In this episode, we start with a quick VoiceOver tip for iOS Notes. Sometimes, double-tapping a link in Notes doesn’t open it as expected. Chris walks through how a double-tap and hold will bring up options to open links or trigger Safari directly when using VoiceOver on your iPhone. Then, Michael and Marty dive into a set of summer travel tips:

• Wi-Fi Safety on the Go: Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible. Use your mobile data plan or consider purchasing extra data for travel. A VPN is also a good option to keep your data encrypted and secure from snoopers on public networks.

• Password Managers: Using a password manager adds another layer of protection when accessing sensitive sites. If a phishing attempt tries to fool you with a lookalike website, your password manager won’t autofill if the URL doesn’t match exactly.

• Apple Passwords App: iCloud Keychain is now available in a standalone app called Passwords across Apple devices, offering easy and VoiceOver-accessible password management.

Next, the conversation shifts to Aira and how it can be a huge asset while traveling:

• Aira offers free access at many airports, hotels, and public venues.
• Michael shares his personal experiences using Aira to navigate airports, hotels, and even find food during long layovers.
• Aira agents have access to indoor maps at some locations, making navigation much easier for blind travelers.
• Additional options like the Intuit Small Business Plan can provide extra free Aira minutes for eligible users.

Whether you're flying for business, attending a convention, or just taking a summer vacation, these tips will help you stay connected, safe, and independent. For more info on Aira access locations: aira.io/our-partners As always, visit unmute.show for updates and more content, or send your questions and feedback to feedback@unmute.show. You can also subscribe to Digital Bytes as a standalone podcast anywhere you get your podcasts. If you want, I can also prep your SEO-friendly description version if you're using this for your podcast upload or YouTube. Shall I?

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In this episode of Digital Bytes:

• Michael shares how to customize VoiceOver commands on the Mac using the Commands tab in VoiceOver Utility. Learn how to assign custom AppleScripts (like announcing remaining seconds in a minute) to specific key combos, thanks to tips from Chanel, Herbie, and Brad.
• Quick Tip: Use VO + Fn + F8 (or Command + 8 in the Utility) to get started.
• Want Michael’s script? Reach out to him on Mastodon: @payown@dragonscave.space.
• Chanel dives into the often-overlooked search box in iOS Settings, showing how it can surface deep, hard-to-find options like:
• Auto-Lock duration
• Preventing the lock button from ending calls
• Accessibility settings like "Stop sounds when locked"
• Hidden Siri and notification controls
• Marty explains how to toggle the Power On/Off chime on your iPhone, giving you more control over audio feedback during restarts.
• Navigate to: Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Power On & Off Sounds

Stay tuned for more practical tips in future bites!

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In this episode of All Things Lady A, we dive into the latest updates on Alexa Plus, Amazon’s upcoming conversational AI experience. Although it's not out yet, we break down what we know so far—including availability on Echo Show 8 and newer devices, and features like natural dialogue, personalized routines, and browser-based access. Then, we put Lady A’s ChatGPT integration to the test with a fun and informative demo. Tune in as we explore Braille-related topics by chatting with the built-in AI assistant:

• The history of Braille
• How blind people read before Braille
• Braille games like Uno and Chess
• Braille embossers and refreshable Braille displays
• Music notation in Braille
• What UEB (Unified English Braille) is and why it matters

Curious how many questions you can ask before hitting the free version’s limit? We test that too! 💡 Got an idea for a future Lady A segment? Email your suggestions to feedback@unmute.show and Michael or Marty will pass them along. Links Mentioned: No external links this time—just your Lady A device, your curiosity, and a whole lot of Braille talk! Subscribe to Unmute Presents for more content like this, and don’t forget to have fun with your Lady A device!

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In this episode of At Your Fingertips, we take a moment to celebrate Helen Keller's legacy, just in time for her June 27th birthday. We reflect on her impact, not just as a trailblazer for deafblind individuals, but also as a fierce advocate for Braille as a standard reading code. Next, we shift gears to explore Jumbo Braille. Yes, it's a real thing. Learn when it’s useful, how it’s different, and why it might be a good fit for those with tactile sensitivity challenges. And finally, butterflies and Braille come together as we chat about the Monarch, a powerful new multiline tactile graphics and Braille display from APH. It’s almost here, and you’ll hear what we’re hoping to do with it, from maps to music and even spreadsheets. Resources mentioned:

• Helen Keller National Center: https://helenkeller.org/hknc
• Feedback? We'd love to hear from you: feedback@unmute.show

Thanks for joining us!

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In this episode of Digital Bytes:

• Travel Tip: Chris breaks down everything you need to know about flying with battery packs—what’s allowed in your carry-on, how many milliamp hours different devices use, and tips to avoid TSA headaches. If you're packing a power bank this summer, this is for you.
• Tech How-To: Marty answers a common question—how to keep your iPhone screen on longer. He walks you through the auto-lock settings and shares a few cautions to keep your battery healthy and your phone secure.
• Tool Spotlight: Michael introduces Gravity Forms, a flexible and accessible WordPress plugin that powers everything from simple contact forms to complex multi-page surveys and payment systems. Plus, he shares tips for organizing form fields, managing access with remote assistants, and extending functionality using Gravity View and Gravity Wiz.

Whether you're prepping for takeoff or building your next form-driven project, this episode has practical tips you can use right away.

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In this special episode, Michael and Marty share some important updates about the future of Unmute. Michael announces that he’s stepping back from his role after taking on a full-time position with the American Council of the Blind. The duo reflects on how Unmute started, how it grew beyond anything they imagined, and express deep gratitude to the many people who made it all possible.

They also outline what’s staying the same: Digital Bytes, Mac Chat, and Braille Then and Now will continue through the summer, with more updates coming this fall. While Community Unmuted will no longer be part of the ACB Community lineup, they teases that something new may be on the horizon.

Whether you’ve tuned in every week or just discovered Unmute, this is a heartfelt moment of appreciation, transition, and continued connection. Stay subscribed and stay in touch at unmute.show.

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In this week’s Digital Bytes, we explore tech that charges, cooks, and communicates:

• iPhone 16 Wireless Charging: Marty clears up confusion around the iPhone 16e’s charging options. While it doesn’t include MagSafe, it does support wireless charging (just at slower speeds). Plus, he shares how a MagSafe-compatible case can expand your accessory options—though not your charging speed.

• Smart Kitchen Real Talk: Chris shares a personal story about smart pressure cookers, app shutdowns, and why you shouldn’t depend too heavily on voice assistant integrations. She offers practical workarounds using AIRA, Be My Eyes, Be My AI, and tactile labels to keep cooking smart—even when your apps ghost you.

• Accessible Amateur Radio: Michael gives a hands-on (and ears-on) overview of the Kenwood TH-D74A handheld radio. Learn how this device provides spoken feedback, what the keypad layout is like, and how to scan frequencies and memories without needing a screen.

As always, if you’ve got questions or feedback, email us at feedback@unmute.show.

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In this episode of the Shell Phone Show, Adrian (aka Driza) demonstrates how to join a Zoom meeting directly from an email using the BlindShell Classic 3. This step-by-step guide is perfect for anyone receiving ACB Community event emails and looking for a quick way to jump into Zoom without entering a meeting ID or passcode.

Highlights include:

• Navigating to email using three different methods
• Opening Zoom links from within an email
• Joining a meeting by simply entering your name
• Adjusting Zoom audio settings (speakerphone vs. earpiece)
• Accessing raise hand and reaction controls

Adrian also shares helpful tips on setting up your email, enabling meeting controls in Zoom, and why this method is easier than manual Zoom entry.

For more tutorials and tips for the BlindShell Classic 2 and 3, visit unmute.show. Questions for Adrian? Reach out via email at driza17@att.net.

Music by André Louis.

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