In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses the importance of accessibility features in Windows and demonstrates how to access and use the Ease of Access Center. In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses the importance of accessibility features in Windows and demonstrates how to access and use the Ease of Access Center. He explores various options under the Vision, Hearing, and Interaction categories, such as text size, visual effects, mouse pointer customization, magnifier, color filters, contrast th...
Aug 29, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 23
In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses how to supercharge apps on an iPhone using Apple Shortcuts. He explains that apps are what enable blind individuals to do various tasks on their smartphones, and Apple Shortcuts allows users to create scripts to automate app functions. Shaun walks through the step-by-step process of setting up shortcuts and assigning gestures to activate them. He demonstrates how to create a shortcut for the Be My Eyes app and assign a two-finger swipe to activate it. Shau...
Jul 25, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 22
The Be My Eyes app is now available for Windows, specifically for the AI feature. Be My Eyes is an app that allows users to create a video call with a sighted volunteer for assistance. It has evolved to include artificial intelligence (AI) functionality called Be My AI, which can provide descriptions of images. The Windows app offers four main options: describe the screen, describe a picture taken using the built-in camera, describe a picture from file explorer, and describe the clipboard. The A...
Jun 27, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses the process of finding files, folders, and websites on a Windows computer using a screen reader, as well as navigating File Explorer and creating shortcuts. He provides tips and demonstrations on using the Start menu, File Explorer, and keyboard shortcuts to efficiently locate and access files and folders. Additionally, he demonstrates the creation of desktop shortcuts for files, folders, and websites, along with assigning keyboard shortcuts to these short...
May 30, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode, Shaun discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential benefits for blind or visually impaired individuals. Showcasing the “Pi” AI service as a voice assistant that can answer questions, create emails, offer recommendations and much more. Highlights Show Open (00:00) Artificial Intelligence for the Blind & Partially Sighted (00:20) Using “Pi” as AI Voice Assistant (02:16) 2 Ways to Use Pi (03:50) Using “Talk with Pi” (04:25) Pi Helps Draft a Letter (6:10) Pi Gives Ke...
Apr 25, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Takeaways It is important to test your internet speed to ensure you are getting what you are paying for. WiFi routers play a crucial role in delivering internet speed throughout your home. Mesh networks can provide better WiFi coverage and eliminate dead spots. When choosing a router, consider factors such as speed, coverage, and performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context 01:28 Importance of Internet Speed 03:22 Comparison of Google Nest and Netgear Orbi 05:20 Explanation o...
Mar 28, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, Shaun Preece discusses the benefits of using biometric security, specifically fingerprint recognition, on Windows computers; discovering that biometric security is more effective than using passwords or PIN codes and more convenient. Shaun demonstrates how to add a USB fingerprint reader to a computer and set up fingerprint recognition in Windows settings, emphasizing the affordability and ease of use of the Arcanite fingerprint reader. Shaun also mentions t...
Feb 29, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Join Shaun Preece as he explores the importance of learning Braille for blind or visually impaired individuals. Despite the advancements in technology, Shaun highlights the benefits of being able to read and write in Braille. He shares his personal journey and regrets for not learning Braille earlier, and discusses its potential uses in education and employment. Shaun also reviews four Braille learning apps: Braille Academy, Braille Decoded, Pocket Braille, and Bump Bump Braille Learn, providing...
Jan 25, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 16
On this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece explores the hand gestures feature of the Apple Watch, a game-changer for users who are blind or partially sighted. Shaun guides listeners through setting up and using pinch and clench gestures for easy navigation without needing to touch the screen. His practical tips, combined with personal anecdotes from his travels, make this episode an engaging and informative guide on enhancing accessibility with Apple technology. Highlights: Show Ope...
Dec 28, 2023•14 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode of Shaun of the Shed I'll be showing you how we can use artificial intelligence to get amazingly detailed descriptions of any photos we take. Want to know exactly the colour and design of that T-shirt you're about to put on? Not a problem. Want to identify that mysterious can in your cupboard and get cooking instructions? Not a problem. You can even take multiple pictures of a menu and then ask questions such as “What are the vegetarian dishes?” etc. Learn all about how the new a...
Nov 30, 2023•24 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Episode Description: In this episode of Shaun of the Shed I'm talking about a new update to the popular screen reader NVDA. The update adds a new feature called the Addon Store. Addons, as the name suggests, are a way of adding extra features and functionality to your screen reader. For example, there are addon that make apps such as WhatsApp or Outlook more accessible or easier to navigate. Addons have been available for NVDA for a long time but the new Addon Store is a totally different way to...
Oct 26, 2023•23 min•Season 2Ep. 13
On this episode of Shaun of the Shed, Shaun Preece goes hands-on with the Hable One. The Hable One is a Bluetooth controller and smartphone keyboard designed for people who are blind or partially sighted. It has eight buttons, including six Braille keys, and is roughly five inches by two and a half inches in size. The device can be used to enter text, navigate, and interact with both iPhone and Android smartphones. It is held between two hands, with thumbs resting on the top next to the power bu...
Sep 28, 2023•13 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece explains quick access methods to screen reader settings across various platforms for users who are blind or partially sighted. He walks through shortcuts for VoiceOver on iPhone and Mac, TalkBack on Android, and NVDA, JAWS, and Narrator on Windows. Each shortcut provides a quicker route to change speech rate, pitch, volume, media descriptions, and even specific application behaviours. Shaun's instructions aim to help listeners, whether novi...
Aug 15, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece discusses the use of QR codes, particularly beneficial to members of the blind and partially sighted community. He covers their creation, appearance, and information capacity. Shaun demonstrates how to use a smartphone to scan QR codes, expressing his struggles with built-in camera apps on both iPhone and Android devices. He then introduces the more user-friendly "code scanner'" on iPhone, detailing its seamless recognition and access to QR...
Jul 18, 2023•9 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this exciting episode of Shaun of the Shed, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of smartphone magnification. Whether you're an Android or iPhone user, we've got you covered! Discover how to harness the power of your built-in camera to magnify the wonders around you, and learn handy gestures to zoom in on the screen for a closer look. From activating the feature to unlocking its full potential, this month's episode is your ultimate guide to leveraging magnification for all your need...
Jun 15, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Shaun Preece, host of the AMI original podcast "Shaun of the Shed," explains in a quick episode how to customize gestures on a smartphone to make it more efficient for blind or partially sighted users. He highlights that gestures are used as a basic navigation tool for blind users, and there are many gestures that don't have any functions assigned to them that can be customized to improve the smartphone's usability. Shaun demonstrates how to customize gestures on an iPhone and an Android device,...
May 15, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece shares life-saving technology tips for the blind and partially sighted. Learn how to make emergency calls and set up a medical ID using your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device. Sight or no sight, these tips could be crucial in an emergency. About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new comp...
Apr 15, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, Shaun introduces us to the concept of audio description and explains how it enables blind or visually impaired individuals to watch TV shows and movies. He gives an example of how audio description works and demonstrates how to turn it on on various devices. Shaun also explains that while the big players in streaming media take notice of the universal audio description option, not every app does, and he provides tips for finding and turning on audio descript...
Feb 15, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode, we'll be exploring the Microsoft app Seeing AI and how it can help people with low vision to read text, recognize objects and even identify people. Seeing AI uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to process visual information, making it a powerful tool for those who have difficulty seeing. We'll show you how to set up and use the app, including how to customize settings to suit your needs. Whether you're looking to read a menu at a restaurant or identify a friend in ...
Jan 15, 2023•18 min•Season 2Ep. 5
On this edition of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece guides you through getting started with smart speakers. Then, Shaun demonstrates five uses for smart speakers, including navigating your smart home with just your voice. About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new computer. Host Shaun Preece is an audio producer from Manchester who has a real...
Dec 15, 2022•15 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Welcome back to Shaun of the Shed! Today we're going to take the first step in making this dumb old shed a shiny new smart shed. In this episode, I'll be showing you how easy and quick it is to set up a smart plug, which allows you to remotely control any device plugged into it. I'm using the Amazon Echo Smart Plug, but the steps involved in it setting up are very similar no matter which brand of smart plug you have. About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of techn...
Nov 15, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Following a question from a listener, I'll be taking a look and listen to the Anker Soundcore Frames, a pair of sunglasses with speakers built into the arms. Why would you choose audio sunglasses over regular headphones or ear buds? Watch the video to find out. About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new computer. Host Shaun Preece is an audio pro...
Oct 15, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Coming October 15th, Shaun of the Shed gets its new home here! And, on YouTube! About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new computer. Host Shaun Preece is an audio producer from Manchester who has a real passion for technology. Despite being born with a visual impairment, Shaun's sight has worsened over the years and as such he has depended more o...
Oct 12, 2022•2 min•Season 2Ep. 1
"Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin... If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. Following up from the previous episode, we are going to take a look at the startup wizard for JAWS. It's an automatic process that allows you to customise your JAWS experience by adjusting settings such as voice rate and verbosity, Braille settings and more. If you hav...
Aug 15, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Below are the timestamps for the topics covered. (3:50) - The Price of JAWS (7:14) - Downloading JAWS (13:17) - Installing JAWS (15:56) - Some basics and where to get help" About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new computer. Host Shaun Preece is an audio producer from Manchester who has a real passion for technology. Despite being born with a vi...
Jul 15, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin... If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. If you are new to smartphones the whole "no buttons" touch screen concept can be difficult to grasp. A listener of the show recently told me of someone that had just bought their first smartphone and had concerns regarding making phone calls when their new phone didn't ...
Jun 15, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin... If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. So far in this series, I have only shown you the free, built-in screen reader called Narrator. However, there are other screen reader options to choose from. In this episode, we are going to take a look at one of the most popular third party screen readers out there. It...
May 24, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin... If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. In the last episode of Shaun of the Shed, we walked through the process of setting up a brand-new Windows computer out of the box. And all without sighted assistance. In this episode, we are going to take the next step and learn how to use the built-in Windows screen re...
Apr 27, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin... If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. Are today's computers truly accessible out of the box? Just how easy is it to set up a new Windows computer when you're blind or visually impaired? Well, that's exactly what we're going to find out in this episode! I'll be unboxing a brand-new Windows laptop and, firstl...
Mar 16, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin. If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. Whenever I find myself needing some sort of assistance, such as reading some text or finding some misplaced object, there is a certain phrase I've got into the habit of shouting to my family: "Can I borrow some eyes..." No matter how independent you are, there will be tim...
Feb 16, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 5
