New Vision Newsletter
July 2024
Welcome to your monthly New Vision Newsletter. New Vision at Goodwill seeks to promote independence and equality for people who are blind and visually impaired. We educate, inform, and provide resources, so people with visual impairments can live their fullest lives. We hope you find this newsletter useful, and we would love your feedback through the link shared at the end of this newsletter.
Echo Tips Podcast
New Echo Tips Podcast episodes are released every Wednesday. They are available on your Echo or computer. The podcast features New Vision's instructor, David Ward. These episodes contain micro-sized tutorials on various Amazon Echo features. The newest episodes are available below.
A special thank you to our sponsor, the Virginia Board for the Blind and Vision Impaired, for supporting New Vision's diverse programming!
Latest Episodes
Episode 304 Stopwatch and a Reminder About Reminders
Episode 305 Free Preview
Episode 306 Reminders Omnibus
Episode 307 The New Echo Spot, and Prime Deals!
Episode 308 Three Volumes and Broken Podcast Playback!
So how can I get it on my Echo? You can ask your Echo the following:
- Alexa, play Echo Tips Podcast.
- Alexa, play next episode or Alexa, skip.
This will play the previous episode since the podcast is sorted from newest to oldest. If you have an Apple device such as an iPhone or iPad, you can also ask Siri to play the most recent episode. Simply say: "Siri, play the Echo Tips Podcast."
Alternatively, you can play the podcast via the website below, which is screen reader compatible. You can navigate the episode title via heading number 2. Simply press the space bar or otherwise activate the link to start that episode.
tunein.com/podcasts/Education-Podcasts/Echo-Tips-p1118403/
Podcasts
In FSCast 242, we explore the newly released Picture Smart AI, which provides detailed descriptions for a wide range of visual content, from bar charts to YouTube video frames. Additionally, we have a conversation with Anil Lewis, Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives at the National Federation of the Blind. Listen at the link below.
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/fscast/FSCast242-March2024.mp3?dest-id=693139
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece covered several topics. They began with breaking news from Aira, which included the launch of two pilot programs for wearable devices. Additionally, they discussed the availability of Aira on Meta Ray Ban smart glasses and the ARX Vision device. Jenine Stanley from the company joined them to talk about the free Access AI feature for image recognition, the Remote Incident Manager product, and the extension of existing Aira plans without a price increase until 2025. They also delved into the impact of integrating Aira with mainstream wearable devices, emphasizing functionality over fashion in assistive technology. Check it out the link below.
https://chrt.fm/track/A26365/locator.simplecastcdn.com/d838244c-2029-41b5-aa66-d28628ab36fa/5f31d2c2-7cac-4484-8e28-a263727303f5.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=MhX_XZQZ
Virtual Training
Personal electronic devices can enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired. New Vision offers free instruction on how to use the latest technology and devices to connect to the world and increase independence. Instruction can be provided, in many cases, virtually via telephone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, and in-person by appointment. Please contact us to find out more.
iPhone & iPad Apps
The AppleVis Unlimited newsletter for June 2024 is a monthly digest of the latest and most notable content on the AppleVis website. As a reminder, AppleVis is a premier website for reviewing Apple-related devices and apps from a visual impairment perspective. In this edition of AppleVis Unlimited, notable app entries include:
1. AO3 Disco: An iOS/iPadOS app that helps you discover fanfiction using AI-powered search on Archive Of Our Own. It provides personalized recommendations based on fanfics you enjoy.
2. AudioCat: An accessible audiogames platform for iOS/iPadOS. It focuses on audio experiences, leaving visuals to your imagination. AudioCat features games like "Wordy" (word-based) and "Echoes of Valor" (adventure RPG). You can also interact with a virtual cat companion.
3. Instant Connect: The ultimate cooking companion app for Instant Pot appliances. It offers over 2,000 curated recipes exclusively for Instant Pot devices, including air fryers, slow cookers, and more.
To learn more, check out the entire newsletter at the link below.https://www.applevis.com/blog/applevis-unlimited-whats-new-noteworthy-june-2024
Echo Things to Try
Here are a few things to try with your Echo. Some practical, some just fun.
- Alexa, show me Spider-Man videos on YouTube.
- Alexa, edit my appointment.
- Alexa, how do I turn off your microphones?
- Alexa, what time is sunrise on Wednesday?
- Alexa, what's the hourly forecast?
- Alexa, open C-3PO Translates.
- Alexa, ask HowStuffWorks to organize my life.
- Alexa, play The Podium podcast.
- Alexa, tell me when there's a severe weather alert.
- Alexa, tell me a coffee joke.
- Alexa, what are my missed reminders?
- Alexa, change your wake word.
- Alexa, give me an eggnog recipe.
- Alexa, play KEXP Radio.
- Alexa, play Country Heat in DJ Mode.
For more about what's new with Alexa check out the official blog by clicking the following link: Alexa Blog.
Your Thoughts
If you have any thoughts about what could be mentioned in an upcoming newsletter or comments on this newsletter feel free to reply or fill out the following form. See the following link: New Vision Feedback Form.
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Contact Info
Assistive Technology Instructor, New Vision at Goodwill
Email: dward@goodwillvalleys.com
Phone: 540.985.8900
Office: 3601 Thirlane Rd. NW, Suite 5, Roanoke, VA 24019