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...
Apr 24, 2018•57 min•Ep. 224
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.
Apr 20, 2018•8 min
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: tf...
Apr 17, 2018•6 min
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.
Apr 17, 2018•58 min•Ep. 223
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.
Apr 10, 2018•58 min•Ep. 222
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….
Apr 03, 2018•18 min
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...
Apr 03, 2018•7 min
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
Apr 03, 2018•8 min
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.
Apr 03, 2018•58 min•Ep. 221
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
Mar 29, 2018•8 min
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
Mar 27, 2018•58 min•Ep. 220
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... #RNIBConnec...
Mar 26, 2018•14 min
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 ...
Mar 26, 2018•12 min
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
Mar 20, 2018•12 min
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 ...
Mar 20, 2018•58 min•Ep. 219
As driverless cars start to being their testing in the UK we ask if blind and partially sighted people could one day use this technology to enhance their mobility. Steven Scott visited an exhibition and display of driverless vehicles, including the new Tesla Model X, and even had a chance to try it out for himself. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk
Mar 13, 2018•15 min
On this week’s show, Steven and Shaun are joined by Lydia Hulme to review the week’s news in technology. There’s also a chance to find out how Steven got on as he was introduced to the latest fully autonomous car from Tesla at an event highlighting the future of such vehicles in Birmingham. There’s also more of our listener emails. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk
Mar 13, 2018•58 min•Ep. 218
This week Steven, Shaun and Tim discuss the new Microsoft Soundscape app that blind people are talking about – a new app that helps blind people better understand their environment. Also, listener Matthew Horspool gives his thoughts on the new Apple HomePod, and we hear from long time listener Dave who called in to share his thoughts on screenreaders for the PC. Plus there’s news and your emails.
Mar 06, 2018•58 min•Ep. 217
On this week’s show Steven and Shaun are joined by new co-host Lydia Hulme once again. The trio are joined by Peter Gurney from Calibre Audio Library to respond to listeners’ concerns about their new app, plus listener Garth Humphries shares his first thoughts of the new Apple HomePod. There’s also a look at the latest news plus Claire Potter joins Steven to offer her latest Potters Picks.
Feb 27, 2018•58 min•Ep. 216
Steven Scott presents a special report into cyber security and offers advice to blind and partially sighted people about how to stay safe online. Steven hears from former head of GCHQ, Robert Hannigan, and blind tech expert Scott Charles. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk
Feb 21, 2018•5 min
If you've always fancied a smartphone but think they're too complicated or difficult to use, why not consider the Blindshell mobile? It's available from RNIB and offers a simpler user interface than iPhones and Android devices. You can find out more about it by clicking on the following link http://shop.rnib.org.uk/catalog/product/view/id/29628/s/blindshell-2-talking-accessible-smartphone Paul Porter from RNIB told Steven Scott about the product in this extended interview. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk...
Feb 21, 2018•8 min
On this week’s show we hear about how to stay safe online and offer tips on how to avoid online cyber criminals getting hold of your data. RNIB Technology Officer Paul Porter talks about the Blindshell mobile smartphone as an alternative to Apple and Android, and we read through the week’s news in tech as well as respond to your emails. And let’s not forget Claire Potter who joins us again with another selection of her Potter’s Picks.
Feb 20, 2018•58 min•Ep. 215
Steven Scott picks out eight items that he thinks can make your home super-smart in 2018! #RNIBConnect #TechTalk
Feb 13, 2018•11 min
Find out about the best ways to contact technology companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon if you are blind or partially sighted and are having problems with your computer, tablet or phone. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk
Feb 13, 2018•5 min
This week Steven Scott is joined by Shaun Preece and Tim Schwartz to discuss this week's news in tech. This week there's a look at the growing list of ways disabled people can get in touch directly with technology companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon, and their new dedicated departments for access tech. Also, there's a look at ways we can make our home smarter in 2018 with a look at smart gadgets that could really benefit blind and partially sighted people. RNIB volunteer Claire...
Feb 13, 2018•57 min•Ep. 214
If you have purchased or are considering purchasing an Amazon tablet and would benefit from using a screen reader, you should try out VoiceView. The software is built into the device and can help you use the technology more easily if you are severely sight impaired. Steven Scott explores the screenreader and explains how to use it to its fullest. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk
Feb 08, 2018•15 min
This week Steven and Shaun meet new co-host Lydia Hume to discuss the week's news in tech. Also, former regular guest Julie Rodaway returns to tell us about the El Braille device, and Claire Potter suggests some good ideas for lighting around the home in her Potter's Picks. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk
Feb 06, 2018•58 min•Ep. 213
On this week’s show Steven is joined by Tim and Shaun again to talk about the week in tech news. Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet shows us yet another skill for our Amazon Echo device and Claire is back with another round of Potter’s Picks – this week she gives our listeners new ways to contribute to the show with low-priced tech.
Jan 30, 2018•57 min•Ep. 212
On this week’s show, Steven is joined by Shaun and Tim to discuss the latest news in tech. There’s a guide to using Voiceview software on the Amazon Fire Tablet plus a new segment highlighting the various skills that you can use on your Amazon Echo. Plus Claire Potter returns for another of her Potter’s Picks – this week it’s all about hobbies!
Jan 23, 2018•58 min•Ep. 211
Steven Scott is joined by Tim Schwartz to talk about the news from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last week. There is also an extended interview this week with Ian Hughes from the company Associated Optical, which sells among its many and varied range of magnification products, the new eSight glasses that the company who makes them in Canada claims can restore 20/20 vision to those with certain eye conditions. Potter's Picks is also back with some important products for those who are...
Jan 16, 2018•58 min•Ep. 210
