The Tech Doctor Blog and Podcast

In this Tech Doctor podcast, Robert and Allison talk with Jeff Bishop, Alex Hall and Michael Doise about the development of the innovative iOS app for the American Council of the Blind called
ACB Link.

Jeff Bishop begins by taking us through the basic features and capabilities of the app. Michael Doise, the app’s developer, then talks with us about what it is like to take a set of ideas and turn them into a fully functioning iOS app.

The podcast then moves to a broader discussion of the accessibility of app development for people who are visually impaired and blind. Alex Hall tells us about a tutorial that he has published on
AppleVis
teaching VoiceOver users how to work with Xcode on the Mac. We learn that Apple has made it easy for developers to build VoiceOver accessible apps.

We conclude with the realization that app development is a viable career for blind and visually impaired people. Michael Doise tells us that his company called
iAccessibility
is interested in working with blind and low vision Apple developers. We see Apple app development as an excellent career opportunity for qualified blind and visually impaired people.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

This Tech Doctor Podcast is all about the new 4th generation
Apple TV

Robert and Allison spent the hour with
David Woodbridge.
At the time of this podcast, David has published 13 excellent podcasts teaching us to use the new Apple TV with VoiceOver. He says that he plans to publish at least 20 podcasts on the Apple TV.

We discuss the new hardware, describe how to set it up and talk about how this device differs from the third generation Apple TV. We agree that the new Siri remote and the ability to install apps from the Apple TV app store are the big changes available in this 4th generation Apple TV.

The three of us conclude, that once again, Apple has taken the lead on providing the most accessible set-top box that is currently available. We are really enjoying this new Apple TV. Sit back and let us tell you all about it.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this Tech Doctor podcast, Allison and Robert talk excitedly about the fabulous new hardware known as the iPhone 6s Plus. They are impressed with how solid and sturdy the phone feels and are pleased with the speed and smoothness of the phone’s operation. Robert briefly demonstrates the new 3D Touch feature. It works great with VoiceOver.

Robert and Allison spend some time discussing some VoiceOver bugs in iOS 9 and encourage VoiceOver users who haven’t upgraded to hold off until iOS 9.1 is released.

Finally, Robert and Allison discuss their lengthy and convoluted update to watchOS 2. Allison and Robert would like to see Apple simplify the process of updating and pairing the watch with a new iPhone.

Even with these problems, Allison and Robert are very excited about iOS 9 and watchOS 2. Apple is quickly fixing bugs and releasing updates. Without question, it will just get better from here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this podcast, Allison and Robert cover the presentation that Apple did on September 9, 2015. This was a two hour and fifteen minute event filled with new product announcements.

We cover the information that was presented about Apple Watch, iPad Pro, Apple TV and iPhone.

Robert and Allison hope that their fabulous Tech Doctor listeners enjoy and benefit from our perspective on this extraordinary Apple event.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Robert begins this Tech Doctor podcast by congratulating Allison on her appearance of Shelly Brisbin’s excellent new
The Parallels Podcast

Robert and Allison spend the remainder of the show talking with John Panarese, an experienced access technology teacher and certified Apple Consultant.

John has recently created a series of excellent audio tutorials teaching VoiceOver users how to get the most from the Mac and iOS. The tutorials are not operating system version dependent which makes them viable for iOS 9 and El Capitan. John’s clear, straightforward teaching style combined with his years of experience really makes these lessons easy to understand.

Robert plays a brief example of John’s lesson on the concept of “interaction” when using VoiceOver on the Mac. Robert hopes that this example will give you a flavor of just how clear and cogent these tutorials really are.

The audio tutorials are available for sale on John’s
Mac For The Blind
website. John describes the tutorials that are available at the time of recording and talks about plans to add more in the future. Robert and Allison encourage everyone to check them out.

John, Robert and Allison next spend a little time speculating about what Apple will likely announce in the September 9th event. We are excited.

Finally, Robert and Allison thank Allison Sheridan of the
NOLISSA Cast
for creating and helping Robert install a fabulous new logo for the Tech Doctor podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Whether or not to purchase an Apple Watch is a personal choice. There are many variables to consider. Fortunately, if you are a VoiceOver user, the Apple Watch is fully VoiceOver accessible.

For folks who would like to learn more about what it is like to use Apple Watch with VoiceOver, Anna Dresner has written a new book, in the style of a journal, describing her first month with the Apple Watch.

In this podcast, Allison and Robert talk with Anna about the book. We all agree that this book is great for people who are considering the watch and for those who already have it but want to brush up on how to get the most out of Apple Watch while running VoiceOver.

As always, Anna writes in her clear easy-to-read style telling us what worked well for her and what didn’t work so well.

At only ten dollars, this is a must have for anyone interested in Apple Watch. To purchase the book and to get more information, go to the
Watching Without Looking
website. Anna will be publishing a free update to the book when Apple Watch OS 2 is released later this year.

Along with Anna’s book, the Tech Doctors recommend the excellent series of podcasts that
David Woodbridge
did covering every aspect of using Apple Watch with VoiceOver. The Tech Doctors also recommend the Apple Watch User Guide available for free in the
iBook store.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this episode of the Tech Doctor podcast, Allison and Robert have the pleasure of talking with fellow podcaster, technical writer and soon to be app developer Aleen Simms.

Aleen’s podcast called
Less Than Or Equal
has recently become one of Robert and Allison’s favorite podcast.

Aleen talks with people who love what they do but also face adversity because of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability or some other characteristic that results in one feeling marginalized.

This podcast is like a breath of fresh air. Allison and Robert applaud Aleen for her courage, empathy, and straightforward approach to the exploration of these sensitive and complex issues. The Tech Doctors recommend that everyone subscribe and benefit as we do from the Less Than Or Equal podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this brief podcast, Robert tells Allison all about the
Macstock Expo
and
BBQ
that Robert attended near Chicago.

This was a remarkable one-day event where Apple enthusiast, many of whom are podcasters, came together for some excellent presentations and a fantastic BBQ.

Michael Potter of the
For Mac Eyes Only
podcast created and hosted the conference. Mike did a wonderful job. It sure didn’t feel like his first conference.

Barry Fulk hosted the BBQ in his large backyard. It was excellent.

Based on how well it all worked, I suspect next year will be even bigger and better. There is nothing like being a part of the Apple community.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this Tech Doctor podcast, Robert and Allison talk with Chris Maury. Chris has just released a very interesting iOS App which allows one to shop the Target online site using voice input. The app is sire-like in its responsiveness and sophistication. Robert and Allison were impressed with the demonstration that Chris gave us live on the podcast.

Allison used the app to purchase a book. She was pleased with how it went.

The app is called “Say Shopping.” It is available in the
iOS app store.
More information about the app is available at
the Say apps website.

Thanks Chris. We look forward to seeing where this goes.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this brief but information filled podcast, Allison and Robert speak with Judy Dixon about a new book describing 41 accessible games that are available to be played on an Apple iOS device.

The book is called “Anyone Can Play: Accessible Games for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch” and is available from
National Braille Press

Get yourself a copy of this book and never be bored again.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS