Tech Talk Features

This week we decided to catch up on our email inbox and get through more of your emails. Steven Scott is joined by Shaun Preece and Lydia Hulme and we also hear more of your Weekly Whines as well as some of the latest news in tech. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

'Technology for Life' team's Paul Porter brings us his latest accessible technology review. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley, Paul takes a closer look at FlickType, a keyboard app for Apple devices aimed to help visually impaired people get the best typing experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: tfl@rnib.org.uk

This week Steven and Shaun are joined by Tim again to discuss the week in tech news. This week there is a special announcement about Aira glasses and we hear your weekly whines about technology. Also we meet Ian White from Orcam to hear about their latest product - the My Eye 2.0\. And of course there are your emails which are always welcome. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Imagine a world where you can try out the latest technology in a setting that is as close to your own home as possible. That’s exactly what St Vincent’s school in Liverpool have done.  Along with partners, they have built a smart house which showcases assistive technology and how it can support people with visual impairments to live more independently. Danielle Colcolmbe from RNIB went along to see the house for herself and to share her experience with us.

'Technology for Life' team's Paul Porter brings us his latest accessible technology review. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley, Paul investigates the free reading app, Eye-D and tells us whether it's worth giving it a try. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: tfl@rnib.org.uk

On this week's show Steven and Shaun are joined by Lydia Hulme to discuss the news in tech. The team discuss the recent report by the Department of Work and Pensions that has various suggestions on how to improve disabled people's access to assistive technology. There's also a chat with listener Gary Eady who got in touch with the show to tell us about a new online resource he is creating to help people learn how to use software such as Jaws and Voiceover. There's also more of your emails and in the news there's a story about a visually impaired woman from London who has come up with a new design for a baby buggy that borrows technology from driverless cars! #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

The British Computer Association of the Blind has been around for a number of years and now has a new Chair. Jackie Brown has taken up the role, and Tech Talk contributor Claire Potter spoke to her to find out more about the organisation.

Following recent concerns over security and data protection on social media platforms like Facebook, Madleen Mann from RNIB’s Technology for Life team discusses these concerns and offers some advice on how to keep our privacy protected online. Madleen spoke to the host of Afternoon Edition, Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: tfl@rnib.org.uk

This week Steven, Shaun and Tim are talking about their technology woes, including issues with audio description and accessibility of apps.  There's also an interview with Claire Potter speaking to Jackie Brown, Chair of BCAB.  Plus there's lots of news around tech and more of your emails.

This week the team discuss Steven’s attempt at using an Android phone and he shares what he has been spending his hard earned tech money on. There’s also the latest news including improvements to Windows 10 accessibility and rumours of the new iPhones that will be coming in June.

Blind and partially-sighted people have always loved their sport, whether it's football or rugby, tennis or golf. But is sport fully accessible to blind people? David Tanner who's reported on sport for both TV and radio for many years and provides audio described commentary, looks at how the service differs between sports, finds out how blind fans feel about the service they receive, and if there is any way it can be improved further….

RNIB's technology Officer Madleen Mann reviews the Amazon Echo, which is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa (voice-controlled assistant) to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read the news, set alarms and more. Madleen is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: tfl@rnib.org.uk

RNIB's technology Officer Paul Porter reviews the Hive Active Heating App, which is a thermostat that allows you to control your heating and hot water from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: tfl@rnib.org.uk

On this week's show Steven, Shaun and Tim are back together again discussing the week in tech news.  They discuss the recent Apple education event as well as the controversy around Facebook that is causing concern to their users.  There's also a chance to meet Sharon Lyons who produces information around how to use the computer without a keyboard using software such as Google's Chrome operating system, and there's more of your emails.

Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Tristan Parker from E-Access Bulletin.  We discuss some of the topics, ahead of the release of the next issue of the free monthly bulletin, focusing on assistive technology.  This month's topics include, the new Soundscape GPS app from Microsoft and Guide dogs, assistive tech awards & much more.  #RNIBConnect

This week the team find about the latest version of RNIB In Your Pocket in a special episode where Steven Scott attended the launch of the new device in London. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

The UK charity Guide Dogs has teamed up with global tech giant Microsoft to develop and release a new app for blind and partially sighted people. Soundscape is a new slant on personal GPS and uses 3D sound to build an audio picture of your surroundings as you walk, or travel in a vehicle. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jenny Cook, from Guide Dogs, and Jarnail Chudge, From Microsoft, to learn more about the free app, which is available via the Apple App Store right now... #RNIBConnect

The Welcome app has been designed by Edinburgh based tech solutions company NeateBox to improve the provision of service to customers with disabilities.  The app is set up by the user and when they approach a venue with the tech installed, the customer service representatives or staff are alerted to their arrival and any special requirements the customer has prioritised.  The versatile app is being used for shops, visitor attractions, transport hubs and much, much more.  RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate, founder of the company, to learn more about the app and the latest venue to recognise the positive applications it can provide...  #RNIBConnect

Mark Evans from RNIB’s Technology For Life team reviews the latest ‘Beats Studio 3' wireless headphones. Mark is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: tfl@rnib.org.uk

On this week's show, Steven goes AWOL and leaves Tim and Shaun to carry the can, but can they cope?  Well it appears that they can as they discuss a new accessible science museum in Manchester specifically aimed at young blind and partially sighted people. Also on the menu is a review of RNIB in your Pocket ahead of its launch next week and Claire Potter speaks to accessible technology company VI Tech Solutions about the products they sell, plus there's news about CSUN in San Diego plus and lots more. #RNIBConnect #RNIBTechTalk