Podcasts

In this episode of AppleVis Extra, Thomas Domville chats with Willem Van de Mierop, one of the creators behind the innovative iOS app called OKO - AI copilot for the blind. OKO is a smart camera app that uses artificial intelligence to provide real-time feedback to help people with visual impairments safely use pedestrian traffic lights at intersection by providing haptic and audio feedback to inform users of the current…

Ahead of this month's episode, we have some upsetting news to share with the AppleVis community. Recently, Randy Rusnak suffered a stroke. Randy is a beloved member of our Unleashed team, known for his warm and engaging personality. During his recovery, we will greatly miss his presence. We ask that you join us in sending Randy your well wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

This month, in Randy's absence, Darcy Burnard, a member of the …

In this episode, Tyler demonstrates how to configure your Mac to announce the time automatically.

To do this in macOS Ventura and later, open System Settings > Control Center > Clock options, and enable the "Announce the time" toggle. This dialog will then allow you to choose how often the announcement will play, as well as the voice, rate, and volume macOS will use for the announcement.

In this episode, Thomas Domville introduces us to an iOS app called "OKO - AI copilot for the blind." Designed specifically for the visually impaired, OKO uses advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to assist in navigating intersections. OKO's pedestrian traffic light function provides users with haptic and audio feedback, similar to a physical APS system, to identify the current state of the…

In this episode, Thomas Domville takes us through a comprehensive tutorial on how to use the effects and react features in the iOS Messages app. Whether you're a long-time user of the app or just getting started, you'll learn how to add some fun and creativity to your messages by using the various effects and reactions available. Thomas will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to use these features, including the different types of effects and how to customize them,…

In this episode, Dennis Long introduces us to the Hable One, an external Braille keyboard designed to make using a smartphone simpler and more convenient. He describes the Hable One and its six Braille buttons with two additional function keys for typing and intuitive operation of VoiceOver. Dennis explains how the Hable One can help you use your phone more efficiently and easily in any situation, whether you're a fast navigator but slow typer, or have…

In this episode, Thomas Domville introduces us to the iOS game, Blind Quest 2. Blind Quest 2 is a stand-alone audio adventure game set in the world of Aetherna. The game follows Nathan, a mercenary who arrives in the prosperous Willow City in search of wealth and glory. However, he soon realizes that the city is under siege by evil and must save its people from the Frost Demon who is freezing the city.

In this episode, Kushal Solanki walks us through the process of creating a shortcut that will launch a FaceTime call to a selected contact.

Kushal explains that shortcuts are a powerful feature in iOS that allows users to automate tasks and save time. He starts by introducing the Shortcuts app, which comes pre-installed on every iPhone, and explains how to create a new shortcut.

Next, Kushal demonstrates how to add the FaceTime action to the shortcut, set whether it will be a…

Join Dave Nason, Thomas Domville, Scott Davert, and Tyler Stephen as they delve into the recently released AppleVis Apple Vision Accessibility Report Card. This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into the experiences and opinions of visually impaired individuals who rely on Apple's VoiceOver, Braille support, and low vision features. The group dives deep into the ratings and comments…

In this episode, Thomas Domville dives into the powerful long press functionality on iOS. He explains what long press is, how to use it, and provides several examples of how it can be used to be more productive and efficient on your iOS device. Whether you're looking to move and delete apps or access quick actions, the long press feature is a versatile tool that can help you get more done.

To use long press, simply perform either a triple tap or double tap and hold down on an app…

In this episode, Tyler gives a demonstration and walkthrough of macOS Recovery, a suite of utilities that can help resolve issues with your Mac and manage startup parameters. From within macOS Recovery, you can:

• Restore your Mac from a Time Machine backup or local snapshot
• Reinstall macOS
• Verify and repair the filesystem on your startup disk, as well as external disks connected to your Mac
• Erase and reformat your startup disk, as well as external disks…

In this month's edition of AppleVis Unleashed, Thomas Domville, Randy Rusnak, and Mike Malarsie discuss recent Apple news and other topics of interest. Topics featured in this podcast include:

• Introduction (00:00:00)
• Twitter Intentionally Ends Third-Party App Developer Access to Its API (00:03:29)
• AppleVis is Now on Mastodon (00:10:11)
• Apple unveils M2 Pro and M2 Max: next-generation chips for next-level workflows (00:14:47)
• Apple Announces…

In this podcast, Thomas Domville introduces us to Bookshare Reader, a recently released app for iOS devices that allows users to access and read books from the Bookshare library. The app is designed for individuals with print disabilities, such as blindness or low vision, and provides features such as text-to-speech, adjustable font sizes, and the ability to customize the reading experience. Users can search for and…

In this podcast, Thomas Domville sits down to chat with Wojtek Figiel, one of the team behind Zuzanka, a recently released product expiration date scanner that can be used with an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Topics discussed include the story behind the app, its development, and the future plans of its team.

Description of Zuzanka from the App Store:

Having trouble finding the expiration date on the…

In this podcast, Thomas Domville introduces us to Zuzanka, a recently released iOS app that scans for expiry dates on products.

Description from the App Store:

Having trouble finding the expiration date on the packaging? Can't see the small font that the date is written in? Do you want to check if the product in your fridge is still edible? The Zuzanka app is for you!

• Easily find…

In this podcast, Wesley gives us a description and review of the DOQAUS Life3 over-ear wireless bluetooth headphones, which are available from Amazon for $30.

From the manufacturer:

• Up to 52 Hours of Playtime: With up to 52 Hours of listening time in Bluetooth mode, you'll always have music to inspire you. Regardless of whether you want to use the convenience of Wireless Headphones or the long-lasting properties of a…

In this month's edition of AppleVis Unleashed, Thomas Domville and Randy Rusnak are joined by Tim Schwartz from Life After Blindness to discuss recent Apple news and other topics of interest. Topics featured in this podcast include:

• The AppleVis Community Names Envision AI and Evidence 111 Its Golden Apples of 2022
• Apple Working to Add Support for Sideloading and Alternate App Stores in Europe
• Apple is rumored to…

In this podcast, Thomas Domville gives us a walk-through and demonstration of Menus4All, a recently released iOS app that provides access to 500,000 accessible menus in the United States and 250,000 accessible menus in Canada.

From the developer:

Wherever you are and whenever you want The Menus4All iPhone app is the largest network of restaurant menus in one place and all of the menus are fully…

In this podcast, Thomas Domville introduces us to Matching games for kids Ploppy, A fun card matching game for everyone which lets you play with friends and family together via SharePlay.

Description from the App Store:

There are various theme-based levels with difficulties from 4 up to 70 cards, which makes the game a great fun way to train the memory skills for all ages!…

With the upcoming releases of iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, and tvOS 16.2, Apple is introducing a new feature called Apple Music Sing that allows Apple Music subscribers to sing along to their favorite songs. In this podcast, Thomas Domville shows us how to access this on an iPhone.

Key features of Apple Music Sing:

• Adjustable vocals: Users now have control over a song’s…

In this podcast, Tristan Bowen introduces us to Smart Virtual Girlfriend, an iOS app that allows you to chat with a virtual girl who will engage in casual conversations with you, and ask and answer questions.

In the slightly delayed November edition of AppleVis Unleashed, Thomas Domville, Randy Rusnak, and Mike Malarsie discuss recent Apple news and other topics of interest. Topics featured in this podcast include:

• Introduction (00:00:00)
• Apple may be working on a 'hey Siri' change (00:07:51)
• iOS privacy concerns deepen (00:10:57)
• Latest News on Apple iOS (00:16:45)
• Rumors and News on Upcoming Apple Hardware (00:34:23)
• Europe coming after…

In the second episode of his two part mini series, Thomas Domville concludes his in-depth look at Mastodon and the MetaText app for iOS.

• Chapter 6 Explore (00:00:08)
• Chapter 7 Notifications (00:19:07)
• Chapter 8 Messages (00:31:52)
• Chapter 9 Account Menu (00:37:06)
• Chapter 10 Publishing a Toot/Post (01:26:08)
• Chapter 11 An Alternative Way to Follow a Mastodon User…

In the first episode of a two part mini series, Thomas Domville gives us an in-depth look at Mastodon and the MetaText app for iOS.

• Chapter 1 Introduction to MetaText (00:00:08)
• Chapter 2 Instance: Finding your New Home (00:04:33)
• Chapter 3 Getting Started (00:38:20)
• Chapter 4 Exploring the Interface (00:48:22)
• Chapter 5 Timelines (00:53:35)

Resources

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In this podcast, Thomas Domville introduces us to Evidence 111 for iOS.

Description from the App Store:

September 13, 1985, a small town of Farnham, England. Just like every Friday, Chief inspector Alice Wells is on duty. An ordinary night shift is suddenly interrupted by a mysterious phone call - an anonymous caller knows something about the chief inspector that none was supposed to find out…