Episodios

  • Meta Glasses: The Latest, Greatest, and Undocumented Updates

    Meta Glasses: The Latest, Greatest, and Undocumented Updates
    Oct 8 2025
    Summary
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explores the latest advancements in Meta's Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses.
    Discover the significant hardware upgrades, including enhanced battery life and camera resolution, and delve into the new software features that enhance usability and productivity, such as Google and Outlook calendar integration.
    Producer: Evan Starnes
    Questions or feedback?
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Feedback Hotline: 720-712-8856
    website: www.aftersight.org
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    15 m
  • Highlights From Amazon Fall 2025 Hardware Event

    Highlights From Amazon Fall 2025 Hardware Event
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode, Evan discusses the latest innovations from Amazon's Fall 2025 hardware event, focusing on the new Echo lineup, Echo Shows, Fire Tablets, Fire TV Stick, and the introduction of Alexa Plus. He highlights the accessibility features, improvements in sound quality, and the integration of AI in security cameras. The conversation also touches on the technical advancements with the new Linux-based Fire OS, aiming to enhance performance across devices. Check out the full summary of the event at https://www.engadget.com/home/everything-announced-at-amazons-fall-hardware-event-143557140.html Find us at aftersight.org Email feedback@aftersight.org if you have any questions or comments concerning BLT or other Aftersight Original podcasts.
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    25 m
  • iOS26 is out, but should you update yet?

    iOS26 is out, but should you update yet?
    Sep 24 2025
    Join Evan Starnes and Marty Sobo as they explore Apple's latest innovations. From the iPhone 17 series to the AirPods Pro 3, and the iOS 26 updates, they discuss the new features, improvements in accessibility, and what these mean for users.
    Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just curious about the latest trends, this episode offers insights and thoughtful analysis.
    Chapters Markers
    00:00 - Welcome & Overview
    05:00 - iPhone 17: Key Features
    15:00 - AirPods Pro 3: Enhancements
    25:00 - iOS 26: Accessibility Updates
    35:00 - Final Thoughts
    Still not sure if you should update? Check out this article from Appleviz to learn more about the changes, accessibility improvements, and issues at https://www.applevis.com/blog/whats-new-ios-26-accessibility-blind-deafblind-users
    Have questions or feedback for Aftersight?
    email: feedback@aftersight.org
    feedback line: 720-712-8856
    website: aftersight.org
    An Aftersight Original production
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    49 m
  • Writing Without Limits: Elyse Draper on AI, Accessibility, and Publishing Diverse Voices | Blind Level Tech

    Writing Without Limits: Elyse Draper on AI, Accessibility, and Publishing Diverse Voices | Blind Level Tech
    Sep 17 2025
    In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes shifts the focus from gaming to the world of writing with guest Elyse Draper. Elyse shares her journey as a professional writer with over 25 years of experience, spanning nonfiction, satire, and speculative fiction, as well as her work as CMO of iPub Cloud International. She discusses accessibility in publishing, her rare eye condition, and the tools she uses—ranging from iPad-based apps to JAWS and speech software.
    The conversation dives deep into writing workflows, AI’s role in creativity, and the evolving publishing landscape. Elyse also highlights her initiatives: Sprabeld, an AI platform helping children with disabilities become protagonists in their own stories, and the VIMB Creatives Workshop, spotlighting blind and low-vision creators. The episode rounds out with a fun lightning round of “Trash or Tool” evaluating various writing and publishing tools, before closing with the Sandwich of the Week and Elyse’s invitation to explore her publishing projects.
    Listeners will come away inspired to embrace both technology and creativity, and reminded that the only thing stopping them from writing is themselves.

    Contact Info
    Guest: Elyse Draper
    Website: iPub Cloud International
    VIMB Creatives Workshop: vinbcreativesworkshop.com
    Search "Elyse Draper" online for books, articles, and resources

    Aftersight Contact:
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Producer Credits:
    Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight.
    Show Credits
    Host: Evan Starnes
    Guest: Elyse Draper
    Producer: Jonathan Price
    An Aftersight Original Production

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 — Welcome to Blind Level Tech
    01:05 — Elyse Draper’s audio selfie and writing background
    03:45 — Vision loss journey and assistive tools for writing
    06:40 — Workflow strategies and avoiding writer’s block
    08:50 — AI in writing: Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini
    12:10 — Architect vs. Gardener writing approaches
    15:00 — Publishing workflows and editing advice
    19:40 — Distribution platforms: Kindle, Ingram, Draft2Digital
    22:40 — Accessibility in EPUBs and alt text for images
    25:10 — Lightning Round: Trash or Tool
    27:40 — AI narration vs. human narration in audiobooks
    32:00 — Blind community leading in AI adoption
    34:30 — Sandwich of the Week
    36:40 — Elyse’s publishing company and VIMB Creatives Workshop
    38:20 — Closing thoughts and next steps
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    39 m
  • VoiceOver to Voice Lines: Radio, Rails, and Accessibility with Austin Seraphin

    VoiceOver to Voice Lines: Radio, Rails, and Accessibility with Austin Seraphin
    Sep 10 2025
    Evan Starnes sits down with accessibility consultant, amateur radio operator, and co-founder of Philly Touch Tours, Austin Seraphin. They trace his journey from the Apple IIe and BASIC to Linux and open-source advocacy; revisit the “Eliza” moment that sparked a lifelong love of programming; and dig into why universal design beats retrofits and overlays every time. Austin shares memories of the Braille ’n Speak (and today’s BT Speak), the iPhone’s inflection point for accessible tech, and practical guidance for developers—ship with native controls, respect platform semantics, and test with screen readers. They close with the lasting impact of Philly Touch Tours and where to find Austin’s current consulting work.

    Contact Info
    Guest — Austin Seraphin: austinseraphin.net
    Aftersight (feedback & voicemails): feedback@aftersight.org
    | (720) 712-8856
    Producer credits: Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. Host: Evan Starnes.

    Show Credits
    Host: Evan Starnes
    Guest: Austin Seraphin
    Producer: Jonathan Price
    A Production of Aftersight

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 — Cold open & show intro
    00:32 — Guest setup: who is Austin Seraphin
    02:37 — Early sparks: Apple IIe, Echo, and BASIC
    07:29 — The “LIST” epiphany: Eliza source code moment
    09:41 — From Apple IIgs to DOS and the early screen reader era
    12:02 — Linux today: Arch, Slint, and accessibility trade-offs
    14:24 — Braille ’n Speak to BT Speak: tools that shaped a generation
    16:44 — iPhone 3GS and the mainstreaming of mobile accessibility
    19:08 — Apps, color identifiers, and learning the new paradigm
    21:33 — Teaching kids to code: Swift Playgrounds and beyond
    23:55 — Philly Touch Tours: origin story and tactile learning
    29:02 — Universal design in practice: chisels, ramps, and patterns
    31:37 — Why “accessible from day one” beats retrofits
    36:25 — Platforms compared: native controls vs. the web wild west
    38:50 — Electron, performance, and the cost of abstraction
    41:18 — Accessibility overlays: why quick fixes fail users
    42:55 — Consulting reboot and where to find Austin
    43:42 — Wrap-up, future episodes, and Aftersight CTAs
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    46 m
  • Dale Hill: Don't be afraid to Push Buttons

    Dale Hill: Don't be afraid to Push Buttons
    Sep 3 2025
    This week on BLT, we have a rare in-person interview with Dale Hill, long time Aftersight listener and now also a bord member. We touch on some of the adaptations Dale used during his career, including his own custom magnifier for MSDos back in the day. We also talk about the use of modern technology, particularly for older adults, and why some of these devices may be difficult to grasp for some older adults. Contact: For questions or feedback, email feedback@aftersight.org or leave a voicemail at 720-712-8856.
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    22 m
  • The Magic Behind NLS Talking Books with Tyler Kottmann

    The Magic Behind NLS Talking Books with Tyler Kottmann
    Aug 27 2025
    This week on BLT, we're joined by Tyler Kottmann, Studio Director at the Colorado Talking Book Library. We explore the intricacies of audiobook production for the National Library Service, the role of volunteers as readers and reviewers, and the equipment used for producing talking books. Visit the Colorado Talking Book Libraries website at https://myctbl.cde.state.co.us
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    40 m
  • Lorrie Spoering: Reader Advisor at the Talking Book Library"

    Lorrie Spoering: Reader Advisor at the Talking Book Library"
    Aug 20 2025
    This week on BLT, we speak with Lorrie Spoering, a dedicated reader advisor at the Talking Book Library. From her early days as a volunteer to her current role, Lorrie shares her passion for making reading accessible to all. If you're not a Patren of the Talking Book Library, head over to myctbl.org to sign up.
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    37 m