Talking Technology with NCBI Labs

Many of our listeners will be familiar with Be My AI, the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool integrated into the popular Be My Eyes app. We discuss the news this week that the beta version of their AI tool has started blocking images with faces due to privacy concerns. What does this mean for users of this feature? 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. Support the show

David, Joe, and Mairead discuss all the new announcements from Apple’s September 2023 Wanderlust Event. Support the show

Join us on the show this week as we discuss some of the latest accessible health tech innovations for people with sight loss. Discover talking bathroom scales, smart scales from Withings, diabetes-friendly glucose monitoring systems like freestyle Libre and Dexcom, and smartwatch picks that prioritise accessibility. 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. Support the show

Be My Eyes, a revolutionary app for the blind and low-vision community, has been connecting users with volunteers for assistance with everyday tasks since 2012. The service currently has over 6 million active volunteers in over 150 countries and is available in over 180 languages. 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. Support the show

On the show this week we are delighted to share with you exciting news of the upcoming release of the Soundscape Community app. 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. Support the show

On the show this week we take a dive into the features of the BlindShell talking mobile phones. With 3 BlindShell models to choose from, these phones feature a fully functional screen reader, a physical keypad, and a large-print, high-contrast screen that is fully customisable. To find out all we need to know about these accessible phones we’re joined by Filip Hrdlička from BlindShell. On Meet the Team we speak with Dorian Salzmann who recently joined the Labs team as a Technology Trainer. Support the show

In this podcast episode, we dive into the accessibility features and functionalities of Apple TV 4K. From voice control options to closed captions and audio descriptions, discover how Apple TV 4K ensures an inclusive and enjoyable entertainment experience for everyone. 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. Support the show

On the show this week we discover the power of three smart home powerhouses: the Roborock S6 Max V Smart Vacuum, the Amazon Echo Show 15, and the Google Nest Hub Max. We first discuss the convenience of automated cleaning with Roborock, before comparing the two biggest smart displays on the market: the Amazon Echo Show 15 and the Google Nest Hub Max. Which is the best smart display for you? Join us as we explore these cutting-edge devices and learn how they can smarten up your home! Support the show

This week we reflect on highlights from Apple’s WWDC 2023 keynote that saw the announcement of the Apple Vision Pro headset, the 15-inch MacBook Air, new versions of the Mac Pro and Mac Studio, iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and more. In the final part of our iOS to Android series, Kyran O’Mahoney and Mairead O’Mahony tell us about the switch from their beloved iPhones to a Google Pixel Pro and Samsung Z Flip 4. Are they missing their iPhones or have they officially converted to Android? Last month marked the one-year anniversary of the official launch of Inclusion and Accessibility Labs. We find out about the significant strides the IA Labs team has made in improving digital accessibility for all over the last 12 months. Support the show

In our Braille special podcast this week we are joined by the following guests: 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. Support the show

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. It has become a tradition for tech companies to announce accessibility improvements on this important day, and we’ve already seen exciting announcements from Apple to kick off proceedings. 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. Support the show

In many ways, video games allow consumers to escape their world and experience things that would otherwise be impossible. 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? Support the show

In many ways, video games allow consumers to escape their world and experience things that would otherwise be impossible. 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? Support the show

In the latest episode of Talking Technology we return with more product reviews. Michael Griffith from Dublin gives us an insight into his experience with the Apple AirTag that can help locate misplaced items such as keys, wallets, luggage, backpacks, and in his case even the TV remote! There are lots of different power banks on the market, however many of them are not accessible. Mairead in the Labs team has been trying out the Energrid Accessible Portable Power Bank and shares her thoughts. David brings us news of the new TFI Live App that replaces the Real Time Ireland and Journey Planner apps. Joe talks about new accessibility features and enhancements introduced to the iPhone in iOS 16.4, and finally Daniel introduces us to Microsoft’s PowerToys. This collection of free utilities for Windows are a toolbelt to accomplish many common tasks. Support the show

Android or iOS – we all have our platform of choice when it comes to choosing the right smartphone. On the show this week we’re re-joined by NCBI Labs Chief Technology Officer Kyran O’Mahoney who shares with us the next part of his journey from switching from his iPhone to a Google Pixel Pro. Likewise, Mairead O’Mahony in the Labs teams has been taking a break from her iPhone to try out the Samsung Z 4 Flip phone. Are they missing their iPhones or have they already converted to Android? 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. Support the show

Android or iOS. Everyone has their platform of choice when it comes to choosing a smartphone. On the show this week we’re joined by NCBI Labs Chief Technology Officer Kyran O’Mahoney who shares with us the first part of his journey from switching from his beloved iPhone to a Google Pixel Pro. We’re also joined by Mairead O’Mahony who has made the switch from her iPhone to a Samsung A13. What are their initial thoughts? 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. Support the show

The ARX Vision headset is a wearable device aimed at helping blind and visually impaired people to interact with the visual world around them using a camera and AI. On the show this week we’re joined by David Nason who has been trying out this headset and shares his thoughts. 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. Support the show

On the show this week we take time to acknowledge and celebrate some of the women in technology who have been making strides in the field of digital accessibility and inclusion. We’re first joined by Rebecca Rosenberg, developer of the ReBokeh app that works much like an augmented reality filter for real life, allowing users to customise how they see their world through their smartphone. 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. Support the show

The evolving concept of smart homes is becoming a game changer for many people with sight loss as more and more smart home appliances enter the market. On the show this week we speak with Deirdre Feehilly who with her son Oisín has been trying out the Roborock S6 MaxV intelligent robot vacuum cleaner. Joe has been checking the accessibility of the Cosori smart air-fryer, while David gives us an insight into the Google Nest Protect smoke and CO alarm. We also discuss the new Indoor Navigation feature introduced to the popular Seeing AI app from Microsoft. Support the show

The power and potential of a new technology called ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence chatbot from OpenAI, have led some to claim it heralds a new era in computing. On the show this week David has an exclusive interview with ChatGPT (that’s right a chatbot) you’ll definitely not want to miss. 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. Support the show