Category: Podcasting

Download and convert videos from Youtube with Pontes Media Downloader

Pontes Media Downloader is a program which helps blind people to download and convert video files from YouTube but from other video services as well.
The interface is clean, simple and accessible for screen reader users.
Now the program has versions for Windows, Mac and Linux.
Today I will show you how to use it in Windows.
Later I hope to come with a demonstration for Mac as well.
Download the program from
www.pontes.ro
And install it normally, like any other program under Windows.
Once installed go to YouTube and copy the link from the share menu along the video what you wish to download.
When the YouTube link is copied go to Pontes Media Downloader icon into your desktop and open it.
The program will check your clipboard for a YouTube link. If such a link is present will be automatically pasted into the right place.
Going around with tab key you can select from a couple of combo boxes the quality of the source file in the first instance, but also the format what you wish to choose for your download. You can keep the original format, or you can convert the file in video or audio formats.
Check the podcast episode for the demonstration with Jaws.
Also, you can learn more about formats available for audio and video.
The program will create a folder in your Documents where you can access the files at any time without opening the program.
When a link is pasted in for download an audio signal will be heard, and, also when the download or conversion is done.
For long videos the process could take a while according with your internet connection and your computer specs.
I will give a thump up for Pontes Association and the team whom was involved in this program development. Good stuff!
If you wish to learn more about navigating around YouTube, or how to use accessible programs for this task don’t hesitate to contact us.
Enjoy your listening now!

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How blind users make an ECG test on Apple Watch

I have decided to post today a new demonstration in the podcast episode, related with Health App in iPhone and Apple Watch.
Starting with Apple Watch series 4, there is a new feature built-in which work great for me as a blind user.
As one whom encountered some heart issues a while ago because a chest infection, I was learning to keep an eye on my heart bit and on my health of heart of course.
I have recently discovered how easy and effective is to perform an electrocardiogram on my watch.
I will demonstrate in the podcast episode today how to perform this task and, how to share the result with your doctor. Alternatively, you can store the results in one of your cloud accounts in order to show them later at hospital when needed.
The experience is easy

Follow this steps

1. Open ECG app on your Apple Watch
2. Hold your finger on the crown navigation button until Voiceover will say Done, or you’ll hear the special sound made during the test running off.
3. Double tap on done button.
4. Go to your iPhone and open the notification received when ECG test was done.
5. Open the newest result with double tap
6. Flick to the right until hear share result with your doctor button.
7. Double tap on that button and then choose a method to share the pdf from the regular iPhone share screen.
Job done.
If you listen the audio demonstration till the end, you’ll see how easy it is to do it.
Note, it is necessary to have a first set up which might be a bit lengthy but no longer than 10 minutes.
Must be collected in the health app some information about you in order to have relevant results. The information required in the health app are things like weight, height, age, sex and some basic medical info.
I would recommend going through this before using for the first time ECG app on your watch, other way you’ll be directed to same place during the first test trial.

Hope this demonstration encouraged you to give a try to this nice feature.
For any comments, questions or mentions do not hesitate to right a comment down below or to contact me using the details in the podcast recording.

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Setting up an Amazon Echo Dot 3rd gen as a blind user

It is not a secret for anyone how popular and useful is an Amazon Echo device today.
Just talking with this intelligent device you can find out more about lots of things, you can do shopping, organise your calendar and much much more.
I will show today in the podcast episode how to set up an Echo Dot 3rd gen as a blind user without any sighted help.
I have used for this my iPhone X where the Alexa app was installed before, and the process was simple.
When the device was added to my devices list I have had to organise it in terms of where it is placed. In my case, the new device is seating in my bedroom.
Also, I have renamed this new device and I have activated the sound for start and end requests.
This little beep help blind people to know if Alexa heard your request and also when the answer is following.
Enjoy the audio demonstration and do not hesitate to contact us for any help if you encounter problems during set up as a blind user.
Do you have a particular task what Alexa helps you with? Which one? Do you recommend any skill?
Please leave your comments below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How tu update your Apple Watch OS as a blind person

In this podcast episode I will show how to update your Apple Watch OS as a blind person.
I am my self a blind user of Apple Watch and iPhone, and the whole process was recorded just to show you how to perform this task.
In order to update your Apple Watch you need the following:
• Your Apple Watch must sit on its charger
• Your Watch’s battery level must be at list 50%.
• Your Apple Watch and your iPhone must be in range and connected to same wireless network.
The update process must be started from Watch app on your iPhone.
Ask Siri to open Watch app and swipe right until all watch faces are past, then continue until general. Double tap on general and go to the right until software update. If a new version of Watch OS is available Voiceover will mention that.
If yes, proceed to update.
Will be 3 rounds of waiting time required: one for download, second for preparation and third for installing.
The whole process will take about 15 minutes, depending by your internet connection speed.
Two things are very important:
1. Do not remove your Apple Watch from its charger until the update is complete.
2. . Do not take your iPhone out of range of your watch and wi-fi network.
A short time, during the installation, your Watch will not speak.

Hope the audio demonstration below will help you to understand how simple is to update your Watch OS when a new version is available.
For any question or comment around Apple Watch and iPhone fill free to write us, using the comments form below, or the contact form.
Finally, I wish only to remind you, Accessible Computer offer training courses for blind people, one to one, face to face or at distance, in topics like iPhone and Apple Watch, but other as well.

Check out here the all list of available training courses.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Borrow Box app accessibility for Voiceover users

Borrow Box app is an app used by local libraries in UK for e-books and e-audio-bookx.
In this audio demonstration I will show you how to borrow a book from Poole and Cristchurch Library.
Also, an overview of the main tabs in the menu will inform you what you can do in this app, as a blind user.
The app is 100% accessible with Voiceover screen reader in iPhone.
Eventually, the only step where a problem may aquire is the signup process. There is a barcode which must be scanned from your library card and a pin code required.
I remember, this first step, for me at list, has been done by a library emploee. I can’t remember if is possible to pair manually the app with your library card, avoiding that barcode scann.

Appearance

The first page when you open the app is My Loans, where you can see an overview of your borrowed/reserved books.
In the app you can borrow books, but also to rezerv books, if they are not available at the visit time. Some of the titles are limited in terms of licences offered to your local libraries. When that maximum is reached you have to wait in the queue untill that title is returned by others. The returns are made manually, or automaticaly, when the borrow term expire.
The second tab is e-audio-books where you can see a list of available books . A filter is available is well, if you wish to sort books after category, age target, etc.
Each title is followed by a date when is available for download, in case of all copyed owned by the local library are taken. If the title does not display any availability date, that mean that title is available for download straight on.

When a double tap with one finger is performed on book title you open the book details.
In this page are buttons available for preview, borrow, or rezerv.

The third tab is search.
With search box I was unsuccessful, probably because my search term was unusual. Probably if you search for a book title about you know for sure is available , the results are relevant.
For my trials the results were not relevant.
I have inserted the terms “learn social media” and “Living forward” which is a book title.
Also, the little popup with suggestions under the search box always suggested funny terms.
The forth tab is settings where you can adjust some details like downloading books on wi-fi only, account details with personal data, and few others.
All together I am pleased about Borrow Box accessibility for screen reader users.
Do you have a similar experience?
Let me know if you checked this app in Android or iPad.

Listen the audio demonstration in the podcast episode below.
For any questions leave a comment or drop me an e-mail using the contact form.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How to set up your Apple Watch serie 4 for swimming poole

I am wandering to show today how to set up your Apple Watch 3rd or 4th generation, for that time when you go to swimming pool.
I am going, when weather allow me, to swim in the sea here at Bournemouth. It is a wonderful beach here and summer time is coming now. I am looking forward for that hot time of the year.
If you are blind, and your watch is operated using Voiceover, then this is the guide for you.
I will have below the article a short podcast episode to show you how to activate/diactivate water lock.
First, I wish to warn you to not get into a swimming pool with Apple Watch if they are older than 3rd generation. They are OK with splash water, when you wash your hands or with heavy rain, but not cope at all with keeping watch under water.
First rule then, is> Double check if your watch model is capable of be taken in swimming pool.
Check your user manual for this.
Second rule is do not jump in any pool before being 100% sure your watch is properly activated with the water protection.
To turn water lock on, follow two steps which takes only few seconds to perform.
1. Triple tap with two fingers in order to disactivate crown navigation. You must hear crown navigation off when the gesture is done properly. Is important to do this because turning water lock off require working with the digital crown.
2. Navigate to control centre and double tap on it. Flick right until hear water lock off. Double tap with one finger to turn it on.
If the water lock is turned on properly no other information will be present on the screen excepting time. The voice will report only the time when you touch the screen.
Note: after a time spent in water the voice can be dimpt because the little speaker is wet. But when you turn water lock off the water will be ejected, and the voice tone will come to normal.
To turn the water lock off just press once on the digital crown, the little round button, and then turn it a bit. A little tone and some vibrations will be generated in order to dry out the speaker.
When the water lock is set off properly, the regular screen will come up like before .
I hafve been many times now to my local swimming pool and used my watch in water, and no issues.
Why should I take the watch with me?
Because you can measure various things during your swimming time, like calories spent, heart bit, workout time, etc.
Find out below the promised audio demonstra

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Twitterrific for iPhone, demonstration for Voiceover users

I have received a request to provide information about working with Twitterrific in Iphone, and few questions came up about.
But before answering I have to make some mentions.
Let’s say first of all the interface of this app displays a sidebar on top, an area called central stage and few options in between.
They are Home, compose and search button. At the bottom screen is a similar menu containing:
1. Home
2. Mentions
3. Likes
4. Messeges
5. My Tweets
Please note, this below menu is not reachable as a regular tab menu but you have to touch four fingers at the bottom of screen in order to go to the last tweet in list.
Just after that one you can access that menu.
I think the role of each menu is quite self explanatory.
Home menu displays the whole list of tweets from your timeline
The Mentions menu displays your tweets which are mentioned by others.
Messeges displays a list of direct messages and Likes the list of your liked tweets.
My Tweets display a list of my tweets.
Touching with four fingers on top of the screen move the focus straight to sidebar which normaly is closed.
Once the sidebar is opened some other options are displayed.

Do I have to customize Twitterrific for VoiceOver?

No, when Twitterrific is installed all what you need is set as default. Of course, if you have some extra requirements you can check settings and alter from there various aspects.

How to follow and unfollow someone?

I do like this on my iPhone in order to follow/unfollow someone.
I will browse my timeline to find the user what I want to follow or unfollow.
Flick up or down on screen when you are positioned on that tweet containing the username and stop on that option when the username is reported. As an example, if I want to follow an user called @AccessibleCompu I will navigate at that tweet and then flicking up or down I will go untill VoiceOver will say @AccessibleCompu and then double tap. Some options related with that user will be opened, like name and website, how many followers/followed that user have and also a button reporting if you follow him or not. Also, one of the lines will report if that user already follow you.
Tap on the switch button follow and job done. also, same button must be switched off in case of you wish to not follow that user any more.

How to search for some one or company

In sidebar is a button called search button.
You can tipe a general term, a company name or a person name. Also, for a direct result the best way is to search using the @username format.
If no result is returned under cancel button nothing is displayed.

How to tweet to someone or company

The simple way is to tap on compose button on top sidebar and write your tweet. If no destination is mentioned you send the message to all your followers.
Also, you can use reply flicking up on the tweet where the user what you want to tweet is present.
If you choose one user only to tweet, that is a direct message.
Also, you can use Messages tab from the bottom menu.

Where to see my followers?

On sidebar navigate to profile and double tap one finger.
Slide left to right untill hear how many people you follow and double tap. A list of all your followed will be displayed.

Where to find those following me?

At the same place like above, one line below.
Again, do double tap on the number of people following you.

How to view tweets sent by an individual or company?

Go on your timeline and find a tweet sent by the individual or company what you wish to see tweets.
Flick up till you hear the username of that user and double tap. A overview of that user will appear. Here you can see a list of latest tweets sent by that user.
Also, you can go via sidebar in order to find the user or even to use search button. Once you found that user double tapp on it, to see that overview what I have mentioned above.

VoiceOver gestures in Twitterrific

At iFactory Support page is displayed a good list of Voiceover gestures for Twitterrific for iOS.

What VoiceOver gestures can I use in Twitterrific?

Twitterrific supports gestures for use with VoiceOver the audio accessibility feature built into iOS for the hard of seeing. The following is a list of VoiceOver gestures available in Twitterrific 5:

Anywhere

• Two-finger Z gesture – Dismiss any currently-displayed popup

views

Timeline

• Three-finger swipe down while at the top of the timeline – refreshes the timeline content

• Three-finger swipe up/down – scroll the timeline by pages

• Swipe left or right – move through your timeline tweet by tweet

• Double tap on a tweet – Quickly open the discussion view for that tweet

• Double tap, hold, and swipe left on a tweet – Quickly open the discussion view for that tweet

• Double tap, hold, and swipe right on a tweet – Quickly start a reply for that tweet

• Swipe up or down, then double tap – Select and execute an action for that tweet

Sidebar

• Double tap and hold on the sidebar button – Quickly bring up the Accounts screen

Photo Viewer

• Double tap – Dismiss the photo viewer • Double tap and hold – Bring up an action menu for the displayed photo

• Double tap on the character counter, then swipe left and double tap on the reset tweet button – Clear the text in the compose view • Double tap and hold on the location button – set location attachment always on by default

In-App Browser

• Double tap and hold on the mobilizer button – set mobilizer view always on by default

Clearing the Timeline Cache or Deleting An Account

• Double tap & hold on the sidebar button to bring up the Accounts screen. Next, navigate to the account you want to clear the cache or delete. Double tap on the account itself to activate it. Finally, swipe down to the option you want (Clear cache or delete account) and double tap again.
For an audio demonstration listen the podcast episode below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Dealing with attachments in Outlook using Jaws

As a screen reader user, we do things a little different in Outlook when is about saving or insert an attachment.

Saving attachments in Outlook

In Windows 10 with Jaws 2018 and Outlook 2016 we can do like this in order to save attachments:

  • Open Outlook and press control Y to go at the mail folder
  • Arrow down and then right to the inbox folder
  • Open an e-mal containing an attachment. Jaws announces which one contain one.
  • Press insert A in order to jump to attachment list.
  • Arrow left or right between attached files if they are more than one.
  • Press shift F10 or application key and select save all attachments or save as.
  • From the window opened tab around to choose the folder where the attachment file will be saved
  • Press enter or spacebar

You can choose to save selectively what file to save or to select all for this.
Also, explore other options available for the attachments in the context menu.

Insert an attachment in a new composed e-mail

In order to add an attachment into an e-mail you can use one of this 2 methods:
1. Select and copy a file using regular Windows Explorer commands and paste into the message body.
2. In the em-ail body press alt key and arrow right to insert tab, then down arrow to attach button. Press enter and then using tab go to browse this PC button. Please note, when press enter on attach button a list of recent opened files is opened, but keep pressing tab you can find browse this PC button.
This button open a regular browse file window which allow you to choose what file to open in order to attach it.
Remember, attachment files needs to not exceed the limit mentioned by your e-mail service. Also, not any kind of file could be uploaded as an attachment.
A good practice for programs or big files is to archive them before paste in attachments.

For a step by step example of saving and insert an attachment listen the podcast episode below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How to import your bookmarks from IE into Google Chrome browser

In the podcast episode today I am going to demonstrate how to import bookmarks and favourites from Internet Explorer in Google Chrome browser, as a screen reader user.
The process is simple and needs only few steps.
1. Open Chrome then press tab in order to move away from search field.
2. Press alt F to open the menu
3. Navigate to bookmarks submenu using arrow keys
4. Choose import bookmarks and select Internet Explorer from the combobox
5. Press tab few times until import button and press enter.

As you probably notice along your bookmarks the import wizzard is able to move your browser history and saved passwords.
If you have any difficulties or wish to know more about managing bookmarks, please listen the audio demonstration and then use the comments form below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download