In this weeks Talking Tech, Stephen gives a warning about the potential of the Sonos app update May 7 in the US not being accessible with VoiceOver.

Stephen catch’s up with Sam Taylor (ATC) from the Va Brisbane office on a general discussion about assistive and main stream tech.

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This week Stephen revisits a program from late last year in conversation with David on the technology advances in 2024.

Notes from 26th December 2023:

What is Computer Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In simple terms, it is making computers think like Humans.

Eg recognising speech, making decision, and recognising patterns etc.

General examples of Computer AI

Advanced Web Search Engines.

Recommendation systems.

Virtual assistance.

Speech recognition.

Automatic translation.

Automatic audio translation.

Automated speech synthesis.

Smart home.

Predictive maintenance.

Natural language processing.

Super play.

Content creation.

Image recognition.

Automated image generation.

Automated music composition.

Automated text summary.

Face detection.

Spell checking.

Word suggestions.

Weather prediction.

Cyber Security.

Medical diagnosis..

Health and well being.

Automated customer service.

Trains.

Shipping.

Aviation.

Automatic Driving Assistance.

Self driving cars.

Autonomous Drones.

Robotics.

Examples Of Computer AI for Blind or Low Vision

Object recognition.

Distance from objecgts.

Indoor navigation.

Scene description.

Currency detection.

Colour detection.

Light detection.

People detection.

Hand writing recognition.

Optical Character recognition (OCR).

Word prediction..

Bar or QR code detection.

Voice control.

Examples of Handy AI Apps for Blind or Low Vision Folks

Assistive Tech

Seeing AI (various channels/Options).

Be-My-Eyes (Virtual Assistant feature).

Envision.

Magnifier on iOS (door, People, text, and obstacle detection).

Chat GPT.

Bing/Copilot.

Bard.

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Product Minute: Envoy Connect Audio Player for the Vision Australia Library

Straightforward and easy to use with the Windows Kiosk application to access books and download to the plugged in player. Then unplug, and enjoy your audio book.

Remember, the Vision Australia Library is open to anyone with a print disability, and the Vision Store is available to anyone interested in vision related products such as the Envoy Connect.

Contact the Vision Australia library or Vision Store via the main 1300 847 466 number.

https://shop.visionaustralia.org/envoy-connect-audio-player-for-va-library.html

Honda Audio Scene Detection App for Travelling in the car

The beta of this app sounds quite amazing for blind or low vision car travellers who want to know what is happening around the vehicle when traveling. Computer Vision, AI, GPS, weather etc all rolled in to one experience.

Currently in beta.

https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-automobiles/releases/new-ai-based-honda-scenic-audio-app-will-help-make-the-joy-of-the-journey-accessible-to-the-blind-and-visually-impaired

Vision Australia and Acoustic Vehicle Audio System (AVAS) for Electric Vehicles

Fantastic to see Vision Australia’s extensive hard work over the last 5 years paying off getting the AVAS in to legislation for electric vehicles travelling under 25KPH for blind and low vision Australians.

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2024-04-19/vision-australia-commends-federal-governments-move-mandate-acoustic

aple Accessibility Update 2024 Online Event - Make it Yours, register for either May 1, 2, 8 or 9 for a one hour Session

Multiple dates/times, and various accessibility options such as CC or AD.

Always great to get an update or refresher on accessibility.

I think Apple is getting in early or GAAD (Global Accessibility Awareness Day) later on in May.

https://events.apple.com/content/events/anz/au/en/default.html?token=xww6uj7woR0X9A3c8a4GQkNVdHioJeacopALBwoa3Nf9qRbkVl1f2R7bxjPU29UduZhb5czMzvZ9JEnGCAWlUFwYp_VRfv60aevvydumHi_QB-xfBuh_fjKoLcaRgBQ960JADmFvS09e1L-9pugzkuFIT6bQ&a=1&Locale=en_AU&l=e

WeWALK Zoom Webinar on the New WeWalk, 2, US April 25 6PM GMT.

Looking forward myself to finding out about the new features in this sonar smart cane with associated smart phone app.

Link is to register.

As far as we can tell, this is on very early Aussie time on the 26th of April at 3AM.

Here is hoping that they will post the webinar afterwards for folks to enjoy.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHNQH9uwcb6kp8K1m7aoBubxvncqozcPZ5T31JIlV4uy17zg/viewform

Leather case now available for pre-order for the BT speak.

Great to see this pre-order happening to keep your BT Speak protected with an excellent case from Turtle Back..

https://turtlebacklv.com/products/blazie-bt-speak-fitted-leather-case-with-protective-key-cover-and-strap-by-turtleback

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