Episodes

  • Live Streaming Tips and Tricks: How to Look and Sound Like a Milion Bucks

    Live Streaming Tips and Tricks: How to Look and Sound Like a Milion Bucks
    Oct 16 2024

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby discuss the vast world of live streaming, particularly for blind and low-vission individuals. They delve into the essentials of setting up a live stream, and provide insights on equipment, software, and best practices. Live streaming is a great avenue for sharing your passions and connecting with others, and you don't need expencive equipment to get sttarted.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech 01:55 Tech Piece of the Week: AirPods Pro 2nd Generation 05:44 Exploring Live Streaming for the Visually Impaired 10:34 Setting Up Your Live Stream 16:50 Essential Equipment for Live Streaming 24:49 Choosing the Right Camera for Your Stream 30:07 Optimizing Your Computer for Live Streaming 34:09 Accessibility of Live Streaming Platforms 38:04 Conclusion and Encouragement to Stream
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    39 mins
  • BLT Bite: Why Microphones and Audio settings are inportant

    BLT Bite: Why Microphones and Audio settings are inportant
    Oct 15 2024
    In this episode, host Evan Starnes discusses various types of microphones and their configurations for optimal audio quality. He explores external microphones like the Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball, built-in laptop microphones, and headset microphones, highlighting their pros and cons. The episode also covers how to configure microphone settings in Windows for better sound quality, emphasizing the importance of adjusting settings to suit individual needs.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Microphone Configurations 02:55 Exploring Different Microphone Types 06:14 Using Built-in Laptop Microphones 09:02 Headset Microphones: Pros and Cons 11:58 Configuring Microphones in Windows Settings
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    13 mins
  • The Latest and Greatest from Android

    The Latest and Greatest from Android
    Oct 9 2024

    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Sarnes and Kelvin Crosby discuss the latest updates to TalkBack, the Android screen reader, and explore its features, including image descriptions, guided frame, and enhancements to the magnifier app. They also touch on the accessibility improvements for Braille users and live transcription features, ultimately debating the merits of Android versus iOS for accessibility.
    Takeaways
    • TalkBack has evolved significantly since its inception. • The ability to describe images in detail is a game changer. • Guided frame helps users align their faces for video calls. • The magnifier app now uses AI for text recognition. • Braille gestures have been updated for better usability. • Live transcription features have improved for deaf-blind users. • The choice between Android and iOS depends on user needs.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech 01:57 Exploring TalkBack and Android Updates 06:28 Key Features of TalkBack 10:51 Image Descriptions and Guided Frame 15:39 Enhancements in the Magnifier App 19:24 Braille Gestures and Accessibility 22:14 Live Transcription Improvements 26:50 The Big Question: Android or iOS?
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    32 mins
  • BLT Bite ReRun: setting up the Talkback Shortcut on android

    BLT Bite ReRun: setting up the Talkback Shortcut on android
    Oct 8 2024
    This is a re-run of a BLT Bite from several weeks ago. On this BLT Bite, we take a quick look at enableing the shortcut to tern Talkback on or off on Android. This bite coincides verry well with the BLT epasode that will releace this Wednesday, so stay tuned.
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    5 mins
  • IOS 18 and other Shinanigans Part 2

    IOS 18 and other Shinanigans Part 2
    Oct 2 2024
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Evan Starnes dive into the exciting new features of iOS 18. They’ll walk you through the latest accessibility updates, share their personal experiences with Apple’s newest products, and spotlight the tech piece of the week. From improvements in Braille screen input to the new item chooser feature and the introduction of music haptics, there’s a lot to cover. They also explore the recent acquisition of AppleViz by Be My Eyes and why these advancements are so important for the blind and low vision community.
    If you have questions for the hosts, feel free to call (720) 712-8856 or email them at feedback@aftersight.org. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation!
    Takeaways
    Being blind doesn't mean you have to stop living.
    iOS 18 has introduced many new features and improvements.
    AirPods Max provide an exceptional audio experience.
    The Rode Go 2 is a versatile wireless microphone setup.
    The item chooser feature enhances navigation for VoiceOver users.
    Braille screen input has received significant enhancements in iOS 18.
    Apple Watch now allows custom ringtones and audio playback.
    AirPods Pro can accept calls with head gestures.
    Over-the-counter hearing aids may not suffice for severe hearing loss.
    Music haptics offers a new way to experience music through vibrations.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech
    01:09 iOS 18 Release Notes Overview
    02:37 Tech Piece of the Week: AirPods Max
    04:33 Tech Piece of the Week: Rode Go 2
    08:19 Deep Dive into iOS 18 Features
    12:03 Braille Screen Input Enhancements
    17:48 Miscellaneous iOS and WatchOS Changes
    21:09 AirPods Pro Features and Updates
    24:26 Hearing Aids and AirPods Discussion
    28:14 Music Haptics Feature
    32:35 Should You Update to iOS 18?
    34:02 AppleViz Acquisition by Be My Eyes
    37:54 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
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    41 mins
  • BLT Bite: checking out new ring and alert tones on Applewatch and Watchos11

    BLT Bite: checking out new ring and alert tones on Applewatch and Watchos11
    Oct 1 2024
    Blind Level Tech, or BLT, is a fun new show dedicated to the use of technology for those who are blind and have visual impairments. We will walk you through the latest and greatest tech from Apple to Microsoft and TVs to kitchen appliances. We will even throw in some good ole dad and tech jokes for good measure. Being blind is hard enough. Your tech experience should not be.
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    4 mins
  • IOS 18 Accessibility Updates Part 1

    IOS 18 Accessibility Updates Part 1
    Sep 25 2024
    We know you have questions for the hosts so why not drop them here. feedback@aftersight.org or give us a call at (720) 712-8856.
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, hosts Evan Starnes and Kelvin Crosby discuss the latest advancements in technology for the blind community, focusing on the new features of iOS 18 and the Apple Watch Ultra. They share their personal experiences with tech challenges, introduce their tech pieces of the week, and delve into the enhancements made to VoiceOver and Braille accessibility. The conversation highlights the importance of these updates in improving the user experience for individuals with visual impairments, emphasizing the ongoing journey of living beyond challenges.
    Takeaways
    Being blind doesn't mean you have to stop living.
    The new iOS 18 features are exciting for accessibility.
    VoiceOver now allows users to clone their voice for text-to-speech.
    Braille users can now type in grade one while reading in grade two.
    The interactive VoiceOver tutorial is a significant improvement.
    Audio ducking in VoiceOver is now customizable.
    The ability to reconnect Braille displays is more intuitive.
    New ringtone features sync vibrations with the ringtone beat.
    The Apple Watch Ultra has impressive battery life and features.
    Stay tuned for more updates in part two of the discussion.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Blind Level Tech
    05:15 Tech Pieces of the Week
    06:42 Exploring iOS 18 Features
    10:14 VoiceOver Enhancements
    24:24 Braille Improvements
    29:09 Wrap-Up and Sandwich of the Week
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    32 mins
  • BLT Bite: Demonstrating the new voiceover tootorial in iOS18

    BLT Bite: Demonstrating the new voiceover tootorial in iOS18
    Sep 24 2024
    Blind Level Tech, or BLT, is a fun show dedicated to the use of technology for those who are blind or have low vision. We will walk you through the latest and greatest tech from Apple to Microsoft and TVs to kitchen appliances. Being blind is hard enough. Your tech experience should not be.
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    6 mins