blind android users podcast

Welcome to Episode 89: Android13 Stable lands for Qualifying Pixel Phones In this episode, we focus on the August 15 stable Android13 landing for qualifying Pixel phones. We also talked about things you ought to know after getting the update. You can choose to opt out of the Beta before September, that, meaning you will not be part of the “QPR”—Quarterly Platform Releases betas that Google pushes out for those in the program. So, in order not to be part of that, then after you update to the stable release, then navigate to this page and opt out of the beta. https://www.google.com/android/beta#devices We also discussed the fact that if you have a Tensor-powered phone, e.g., Pixel6, Pixel6Pro and the just released Pixel6A, according to this Google Developer page, that you wouldn’t be able to unroll back to Android 12 if you wanted to do so. https://developers.google.com/android/images The page does not tell us why, but according to this article from Android Police, the reason behind this is owed to an exploit in the Bootloader of the Tensor-powered phones running Android12; thus, resulting in the anti-rollback as doing so, would reintroduce that exploit. https://www.androidpolice.com/pixel-6-6a-no-android-13-downgrade-why/?utm_source=pocket_mylist Announcements • We now have a PayPal URL for those of you who have not been able to donate to the cause because of not being to use the “Buy me a coffee” URL. You can now instead, use the PayPal method if that is easier for you. https://www.paypal.me/AlistonPinto • We also want to thank Chris Gilland, another person, and some other person from India who have generously donated to the cause. • We appreciate each and everyone that has donated to the cause or is thinking about it. • Also, we want to thank those of you who are not able to donate something but still listen to us and read our forum emails. We are thankful to each and every one! Spotlight: In the “Spotlight,” we focus on the landing of the Android13 for the qualifying Pixel phones as described above. APP OF THE WEEK: For the “App of the week,” Warren demonstrates “Focus Reader,” and excellent RSS Reader. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=allen.town.focus.reader&hl=en_US&gl=US Talkback Highlights: Warren brings us instalment 49 from the theme of “Highlights from Talkback” and this time, it is the sixth entry under the 4-finger-gesture heading. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers subscribe to our rumble channel. https://rumble.com/c/c-1771031 and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline: introduction 00:00:00 Announcements 08:02.5 spotlight, landing of android 13 on pixels 09:57.9 app of the week, focus reader demo 35:44.8 highlights from talkback episode 49 01:08:27

APP OF THE WEEK: For the “App of the week,” Warren demonstrates “Focus Reader,” and excellent RSS Reader. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=allen.town.focus.reader&hl=en_US&gl=US

In this episode, we focus on the August 15 stable Android13 landing for qualifying Pixel phones. We also talked about things you ought to know after getting the update. You can choose to opt out of the Beta before September, that, meaning you will not be part of the “QPR”—Quarterly Platform Releases betas that Google pushes out for those in the program. So, in order not to be part of that, then after you update to the stable release, then navigate to this page and opt out of the beta. https://www.google.com/android/beta#devices We also discussed the fact that if you have a Tensor-powered phone, e.g., Pixel6, Pixel6Pro and the just released Pixel6A, according to this Google Developer page, that you wouldn’t be able to unroll back to Android 12 if you wanted to do so. https://developers.google.com/android/images The page does not tell us why, but according to this article from Android Police, the reason behind this is owed to an exploit in the Bootloader of the Tensor-powered phones running Android12; thus, resulting in the anti-rollback as doing so, would reintroduce that exploit. https://www.androidpolice.com/pixel-6-6a-no-android-13-downgrade-why/?utm_source=pocket_mylist Spotlight: In the “Spotlight,” we focus on the landing of the Android13 for the qualifying Pixel phones as described above.

Welcome to Episode 88: The Samsung Unpack Event and More In this episode, we focus on the Samsung Unpack Week, where we discussed the devices that Samsung unveiled on Aug. 10th. We also mentioned in passing, the devices from both Motorola and Xiaomi. Announcements • We have a couple give-aways in the way of a couple promo codes to redeem on the Play Store for the Multilingual TTS. • We also have a Pixel Buds-A that we are giving away. • We want to thank both Mathew Brown and Joe Hodge for the latest support to the cause. • We appreciate each and everyone that has donated to the cause or is thinking about it. • Also, we want to thank those of you who are not able to donate something but still listen to us and read our forum emails. We are thankful to everyone! To donate to our cause, click this link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/blindandroid Spotlight: • In the “spotlight” segment; we focus on the Samsung unpack event, mentioning in passing both the Motorola and Xiaomi events. APP OF THE WEEK: Austin demonstrate the Pixel buds app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.wearables.maestro.companion&hl=en_US&gl=US Talkback Highlights: Warren brings us instalment 48 from the theme of “Highlights from Talkback” and this time, it is the fifth entry under the 4-finger-gesture heading. ANDROID JOURNEY: This week, we are joined by our friend, Brandon Miller (AKA)—Android Ambassador, as he talks to us about his Android journey. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers subscribe to our rumble channel. https://rumble.com/c/c-1771031 and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline: introduction 00:00.0 announcements 06:23.9 spotlight galaxy watch 5 and 5 pro 10:11.2 Galaxy fold 4 and z flip 25:55.4 spotlight Mi Mix 2 44:16.8 Samsung galaxy buds 2 46:44.8 app of the week, demo of pixel buds app 52:20.2 talkback highlights episode 48 4 finger gesture part 5 01:03:24 Android Journey with Brandon Miller 01:10:06

Spotlight: • In the “spotlight” segment; we focus on the Samsung unpack event, mentioning in passing both the Motorola and Xiaomi events.

Welcome to Episode 87: Privacy, Permissions, Account activity and Personal data (Part Two) In this episode, we focus on the “Permissions Manager,” as found on stock devices such as the Pixel phone and the likes. Announcements • Last week, we told you about a section on our website that accepts donations from folks who would like to help us out with cost-related matters. • We are glad to say that some folks responded, and we had some donors—Two folks who simply revealed themselves as “Someone,” Pete from Accessible Android and John Dyer donated to the cause. • Folks can contribute whatever amounts that they would like to as no amount is too small! To contribute, please visit. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/blindandroid ANDROID BASIC: In the “Android basic” segment, we continued with the subject matter as shown above, with focus on the “Permissions Manager.” Spotlight: • In the Spotlight segment, we had a double entry—Tal Hassan the developer of the Multilingual TTS Engine, joins us in talking about the App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intu.multilingualtts&hl=en_US&gl=US and Austin unboxes the Pixel 6A. https://store.google.com/product/pixel_6a?hl=en-US Talkback Highlights: Warren brings us instalment 47 from the theme of “Highlights from Talkback” and this time, it’s the fourth entry under the 4-finger-gesture heading. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers subscribe to our rumble channel. https://rumble.com/c/c-1771031 and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users Timeline. Introduction 00:00.0 Announcements, list of donations received 03:59.0 Android Basics privacy and personal data part 2. 06:46.8 Spotlight interview with developer of Multilingual TTS 30:45.3 Austin Unboxes Pixel 6a 54:05.0 Talkback Highlights instalment 47 01:08:13

Spotlight: • In the Spotlight segment, we had a double entry—Tal Hassan the developer of the Multilingual TTS Engine, joins us in talking about the App

ANDROID BASIC: In the “Android basic” segment, we continued with the subject matter as shown above, with focus on the “Permissions Manager.”

Welcome to Episode 86: Privacy, Permissions, Account activity and Personal data In this episode, we have dived into the Privacy, Permissions and more. Announcements • We now have a presence on “Rumble” https://rumble.com/c/c-1771031 • Our website has a section for those who would like to support us by donating to our cause and mission of making Android understandable by the visually impaired. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/blindandroid ANDROID BASIC: In the “Android basic” segment, we discussed the general overview of the “Privacy, ““Permissions,” Account Activity” and more with focus on the first two items in that section—Accessibility Usage and “Dashboard” found on Pixel and stock devices in contrast to what is found on Samsung devices. APP OF THE WEEK: For the “App of the week,” Warren appropriately demonstrated “Rumble.” https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rumble.battles&hl=en_US&gl=US Talkback Highlights: Warren brings us instalment 46 from the theme of “Highlights from Talkback” and this time, it’s the third entry under the 4-finger-gesture heading. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers subscribe to our rumble channel. https://rumble.com/c/c-1771031 and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline introduction 00:00.0 announcements 03:31.7 Android Basics, accessibility usage and privacy 04:47.9 accessibility usage and privacy on Samsung phones 11:08.5 austin demos the accessibility usage and privacy dashboard 14:30.7 demo of permission manager on Samsung phones 34:13.8 app of the week, rumble 41:23.4 talkback highlights instalment 46, 4 finger gesture part 3 59:08.6

ANDROID BASIC: In the “Android basic” segment, we discussed the general overview of the “Privacy, ““Permissions,” Account Activity” and more with focus on the first two items in that section—Accessibility Usage and “Dashboard” found on Pixel and stock devices in contrast to what is found on Samsung devices.

Welcome to Episode 85: Security, Smart lock, Find my phone, etc. In this episode, we had dived into the “Security, Smart lock, Find my device, etc. entry from the “System Settings.” Announcements • We are delighted to announce that our website is back online. https://blindandroidusers.com/ • The Pixel6A is now available for pre-order. https://store.google.com/product/pixel_6a?hl=en-US ANDROID BASIC: In the “Android basic” segment, we discussed the “Security, Smart lock, Google Protect, find my device, as found in the “System Settings” of the Pixel and “stock Android” phones and compared it to what it is like on a Samsung phone. APP OF THE WEEK: Warren demos “Google Lens,” and app that is so important, yet, not many people know about it nor use it. Talkback Highlights: Warren brings us instalment 45 from the theme of “Highlights from Talkback” and this time, it’s the second entry under the 4-finger-gesture heading. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline: introduction 00:00.0 Announcement’s 04:56.1 Blind android users podcast website is now ready 05:01.3 google pixel 6a and audio switch 06:07.7 Android basics smart lock, find my phone etc 07:36.6 security, find my device etc on Samsung 15:16.8 comments on security, lock screen, find my phone, etc 20:21.8 Google Lens 36:05.0 CHAP= Talkback highlights 57:05.5

APP OF THE WEEK: Warren demos “Google Lens,” and app that is so important, yet, not many people know about it nor use it. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.ar.lens&hl=en_US&gl=US

ANDROID BASIC: In the “Android basic” segment, we discussed the “Security, Smartlock, Google Protect, Find my device, as found in the “System Settings” of the Pixel and “stock Android” phones and compared it to what it is like on a Samsung phone.

Welcome to Episode 84: ANDROID13BETA4 (FINAL BETA) In this episode, we discuss Android13Beta4, the final version beta of Android13 before the full release. Announcements • The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) mandates the ability to text the suicide line—988, starting on July 16, 2022 https://www.fcc.gov/988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline • The “Nothing” Phone (1) finally becomes available, although it isn’t available in North America. https://us.nothing.tech/ • You can watch the review of the phone that we mentioned in the episode at this YouTube Channel. @mkhb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb88eui8SqQ • You can now turn your Play Points into cash that you can use for purchases made on the Google Store. ANDROID BASIC: In the “Android basic” segment, we discussed the final version of Android13beta4 and talked about when the full release might be released. APP OF THE WEEK: Warren demos “NAV” a navigational app by an Italian company called “ViaOpta. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novartis.blind&hl=en_US&gl=US Talkback Highlights: Warren brings us instalment 44 from the theme of “Highlights from Talkback” and this time, he starts the series on the 4-finger gestures. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline: introduction 00:00.0 The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) mandates the ability to text the suicide line”988, starting on July 16, 2022, 04:08.6 nothing phone 1 08:16.8 google play points can be used for google store purchases 15:04.0 final android 13 beta 16:41.6 demo of nav 29:53.4 talkback highlights episode 44 54:01.4

in this weeks app of the week, our app guru, shows NAV via Opta link can be found at. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.novartis.blind&hl=en_US&gl=US

Episode 83: Accessibility This week, we discuss accessibility settings. Announcements • The Blind Android Users site is currently undergoing construction. Please be patient while we rebuild it. You can still access our great content via your podcatcher of choice or on our Youtube channel. Android basics This week, we take you through the Accessibility settings, one of the most critical settings categories on your Android phone. Highlights from Talkback Warren brings us the next in the Highlights from Talkback Series. My Android Journey It’s a double bill for you this week, as Dragos Drecianu and Sarah Linton bring you their Android journeys. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline: introduction 00:00.0 announcements 07:05.4 accessibility settings 10:02.5 highlights from talkback 53:21.6 my android journey 01:11.3 fireworks 01:26:09

My Android Journey It’s a double bill for you this week, as Dragos Drecianu and Sarah Linton bring you their Android journeys.

Android basics This week, we take you through the Accessibility settings, one of the most critical settings categories on your Android phone.

Spotlight with Karthik from Envision We caught up with Karthik from Envision and got updated about the fact that Envision is now free for everyone without the need of a subscription and this takes place in mid-July. Be sure to hit that “update” (envision v3) when it shows up as this will remove the paid subscription, making it free. Folks can still donate (if they choose to do so), as this helps in funding the project. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.letsenvision.envisionai&hl=en_US&gl=US

Episode 81: Display This week, we discuss Display settings. Announcements • Google has opened its Google Accessibility Research Group to residents outside the US and Canada. Why not sign up? https://partnerdash.google.com/apps/uberfoodportal/join-a11y • Supersense has gone on sale, with 50% off a lifetime subscription and 40% off an annual. The offer is available until 1 August. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediate.supersense • The Blind Android Users site is currently undergoing construction. Please be patient while we rebuild it. You can still access our great content via your podcatcher of choice or on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvEM-SmpwElNALldhp8hG1g Android basics This week, we continue our tour through the Settings app, and we look at Display settings. App of the week Warren demonstrates the Christian teaching app, OnePlace. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.salem.oneplace Highlights from Talkback Warren brings us the next in the Highlights from Talkback Series. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline introduction 00:00:00 announcements 04:13.7 android basics, display settings 07:04.2 app of the week, oneplace demo 17:54.7 talkback highlights double hold to cut 29:46.2

Episode 80: Sounds This week, we discuss sound settings. Announcements • The Blind Android Users site is currently undergoing construction. Please be patient while we rebuild it. You can still access our great content via your podcatcher of choice or on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvEM-SmpwElNALldhp8hG1g Android basics This week, we return to the Settings app, and we look at Sound settings. Highlights from Talkback Warren brings us the next in the Highlights from Talkback Series. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline: introduction 00:00:00 announcement 07:25.9 android basics, sounds, haptics and more 09:23.2 demo of sounds and haptics on a pixel phone 13:19.4 android 13.3 beta2 13:26.9 demo of sounds and haptics on Samsung galaxy s21FE 25:03.8 one plus to remove the alert slider from all non-flagship phones 36:30.4 other comments on volume and haptics 37:08.3 talkback highlights, copying text 50:01.9

Android basics This week, we return to the Settings app, and we look at Sound settings.

Episode 76: Storage This week, we are joined by Mystic Access and discuss Android 13. Announcements • Our friends at Aubile Vision are running a couple of surveys and they’d appreciate your input. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.quarkbytes.visionassist The First is a baseline survey to understand how assistive technology users conduct certain activities. https://bit.ly/Audiblevision The second concerns the Audible Vision app itself. https://bit.ly/AudibleVisionForm2 • The Blind Android Users site is currently undergoing construction. Please be patient while we rebuild it. You can still access our great content via your podcatcher of choice or on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvEM-SmpwElNALldhp8hG1g Spotlight It’s another double bill this week. Chris and Kim Nova from Mystic Access talk to us about their new book, “Getting started with Android: Android and Talkback for the Beginning User”, available from National Braille Press. https://www.mysticaccess.com/ https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/ANDROID-2022.html?from_search=1 We then talk about what’s new in Android 13. https://developer.android.com/about/versions/13 Highlights from Talkback Warren brings us the next in the Highlights from Talkback Series. My Android journey This week, Amanda Hall brings us her Android journey. Staying in touch. Email us with suggestions or comments, contactus@blindandroidusers.com Send in your Android journey stories, myandroidjourney@blindandroidusers.com subscribe to our Email list, blindandroidusers+subscribe@groups.io join our Telegram group, https://t.me/+WNem1jjwjeXk3hYr follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/BlindDroidUsers subscribe to our Youtube channel youtube.com/blindandroidusers and join our Club on Clubhouse. https://www.joinclubhouse.com/club/blind-android-users timeline: introduction 00:00.0 announcements 04:23.4 interview with Mystic Access about android book 05:21.9 what is new in android 13 beta 3 43:51.1 highlights from talkback what is new in talkback 13.0 01:03:02 CHAP= my Android Journey story by Amanda Hall 01:19:09

we talk about what is new in android 13 beta 3 and ask devs to finalise their apps for android 13.

Spotlight It’s another double bill this week. Chris and Kim Nova from Mystic Access talk to us about their new book, “Getting started with Android: Android and Talkback for the Beginning User”, available from National Braille Press. https://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/ANDROID-2022.html?from_search=1 https://www.mysticaccess.com/