an email to feedback@aftersight.org, or calling 720-712-8856Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

    8 min

  3. 22 DE ABR.

    OOrion: The App That Helped Me Find Dog Poop

    In this solo episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan takes a deep dive into one of the most exciting accessibility tools he has tested recently: the Orion app.Evan explains that he first encountered Orion through a friend, then tried it firsthand on both an iPhone and Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses. He quickly realized the app represented something he has long talked about on the show: “reactive AI,” or technology capable of describing the world around you in real time.He gives a detailed breakdown of Orion’s history, beginning with its development in France in 2020, its early object-finding prototype in 2022, wider release in 2024, and major generative AI enhancements in 2025. He notes the addition of venue-specific navigation, voice assistant features, and most recently, integration with Meta glasses.Evan walks listeners through setup, permissions, connecting Meta glasses, recommended settings, voice behavior, and battery considerations. He also explains the app’s core features:• Visual Question• Search Objects• Search Text• Nearby Objects• Nearby Text• Personal ObjectsThroughout the episode he shares real-world examples of using Orion to:• Find keys, mugs, and lost objects• Read labels and medication packaging• Detect dishwasher lights• Adjust thermostats• Read office signs• Identify logos and products• Understand room layouts• Navigate unfamiliar environments• And yes… locate dog accidents on the floorEvan emphasizes that Orion does not replace a cane or guide dog and should never be trusted for critical obstacle avoidance due to cloud-processing delays. But as a supplemental accessibility tool, he describes it as one of the most useful visual-assistance apps he has ever used.He closes by inviting listener feedback and teasing an upcoming BLT Byte episode where he will wear the Orion-connected Meta glasses during a trip from home to work to demonstrate the app in real-world use. Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

    24 min

  4. 8 DE ABR.

    Thinking About Switching Phones? Here’s What It’s Really Like

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes takes on a topic that can be surprisingly personal and surprisingly complicated: switching ecosystems. Rather than arguing that iPhone or Android is universally better, Evan walks listeners through what actually changes when you move from one platform to the other, especially as a blind screen reader user.Drawing from his own recent experience of moving his eSIM from an iPhone to a new Google Pixel, Evan breaks down the practical side of switching, from initial setup and data transfer to battery life expectations and the reality of what does and does not carry over. He talks about the parts of the process that are more accessible than many people might expect, but also points out the frustrations, like message transfer issues and the extra little setup hurdles that can still make switching feel bigger than it should.A major focus of the episode is accessibility. Evan compares VoiceOver and TalkBack, highlighting how much TalkBack has matured over the years. He discusses multi-finger gestures, customizable commands, Gemini-powered image descriptions and summaries, braille support, the TalkBack menu, and the way Android navigation differs from iOS. He also points out a few things he misses from iPhone, like direct touch in certain apps, Apple’s wider voice selection, and some of the little usability touches in iOS that make scrolling and media interaction feel smoother.On the Android side, Evan talks about the strengths that still make Google’s platform appealing, especially for blind users who value flexibility. He highlights the usefulness of fingerprint unlock, the universal back button, home screen and launcher customization, app-specific notification sounds, and the broader ability to tailor the device to your own habits. On the Apple side, he acknowledges that iOS still has major advantages, especially when it comes to ecosystem integration with devices like the Apple Watch, iPad, AirPods, and Mac.Overall, this episode is a thoughtful, real-world look at what switching phone ecosystems actually feels like when accessibility is part of the equation. It is not about declaring a winner. It is about helping listeners understand the tradeoffs, the surprises, and the things worth knowing before making the jump themselves. Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★ (00:00) - Introduction and why switching ecosystems is a loaded topic (01:57) - Why this episode matters from a blind and low vision perspective (02:25) - Best Buy temptation and upgrading from a Pixel 5 (03:05) - Why Evan chose a Pixel and thoughts on Samsung vs. Google (05:11) - Why Evan tried switching back to Android full-time (06:43) - The VoiceOver bugs that pushed the experiment further (07:20) - Accessible setup on iPhone and Android (08:25) - eSIM transfer and what moving service was like (10:03) - What transferred successfully and what did not (10:39) - Battery life after setup and why new phones settle in (11:53) - How platform exclusivity has changed over time (12:44) - Apple Music, Apple TV, and what still works on Android (13:35) - iCloud and iWork limitations when leaving Apple (14:12) - TalkBack today and how far it has come (14:33) - Multi-finger gestures and customizing TalkBack commands (15:58) - TalkBack wraparound navigation vs. VoiceOver behavior (17:10) - The TalkBack menu and quick accessibility controls (18:04) - Gemini-based text summaries and image descriptions (18:49) - Braille support, braille displays, and the TalkBack braille keyboard (20:54) - Drag and drop, moving apps, and organizing the home screen (22:24) - Seeing AI vs. Lookout on Android (23:24) - What Evan misses on Android, including direct touch (24:43) - Voices, Eloquence, and Google text-to-speech improvements (26:23) - Scrolling differences and the things iOS still does better (27:54) - Fingerprint scanners and why they matter for blind users (30:23) - Three-button navigation and the universal back button (32:23) - Android customization, launchers, and sound control (35:13) - MagSafe-style accessories and magnetic compatibility (36:32) - Switching from Android to iPhone with Move to iOS (37:15) - Apple ecosystem integration and continuity features (38:42) - iPhone customization and how iOS has borrowed from Android (40:09) - Final thoughts and invitation for listener feedback

    28 min

  5. 1 DE ABR.

    When Smart Tech Stops Being Smart

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan dives into a surprisingly practical and slightly uncomfortable question: when does “smart” tech become too smart for its own good, and what can you do if your smart device loses it's smart functionality?The conversation is sparked by the shutdown of the Braava smart oven, a once-innovative infrared countertop appliance that relied heavily on cloud services. With the company ceasing operations and no guarantee of how long servers will remain online, Evan highlights a critical issue:When the cloud goes away, what happens to the product?For blind users in particular, this becomes more than an inconvenience—it can render a device nearly unusable if accessibility depends on an app or dynamic touchscreen interface.  Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★

    15 min

  6. 25 DE MAR.

    Alexa’s Got Attitude: A Funny Blind Level Tech Roundup on Apple, Spotify, Windows & BrailleSense 7

    Episode Summary In this monthly Blind Level Tech roundup, Evan Starnes brings a fast-moving mix of mainstream and assistive tech news, opening with a reminder that Aftersight’s Tech Pulse audio edition lets listeners hear original tech articles from sources like Top Tech Tidbits, Wired, and CNET. From there, the episode moves through Amazon’s new Alexa personality options, Apple’s push into business and education, Spotify’s new Song DNA feature, Windows 11 changes, and a reported FCC router sales ban. The second half shifts into assistive tech, highlighting Speakable’s public voice-label system, a new BMIOS and Meta partnership, and an extended breakdown of the BrailleSense 7 and its new features.  This episode works well as a broad accessibility-and-innovation update. It gives listeners both consumer-facing tech developments and blind-specific tools in one place, while keeping the tone conversational, practical, and rooted in how these changes may actually affect everyday users.  Contact Info Guest/Organization Info: No guest featured in this episode. Host-led tech news roundup.  Aftersight Contact Info: Aftersight Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Website: Aftersight.org  Show Credits Host: Evan Starnes Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight  (00:00) - — Welcome to Blind Level Tech / Tech Pulse spotlight (02:26) - — Amazon adds Alexa personality styles (04:51) - — Listener feedback and Alexa reactions (05:16) - — Apple’s business and education push (09:29) - — Apple Maps ads and AirPods Max 2 (11:52) - — Spotify Song DNA and Windows 11 updates (13:51) - — Reported FCC router sales ban (15:21) - — Speakable voice labels for accessible spaces (16:36) - — BMIOS and Meta partnership (17:10) - — BrailleSense 7 first impressions and upgrades (20:37) - — Taptic feedback and optional QWERTY keyboard (23:00) - — Closing and contact reminder ★ Support this podcast ★

    24 min

  7. 18 DE MAR.

    3 Years of BLT

    Episode Summary  In this personal three-year reflection, Evan Starnes steps away from the usual tech-heavy format to look back on the journey of Blind Level Tech since its launch in March 2023. He shares how his time at the Colorado Center for the Blind and his early internship at Aftersight helped shape his confidence, skills, and voice as both an audio producer and host.  Evan walks listeners through the evolution of Aftersight’s podcasting world, from the early days of Community Conversations to the creation of Blind Level Tech alongside producer Jonathan Price. He reflects on the guests, co-hosts, spin-off ideas, and creative risks that helped BLT find its identity as a show that makes technology approachable for both lifelong blind listeners and those newer to vision loss.  The episode also opens up a more vulnerable side of the work behind the mic. Evan speaks candidly about the pressure of trying to represent the blind and low-vision community well, the perfectionism that can come with creativity, and the personal struggles that have shaped the show’s highs and lows. It is an honest, human check-in on what it takes to keep building something meaningful week after week.  Looking ahead, Evan shares his hopes for the future of Blind Level Tech, including more demos, more guests, Throwback Thursdays, continued BLT Bites, and a stronger creative rhythm after Aftersight’s current platform transition. Through it all, his goal remains the same: to make BLT a welcoming, informative, and distinctly human space for the blind and low-vision community.  Contact Info  Organization: Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Feedback Email: feedback@aftersight.org Listener Voicemail: (720) 712-8856  Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer, Aftersight  Show Credits  Show: Blind Level Tech Host: Evan Starnes Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight Originals  (00:02) - — Evan marks three years of Blind Level Tech (02:47) - — Life before BLT and training at the Colorado Center for the Blind (04:51) - — Evan’s Aftersight internship and the early podcasting days (07:18) - — Community Conversations, Penn Street, and Aftersight’s podcast growth (09:35) - — Jonathan Price joins Aftersight and BLT is born (11:59) - — The inspiration behind the show and building its sound (16:58) - — The vision for BLT: making tech approachable for everyone (19:23) - — Memorable guests, co-hosts, and lessons from hosting (24:17) - — Personal pressure, perfectionism, and the human side of podcasting (26:14) - — What’s next for BLT: more demos, more guests, more growth (31:03) - — Closing thanks and an invitation for listener feedback ★ Support this podcast ★

    33 min

  8. 11 DE MAR.

    Everything Apple Updates

    1) Episode Summary  Evan Starnes opens this shorter solo episode with a quick update on Aftersight’s major platform transition and shares his excitement about getting back to creating more original content for Blind Level Tech. He introduces a new upcoming Thursday mini-series focused on vintage and retro assistive and consumer technology, giving listeners a fun “trip down memory lane” format that will be more relaxed and demo-driven.  The main focus of the episode is a broad overview of the latest Apple product releases and what matters most for blind and low-vision users. Evan walks through the newly announced products, highlights accessibility-relevant features, and frames the conversation around practical use rather than deep technical specs. He discusses the value of these devices for students, everyday users, and those looking to upgrade from older Apple hardware.  He also gives his take on the new iPhone and Mac lineup from the perspective of real-world accessibility, including MagSafe, storage, performance, camera practicality, and how useful certain “Pro” features may or may not be for blind users. The episode closes with an invitation for listener feedback and a reminder that more tech-focused content is on the way as the transition work settles down.  2) Contact Info  Aftersight Contact Info Aftersight Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Website: Aftersight.org  Producer Credit Produced by Jonathan Price  3) Show Credits  Show: Blind Level Tech Host: Evan Starnes Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight  (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0 ★ Support this podcast ★

    18 min
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Sobre

Where accessibility meets innovation. Hosted by Evan Starnes, Blind Level Tech explores the latest in assistive technology, accessible design, and everyday tools that empower the blind and low-vision community. Each episode dives into real stories, expert insights, and practical solutions—from screen readers and AI tools to mobility tech and inclusive apps. Whether you’re blind, low vision, a professional in the accessibility space, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping lives, this show offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Produced by Aftersight, Blind Level Tech is more than a tech podcast—it’s a platform for inclusion, discovery, and possibility.

Informações

  • Canal
    Aftersight
  • Criado por
    Aftersight
  • Anos de atividade
    2023 - 2026
  • Episódios
    189
  • Classificação
    Explícito
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Site do podcast
    Blind Level Tech

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