The first Blind Bargains podcast was more than nine years ago, back when Window-Eyes 9 was released and Be my Eyes was a brand new app. Technology as come a long way since then, and now we are able to take a look back using AI tools.
We used Open AI's Whisper to transcribe the episode and then Claude AI's Opus model to give a detailed summary of the episode.
If you would prefer to listen, or want to see how accurate this summary is, here's the podcast page for episode 1.
Our apologies to Rick Harmon who is the only name the transcript did not correctly understand.
Summary
This podcast is the first beta show of a new weekly podcast from Blind Bargains that will cover a wide range of topics, not just technology. The show does not yet have a name, and they are asking listeners to submit ideas at nametheshow@blindbargains.com.
The hosts are Joe Steinkamp, J.J. Meddaugh, and special guest Ricky Enger. They discuss several topics in this episode:
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The release of Window-Eyes 9, the latest version of the screen reader from AI Squared. The hosts discuss the improvements, especially in web browsing, and the availability of a 60-day demo.
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Concerns that the Blind Geek Zone website, run by Dr. Karmen, may need to shut down in February due to the costs of hosting thousands of podcasts and lack of financial contributions.
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New video magnifiers released by Enhanced Vision called the Acrobat Ultra HD, with higher resolution monitors and cameras. Joe explains how low vision users evaluate things like color, brightness, size, battery life when comparing devices.
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Intel CEO Brian Krzanich discussing their RealSense technology at the CES keynote and showing how it could help a visually impaired employee. The hosts appreciate the visibility this provides.
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Leaks about a new web browser from Microsoft codenamed Spartan that will ship with Windows 10 along with Internet Explorer 11 for backward compatibility.
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A radically new 12" MacBook Air with a single USB-C port that may not be backward compatible, concerning the hosts.
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Improvements in accessibility and collaboration features in Office Online and Office 2013. The competition between Microsoft and Google in this space.
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An updated, allegedly easier to use FCC complaints website, which may be important as new communications/video accessibility rules take effect.
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AT Guys, a sister site to Blind Bargains, now has tactile screen protectors and OtterBox cases available for the iPhone 6.
The show also includes an interview with Thelle Kristensen, co-founder of Be My Eyes, an app that connects blind users to sighted volunteers for visual assistance. They discuss how the app works, the vetting process, and plans to keep it as a free service.
In the final segment, the hosts discuss highlights from CES 2015:
- Dish's Sling TV over-the-top streaming service is a big step toward "cord cutting" from cable
- 4K TVs and the value proposition compared to 1080p
- Smart home technology becoming more practical but concerns remain about security and complexity
- Wearables, especially smartwatches, generating a lot of buzz
- Audio trends like Google Cast to enable wireless streaming
Overall, it's an informative episode covering a lot of news relevant to the blind and visually impaired community. The hosts have good chemistry and insights. They end by encouraging listener feedback and content submissions to help shape this new show.
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
