iACast

iACast News for May 13, 2024

In this latest episode of the IACast News Update, Michael Doeys expresses gratitude for listeners' support of the IACast and shares his excitement about the success of iPads. Michael discusses contemplating purchasing the nanotexture display based on positive reviews but ultimately deciding to stick with the current version for now, looking forward to trying out the iPad, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil.
Moving on to the main news of the day, Michael reports on OpenAI's new chat model, GPT-4.0, which enables multimodal conversations with capabilities for visual inputs and emotional responses. He highlights the introduction of new desktop apps with demonstrations on Mac and anticipation for a Windows version coming soon. Additionally, Michael mentions the inclusion of GPT-4.0 for free users in the chat GPT and enhanced features for Chat GPT Plus subscribers, showcasing the remarkable advancements made by OpenAI.
Looking ahead, Michael expresses curiosity about the extent of interactions with GPT-4.0 and anticipates further developments in this technology. He invites listeners to tune in to the upcoming IACast episode where they will delve deeper into the OpenAI announcement and conduct unboxings of the new iPad, Magic Keyboard, and Apple Pencil upon their arrival. Moreover, Michael teases the upcoming Google I.O. event and encourages feedback from listeners via email.
As the episode draws to a close, Michael reflects on the exciting week of tech news and signs off, expressing gratitude for the audience's support and promising to deliver more insightful content in future episodes.

iACast iPads Are Crushing It

In this episode of IACast, we dive into the recent Apple event where new iPads were announced. We discuss the various models, including the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, along with the range of colors and storage options available. The conversation delves into the pricing, with the iPad Air starting at $599 and the Pros reaching up to $2299 for the maxed-out version. The speakers express excitement about the new features, such as the improved camera placement for better landscape use, increased storage capacities, and the introduction of the M4 chip for enhanced performance.
The discussion touches on the potential limitations of iPadOS compared to macOS, with hopes for future updates and improvements at WWDC. There's a mention of the desire for more Mac-like features in iPadOS 18, and a possible book subscription service in the future. The hosts also address criticisms of the new iPad ad campaign showcasing the device crushing objects, urging listeners to take it lightly.
Concerns about durability due to the thinner design of the new iPads are highlighted, along with the need for AppleCare for such expensive devices. The conversation ends with a preview of upcoming episodes, including further discussions on the new iPads, the Pixel 8a, and the anticipation for WWDC. The hosts sign off, encouraging feedback and interaction from the audience.

iACast News for April 25th, 2024

In this episode, we dive into the latest tech news, particularly focusing on the upcoming Apple event scheduled for May 7th. Tim Cook announced the event, hinting at the unveiling of new iPad Pro and Air models, along with the highly anticipated Apple Pencil 3. Speculations suggest the potential inclusion of OLED displays in the iPad Pros, adding further excitement to the mix. Moreover, there are whispers of larger iPad Airs, possibly extending up to 12.9 inches, creating a buzz of anticipation among tech enthusiasts.
Additionally, we explore the recent setback faced by Spotify, as their attempts to introduce new builds with external links in the App Store were met with rejection. This development has sparked discussions within the tech community, with Spotify expressing their concerns about the situation. As we monitor the unfolding events, it remains intriguing to see how this scenario will evolve and impact the app's future endeavors.
Looking ahead, we highlight the upcoming Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), an occasion often marked by Apple's significant announcements in the realm of accessibility features. This event serves as a pivotal moment for tech enthusiasts and advocates alike, as we eagerly anticipate the innovative strides that Apple is poised to unveil. Moreover, the subsequent release of beta versions in the following month promises an exciting phase for early adopters and testers alike, setting the stage for a dynamic period of exploration and feedback.
As we conclude this episode, we reflect on the dynamic landscape of tech news and the forthcoming developments that continue to shape our digital experiences. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in the ever-evolving world of technology. Thank you for joining us on this engaging discussion, and we look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in the future.

iACast News for April 23, 2024

In this news update, I discussed recent developments in the tech world that caught my attention. Firstly, Meta's decision to open up their operating system on devices like the Quest to third-party manufacturers for creating VR headsets is a significant move. It appears to be a strategic step towards competing with the Vision Pro, which adds an element of competition and innovation to the VR market. The implications of this decision will undoubtedly shape the future of VR technology, and I am curious to see how it will unfold.
On another note, it seems that Apple might be discontinuing their fine-woven cases, which has stirred mixed feelings within the tech community. The fine-woven cases were popular among users, and their potential departure raises questions about Apple's future accessory offerings. As a fan of these cases myself, I share in the uncertainty surrounding this development. It will be interesting to see what Apple has in store to replace or enhance their accessory lineup following this decision.
The news surrounding Meta's open-source operating system and Apple's potential discontinuation of fine-woven cases reflects the dynamic nature of the tech industry, where companies constantly strive to innovate and adapt to changing market trends. These updates serve as a reminder of the rapid pace at which technology evolves and influences consumer experiences. As we continue to track these developments, I aim to provide listeners with timely updates on emerging tech stories through our midweek news segments. Your feedback and thoughts on these news pieces are always welcome; feel free to share your opinions with us at feedback@iacast.net. Thank you for tuning in, and stay tuned for more engaging discussions in the future.

April Tech News Discussion

In this discussion, Taylor Arndt and Michael discuss various tech topics, starting with the review of the Humane AI Pen by Marques Brownlee. They delve into the features and issues of the pen, such as its functionality, pricing, and potential shortcomings. The conversation shifts to the impact of tech reviews on companies, highlighting the importance of constructive feedback over harsh criticism.
They also touch on the upcoming WWDC event and the potential changes Apple might make to their virtual assistant, Siri. The conversation then steers towards Android 15 Beta 1 and the introduction of HID Braille support for Bluetooth Braille devices, bringing up the pros and cons of sideloading apps. Taylor and Michael then discuss the relaunch of the iAccessibility community, the release of the iAccessibility Android app, and future app developments involving artificial intelligence.
They share exciting updates about various projects and apps in the works, such as Perspective Meetings, a tool for organizing virtual meetings across different platforms. The hosts express their enthusiasm for upcoming podcast content and encourage listener engagement for topic suggestions. They also highlight the introduction of a new microphone and recommend the TV show "Fallout" on Amazon Prime. The episode concludes with a preview of potential future content and a teaser for a new AI podcast.

Thoughts on Vision Pro

Mike discusses his experience with the Vision Pro headset in this episode of the IACast. He shares his excitement about the headset's capabilities and its impact on his interactions with others. Mike details his observations about the headset's features, such as voice memos, FaceTime, Messages, and more. He praises the headset's ability to enhance his visual experience, especially during FaceTime calls, where he can discern facial expressions better. Mike acknowledges the criticisms surrounding the Vision Pro's price compared to other headsets but emphasizes its value for individuals with low vision like himself.
Furthermore, Mike speculates about the future of the Vision Pro, anticipating advancements in spatial computing and accessibility. He reflects on the potential for the Vision Pro to inspire other companies to enhance their products' accessibility. Mike concludes by announcing the launch of a new podcast, Spatial Insights, focusing on spatial computing and Vision Pro content, which will complement the IACast feed. He encourages listeners to engage with him on various platforms and provides contact information for feedback. Mike expresses gratitude for the opportunities and advancements brought by the Vision Pro, highlighting the importance of uplifting and supporting tech companies. Finally, he wraps up the episode, thanking listeners and ending on a positive note.

Get looped in with Microsoft Loop

In this episode, we are joined by Taylor Arndt to discuss Microsoft Loop, a program that serves as an alternative to Notion. One of the main advantages of Loop is its accessibility for blind users, addressing the accessibility issues that Notion has. Loop offers features such as workspaces, pages, and ideas, allowing users to categorize and organize content effectively. It also seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office and allows for copying loop components between applications. Loop can be used for personal projects as well as collaboration, with a clean interface and support for various formatting options. Taylor highlights the potential of Loop for copying information between applications and as an idea collection tool. They also mention using Loop for their crafting business and Techopolis-related tasks.
Loop provides various functionalities, including journaling, embedding audio files, sharing, and collaboration. Multiple users can edit the same page simultaneously, and there are real-time alerts about each other's actions. It is an ideal platform for teams working together on projects, as it stores and provides access to information in one centralized location. Loop also offers the ability to create to-do lists within content, making organization and task tracking more convenient. The platform is visually appealing and can be used for scrapbooking, photo albums, or organizing thoughts and data. It is recommended to try copying and pasting information into mail programs to test compatibility.
Loop is available as a web app for Mac users and integrates well with Office products. It is cost-effective compared to Notion, as there is no charge for creating workspaces. However, the business basic plan does not have access to workspace support. We discuss the AI capabilities of Notion and the more expensive Copilot for Office, expressing the desire for an AI solution that is missing. Loop is viewed as a potential automation tool and is preferred over Google Workspace due to accessibility limitations. Additionally, we discuss the Vision Pro, expressing mixed feelings about it. The absence of full camera support and limited scanning capabilities are mentioned, with speculation that regulatory issues may be the cause. We express excitement for trying out the Vision Pro and promise to report on it in the future.
At the end of the episode, we thank the listeners for tuning in and consider involving them in future content choices. We share our personal recommendations for the week - a knitting machine and the TV show Halo. Contact information is provided for connecting online, including the creation of a new community on WhatsApp and changes to the YouTube channel. The engagement of the chat room is appreciated, and feedback and comments from listeners are encouraged. The episode concludes by promoting more great podcasts on the IACast network and expressing gratitude for the listeners' support.

A Bit about BITS

In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff Bishop, the President of Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS). We discuss the accomplishments of BITS as an organization and their mission to promote accessibility and education in the field of technology for the blind and low vision community. Last year, under Jeff's leadership, BITS saw significant growth in their membership, reaching over 650 members. They have also formed partnerships with organizations like Numis Solutions and Bookshare to provide additional resources and opportunities to their members.
Jeff highlights the importance of collaboration and partnering with others to achieve success. He shares that BITS has started offering Python training courses and is exploring other areas of training, such as office training, web accessibility, and web development. Jeff also expresses his vision of bringing modern web capability to the organization and sharing it with the broader community.
The conversation shifts towards employment opportunities, with Jeff mentioning the idea of bringing employers and organizations to interact with BITS members for potential job opportunities. The importance of networking and creating connections within the community is emphasized.
Jeff also discusses the communication strategies employed by BITS, mentioning the introduction of topic-based email lists and the implementation of a Discord server for text and voice chats. The organization is actively seeking feedback and making adaptations to ensure effective communication and scalability.
Towards the end of the conversation, I extend an invitation to join BITS, highlighting the benefits of membership, such as access to training courses and networking opportunities. I also suggest the Copilot Pro tool from Microsoft and discuss my struggle with learning to use certain technologies for office tasks. We touch on the challenges of managing email lists using the Groups.io app and discuss troubleshooting and problem-solving.
I conclude by sharing my contact information and thanking the guests for their participation. We invite listeners to provide feedback and inform them about other podcasts available on the network.

Unpacking January Tech News

In this segment of the conversation, I start by discussing recent tech announcements. I mention the Samsung event and the release of the S24 series, which includes the S24, S24 Plus, and the Ultra. I note that these phones resemble iPhones in terms of their design, with squared-off edges and matte colored sides. I also mention the addition of AI features and speculate about the practicality of these features.
Moving on, I talk about the possibility of Google partnering with Samsung for their phones, as discussed on another podcast. I highlight the continuous changes in the Android landscape and the stability of Samsung as an Android developer. I then return to discussing the S24 series, mentioning the different colors available and expressing my opinion on the current trend of muted colors in phones.
Next, I mention the S Pen and the new features and chip in the S24 series but question the constant need for upgrades. I also discuss Samsung's other phone models, like the Fold and Flip phones, and the competition between Apple and Samsung.
Shifting gears, I share my excitement about the Vision Pro, a headset for the blind and low vision. I mention the drawbacks of current headsets and express hope that the Vision Pro will provide a better viewing experience. It is a pair of glasses that allows you to take good shots and capture moments, with apps and features that make it more versatile compared to other specialized headsets.
I then discuss the Rabbit R1, a device with GPT agents that can run actions in your apps. It has its own hardware and operating system, which makes it intriguing, but I question if it actually works as advertised. I believe it's a step towards having more actionable results from AI, which I think is where the future is heading.
For the pick of the week, I recommend the Marvel series Echo on Disney+. Lastly, I invite listeners to check out our website for free membership or to support our shows. I mention the IACast plans and the community on Discord, where listeners can engage with us during the show.
I conclude by thanking the audience for listening to the latest episode and assure them that we will be back soon with our panel. I encourage feedback and comments via email or on Twitter. I also promote other podcasts on the IACast Network and thank the audience for their support.
Thank you for tuning in to the IACast network.

202 - 2024 Tech Predictions

In this episode of the podcast, we have Michael Babcock and Ashley Coleman as guests. They discuss the recent tech news and one of the biggest changes, which is the applications key being replaced by the chat GPT key. Michael shares his opinion, stating that he's not as upset about it because he's already found workarounds. He also questions whether Microsoft can prevent Sharp Keys from changing the key. Ashley mentions that it will be disruptive for people who rely on the applications key and may cause problems for those who are learning. They discuss the purpose of the dedicated key and its connection to AI. They speculate that AI has the potential to be something big in the future.We believe that AI will continue to be present in our lives for the foreseeable future. While current AI advancements may make our devices seem outdated, AI is here to stay. As podcast producers, we have recently discovered AI tools that make our job easier and fill in the gaps where we lack knowledge or expertise. Ideally, AI would become seamlessly integrated into our devices without the need for the term itself. Apple, for example, avoids using the term AI and instead focuses on machine learning and computer vision. This approach may make AI more relatable and appealing to a wider audience. We discuss the concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI), which represents when AI surpasses human intelligence and can independently perform tasks beyond machine learning. However, the term AGI is often confusing and its definition varies. We mention a show called AI Name This Show, where they discuss future possibilities of AI. They predict that wearable technology and AI will merge by 2024, with devices like the Humane pen and the Rewind device utilizing AI to enhance our experiences. As for hardware integration, we foresee AI being folded into various devices, and more offline AI applications to cut costs. We also mention the newly announced OpenAI Chat GPT store, which allows users to access the GPT model for a subscription fee. This service has been helpful for tasks like writing emails and creating content, and its availability in customized and additional products will further contribute to AI's growth in 2024.So, we keep hearing every few months that AI is getting smarter and will start taking jobs away from people. However, we personally don't believe that. We think AI is only expanding the possibilities of what we can do in our jobs. While some argue that AI will replace customer service professionals, we don't think that will happen. AI voice systems, like the one AT&T uses, have limitations and struggle with complex scenarios. So, instead of taking away jobs, we believe AI will simply shift the way we work and make us more productive. There may be companies that want to replace chat agents with chat GPT, but there are concerns about whether AI can accurately represent company values and handle edge cases. As for smartphones, we don't think we'll see any drastic changes in their form factors, although there might be advancements in voice assistants like Google Assistant with the introduction of Bard. While accessibility and AI can work together, we don't expect major shifts in phone designs.In this part of the conversation, I discuss the possibility of having a chat GPT button on the Microsoft launcher for Android. I mention the partnership between Samsung and Microsoft and wonder if we'll see a co-pilot button on One UI for Samsung. I also speculate about the potential for a bar button or customizable AI button on Samsung phones. We talk about the gamification aspect of Bixby and how it rewarded users with points. We then shift to discussing Android and the improvements we would like to see, such as better braille display support and enhanced web views within applications. My co-host mentions not getting along well with Android and switching back to iPhone. I share my plan to spend most of the year on Android and mention the upcoming release of the Pixel watch. We briefly touch on the design of the Apple Watch and anticipate software changes for Android at Google I/O. We also touch on the possibility of AI being added to Amazon's Alexa. Finally, I make a prediction about mainstream apps combining into a single platform.I just accidentally knocked my coffee cup off my desk, but luckily it didn't spill thanks to the good lid my father-in-law gave me. I believe that many mainstream apps will eventually combine into one to reduce the number of apps we need to download. Elon Musk's company wants to be that one app. We are already seeing this trend with streaming services, with Disney and Hulu merging into one, and other companies like One Max looking to purchase Paramount. This consolidation is happening because the prices of these apps are increasing, similar to what happened with cable TV. People are already starting to cut out some of these subscriptions. However, I have noticed that some services are restricting access outside of their own platforms, which is disappointing for users who prefer to have options. I think the future of apps will involve combining different services into one, as well as introducing new ways to interact with them, such as voice or text. In terms of technology, I expect to see improvements in headphones like AirPods, with new audio settings and possibly the release of AirPods 4. Additionally, new Macs will likely be introduced with added features to justify their high price range.It is rumored that new iPad Pro models will be released this year. I wonder if these new iPads will be worth upgrading to. We discuss the previous upgrade to the M1 iPad and wonder if the new M3 iPad will be the one to get. The topic of foldable iPads is brought up, but I express skepticism about their usefulness. We talk about the desire for multi-user accounts on iPads, similar to what the Mac can do. I believe it is a necessary feature for iPads to be considered equivalent to computers. We discuss the limitations of iPads in educational settings and the lack of flexibility in sharing devices among students. The conversation takes a detour as we encounter technical difficulties with using the Bard screen reader. We also briefly discuss the timeline for AI development and express frustration over the limitations and inconsistencies of Google Workspace accounts compared to regular Gmail accounts.I seem to be frustrated with the passkey feature on Google accounts, as it shows as unavailable whenever I log in. I express my confusion and disappointment regarding the functionality of passkeys. I also discuss my interest in the upcoming Vision Pro and how I am skeptical about investing in it, considering my limited use of wearable technology. I mention the inconvenience of the long boot-up time and the need for Wi-Fi connectivity. Battery life is also a concern. Despite these reservations, I am intrigued by the potential benefits for low vision individuals. I mention my plan to bring the Vision Pro to a convention to explore its capabilities further. I predict that 2023 will be a year of reacting to technological shifts and wonder if Mastodon will become the preferred social media platform for the blind and low vision community. I believe that Mastodon will likely retain its user base due to established communities and connections. However, I acknowledge that the discovery aspect and finding new people to engage with on Mastodon may pose challenges for growth. I jokingly mention my high number of followers, accusing the other person of cheating by importing a group of people.In this part of the conversation, we discuss the updates on social media platforms and their timelines. We talk about how my timeline is not as fast-paced and constantly changing like Twitter. I appreciate the true timeline and lack of algorithm. The conversation then moves on to discussing the potential traction for threads and blue sky on social media, with my skepticism about threads while not having enough information about blue sky. We also discuss my personal preference for automation and finding ways to make tasks easier. I mention my lack of interest in joining more social media platforms like blue sky because I already have a LinkedIn account that I don't use. I also mention my curiosity about accessibility advancements and predictions for the upcoming year, particularly in AI and screen reader technologies. I express a desire for AI to make things more accessible and for screen reader tools to help people navigate inaccessible content. I believe that technology vendors can utilize existing technology to achieve this. The conversation wraps up with our anticipation of companies pushing the boundaries of technology, and we pledge to continue discussing these topics throughout the year. Finally, I share my pick, Mac GPT, a downloadable app for Mac users that allows chat capabilities with GPT and other features like file attachments. We provide our contact information and invite listeners to check out our podcast.In this part of the podcast, we discuss the use of MacGPT and the accessibility of custom GPTs through an API key. We talk about the options available for viewing custom GPTs and the confusion surrounding API keys. We also share our personal picks for the week, including Todoist app and the TV show "Marvel's What If." We provide our online contact information and invite listeners to join our Discord server. We conclude by thanking our guests and announcing upcoming changes to the podcast. We encourage feedback and promote our Twitter account and other podcasts on the IACast Network. We sign off and thank listeners for tuning in.