Blind Tech Guys

All the ANTAD episodes have been great, but I would like to particularly deem episode 11 as "extra special!"I gave this episode the nickname of "Mystery guest."We are graced by the appearance of a highly respect develper--Eyal from "high Mountain," from where we get the "Speak!" app--an OCR package that is free to use for any blind person with an Android phone and it can be installed from the following Play URL:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toucan.speakEyal took us to the history of the app and what led him to developing the app.We're delighted to say that he'd be visiting with us from time to time here on ANTAD.Our next session touched on some of the news of the week, where Nimer talked about a fix that the Pixel 4 phones received.This was a bug that caused a popping sound when doing either video or audio recording on the Pixel 4-series.The full article is located at:https://www.phonearena.com/news/Tapping-noise-heard-on-Pixel-4-Playground-videos-is-fixed_id120583In another news that is closely related, Mike reports the camera exploit that was found on some Pixel and Samsung phones which have since been fixed.The story can be read at:https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2019/11/19/google-confirms-android-camera-security-threat-hundreds-of-millions-of-users-affected/#5e1b9a7f4f4eMoving away from news having to do with exploites and focusing on the discontinuation of the "Cloud-print" services from Google, I Warren, shared the news that can be found at the following URL:https://www.androidcentral.com/google-shutting-down-its-web-based-cloud-print-serviceWe moved on to the apps and talked about shopping apps, and onto a password managing app called "1Password" that Mike talked about found at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.agilebits.onepasswordIn the "tip of the day" section, Nimer talked about a site that compares data consumption, I warren showed a little tip about managing your wifi data consumaption and demonstrated how to read articles using Android.As always, we welcome your questions by sending us email messages to:antadpodcast@gmail.comTo join the ANTAD email forum, send a "join request" to:antad+subscribe@googlegroups.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

Upon reaching episode 10, we took a look at something that matters to all--Cash!Most countries of the world don't have Braille or something along that line that makes it easy for blind people to differentiate between the bank notes, so we took a look at Cash Readers!This of course was proceeded by news in which Nimer talked about the recently released RCS by Google--a technology that is intended at making the good ole SMS receive the goodies of modern chat apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. while, I Warren, talked about the Android phones that come with exploits out of the box.There are 29 such manufacturers, primarily from Asia including well-known names like Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi, etc.In talking about Cash identifying apps, Nimer demonstrated the "Cash Reader" by Martin Doud?ra.This app costs $15.99 for a lifetime price, while an annual subscription falls at $5.49 with a monthly subscription topped at $0.99.The app is located at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.martindoudera.cashreader&hl=enAnother cash reader that is just as good as the above, is another one called "MCT Money Reader." by "MCT Data."This app would like you identify a bill for about two ro so times and then it would ask you to buy the app for $14.99.The app is located at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mctdata.ParaTanima&hl=enI Warren,Talked about the oldest app in this class--The IDEAL U.S. Currency Identifier by the "Ideal Group."This app was certified on September 2nd, 2012.The app is located at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.ideal.currencyid&hl=enThe last one that we discussed is specifically for the Indian currency called "CDI" and Ravi walked us through tis one.The app is located at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rbi.cdi&hl=enThe next session looked at a couple navigation apps--Google Maps and Lazarillo.Nimer demonstrated the Lazarillo app from:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lazarillo while I Warren, demonstrated the Google Maps with the new accessibility plugin.We closed the session with the tips of the week, where Nimer demonstrated how to change granularity on the fly using Talkback and Ravi demonstrated the new feature in WhatsApps where one could choose who can and cannot add one to a group on WhatsApp.As always, we look forward to hearing from you when you send us your questions, concerns or criticisms to our contact email:antadpodcast@gmail.comTos subcribe to the "ANTAD" mailing list or furm where you can post messages and read from other "ANTAD" forum members, all you need do is send a "join request" to:antad+subscribe@googlegroups.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

On November, 9, 2019, the ANTAD Podcast showcases its 9th podcast, corresponding with the 9th day of the month.In this episode, we opened up with news where I Warren, talked about ADA--?Apps Defense Alliance," a Google-joint  venture with three of some of the leading malware detection companies--Lookout, Eset and Ziperium.The aim of this is to incorporate these tools into the "Google Protect," thus, bolstering the defense against rogue apps on the Play Store.This announcement came through on Nov. 6 from the Google security blog at the following URL:https://security.googleblog.com/2019/11/the-app-defense-alliance-bringing.htmlMike talked about the new "Play Rewards" program where one could opt in to receive credit that could be used towards the purchasing of apps, games, music, books and game on the Play Store.Nimer discussed the new beta of the Samsung UI 2 for Samsung phones, meaning, this is their take on Android 10.In the "apps" section of the podcast, I warren discussed the new Microsoft Office Preview for mobile.The app is still in a preview phase and those interested would first need to join the Microsoft Google community at the following URL, and afterwards, choose to sign up for the beta, and this takes you to the Play store where you can join and from there, tap on "install" and get the app.The URL for Android users to join the community is located at:https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Office-Apps-Blog/Office-app-for-Android-How-to-access-the-public-preview/ba-p/976713while those on iOS (AKA) "Fruitvale," should utilize the following "test flight" URL:https://testflight.apple.com/join/eHAKJBtMI also talked about a fax app called "FaxFile," found at the following Play URL:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.actualsoftware.faxfileNimer discussed the "Your phone, Companion--Link to your Windows" app from microsoft, found at the following Play URL:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.appmanagerMike discussed a to-do-list app called "Todoist" found at the following Play URL:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.todoistWell, believe it or not, the ANTAD Podcast crew sang a "happy birthday" tune to our very own Gary Melconian (AKa) Duckie head!Now for questions, concerns or any other issues regarding the podcast, please, don't hesitate to contact us via email by directing such to:antadpodcast@gmail.comTo join the ANTAD maling list, send your "join request" to:antad+subscribe@googlegroups.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

In our 8th episode of the ANTAD podcast, in the news section, we highlighted the fact that for some odd reason, HMD, makers of the Nokia phones whose phones come with bootloaders that cannot be unlocked, the Nokia 7.1 on the other hand, does come with a bootloader that can be unlocked.Also in the news secton, Samsung, during it's recent conference, shone a spotlight on the subject of Accessibility.We moved onto apps and I, Warren, demonstrated a couple apps--"Elocance" from the following Play URL:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mindthetea.elocanceand "Skit" from:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pavelrekun.skitNimer demonstated an app called "Speed" that shows you what your speed is.We closed the section by answering some question from a listener and took advantage of that and did our "tip" of the week."As always, we value your questions and suggestions or criticims and should you have any of those, then we invite you to contact us by sending an email to:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

Pixel4 Time!In our seventh episode of the "ANTAD" podcast, we unbox the Pixel 4XL and by the way, it has been confirmed that the screen panel of the Pixel4 is from Samsung while the regular Pixel4 rocks an LG panel!In our news section, Nimer highlights the changes that have shown up on the Assistant and I, Warren talkd about "CCMI" (Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative," an effort by the 4 carriers in the U.S., AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon in bringing RCS across the 4 major carriers.In the same breath, however, on the 25th of this month, someone came up with an app that is available on the Play Store that could make this magic possible without waiting for these 4 carriers and their "CCMI."The "CCMI" mentions some talk about doing this with Android but no mention was made regarding Apple.Below are the steps that would help you in bringing this capability to your phone as well as the Play URL from where the app can be downloaded.Steps and URL:1. Enrol in the "Messages" beta found at the following URL:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.messagingBe sure to update the app after enrolling in the beta.2. Turn off WiFi3. Restart your phone4. Clear storage for Messages and Carrier Services (Settings>Apps> find each app and clear storage)5. Install "Activity Launcher" from:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.szalkowski.activitylauncher and open it ,6. Tap the top menu or "navigation drawer" and choose “All activities”7. Find Messages and tap it,8. Find “Set RCS Flags” and tap it9. In "ACS" URL, choose “http://rcs-acs-prod-us.sandbox.google.com/”10 In OTP Pattern, choose “Your\sMessenger\sverification\scode\sis\sG-(\d{6})”11 Tap Apply12 Close all opened apps 13 Open Messages14 You should now see a pop-up to “Upgrade Now” to RCS15 Tap “Upgrade Now” and follow the welcome screensMessages will now enroll your phone. It could take several minutes.16 To confirm it worked, open Messages, tap top-right menu (more settings) \Settings\Chat features. You should see status as “Connected” if it worked properly.That's it!You can now message across all 4 carriers without waitng for them.We appreciate it when you send us email letting us know how we are doing, thus, we invite you to send those questions, conerns or criticisms to our email address:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

In our 6th Episode of the ANTAD podcast, we spotlight GPS apps and paid particular attention to the Nearby Explorer, wherein, Nimer demonstrated the app and its reaches.I Warren, mentioned the Google Maps and the GetThere apps and because we were running out of time, only the Nearby Explorer demonstration is showcased in this episode.Krister touched lightly on the "Speak!" with respect to his experience, while Ravi chimed in about the Lazarillo GPS that he might showcase in some future podcast.On the newsy side of things, Nimer touched on the dual-band GPS capability that would be coming to the Pixel 4.We closed the session with an email from a listener.Again, as always we invite you to share your concenrs, inquiries or comments with us by emailing those to:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

In our 5th installment of the ANTAD Podcast, Nimer and myself, Warren, took the time to show our gratitude for the inventors of the Lithium ion battery--John B Goodenough of the University of Texas at Austin,M Stanley Whittingham of Binghamton Universityand Akira Yoshino of Meijo University.We talked about the new feature of the Google maps "detailed guidance navigation" intended for eyes-free navigation that debuted on Thursday, October 10 during "World sight day."Some Japanese lady demonstrated the new feature at the following Youtube URl's in both English and Japanese:English URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEMoCmvpHgo&feature=youtu.beJapanese url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0pNyHs-aKA&feature=youtu.beThis feature is only available in the U.S. and Japan for the time being.Nimer demonstrated a couple apps from a developer known as "In Pocket software" that show you what your phone is up to and the internals of your Android phone. This is by way of the "phone information" found at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inpocketsoftware.andInfoand then the one that shows you the phone signal found at the following URL:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inpocketsoftware.phoneSignalProWe ventured into a territory that would probably leave me, Warren, having some nightmares!Yes, we compared some apps on the Fruitvale (iOS) device and on Android.I happened to be the one that showed the Fruitvale side of things!The Session closed with the answering of mail we got from a listener.As always, we appreciate hearing from you and to send us your questions concerns or suggestions, please, send those to:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

In the 4th ANTAD Podcast episode, we dialogued on a few OCR packages and demonstrated what they can do.Nimer demonstrates the "Speak!" app from "High Mountain" while I, Warren demonstrated "Google Lens" and "Assistive Text Detection" by Leo Neat" as well as touching on "Speechify" by "Speechify Text To Speech Dyslexia Reading OCR."We also touched on "Lookout" by google, "The Voice for Android" also known as "vOICe" by Peter Meijer.Krister raised a good question about the possibility of integrating object description in our native camera apps.The apps discussed in this episode can be found at the following Play URL's:"The Voice for Android:"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vOICe.vOICe"Speak!" by "high mountain:"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toucan.speak"Lookout" by Google:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.accessibility.revealAssistive text Detection by Leo Neat:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.leo.neat.assistivetextdetection"Speechify:"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cliffweitzman.speechifyNow for any questions, suggestions or concerns with respect to the Podcast or any genral Android questions, please, don't hesitate to contact us via email at:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

In our third installment of the "ANTAD" Podcast, recorded on Sept. 28,2019, we showcased the new encryption that Google has for "Android Go" devices known as the "Adiantum."This would be the way forward starting with "Android Go" 10 devices that we should start seeing come to the market towards the end of this year.Nimer spotlights both Google Fi, the upcoming Pixel 4 and indeed, we sang a little "happy birthday" tune for Google turning 21 yesterday--Sept. 27.Ravi graces the episode with a demonstration of the "Supersense" app from the mediate group.I, Warren, demonstrated a little app called "Text Annalizer"--a paid app costing $0.99 that at the time of recording this episode, the app was on sale for free with three days remaining.The Play URL of the app is located at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.graspery.www.wordcountproFor any questions, suggestions or concerns, please, do not hesitate to contact us at the following email address:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

In our second episode of the ANTAD Podcast, we discussed the sudden disappearance of the Eloquence TTS engine from the Google Play Store.Michael demonstrates the capabilities of the unsung hero--"Voice Access" from Google.Ravi unveiled the new feature in WhatsApp wherein one can use the fingerprint  Reader to lock the app.Warren demonstrates a little tucked away feature that is hidden even from file manager in the Chrome browser where one could clear the footprints of websites either individually or clear all with one tap.Should you want to catch mike demonstrate features or apps on the Android Platform, you may do so by navigating to the following URL where he joins a Canadian crew, every other week starting from Oct. 14th at 2:25 EasternThat website is:AMI.ca/For questions, concerns and suggestions for the ANTAD Podcast crew, please, direct those to:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message

In our very first " ANTAD" podcast, Hareth, Krister, Nimer and Warren discuss the history of Android and the events that led to where we are today in Android.This discussion looks at the weaknesses, strengths and key accessibility issues and when they became available.Send your questions and inquiries, which would be responded to in the next episode to the following email address:antadpodcast@gmail.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/anatadpodcast/message