David and Daniel discuss The latest on the Vision Ireland Meta glasses partnership, and we explore how taxi app Bolt is using E scooters to improve accessibility.

Check out the braille survey here

0:00 - intro 

2:01 - Contact Details

3:16 - catching up on Meta Glasses

19:02 - The new assistance booking app from Irish Rail

32:51 - Talking Technology News

52:59 - outro

Support the show

On this episode, we catch up with Vision Ireland group CEO Chris White and head of Technology Sean Doran to learn about the partnership, and we’re joined by a range of guests who give their reaction to the news.

Expressions of interest are now officially open. Visit Meta.vi.ie or call the dedicated phone line on 01 882 1910

0:00 - intro
 1:55 - Chris and Sean share the big Ray-Ban Meta news
 15:45 - Brian Manning on the impact Meta glasses have for those who are blind
 24:00 - Hilary Devlin on how the Meta glasses help with parenting
 37:10 - Bobbie Hickey on assistive tech going mainstream and how they help her stay stylish
 42:22 - Denis Nolan on Meta glasses training sessions and upcoming roadshows
 48:55 - how to get your name on the list

Support the show

They explore Scan as You Shop, as well as the recent accessibility improvements made to Tesco self-service machines.

There’s a long way to go, so David and James discuss new changes that will see accessibility preferences saved to a customer’s ClubCard, as well as the possibility of screen readers for self-service and scan as you shop devices.

The Google graveyard expands in this week’s tech news, and we have good news for users of Windows 10.

All that and more on this week’s episode of Talking Technology.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

1:42 – Comments from Toni regarding live AI, and explaining Scan as You Shop

8:03 – Demo of a Scan as You Shop at Tesco

28:26 – Tesco self-service machines

40:09 – Talking Technology News

Support the show

Brian Hartgen from Hartgen Consultancy tells us what’s new in the latest release of their Leasey product, demoing the new Leasey Media Centre and integrations with ChatGPT.

We hear about a sitcom from The RNIB, and find out how AI is overcharging people for Guinness.

All that and more on this week’s Talking Technology.

The WebAIM screen reader survey

Vision Ireland survey on shopping apps

Leasey from Hartgen Consultancy

0:00 - intro

0:40 - Mayo are all Ireland champions after 75 years of heartbreak

10:56 - voice notes, and a sitcom about blindness from the RNIB

24:20 - What is Leasey? A chat with Brian Hartgen from Hartgen Consultancy.

52:49 - Talking Technology News

1:04:29 - outro

Support the show

The submission contains 13 asks for six different government departments, so Kevin Kelly and Jamie Millar break it all down for us to explain what it’s all about. 

In tech news, we explore a new assistance booking app from Irish Rail, and we respond to your voice notes discussing various WhatsApp-related topics.

Kevin asked us very nicely for a show notes link, so you can find the Vision Ireland pre-budget submission here.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

0:00 - intro

2:42 - WhatsApp Voice Notes

18:20 - Pre-budget submission for Budget 2027

37:08 - Talking Technology News

57:36 - outro

Support the show

We learn about upcoming features to the NVDA screen reader as well as how they keep the software secure.

We discuss a new variant of the Meta glasses in tech news and share details on why drone delivery won’t be taking off in Ireland anytime soon.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 Intro

1:57 Voice Notes

17:48 NVDA chat with Quentin Christensen

42:18 - Talking Technology News

59:11 - Outro

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We explore accessible cooking and the OOrion app in your voice notes, as well as accessibility improvements for Tesco stores.

There is an audible Monopoly game for Tonieboxes in tech news, and how are blind people benefiting from the Freedom 250 UFC fight at the White House?

All that and more on the latest episode of Talking Technology.

0:00 - intro

3:10 - Voice notes

29:20 - Jessica Kennedy discusses Technology for tandem cycling

46:55 - Talking Technology News

63:43 - outro 

Support the show

David Redmond, Daniel Dunne, Derry Lawler, and Tyler Stephen discuss all that and more. 

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 intro

2:13 contact detail

2:59 Apple WWDC 2026 discussion

50:07 outro

Support the show

Brian discusses the importance of staying informed and how blind people can participate equally in the information age, and we demo news apps including The Journal, The Irish Times, and The Irish Examiner.

We explore the world of audiobooks and hear about some of the teams recent reads, and we hear about new accessible recipes that have been made available by supermarket brand Tesco.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011.

0:00 intro

2:23 contact details and voice notes

15:11 how to access the news in accessible formats

30:53 the incredible world of audiobooks

44:41 Talking Technology News

1:05:38 Outro

Support the show

Peter joins us to discuss updates to digital braille devices, including news on the BrailleNote Evolve and the BrailleSense 7. We also explore the Paige Braille app for those learning braille for the first time with Mairead, while Brian tells us everything we need to know about a new braille book club from Vision Ireland.

It’s bank scams and blue screens in this week’s tech news — and why are all the big technology companies suing each other?

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011.

0:17 - intro and chat about Apple Accessibility features

8:06 - The actual official podcast intro with the American fella

11:05 - Contact details, MayFest 2026, and the new Google Fitbit Air

19:30 - Peter discusses the BrailleNote Evolve and BrailleSense 7

32:09 - Brian discusses the Vision Ireland bookclub, and David has some canine competition

44:39 - Paige Braille with Mairead

54:33 - Talking Technology News

1:01:51 - outro 

Support the show

The team also tell us about Stactiles, their new tactile sticker product.

We explore new laptop chargers and Meta Glasses in Tech News, and can GameStop afford to buy eBay?

All that and more on the latest episode of Talking Technology with V I Labs.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 intro

2:14 Voice Notes

9:51 Hable Speechlables interview

32:39 Talking Technology News

56:12 Outro

Support the show

Nathan Proudfoot tells us what it’s like to launch an assistive technology company as a teenager and shares his new calculator app available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

We explore Fire TV and Firefox improvements in tech news, and we discuss the launch of Aira on Meta glasses.

Join the conversation with the voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 intro

0:42 Tim Cook stepping down from Apple

6:20 Voice Notes

14:20 Nathan Proudfoot on his new calculator app

27:16 Talking Technology News

47:20 outro

Support the show

Jenine Stanley discusses what Aira is and how the platform works, sharing exciting news on the future of integrations with the Meta glasses.

We also hear from Rebekah, who is a visual interpreter for the service. She shares what kind of tasks people use Aira for as well as some of the coolest things that she has got to describe.

We hear about a new virtual town for Braille users, complete with an AI-powered bartender, and could Be My Eyes volunteers help you run a marathon?

Join the conversation with a voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011.

To call Aira support in Ireland the number that you need is 1-800-851 255. To sign up you use the Aira Explorer app.

0:00 intro

2:24 voice notes

21:22 what is Aira? A chat with Jenine Stanley.

40:00 visual interpreting chat with Rebekah

53:53 Talking Technology News

71:47 outro 

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We share our thoughts on the latest updates from the CSUN conference in the US, discussing new products from Habel, as well as lots of Meta Glasses updates. 

We discuss the Garda iPhone warning and share how Vision Ireland can help, and we explore the invisible button causing havoc for screen reader users on Facebook.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 - intro 

2:29 - Voice Notes and CSUN 2026

26:16 - Tactile Graphics Discussion

37:31 - Talking Technology News

57:48 - Outro

Support the show

Jean Marc Feghali Chief Innovation Officer at WeWALK tells us about the WeWALK smart cane too and shares some exclusive news on their ever expanding WeAssist service. 

We dive into all the new products from Apple, discuss the new tech support hub from Vision Ireland, and say hello to Zippay, a new payment service from AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB.

Joe shares info on a new archive of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s GAA commentary, and in a week where Ring announced a new Irish voice for Ring video doorbells, David shares how he just missed out on the job.

The archive : TheReplay.ie

2:16 Voice Notes

12:54 WeWALK Smart Cane and the WeAssist service

39:29 Elaine discusses the Tech Support Hub and Vision Ireland’s  Tech Clubs.

49:33 Talking Technology News

68:01 Outro

Support the show

We explore the newly announced Be My Eyes Workplace in Tech News, and speculate on what new fancy toys we might be getting at next weeks Apple event.

Joe investigates why David made the RTE News, and shares details of a new public Consultation being conducted by the Irish government into the cost of disability.

Handy links

Cost of disability survey: www.Gov.ie/COD 

Read the Audio Description research: https://adesireland.com

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

0:18 intro

2:18 contact details

3:41 tactile images and the World Unseen exhibition

12:29 Lucia Pintado Gutierrez on her Audio Description research

33:30 Talking Technology News

50:57 Outro

Support the show

Vision Ireland’s group CEO, Chris White, calls for stronger leadership and enforcement of the European Accessibility Act, and explains why Vision Ireland made a complaint to the Irish Aviation Authority.

Susanna Laurin from the IAAP tells us about the organisation and its role, and gives her view on how the European Accessibility Act is working so far.

Shadi Abou-Zahra, from Amazon, tells us what it’s like leading accessibility for one of the world’s largest companies. How do you ensure accessibility across a company with such a wide variety of products? Shadi tells us more. 

We discuss Narrator, paper travel passes, and rodents in this week’s Tech News. And we tell you about a new course now available on Vision Academy.

All that and more on this week’s episode of Talking Technology.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011.

0:00 intro 

3:01 WhatsApp Voice Notes 

12:41 Chris White

21:40 Susanna Laurin

32:19 Shadi Abou-Zahra

42:43 Talking Technology News

Support the show

Peter Claridge-Bowler tells us about the Brailliant BI 20 and BI 40 X Braille displays from Humanware. Are they any good?

Lina Kouzi from the Vision Ireland library and INBAF tells us about the new unified Irish Braille code, and what it means for those who have been using the Irish language Braille code previously.

And we catch up with Mairead O’Mahony to learn about the Vision Ireland Braille team and some of the services they provide.

It’s all buses and advertising in this week’s tech news, and we of course discuss the weather. It wouldn’t be an Irish podcast if we didn’t, now would it?

Send us a voice note with your thoughts now to +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 intro (and a discussion on the weather)

2:48 Voice Notes

15:59 The V I Labs Braille team

18 53 Brailliant BI 20 and BI 40 x Braille displays

34:07 Unified Irish Braille

47:33 Talking Technology News

59:45 Outro

Support the show

We discuss Vispero accounts and changes to how Jaws and Zoomtext licences work, and could Vispero partner with or purchase Be My Eyes? We discuss all that and more.

Dereck Carolan joins us to share some of the services offered by V I Labs at Vision Ireland, also teasing some of the courses on the way this January.

We have coverage of the consumer electronics show in tech news, as well as discussion of major accessibility issues at Leinster House. 

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 Intro

3:14 Voice notes

22:18 An interview with the CEO of Vispero 

49:38 What is V I Labs?

1:02:52 Talking Technology News

1:18:29 Outro

Support the show

Santa joins us to discuss his master plan to move to the South Pole as a result of global warming, and shares the emotional moment when his Meta Glasses gave a beautiful description of Mrs Claus in the snow. 

Was Glide the lowlight of the year? And what on earth is happening at iRobot? 

Get the biscuits, chocolates, and perhaps a drink of your choice, and enjoy the 2025 Talking Technology Christmas special.  

Thank you very much for listening to our content this year. If you’ve found what we do of value, you can support the work of Vision Ireland with a donation by visiting vi.ie/donate. You can also tell them the podcast sent you in the comments section. 

We hope you have a super Christmas and New Year, and we’ll join you again in 2026. 

Support the show

David and Joe discuss the audio-described Toy Show, and it’s Android update time in tech news.

Send us a voice note with your thoughts now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011 

0:00 Intro

2:33 Voice Notes

19:31 Jaws and NVDA Event

49:38 Talking Technology News

1:05:03 Outro 

Support the show

On this episode, we take a trip to London to explore some of the latest technology at Sight Village 2025. From new Braille devices to talking tactile ballot paper templates, there really is a lot to explore.

We discussed the addition of live audio description for this year‘s toy show and check out a new AI tool making images on WhatsApp more accessible.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

0:00 intro

3:08 Voice Notes

21:27 Sight Village 2025, Live from London

23:44 Glidance - Makers of the Glide mobility aid

31:14 Pakflatt - ballot paper templates in Ireland

36:18 Luna night vision glasses

41:47 it’s big, it’s purple, it’s a phone. It’s The Big Purple Phone.

44:30 inside Vision discuss their Braille laptops the Inside 1+ and Inside Supra

47:57 VocalEyes discuss audio description for theatre and exhibition

50:06 HumanWare announce the BrailleNote Evolve

58:16 Seable holidays are taking a trip to Ireland

1:04:32 Dorian tells us about an exciting screen reader event

1:09:06 Talking Technology News

Support the show

With Ireland recently electing a new president, we share views of those using the ballot paper template. Is voting in Ireland truly accessible?

BlindShell finally supports the Meta glasses, but is the phone living up to its claims of being a smartphone?

We have updates from Vispero and Amazon in tech news, and is the monarch the best invention of 2025?

All that and more in this episode of Talking Technology.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 Intro  

4:08 Your Voice Notes  

9:04 The Presidential Election  

27:05 Blindshell Updates and Meta Glasses Support  

47:28 Talking Technology News  

1:00:42 Outro

Support the show

We explore the new Braille access feature included with iOS 26, and we get a demo of its capabilities from our very own Mairead O'Mahony.

Brian discusses how Meta glasses can be used with Braille displays and explains why this is so important.

We discuss architecture in this week’s tech news and tell you about some exclusive content over on our YouTube channel. 

Links of note:

accessible voting information from the electoral commission:  https://www.electoralcommission.ie/accessible-voting/

Audio for users of ballot paper templates:  https://www.presidentialelection.ie/general-information/

0:00 Intro  

3:18 Voice Notes  

15:51 Brian Discusses Braille on the Meta Glasses  

24:06 New iOS 26 Braille Access Features  

54:34 Talking Technology News  

1:08:36 Outro

Support the show

With audio description for on-demand content and major improvements to the voice guidance screen reader, there’s a lot to discuss.

Back in episode 90 of Talking Technology, we explored the accessibility updates for RTÉ Player. In this episode, we meet the team that made those updates happen.

Peter McCabe and Gillian Bowes from RTE join us to tell us about how the accessibility overhaul of RTÉ Player came about, and what’s next for the accessibility of their new audio product launching in 2026.

 We have new Amazon Echo products in Tech News, and Joe might need a new trampoline.

All that and more on this episode of Talking Technology with V I Labs. 

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

0:00 Intro  

2:13 Your voice notes, and Joe might need a new trampoline  

15:52 Accessibility updates at Sky with David Nason  

36:21 Peter and Gillian from RTÉ talk about RTÉ Player accessibility  

54:48 Talking Technology News  

1:06:23 Outro

Support the show

We have questions on video doorbells and accessible gaming, and a discussion on the latest iOS 26 update. 

Daniel explains mesh Wi-Fi systems, and what’s going on at AIB?

All that and more on this episode of Talking Technology.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 – Intro

2:42 – Your WhatsApp voice notes

15:10 – New Apple devices and a new watch for David

25:03 – The future of Meta glasses

42:54 – Talking Technology News

1:00:08 – Outro

Support the show

Mairead, Joe and David share their thoughts on the new AirPods, Apple Watches and iPhones, and decide if they will be purchasing any new toys following the event.

Let us know your thoughts with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

0:00 Intro  

3:23 General event reactions from Joe and Mairead  

4:26 All about the AirPods Pro 3  

10:24 Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3  

20:50 New iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and the very thin iPhone Air  

36:46 Outro  

Support the show

On this episode, we speak with Leah Shanahan about AMY, a pregnancy test that she has designed for those who are blind or visually impaired. We also catch up with Adela Buliman from Vially on the topic.

We have voice notes on Glide as well as a unique use case for meta glasses, and in tech news, we’ve got info on Zippay, gaming, and this evening’s Apple event.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 00 11. 

0:00 – Intro

3:03 – Responding to your WhatsApp voice notes

24:55 – Adela discusses accessible pregnancy tests

41:19 – Leah tells us about the accessible test she designed

52:39 – Talking Technology news

1:07:00 – Outro

Support the show

Glidance, makers of the new glide mobility aid, have announced that the product won’t be coming to Europe at launch, and all European customers are being refunded.

We speak to CEO Amos Miller to ask why they made the decision they did, what this means for the future of glide, and how it will impact those who purchase glide legitimately in the launch countries of the US, UK, and Canada.

We also catch up with Kevin Kelly, Vision Ireland’s head of policies, partnerships, and external affairs, to get his reaction to the news. He tells us how he feels personally and how Vision Ireland is responding.

Have you got thoughts to share? Send us a voice note to join the conversation now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 

0:00 Intro  

2:59 The all important contact details  

3:55 David and Joe’s initial reaction to the news on Glide  

7:35 Glidance CEO Amos Miller tells us what’s going on and why  

43:51 Kevin Kelly discusses Vision Ireland’s response  

55:09 Outro  

Support the show

We catch up with Dominique and Des to hear their perspective on courses, as well as hearing from Dereck about what we can expect in the future.

We receive a much-anticipated update on Raheem‘s smart washing machine drama, discuss the benefits of meta glasses in a Jacuzzi, as well as learning about a brand-new product from the team at Hable.

With Glide announcing that they won’t be shipping to Europe for the foreseeable future, we share a teaser ahead of our interview with Amos Miller later this week, and we give you a heads up on a talkback issue impacting Revolut users on Android.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

0:00 Intro  

4:07 Voice Notes on washing machine, glasses, and Jacuzzi  

30:19 Dominique & Des on VI Labs courses  

37:56 Dereck on upcoming courses  

52:51 Talking Technology News  

1:09:39 Outro  

Support the show

In this extra podcast, David and Joe discuss the new glasses and catch up with Envision CTO Karthik Kannan to learn all about the new product.

Join the conversation with a voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011

Support the show

Things are finally starting to change, however, so in this podcast we try out the Meta Glasses without a VPN in sight. Are wearables the next step forward for those who are blind or visually impaired?

As well as our in-depth look at Meta Glasses, we also explore other topics including AI in Uber Eats, hotel accessibility updates in Westmeath, and a smart washing machine that doesn’t want to be smart.

We have voice notes, rumours of an extra Talking Technology episode coming soon, and we exclusively announce details of a nationwide V I Labs event taking place in September.

Want to join the conversation? Send us a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353861990011

Support the show

In this episode, we take a look at what’s new both on mobile and on the web, and discuss some of the audio-described content that’s available.

In less positive media news, we discuss the discontinuation of BBC Sounds for those in the Republic of Ireland, and we hear about a new accessible coffee machine for wheelchair users.

Join the conversation with a voice note now. The number you need is 086 199 0011.

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We speak to those attending to get their views on the future possibility of self-driving cars and ask if this technology would be embraced by those with sight loss.

David tries driving for the first time, and it turns out there’s hope for him yet as a getaway driver. What could possibly go wrong?

Vision Sports CEO Aaron Mullaniff gives a very energetic speech, and after his first driving experience, David takes a literal spin in a drift car. He was not behind the wheel, thankfully.

Tech news, smart home shutdowns, and is ChromeVox dead? All that and more on this episode of Talking Technology.

Send us a voice note with your thoughts now. The number you need is 086 199 0011.

Support the show

This week on the show, we catch up with Vision Ireland’s new head of technology, Sean Doran, and head of sales at sister company Vially, Andrew Power, to learn about the European Accessibility Act and how companies are responding to it.

In Tech News, we explore improvements from Bank of Ireland as well as potential bands for the Deepseek AI app. 

Following a super chill Glastonbury, David and Joe discuss the accessibility of music festivals, and why are Return machines so hard to use?

All that and more on this week’s Talking Technology. Send us a WhatsApp voice note now to join the conversation. The number you need is 0861990011. 

Transparency: Vially is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vision Ireland. Their website is Vially.io 

Support the show

We also catch up with Sean Breslin, who is providing audio descriptive commentary for Croke Park, and we have a statement from a lady with the coolest job title ever, as Anne Zahan - Head of Beer at Diageo Ireland - comments on their League of Ireland audio description sponsorship.

Head of Beer, beats Technology Trainer any day. 

In tech news, we have exciting updates for gamers using Steam, and Daniel is very, very angry. We tell you why. 

All that and more in this episode of Talking Technology.

Send us a voice note with your thoughts now to 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

With Apple launching a new design across their platforms, we discuss how it will impact those with low vision. Are we ready for liquid glass?

Joe is excited about his AirPods tracking sleep, and we explain how five accessibility advocates got trapped while providing training in Leinster House. 

All that and more on this week’s Talking Technology.

Send us a WhatsApp voice note with your thoughts now on 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

They explain what the product is, discuss recent delays, and tell us about their ambitious vision for the future.  

Would you use Glide? Send us a WhatsApp voice note now on 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

In tech news, we hear about WhatsApp for iPad and a new partnership between Aira and Google. 

And what’s your favourite podcast app? We want to hear about it.

Send us a voice note now using 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

We discuss the latest accessibility features announced by Apple including accessibility reader and braille access, and in tech news we explore a new solution for training Deaf dogs. No, that’s not a typo. 

We pay a visit to a school in Gorey to chat Braille with some SNAs, and is smart speaker gaming dead?

Send us a WhatsApp voice note with your thoughts now. The number you need is 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

Matt tells us about the latest in the world of Jaws, including updates to Jaws for Windows and how Jaws is installed on McDonald’s self-service kiosks in America.

We also hear that Jaws will be moving into a subscription model for purchases around the world in the next 60 to 90 days. Is this a good thing?

Long-term Nest thermostat users are getting left out in the cold in tech news. And we tell you more on how you can win a pair of Shokz Open Move headphones. 

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note on 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

In tech news, we hear about exciting innovations from Samsung, as well as a new medical device aiming to help with dry eyes.

After an RTÉ news report about an AI-powered talking tree, David and Joe ask if talking trees could actually benefit blind people. And with Blindshell launching updates for their Classic 2 and Classic 3 phones, will Tech on Tap make it into the new Blindshell RSS reader?

Support the show

The Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a screen reader, and what if your AirPods could see? All that and more in tech news. 

Daniel tells us about exciting updates for Android devices, and would you use Roy Keene as your screen reader voice?

To provide feedback on the Consumer Protection Commission consultation discussed, check out the link below.

https://www.ccpc.ie/business/research/consultations/consultation-on-microenterprise-guidelines-on-the-european-accessibility-act/

Support the show

We hear your thoughts on AirTag and air fryers, and in tech news we explore a new collaboration aiming to make games more accessible.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is 086 199 0011. Internationally you can use +353 86 199 0011. 

Support the show

Lucy Ashton joins us from Seable to discuss accessible holidays for the blind, and she tells us how technology is changing what people want from their holiday experience. 

We’ve got updates on new apps from Envision, and do jaws users really want The New Insert J Club?

Contact the Show with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is 086 199 0011

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We discuss the new iPhone 16 E as well as the death of the iPhone SE line, and we ask what we can expect from tomorrow’s announcement of the next generation Alexa.

Send us a voice note with your thoughts now. The number you need is 086 199 0011. International listeners can use +353 86 199 0011. 

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We have loads of your comments and questions on everything from blood pressure monitors to video doorbells, and we discuss a bid from Elon Musk to take control of OpenAI.

Send us a WhatsApp voice note with your thoughts now! The number you need is +353 86 199 0011.

Support the show

We explore some of the really cool supports available for blind and partially sighted customers at Slimming World, and we catch up with our colleagues at vision sports to discuss the accessibility of the gym.

We have tons of your voice notes to get through, and in tech news we ask the question, could you be a movie star?

We also discussed braille , AI, and new resources from Ahead, so there really is something for everyone.

Send us a WhatsApp voice note with your thoughts now. The number you need is 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

In tech news we discuss the impact of cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at some of the world’s biggest companies, and we look to the future at some of the innovations at this years CES. 

We’ve got accessibility companies getting in trouble, news on new Vision Ireland courses, and a BrailleSense 6 software update, so we really do have a packed Show.

Send us your thoughts with a WhatsApp voice note now, 086 199 0021. 

Support the show

Support the show

We also discuss the AppleVis golden apple awards for 2024, and some of the movies and TV shows with audio description for the Christmas period.

Support the show

The team discuss why they changed direction on support for third-party apps, as well as their future plans for Classic 2 and 3. 

In tech news we hear of an exciting win for young developer Maura Moore-McCune, and Huawei are rolling out a whole new screen reader. 

finally, we take a look at some of the Quick Picks that might be filling Santa’s sleigh this Christmas.

Send us a WhatsApp voice note now. 086 199 0011. Or internationally use 353 86 199 0011

Support the show

The Blindshell classic three makes an appearance in tech news and we say goodbye to the Apple headphone adapter.

Support the show

Jaws 2025 has been released, and Joe returns to correct the record and tell David off. 

Send a voice note on WhatsApp now to 086 199 0011. 

Support the show

Brian gives us a demo of the HumanWare Braille Note Touch, and Daniel is not a bitcoin millionaire.

join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note to 086 199 0011, or email content@vi.ie

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We speak to Ed Harper about some of the tech helping him run his Goat Farm without sight, and he tells us about a really cool solution called no fence.

Technology news features robotic taxis and accessibility issues at The Irish Times, and we take a look at what’s coming in the latest update to windows.

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note to 086 199 0011. 

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Cobalt join us to talk about some of the appliances in Their range, and share their views on smart tech as the company turns 40. 

David and Joe listen to your voice notes learning all about the Pan Pickle in the process, and with Daniel’s assistant failing to save the day, he attempts the ultimate accessibility tongue twister. 

Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. Send us a message to 086 199 0011.

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In Tech News we chat about winning free Jaws licences, and with €13.1 billion hanging around following the Apple tax ruling, Daniel feels Talking Technology could afford a new podcast host.

Share your thoughts with a WhatsApp voice note now. +353 86 199 0011.  

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Things aren’t all sunshine and roses however as we explore the safety concerns with smart hobs and Quooker taps. 

We’ve got the new Virgin Media Play app And allegedly fake accessibility advocates in tech news, and we discuss the reaction to last weeks announcement from AppleVis. 

Send us your thoughts with a WhatsApp voice note to 086 199 0011. 

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Elaine Slator from the Vision Ireland retail team tells us about the online efforts in the charity shop space, and how you can get some preloved goodies. 

We chat accessible gaming in tech news, and head down under for a sunshine powered quick pic from Vision Australia.

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With the Bord Gas Energy theatre gearing up for an audio described performance of Wicked, we chat to them to ask how it all works. 

Be My Eyes discuss data sharing in tech news, and we chat about the closure of popular site AppleVis. 

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With the announcement of blind Barbie dolls, we ask the question does Barbie need a screen reader now? We discuss audio description in the upcoming Olympics and some super cool tactile tools in the kitchen. 

Contact the podcast team at any time by email to Content@vi.ie, or send a WhatsApp voice note to 086 199 00 11

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In tech news we tell you about a new service launching for Vision Ireland Bookshare users as well as checking out a ton of announcements from Aira. 

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Next, we dive into the world of Audio Described Sports Commentary, a service that brings all the excitement of live football to fans with sight loss. Shamrock Rovers FC audio described commentator Phelim Warren joins us to explain how he's making this possible for the club's blind and vision-impaired supporters.

Finally, we explore the new Inclusive Language Guide from Be My Eyes. What is it, and how can it help promote inclusivity in everyday language?

Contact Shamrock Rovers using the email info@shamrockrovers.ie

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In Talking Technology news we discuss Vision Ireland‘s response to the issues visually impaired students had with digital exam papers, as well as chatting about a government dating app in Japan making citizens sign marriage letters. 

We also discuss the potential of the OKO app hitting the Irish App Store.

Send us a WhatsApp voice note with your thoughts to 086 199 0011.

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We learn about an interesting use case of Aira shared by one of our listeners and discuss the launch of Be My AI, the world's first AI visual assistant for people who are blind or have low vision, now available for free on Windows.

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And did Apple get it wrong? We discuss all the tech controversy from Apple and Sonos, and show off cool new AI tech from open AI. 

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Voice Dream Reader, the highly regarded text-to-speech reading app, was set to be the latest beloved app to adopt a subscription model. But now that’s no longer the case. We discuss what happened.

Plus, we share a vivid depiction of yesterday's solar eclipse in North America by one of Aira's skilled visual interpreters, capturing the unique experience for blind and vision impaired listeners.

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We share all the latest tech news including a groundbreaking audio description research study, and explore the world of Siri Shortcuts in Quick Picks. 

Join the conversation by sending an email to content@VI.ie or send us a WhatsApp voice note on 086 199 00 11.

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We reveal the standout results of the 10th WebAIM Screen Reader User Survey and discuss the versatility of Energrid’s accessible power banks, perfect for charging your digital devices on the go. 

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We explore the latest member of Amazon’s Echo family, the Echo Pop, featuring Alexa voice control, smart home integration and a more budget-friendly price tag.

We play more of your voice notes and discuss proposed iOS sideloading in iOS 17.4 and audio description for The Six Nations Rugby on ITV.

This show even has a surprise after the credits, so do stick around. 

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We also unbox the new Talking air fryer from Cobolt. Could this be the most accessible air fryer yet?

It’s audio description from Google and Safer Internet Day in tech news. And we chat more about accessible cooking in quick pics. 

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It’s accessible gaming and noodles in tech news this week, and David becomes the Voice of a Talking Calculator in Quick Picks. 

We also have an appearance from a random Rabbit. 

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Brian and Peter tell us how braille is helping those who are deaf blind, and we hear from a deaf blind service user who’s finding her independence using modern Braille technology. 

We also talk about the changes coming to Xbox and YouTube, and learn how to download Bookshare Books on the Braille Sense 6. 

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We meet Giorgia Paccagnin, the latest addition to the NCBI Labs training team in Dublin. She tells us about how she’s found her first week exploring the world of assistive technology. 

Denis and Dereck tell us about the latest courses from NCBI Labs, and Dereck also makes his debut as our Talking Technology Newsreader. 

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Next, we shift our attention to the much-anticipated iPhone 15 Pro as we explore the phone’s impressive features, including the all-new customisable "action button."

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We explore the latest accessibility updates rolled out with iOS 17. First on the list is the brand-new Assistive Access feature, designed to streamline your iPhone or iPad's user interface by displaying only your essential apps. We find out about a new feature called Screen Distance crafted to safeguard your eyes during extended screen use, along with a slew of notable Siri enhancements.

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As part of our Tech News, we share details about the recent release of the Soundscape Community app and the latest updates to the NVDA screen reader including the introduction of the Add-on Store that allows users to browse, search, install and update community add-ons.

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On the show this week we’re joined by the founder of the Be My Eyes app Hans Jørgen Wiberg. Hans gives us an overview of the app and talks about the best way to use it for sighted assistance. We hear about their recent partnership with Sky and a new feature called Virtual Volunteer, powered by OpenAI’s recently announced GPT-4 model, which is set to take its power and value to new heights. 

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Soundscape Community uses 3D spatial audio technology to share information about what's around you, building a richer awareness of your surroundings. It has been developed by a consortium following the news that Microsoft Soundscape was coming to a close. It encourages the exploration of both new and familiar areas by empowering people with knowledge.

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On Meet the Team we speak with Dorian Salzmann who recently joined the Labs team as a Technology Trainer.

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On Meet the Team we catch up with Chris Steward who recently joined the Labs Team as a Technology Trainer. He tells us about his first experience learning about assistive technology, and even answers that controversial question, iOS or Android.

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Jackie McBrearty speaks about her experience of learning and using Braille and what Braille means to her. Lina Kouzi, Head of Library Access Services at NCBI, discusses the importance of Braille on medicine packaging as the NCBI Library was instrumental in working with the Pharma companies in Ireland to commence production of Braille on the pharma packs.

Also, we are joined by Daniel Lubiner from the TouchPad Pro Foundation to find out about an exciting product called the Braille Doodle. Petrina Finn and Derry Lawler speak about the Hable One and their experience of using it.

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We wanted to celebrate this great access news by making a few announcements of our own. In this podcast, we tell you all about the new version of the myNCBI SmartHub, an exciting new addition to Bookshare, and a really cool collaboration between NCBI and a sight loss charity in the States.

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On this show this week we take time to explore the area of accessible gaming. From Windows PC to PlayStation, Xbox to Smart Speakers, what are some of the best games available on these devices for someone who is blind or partially sighted, and how can we stay up to date with the latest news and developments in this area?

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The StellarTrek, as the name suggests, is a digital orientation and mobility assistant with GPS technology and a user-friendly tactile interface with buttons to guide you along your chosen route using appropriate voice commands. We’re joined by guest Martin Lawlor who has been trying out the StellarTrek these last few weeks to hear his thoughts.

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Next up, Sean Doran tells us about the latest technologies for people with sight loss that he came across while attending the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Los Angeles last week.

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Next our conversation turns to smartphones, more specifically Samsung smartphones. We review the new Samsung Z Flip4 and the Samsung Galaxy S23, giving a perspective on each phone from an accessibility viewpoint.

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Adela Buliman tells us about an upcoming diversity and inclusion conference being organised by Google in Northern Ireland called Women TechMakers Belfast 2023 where she will be giving a speech on “Is Northern Ireland Digitally Accessible?”, and speaks with Diana Penamora in the IA Labs team about the art of Blog writing.

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From smart wearables to smart TVs, we review the latest tech innovations that came out of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

They are sunglasses, they are headphones, but are they any good? Joe has been trying out a pair of Bose Frames Soprano Smart Glasses and shares his thoughts.

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Also the show we are joined by Santiago Velasquez who is the founder and CEO of technology start-up Hailo, a system that remotely alerts the bus driver when a person with vision impairment wants to board a bus. Santiago tells us about his plans for Hailo and also EyeSyght, which is a tactile visual display to help someone with a vision impairment access graphical content. Should you have any questions about either Hailo or EyeSyght you can contact Santiago through the following email addresses: info@hailo.co / info@eyesyght.com.

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Next up it’s product reviews as we put the latest iPhone SE mobile phone and Apple AirPods Pro 2 under the microscope and tell you our thoughts on both products.

Finally, with Black Friday 2022 only around the corner, we bring you our top recommendations on where to get the best deals in tech and which retailers are offering the biggest discounts.

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On Talking Technology this week we are delighted to welcome Matt Ater, Vice President of Enterprise Sales from Vispero who produce the JAWS screen reader, ZoomText magnifier and Fusion, which combines JAWS with ZoomText.

Matt shares with us a bit of his background, talks about what’s new in JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion 2023, and demonstrates the new JAWS Smart Glance feature.

Next our conversation turns to Bluetooth tracker devices. Both the Apple AirTag and the Tile Pro are great trackers that can help you keep track of your keys, wallet, luggage, and just about anything you don’t want to lose. We compare both item finders to see which brand comes out on top.

Like to know how to set up an AirTag? Check out our video demonstration on YouTube. 

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In celebration of National Braille Week and World Sight Day taking place this month, this episode of Talking Technology explores these questions and more.

On the show we welcome a panel of guests, including:

• Breda Dowling, Sales and Services staff member in NCBI, to tell us about the wide range of Braille products available both in-store and online in the NCBI Shop.
• Jodie McGriele, Training Services Manager at the National Training Centre in NCBI to tell us about the suite of course offerings including Braille that are available from the NTC.
• Audrey Tormey, Braille Tutor at the National Training Centre in NCBI who tells us about teaching Braille and shares her experience using the world’s first Braille smart watch, the Braille Dot Watch.
• Greg Flanagan, Work Training Officer in charge of the Braille Unit at Arbour Hill Prison, the only place in Ireland that services and repairs Perkins Braillers.

We tell how to sign up for an upcoming Braille course with NCBI Labs, and share details about exciting new products launched by Apple this week including an iPad Pro with M2 Chip, redesigned iPad, and an updated Apple TV 4K.

Regardless of your prior knowledge of Braille you’ll not want to miss this episode.

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Next, our conversation goes ‘out of this world’ as we find out about recent developments in accessible astronomy for people with sight loss. Researchers Christopher Harrison from Newcastle University in the UK and Jake Noel Storr from Groningen University in the Netherlands join us on the show to tell us about the pioneering work they are doing in this field.

The much awaited Amazon Echo Dot 5th gen is finally here, and it has a good number of tricks under its sleeve. Who is this smart speaker for and should we be rushing over to the Amazon website to buy one? David and Joe share their thoughts.

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Next our attention turns to the recent launch of NCBI Live, Ireland’s first radio station for blind and vision-impaired listeners. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, NCBI Live draws on the best of NCBI’s most recent audio content. Telling us all about how it was developed and how we can tune in is one of its creators David Redmond.

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Lightweight and designed to be worn all day, Envision Glasses provide access all kinds of visual information around the user. They can be used to recognise and speak aloud text, objects, people, colours, products and more. Joining us on the show to tell us all about this highly innovative piece of technology is the Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Envision, Karthik Kannan.

The BlindShell Classic 2 has become a popular smartphone because of its tactile buttons and many features. On the show we give a summary of the latest features added to the phone in the most recent update.  Finally we reveal lots of cool new features and changes coming to Siri in iOS 16 that are all designed to make your iPhone easier to use. 

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Next we share important news about new security measures introduced by Google on 31st May which have suddenly flipped the security switch on millions of Gmail accounts.

Finally our attention turns to Magnetic Charging Cables. Designed to make charging easy and convenient, Magnetic Charging Cables allow you the luxury of using only one cable to charge all your devices, whether iPhone, Android or USB C. Are they a good option for charging your devices?

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In Episode 10 of Talking Technology with NCBI Labs we are joined by Microsoft Accessibility Evangelist for Europe, Middle East, and Africa Hector Minto and Jeremy Curry who is on the enterprise Disability Answer Desk (eDAD) team.

Together they take us on a journey through the early days of accessibility in Microsoft, its evolution through the years, and what the future of equal access to technology holds. If you want to find out about the latest developments from Microsoft in the field of technology designed to assist people with sight loss you won’t want to miss this episode.

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From finding out about the range of services offered by NCBI, to booking appointments or listening to your favourite audiobooks or newspapers, Chief Technology Officer Kyran O’Mahoney and SmartHub Project Manager Adela Buliman tell you everything you need to know about how to get started using this highly innovative and accessible piece of technology. We also have 500 Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Smart Speakers to give away to Service Users interested in trying out the SmartHub.

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IA Labs Co-Founder Kyran O’Mahoney, and Adele Buliman, QA and Customer Success Lead, tell us about the work the team is doing to drive forward the issue of equal inclusion and access to the digital world for everyone.

What exactly is digital inclusion and why is it so important? What are legal requirements around digitally accessibility in Ireland and how are companies performing in this regard?  Kyran and Adela answer these questions and reveal the key findings from IA Labs’ Digital Accessibility Index that analysed websites against a range of requirements set out by an EU Directive on digital accessibility introduced for public sector bodies in 2020.

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We are joined by Samsung Galaxy user Kerie Doyle who shares with us her experience using the Commentary Screen Reader for the Android operating system. With custom gestures, a built-in voice assistant, and many more features, is Commentary Screen Reader a suitable alternative to the TalkBack Screen Reader on Android phones, and how is it installed?

There are recent reports that Apple is developing a subscription plan to let you pay a monthly fee for an iPhone rather than buy it outright. Might you want to purchase your next iPhone the same way you pay for Netflix, Amazon Prime and the many other subscription services we have come to rely on?

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Next our attention turns to the game everyone is talking about or playing at the moment – Wordle! Recently bought by the New York Times, Wordle is a daily word game that has users playing and sharing their scores on social media everyday, however until recently the game wasn’t accessible. We catch up with Dave Nason on the show who shares with us an accessible way to play the game using a Google Chrome extension.

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On the show this week we first explore the rapidly evolving area of 3D Printing. We find out how 3D printing works and what tools and materials are used to create 3D models. From applications in healthcare, transport, construction, music, and more, this technology is extremely versatile and, when it comes to what it can produce, the sky is the limit, We even hear some 3D printed '3Dvarius' violins in action. Finally, we check out some of the online services that can be used to print your own 3D printed objects without the expense of purchasing a 3D printer.

Nowadays, many of the tasks handled by a computer may also be done on a smartphone. As a comparison, the computing power of a flagship smartphone generally rivals many laptops and desktop computers. But are there limitations when it comes to using only a smartphone? Our panellists and regular guests David Nason and Des Keaney share their thoughts and personal preferences. If you’re deciding whether your next device upgrade should be a computer or a mobile device, we have the key points for you to consider.

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For almost 200 years, Braille has transformed the lives of many people with sight loss. It has promoted equal opportunities and opened doors to literacy, education, and employment. In recognition of World Braille Day taking place today 4th January, our first Live Event of 2022 is dedicated entirely to the tactile writing system of Braille.

What is exactly is Braille? How is used, why is it so important, and where can it be learned? To help answer these questions and more we are joined by several experienced Braille readers that use Braille in all walks of life – at home, in school, in college, and in the workplace. Our guest speakers on the show today are Oran O’Neill, Brain Dalton, Audrey Tormey, and Daniel Daly. Each speaker tells us about their preferred Braille device and gives us a unique insight into the use of Braille in their day-to-day lives.

We also find out about the NCBI Labs Electronic Braille Group, how you can get involved in this group, and how to register your interest in one of their courses to start learning Braille.

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To start off, it’s competition time as we give away an Amazon Echo smart speaker to one lucky listener.

Next, we’re very exciting to tell you about the brand-new BlindShell Classic 2. An updated version of the internationally popular BlindShell Classic, this is a fully accessible phone for the blind and visually impaired community. The phone has a fully functional screen reader, a physical keypad, and a large print, high contrast, screen that is fully customisable. The Classic 2 adds in a heap of new apps (including WhatsApp) and features that make this great phone even better! To find out all we need to know about the phone we’re joined by Filip Hrdlička and Kristýna Savaryová from BlindShell.

Our attention then turns to mobile apps as we find out about the Supersense AI app available on iOS and Android. Harnessing the power of AI, this scanner app allows you to convert text to speech, identify currency, read documents, barcodes, and even explore your surroundings.

Finally, our regular panelists reveal their personal highlights from Live Events recorded over the year.

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Also on the show, we talk to Leonie Watson, director of Tetralogical, about W3C and WCAG 2.1 guidelines, as well as the notable developments of recent years that have contributed to advancements made in the world of accessibility and inclusivity.

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We also find out from Stephen all there is to know about the much-anticipated Surface Adaptive Kit being brought out by Microsoft to make its hardware more accessible. Showcased at the recent Microsoft Surface Event, the Adaptive Kit features a variety of tactile and high-contrast labels to help people with impaired vision identify keyboard keys, ports, and cables more easily.

Finally, we reveal our top tips and tricks to try out with the Apple HomePod Mini smart speaker, including making calls, sending texts, and playing music.

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We look back at some of the highlights from Apple’s recent ‘California Streaming’ event that introduced us to the iPhone 13 Series, the Apple Watch Series 7, a new iPad, and a new iPad mini.

NV Access has announced that version 2021.2 of NVDA, the free screen reader for Microsoft Windows, is now available for download. We find out what’s new in the latest release and how to update if you’re an existing NVDA user.

In our Tech News, we check out some updates set to come to Amazon Echo, including a new feature called ‘adaptive volume’ where Alexa will respond more loudly if it detects it’s in a noisy environment. We also find out how McDonalds is going to be adding a screen reader and tactile buttons to its self-order kiosks in US Stores, providing blind and vision impaired customers with full access to restaurant menus.

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We explore a range of CCTVs (closed circuit televisions) that enable many people with low vision to read printed materials. What are some of the key considerations when buying a CCTV? What other functions can they offer besides magnification? We reveal all on the show.

Ahead of Apple’s ‘California Streaming’ event later today and Microsoft’s ‘Surface’ event next Wednesday, we find out what new devices we can look forward to being unveiled by these two tech giants.

Finally, we provide tips on how to control and manage your cookie settings in the Chrome browser.

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We catch up with Dominique Farrell who shares with us her experience to date with using the recently released Microsoft Soundscape app. Finally, we are joined by David Nason who tells us how to play Fantasy Premier League on an iPhone with VoiceOver. Fantasy Premier League is a massively popular game based on the English Premier League, enjoyed by millions around the world.

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As the next step on the journey to enabling a more accessible Ireland for all, Microsoft Ireland announced the availability of Soundscape on iOS on Tuesday 3rd August. NCBI are thrilled to partner with Microsoft for the launch and celebrate their 51st Labs Live Event with a special edition of Microsoft Soundscape.

The Live Event includes special guests from the Microsoft Soundscape Team, NCBI Labs Technology Trainers and the National Access & Mobility Manager Chantelle Smith. Each brings a unique perspective of the benefits of the Soundscape app and how it can empower people who are blind or vision impaired to independently navigate the world around them with confidence, and we’re thrilled that it’s finally available in Ireland.

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On Seeing It Your Way we are joined by Breandan Ward who chats about his life in London and New York as a banker. Breandan, who is now a consultant on leadership development and disability empowerment, shares with us the role technology has played and continues to play in his day-to-day life.

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Also this week we find out how to create a shopping list with Alexa and discuss expectations with the recently announced Windows 11.

On Meet the Team we chat with Ann-Marie Walsh to find out about her role in NCBI. Ann-Marie is a Community Resource Worker based in Kilkenny.

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On Meet the Team we are joined by Lisa Brown to hear all about her role in NCBI. Lisa is a Community Resource Worker based in Kerry

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Also this week, we are joined by Martin Kelly from Kildare to find out about Audio Description, and how you can get involved in Sightless Cinema, a radio drama workshop for people with sight loss.

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Also this week, NCBI Labs IT Trainer Miriam Kelly provides us with a demonstration of how to use the rotor feature with VoiceOver that can help users navigate and control important functions on the iPhone and iPad.

Finally, we go through how to use the Voice Search feature in Google Chrome for smarter, more convenient web searching.

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Joining us this week to help answer these questions is Stephen Howell, Accessibility Lead for diversity and inclusion with Microsoft Ireland. If would you like to reach out to Stephen with your accessibility queries or suggestions you can email him at stephen.howell@microsoft.com.

Also this week, on Meet the Team we talk to our regular Live Event Host Jude Maher to find out all about his role in NCBI.

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We will also be joined by IT Trainer Brian Manning to hear all about the Virtual Technology Clubs that are being run throughout the country and hear from several participants who are involved in these clubs.

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• There are some changes on the way for our Technology Podcast and Stuart explains what’s happening.
• Sharon Lyons is along to continue her alphabet shortcuts series, this month we are exploring the letters L and M.
• We meet Dean Mills, who is actively using the Aira service in the UK, and gives us his first-hand experience.
• Eric Damery visited NCBI on July 13th and we bring you some highlights from his presentation.
• Stuart is joined by Sean Doran, a technology trainer at NCBI, who explains why we should move away from Microsoft Internet Explorer.
• Finally, we re-play an interview with the late Paul Traynor from March 2015.

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• Lucy Greco is with Stuart to talk about the recent release of Dictation Bridge, a solution offering a free link between your screen reader and the Microsoft Speech Recognition, or Dragon Naturally Speaking systems.
  • We have follow-up information regarding the availability of the FlickType app, which Dave Nason told us about last month.
• Stuart tells us about the Freedom Scientific seminar and huge giveaways, taking place at NCBI on July 13th.
• Rebecca Curtis from NCBI’s Library and Media service joins us to talk about the library’s production of Twin Vision books.
• Greg Stilson, product manager with Aira is here to tell us all about the service and explains how people in Ireland can now get involved in an exciting pilot test.
• Finally, NCBI’s Fionnuala Murphy is with Stuart to announce the winner of our podcast competition, which we launched in June.

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• Amie Hynes Fitzpatrick is with Stuart to talk about our podcast’s sixth birthday and we announce a special birthday competition and prize, thanks to our friends in Fujitsu Ireland.
• Sharon Lyons is along to continue her alphabet shortcut series, this month, we’re learning how shortcuts for the letters G and H work.
• Dave Nason is with Stuart to talk about a new iOS app called FlickType, which will no doubt make touch screen text entry way easier.
• Finally, we catch up with Cormac Todd from Fujitsu Ireland and Amie Hynes Fitzpatrick from NCBI, to chat about the NCBI and Fujitsu Ireland charity partnership, Fujitsu Ireland’s open mic night on June 13th and, we finish with a song from Cormac himself!

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• If you ever wanted to skip quickly between sections of our podcast now you can with our new chapters functionality, which Stuart explains. We’re anxious to get your feedback if you think this is a useful addition to your listening experience.
• Anne Marie Costelloe from ChildVision’s Family Resource Centre joins Stuart to talk about a major assistive technology exhibition happening on May 9th and 10th, and jointly hosted by NCBI and ChildVision.
• Amie Hynes Fitzpatrick has re-launched a wonderful blog that she started in college, and she’s here to tell us all about it.
• Sharon Lyons is back to continue her windows shortcut series, and this time we are learning about the windows key with letters C, D and M.
• Finally, Fionnuala Murphy, Head of Communications at NCBI is with Stuart to talk about the new accessible tactile voting template, which will be used in the up-coming referendum on May 25th.

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• Sharon Lyons returns to conclude her exploration of Google Docs, and highlights some of the really useful functions with the Accessibility menu of that application.
• We meet Róisín Dermody, who is embarking on a really exciting project to bring blind and low vision musicians together.
• Finally, Julie Rodaway introduces us to the recently released ElBraille Windows 10 portable computer.

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• Sharon Lyons is along to talk about collaboration using Google Docs. We hear a live demo of how this actually works between two people working on the one document at the very same time.
• Stuart demonstrates a Skill for the Amazon Alexa device called ‘News Over Audio’.
• Finally, following a technical glitch on our December podcast, we re-play an excerpt from Hector Minto’s presentation, given at the recent FreedomTech event in Dublin.

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• Sharon Lyons is back to introduce us to Google Docs, and she also has a lovely Christmas recipe to share!
• Stuart talks to Tina Paulick, who is a low vision user of iOS and who has some useful tips to share.
• Finally, we hear an excerpt from a presentation given by Microsoft’s Hector Minto, as part of the recent FreedomTech Assistive Technology Assembly, which took place in Dublin in November.

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• We’re checking in on our new podcast comment line, which has a few messages that we want to share. You can participate too by calling at any time on 01 8821930.
• Sharon Lyons is back to talk to Stuart about Google Drive and we continue our exploration of the Chromebook.
• Saleem Rahman, Dave Nason and Dónal Fitzpatrick are with Stuart to discuss all that is new in iOS 11, Apple’s latest mobile operating system, as well as to talk about the recently released and updated Apple hardware. Are any of these lads going to treat themselves to some new tech? Listen in and you’ll find out!
• Finally, Óran O’Neill takes us on a wonderful journey through the world of Visually Impaired Tennis. If you want to play or volunteer, contact Sarah O’Donohoe.
  If you’d like to donate or sponsor VI Tennis, get in touch with Clodagh O’Donovan.
  For any other questions you can contact Rahim Nazarali in Vision Sports Ireland.

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• We tell you how you can still participate in our up-coming seminar with VFO, even if you didn’t manage to get a ticket to attend the event.
• Amie Hynes Fitzpatrick is here to talk about the recently launched ViaOpta suite of apps, from Novartis.
• NCBI’s Junior MasterChef group bring us a very special report from our offices in Carrick-on-Shannon.
• Sharon Lyons is along to show us how to use Gmail with NVDA.
• Finally, Amie Hynes Fitzpatrick is back once again to tell us all about OrCam.

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• Darragh Ó Héiligh joins Stuart to talk about significant accessibility enhancements in Windows Narrator which are particularly evident as part of the most recent Creators update. Darragh has written about this subject on his blog.
• Stuart demonstrates the Dot Watch, the world’s first ever Braille smart watch.
• Sharon Lyons is here for another installment of shortcuts, this month we continue our exploration of Windows 10 tweaks.
• Finally, Tina Paulick joins Stuart from Galway to tell us about a very exciting photography workshop taking place in Dublin on July 8th and 9th. Anyone who is interested can find out more information here and get in touch by email to register.

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• We announce details of our first ever Virtual Technology Club, which is having its inaugural meeting on Thursday April 6th.
• Sharon Lyons is back to introduce us to a little-known feature in the Microsoft Office suite called ‘Speak’.
• Stuart meets Jackie Brown, who has recently written a book entitled ‘Braille on Display’ and which can be purchased online.
• Finally, Kerie Doyle is here to tell us why she’s ditched her iPhone and moved to using an Android device.

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• Stuart meets Eleanor Murchan, a transition year student from Navan, who is entering this year’s BT Young Scientist competition.
• Sharon Lyons is back, this time to officially launch her new website, and we learn that there’s more to Sharon’s Shortcuts than a slot on this podcast!
• Finally, Joan O’Donnell, Siobhan Long and Christina McCarthy feature on recordings that we made at the recent launch of an Assistive Technology Discussion Paper, jointly authored by Enable Ireland and the Disability Federation of Ireland.

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• Sean Randall from the British Computer Association of the Blind in the UK joins Stuart to talk about a number of online seminars that are being planned in the coming months.
• Sharon Lyons is back to talk about a recent radio training course in which she participated with Dublin City FM, which lead to her being interviewed on their Mediascope programme! We also talk about listening to radio online and mention the EasyLinks website.
• Dave Nason is back to talk about Apple’s new Airpods, which he has recently purchased and has reviewed on his blog.
• Finally, we meet Dimitri, an app developer from Athens, who has written a talking calculator called CobU for Android devices.

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• We’ve information about a free and very special Christmas concert with the Visionaries Choir and Vocal Harmony, taking place on Tuesday December 20th, and we bring you information on an introductory Braille Music workshop in early January.
• Kim O’Leary from our equipment shop in Head Office is with Stuart and has some great Christmas suggestions if you still need to buy presents.
• We’re back with Sharon Lyons, to conclude our Windows Alphabet series, and, as well as her usual computer shortcuts, Sharon has a few Christmas shortcuts of her own!
• Finally, Stuart talks to Cathal Joyce, the man behind a new and very popular website called Must Be Christmas which is well worth a visit to get you in the festive mood!

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• Stuart is joined by Andrea Gerino from Italy, who has just launched Invisible Puzzle, a new iOS game, on the App Store.
• We hear excerpts from our recent seminar with Freedom Scientific’s Eric Damery, who gives us some info on up-coming features in JAWS 18, which will be released later this year.
• Finally, Martin Lawlor is with Stuart to introduce us to the milestone 312 accessible MP3 player and recorder, which also includes an FM radio.

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