RNIB Tech Talk artwork

RNIB Tech Talk

547 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

Tech Talk is a podcast and radio show for blind and partially sighted people who are interested in accessible technology. Find out about the latest products from specialist equipment to off the shelf solutions. Get involved or join the conversation by emailing [email protected]

Other great podcast channels from RNIB Connect Radio

Connect (https://audioboom.com/channel/weeklyconnect) - Our main channel with news, features and articles on sight loss.

Conversations (https://audioboom.com/channel/conversations) - Blind and partially sighted people speaking about a wide range of topics.

Read On (https://audioboom.com/channel/readonair) - The Audiobook show all about accessible reading.

Sport (https://audioboom.com/channel/sport) - See sport differently.

The Happy Hour (https://audioboom.com/channels/5022411) - Mental health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.

Tracks of My Life (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634228-tracks-of-my-life) - Take a journey through our guest's life.

Support (https://audioboom.com/channel/rnib-support) - Other podcasts from RNIB.

TV Guide (https://audioboom.com/channel/tv-guide) - Daily audio TV listings

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Episodes

Why 'In Your Pocket' Is More Than Just A Phone

July 24, 2018 13:59 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MB

Designed to make reading the latest newspapers, magazines and books easier, In Your Pocket now features a new Doro device, with larger buttons and a great speaker for quality sound, O2 connectivity, and RealSAM interactive speech software. It also comes with a subscription to RNIB Newsagent, access to RNIB Talking Books, as well as podcasts, weather, and location information But how accessible is it? and is it good value for money? RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley spoke with RNIB technol...

236: VFO and Jaws, Alexa Routines, News

July 18, 2018 11:22 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This week Tim and Shaun take the reigns to discuss the week's news in tech. There aqre interviews with Eric Damary of VFO and Ruth Gallagher from Sight and Sound to find out about the latest improvements in Jaws. Also Shaun finds out Alexa's routines feature. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Amazon Echo App Review

July 17, 2018 14:23 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MB

RNIB's technology officer Paul Porter brings us the latest accessible technology review. This week Paul discusses the Amazon Echo app, which is voice activated and compatible with Android and IOS devices. Paul is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected]

Sight Village 2018 Review

July 16, 2018 14:20 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

‘Technology for Life' team's Mark Evens brings us the latest accessible technology review.  This week Mark takes a look at the Sight Village event that took place near Birmingham on the 10th and 11th of July, as well as a big sale from ‘Sight and Sound Technology’ that could see you saving more than you’d expect when buying products like Jaws or magnifiers. If you've missed the event don’t despair, this is just the start of Sight Village events in the UK and we will keep you updated as t...

235: Steven's surprise, Tim's newsy bits, Your emails

July 12, 2018 09:14 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

We have no idea why this episode never made it to the podcast feed, but better late than never! On this episode the gang discuss Steven's big announcement about his next choice of computer. Tim brings the news headlines in the world of tech and listener Sheila tells us about her new USB fan that she has plugged into her computer to keep her cool in the warm weather. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

234: Chromebooks, News from the Internet, Emails

July 03, 2018 12:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MB

This week Steven Scott is joined by Shaun Preece and Tim Schwartz to discuss the week's news in tech. There's also a massive climbdown from Steven over his views on Chromebooks - the Google laptops - and their capability around accessibility. Plus there's lots of your emails to read through once again. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Neatebox Wins Major Award

July 02, 2018 08:34 - 7 minutes - 7.1 MB

NeateBox is a company which specialises in producing accessible apps, that help disabled people live independent lives and improve mobility.  The organisation has continued to grow and recently picked up a major award for one of it’s apps. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate to learn more about the apps, the award & how you could win an Apple watch… #RNIBConnect

233: E3 Gaming Special

June 26, 2018 12:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MB

This week Steven Scott and the guys are joined by blind Youtuber and gaming fan James Rath from California to talk about the recent E3 exhibition highlighting the latest in gaming technology and gaming experiences. James was a visitor to the event as well as a speaker on the accessibility panel along with Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo. The guys discuss how gaming is becoming more accessible and how devices such as the Amazon Echo can enhance a blind users experience of games. #RNIBConnect #Te...

Accessible TVs

June 25, 2018 14:20 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MB

‘Technology for Life' team's Mohammed Atif brings us the latest accessible technology review. This week Mohammed puts his ear to audio description and accessible TVs. What is available out there and how can we get it? Mohammed is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected] [Phot...

232: Narrator, Firefox talking browser, Emails

June 19, 2018 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

This week Steven Scott is joined by Tim Schwartz and Shaun Preece to discuss the week's news in tech including upcoming improvements to Windows built in screenreader called Narrator and the possibility of a new talking browser from Firefox. Also there are lots of your emails to read through. Keep them coming [email protected] #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

App Review: VO Calendar for iPhone

June 17, 2018 14:20 - 3 minutes - 2.82 MB

'Technology for Life' team's Madleen Mann brings us the latest accessible technology review. This week Madleen tells us more about the VO Calendar. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Madleen explains how the calendar app works with VoiceOver feature and why it could be a good replacement for your usual phone calendar. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0...

Episode 231 Extra

June 13, 2018 08:22 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

And finally it's here! More from the guys who just couldn't fit in all of the news on this week's episode.

231: Apple Watch, News from the internet, Emails

June 12, 2018 12:01 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This week the gang are joined by visually impaired Channel 4 announcer Corrie Brown who joins the guys to talk about her experience of the Apple Watch and has some useful tips for Steven! The team also look at the latest tech news including a new soundbar just announced from Sonos that promises to give you as many personal assistants as you can handle and they also go through the mountain of emails.

236: E Access Bulletin June 2018 Update.

June 12, 2018 06:17 - 9 minutes - 8.88 MB

Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks with Tristan Parker, Editor of the free monthly bulletin, for a flavour of what's in the latest issue.  This month it's Microsoft AI project for accessible tech, Ford's haptic windows, home lighting for visually impaired people, Global Accessibility Awareness Day and a reader's question...  #RNIBConnect

Technology Review: Audiobooks And Where To Find Them

June 05, 2018 14:20 - 6 minutes - 5.53 MB

'Technology for Life' team's Paul Porter brings us the latest accessible technology review. This week Paul gives us his roundup of best ways of listening to audiobooks. Paul is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected] [Photo: A smiling man sitting outside and enjoying an audi...

235: Apple WWDC 2018 Special

June 05, 2018 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This week Steven Scott is joined by Tim Schwartz and Shaun Preece to talk about the latest developments from Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference held in California. Get the latest news from a blind perspective. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Technology Review: Accessible Phones

May 29, 2018 14:20 - 7 minutes - 6.71 MB

'Technology for Life' team's Paul Porter brings us the latest accessible technology review. This week we’re looking at what accessible mobile phones are out there, what are their best features and which one could be best for you. Paul is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected]...

229: Accessible gaming, GDPR, Emails

May 29, 2018 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MB

This week Steven, Shaun and Tim are talking tech once again.  This time they are joined by visually impaired games fan James Kyle who is an RNIB volunteer to talk about accessible gaming and the enjoyment he gets out of it. We also summarise the information surrounding the new EU legislation that has just been brought in called GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). We also read through more of your emails and keep you up to date on the week in tech news. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

228: Android, News, Emails

May 22, 2018 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

This week Steven Scott is joined by Shaun Preece and Tim Schwartz to discuss the week's news in tech. We also meet our new Android Anorak called Riz who answers your questions on the smartphone alternative. And there's more of your emails. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Is Reading Braille A Dying Art?

May 21, 2018 15:21 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

It’s estimated that less than 8% of visually impaired people in the UK can read braille. However, with advancing technology and changes to the outdated braille readers there is talk about a potential raise in literacy levels. James Bowden, RNIB’s braille technical officer, tells us more about what the future of braille could have in store for us. James spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information or to enter the Onkyo Braille Essay Contest visit: https://www.rnib.org....

229: Dolphin Computer Access, Emails

May 15, 2018 15:07 - 56 minutes - 51.3 MB

This week we focus on the company Dolphin Computer Access – a UK based specialist software company that makes products that enable blind and partially sighted people to easier access their computers. Also we read through more of your emails.

Spring Cleaning With Windows 10 Update

May 08, 2018 14:19 - 8 minutes - 7.72 MB

Is the thought of a Windows update causing you anxiety? Are you concerned how the accessibility features will be affected? Find out if ‘Technology for Life’ team’s Mohammed Atif can ease your mind with his latest review of the Windows 10 Spring Creator’s Update.  Mohammed spoke to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, o...

227: Emails, emails and more emails

May 08, 2018 10:51 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MB

This week we decided to catch up on our email inbox and get through more of your emails. Steven Scott is joined by Shaun Preece and Lydia Hulme and we also hear more of your Weekly Whines as well as some of the latest news in tech. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Technology Review - FlickType

May 01, 2018 14:25 - 6 minutes - 5.85 MB

'Technology for Life' team's Paul Porter brings us his latest accessible technology review. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley, Paul takes a closer look at FlickType, a keyboard app for Apple devices aimed to help visually impaired people get the best typing experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected]

225: Aria news, Weekly whines, Orcam My Eye 2.0, Emails

May 01, 2018 13:31 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This week Steven and Shaun are joined by Tim again to discuss the week in tech news. This week there is a special announcement about Aira glasses and we hear your weekly whines about technology. Also we meet Ian White from Orcam to hear about their latest product - the My Eye 2.0. And of course there are your emails which are always welcome. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Smart House For The Blind

April 25, 2018 15:39 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

Imagine a world where you can try out the latest technology in a setting that is as close to your own home as possible. That’s exactly what St Vincent’s school in Liverpool have done.  Along with partners, they have built a smart house which showcases assistive technology and how it can support people with visual impairments to live more independently. Danielle Colcolmbe from RNIB went along to see the house for herself and to share her experience with us.

Technology Review - Eye-D App

April 24, 2018 14:25 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MB

'Technology for Life' team's Paul Porter brings us his latest accessible technology review. Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley, Paul investigates the free reading app, Eye-D and tells us whether it's worth giving it a try. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the 'Technology for Life' team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected]

224: DWP report into assistive technology, New resources to learn tech, Driverless baby buggy, Emails

April 24, 2018 12:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MB

On this week's show Steven and Shaun are joined by Lydia Hulme to discuss the news in tech. The team discuss the recent report by the Department of Work and Pensions that has various suggestions on how to improve disabled people's access to assistive technology. There's also a chat with listener Gary Eady who got in touch with the show to tell us about a new online resource he is creating to help people learn how to use software such as Jaws and Voiceover. There's also more of your emails an...

Meet The New Chair Of BCAB

April 20, 2018 11:47 - 7 minutes - 7.15 MB

The British Computer Association of the Blind has been around for a number of years and now has a new Chair. Jackie Brown has taken up the role, and Tech Talk contributor Claire Potter spoke to her to find out more about the organisation.

Is Facebook Safe?

April 17, 2018 14:42 - 6 minutes - 5.64 MB

Following recent concerns over security and data protection on social media platforms like Facebook, Madleen Mann from RNIB’s Technology for Life team discusses these concerns and offers some advice on how to keep our privacy protected online. Madleen spoke to the host of Afternoon Edition, Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing ...

223: The Good, Bad & Ugly of Technology, BCAB, Emails

April 17, 2018 11:16 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

This week Steven, Shaun and Tim are talking about their technology woes, including issues with audio description and accessibility of apps.  There's also an interview with Claire Potter speaking to Jackie Brown, Chair of BCAB.  Plus there's lots of news around tech and more of your emails.

222: Android Phones, Vaux Speaker for Amazon Echo Dot, Windows 10 Improvements, Emails

April 10, 2018 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This week the team discuss Steven’s attempt at using an Android phone and he shares what he has been spending his hard earned tech money on. There’s also the latest news including improvements to Windows 10 accessibility and rumours of the new iPhones that will be coming in June.

The History of Audio Description in Sport

April 03, 2018 14:28 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

Blind and partially-sighted people have always loved their sport, whether it's football or rugby, tennis or golf. But is sport fully accessible to blind people? David Tanner who's reported on sport for both TV and radio for many years and provides audio described commentary, looks at how the service differs between sports, finds out how blind fans feel about the service they receive, and if there is any way it can be improved further….

Amazon Echo Review

April 03, 2018 13:43 - 6 minutes - 6.51 MB

RNIB's technology Officer Madleen Mann reviews the Amazon Echo, which is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa (voice-controlled assistant) to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read the news, set alarms and more. Madleen is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by em...

Hive Active Heating App Review

April 03, 2018 12:56 - 8 minutes - 7.63 MB

RNIB's technology Officer Paul Porter reviews the Hive Active Heating App, which is a thermostat that allows you to control your heating and hot water from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected]

221: Apple education event, Facebook controversy, Google Chromebooks

April 03, 2018 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

On this week's show Steven, Shaun and Tim are back together again discussing the week in tech news.  They discuss the recent Apple education event as well as the controversy around Facebook that is causing concern to their users.  There's also a chance to meet Sharon Lyons who produces information around how to use the computer without a keyboard using software such as Google's Chrome operating system, and there's more of your emails.

Assistive Tech Bulletin Is Free!

March 29, 2018 06:39 - 7 minutes - 7.04 MB

Each month RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell speaks to Tristan Parker from E-Access Bulletin.  We discuss some of the topics, ahead of the release of the next issue of the free monthly bulletin, focusing on assistive technology.  This month's topics include, the new Soundscape GPS app from Microsoft and Guide dogs, assistive tech awards & much more.  #RNIBConnect

220: RNIB In Your Pocket Special

March 27, 2018 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

This week the team find about the latest version of RNIB In Your Pocket in a special episode where Steven Scott attended the launch of the new device in London. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Soundscape App For Navigation

March 26, 2018 14:29 - 14 minutes - 13 MB

The UK charity Guide Dogs has teamed up with global tech giant Microsoft to develop and release a new app for blind and partially sighted people. Soundscape is a new slant on personal GPS and uses 3D sound to build an audio picture of your surroundings as you walk, or travel in a vehicle. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jenny Cook, from Guide Dogs, and Jarnail Chudge, From Microsoft, to learn more about the free app, which is available via the Apple App Store right now... #RNIBCo...

Welcome App Is Really Taking Off

March 26, 2018 06:42 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MB

The Welcome app has been designed by Edinburgh based tech solutions company NeateBox to improve the provision of service to customers with disabilities.  The app is set up by the user and when they approach a venue with the tech installed, the customer service representatives or staff are alerted to their arrival and any special requirements the customer has prioritised.  The versatile app is being used for shops, visitor attractions, transport hubs and much, much more.  RNIB Connect Radi...

Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones Review

March 20, 2018 15:24 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

Mark Evans from RNIB’s Technology For Life team reviews the latest ‘Beats Studio 3' wireless headphones. Mark is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell. If you have any questions, concerns, or would just like some advice on how to use your accessible technology contact the Technology for Life team by calling: 0303 123 9999, or by emailing to: [email protected]

219: Accessible science museum, VI Tech Solutions, RNIB In Your Pocket review, Apple events

March 20, 2018 13:09 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

On this week's show, Steven goes AWOL and leaves Tim and Shaun to carry the can, but can they cope?  Well it appears that they can as they discuss a new accessible science museum in Manchester specifically aimed at young blind and partially sighted people. Also on the menu is a review of RNIB in your Pocket ahead of its launch next week and Claire Potter speaks to accessible technology company VI Tech Solutions about the products they sell, plus there's news about CSUN in San Diego plus and ...

Driverless Cars: The Future Is Here

March 13, 2018 13:01 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MB

As driverless cars start to being their testing in the UK we ask if blind and partially sighted people could one day use this technology to enhance their mobility.  Steven Scott visited an exhibition and display of driverless vehicles, including the new Tesla Model X, and even had a chance to try it out for himself.  #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

218: Driverless cars, Braille e-reader, Bose glasses, Alexa's 'spooky' laugh

March 13, 2018 13:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

On this week’s show, Steven and Shaun are joined by Lydia Hulme to review the week’s news in technology. There’s also a chance to find out how Steven got on as he was introduced to the latest fully autonomous car from Tesla at an event highlighting the future of such vehicles in Birmingham. There’s also more of our listener emails. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

217: Soundscape, HomePod thoughts, News and more emails

March 06, 2018 15:25 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

This week Steven, Shaun and Tim discuss the new Microsoft Soundscape app that blind people are talking about – a new app that helps blind people better understand their environment. Also, listener Matthew Horspool gives his thoughts on the new Apple HomePod, and we hear from long time listener Dave who called in to share his thoughts on screenreaders for the PC. Plus there’s news and your emails.

216: Calibre Audio Library app, Apple HomePod review, Potter's Picks

February 27, 2018 13:01 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MB

On this week’s show Steven and Shaun are joined by new co-host Lydia Hulme once again. The trio are joined by Peter Gurney from Calibre Audio Library to respond to listeners’ concerns about their new app, plus listener Garth Humphries shares his first thoughts of the new Apple HomePod. There’s also a look at the latest news plus Claire Potter joins Steven to offer her latest Potters Picks.

Cyber Security

February 21, 2018 15:16 - 4 minutes - 4.42 MB

Steven Scott presents a special report into cyber security and offers advice to blind and partially sighted people about how to stay safe online. Steven hears from former head of GCHQ, Robert Hannigan, and blind tech expert Scott Charles. #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Blindshell Mobile Phone

February 21, 2018 15:13 - 7 minutes - 7.2 MB

If you've always fancied a smartphone but think they're too complicated or difficult to use, why not consider the Blindshell mobile? It's available from RNIB and offers a simpler user interface than iPhones and Android devices. You can find out more about it by clicking on the following link http://shop.rnib.org.uk/catalog/product/view/id/29628/s/blindshell-2-talking-accessible-smartphone Paul Porter from RNIB told Steven Scott about the product in this extended interview. #RNIBConnect #T...

215: Cyber crime, Blindshell mobile phone, Potter's Picks for personal care

February 20, 2018 13:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

On this week’s show we hear about how to stay safe online and offer tips on how to avoid online cyber criminals getting hold of your data. RNIB Technology Officer Paul Porter talks about the Blindshell mobile smartphone as an alternative to Apple and Android, and we read through the week’s news in tech as well as respond to your emails. And let’s not forget Claire Potter who joins us again with another selection of her Potter’s Picks.

The Smart Home of 2018

February 13, 2018 13:00 - 10 minutes - 10.2 MB

Steven Scott picks out eight items that he thinks can make your home super-smart in 2018! #RNIBConnect #TechTalk

Twitter Mentions

@techtalkersteve 2 Episodes
@adwinn 2 Episodes
@usa2day 2 Episodes
@sightlesskombat 1 Episode
@blinddroidusers 1 Episode
@timschwartz5 1 Episode
@ianhamilton_ 1 Episode
@dwoodbridge 1 Episode