Unmute Presents

Show Notes: Community Unmuted Special Episode Welcome to a unique edition of Community Unmuted, where we try out a new, experimental format using AI-based voices to answer listener questions! Here’s a quick overview of the episode’s highlights: Using AI Voices for Listener Questions: We’ve collected questions sent via email and had our AI voices respond to them! You can join in on future episodes by sending your questions to feedback@unmute.show. Latest Episode Rundown: Digital Bytes: Michael demonstrates setting up VoiceOver on an external drive, Chris shares a quick way to make Dropbox links auto-download, and Marty answers questions on simplifying phone calls. JAWS Tips: Learn how to customize startup options and make the most of your Braille settings with help from the team. Listener Questions Addressed: Simplifying Phone Calls: Tips on using Siri to make calls hands-free and setting up contacts for quicker navigation. VoiceOver Navigation: A workaround for customizing gestures when using Grouped navigation style. Accessible Battery Solutions: Recommendations for accessible battery chargers and testers, including the Power Owl charger and the APH EZ battery tester. Updating iPhone with Confidence: Insights on safe update practices, including tips from AppleVis.com for staying informed about accessibility updates. Feedback & Club Membership: We’d love your thoughts on this format! Join our Unmute Club at unmute.show for early access to experimental content. Holiday Gift Guide Submission: Our second annual tech gift guide is coming soon! Submit your gift ideas by sending a short audio clip to feedback@unmute.show or through unmute.show/gift. The guide will air on Black Friday, November 29th. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to share your feedback! This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of portable preferences for macOS VoiceOver users, quick tips for creating auto-download links on Google Drive and Dropbox, and convenient ways to make calls using just your voice. Show Notes: Configuring VoiceOver for Portability If you’re a VoiceOver user who switches between multiple Macs, portable preferences let you take your customized settings with you. Connect a portable drive, configure your preferences, and maintain consistent accessibility settings wherever you go. Learn how to set up portable preferences and the handy import/export options for backing up your VoiceOver settings. Auto-Download Links for Google Drive and Dropbox Looking for an easy way to share files without requiring extra clicks? In just a few steps, you can convert standard Google Drive and Dropbox links into direct downloads: Dropbox: Change the final number in the link to “1” to enable instant downloading. Google Drive: For a quick solution, use Paperform’s Google Drive Direct Download Link Generator, or manually create a direct download link by replacing parts of the file URL. Using Voice Commands to Make Calls From saved contacts to local businesses, making calls with your voice is easier than ever. Simply invoke Siri and ask it to call or text contacts by name or number, or use it to find and call local businesses on the go. For past episodes and more resources, visit Unmute.show. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this beginner-friendly episode, we cover essential JAWS tips to help you configure automatic startup settings, ensuring JAWS launches just when you need it. You’ll learn how to access JAWS settings, navigate startup options, and tailor the program’s behavior for single or shared computers. We’ll also walk you through managing User Account Control prompts to make sure your settings apply smoothly every time. Whether you're new to JAWS or looking to optimize your screen reader setup, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance for improving your JAWS experience. Visit [unmute.show]QQQQ(https://unmute.show) for more JAWS tips and accessibility resources. This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Show Notes for "At Your Fingertips: Braille Buffet November 2024" In this episode, we dive into a mix of Braille tech tips, childhood reading memories, and holiday gift ideas for Braille enthusiasts. Explore tips for Braille display troubleshooting, nostalgic resources, global Braille charities, and unique gift suggestions for the giving season. Highlights Braille Tech Tips - Topic: Troubleshooting Brailliant BI 40X/20X connectivity with iPhone. - Solution: Disable "Perkins in Terminal" setting to regain command functionality. - Takeaway: Helpful tips for those using Braille displays with iPhones. Childhood Reading Memories - Topic: Vintage Braille books from the Braille Institute of America. - Details: Recollections of scratch-and-sniff pages and other unique tactile features. - Resource: Vintage Braille books can still be found on eBay. Charities for the Blind - Focus: American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults. - Programs: Braille Books program, ShareBraille, Braille Reading Pals Club. - Extras: Free Braille calendars for 2025 – available to order. Gift Ideas for the Giving Season - Ideas: Braille gifts from Etsy, including Braille fidget toys, pegboards, and cards. - Recommended Stores: Blind Mice Mega Mall, Blind Bookstop, Blind Girl Designs. Global Braille Resources - Spotlight: Sao Mai Center in Vietnam. - Offerings: Free Braille translation software, supporting over 150 languages, music notation, and tactile graphics. - Demo and Resources: Check their playlist and English-translated site for software demos. December Preview - Upcoming Topics: UK's Clear Vision Library, Perkins-made holiday cards, part two of the Braille gift guide. Links Unmute Show Website: unmute.show American Action Fund: actionfund.org ShareBraille Program: sharebraille.org Blind Mice Mega Mall: blindmicemegamall.com Blind Bookstop: Accessible through Blind Mice Mega Mall Blind Girl Designs: blindgirldesigns.com Sao Mai Center: saomaicenter.org Enjoy the show and feel free to send feedback or suggestions to feedback@unmute.show. Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/92356b02-ef8e-4e96-a968-e196dd65e660 This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

Show Notes: Navigating Sound Profiles on the BlindShell Classic 2 In this episode of the Shellphone Show, brought to you by AT Guys, we dive into sound profiles on the BlindShell Classic 2—a popular, accessible phone for blind and visually impaired users. The BlindShell Classic 2, available in both red and black, can be purchased at atguys.com/blindshell, where you'll also find useful accessories like spare batteries and protective cases. Episode Highlights: Changing Sound Profiles: Learn step-by-step how to adjust sound profiles on the BlindShell Classic 2 to fit your needs, whether it's setting the phone to ring and vibrate, vibrate only, or even go into silent or airplane mode. The episode explains how to access these settings through the main menu or by using a shortcut with the pound key. Accessible Phone Features: Adrian, aka Drizzle Up, demonstrates simple navigation techniques on the BlindShell Classic 2 to streamline adjusting your sound preferences. Quick Tips: Whether through the settings menu or using voice commands, Adrian shares easy ways to get your BlindShell Classic 2 sound profile configured quickly and efficiently. If you or someone you know is looking for an accessible phone that provides customization, easy navigation, and a variety of sound options, be sure to check out the BlindShell Classic 2 at AT Guys. Stay subscribed to the Shellphone Show for more helpful guides on accessible technology, exclusive to AT Guys! Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/c2374da5-75bf-4a02-9d70-4d7bdf88e27c This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

Show Notes for Community Unmuted - November 2, 2024 Episode Highlights: Podcast Hiatus: Marty and Michael announce a temporary hiatus for the Tuesday Community Unmuted call until the end of the year. They’re focusing on enhancing the experience for Unmute Club members. They plan to keep producing content on Tuesdays in a new format, with club members receiving early access. Weekend Community Unmuted: To accommodate those who can't join midweek, Unmute experimented with a weekend session on Saturday, November 2. Tech questions covered holiday gift ideas, audio description for elections, and accessible battery chargers. Holiday Tech Gift Ideas: Michael Doise: AirPods Pro 2, praised for features like hearing aid compatibility. Liz: Portable battery charger with built-in cables, ideally USB-C. Michael Babcock: MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer, durable at high temperatures. Petra: Meta glasses for hands-free text recognition. Unmute Community Tech Gift Guide: Michael and Marty announce a tech gift guide project for the holiday season. Visit unmute.show for details and to participate. VoiceOver Tips and Q&A: VoiceOver Navigation Styles: Michael Babcock explains grouped vs. flat navigation in iOS, recommending group mode for quicker navigation. Call Recording on iPhone: A step-by-step on recording calls, including accessing and playing recordings in the Notes app. Election Audio Description: Discussion on accessing election coverage with audio descriptions on cable and streaming platforms. Tips include using secondary audio programs (SAP) and alternative sources like NPR for accessible election commentary. Tech App & Accessibility Issues: Accessible Battery Chargers: Suggestions like the Power Owl charger for AA and AAA batteries. Planet Fitness App: Users are encouraged to advocate for app accessibility by contacting customer support or leaving feedback via social media. AI and Visual Intelligence: Michael Doise shares insights on using AI-driven features in iOS for image description and accessibility, discussing prompt strategies for better results with Meta and other AI platforms. Envision Ally App and Smart Glasses: Updates on Envision Ally’s personal assistant features and the potential for future use with Be My Eyes on Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Wrap-Up and Future Plans: The episode closes with a reminder of the first Saturday of December for the next session. Club members can visit unmute.show for updates and email questions to feedback@unmute.show. Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/8f91182c-072d-4cff-90fa-9197698448d0 This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris walks us through the Fantastical calendar app, showing how to set up and use it to keep all your events organized. Then, Michael shares how to lock apps like Safari using Face ID to keep your information private. Finally, Marty explains how to quickly open apps using Siri. These tips make managing your iPhone easier and more secure! Catch all episodes and updates on Unmute.show, and join the conversation in Club Unmute! Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/4efefaf8-baff-4e6f-b79d-aabba644bcdc This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

In this episode of Unmute Presents, the different settings for JAWS Forms Mode are explained, highlighting how each impacts web navigation and accessibility. The episode covers three Forms Mode options: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual, showing how each mode changes JAWS’s response to input fields, search boxes, and interactive elements. Listeners are guided on adjusting Forms Mode with specific examples like search fields in Zendesk, learning how to customize settings per browser for smoother navigation without unintentionally activating Forms Mode. For more tech tips, visit unmute.show. Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/84286bc0-b7ca-4695-83a2-de8654bde15d This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

- Issue: Focus not staying on the email after backing out. Read transcript

In this Digital Bytes episode, we cover three unique gadgets and tips for everyday convenience. First, we explore the Meater 2 Plus, a wireless meat thermometer with dual sensors, perfect for precise holiday cooking. Next, Chris introduces Power Owl's rechargeable battery charger—a reliable and eco-friendly way to keep devices powered up with high-capacity batteries. Lastly, Marty shares a quick iPhone Mail trick for moving messages to custom folders, helping you organize your inbox more efficiently. Links: Meater on A. T. Guys POWEROWL 16 Bay AA AAA Battery Charger (Updated, High Speed Charging) with Smart LED Light and Plug, for NIMH NICD Rechargeable Batteries and More Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/d5b82415-86b0-4402-b2bb-256d08aec95e This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

In this episode, we explore Android accessibility from the experiences of users with blindness or low vision. I, Liz, along with my co-host Marty, share our transitions from Apple to Android devices, examining key accessibility features like TalkBack, the Accessibility Suite, and Voice Access. We emphasize the importance of device choice, recommending "pure" Android devices for a better experience, particularly Google Pixel models. Both of us reveal our personal device choices, discussing initial experiences navigating Android. We also dive into the unboxing of our new devices, highlighting features and accessories. Our lighthearted conversation invites listeners to share their experiences and tips as we embark on this journey into the Android ecosystem.Read transcript

In this episode of Unmute, we discuss anticipated iOS 18.1 features, community feedback, AI writing tools, Apple ID concerns, and device performance, while encouraging ongoing dialogue on technology and accessibility.Read transcript

Episode Notes: In this episode of Digital Bytes, we cover a variety of tech tips and troubleshooting advice: Bug Reporting with Dropbox: Chris walks us through the steps she took to report an accessibility issue with the Dropbox app, highlighting how to get in touch with developers via the Dropbox community forum. Hybrid Audio Setup Solutions: Michael dives into the details of setting up audio for hybrid conventions, sharing tips for using the Mackie Pro FX12 V3 mixer to ensure smooth audio for both in-person attendees and Zoom participants. Identifying Songs with Siri: Marty shares a quick tip on how to use Siri to identify songs you hear while out and about. Interested in learning more about tech tips and tools? Join the Unmute Club for exclusive content and deep dives into audio editing with Reaper. Visit unmute.show to join! Also, don’t miss Lucy’s show, All About Lady A, for monthly tips on getting the most out of your Amazon Alexa. Catch it on the Unmute Presents feed every second Thursday of the month! Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/1b7d2a79-a041-4165-8951-ca1db94200fc This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

In this episode of MacChat, Chris and Marty dive into exciting Mac-related adventures, sharing insights on using Parallels to run Windows 11 on a Mac Mini, optimizing storage with CleanMyMac X, and exploring the benefits of ChatGPT for translating documents in multiple languages. Chris shares her experience with ChatGPT’s impressive ability to translate a Braille display tutorial into Vietnamese in just seconds, making it an invaluable tool for non-English speakers. They also discuss Marty's use of MacGPT, an app that provides easy access to ChatGPT on Mac, and the differences between the paid and free versions. The conversation later shifts to the fun of using Farrago, a soundboard app from Rogue Amoeba, and the potential of integrating it with a Stream Deck for a tactile sound trigger experience. They wrap up by sharing their favorite Mac podcasts, including "Mac Geek Gab" and "Mac Power Users," and Chris highlights the usefulness of tactile graphics and hands-on teaching methods when working with students who are blind or visually impaired. It’s a packed episode with plenty of tips and tricks for Mac users of all levels. Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/cb23b061-50d8-4d17-bab8-2bebb68ff3e7 This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.

In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, host Adrian, a.k.a. Driza, demonstrates how to customize emojis on the BlindShell Classic 2 phone. He covers deleting unwanted emojis and adding new ones, concluding with a text message demonstration. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the technology and the community, with more exciting content to come.Read transcript

In this episode of Unmute Presents, the hosts celebrate White Cane Day by discussing favorite navigation tools like Victor Reader Trek and Aira. Michael D. shares updates on Apple's new iPad Mini and Apple Pencil Pro, along with his new project, Beyond the Gallery, a site for discovering and sharing Shortcuts. The team also highlights key iOS 18 features like scheduled messages and home screen customization, and explores the JAWS Dictionary Manager. Listeners call in with questions about managing pop-ups on Windows, using PDFs with AI tools, and getting the most out of smart glasses and fitness trackers. There's also helpful advice for BlindShell Classic 2 users on navigating long email lists and managing secured PDFs with JAWS. Tune in for tech tips, updates, and community-driven solutions. Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/e75a7c03-5bca-4e8c-bf4d-aa3b817aeaa5 This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

Show Notes: In this episode of Digital Bytes, we dive into the latest features of iOS 18, specifically designed to enhance productivity and accessibility for VoiceOver users. We kick off with an exciting announcement: Unmute Presents is launching a new weekend show starting in November! Key Topics Covered: Send Later Feature in iOS 18: Learn how to schedule messages for future delivery, ensuring you can send reminders or important messages at the perfect time without disturbing anyone. Accessing Notifications with VoiceOver: A step-by-step guide on how to efficiently manage your notifications using VoiceOver, making sure you never miss an important update. Rearranging iOS Home Screen Apps: Discover how to take control of your home screen by moving apps to your preferred positions, improving accessibility and efficiency for everyday tasks. Tune in for practical demonstrations of these powerful new tools and tips on how they can enhance your iOS experience. Let me know if you need any changes! Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/d74b3492-1213-4083-bad9-52441f849933 This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

Show Notes: In this episode, Michael guides you through the JAWS Dictionary Manager, showing how to customize what your screen reader says. From changing specific words to assigning sounds for key terms, you’ll learn how to streamline your JAWS experience and improve efficiency. This simple but powerful tool gives you more control over what you hear, helping you navigate faster and with less distraction. Join our live calls every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific in the ACB community or catch the replays on your favorite podcast platform by searching for Unmute Presents. Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/unmute-presents-on-acb-communi/2225898f-b38c-49fb-952b-7926efb8c96f This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-e4dc67 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Unmute Presents.Read transcript

This episode of Unmute Presents explores using your Lady A device for piano and guitar lessons, covering scales, tuning, and chord basics, while highlighting the device's strengths and limitations in music education.Read transcript

This Unmute episode covers favorite streaming services, tech support for iPhone 16 Pro Max and Roku, highlights accessibility features of Paramount Plus and HBO Max, and previews upcoming community events.Read transcript