Join the SeroSpectives team and their special guests this Thursday at 9 PM Eastern as they discuss the top tech news stories for the month of October.
Activate this link to join the event live. If you are unable to attend the event as it happens, you may replay the Accessible Event archive of the presentation shortly after the show ends.
Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 130: ChromeOver
This week, Ricky Enger, Buddy Brannan and Joe Steinkamp sit down to discuss the top news stories of the week. Topics discussed in this episode of the podcast include:
Conflicted: The tension in Windows 8
Why Microsoft’s Tablet Can’t Fail
Window-Eyes 8.0 Beta 1 is Now Available!
Jaws v14 screen reader has been released
MAGic version 12 has been released!
Dotris: A computer game for Braille displays
Blog post: Notes for musicians, vocalists and recording engineers
iPad mini and iPad 4: Apple has muddied the waters
iPad mini: Why Tim Cook’s Apple is a better company than the one Steve Jobs left behind.
Third-gen iPad owners: does the fourth-gen iPad irk you?
Apple’s new iMac will boost ailing desktop division, analyst says
Apple unveils updated Mac Mini desktops
Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display
bubba says:
October 24, 2012 at 11:50 am
hi, she was saying that she had to replace her thermostat and just wondering if she got a talking thermostat? If she did not I think she should check out http://www.talkingthermostats.com/blind.shtml
Marc Baillargeon (pronounced buy are jon) says:
October 19, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Just wanted to take a sec to comment on your previous podcast and especially the maps in IOS6. I am in Edmonton, Alberta Canada and my experience has been that at least here the maps work really well when asking for directions or specific routes; as a matter of fact I was talking to a sighted fellow just the other day who hunts at this time of the year about 90 miles west of edmonton. To hunt of course you have to get off the main highway on to side roads which in our neck of the woods are called forestry trunk roads. These roads each have a number designation such as forestry trunk road 145 and they are basically cow paths into the woods where people would go hunt. This guy was so impressed as Apple maps actually had the correct number designations on them so he was able to drop off his buddy on one and then proceed to the one he wanted to get to without difficulty whereas previously with the google maps they were of no use and since all the roads looked the same it took time to find the right ones–he was so impressed with this feature of IOS 6 on his Iphone 4 no less.
Could you guys talk about twitter at some point and accessing it with system access directly or with easychirp? i have found easychirp quite simple to use but can you do it directly with some practice or is easychirp the best thing out there for now on a computer.
Also is serotek planning down the road to put the capability of a pronunciation dictionary into the software; also in some instances I would prefer numbers to be read off individually and not as whole numbers–is this a possibility?
Lastly XM Satelite Radio both in Canada and the US has come out with a new player and if you’re not a subscriber you can get, I believe a two week trial. I am a subscriber and am having a hell of a time trying to figure out and/or access the player; frankly a real pain in the ass for which I’m paying 4.99 extra. It does work fine with the XM app or the IPhone or IPad though.
keep up the great work and why don’t you guys arrange something with the CNIB up here in Edmonton and come up for a visit sometime; we always hear about the American conventions but what about us poor canadians, eh?
All the best!
Marc Baillargeon Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Where do most people accidentally destroy their iPhone?
Japan Develops Smartphone Application That Sends Smells
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Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 129: It’s Complicated
Welcome back to another episode of the SeroTalk Podcast. This week, Jamie Pauls, Ricky Enger and Joe Steinkamp once again discuss the top news stories of the week. Then, Jamie Pauls visits with laura Legendary of Elegant Insights Jewelry. Stories covered in this week’s podcast include:
Apple v Android: the winner is… the disabled community
Blind Community Raises Awareness with ‘Flash Mob’ Dance
Home Readers | The gateway to shopping for the blind and visually impaired
An Evaluation of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Using the Nexus 7
Newsweek turns to digital-only publication
Amazon launches Whispercast service to help schools, workplaces manage Kindle devices
Apple iPad Mini: The ultimate rumor roundup
5 Ways to Increase Your iPhone 5 Battery Life
Elop: a Surface phone would stimulate the Windows Phone ecosystem
Microsoft Office 365: More new packages and prices coming in November
Only 6% of Fans Engage With a Brand’s Facebook Page [STUDY]
Facebook partners with Panda Security
Great podcast as usual. About that article where it talks about blind people not being connected to the net for me I have been pretty lucky. I have been on the net since I was 21 years old which was in 96 which really opened up the door and that is how my husband and I met been married for nine years and loving it. As far as Lee there has got to be some blindness organization where they do something at least twice a month so he can get out and do stuff. I know when I grew up in PA there were two camps I went to during the summer. Also if he got a PC with either NVDA or System access he could at least keep up with what is going on in the world. Not everyone needs or wants a smart phone. I know they are awesome, for me I am mainly here at home and on the PC. My cell phone is a basic one. One of these days am going to get an Ipod touch.
From Christine Diller In Maryland
Good Evening Folks,
I just finished listening to Podcast 128. As always, a most informative presentation, a great job done by all!
While it’s nice having Ricky back, lending her expertise on various points of conversation, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Podcast 127, starring Buddy, Jamie, and Joe! I’ve never laughed so hard in all my life! You guys were awesome, even if my husband found me totally insane, sitting with my earphones in my ears, laughing hysterically over something of which he was totally unaware! Thanks for the hilarious show! Oh yes, much knowledge was gained as well.
Now if I may, a few comments from Podcast 128:
I’m a staunch advocate in educating the general public about blindness and low vision, leaving a positive impression. That’s not to say however, that I haven’t experienced situations where I wanted to scream, tearing my hair out! For example, I was once asked whether my dog cooked for me. Before replying, I had to take a deep breath, biting my tongue! It was so hard not to laugh! My dog and I, along with the individual in question, walked away, both feeling good about how I handled the situation, I think!
Now onto sounds that make one cry. The “fork against a plate” is one which causes me to cringe. Two others though, which drive me up the wall are “listening to someone crunching on an apple,” along with “hearing a person rubbing a page between their fingers, or rubbing pages together while they read.”
Wishing everyone a great week, and Joe, stay away from those emery boards!
From Pam Francis
Hi folks,
Thanks again for another informative podcast.
At the end you asked for sounds that made us cringe or react in any given way.
When I was young, I remember watching a test pattern on a black & white TV & hearing, “This is a test of the Emergency broadcast system.” The subsequent tone used to totally freek me out. To this day, I have schoolmates who have told me of my reaction. I had a very high pitched scream & ran in to a closet. By the grace of God, that menacing tone was replaced when the Emergency Alert system was activated. I still don’t like it; but do not run from the room or mute the channel be it TV or radio.
If I may, I would also like to ask another couple of questions & make another comment.
I have seen several articles posted by you & others regarding windows accessibility without a 3rd party screen reader. Per the surface tablet, if there is minimal accessibility to no accessibility, do you think Windows will have conceded to Apple with reference to tablet accessibility?
Also, if one is not familiar with Android as a platform, What is the learning curve with a Nexus 7 versus an Ipad other than accessibility gestures? I ask this because we are the launch city for Google fiber. Within our installation, we are given a Nexus 7, supposedly to be used as a remote. I also understand they have a conventional remote.
However I hope to use this opportunity to try to familiarize myself with some sort of Android, if for no other reason than to broaden my horizons.
You also made comments referencing wireless carriers having accessibility departments. Though I am a Verizon customer, I have yet to find a dependable link or contact number to get direct accessibility support. I know it exists with AT&T. I have been a Verizon customer for almost 15 years. Through the years, I have seen various phones attempt at accessibility be it gimmicky or intended. Their version of the Talks screen reader was a joke. I am forever disturbed by the customer service reps doubling as tech support reading data base answers from a computer screen rather than having raw knowledge.
I also made a futile attempt at contacting an accessibility team within google. They offer a feedback form with no means of communicating with anyone directly responsible for accessibility.
I am trying to make them aware of the needs of those of us who have such needs that are willing to subscribe to their service.
Apple does have a dedicated team with a dedicated number.
the number is, for your listeners benefit 866-204-3930 Keep up your tireless work for all of us. It does not go unnoticed.
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Listen to High Contrast Episode 5: Jeremy’s Song
Welcome back to High Contrast. This month we sit down with a professional singer who was inspired to write a song about our show’s very own Jeremy Curry. We also talk a little bit about iOS6 and joe takes us back to the thrilling days of the 80’s arcade condensed down to an iPad screen.
Interview: Bekah Bradley
Bekah Bradley is a small-town girl from Ohio with big dreams. Her biggest inspiration is Celine Dion, and she loves listening to Contemporary Christian Music. Bekah recently graduated from a small liberal arts Christian university with a degree in Business Management. Bekah spent the last four months of her college career at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, Tennessee. There, she spent her time recording, performing, writing songs, and touring with the school throughout the Midwest. She writes music about people in her life and the trials she has experienced. Bekah Bradley is a pop country artist with a natural country tone that is instantly recognizable.
If you enjoyed meeting Bekah, or if you would like to purchase her song, be sure to visit her site at
Or, you can Like her on Facebook
Jeremy mentioned that his Guide Training was from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. To learn more about this organization , visit their website
App Review: Galaga 30th Collection
Joe is a real fan of retro game collections. He has several on his ipad and several more older videogame consoles on shelves in his office. So for him, the ability to take an old classic like Glaxian or Galaga on the road was more than he could have hoped for. The great news is that this collection uses a simple control scheme, large menus and has a “try before you buy” free option. You can then purchase other classics from the Namco Galaga series through In App purchases if you like the initial free game. To learn more about the game collection, visit this link
How can you find out what our hosts are up to outside the podcast?
Check out Maurie’s writing on the AI Squared Zoomed In Blog
Follow Rodney Edgar on Twitter
Check out Rodney on the Tech Access Weekly Blog and Podcast
Follow Jeremy Curry on Twitter
You can also check out GW Micro on Twitter.
Feel free to send your feedback on this show to resources@serotalk.com. You can always find the latest on this show and others on the SeroTalk Podcast Network using iBlink Radio for your iOS device or your Android device. You can even leave us an iReport right from the iBlink app.
Thanks for listening!
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Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 128: Sounds That Make Us Cry
There is plenty for Jamie, Ricky and Joe to talk about on this week’s episode of the podcast including lots of assistive technology news and your feedback which is always welcome. Stories covered in this show include the following:
Nokia Screen Reader now available to all modern Symbian devices
Nokia and accessibility: making phones for everyone
SAMVIBE – Powerful cloud Internet radio broadcasting – now accessible to the visually impaired
Future Aids – Tiny Tunes MP3 Player
GW Micro Announces ReadEasy Move
Office for iOS and Android reportedly confirmed by Microsoft product manager, due March 2013
Samsung exec confirms Galaxy S3 ‘mini’ is on the way
Google And Samsung Expected To Develop A 10-Inch Nexus Tablet
Twitter Considers Building Own Video Service [REPORT]
Developers: We warned Apple about iOS maps quality
Apple’s Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter Begins Shipping
Apple’s Lightning authentication allegedly broken by Chinese manufacturers
Pick up the phone: US airlines rethinking on-board cell phone service
PC shipments to decline for first time since dot-com bust
Hi All,
I really enjoyed this last Pod-cast. I remember the first CD I bought was by a gospel singer John Kee called “Can’t No Body Do Me.”
It wasn’t the same with out you Ricky. So when are we going to have another ladies addition? Just kick the guys out Lol. Seriously, you guys do an awesome job with the pod-cast. it’s one of the highlights of my week. Also, listeners be ware, you never know when someone from Serotek will show up at an event. It was nice meeting you Joe at the American Counsel of the Blind of Texas state conference . 
Kindest Regards,
Eva Bergara
Hi, guys and thanks for such a stimulating topic, about which I have much to comment on. First, after about the fourth grade, hanging out was not something I wanted to do, since I built my life almost entirely around academics, thanks to my parents’ high standards, which would have been the same if I had been sighted. Other kids did not seek me out either, I was just another kid in the classroom. Monday through Thursday, I came directly home from school and, after a quick snack, I spent about 4 hours transcribing class notes I had taped and, after dinner, I spent about 4 more hours on homework. Fridays were spent practicing for my weekly Saturday piano lesson, Saturdays were spent with my parents doing various activities and Sunday afternoons were spent transcribing notes and doing homework not done on Friday. I did not go to school to find friends, join clubs, play sports or do anything besides learn. We Americans gripe about our kids being way behind in science and math as compared to kids in many other nations but what are we doing about it when we constantly spotlight social matters? Being around kids and adults in the classroom was enough for me to gain knowledge of and ability to deal with people. Regarding the “blind people are so amazing” discussion point: I would tell people who say that: Yes, we are, just as sighted people are amazing. Did you ever think of the brain computing power it takes anyone to do the simplest tasks? We have not yet come to the point of being able to fully replicate that with computer technology. I would also say: Yes, it is great to have music but I would then quietly state that I do other things also, such as PC stuff, et cetera. I have had people think that I could not walk around in a certain environment but I did it out of necessity and without fanfare and that is no longer an issue.
Regarding the “what does he want” behavior from restaurant servers:
The first time it happened, my parents called my name and I happily stated my food choice and, after that, I would speak up without prompting when the situation recurred, which did not happen often. Did you ever feel acutely uncomfortable in a situation, say, going to the funeral home when someone died in an accident, thinking you didn’t know what to say? Well, can you understand that some sighted people are acutely uncomfortable around blind people who cannot give visual feedback? I am not an ambassador for the blind, I am little old Snow Bunny, living her life the best way she can. Now on to the heightening of senses when you have lost one or more: There seems to be scientific evidence for this, see the 2 links below. Thanks again for this super topic and keep ‘em comin’! Beth
http://io9.com/5925126/deaf-people-use-the-hearing-parts-of-their-brain-to-sense-touch
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118143259.htm
Hi folks,
I hope someone within your group can help me. I am excited, yet truly afraid of Android & its accessibility. I have heard Jellybean has made progress, through Mike Calvo in your mobile devices event.
I am in Kansas City Mo. We along with Kansas City Kansas are the launch cities for the google fiber network. It is said to provide a gig both upload & download speeds along with crystal clear HD tv. I happpened to be in one of the initial “fiberhoods” that made the grade for initial installation. Within my installation, along with various hardware, I will be given a Nexus 7 tablet supposedly to use as a tv remote. I have no clue as to whether jellybean accessibility will be good enough to allow me to use the tablet for what they designed. I am also totally in the dark when it comes to having ever seen any kind of Android & will be handed this thing & expected to use it. Please help!!!!! Though my installation date is down the road a ways, I don’t want to sign a contract, yet not be able to take advantage of the service I am paying for with the equipment I am given.
Pam Francis
Scientists identify why the sound of nails scraping down a blackboard is so unpleasant
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Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 127: Chicken Fingers On the Buffet of Life
Welcome to our second annual guycast here on the SeroTalk Podcast. This time around, Buddy Brannan joins Jamie Pauls and Joe Steinkamp to hash over the top news of the week. The stories covered in this episode include:
Microsoft confirms Windows Phone 8 launch on October 29 in San Francisco
Details for RIM’s Blackberry 10 superphone surface
RIM releases BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1
New patent hints at Google Glass wristwatch
iPad mini reportedly in mass production for introduction this month
The iPad Mini Will Have 3G [REPORT]
Apple iPad Mini Could Complicate Things For Windows 8 Tablets
Apple is Now the Second Most Valuable Brand in the World [REPORT]
Wozniak: Apple May Decline, But Not Because It Lost Steve Jobs
National Federation of the Blind Takes On E-Text Pilots
FS Cast 70: Jaws with Flexible Web
JAWS 14.0 public beta 2 including Flexible Web is here!
Blind young people aren’t well connected to the internet … yet
ADA week article: I’m no superhero
Hey, great show as always. regarding the maps program in IOS 6, apparently it does not provide automatic turn by turn directions in walk mode. For blind people, this is a major disadvantage. With google maps on android, it provides automatic directions for driving, walking, and even public transit, it will automatically tell you what bus to take and when to exit the bus. I would say Apple’s maps app has a long way to go.
Digital music sales set to break record
New Study Links Caffeinated Coffee To Vision Loss
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Listen to SeroSpectives: This Month in Tech for September, 2012
Replay the Accessible Event archive of the show
Jeff Bishop describes himself as “Developer, technologist, Window-Eyes scripter, Broadcaster and family oriented guy” and is probably best known for his broadcasts on various community radio stations.
Justin Romack is a digital marketing and brand management consultant from College Station, Texas, where he lives (and works) with his beautiful wife, Angela, and their adorable, ten-month old son, Tyson. Justin’s business, Ontempo Ideas, allows him the opportunity to handle online marketing, social media and public relations for local and regional brands and businesses.
Justin likes to play drums, discover new music, have silly time with his family, explore the world with his guide dog, Piper, read and get “super nerdy” with the latest tech, accessible or not. You’ll find him blogging all across the web, but most prominently at NoEyesNeeded.com and OntempoIdeas.com.
”Six strikes” Internet warning system will come to US this year
1 in 4 tablet owners say it is now their primary computer
Microsoft
Microsoft pushes home users toward Office subscriptions—whether they like it or not
Microsoft confirms October 25 launch for Windows 8
iOS 6 and iPhone 5
iPhone 5 review: Finally, the iPhone we’ve always wanted
iOS 6: The must-have update you’ll barely notice review
Blind Bargains: What’s new in iOS 6 from an Accessibility Perspective
SPN Special: iPhone 5, iOS6, and Android Accessibility
Designing for Accessibility: Q&A with Jeff Wieland
Hadley Seminar: Accessing Facebook On Your iPhone
If you have Facebook, join the discussion on Amazon’s wall about the lack of Kindle accessibility.
In the Community
Blind and online: Progress, not perfection, for visually impaired tech users
Going blind in a digital world: The road to reclaiming my web sight
Winner Is Served: Christine Ha Takes Top Prize on MasterChef
indoor navigation solution for blind users? Check out Navatar
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Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 126: Superman Is Jealous
This week, Ricky Enger takes the host’s chair where she is joined by Buddy Brannan and Lisa Salinger. After the news, Jamie Pauls visits with Marissa Slaughter, social Media Coordinator for Fred’s Head from APH.
Wickedpedia: The dark side of Wikipedia
1 in 4 tablet owners say it is now their primary computer
Not Just the Fax: 10 Office Technologies on Their Way Out
Early adopters experiencing issues with Apple’s iPhone 5
Consumer Reports checks out Apple Maps, and isn’t happy
The Best Apple Map Alternatives Aren’t Found In The App Store
Some early iPhone 5 adopters stuck by Lightning – literally
Many Android owners plan exodus to the iPhone (survey)
Researchers bypass NFC access control with smartphone
An Immersion into System Access
Designing for Accessibility: Q&A with Jeff Wieland
The Qube 1.0 Beta 4.3 with full SndUp support is now available for download:
News regarding the Android Team-FM App
Hadley Seminar: Accessing Facebook On Your iPhone
If you have Facebook, join the discussion on Amazon’s wall about the lack of Kindle accessibility.
Cinemark Installing Audio Description Technology Across the United States
Presidential Candidates To Skip Disability Forum
Tech-savvy ways to follow the elections (video)
A “life-changing” invention from the West Bank
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Listen to our SPN Special: Mobile Devices
Mike Calvo is joined by Ricky Enger and Lisa Salinger to discuss the recent mobile device updates as well as current and future trends.
A Look at the Latest in iOS and Android
Drop and Durability Test for iPhone 5
iPhone 5 Lightning Adapters to Remain Reassuringly Expensive Courtesy of Authentication Chip
Teardown revives hopes that Lightning might be USB 3.0-compatible
Verizon won’t relock the iPhone 5?s GSM
Op-ed: iOS 6?s Do Not Disturb and the ring/silent switch
Taking Apple’s Passbook for a real-world spin
How to add almost any gift card to Passbook
Wrong turn: Apple’s buggy iOS 6 maps lead to widespread complaints
Top 10 Secret Features of iOS 6
What can you say to Siri in iOS 6?
Accessibility Gestures for Android 4.1, Jellybean
Siri-ous New Voice Assistant for Android devices
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Presented by The SPN Team
Mike Calvo is joined by Ricky Enger and Lisa Salinger to discuss the recent mobile device updates as well as future trends.
Join the event live via Accessible Event Thursday, September 27 beginning at 9 PM Eastern.