VIP: Setting Assistive Tech on Fire!

March 15, 2017 10:27 pm

In this VIP, Joel Ramos, Hugo Gallegos, and Jessica “Fyre” Rickards tell us all about what is burning up the Assistive Tech World.

Cool Picks

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Anker PowerCore+ 26800 Power Bank with Qualcomm Quick 2.0 and PowerPort+ 1 with Quick Charge 3.0 Wall Charger

SoundSource gives you one place to go for all Mac’s most important audio controls

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About Joel Ramos

Joel Ramos joined Cool Blind Tech in November of 2015. He hails from sunny Southern California and works for a major financial institution. A self-taught geek on Windows, Mac, and Linux, he has also been a DJ for over 20 years, having ditched the old-school vinyl for digital turntables. When not on adventures with his two kids, he can often be found taking on long distance runs or obstacle courses that push him to the limit.

The Android Crew Premiere – Metal Bodies and Virtual Magnets

For our first show, the Android Crew, Greg Lopez, Tomi Geczy, Brandon Cross and Cory Martin all meet to hash out the latest Android happenings, starting with new hardware announced at Mobile World Congress.

The crew starts out with the Samsung Galaxy S6 by discussing the pros and cons of the drastic new design.

Here are a few links to some of the items which they discussed:

Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge reportedly facing touchscreen issues – SamMobile https://is.gd/Y7hOc1

Here is a link to the new accessibility features for the galaxy S6 https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!topic/eyes-free/bpaJIotS1kE
Here is a PDF for the Samsung S6 manual that talks about the accessibility features https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201503/20150303094626458/SM-G920F_UM_EU_Lollipop_Eng_Rev.1.0_150302.pdf

The new Loop Pay on the S6 looks possibly better than other NFC-based payment options, offering backward compatibility with existing point-of-sale hardware. Loop Pay on S6: https://www.nfcworld.com/2015/03/01/334371/samsung-unveils-galaxy-s6-with-nfc-and-looppay-mobile-payments/

S6/S6 Edge available via US and Canadian carriers on 4/10/2015, prices still unknown
https://mobilesyrup.com/2015/03/10/samsung-galaxy-s6-gold-canada/

Wireless charging and Fast Charge 2.0 technologies are contrasted, speed versus convenience?

It is suggested that wireless charging might be detrimental to battery-life. One of the sources of this information came from the Wikipedia article provided here. Wireless charging may generate additional heat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging

Finally, it was unanimously decided that the Samsung Galaxy S6 would make an excellent choice for those considering switching to Android from other platforms.

The S6 wasn’t the only cool phone announced, with HTC and their M9 now boasting a 20 Megapixel camera and 2800 MA battery which might be important for another soon to be announced app: https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/htc-one-m9-what-we-want-to-see-1266545

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At finally long last, Blind Bargains brings us an interview from CSUN where it is suggested that the KNFB Reader app might soon be coming to Android: https://www.blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=12451

Those monster megapixel cameras on these Android phones might soon be a very important tool for us who are blind or visually impaired.

For those of us who might need to conserve the cash, the new Motorola E now has LTE, 4.5 inch screen, 5 MP camera, yet has no flash according to All about Android
It is suggested that the phone may have a price-point of $150.00 US.

If you’re in to unusual, you might enjoy the Alcatel One-Touch Idol-3
Handset with earpiece on front at top and bottom. Check out this article, Alcatel OneTouch Idol 3 can take phone calls even when upside down https://www.engadget.com/2015/03/01/alcatel-onetouch-idol-3/

Finally, if you’re a fan of the stock droid experience, All Huawei phones released are running stock android: https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/3/8140837/huawei-watch-design-interview-mwc-2015

What will be laid to rest is the Google Nexus 5 according to this article, Nexus 5 no longer for sale https://www.cnet.com/news/google-puts-the-kibosh-on-nexus-5-sales/

Of course, the Apple Watch may have some competition as the Samsung Gear series of watches appear to come with similar accessibility features including a built-in screen-reader, negative colors and a privacy screen option among many others, check out the links to some details on the Samsung Gear accessibility features:
Samsung Gear S Specs: https://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/gears/gears_specs.html

Samsung Gear S Accessibility User Guide: https://eguides.sprint.com/support/eguides/samsunggears/index.html#samsung_gear_s_ug/accessibility_settings.html

Of course, if you’re in to the immersive experience, the HTC Vibe definitely has you covered with a whole series of sensors to track your movement.

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In other news, a recent Talkback Update brings it to Version 4.1.0.5 providing a number of important improvements such as improved charging notifications that are now spoken, decreased audio latency and increased responsiveness, along with a series of fixes to web views.
A link to a change log provided by Blind Bargains is here: https://blindbargains.com/bargains.php?m=12467

Additionally, Android 5.1 was released, check out what’s new: https://www.androidcentral.com/whats-new-android-51-some-big-and-small-changes-updated-lollipop-release

Finally, check out our Cool Pics:
Greg
Nova Launcher: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher&hl=en
Tomi
Xmp Mod Player: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.helllabs.android.xmp&hl=en
Brandon
Podcast Addict: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bambuna.podcastaddict&hl=en
Cory
Inpris Super Braille Keyboard: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.upsense.keyboard.twohands&hl=en

Be sure to give this show a listen to hear all about the latest Android action!

Please be sure to get in touch with the Android Crew if you have any comments, questions or suggestions about this show or future shows, they would love to hear from you!