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Author: Tim Schwartz

The Humanware Third Generation Victor Reader Stream with Lab Computers’ Aaron Linson
February 26, 2023
Tim Schwartz
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The Humanware Third Generation Victor Reader Stream with Lab Computers’ Aaron Linson

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n this Life After Blindness podcast episode, Product Support Specialist Aaron Linson from Lab Computers, reviews the third generation Victor Reader Stream by Humanware. Learn about its new features, tactile interface, Wi-Fi capabilities, and compatibility with multiple file formats.

Host Tim Schwartz introduces the podcast and the guest for the episode, Aaron Linson from Lab Computers. Aaron is a Product Support Specialist who has been testing the all-new third generation Victor Reader Stream made by Humanware.
Tim starts the interview by asking Aaron about his background as a Product Support Specialist and his experience with the Victor Reader Stream. Aaron explains that he has been working with the device since its first generation and has seen it evolve over the years.

He then goes on to describe the new features of the third generation Victor Reader Stream, including improved built-in memory as well as more available external memory via SD card, faster processing speed, and a new and simplified user interface. He explains that the device is designed to be user-friendly, with simple navigation and an updated tactile interface that allows individuals with visual impairments to easily access its features.

Tim and Aaron discuss the device’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, which allow users to access online content such as downloading books and podcasts as well as stream Internet radio stations. They also talk about the device’s support for multiple file formats, including DAISY, EPUB, and MP3, which make it compatible with a wide range of digital books and other materials.

Aaron highlights some of the updated and new features of the device, including a built-in speaker, separate microphone and headphone jacks, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Tim and Aaron discuss the device’s battery life, which can last for up to 15 hours, as well as its lightweight and compact design, which makes it easy to carry around.

Aaron explains that the Victor Reader Stream is a great standalone device to have, not just for its tactile nature but compared to a smart phone, it would experience fewer problems with bugs or crashes.

The new third generation Victor Reader Stream is available now from Humanware for $550 in the United States. It will be coming to Canada and the UK very soon.

Big thanks to Aaron Linson for his time and expertise.

Please subscribe to the “Life After Blindness” podcast and send emails to: tim@lifeafterblindness.com to leave feedback and suggestions for future episodes.

February 9, 2023
Tim Schwartz
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Aira and Seeing AI Updates – MrBeast Funds Cataract Surgeries for 1,000 People | the Question of Sight Restoration

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In this episode of Life After Blindness, I share some news and updates about two popular apps for the blind and visually impaired: Aira and Microsoft Seeing AI. I also talk about a YouTube video by MrBeast, who paid for cataract surgeries for people in Africa, and I ask you a question: would you want your sight back if you had the chance?

Joining me in this episode are two guest hosts who are also technology enthusiasts: Ryan Palm and Charles Hiser. They share their insights and opinions on the topics we discuss, as well as their personal stories and experiences.

Updates about Aira

We discuss the recent changes and improvements that Aira, a service that connects blind and visually impaired users with sighted agents, has made. We mention that Aira has added more agents, offered free calls for certain tasks, and integrated with other apps and devices. We also share our personal experiences and opinions on using Aira and how it has helped us in different situations. We agree that Aira is a valuable and innovative service that enhances the independence and confidence of blind and visually impaired people.

Updates about Microsoft Seeing AI

Next, we talk about the new features and capabilities that Microsoft Seeing AI, an app that uses artificial intelligence to describe the world to blind and visually impaired users, has added. We mention that Seeing AI has added new languages, channels, and functions, such as reading handwriting, describing colors, and recognizing emotions. We also share our personal experiences and opinions on using Seeing AI and how it has helped us in different situations. We agree that Seeing AI is a powerful and versatile app that provides useful and accurate information to blind and visually impaired people.

MrBeast’s video

We watch and comment on a YouTube video by MrBeast, a famous YouTube star, who partnered with a charity called SightSavers to fund cataract surgeries for people in Ethiopia. We mention that the video showed the impact and transformation that the surgeries had on the lives of the people who received them. We also share our personal feelings and thoughts on the video and the topic of sight restoration. We have different perspectives and reactions on whether we would want our sight back if we had the chance, and what factors would influence our decision.

Would you want your sight back?

We continue the conversation on the question of whether we would want our sight back if we had the chance. We mention that this is a personal and complex question that depends on many factors, such as the risks, costs, and benefits of the procedure, the expectations and outcomes of the result, and the identity and lifestyle of the individual. We also share our personal reasons and preferences for wanting or not wanting our sight back. We respect and understand each other’s choices and opinions, and agree that there is no right or wrong answer to this question.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Life After Blindness. I hope you enjoyed it and learned something new. If you have any feedback, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to email me at tim@lifeafterblindness.com or leave a comment on the blog post for this episode.

If you like this podcast, please subscribe on your favorite podcast app and share it with your friends. You can also follow me on Twitter or on Facebook. If you want to support this podcast and help me create more episodes, you can join me on Patreon. As a patron, you will get access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and more.

Until next time, remember: there can be a life after blindness.

March 29, 2021
Tim Schwartz
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Latest News, Accessible Comic Books,Library of Smells,Blind Drive on iOS and Interview with Strap Technologies

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This week I’m joined once again by freelance copy editor, student of accessibility and 2021 candidate for the Holman Prize, Charles Hiser. Charles helps me break down the weeks news. We also discuss his entry for the 2021 Holman Prize. 

 

In the news:

 

HIMS announces the new Braille Sense 6.

 

AIRA announces partnership with Starbucks. Additionally, AIRA is now offering up to 30 free minutes  to assist with COVID-19 vaccine related activities.

 

Comic book app for the visually impaired being developed by WSU professor.

 

NVDA 2020.4 has been released.

 

Microsoft announces information about their upcoming Ability Summit.

 

Library of smells to open in Poland.

 

Put on your headphones:

 

Next up, I demonstrate the popular new game for iOS, Blind Drive.

 

“Blind Drive is an audio-based, black comedy arcade action game. You’re blindfolded and going against traffic. Cars rushing past, angry drivers yelling at you. Cops on your tail. And you can’t see a thing. Can you do it?

 

The entire game is experienced through your ears. Play as Donnie, trying to make a quick buck in a scientific study but quickly finding himself in over his head, cuffed to the wheel and driving blindfolded. Plus he’s late for dinner with Grandma.”

 

Blind Drive does include adult language that I have bleeped out for the podcast.

Navigating without a cane?

 

I close the show this week by speaking with Diego Roel from Strap Technologies.

 

From the Strap Tech website:

“STRAP Technologies is on the verge of delivering a revolutionary tech-forward alternative to the white cane: a lightweight, chest-worn strap that guides the blind and visually impaired by calculating the proximity of physical environments.”

 

Diego tells me how the product works and what he feels it can do for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Thank you for listening to the Life After Blindness Podcast. If you have questions or comments, please send your emails to tim@lifeafterblindness.com

 

Join me again next time as we continue our journey together to find that there truly can be a life after blindness.