Join Jessica, James, and Nelson for another Cool Picks as they discuss the latest happenings in accessible tech!
Android
TalkBack 5.2 Public Beta is Now Available for Download.
The Google accessibility team released a public beta version of TalkBack 5.2 for people running Android Lollypop or higher. The interesting features now are a new verbosity setting that lets you control the amount of spoken feedback your device relays, and new earcons that are much more pleasant than the extremely annoying sounds in the previous version for some. I might be able to run TalkBack with the sounds on.
If you would like to try out the beta version of TalkBack 5.2, first join the Eyes-Free Google Group, receiving posts from this group is not a requirement. Sign up to become a Talkback beta tester.
New Features in Android O First Developer Preview.
Android enthusiasts, this is a great time for you. Android O first developer preview is now available for installation via flashing to your device. The Pixel, PixelXL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C tablet are the devices that are eligible to begin testing the first preview of Android O. The over the air Android Beta version of Android O should be available for the second preview coming in May.
How to Back up a Pixel Phone and Enroll it in the Android Beta Program
Google is offering some users the opportunity to get a sneak preview of Android Nougat 7.1.2. To take advantage of this offer, you must enroll in the Android Beta program and have an eligible device.
To enroll, just visit android.com/beta and provide your Google sign in credentials.
The following devices are eligible at this time.
VIP: CSUN 2017 Special Event!
In this very special VIP, Joel Ramos, Hugo Gallegos, and Rachel Feinberg tell us all about their exciting experiences at this year’s Assistive Technology Conference, hosted by California State University Northridge.
CBT Live From #CSUNATC17: Braille Sense Polaris, A Braille Display, and an Android Tablet
Hugo Gallegos speaks with Damian Pickering, Vice President of Sales at HIMS Incorporated, about the new Braille Sense Polaris.
The Braille Sense Polaris is the first Virtual Braille Tablet for the blind. Polaris is the latest in the popular BrailleSense Notetaker family and features state-of-the-art hardware and software including Android’s Lollipop operating system and the name-sake Polaris Office Suite found on millions of Smart Phones worldwide. Polaris integrates a touch-sensitive Braille display with Miracast connectivity to the mainstream computer or tablet of your choice. At less than 2 pounds, Polaris is a sleek, professional mobile tool seamlessly blending the feel of a traditional Notetaker with innovative access to mainstream applications and Google Services such as Docs, Drive, Slides, Sheets, and Classroom.
CBT Live From #CSUNATC17: NuEyes ODG Smart glasses, A Hands-Free Device for the Visually Impaired
Hugo Gallegos speaks with Regina from NuEyes who introduces us to a whole new way to view the world.
NuEyes smart glasses are voice activated magnification glasses with optical character recognition and text to speech software built in.
How To Enable the Google Assistant on a Nexus 5
The Google Assistant is Google’s new virtual assistant—as well as an improvement to Google Now. It can do most things you’d expect from a virtual assistant such as answering questions or performing a search. Just like with Alexa, there are even third-party skills being added to the Google Assistant—making it even smarter! It’s also one of many reasons Google hopes you will buy the Pixel phone. That’s right. Unfortunately, the Google Assistant is only officially available on the pixel and the pixel XL, as well as on the Google Home speaker.
Taking a Look at the Features Available on the Google Home Voice Activated Speaker.
Google released the Google Home, which is a voice activated speaker that can control your smart home devices, play your music, answer your questions about almost anything, stream the news from sources you select, and so much more.
In this episode, James Oates tells us how to setup the Google Home, and walks us through the Google Home app on his Pixel phone. Here he shows us all the different configuration options available for the Google Home. The Google Assistant is built-in to the Google Home, and it is amazing how many things it can do.
Cool Picks: February 24, 2017
Tune in to this jam packed show where James Oates with fellow hosts Joel Ramos and Nelson Régo let you in on their latest Cool Picks.
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