Learn about what’s new in iPhone 4, iOS 4 software update, and what Serotek will soon be bringing to the iPhone and iPod Touch.
View Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 worth the Upgrade Via Accessible Event
Listen to Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 Worth the Upgrade?
View Show Notes for Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 Worth the Upgrade?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
July 10, 2010, the American Council of the Blind held a Future of Screen Readers panel as part of the Information Access Committee seminar at the ACB annual convention. Serotek was one of the companies invited to attend remotely via Skype. Other remote participants were GW Micro and NVDA. Unfortunately technology failed (through no fault of Skype) and remote participants did not get to contribute. But the panel questions were extremely pertinent to all blind people and it was important we add our voice to the conversation. So this blog post is Serotek’s way of making sure our voice, and the voice of many who share our view is heard.
Read Full Article: What is the Future of Screen Readers anyway?
Learn about what’s new in the iPhone 4, iOS 4 software update, and what Serotek will soon be bringing to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad; Thursday evening at 9PM Eastern, 8PM Central, 7PM Mountain or 6PM Pacific U.S. Tech Chat 66 – Is the iPhone 4 Worth the Upgrade? Thursday, July 29 at 9PM Eastern Via Accessible Event
SeroTalk Podcast 46 covers some of our favorite interviews:
Reaper Multi-Track Recorder and Editor for Windows and the Mac – www.reaper.fm
ReaAccess Plugin for Full Reaper Accessibility with Windows Screen Readers – www.reaaccess.com
Former ACB President Chris Gray talks about advocacy and HR3101.
Michael McCarty talks about being the Social Media Director for APH.
We discuss meters for blood and glucose readings:
Solo V2 Fully Voicing Blood Glucose Meter – www.SoloMeters.com
We learned of upcoming enhancements to the NLS BARD program.
We conclude with info on cruises for blind and low vision passengers.
Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 46 – ACB 2010 Convention Highlights
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Below are 20 interviews recorded from exhibitors at this year’s ACB convention held in Phoenix:
ABISee Standalone Reading System
New Products Sold by APH, and FredsHead on Twitter
Audio Dart Master from Access Education
Products from Bay Area Digital, and Chris Gray Discusses Advocacy
BioSense Fully Talking Glucose Meter
Dice ITR100A First Talking AM-FM HD Radio
Digit-Eyes BarCode Reader for the iPhone
IDMate Summit and ScriptTalk from Envision America
Braille Displays, Mac Training and Other Items from HandyTech North America
New and Top Selling Items from Independent Living Aids
New and Top Selling Items from Maxi Aids
Four New Books and Other Items Sold by National Braille Press
What’s New and Forthcoming from the National Library Service
Braille Displays and Other Items from Perkins Products
Plastic Safety Systems Plastic Barricades for Construction and Other Potentially Dangerous Areas
Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired, Tuccsen and Yuma
Safe Zone Cost Effective Warning Detection Strips
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast 45: what’s new at this year’s NFB Convention in Dallas Texas.
Download SeroTalk Podcast 45 for July 5, 2010
Michael Lauf and Ricky enger cover the folowing stories:
SeroTalk welcomes Joe Steinkamp to the Serotek team
Hulu Plus to Deliver Shows to iOS 4 for $9.95 per month
Liam Erven asks Mobile tv to make their iOS4 app accessible
Verizon iPhone to Become a Reality in 2011
Nokia N8 to be the Last N-Series Smartphone Based on Symbian
iPhone/iPod Touch voice commands list and cheat sheets
Video Demo and Description of SayTextOCR App for the iPhone
Chase Customers Can Now Deposit Checks via iPhone
Sendero Accessible Talking Maps for Windows Released: $78, $188 or $398
Blio Reader for the iPhone and iPad by August?
500 jobs for people with disabilities, unless you are blind!
MIT Researchers Developing Smartphone App for 2-Minute Eye
Stevie Wonder says, Make It Accessible!
H.R.3101 Passes Through House Subcommittee, two Items Removed
New Law Will Make Cruise Ships and Ferries More Accessible
WordPress Now Lets You Phone in Your Blog Posts to WordPress.com blogs
Google Launches Real-Time Blogger Stats
Judge Allows Massive P2P Law Suits, up to 5,000 at one time
Ten Fun iPod Speakers for Listening in Style
New Network Design Could Make the Internet 100 Times Faster
Infected legitimate websites outscore adult 99 to 1
Verizon testing next-gen 10Gbps FiOS
How to Help New Users Stay Engaged on Twitter
Google Rolling Out Music Service
Google Voice Now Available to Everyone in the USA
Podcast on installing, configuring, and using Miranda IM
Useful Podcasts on Using iOS4 from Liams Land
Watch the Awesome Blind Driver Challenge video!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In Tech Chat 65, Michael Lauf of Serotek speaks with Gerry Chevalier from HumanWare. Participants learned about the wealth of content available through Serotek’s System Access Mobile Network (SAMNet) and how you can easily transfer that content directly to your Victor Reader Stream. Learn how to download described movies, podcasts, and even NLS books to your Stream all within the easy to use SAMNet interface. Whatever content you find on SAMNet is loaded directly to the appropriate bookshelf on your Stream. No need to download first to your computer or unzip files, or create folders on the Stream. SAMNet does it all for you.
In addition to SAMNet, HumanWare also presented other information for Stream users:
Stream Documentation
Stream FAQ Comprehensive Knowledge Base for Stream Users
Where to Find Content on the Internet to Play on Your Stream
Latest Stream Software and HumanWare Companion, Versions 3.2
View Tech Chat 65, Victor Reader Stream and SAMNet Content from Serotek Via Accessible Event
MP3 of Victor Reader Stream and SAMNet Content from Serotek
Show Notes for Tech Chat 65 – Victor Reader Stream and SAMNet Content from Serotek
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek Corporation, the leading provider of internet and digital information accessibility software and services, is excited to announce the addition of Joe Steinkamp to its enterprise sales and support team. Steinkamp joins Serotek after having worked at the ATU, (Assistive Technology Unit), in Austin Texas as an AT Consultant, and he brings extensive experience in radio broadcasting, technical support, and assistive technology training and evaluation to the team. Steinkamp is also the man behind the Ranger Station blog, providing entertaining and thought-provoking posts on assistive technology to the blind community since 2005.
“I’ve had such a varied career path, but there’s one thing which has been an integral part of every job I’ve ever done.”, said Steinkamp. “I’ve always been passionate about making sure the people I served had what they needed to make informed decisions. . Whether I was giving information about what speaker system sounded good in a 10-by-10 room or working with a client determining which assistive technology was going to meet their particular needs, I knew that each person and situation was unique and there was never going to be a single solution that worked for everyone. Serotek has very publicly embraced this same philosophy for years. If you’ve ever listened to a Serotalk podcast where you might hear reviews on anything from iPhones to roaster ovens, or if you’ve ever had the pleasure of using System Access on a random public computer to accomplish a task life threw at you, you know that this is a group who really understands the power of technology and that everyone uses it in different ways.” I’ve watched this group and evangelized both their products and philosophy for a long time, and I’m very proud to be a part of it from the inside now.”
“Joe brings many things to the table for Serotek,” said Mike Calvo, CEO. One of those things is a greater understanding of the needs of agencies that serve the blind. I believe that by working on our side of the fence, Joe will have a chance to better in gage decision makers at agencies that serve the blind, and educate them on the possibilities of more than just 1 brand of adaptive technology. When these agencies learn to provide consumer choice to the blind clients they serve, they’re ultimately going to find they can do a lot more for less. That’s important as we continue to see budgets shrinking everywhere.”
In addition to providing sales and support for Serotek’s products to universities, government agencies and corporate entities, Joe will be a frequent voice on the Serotalk podcast and tech chat, and will be creating webinars and other training materials for use by assistive technology trainers and others in the field.
Join an Accessible Event online webinar sponsored by Serotek this Thursday July 1. The event will be hosted by Michael Lauf of Serotek and Gerry Chevalier from HumanWare. Participants will learn about the wealth of content available through Serotek’s System Access Mobile Network (SAMNet) and how you can easily transfer that content directly to your Victor Reader Stream. Learn how to download described movies, podcasts, and even NLS books to your Stream all within the easy to use SAMNet interface. Whatever content you find on SAMNet is loaded directly to the appropriate bookshelf on your Stream. No need to download first to your computer or unzip files, or create folders on the Stream. SAMNet does it all for you.
In addition to SAMNet, HumanWare will also present other information for Stream users:
Victor Reader Stream Documentation
Stream FAQ, comprehensive knowledge base for Stream users
Where to find content on the Internet to play on your Stream
You will be prompted to enter your name in the edit box. Type your name and then activate the “go” button. You will then be placed in the Accessible Event online room where you can fully participate in the webinar. You will hear the presenters and can read or navigate any documents displayed by the presenters in your web browser just as you would navigate a web page. You will hear a tone indicating when the presenter brings up another slide or document page. To ask a question, activate the “ask a question” button on the top of the event page. You will then be presented with an edit box, in which you may type your question. When done, select “send” and the presenter will be notified that there is a question and who asked that question. Once the presenter accepts your question, you and all other attendees will be able to read the question in your browser window. If you are unable to join the live presentation, it will be recorded and you can download it later from this page.
Podcast 44 begins with Michael and Ricky’s look at the latest tech news.
Awesome Nkorho South African Waterhole wildlife webcam
Consumer Electronics Association Gary Shapiro criticizes HR-3101
World’s First Talking TV Now a Reality
Dice iTR-100A AM-FM-HD Radio with Talking Menus and Manual in MP3 format, $249 or les
Amtrak to take free onboard WiFi nationwide
WordPress 3.0 released with New Features, Templates and Content management System
List of Sites where you can use a bar code scanner
Google Chrome Screen Reader Accessibility petition
GW Micro Announces the New BookSense Buddy
Eight incredible health innovations that change lives
49 User Manuals, Firefox, Audacity, VLC and More
New Mac mini, Internal Power Supply, ReplaceableRam, Aluminum case, HDMI with Audio $699
Better Than Chicken Fried Chicken! Apple Store App Comes to Apple App Store
Apple quietly includes malware prevention update in 10.6.4
Twitter Errors and Downtime to Continue Through June 30
Twitter Changing Links to Not Count Against 140 Characters, Well Kind of!
Facebook Sighted In One in Five Divorces
Scott Rutkowski, Mike Arrigo and Robert Carter with the
talk with Michael about their favorite enhancements to iOS4 software for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Then Mike Calvo and Ricky return, along with Jeff bishop to talk about mobile devices, which we can use, and which we can not.
Next Navigon 1.6 app will multitask on iOS 4
Verizon Wireless to drop unlimited data plan and offer tiered pricing for LTE
Apple Asks FCC to Keep iPhone 4 Details Private
HTC Incredible Bug Reveals Banking Info and Other Private Pages
Apple sells unlocked iPhones in UK, France, and Canada
Canadian Wireless carriers could be forced to ‘unlock’ phones
New Nokia E73 Review: Only $69 with 2 Year Contract
AT&T iPhone 4 preorder security issues
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In Tech Chat 64, we discussed what’s new in Microsoft’s latest version of Office 2010.
View Tech Chat 64 – What’s New in Microsoft Office 2010 Via Accessible Event
Listen to MP3 of Tech chat 64 – what’s New in Microsoft Office 2010
View Show Notes for Tech Chat 64 – What’s New in Office 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In Podcast 43, Michael Lauf and Ricky Enger cover the latest announcements about the new iPhone 4 hardware, to be available on June 24 in the USA; and the new iPhone and iPod Touch software update now called iOS4, to be released June 21; plus many other interesting stories.
Full 90 Minute interview with Apple’s Steve Jobs at D8 now available
AT&T updates iPhone upgrade dates for more customers
Skype for iPhone Now Supports 3G Calling
Apple Rejects Apps That Look Like, or Use the term desktop
Apple’s supply of Mac minis dwindle ahead of new models
6 iPad VoiceOver demos available
AT&T’s new $325 early termination fee
AT&T’s Plan for Data Congestion? Free Wi-Fi
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of AT&T’s New Pricing Plan: What it Means
Apple market cap tops Microsoft, is now world’s largest tech company
And because there’s more than just Apple, here’s the rest of the news!
UC Irvine Researchers Create a #retina from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
KNFB Reader 6.4 Free Upgrade: Speaks Colors, glare detection, tilt feedback, export text to notes
Victor Reader Stream 3.2 and Companion 3.2 with DOC to HTML and PDF to TXT
Download Free Internet Broadcasting Tutorial in Either MP3 or DAISY Format
Vinux 3.0, Based on Ubuntu 10.04 Released
64-Bit Drivers for Both the Triple-Talk USB and DecTalk USB
Download RamMap for Memory Management in Vista, Windows 7 and Server 2008
FTC slaps keylogger spyware vendor on the wrist
David Pogue Review of Office 2010
Two Tech doctor Podcasts compare Microsoft Windows 7 and Apple’s snowLeopard Operating systems
A guide to Facebook’s new privacy controls
Your Phone Could Be the Key to Your Next Hotel Room
Google Chrome Operating System to Launch in autumn 2010
Google Chrome 5 for Windows, Mac and Linux, but Are They Accessible?
Dell announces the Streak, a 5-inch Android-based iPad competitor
Finally, Michael Lauf speaks with Scott Rutkowski using Skype on the 3G network, so you can hear the quality of calls now possible with version 2.0 for the iPhone.
Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 43 – iPhone 4 Hardware, iOS 4 Software, and Tech News Galore!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Thanks Ted at BlindMind.net blog and podcast for a great interview.
To plan for summer shows, and to prepare for the roll out of new and exciting services, SeroTalk Tech Chats will be held on the last thursday of each month during June, July and August. On June 24 at 9PM Eastern, Tech Chat 65 will cover Microsoft’s new Office 2010.
On July 29 at 9PM Eastern, the topic will be what’s new with the iPhone; hardware, software, upgrade options, providers, and cool new apps. The topic for the August Tech Chat will be announced at a later time, and will depend on new developments during the summer.
SeroTalk podcasts will continue on their regular schedule of every other Monday, along with any exciting news from 2010 conventions. 2010 is going to be a great summer with Serotek, and you!
The Serotek Team
In Podcast 42, Mike Calvo joined us briefly to give us his two cents on Google’s unwillingness to fully commit to accessibility.
Editorial: Google slaps people with disabilities in the face
Google Official Accessibility Contact: Jonas Klink
FTC approves Google-AdMob deal, citing competition from Apple’s iAd
Google Announces Free WebM Video Codec as H.264 Alternative
Developers say Google’s new VP8 WebM codec is a mess
Calvo shares how his family has adopted the iPad.
Michael Lauf and Ricky Enger give us the latest tech news:
Qwitter 4.01 for Twitter Released
Give Qwitter Some Sex Appeal with the Barry White Sound Pack: Oh! Baby!
AT&T to increase iPhone contract early termination fee to $325 –
Visions Career and Technology Institute, August 5-11 2010
Earlier Dates Set for 2011 CSUN Conference, March 14 to19
Ten Phrases You Should Bann from Your Resume
Nutrition Guru Marion Nestle Shares What to Feed Your Pets
Skype for Windows Version 4.2.0.169
New 15 Inch MacBook Pro Battery Life Sucks, Especially When Using VMWare Fusion to Run Windows
Next-gen gigabit wireless spec formalized with 7Gbps speeds
Social networking sites passing on user data to ad agencies
60% of Facebook users consider leaving over privacy
ReclaimPrivacy.org consolidates all facebook privacy settings on one page
Facebook alleges They will Simplify Managing their 50 Privacy Settings, Totaling 170 Options
Facebook Launches 0.facebook.com Mobile Site with No Data Fees
Michael Lauf reviews two products:
Kaito KA1103 AM-FM-SW Portable Radio
Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 42 – Mike Calvo Rants, Tech News, and Two Product Reviews
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
InTech Chat 63, Justin Romack and Peter bossley shared their preferences for Windows and Macintosh applications, and what they like and dislike about each operating system. We covered browsing the web, email, reading the screen, backing up data, ability to install the operating system without eyesight, adding and removing software, costs, learning curves and technical support.
View Tech Chat 63 – Windows or Mac, which is Right for You, Via Accessible Event
Listen to Tech Chat 63 – Windows or Mac, Which is Right for You?
View Show Notes for Tech Chat 63 with Resources for Using Windows and Macintosh Computers
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
SAMNet members can optionally join us in the Tech Chat room.
After losing the original archive, and better late than never, Michael Lauf demos three radios, 2Hd and one portable.
View Tech Chat 59 – 3 Radios Reviewed, Via Accessible Event
Listen to MP3 of Tech Chat 59 – 3 Radios Reviewed
View Show Notes for Tech Chat 59 – 3 Radios Reviewed: http://serotalk.com/shownotes/radio.htm
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tech Chat 62 discusses how to view TV shows and channels through your computer. Covered are web sites, having the proper Adobe Flash, Microsoft SilverLight and other software installed, USB and firewire hardware to view over-the-air, cable and sattelite broadcasts, on demand newscasts, subscription services, recording for later viewing, slingbox, torrents and more.
View Tech Chat 62 – Watching TV on the PC and Mac Via Accessible Event
Listen to MP3 of Tech Chat 62 – Watching TV on the PC and Mac
View show Notes for Tech Chat 62 – Watching TV on the PC and Mac
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In SeroTalk Podcast 41, Michael Lauf and Ricky enger discussed:
AT&T Launches Sierra Wireless AirCard 890
Four Senators Complain About Facebook Privacy Changes
DOJ and FTC Deciding Which One May Begin Antitrust Investigation Against Apple Over Denying Flash
Project to Put One Million Books Online for the Blind and Dyslexic
Spammers Pay Others to Solve CAPTCHAS
24 Hours with the iPad by Bradley Hodges
Can Android Make Your Mobile Phone Accessible? by Darren Burton
Five Foods That Sabotage Sleep
ANNOUNCING UPCOMING SLEEP STUDIES IN TOTALLY BLIND INDIVIDUALS. Are you blind with no light perception? Do you have problems sleeping or trouble with daytime sleepiness?
Non-24-hour sleep wake disorder occurs in some individuals who are totally blind and lack the photic sensitivity necessary to
reset the body clock via light exposure. This can lead to problems with sleep and/or daytime excessive sleepiness.
You can help researchers understand non-24-hour sleep wake disorder
by taking a brief phone survey. In addition, you will have the
opportunity to be informed of upcoming clinical studies recruiting in your area. Survey participants need to:
— be over 18 years of age
— be blind with no light perception
— have sleep problems and/or daytime sleepiness
Collected information will be kept strictly confidential.
For each completed survey, a donation of $25 up to $50,000 will be
made to the American Council of the Blind.
If you want to participate in the survey, please call
877-314-5002 Monday-Friday between 9AM and 5PM Eastern.
Michael Lauf demos getting started with
System Access and SAMNet Via www.satogo.com
Finally, Michael speaks with Bill sparks, Doug Hunsinger and Aaron Upthegrove about the
MLB At Bat App for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In Tech Chat 61, Peter Bossley and Jenny Axler joined us to share their experiences with Apple’s new iPad, and what they have learned about this device, that marks a new trend in computing. This is the first of many devices that will be launched which is smaller than a computer, but more powerful and useful than a PDA. Will the iPad be the notetaker of the future? Will other forthcoming devices even offer any accessibility out of the box?
View Tech Chat 61, iPad, Tool, or Toy? Via Accessible Event
Listen to MP3 of SeroTalk Tech Chat 61 – the iPad, Tool, or Toy?
View Show Notes for Tech Chat 61 on Apple’s New iPad.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tech Chat 60 discussed all aspects of having a service animal: choosing a school, lifestyle changes, associated costs, dealing with the public, educating friends and family, differences between schools, retiring the dog, fighting discrimination, and people who have trained their own animals.
View Tech Chat 60 – Is a Guide Dog Right for You? Via Accessible Event
Listen to MP3 of Tech Chat 60 – Is a Guide dog Right for You?
View Show Notes for Tech Chat 60 – Guide dog Schools, Laws, Advocacy and Resources.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In Podcast 40, Michael Lauf and Ricky Enger discuss the latest tech news:
Announcing Two Exciting New SAMNet Features
International Guide Dog Day – April 29, 2010
www.MushroomFM.com, the Latest radio station comprised of blind broadcasters
Learn about the new health reform via the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast
Melanie Brunson, ACB’s Executive Director comments on the new $100 bill
Google Starts Twitter Timeline Search Engine
Library of Congress archiving every tweet ever sent
Latest Tech Doctor podcast – Does Size Matter: iPad Verses iPod
Office 2010 available april 22 through MSDN, June 1 for retail
Malwarebytes Partners with Sunbelt Software, makers of Vipre
iPhone prototype teardown suggests longer battery life
Please consider signing the book of Condolence – In memory of Torsten Brand
Michael Lauf reviewed
XP Mode for Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate 32 and 64 bit
Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 40, News for April 26, 2010 and XP Mode for Windows 7.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek is proud to announce two new features available to users of
that will greatly enhance the ability to access information and entertainment no matter where you are. First, we have added the
to our list of supported portable devices. Users can now transfer email, audio-described movies, forum messages, radio dramas and much more from SAMNet to this compact and feature-rich device which has become one of the most popular digital players on the market. As with other supported portable devices, you may plug in the device to any available USB port and send the content directly to it, or add the content to your sync list for transfer at a later time.
Second, SAMNet members now have the ability to check their SAMNet Email accounts from outside the SAMNet mailer. While the SAMNet mailer is very easy to use, there may be times where you will want to use another program, such as Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, Mac Mail, or the mailer on your mobile device. Now you can. You may use either POP3 or IMAP to check your SAMNet mail, but IMAP is recommended if you plan to check your Email from multiple places, such as the SAMNet mailer, Windows Live Mail, and your mobile device. While SAMNet users have long had the ability to check email from other devices by logging in to http://www.samobile.net
and reading from the web interface, the ability to send and receive mail from a device’s own email client makes staying productive and connected at home or on the go easier than ever.
View help on enabling and configuring Email Clients to Wirk with SAMNet.
Please note that the steps for configuring your email client outside SAMNet differ for each client, so you may wish to consult the documentation for your particular client before proceeding.
If you have any questions, please send an email to
or call (650) 249-1000.
The Serotek Team
Tech Chat 58 discussed email software like Windows Live Mail and SAMNet email. Our main emphasis was how to use email to get results. There are many things we can do to accomplish almost anything via email with a few simple rules to keep in mind. Whether communicating with business, family, employers or potential employers.
View SeroTalk Tech Chat 58 – Effective Use of Email, when and How Via Accessible Event.
Listen to MP3 of SeroTalk Tech Chat 58 – Efffective Use of Email, When and How.
View Show Notes for Tech Chat 58 on Effective use of email, when and how.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Torsten Brand
Tribute to an Advocate for the Blind
By Michael Lauf
while I only spoke with him three times, all under the guise of getting interviews for the SeroTalk Podcast, Torsten was always polite, knowledgeable, and passionate about his efforts to give the blind and low vision community access to mobile phones.
Torsten was one of the very few people I have met that had nothing bad to say about his competitors. When possible, he worked with them in the friendly spirit of co-opetition.
The last time we spoke was at ATIA 2010 in Orlando in late January. We talked for quite a bit after I shut off my Sony recorder, with its furry windscreen that has been nicknamed the furry nipple.
I remember feeling guilty that I spent so much time with him when there were so many other interviews to be conducted.
Let this be a reminder to me, and those of you reading this, to make the most of each interaction we have; for who knows when, or even if we shall ever meet again.
I remember being surprised that he didn’t blow me off, as many will do during what is understandably a very busy event. The three things I remember him saying were that his favorite Symbian phone is the Nokia N86. He said Apple could learn from Nokia how to build a phone, and Nokia could learn from Apple how to improve the user interrface.. and I remember him comparing the iPhone to Nokia phones by saying the iPhone was like a girlfriend that amused you for awhile, but the Nokia was a true partner, and the one you wanted to take to bed every night.
As a latecomer to talking phones, getting the Nokia N82 with Talks 3 dot something in June of 2008, I honestly have no clue what the pioneers went through to bring screen readers for phones to the point they have evolved to today. I wish more people used the accessibility products they create as Torsten did. Who knows where we would be today. Suffice it to say, we are all better off through his work and contributions to accessibility, and he will truly be missed by myself and many others.
Please consider signing the book of Condolence – In memory of Torsten Brand.
To learn more about Torsten, you may also wish to read and listen to:
Mike Calvo Introduces the First Talking Cell Phone/PDA Using Talx, the Nokia 9290, December 2002.
Torsten on Talks 4 – Serotalk Podcast, March 6, 2009
Extended Interview on Talks 5 – BlindMind.net, March 17, 2010
A thank you to Torsten Brand, by Jonathan Mosen
Torsten Brand, Nuance Product Manager for Talks and Zooms, Dies at 47, from BlindBargains.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tech Chat 58 will not only discuss email software like Windows Live Mail and SAMNet email, but we’ll also cover how to use email to get results. There are many things we can do to accomplish almost anything via email with a few simple rules to keep in mind. Whether communicating with business, family, employers or potential employers, bookmark this page, and maybe even take some notes, on effective real world strategies.
SeroTalk Podcast 39 discussed many things including:
iPhone 4.0 Multitasking Explained
Thorough Review of the iPad from Ars Technica
Tech Doctor Podcast and blog from Robert Carter and Jenny Axler
XP Mode for Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate 32 and 64 bit
Classic Shell 1.91 Awesome XP Start Menu for Windows 7 and Vista
Classic Menu for Office2007 for $29.95
Apple releases Mac OS X 10.6.3 with Many Fixes
Best Buy agrees to install tactile point of sale devices at all U.S. stores
Facebook Wants to Make Another Privacy Change, and You’re Not Gonna Like It!
Unrestricted Access – Technology News, Reviews, Interviews & Advocacy from BlindMind.net
Braille Open API Initiative: BAUM Retec AG, EuroBraille, Handy Tech, HumanWare and Optelec
NC State Research Opens Door To ‘Full Screen’ Braille Displays For The Blind
link that always gets the latest version of Skype, now up to 4.2.0.158
Crap Cleaner, Referred to as cCleaner, Version 2.30
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek is excited to announce the availability of 12 high-quality RealSpeak voices for purchase. Choose from a variety of male and female voices including American English, British English, Australian English, Scottish, Irish, and Indian English.
Each voice costs $25, and can not only be installed on your computer, but on a portable U3 thumb drive as well. Use these high-quality voices to read your news, email, and even your favorite books.
If you’re an existing customer, simply
log in here and choose your voices from the buy wizard.
The buy wizard contains recorded samples of each voice. To listen to a sample, just choose the link corresponding to the name of the voice you’d like to hear, and the sample will play automatically.
If you’d like to try RealSpeak voices before purchasing, visit the “my account” section by opening the System Access menu with modifier+f, choose the “my account” option, and select the link entitled: “install RealSpeak voices”. From this page, you may check the boxes for the voices you’d like to install and then press the “continue” button.
All 12 RealSpeak voices are available as part of your 7-day free trial of System Access and the System Access Mobile Network, so if you haven’t yet signed up for a trial, now is the perfect time to do so. Simply visit
and log in to your existing free account or create a new one. Once you’re logged in, open the System Access menu with modifier+f, press a for the “my account option” and choose the link entitled “Install System Access on this computer.”
If you’re ready to begin purchasing your favorite RealSpeak voices or begin a free trial of System Access and SAMNet and would like the assistance of a Serotek representative, you may call (612) 246-4818.
The Serotek Team
With all of the new costly reading solutions being brought to the market, we presented the three most affordable solutions allowing the blind to read the printed page, all under $200:
Scansoft OmniPage 17 by Nuance Communications, Inc.
View Tech Chat 57 – Three Affordable Reading Solutions Under $200
Listen to Tech Chat 57 – Three reading Solutions Under $200
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In Podcast 38, we begin at a San Diego Mexican restaurant, talking about what impressed us at CSUN 2010. We then played what Michael lauf thought to be some of the more interesting interviews conducted in the exhibit hall on March 25, 2010. See the following post for links to all individual segments including links to company web sites.
Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 38 – CSUN 2010 New Product Highlights
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Below are 27 interviews conducted on March 25, 2010, in the exhibit hall of the San Diego California Manchester Grand Hyatt, during CSUN 2010.
We really like the new location and look forward to returning next year.
American ThermoForm, Index Braille Embossers
ATNAD, European Access Technology Products
Aurora Ministries, Free Bibles in 70 Languages
Blio, MainStream Reading Technology Accessible to the Blind, Coming Very Soon!
Design Science, Affordable Mainstream Accessible Math Solutions
Enabling Devices, Audible Products for Children
Envision America, ID Mate Summit with 3.5 Million Bar Codes, and ScriptTalk Prescription Reader
Gnome Foundation, Open Source Linux
GW Micro, BookSense DS with Screen, VoiceSense Qwerty, Window-eyes 7.2, and Window-eyes 8.0
Hims, BookSense DS with Screen for $499 and VoiceSense Qwerty, Price to be Announced
Hi Software, Automated Web Content Solutions
iPal Solo, Fastest Reader on the Market, from AbiSee
IRTI,Talking Set Top Box, Scan and Read, and Daisy Creation Software
Mozilla Foundation, Firefox Web Browser and Thunderbird Email
Perkins Products, Case for NLS Player, 1GB and 2GB Cartridges, and Audio Demo of New Brailler
PlexTalk Pocket, Adding Wifi Support, and Internet Radio
Sendero Group, Look Around iPhone App, and PC Maps for Windows
Tack-Tiles, Teaching Children to Read with Braille Legos
VoiceEye, Storing Documents on Bar Codes
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek Corporation cordially invites you to drop by booth 820 at the 25th Annual CSUN International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference,
at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in
Serotek is excited to announce the release of Remote Incident Manager Version 2.1, providing significant enhancements to both visual and audio performance.
Updated methods for redrawing the screen ensure both sighted and blind users enjoy the fastest and clearest simultaneous visual and audio experience on both the remote and local computers. The product that is increasingly being chosen by educators, assistive technology trainers, IT professionals, corporations, universities and government agencies; for remote access, distance education, Section 508 compliance and ease of use;
has reached an all new level of technical excellence.
join Ricky Enger for session BLV-2058 in the Madeleine AB PC Lab, March 24 from 12 – 12:30 PM PST, demonstrating Serotek’s latest Remote Incident Manager version 2.1, providing state-of-the-art real-time one-on-one training and support from anywhere in the world, to anywhere in the world.
Visit booth 820 to see hands-on demonstrations of Serotek’s technologies, making your workplace, your classroom, and your personal life accessible.
Serotek has everything you need to stay productive and connected on the job.
Ssolutions like Remote Access Manager and Remote Incident Manager, allow IT professionals and trainers to accessibly connect to remote computers located anywhere in the world, to offer software installation and maintenance, and one-on-one instruction. Blind and sighted technicians alike can easily provide support services to all end users, regardless of what assistive technology is being used, or even if no assistive technology is present on the remote machine.
Serotek’s Accessible Event makes Microsoft Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations and web pages fully accessible to all blind, deaf, deaf-blind and sighted attendees. Do you need to present content during conferences and onsite seminars? Visit booth 820 to see Serotek’s new AE Hotspot, the powerful Internet appliance providing wireless access and presentations for onsite attendees connecting with netbooks, PDA’s or other portable devices. Make your corporate meetings and webinars accessible to all meeting attendees, whether used as a standalone product, or in conjunction with another meeting program.
For students K-12 in the
Finally, students have full access to any Windows computer and the internet,
right alongside their sighted classmates. And with Serotek’s Accessible Event technology, Students can now view a professor’s lecture materials as they are presented, rather than needing to make special arrangements.
Whether you’re a student, an employee, or a retiree, Serotek is the first company offering you the ability to purchase screen reading technology on an as-needed basis through our “Build A Bundle” service. Starting at just $9.95 per month, you can have access to one license of the System Access screen reader, with additional machine licenses for only $5 per month. Try out the System Access Mobile Network, known as SAMNet, with over 2,200 described movies, thousands of radio stations, recipes, TV shows, the Socializer for instant messaging and social networking, voice chat to meet other interesting people, web-based email, and so much more for just $9.95 per month. For an additional $5, you can provide remote support and training to other Serotek customers, and even access your own computers remotely from anywhere!
When you’d like to carry your SAMNet content with you, you can do so by transferring it to your favorite portable device. SAMNet supports a wide variety of audio players, allowing members to sync a wealth of content from the network including movies, email, user’s forums, and books from the National Library Service BARD program. Users can transfer SAMNet content to the Victor Reader Stream from Humanware, the Icon from Levelstar, the Braile Plus from the American Printinghouse for the Blind, and the Plextalk Pocket from Shinano Kenshi. Coming soon, users of the BookSense from GW Micro and the recently released BookPort Plus from APH will be able to transfer SAMNet content to their portable devices as well.
Can’t make it to
So join us as we bring you interesting news and interviews from the show floor.
The Serotek Team
Tech Chat 55 covered specific CSUN 2010 info including exhibitors, presenters, hotel and area restaurants; plus San Diego info including transportation, night life, restaurants, tourist attractions and more.
In Podcast 37, Michael Lauf, Ricky enger and Mike Calvo spend 50 minutes discussing the latest assistive technology news:
Apple began taking WiFi iPad preorders, shipping April 3
iPad will read books aloud using VoiceOver
MP3 Demos on Using the Macintosh, iPhone and iPod Touch
Apple’s iPhone 4.0 software to deliver multitasking
iPhone OS 4.0 may finally bring multitasking nirvana
New Mac Pros as Early as Tuesday March 16?
Apple Removes Thousands of what They Call Trivial Apps
Importance of the Census to People With Disabilities
U.S. Census Bureau warning of phishing scams, Don’t Respond to Emails
20 Cooking without Looking TV Shows
New Book: Social Networking and You: Using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn with System Access
New $379 MSI Wind U160 Netbook Claims 15 Hour Battery Life
APH Book Port Plus Released for $299 until Further Notice
Thorough review of the Book Port Plus
NFB-NEWSLINE® In Your Pocket Now Compatible with BookSense and Book Port Plus
Broadcast up to 1600 feet with the Mobile Black Box Eclipse-4000 FM Audio Transmitter
USAJOBS – Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities April 26/2010
New McTwit 2.7 Twitter Client with G U I
Very Comprehensive Help for Using Twitter
Want your Favorite restaurant to have braille menus? Have them contact Horizons for the Blind at 815-444-8800.
Michael Lauf spoke with David Young, who is selling the
Michael finished by showing how to transfer files, just one of many remote features available to
Listen to SeroTalk Podcast 37 – Tech News, Advocacy, Talking bible and Transferring Files
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek is pleased to announce that you have one more convenient option for purchasing our range of products and services. Effective immediately, you may now use Paypal to complete all purchases of products and services from Serotek, including SAMNet, Software As a Service, and Build a Bundle options. For subscription payments for monthly or annually billed services, you will be responsible for insuring that payments are scheduled in time to avoid service interruptions, as we are unable to set up recurring Paypal billing. When you receive billing reminders for your subscription
services, you’ll be able to submit payment through Paypal by following the
Paypal link in the email, or you may continue to allow our billing system
to charge the credit card currently on file.
Paypal is a convenient online payment service designed to securely facilitate online transactions. Using Paypal, your credit card or banking
information is never exposed, and payment is simple and easy. To sign up
for a Paypal account, please visit:
When making a product purchase from Serotek, you will be presented with an option to pay by either credit card or with Paypal. To pay with Paypal,
simply select the pay with Paypal button, fill in your Paypal account
information, and follow the prompts to complete payment. Please note that
Paypal purchases may only be submitted online, and cannot be handled by
phone with a Serotek representative.
We hope you will enjoy this quick and convenient method for purchasing all
your favorite Serotek products and services.
The Serotek Team
In Tech chat 50, we spoke live with users of AmazonS3 JungleDis, Carbonite, Mozy, MobileMe and Drop Box. We showed how to back up software, music documents and other important files, before they are lost to some unexpected event, which will definitely happen if you do not take precautions in advance.
We also showed how to make an unattended installDisk to automatically install Microsoft Windows XP, without user intervention or sighted assistance. We covered how to insert all Windows updates, add the latest software like Internet Explorer 8, Firefox 3.6, CCleaner, Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.3, Windows Media Player 11, FileZilla FTP, and more. And we discussed how to include drivers for sound, video and networking.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Thanks to everyone responsible for
Serotek’s iBlink Radio Making the Front Page in the Apps Section of the iTunes Store.
This proves that the blind community does have a voice, and that we can, and should, promote quality applications, and vote down those that are not accessible. We hope you will spread the word to people in other countries, submit reviews, and take time to rate applications before removing them from your iPhone.
The SeroTalk team!
In Tech Chat 49, we discussed some of the highlights of ATIA 2010. We also discussed the forthcoming Blio Reader, forthcoming iPad, device overload and more.
View Tech Chat 49 – ATIA 2010 Highlights and More Via Accessible Event
Listen to MP3 of Tech Chat 49 – ATIA 2010 Highlights and More!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In Podcast 34, we begin by hearing the first public demo of the
Blio Reader for the PC and iPhone to Offer One Million Text and Audio Books.
Michael lauf and Ricky enger discuss highlights from
including Serotek’s latest product they call
We spoke with GW Micro about the announcement that owners of the
Booksense can now download and listen to SAMNet content.
We spoke with Michel Pepin from Humanware about the release of
Oratio Screen Reader for blackberry PDA Devices.
And we finished with two interviews from ATIA:
and Nuance Talks 4.5 for Symbian Series 60 phones.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
SeroTalk was able to get 28 interviews on January 27 and 28 at
held in Orlando Florida
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Programs and Services
Assist Touch System for A L S and ChatterVox Voice Amplifier
Demo of BookPort Plus from APH Coming in March 2010
GW Micro Announces Support for SAMNet Content in the Next BookSense Release
Click and Go Maps from In Touch Graphics Offer directions Via TTS or Telephone
EVAS (MIS) – Reader and Multi-Purpose Information system
HandyTech North America iRead OCR and Easy Braille Displays
Latest from Humanware as of January 28, 2010
Inclusive TLC – Alternative Input Devices
Judy Lynn software – 18 Cause and Affect Applications
LevelStar Icon Update, October 2009
MacSpeech 1.58 Personal, MacSpeech Medical and MacSpeech Legal
CodeFactory Newly-Released MobileSpeak 4.0 for Windows Mobile and Symbian Phones
News-2-You Newspapers with Images Helping children Learn to Read
Two New Magnifiers from Optelec
Perkins Products – NLS Cartridges, New Braillers and Seka Braille Displays
Soft Touch – Software for Special Needs Children and Adults
Talks 4.5 Will Give Access to Touch Screens on Nokia Symbian Phones
Vizzle – 2,000 Plus Lessons with Visuals That Sizzle
ZoomText 10.0 Rewritten Will Run from USB Device in Summer 2010
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek today unveiled its newest product, the AE HotSpot, at the 2010 ATIA conference in Orlando, FL. This revolutionary appliance, based on the same technology as Serotek’s Web-based Accessible Event service, gives people with disabilities access to classroom presentations, seminars, and other events. For the first time, people who have hearing or visual impairments can take full advantage of all aspects of any online or on-site event/presentation.
By leveraging our Accessible Event platform and secure wireless networking technology, Serotek’s AE HotSpot appliance allows event participants with disabilities to access slides, Excel spreadsheets, Web pages, and Word documents using their own wireless-enabled computers and access technology in real time. With the AE HotSpot, an event can be accessed from the Internet if the event coordinator wishes, but an Internet connection is not necessary for on-site participants to have full access to the event. That’s because the AE HotSpot appliance is a completely independent WiFi access point. This allows the event coordinator and/or presenter to decide what content will and will not be available to the attendees. The self-contained nature of this appliance enables a closed, secure Intranet environment, regardless of whether Internet connectivity is available. However, where Internet connectivity is available, the event coordinator can configure the AE HotSpot appliance to provide wireless Internet access as well as access to the event. The AE HotSpot can also record all event content and publish it on a web site or intranet with no need to install additional software on the target server. This enables anyone to deploy an accessible recording of an event, even if they don’t subscribe to the Web-based Accessible Event service.
Serotek will release the AE HotSpot soon. Learn more about the AE HotSpot by watching this accessible presentation.
27 Minute Detailed Review with Audio from the BookPort Plus
GW Micro Announces Support for SAMNet Content in Next BookSense Release
new MobileSpeak 4.0 for Windows Mobile and Symbian Phones
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek Corporation cordially invites you to drop by booth 520 at the 2010 ATIA conference at the Caribe Royale in
If you’re wondering which sessions to attend at this year’s conference, Serotek’s CEO, Mike Calvo, is conducting a presentation that you won’t want to miss. “The Art of Being a Change Agent” will be presented on January 28 in the
When you’re not attending sessions, drop by our booth and learn how you can have access to powerful and portable assistive technology without breaking the bank. Serotek is the first company offering you the ability to purchase screen reading technology on an as-needed basis through our “Build A Bundle” service. Starting at just $9.95 per month, you can now have access to one license of the System Access screen reader, with additional machine licenses for only $5 per month. Try out the System Access Mobile Network, known as SAMNet, with over 2,100 described movies, thousands of radio stations, recipes, TV shows, the Socializer for instant messaging and social networking, voice chat to meet other interesting people, web-based email, and so much more for just $9.95 per month. For an additional $5, you can provide remote support and training to other Serotek customers, and even access your own computers remotely from anywhere!
When you’d like to carry your SAMNet content with you, you can do so by transferring it to your favorite portable device. SAMNet supports a wide variety of audio players, allowing members to sync a wealth of content from the network including movies, email, and now, books from the National Library Service BARD program. IN addition to the Victor Reader Stream from Humanware, the Icon from Levelstar, and Braile Plus from the American Printinghouse for the Blind, SAMNet content is supported on the Plextalk Pocket. Serotek is also proud to announce that we will very soon be supporting the BookSense player from GW Micro and we’ll be demoing this upcoming support in our booth. If you don’t yet have one of these sleek and powerful players, drop by the GW Micro booth #413 and pick one up, or visit www.gwmicro.com for more information.
Ask about Serotek’s free Keys for K-12 program, offering free portable screen reading technology for all grade school, middle school and high school students, ensuring that truly, no student gets left behind.
Serotek’s Accessible Event offers true Section 508 compliance to corporate meetings, webinars, classroom lectures and government projects. You won’t want to miss getting a look at the very latest exciting innovation from Serotek and Accessible Event, so be sure to drop by our booth and see the technology that organizations and corporations like The Federal Communications Commission and Humanware are using to make meetings accessible to their entire staff.
If you’re not able to make it to
http://serotalk.com/feed in to your favorite RSS reader or podcatcher,
or simply by visiting http://www.serotalk.com, where we’ll be bringing you news and interviews from the show floor
The Serotek Team
Tech Chat 48 covered power searching the internet including sites for news, hard-to-find information, useful search engines and search techniques.
View Tech Chat 48 – Internet Power Search.
Listen to Tech chat 48 – Internet Power Search, 50 Minute MP3
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In SeroTalk Podcast 33, Michael Lauf and Ricky Enger discussed our dissatisfaction with
and their decision to remove voice navigation from pedestrian mode. We encourage everyone to
We also discussed:
Free Accessible Event accounts, good for up to three participants, through January 31, 2010
Free RFB&D keys available for use on the BookSense
NFB Access Technology Blog on the Consumer Electronics Show
RCA voice-activated remote with macros for $39 to be released this spring
We also did two segments on
Skype for Windows and the newly accessible ap for the iPhone
and finished by speaking with Dr. Robert Carter, one of fifteen staff psychologists at
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tech chat 47 explained serotek’s new Build A Bundle service, giving everyone access to computers starting at Just $9.95 per month. We explained monthly pricing options for System Access, SAMNet, Remote Access, purchasing options, and our new capability to download NLS books directly to supported devices.
View Tech Chat 47, Serotek Build A Bundle and NLS Download Support
Listen to Tech chat 47 – Monthly Options for Accessibility from Serotek – 31 Minutes MP3
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Serotek Corporation demonstrates its continued commitment to providing accessibility anywhere at an affordable price with its build a bundle offering. Build A Bundle is an exclusive online offering which allows an individual to customize a package of Serotek products and services to specifically meet their financial and technical needs. With Build A Bundle, customers can choose from Serotek products and services such as the System Access screen reader, SAMNet content, and SAMNet Remote Training and Support. The package is billed on a monthly basis, and individuals can add or subtract services at any time in order to best suit their particular accessible digital lifestyle. “We believe that assistive technology should be as easily attainable by a consumer as a phone line or cable service,”, said Mike Calvo, CEO. “Now, with Build a Bundle, consumers can have accessibility on the go for less than the cost of a meal.”
Build A Bundle is available to Serotek customers who wish to add to their existing package, as well as to those who currently have no Serotek products or services. The default synthesizer for the Build a Bundle offering is the DECTalk TTS engine, and Neospeech and Eloquence synthesizers are available as one-time purchases which will remain a part of your account from the purchase point forward. For a limited time, Serotek is offering the Eloquence TTS engine for free with any Build a Bundle purchase. For those who don’t currently wish to purchase a Build a Bundle package but would like to use the Eloquence TTS engine with Serotek’s free System Access to Go service, Eloquence may be purchased for $40, a portion of which will be donated to the Accessibility is a Right (AIR) Foundation.
Building a bundle is easy. Existing customers may log in to their accounts through System Access to Go, or from the Serotek software installed on their computer. Those who do not currently have an account may create one by launching
and choosing the “create a System Access to Go” account from the login screen. Once logged on, simply choose the “my account” option by pressing the modifier key plus the letter f, followed by the letter a. From the “my account” screen, choose the “build a Bundle” option and begin creating your customized package for affordable accessibility anywhere life takes you.
To see a list of frequently asked questions and a price list for Build a Bundle, read the Build a Bundle faq at
http://serotek.com/build-a-bundle-faq