In this episode of Digital Bytes:

• Michael shares how to customize VoiceOver commands on the Mac using the Commands tab in VoiceOver Utility. Learn how to assign custom AppleScripts (like announcing remaining seconds in a minute) to specific key combos, thanks to tips from Chanel, Herbie, and Brad.
• Quick Tip: Use VO + Fn + F8 (or Command + 8 in the Utility) to get started.
• Want Michael’s script? Reach out to him on Mastodon: @payown@dragonscave.space.
• Chanel dives into the often-overlooked search box in iOS Settings, showing how it can surface deep, hard-to-find options like:
• Auto-Lock duration
• Preventing the lock button from ending calls
• Accessibility settings like "Stop sounds when locked"
• Hidden Siri and notification controls
• Marty explains how to toggle the Power On/Off chime on your iPhone, giving you more control over audio feedback during restarts.
• Navigate to: Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Power On & Off Sounds

Stay tuned for more practical tips in future bites!

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In this episode of All Things Lady A, we dive into the latest updates on Alexa Plus, Amazon’s upcoming conversational AI experience. Although it's not out yet, we break down what we know so far—including availability on Echo Show 8 and newer devices, and features like natural dialogue, personalized routines, and browser-based access. Then, we put Lady A’s ChatGPT integration to the test with a fun and informative demo. Tune in as we explore Braille-related topics by chatting with the built-in AI assistant:

• The history of Braille
• How blind people read before Braille
• Braille games like Uno and Chess
• Braille embossers and refreshable Braille displays
• Music notation in Braille
• What UEB (Unified English Braille) is and why it matters

Curious how many questions you can ask before hitting the free version’s limit? We test that too! 💡 Got an idea for a future Lady A segment? Email your suggestions to feedback@unmute.show and Michael or Marty will pass them along. Links Mentioned: No external links this time—just your Lady A device, your curiosity, and a whole lot of Braille talk! Subscribe to Unmute Presents for more content like this, and don’t forget to have fun with your Lady A device!

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In this episode of At Your Fingertips, we take a moment to celebrate Helen Keller's legacy, just in time for her June 27th birthday. We reflect on her impact, not just as a trailblazer for deafblind individuals, but also as a fierce advocate for Braille as a standard reading code. Next, we shift gears to explore Jumbo Braille. Yes, it's a real thing. Learn when it’s useful, how it’s different, and why it might be a good fit for those with tactile sensitivity challenges. And finally, butterflies and Braille come together as we chat about the Monarch, a powerful new multiline tactile graphics and Braille display from APH. It’s almost here, and you’ll hear what we’re hoping to do with it, from maps to music and even spreadsheets. Resources mentioned:

• Helen Keller National Center: https://helenkeller.org/hknc
• Feedback? We'd love to hear from you: feedback@unmute.show

Thanks for joining us!

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In this episode of Digital Bytes:

• Travel Tip: Chris breaks down everything you need to know about flying with battery packs—what’s allowed in your carry-on, how many milliamp hours different devices use, and tips to avoid TSA headaches. If you're packing a power bank this summer, this is for you.
• Tech How-To: Marty answers a common question—how to keep your iPhone screen on longer. He walks you through the auto-lock settings and shares a few cautions to keep your battery healthy and your phone secure.
• Tool Spotlight: Michael introduces Gravity Forms, a flexible and accessible WordPress plugin that powers everything from simple contact forms to complex multi-page surveys and payment systems. Plus, he shares tips for organizing form fields, managing access with remote assistants, and extending functionality using Gravity View and Gravity Wiz.

Whether you're prepping for takeoff or building your next form-driven project, this episode has practical tips you can use right away.

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In this special episode, Michael and Marty share some important updates about the future of Unmute. Michael announces that he’s stepping back from his role after taking on a full-time position with the American Council of the Blind. The duo reflects on how Unmute started, how it grew beyond anything they imagined, and express deep gratitude to the many people who made it all possible.

They also outline what’s staying the same: Digital Bytes, Mac Chat, and Braille Then and Now will continue through the summer, with more updates coming this fall. While Community Unmuted will no longer be part of the ACB Community lineup, they teases that something new may be on the horizon.

Whether you’ve tuned in every week or just discovered Unmute, this is a heartfelt moment of appreciation, transition, and continued connection. Stay subscribed and stay in touch at unmute.show.

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In this week’s Digital Bytes, we explore tech that charges, cooks, and communicates:

• iPhone 16 Wireless Charging: Marty clears up confusion around the iPhone 16e’s charging options. While it doesn’t include MagSafe, it does support wireless charging (just at slower speeds). Plus, he shares how a MagSafe-compatible case can expand your accessory options—though not your charging speed.

• Smart Kitchen Real Talk: Chris shares a personal story about smart pressure cookers, app shutdowns, and why you shouldn’t depend too heavily on voice assistant integrations. She offers practical workarounds using AIRA, Be My Eyes, Be My AI, and tactile labels to keep cooking smart—even when your apps ghost you.

• Accessible Amateur Radio: Michael gives a hands-on (and ears-on) overview of the Kenwood TH-D74A handheld radio. Learn how this device provides spoken feedback, what the keypad layout is like, and how to scan frequencies and memories without needing a screen.

As always, if you’ve got questions or feedback, email us at feedback@unmute.show.

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In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, Adrian (aka Driza) demonstrates how to join a Zoom meeting directly from an email using the BlindShell Classic 3. This step-by-step guide is perfect for anyone receiving ACB Community event emails and looking for a quick way to jump into Zoom without entering a meeting ID or passcode.

Highlights include:

• Navigating to email using three different methods
• Opening Zoom links from within an email
• Joining a meeting by simply entering your name
• Adjusting Zoom audio settings (speakerphone vs. earpiece)
• Accessing raise hand and reaction controls

Adrian also shares helpful tips on setting up your email, enabling meeting controls in Zoom, and why this method is easier than manual Zoom entry.

For more tutorials and tips for the BlindShell Classic 2 and 3, visit unmute.show. Questions for Adrian? Reach out via email at driza17@att.net.

Music by André Louis.

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In this lively episode of Community Unmuted, we ask the question: What’s one assistive tech tip you wish you had known earlier? From restarting screen readers to using clever iPhone and Mac gestures, listeners and hosts alike share game-changing advice and favorite discoveries.

We also cover common accessibility questions including:

• How to access ACB Community calls and podcasts on various devices
• File organization shortcuts on the Mac
• Using Be My Eyes to get help from Microsoft Disability Answer Desk
• Uploading and managing YouTube videos accessibly
• Recommendations for smart glasses and considerations for hands-free tech
• Navigating and deleting email efficiently on iPhone
• AI tool comparisons including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Apple's native AI features

Featured tools and topics include:

• Gemini Live for voice-driven interactions
• Dynamic Island on newer iPhones
• iPhone live image description and Look and Tell in the UK
• Reaper and Clipchamp for accessible video editing
• Selecting and moving files with VoiceOver on Mac
• Meta Smart Glasses' practical use during a phone outage

Questions came in from both new users and seasoned tech fans, covering Android, iOS, Windows, and AI platforms. Whether you’re troubleshooting your Wi-Fi or exploring what AI tool to try next, this episode is packed with useful takeaways.

Resources Mentioned:

• Unmute.Show
• ACB Media 5: Listen to live community content
• ACB Zoom Line: 800-424-8666
• Be My Eyes App: Microsoft Disability Answer Desk
• YouTube Studio: studio.youtube.com
• ChatGPT: chat.openai.com
• Gemini: bard.google.com → redirects to gemini.google.com
• Look and Tell & Point and Speak features on iPhone

Subscribe and Follow Us:
Catch new episodes on your favorite podcast app by searching for Unmute Presents, or tell your smart speaker: “Play the Unmute Presents podcast.”

For questions or suggestions, email: feedback@unmute.show
Join the conversation every week on ACB Community!

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