In this episode, James Oates demonstrates the iOS app “Say Play”. This application allows you to dictate a song or video title, and then the app will find and play it. Here is the description from the developer: Play any song in the world by just saying its name.   Say Play uses a powerful… Continue Reading Voice Search and Play Songs and Videos with “Say Play” for iOS

Dr. Howard Kaplan, the developer of the iOS app, Spotlight Text, sits down with the team at Cool Blind Tech to discuss his amazing eBook reading app for people with low vision problems. Dr. Kaplan tells us the story of why he became a Retina surgeon, and how his concern for his patients led to… Continue Reading The Freedom to Read: A Spotlight Interview with the Developer of Spotlight Text.

In this episode, James Oates talks about Amazon Prime Music, which is one of several benefits provided to Amazon Prime members. In addition to free two day shipping, streaming instant video, and the Kindle lending library, Amazon Prime members can also stream free music. James demonstrates this benefit on an iPhone 5, using the Amazon… Continue Reading Amazon Prime Music – Another Benefit for Amazon Prime Members.

In this episode, James Oates demonstrates “NPR One”, a universal app from National Public Radio, available on all Windows devices. He shows how to start playing NPR with just a simple key stroke on a PC, and a voice command on a Windows Phone. If you enjoy National Public Radio, you will love this app.… Continue Reading NPR One: a New Universal App for Windows.

In this episode of “Breaking in Windows”, James Oates updates us on the status of Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 9926. In this build, Microsoft has added Cortana, an interactive personal assistant, to their operating system. It is currently limited and in its early stages, but it still is very impressive. He also uses Narrator… Continue Reading Hey Cortana: Welcome to the PC.

Amazon Prime members receive access to: Free Two-Day Shipping, Instant Videos & the Kindle Lending Library In this episode, James Oates demonstrates how to use the Amazon Instant Video app for iOS. This is one of the benefits listed above for Amazon Prime members. He shows us that it is completely accessible for Voice Over… Continue Reading Lights! Cameras! Amazon!: Get Instant Access with the Amazon Instant Video App!

In this episode, James Oates demonstrates LookTel Money Reader on an iPhone5 running iOS8.1.2. LookTel Money Reader instantly recognizes currency and speaks the denomination, enabling people experiencing visual impairments or blindness to quickly and easily identify and count bills. Point the camera of your iOS device at a bill and the application will tell you… Continue Reading LookTel Money Reader: An iOS Essential App:

In this episode, James Oates reviews Microsoft Outlook for iPhone and iPad. He demonstrates the email client and calendar features. He shows us how to access files on cloud services, open them with additional apps, and send them as attachments. He then proceeds to show how to send and view messages from your contact list.… Continue Reading The official Microsoft Outlook App Designed For iPhone and iPad.

In this episode, James Oates demonstrates how to stream music and play a radio station using an Xbox Music Pass subscription. He shows us how to play a movie on Netflix and pin a favorite TV show to the start screen. Finally, he reviews the accessibility of the popular Twitter client, Tweetium. Throughout the episode,… Continue Reading Windows Phone8.1 (Part III): Music, Netflix, and Tweetium:

For all of our listeners who have resolved to quit smoking this year: In this episode, James Oates talks about how to purchase the right E-cigarette. He reviews the different components of the device and how which ones are easier for a person with a visual disability to use. He emphasizes the importance of choosing… Continue Reading Quit Smoking With The Help Of An E-Cigarette: