Welcome to the first MacChat of the year! In this episode, Chris is joined by Unmute co-host Michael Babcock for an in-depth look at audio tools that make the macOS experience more efficient and accessible. Whether you're a podcaster, teacher, or just a Mac enthusiast, this episode has something for everyone. Episode Highlights: Holiday Tech Check: Chris and Michael share what (or didn’t) make their tech wishlists this year. Keyboard Shortcuts Galore: Tips for working efficiently with your Mac's...
Jan 16, 2025•47 min
Show Notes In this episode of All Things Lady A , Lucy dives into the world of routines on Amazon Alexa devices. Whether you're a seasoned user or just getting started, you'll learn how to create custom routines to make your smart assistant even smarter. From setting up weather updates after an alarm to exploring fun, pre-made routines, Lucy offers a step-by-step walkthrough of the Alexa app to help you get the most out of your device. <h4> Highlights: </h4> What Are Alexa Routines? ...
Jan 13, 2025•15 min
Digital Bytes: Blood Donation Made Easy, Braille Navigation, and Backup Essentials In this episode of Digital Bytes , we’re covering three accessible and practical topics that can make life a little easier and more efficient. Let’s dive in: <h4> 1. Blood Donation Made Easy with a Fully Accessible App </h4> The Blood Donor app streamlines everything you need to give blood, from scheduling your appointment to completing the RapidPass questionnaire. Here’s what stands out: Works seamles...
Jan 12, 2025•9 min
Show Notes In this week’s Unmute Presents , we’re diving into some JAWS tips that can make your life a little easier. Whether you’re adjusting audio levels or restarting JAWS on the fly, these keystrokes are practical and simple to learn. What’s in This Episode: Audio Ducking : Ever miss a JAWS message because it blended with your music or audiobook? Learn how to use a quick keystroke to turn on audio ducking and ensure JAWS gets the spotlight when it speaks. Restart JAWS Faster : Forget manuall...
Jan 11, 2025•5 min
From Just Press Record to Keyboard Maestro Magic In today’s episode, we’re diving into some tech favorites and frustrations: Just Press Record : A simple yet powerful voice recorder that works on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even your Apple Watch. We talk about its ease of use, audio quality options, and handy transcription feature. Apple’s App Library Bug : Ever struggled with Apple’s app search? We share what’s going on, some quick workarounds, and why Android’s app management might be worth a ...
Jan 05, 2025•17 min
Unmute Presents - JAWS Tips: Quickly Starting JAWS In this episode, we share some quick tips for starting JAWS when it’s not running. Whether you use the Run dialog, desktop shortcuts, or create your own custom keystroke, these methods will help you get JAWS up and talking fast. Here’s what we cover: Run Dialog: Press Windows+R, type “JAWS” followed by the version number (e.g., JAWS2025), and hit Enter. Desktop Shortcut: Press Windows+D, type “JAWS,” and press Enter to launch it. Custom Keystrok...
Jan 04, 2025•3 min
In this episode of At Your Fingertips , we celebrate the legacy of Louis Braille and the life-changing power of literacy. Host Chris welcomes Char Cook, a passionate advocate for Braille, business owner, and educator, to share her inspiring journey of embracing Braille and reclaiming independence. Char reflects on her early struggles with retinitis pigmentosa, the encouragement that led her to learn Braille, and how it transformed her life—both personally and professionally. She recounts the pro...
Jan 02, 2025•20 min
Here’s a draft of the show notes for the episode: Unfreezing Your Blindshell: Quick Restart Tips for the Classic 2 or 3 Welcome back to The Shell Phone Show , your go-to podcast for all things Blindshell Classic! In this episode, we’re diving into a common issue and sharing simple, step-by-step instructions to restart your Blindshell Classic 2 or 3 when it freezes up. 🔧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to force restart your Blindshell Classic 2 or 3 without removing the battery. Tips to h...
Jan 01, 2025•1 min
Air Date: December 29, 2024 Host(s): Michael Babcock Marty Sobo Chris Cooke 00:00 – Intro & Club Unmute Announcement Club Unmute subscription details: Current pricing: \$3/month or \$30/year Price increases on January 1, 2025: \$5/month or \$50/year Join now at Unmute.show 01:28 – Spotlight on CheatSheet What is CheatSheet? Sticky-note-style notes for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Free to use, with a \$5/year upgrade for extra features Mac version: \$7.99 (one-time) plus subscription for cross-devic...
Dec 29, 2024•18 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of Unmute Presents , we explore table navigation using JAWS, a screen reader for Windows. Learn efficient techniques to move through rows and columns, extract specific information, and leverage powerful JAWS features such as the table navigation layer. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this episode provides practical tips to simplify table exploration. Highlights: Introduction to basic and advanced table navigation techniques. Using keyb...
Dec 28, 2024•7 min
Show Notes for Episode: TalkBack Tips & Pixel Picks: Exploring Android Accessibility In this episode of Android Unmuted , Marty and Liz dive into listener feedback, share personal experiences with Android accessibility, and explore the latest in accessible technology for Android users. Here's what you'll hear: Listener Feedback: Tips on managing TalkBack verbosity, including gestures to silence TalkBack with the Pixel proximity sensor. A reminder on multi-finger gestures and how they differ ...
Dec 26, 2024•25 min
Show Notes for Episode: Digital Bytes: Recording Ray Ban, Digital Pouch, and USB C SD Card Readers In this episode of Unmute Presents, we dive into the latest tech updates and practical tools for accessibility and productivity: Ray-Ban Smart Glasses : Explore the recording capabilities of Ray-Ban's wearable tech and how it can be used for hands-free accessibility. Digital Pouch : A must-have tool for staying organized while on the go. We discuss its features and potential benefits. USB-C SD Card...
Dec 22, 2024•13 min
In this episode of Unmute Presents , Marty sits down with Patrick Burton, creator of Speakaboo, to explore how the app is breaking barriers in navigation for the blind and low-vision community. Patrick discusses Speakaboo's minimalist design, its commitment to accessibility, and how community feedback continues to shape its features. Highlights: The app's origin as a spin-off from Ben Vision and its focus on user simplicity. Speakaboo’s holiday promotion offering a lifetime subscription until Ja...
Dec 21, 2024•15 min
Show Notes Hosts: Marty and Chris Episode Summary: In this festive episode of MacChat , Marty and Chris dive into essential tech tips, holiday shopping ideas, and Mac-related must-haves. The discussion includes favorite keyboard shortcuts, tips for choosing the right Mac, and comprehensive backup strategies to safeguard your data. Whether you're shopping for a tech enthusiast or upgrading your setup, this episode is packed with valuable insights for Mac users. And hey, Michael popped in with a m...
Dec 19, 2024•40 min
In this episode of Digital Bytes , we explore the latest features and tips to help you get the most out of your iOS and macOS devices. From seamless integration to navigating updates, we’ve got you covered. Highlights: Controlling Your iPhone from Your Mac Learn how to use iPhone screen mirroring on macOS 15.2 and iOS 18.2. We discuss how to navigate apps, manage notifications, and enhance productivity by bridging your Mac and iPhone. Managing Email Categories in iOS 18.2 Frustrated with Apple’s...
Dec 15, 2024•8 min
In this episode of All Things Lady A , Lucy talks about the devices available that allow you to engage with your Alexa. These devices include but are not limited to: Echo 4th Generation : A versatile device priced around $54.99, featuring a smart home hub, Amazon Sidewalk, Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Amazon’s AZ-1 processor. Its orb shape houses three audio drivers, making it a great all-around choice. Echo Pop : A compact and affordable option at $17.99, designed for small spaces like dor...
Dec 12, 2024•21 min
Diane shares her migration from the Blind Shell Classic 2 to the Classic 3 in this episode of the Shell Phone Show, offering insights and encouragement for listeners. Read transcript
Dec 11, 2024•8 min
In this ACB Community Call episode, hosts discuss tech accessibility, share tips on the Open Run Pro headset and iPhone shortcuts, engage with questions, and invite feedback for future topics. Read transcript
Dec 10, 2024•55 min
In this week’s Digital Bytes , we’re sharing three tech tips to make your digital life easier: Organizing Email on iPhone Learn how to move emails from your inbox to custom folders in the iPhone Mail app. Create new folders for projects, bills, or recipes to keep your inbox tidy. Effortlessly Use LaunchBar on macOS Quickly copy and transfer information like tracking numbers to apps such as Parcel. With LaunchBar, sending selected text to specific apps is just a few keystrokes away. Customizing t...
Dec 08, 2024•7 min
Get into the holiday spirit with our December 2024 podcast, At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now ! This episode is packed with creative and practical tips for the Braille-using community. Learn how to: Create holiday cards in Braille, including techniques for using the Perkins Brailler with thick cardstock or sticky labels. Label your holiday gifts in Braille for a festive and accessible touch. Experiment with drawing festive images, like Christmas trees, using the Perkins Brailler. Label to...
Dec 05, 2024•25 min
Digital Bytes - December 1, 2024: 3 Tech Tips for Accessibility Tech Tip 1: Shokz Open Run Pro 2 Headset Brand new release in October 2024 Priced at $179.95 Key Upgrades: USB-C charging (goodbye magnetic cables!) Thicker transducers for improved sound quality Enhanced audio experience with bone conduction technology Built-in microphone for clear communication Where to buy: ATGuys.com Tech Tip 2: Navigating Screen Recognition on iPhone Hidden accessibility setting that can cause unexpected behavi...
Dec 01, 2024•14 min
Welcome to the 2024 Unmute Holiday Gift Guide! This year, Michael Babcock and Marty are joined by Chris Cooke and Liz Botner to bring you a curated list of tech treasures and thoughtful gadgets perfect for the holiday season. From practical tools to fun gadgets, we've got something for everyone on your list. Episode Highlights: Cane Lights for Visibility: Jane shares her recommendations for the Faroes Cane Light from AmbiTech and the Taglit magnetic light from Niteize, perfect for cane users nee...
Nov 29, 2024•35 min
In this episode of Android Unmuted , Marty and Liz continue their conversation about Android accessibility. Liz gives an update on her new phone and case, sharing some practical insights. Marty discusses the unexpected bonus of receiving a phone with a pre-installed case! The main discussion focuses on comparing the Seeing AI app on Android and iOS, including differences in features and layout. Liz highlights the app's functionality on Android, noting the absence of the World channel and the pla...
Nov 28, 2024•14 min
This week on Digital Bytes, we bring you practical tips and expert advice to enhance your tech skills and get you ready for the holidays! <pre>1. Spotlight Search Made Simple </pre> Discover the power of Spotlight Search on your iPhone. From quickly finding apps to performing internet searches directly from your home or lock screen, this feature is a game-changer for VoiceOver users. Learn how to access it faster and make it part of your daily routine. <pre>2. Guest Feature: De...
Nov 24, 2024•11 min
Episode Overview Learn how to adjust JAWS verbosity settings to control the level of detail during navigation. Optimize your experience with these quick customization tips. Highlights Verbosity Basics (00:46) Understand JAWS verbosity and how it changes the amount of feedback you hear. Custom Settings (02:54) Step-by-step guide to modifying verbosity for smoother web navigation. Fine-Tune Preferences (04:10) Toggle announcements like lists, navigation regions, and articles for a cleaner experien...
Nov 23, 2024•9 min
Show Notes: In this episode of Mac Chat , join Chris and Marty as they explore the latest in Mac hardware, essential clipboard tips, and a practical guide on making clickable text links in emails. Here’s what to expect: New M4 Macs Rundown : A look at the upcoming M4 chip expansion across Apple’s lineup, including the anticipated Mac Mini and other models. Find out why the Mac Mini could be the perfect balance of power and affordability. Clipboard Tips & Managers : Discover a hidden macOS fe...
Nov 21, 2024•24 min
This episode provides a guide to managing multiple email addresses on the Blind Shell Classic II, demonstrating how to add extra entries for the same contact and encouraging listeners to try the technique themselves.
Nov 20, 2024•6 min
The episode explores digital organization with Hazel, discusses iPhone quirks, accessibility improvements, web challenges, and app ownership changes, offering strategies for effective navigation in the digital landscape.
Nov 19, 2024•14 min
Show Notes: In this episode of Digital Bytes, we explore practical tips and tricks to make your tech life more efficient and tailored to your needs. Here’s what we cover: Automating File Management with Hazel Learn how to streamline your workflow using Hazel on the Mac. Set up rules to automatically organize files, move them to specific folders, and keep your downloads tidy. Plus, hear how you can take this automation further with tools like Keyboard Maestro. iPhone 16 Camera Button Customizatio...
Nov 18, 2024•16 min
In this JAWS tip, we introduce the new FS Companion AI tool, available with JAWS 2025. Learn how to access and use this exciting feature to enhance your JAWS experience: Quick Access: Activate FS Companion AI by pressing JAWS + Space, followed by F1, or visit fscompanion.ai . Key Features: Ask the AI for tips and tricks on using JAWS and Windows applications, like PowerPoint. Practical Demonstration: Discover how FS Companion helps learn how to navigate slides, managing speaker notes, and adding...
Nov 15, 2024•6 min
