RNIB Tech Talk

This week is all about the Sight Village Exhibition. We hear from exhibitors and find out what it's like to attend in person.You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

This week we get in the picture with new video conferencing app 'Can You See Me', Tasneem gets to know 'Sharkie' the personal assistant from JAWS and Dave chats with Richard Orme from the DAISY Consortium. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

This week on Tech Talk it's a travel special. Callum tries out the Passenger Assist and Moovit apps and we learn about a new app that could make getting about a much more enjoyable experience. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

This week, on Tech Talk, we talk to Adaptive Technology expert David Woodbridge, Tasneem tries the Rivo Keyboard and Callum demonstrates the Ring Video Doorbell. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

This week, on Tech Talk, we talk to Colin Shales from RNIB's Technology for Life Team. We hear about the new 'Sleep When I Sleep' App developed with audiobook readers in mind and Callum gets hands on with an Accessible Smart Meter. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

This week, on Tech Talk, we talk to Chris Sheldrick, the co-founder of location service 'What 3 Words'. Steve Tyler from Leonard Cheshire joins us to talk about the work that the charity does. Plus, Callum tries out the new sound splitter feature in JAWS. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

This week, on Tech Talk, Callum head to the kitchen to review the liquid level indicator. Dave talks to Mark Evans from RNIB's Technology for Life team about the best in accessible fitness tech and Jo Franks fills us in on 'Access IT' magazine. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

This week, on Tech Talk, Callum's been experimenting with the Amazon Echo's Show and Tell Feature. We're discussing options for accessing Talking Books with Paul Porter and RNIB's Technology for Life Team drop by with a guide to smart and accessible television services. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

Tech Talk returns to the airwaves, hosted by Dave Williams, Callum Stoneman and Tasneem Arshad with loads of new information on accessible technology. Our first show back features a setup demonstration of the Amazon Echo, and introduction to RNIB's Technology for Life Team and an interview with Jenny Axler who works for an assistive technology company in South Korea (HIMS). You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You'll hear new episodes of the Tech Talk Podcast every Friday so make sure you're subscribed to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

After a short Hiatus RNIB Connect Radio's flagship technology series 'Tech Talk' is making its return on Tuesday May 3rd. Allan caught up with one of the show's new presenters to find out what's planned for the return of 'Tech Talk'. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm from the 3rd May on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You can hear new episodes of the Tech Talk podcast every Friday. Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

Tech Talk returns to the airwaves, with a new team and loads of new information on accessible technology. You can listen to the show live in the UK every Tuesday at 1pm from the 3rd May on Freeview Channel 730, online at www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk , or on your smart speaker. You can hear new episodes of the Tech Talk podcast every Friday. Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast to never miss an episode We'd love to hear your thoughts on accessible technology, drop us an email at [email protected] or tweet us @RNIBRadio with the hashtag #RNIBTechTalk

Well it had to happen at some point we guess! The last episode of Tech Talk hosted by Steven Scott and the team is finally here. But what happens next?? Make sure you listen all the way through to find out. On this week's episode, Steven is joined by Tim Schwartz, Robin Christopherson and Shaun Preece to talk about the past ten years of the show under their stewardship. We hear from you, our valued listeners, who share your thoughts on the show over the last decade, and we are joined by special guest Yvonne Milne, the RNIB Connect Radio station manager, to tell us about the future of Tech Talk and offer her own views on its history. We want to thank all of our listeners for your valuable contributions and time that you gave to your show. It's meant so much to us. We know we'll meet again soon so keep an eye and ear on us on Twitter. Steven Scott is @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson is @USA2Day, Tim Schwartz is @timschwartz5 and Shaun Preece is @theblurrednerd.

In our penultimate episode before Tech Talk takes a well-earned rest, Steven and the guys get together to talk about his new MacBook Pro and his initial thoughts.Also Robin and Tim quiz Steven on a new wireless microphone setup he has bought from Rode called the Rode Wireless Go 2.And discussion starts on the best way to learn a screen reader following a debate online. Is it best to learn a screen reader with the screen turned off or on?As always your emails are welcome but remember you only have one week left to get in touch with the team here via [email protected].

This week the team get round the table once more to talk about the fallout from last week's announcement with a special voicemail from long time listener Peter who really summed up the mood of the audience. However the team get back to the tech and talk about the new Hable One bluetooth braille keyboard for smartphones and other devices. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks to the founder of Hable One and also to Clare Maxwell from the RNIB Shop to talk about its availability. There's also a lot of talk around the new features inside the new AirPods 3 which Steven and Robin have got their grubby paws on. And Mark Evans from the Tech for Life team at RNIB gets in touch to share his thoughts on his new iPhone 13 Pro. As always we delve into the mailbag too to answer some of your queries. Keep in touch with us in our final weeks on Twitter - Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @LABCast. Plus you can still keep in touch with Tech Talk directly by emailing [email protected].

In this week's episode we get a special announcement from Steven about the show and Robin and Tim weigh in. There's also an interview with Vodafone's Emma Reynolds and Tommy McDade from Bernardo's about a new report into the importance of digital literacy. There's also a new feature from Dinos at the Tech for Life team at RNIB telling us about apps that can make using an Android phone that little bit easier if you are blind or low vision. As always get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected] or by following the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

It's all about your emails this week as we dive into the inbox to find out what you want us to talk about. We continue with Kelly's request for your Tech From The Past with some contributions starting to come in, plus there's lots of talk on specialist apps that make smartphones easier following our discussion with the founder of Voxmate a few weeks ago.There's also a new feature from the team at RNIB Technology for Life. Chris joins us to share his thoughts on an audio editing app for iPhone and iPad called Ferrite, plus lots more.As always send in your thoughts and comments to [email protected] and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

This week the team discuss the latest updates from Channel 4 following the outage that saw audio description, subtitling and signing become unavailable to a number of broadcasters due to a fire at the broadcast centre that handles all of the access services. There's also an update for fans of the Amazon shopping app following changes that left blind and partially sighted users unable to search and view results or product information. Plus Mark Evans from the Technology for Life team joins us to discuss keyboard modifier keys, what they are and why they are important. Plus there's more of your emails with questions on the best headsets for the office and what type of computer is best for someone looking to buy a PC with JAWS ready to go out of the box? As always send in your thoughts and comments to [email protected] and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

On this week's special episode, Steven Scott, Tim Schwartz and Robin Christopherson are joined by Shaun Preece to discuss the Apple Event held on the 18th of October. This event was aimed purely at Mac enthusiasts and in particular those who are power users of the MacBook Pro lineup. The team discuss how these machines will benefit those customers and chat about the other products announced including new AirPods and three new colourful HomePod Minis. As always send in your thoughts and comments to [email protected] and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

This week the guys got together to discuss the latest accessibility news around Windows 11... except there was none! So... instead they talk about how nice they think it looks - from a blind perspective! Should be fun!Thankfully we have a wonderful guest with this week. Gleb Zevkov is the founder of Voxmate, an app that aims to provide a simpler experience using a touchscreen smartphone. Although while the app may be simple to operate it does offer a number of features with the entire experience built to be enjoyed by the blind and partially sighted community. In our extensive interview, Gleb talks about the app's inception as well as how it compares to other products on the market. Find out about the app at www.voxmate.com.We also get your thoughts on the topics discussed in your emails, with comments from Greg about technology elitism and Negative Julian (self-titled) comments on the Amazon Always Home Cam drone.As always send in your thoughts and comments to [email protected] and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

This week the team discuss the big announcements from Amazon's event including the Astro robot assistant, the new Echo Show 15 and Halo View, the new smart watch fitness band. But what about accessibility on all these new devices? Will they meet our expectations? There's also a review of the Miele smart washing machine courtesy of Madleen Bluhm from RNIB's Technology for Life team. Find out why Madleen is once again enjoying doing the washing as a blind person. For more information about the washing machines Madleen discusses visit this link: https://w1.miele.com/en-int/?_ga=2.136284468.464683654.1633377685-701815581.1633377685&_gac=1.184240724.1633378490.CjwKCAjwzOqKBhAWEiwArQGwaKXHWU7drB_hBiNE3TVFLJCUVkyIomJBP9RMrfYVFL9xuynMYZ2VvBoC4PQQAvD_BwE There's also more of your emails including a comment from Billy that we shouldn't shy away from talking up the benefits of smartphones to the blind, and Kelly suggests a new topic for us all to contribute to over the next few weeks. As always send in your thoughts and comments to [email protected] and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

In this week's episode Steven Scott is once again joined by Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet and Tim Schwartz from the Life After Blindness podcast to discuss all of the big announcements from Microsoft at their Surface event. The focus this week is on the accessibility of the new products and also to discuss the big accessibility news itself at the event with the launch of the new Surface Adaptive Kit that gives blind people Microsoft's own version of bump ons! Plus there's a look ahead to Amazon's event happening Tuesday 28th September and Steven talks about his lovely new iPad mini and iPhone 13 - but why not the 13 Pro? As always send in your thoughts and comments to [email protected] and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

This week it's all about the Apple Event that was held in California on the 14th of September. Steven, Robin and Tim are joined by Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com to talk through the event and discuss what's new from the big fruit company. Also we get an update on the latest tech news from Sophie Ashford including news on roaming charges coming back for UK customers when in Europe and how motorbikes can be harmful to your iPhone! There's also news on Facebook launching a new smart glasses product in partnership with glasses maker Ray-Ban but will the addition of a camera in the glasses as well as speakers and a microphone cause some to be concerned about privacy, and what is the capability of such a device? And of course there's more of your emails. Lots of comments about the new robot voice Graham we've started using to read the emails out, plus a thought-provoking discussion starter from Greg on whether or not we are all technology elitists here at Tech Talk. As always send in your thoughts and comments to [email protected] and follow the team on Twitter. Steven Scott @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

As the Apple Event draws near the Tech Talk team are in full rumour-mode with suggestions on what might be coming and what everyone is looking forward to. There's also a discussion around the news that McDonalds has teamed up with Vispero - the company behind the popular JAWS screenreader - to make it's touchscreen server screens in store more accessible. Plus there's a brief look at what's coming up in terms of accessibility within the new Windows 11 software from Microsoft which is due to roll out from October 5th. Davinder from RNIB's Technology for Life team also drops by to tell us all about the new Breville Hot Cup Water Dispener to help make a safer cup of tea - link here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breville-HotCup-Dispenser-Variable-Dispense/dp/B002NGNRHC/ref=asc_df_B002NGNRHC/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=231909287202&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3769138484814830017&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007363&hvtargid=pla-451618390517&psc=1&th=1&psc=1 And of course there's more of your emails. Lots of interesting discussion in the threads as always including a fantastic new feature of Sky Q found by listener Gordon, and a problem with the Amazon app found by listeners Dave and Maria. Email in with your contributions to [email protected] or find Steven Scott on Twitter @BlindGuyTech, Robin Christopherson @USA2Day and Tim Schwartz @timschwartz5

Steven Scott is joined by AbilityNet’s Robin Christopherson and co-host of The Echo Show and Double Tap Canada Shaun Preece. No Tim this week as he’s on holiday.We discuss the upcoming Microsoft and Apple Events, the latter was not announced at the time of recording this episode. There’s some interesting news for fans of desktop apps for Twitter, WhatsApp and Telegram, and we get an inside scoop on some bug fixes coming soon for Sky Q Voice Guidance users.We also read out your tweets and emails you’ve been sending in including a question from Norma about what to do to keep your data safe when buying a new phone. Catherine asks why we don’t discuss Synapptic phones on the show and Greg suggests the RIVO keyboard is a great way to input text and navigate a smartphone rather than a bluetooth keyboard or even the touchscreen itself.And finally we bid farewell to Emails Andy who is off to pastures new. We meet his replacement who we think we’ll call Emails A I - the robots are taking over!Keep your comments coming about the show to [email protected] or reach out to us directly on Twitter. Steven Scott is @BlindGuyTech, Shaun Preece is @TheBlurredNerd and Robin Christopherson is @USA2Day.

Hello Tech Talkers! Last week we started the mammoth task of tackling the emails that you, lovely listener, have been sending us! Do Steven Scott, Tim Schwartz, Shaun Preece, and Emails Andy finally get through them all? Spoiler alert, yes, we do... with time to spare! Our topics on today's podcast include Smart TVs, new features on JAWS, more thoughts on the RNIB Radio, monitors which have on-board audio, as well as other talking points, such as Steven's new old iPhone (in red), Cookie Monster, moving to America (and back again in time for Coronation Street), Tim wanting theme music, Shaun having trouble spelling, and Queen. To email us, it's [email protected] More mail next week!

Hello Tech Talk fans! This week we have Steven Scott, Tim Schwartz, Shaun Preece, and Emails Andy guiding you through the show. Over the next two shows, we're focussing on our email inbox - yes, all the mail from yourselves on a variety of topics, and this week, we're getting a little philosophical with our talking points! Our topics include gripes with the behemoth companies we buy our tech from, recommendations on smartphones with bluetooth keyboards, how to encourage the VI community into using tech more, especially if price is an issue, Windows 365 thoughts, and requests for demos! To email us, it's [email protected] More mail next week!

Welcome back everyone, the Tech Talk team returns for another jam-packed show!No Robin this week, I'm afraid, he's away on holiday, but we have a returning Tim, and Shaun is also amongst us once again! They join Steven and Emails Andy to cover everything in the world of tech, accessible tech and more!We kick off with a discussion about screen time - according to a report from regulator Ofcom, UK adults spent nearly a third of their waking hours watching TV and online video content in 2020. This provokes a discussion about if this is a healthiest way to live life, and more importantly, for those of us who have children, how vital it is that we monitor and regulate this for them. Yes, the internet is full of wonderful learning resources and advice, but there's plenty of Minecraft videos they'd rather be watching into the early hours!The report also stresses that streaming is now far more popular than regular TV - Steven thinks he'll see the end of one major channel in his lifetime, so how long before our media consumption is 100% on demand?If all this stresses you out a little bit, fear not! Holly Tuke from RNIB Connect Radio's Happy Hour show talks us through the meditation app called Oak, which is free! So sit cross legged, breathe deeply, and relax... or else!In emails this week - fixing your telephone microfilter may be the cause of bad internet and crackly lines, a lovely review of the RNIB Talking Books skill on Lady A, and some recommendations from a listener for Steven to try in the crime thriller book categoryAll that, plus nodding dogs, new phones from Samsung, Apple rumours, the Fonz, forgetting your Ubereats password, a little more on Euro Truck Simulator, as Andy has now fallen into that pit, as have a handful of our audience base!To share your thoughts and feelings, or just to tell us you too are now driving virtual trucks around in a computer game, email [email protected]!Chat to you all soon!

Hello there boys and girls, welcome back to another Tech Talk - whoever you are and whatever you're doing, we're happy to have you along for the ride!On this week's show, Steven, Robin, Emails Andy and special guest Shaun Preece are here, with Tim being unwell. Coming up, the team tackle the top tech news story of the week, namely that Apple are making plans to scan iPhone images for sexual abuse content of minors; putting the subject matter to one side, is this a huge invasion of everyone's privacy, or does the 'slippery slope' argument not have any legs here? Robin and Shaun break down the tech behind scanning these 'hashes', Andy admits he's had his opinion on privacy swayed by it, and Steven has even more questions.Also this week, another look at the WeWalk Smart Cane - from a small social impact project to Amazons Best Start up of the Year award, WeWalk has come far in it's short history, RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh has been catching up with the makers to see how things are going.Hang on, we have a name thief! Somebody else has a show called Tech Talk - we can't have this! Well, actually we can, because we're big fans - we're talking about Ricky's Tech Talk on YouTube, and it covers unboxing videos with a big focus on accessibility, and the host of the show is RNIB's Community Connection Coordinator for London & South East England Ricky West. RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew sat down with him to find out more.We love getting your emails! This week, we have a handful regarding Amazon Echo devices - can you connect Zoom to the earlier models? Can the Show 10 be set up with VoiceOver? What do the team suggest you could use them for outside of alarms and routines, of course with more than a few plugs for Robin and Shaun's other podcast! [email protected] - get your emails in quickly, we have a few email specific shows lined up over the next few weeks - send them in now to get your thoughts on air.All that, plus thunderstorms, SwitchBot, Steven's obsession with Euro Truck Simulator 2, and how often he crashes, Shaun being both loud and quiet at the same time, and news on Google's latest Pixel phone.Chat to you all soon! x

Welcome back to Tech Talk! This week we've got a bit of a special treat for you! Steven Scott is joined, as ever, by Robin Christopherson, as well as RNIB's Paul Porter, and Read On's Red Szell, to talk about a brand new skill available on Lady A!Yes, that's right - RNIB Talking Books are now available through Alexa-enabled devices, such as Amazon smart speakers using an Alexa skill. Talking Books service was first launched in 1935 and is now home to more than 30,000 audiobooks, which today are sent out to customers in CD or USB format or as digital downloads... and now on your Lady A device!Once you start accessing Talking Books through an Alexa skill, you'll be able to get reading straight away as your books will be with you instantly. As you'll be able to open any of the books on our Online Library through simple voice commands, you can make immediate changes to your reading lists when you want to, without having to wait.How do you get started with it then? Well, the library can now be accessed by asking “Alexa, open RNIB Talking Books”.Bear in mind you'll need to be a registered RNIB Library member and have access to an Amazon account. You'll also need to have the Alexa app downloaded to your phone or tablet or have an Alexa-enabled device, such as a smart speaker. Download the RNIB factsheet for more information on how to get started.

Hello there Tech Talk fans, welcome to episode 388! On today's show, we've got Robin, Tim, and Emails Andy joining Steven with the show chock-a-block with content and talking points. We chat to Douglas Walker, to find out about an online resource called Hadley that can advise on a wide range of areas, technology being a major one. Jo Fullerton from the RNIB Technology for Life team has an app for the green-fingered among you. We also have some quick fire news stories - Sight Tech Global going virtual, non-invasive blood sugar measuring confirmed by Apple supplier Rockley, Microsoft investing in voice technology and bringing new features to Outlook on iOS and soon on Android... and loads more! Also, a quick dip into emails, namely an email aimed at Steven regarding accessible smart televisions - what is out there that he could recommend, and how troublesome is the set up process? [email protected] for all your emails! Chat soon :)

Out of the sweltering heatwave come sweltering Steven, roasting Robin, Tanned Tim and Emails Andy, ice lollies in hand, and fans blaring, to bring you another sun-kissed Tech Talk! We tackle the topic of Windows 365, what is that, you ask? Well, fresh off of the Windows 11 announcement, and the new Surface hardware, Microsoft announced a new service that allows business customers to access Cloud PCs from anywhere. It's like remote access, only... better? For now we only have details on the business product, as WFH becomes more and more frequent. Speaking of the office, with the easing of restrictions making it possible for us to once again go back into the workplace, how safe are our office environments and can technology help stop the spread of further disease? We hear a report on UV lighting detailing such worries. Steven's decided to ditch Facebook, because it was ruining his productivity. How many hours can you lose to Facebook Watch? Well, quite a few it seems. Andy warns not to even consider trying TikTok, as you'll fall down a similar rabbit hole! Also, Yvonne Brookes from RNIB's Technology for Life team returns, seemingly recording from Spain! She talks us through the free app Google Lookout. What's that, you want more?! Fine! Local sight loss charities are often the first port of call for those who have been just been told they are losing their vision. They offer hope and advice as well as peer support that can make a real difference. One area of support most often requested is technology support. Steven spoke to Debbie and Mel from the local organisation Suffolk Sight to find out what they offer. All that, plus vortexes, Hitchhikers Guide, a very brief hands-on review of Steven's new USB headset, carbon footprints... and well done if you spotted Andy reading out an email we had featured last week - he didn't realise until after we had finished the show. Whoops! If you want your emails to be read out once, and maybe even twice, contact [email protected] - it'll be featured in an upcoming show.

Hello to you, and to you... and especially you! Tech Talk is here once again with another deep dive into the world of accessible gadgets and gismos. This week, Steven, Robin, Tim and Emails Andy tackle more from the emails inbox, including emails meant for other departments! Aside from that, we dish out tips and tech must-haves when entering the workplace for the first time - what headphones work best with JAWS, that wont cut out the sound of the phone ringing? What is best for reading documents, that wont cut text off? Also, Robin (and Faith) give us an audio demo of the Amazon Echo Show 10 device - the screen can follow you round the room, always keeping you in frame, but does that make them any less accessible to blind people, and also... is it worth the steep price tag? Remember the good old days of using your FM, AM or Long Wave radio to tune into your favourite far flung stations? Did you know that you can use the latest apps on your smartphone or computer to achieve the same result? Dinos from RNIB's Technology For Life team returns to talk to us about listening to radio stations through the VLC media app. All that, plus complaints about the temperature, hoodles, a whole load of Rachels, firmware installation issues, accessible nightmares, and a big woofer. Stick around until the end to hear a plug from Tim! For your emails, contact [email protected] - it'll be featured in an upcoming show. Until we speak again!

Tech Talk is back... where would you be without us!?Steven, Robin and Emails Andy are all here, as is Tim, who has finally made it back from Clearwater, Florida (via Chicago) to rejoin Team Tech.On the show this week, the team tackle the email inbox, including subjects such as: Clubhouse: is it nothing more than an elite club, or is there truly room for everyone? Microsoft breaking Outlook, and how listener Gordon and Be My Eyes helped them fix it How setting up an Amazon Echo device in someone else's home can sometimes lead to unexpected embarrassment Phones with keypads, and keyboards for phones Problems with the Apple podcast player, and what alternatives are out there, and Super helpful tips for Supernova All that, plus a rather in-depth discussion about smart coffee makers, which leaves us all drooling (until we heard the price, and that it only does espresso!), slippers, woes about the weather, post-work Talkback options, and listeners lettings their spouses listen to Tech Talk because they are fans of Steven! More proof we need these lockdown restrictions to end, we're all going stir [email protected] for all your emails, as always!

What's the time? Why, it's Tech Talk o'clock! Steven is joined by Robin, Emails Andy and 'special' guest Shaun Preece this week - where's Tim you may be asking, well, he's still on his holidays. The fearsome foursome sit down to discuss Windows 11 - what will be included, when it's coming, and what the accessibility features might be like. The hot phrase on everyone's techy lips this week is TPM - well Shaun's here to explain why it's being talked about so much with regards to upgrading from Windows 10. Also on the show this week - wearable technology! The world of wearable tech is very much available and accessible to the blind community via smart glasses and more, some of which even claims it can help improve vision. Mark Evans from RNIB’s Technology for Life team and shares his findings on the latest gadgets out there. The pandemic has cost many of us the ability to learn new skills and meet new people. However for one group of blind people, they used the latest tech to continue their desire to learn braille. The remote braille group got in touch with RNIB’s Community Connector team to get support in setting up a group via Microsoft Teams. Louise, Aneeba and Trish joined RNIB volunteer trainer Chantal to start the course, helped by RNIB’s Midlands and East England Community Connector Amy Woodward. Volunteer Chantal told Steven Scott how it all came about. If that's not all, we also dip our toes briefly into the emails inbox, with one listener less than impressed with Sky! If you would like your opinions aired, you can email [email protected], and it'll be added to the pile. Chat to you all next week!

A special Tech Talk for you all this week, as we have a look into accessible gaming!Steven is joined by five visually impaired gamers (Lynette, Kim, Abbie, Sophie and Matt) discussing the challenges and joys that gaming while blind gives. All part of RNIB’s campaign called Gaming for RNIB.Also joining us, disabled gamers Steve Saylor and Courtney Craven share their views on the latest virtual E3 conference.And also this week, RNIB’s Joanne Wilson from the Technology for Life team answers customer’s queries on the most accessible TVs on the market.Share your thoughts on accessible gaming with the team! [email protected] for all your emails, as ever

Tech Talk is back in your ears once again, and boy... we're sounding good! It's a full house this week - Steven's in the big chair, and is joined by Robin, Tim and Emails Andy, and there's a lot packed into today's hour! Firstly, we're talking TV. Unfortunately, television set top boxes have for many years been a challenge for blind and partially sighted people, as they haven’t had accessibility features to speak aloud or make clearly what is on screen. We've been chatting to Fraser Stirling from Sky Q about how that is changing, with new features such as Voice Guidance. We also have a listener review on Sky Q from 'Friend of the Show' Kelly. Speaking of regular listeners, Julian II follows up from our Technology for Life feature from a few weeks back with a personal review of the update to Google Lookout. It's such a promising app, but is it winning over the self proclaimed 'negative' Julian? Also this week, Chris Turner joins us from RNIB's Technology for Life team to introduce us to the voice recording app Just Press Record, which is available on many SmartPhones, the gang talk about the next big Windows update, for Diabetes Awareness Week we're looking at what tech is out there to help monitor our diabetes with Thurston Bluhm, and, after a few weeks break, we crack open the steamer trunk of emails, now creeping back up to eight pages - Is Sky Go accessible on Android and Windows devices? More on the topic on Aftershoks headphones, NVDA vs Jaws, the much-debated RNIB Radio, pigs wearing lipstick, and is Robin really an undercover Amazon agent? We welcome your comments on anything from today's show, be it Sky Q, diabetes, recording devices, or Google Lookout - email the team at [email protected] and hear your thoughts read out by the silky smooth English tones of Emails Andy! Chat to you all next week!

Well well well; look who the cat dragged in...! It's time for the glorious return of Tech Talk - Have you missed us? Steven's back, and is joined by Robin and Tim for a show dedicated to WWDC 2021- Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is held annually, and this year, held online. It was a two hour marathon of new software developments, IOS improvements and generally what new things the Apple whiz kids have been working on since we last saw them. So what do the guys make of it? Was there any mention of accessibility? What new advancement are the team looking forward to the most? Thank you for bearing with us whilst we were absent over the past few weeks, and thank you for the emails and messages regarding Steven. Our inbox is starting to collate nicely, so if you'd like to share your thoughts about this years' WWDC, or anything else on your mind, the address is [email protected], and you'll have your musings read out on a future episode! Until then, stay safe!

Good day, everyone! Team Tech Talk returns for yet another show, full of accessible tech gossip and talking points. Settle down with a brew and a biscuit, and let us entertain you for the next hour! On today's show, Steven is joined by Robin, Tim, Emails Andy and special guest Sue Dunn, who is a service user at the KVIN. Sue joins us to talk to us all about her experiences using SuperNova, the magnifier and screen reader for Windows. Can it be a serviceable alternative to other options? How customisable is it? Also on this week, Hannah joins us from the RNIB Technology For Life team to tell us all about What Three Words- the app that divides the world into three metre squares, gives each square a unique combination of three words, that makes it easier to find and share exact locations. We dip back into emails as well - and thank you so much for filling our inbox back up over the last week! We talk a little more about the disappointment regarding the RNIB Digital Radio, Steven asking Microsoft for favours, fully talking telephones, and problems with making phone calls on the Amazon Echo. [email protected] for all your correspondence, as ever. Join us next week!

Yes, it's us again, twice in one day - we spoil you! On this episode, we have Steven, Robin, Andy, Callum and Shaun - and it is our goal to clear the TT email inbox - do we succeed? You'll have to listen to find out! We start off the show a little confused, which admittedly, isn't that hard for some of us! But we soon dive back into your questions and queries, including: Lady A devices with minds of their own, a little more Aftershokz and cheek vibrations, reading manuals, fanfares, the merits of Voiceover, more NVDA chat, being wanted, this time with an actual NVDA user, bonny ladies or bunny ladies, working Netflix with Audio Description on your iPhone, convoluted Apple shortcuts, and loads more! Want to air your opinion on Aftershokz, accessible TV's, screen readers or smart speakers? Email us at [email protected] We'll be back next Tuesday at 1PM on both radio and podcast - see you then!

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Tech Talk! What a treat we have for you this week - two Tech Talks! Now, I could explain that one aired on Bank Holiday Monday, and the other in the usual TT timeslot of Tuesday 1PM on RNIB Connect Radio, but you don't need to worry about that, as this is podcast world! Both shows are coming to you at the usual time. How generous are we? Very! Steven is joined by Robin, Andy, and a returning Callum this week to hopefully empty the email inbox - firstly, we cover a rather impassioned email about the RNIB Digital Radio we reviewed a few weeks back - some people believe the product is falling far short of expectations, leaving them a little underwhelmed - as we like to be unbiased about these things, we talk about the apparent shortfalls. Does this radio discriminate? Also, we hear about a success story of someone reporting an accessibility bug to the developer - it always brings a smile to hear these types of stories, especially when the company then goes out of its way to improve the software for an audience it maybe didn't consider the item was for. We also dip our toes back into the NVDA chat, after an email from a coder - what would be the best screen reader to progress to for an increase of productivity, but with a lack of resources to try them all? Also on this week, we talk about Steven's big head (literally in this case, although he's been hearing that figurative insult for years now!), tips on using smartphones left handed, incognito mode, Lady A on a PC, accessible TV's and PVRs (Personal Video Recorders), Aftershokz, Soundscape, and... what's in the box?! Coming up in 379, Shaun Preece... You lucky people!

It's Tuesday, it's 1pm, that means only one thing...Tech Talk! Steven, Robin and Tim are all here to talk about the smorgasbord of new colourful products from Apple... yep, sorry haters, of course we're talking about the Spring Loaded Event, including the new iMac, and AirTags, and improvements to Apple TV. What do the team make of the news; underwhelmed, overwhelmed? There is more to talk about, as ever - Ben Rendle is here from RNIB's Technology For Life team to tell us how he uses the Amazon Echo in his home, we're also joined by Paul Bepey to hear about Braille Displays, including the ElBraille. As Steven mentioned in the show, next week we have not one, but TWO Tech Talks... you lucky people! You can tune in to RNIB Connect Radio on Bank Holiday Monday at 5PM to hear show one of our email specials, and then the second will be in our usual timeslot on a Tuesday. If you only listen via podcasts, no need to panic - both shows will drop one after the other on Tuesday at 1pm. You still have time to get your emails in for those shows - but be quick! Want to air your opinion on the Apple event? What to talk about the latest tech product in your life? Have you purchased the new RNIB Digital Radio we talked about last week? All subjects will be covered! [email protected], and Andy will add them to the list for next week. Until then!

Here we are, once again, talking accessible technology on the aptly named Tech Talk!Steven is joined by Robin, Tim and emails Andy for this week, as well as a whole host of special guests! Firstly, Steven has been chatting to the team at blindandroidusers.com, for an in-depth talk about Android and accessibility, availability, popularity, as well as the updates to TalkBack, Android Braille options, and taking the first steps away from a certain smartphone rival! Also on the show, Steven gives a full and detailed, hands on review of the new RNIB digital radio, including the features and functions it has.Not only that, we hear a clip from an interview from RNIB Connect Radio's Ellie Marsh on how Be My Eyes can help you with your Home Covid tests, we very briefly mention the Apple event which is happening today (April 20th), (but we'll save that for another time), and we tackle your emails and voicemails, including a couple more tips on productivity.To email us your thoughts on the topics we covered today, email [email protected], and you'll hear it in an upcoming show.If you'd like to find out more about Blind Droid Users, you can find them on your podcast app of choice, as well as smart speakers, and on internet enabled victor reader devices. You can follow them on Twitter here, or join their mailing list sending an email to to [email protected] to you all soon!

Hi there! Welcome back to Tech Talk. There is loads and loads and loads in today's show, how on earth we cram everything in to one hour is beyond comprehension! Firstly, we can say that Steven, Robin and Andy are re-joined by Tim once again, after a brief absence - welcome back Mr Schwartz! On today's show, we talk about some new products coming soon from the RNIB that has Steven all giddy! The new product guide was revealed at the start of April, and we talk through some of the items available - full demos from Steven coming soon, if he can ever stop saying the word "excited"! Also this week, Steven chats with Dennis Stansbury, Amazon’s UK Country Manager for Alexa Experience and Devices, about the Echo Show 10 - the newest in the 'Lady A' range of smart speakers, which includes a 10.1" HD screen that moves automatically and always keeps you in the frame - a big plus for video calls, and following recipes in the kitchen! Our Technology for Life team feature comes via Fraser Fleming of Triple Tap Tech in Scotland, who is talking all about accessible gaming! What's that, you want more? Fine! We even have time to dip our toes into the pool of emails - this week, moving from PC to Mac, and what that means for those switching from Jaws to Voiceover. All that, plus clamshell phones, QVC, Perky Duck, sunsets, ruminating, Demolition Man, and being covered in chocolate. We love to read your emails, so if you have thoughts on the Echo Show 10, gaming consoles and accessibility, the new products from Amazon or anything in between... [email protected] P.S. Coming soon to this feed - a special Tech Talk Geek Out podcast on Aira! Chat to you all next week :)

Good day, lovely people!On today's TT, Steven, Robin and Andy are once again joined by Shaun to talk all manner of wonderful things!Some big news to come from Sky TV last week - Sky Q now gives more control to visually impaired customers, thanks to the service’s latest update, including a new Voice Guidance feature, which has got everyone all giddy!Also, we hear all about Google Lookout, as Davinder Kullar from RNIB's Technology For Life team explains all.Robin's having a few cross words with Lady A this week too - did you know you can do crosswords (or play crosswords, according to Steven), on your Echo device?In emails this week, defending NaviLens, QR codes, and a question about cooking hobs not being accessible.Finally... Get well soon, Tim!Chat to you all next Tuesday!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, like you're spinning far too many plates, and that things are getting on top of you? How many unread emails do you have? How many times a day does your work phone ring?Well, we here at Tech Talk feel your pain - so we've gathered the crew to talk about some 'Top Tech Talk Tech Tips' to help battle workflow, productivity and time management!Steven Scott, Robin Christopherson and Emails Andy return with self proclaimed Tech Talk black sheep Shaun Preece, to talk about overflowing email inboxes, FOMO and learning to switch off from 'work mode', prioritizing tasks, and being 'overfaced'! There are some really helpful tips on getting the most out of Outlook, Notepad, phone apps, and more.Also this week, we hear from Mohammed Atif from the RNIB Technology for Life team, this week introducing us to Sharky, the JAWS 2021 voice assistant. In emails we talk about Clubhouse accessibility, and using NVDA as a first-time PC user, we hear a clip from Toby Davey's recent interview with Dave Williams about the new RNIB Braille Library on demand service starting April 2021, and we also talk a bit about 'Calls', the new Apple TV+ show which is all about audio!All that, plus Hells Angels, A Star is Born, Lord Doctor, Greenland, and we send out best wishes to Tim, who is recovering from the after-effects of his COVID jag - get well soon, Mr S!To email your thoughts and feelings: [email protected]! Robin will be talking all things accessibility with Emma Pratt-Richens, Senior Research Engineer (Accessibility Specialist) at the BBC - Tuesday 6 April at 1pm. It's free to register, click here! Other up-coming webinars can be found at www.abilitynet.org.uk/webinarsBack next week!

Good day Tech Talk fans! We need a name for you... Talkies? Tekkers? If you have a better name, email in ;)Anyway, welcome to this week's show, and it's a bit of a special one this week, with a particular theme - Joining Steven and Robin this week are Madleen Bluhm and Ben Rendle from the RNIB's Technology For Life team.It's been one whole year of COVID-related restrictions, in the UK at least. As of today, around 40% of the UK has been vaccinated - it seems like only yesterday we were worried about loo paper shortages, and getting money back from booked summer holidays. Steven and his regular contributors have been recording Tech Talk now from our home offices, our spare rooms, and wherever there is space, since episode 317. Today, on episode 372, we look back at an unprecedented twelve months.What can we make of the last year, from a technology perspective? Have we seen any positives since last March? What about Madleen and Ben - have some of the questions they've been asked in the TFL team been challenging, or has it opened up new tech possibilities? We'd love to know what you've made of Working From Home, online banking, video conferencing software, dealing with limitations of travel and seeing family. Email us at [email protected] final note - there is a light at the end of this long tunnel we've been in. We hope Tech Talk has helped you over the last year, that the show has kept you company in times of isolation, given you laughs when some days it's been tough to smile, been a companion in times where we've not seen our colleagues, family and friends. For those of you who have not only listened along, but followed government restrictions, kept your distance, worn your masks and washed your hands - thank you.

Good day to you all!Welcome to another Tech Talk, brought to you by RNIB Connect Radio. This week marks the one year anniversary of self-isolating, working from home, and social distancing from our friends, extended family and co-workers - time flies, eh? Let Tech Talk cheer you up as spring is just around the corner!This week's episode, featuring Steven, Robin, Tim and Emails Andy, covers the news and talking points from the week - did you know there's an audio version of the IKEA catalogue now online? Well, it's less of a full catalogue, more of a "tour for the ears", as IKEA themselves describe it. Think of it like an audiobook, with all the items in the story having price tags; could this kind of innovation catch on? We play an audio sample, and share our thoughts.There's a new audio game on the iOS and Android market called Blind Drive, and as we're all fans of playing games and not doing actual work, we all promise to try it out, and see if the praise is justified!What else? Well, Steven's reviewing the Sonic 2, which is a portable USB memory stick player and Bluetooth speaker. Will Steven listen to more audiobooks on it? Tim and Robin are sceptical! The tech also gets put through Steven's "how many toes would this break if I dropped it on my feet" test. Very scientific, I believe NASA operates similar methods.More? You want more? Okay! We hear from Madleen Bluhm from the Technology For Life team about LIDAR, We chat about Apple apparently discontinuing the full-sized HomePod to focus on the HomePod Mini, in emails we get asked about the Apple Watch being suitable for running, and also about hidden dialog boxes on the Mac being a pain in the derriere!All that, plus Andy possibly being replaced by 'Mia', lost llamas and hungry Hippos, hefty thunks, "open calculator!", narrators putting you off certain audiobooks, and Noah's Ark.As ever, if you want to join in the chat, you can!Email: [email protected] Tweet: @RNIBRadio using the #AskTechTalk.Chat soon!

Time for a little taste of Tech Talk!On today's show, Steven, Robin, Tim and Andy are joined by a new voice - please welcome Callum Stoneman! Steven throws Callum right into the deep end early on, with questions like "who are you?" and "what have you done with your life?", but we soon move on to less threatening topics such as first PC's, braille, preferred smartphone makers and more.Also on today's show, we talk a little more at length about Clubhouse, and the recent update which aims to improve accessibility. Regarding the chat app as a whole, Tim and Steven are a little bit addicted, Robin's nonplussed, and Andy has total FOMO, being the Android fan he is. So has the update done enough? Also, what about security, or moderation?In one of our emails this week, a listener asks Steven to compare the Apple M1 Chip with an Intel-based Apple machine, specifically if battery life any more important than overall performance, we talk a little more about iOS vs Android, but this time a listener asking: "what about Synapptic?" and Steven compares something to wrestling an octopus!We sadly ran out of time to mention in this week's show, but Robin wanted to talk about the next AbilityNet Accessibility Insights webinar series, this time with The Valuable 500 campaign founder Caroline Casey! Find out more here:https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars/accessibility-insights-valuable-500-march-2021To email us your questions, [email protected] - still plenty of regal titles to give out!Catch you all next week :)

A little something extra for all you podcast subscribers!On this episode of Geek Out, Steven speaks to Oliver Lemon from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and Robin Spinks from RNIB to discuss Alana AI, a spin-out company from the university and how their new conversational AI could help RNIB deliver improved services in the future. Find out more here: https://alanaai.com/

Are you sitting comfortably? Well let's begin!Hello, and welcome back to Tech Talk, and boy-o-boy what a show we have for you this week - it's jam-packed full of fun, frolics and fabulousness! Steven is joined by Robin, Tim and Andy... and Shaun Preece! Yes, the friendly neighbourhood shed-dweller returns to his old haunting ground.Why, you may ask? Well it's to cover the topic of screen readers - we're now in 2021, so what's the best for use at home right now, especially for those starting out with screen readers? Yes, we know JAWS is great for professional use - to help you whilst you're at work, but this is about use out of the office. Shaun's an NVDA user - why did he choose that over others on the market such as VoiceOver, Narrator, or Dolphin? Can he persuade the others on the show to switch to? And why is Steven in trouble with his wife over Narrator?If you would like to read Robin's historical look back at screen readers on the AbilityNet website, you can do so here: https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/microsoft-narrator-turns-21-we-celebrate-coming-age Also this week, Steven's back in the kitchen to give a much more detailed demo of the RNIB Talking Microwave, our Technology for Life featurette this week is from Mark Evans, and it's all about keystrokes on your computer. The website Mark mentions is www.shortcutworld.com, Clubhouse and Discord, Britbox gets some Audio Description, and we cover a handful of emails including feedback on the smartphone vs computer debate, our favourite biscuits, and the Fintie Keyboard case.To give us your thoughts on what screen reader you find best for personal use, email us at [email protected] and you'll hear us read it out over the coming weeks.But wait.... there's more! Keep a close eye on your podcast feed this coming Wednesday (3rd March), as we have the return of Tech Talk Geek Out - we had so much to cram into this week's show, we needed some extra time to fit it all in. No need to subscribe elsewhere, it'll be in your usual TT feed.See you soon :)