Unmute Presents

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: @p...

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 w...

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 tho...

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 a...

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: Digi...

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 ...

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 withi...

In this lively episode of Community Unmuted, we ask the question: What’s one assistive tech tip you wish you had known earlier? From restarting screen readers to using clever iPhone and Mac gestures, listeners and hosts alike share game-changing advice and favorite discoveries.

We also cover common accessibility questions including:

• How to access ACB Community calls and podcasts on various devices
• File organization shortcut...

📝 Show Notes

In this episode of Mac Chat, Chris and Marty dive into practical Finder tips for VoiceOver users—why list view rocks, using the Go menu, accessing Macintosh HD, and avoiding common drag-and-drop mistakes. They also walk through customizing the Dock and switching user profiles to handle different language setups or troubleshoot issues.

Chris shares exciting news about being selected to speak at MacStock 2025, ...

In this episode of Digital Bytes:

• Dock More Apps on iOS (with Marty): Marty demonstrates a clever VoiceOver trick that lets you fit more apps in your iPhone or iPad dock by creating folders.
• Hands-On with the Insta360 Link 2 Webcam (with Michael): Michael shares his first impressions of a $150 AI-powered 4K webcam that auto-tracks your face, mounts securely, and sounds great—despite some software accessibility hiccups.
• HID...

Show Notes: Community Unmuted – May 3, 2025

In this lively edition of Community Unmuted, Michael and Marty field tech questions, share helpful tips, and have a little fun along the way. Liz kicks things off with the question of the day: Do you edit your dictations before or after you send them—or at all? Listener responses range from careful proofreaders to those who just hit send and move on.

Highlights from this episode:

• Dic...

In this episode:

• Hazel Workflow for Mac: Michael walks through setting up a rule in Hazel to automatically delete .flac files from a Dropbox folder if they're older than one day. It’s a hands-on demo using VoiceOver and shows how powerful Hazel is for keeping folders tidy with minimal effort.
• Apple BRF Files for Braille Users: Chris shares a great resource—Apple’s Braille-ready user guides for nearly all of th...

In this relaxed May edition of At Your Fingertips: Braille Then and Now, we explore fun, low- to mid-tech tools that bring joy and progress to Braille learners. From Braille keychains and swing cells to the increasingly popular Braille Doodle and LEGO Braille sets, discover how fidget-friendly tools can reinforce literacy in a hands-on way. We also take a deeper look at input devices like the NLS eReader, Orbit Writer, and Hable On...

Show Notes: Join Driza on this Shell Phone Show as he walks you step-by-step through using Zoom on your BlindShell Classic 2 or 3. Learn how to:

• Install and access Zoom on both BlindShell Classic 2 and 3
• Adjust meeting settings to always show controls
• Enter your name, meeting ID, and passcode effortlessly
• Use essential Zoom features like mute/unmute, video toggling, and raising your hand
• Manage speakerphone and earphone audio ...

In this Digital Bytes, Michael dives into LaunchBar’s powerful Clipboard History feature on the Mac, offering tips for customizing it to boost your productivity. Marty shares a quick and accessible way to selectively share contact information without the hassle. Then, Chris introduces the Patreon app, explaining how to support your favorite creators while highlighting its accessibility and easy navigation. Plus, Michael teases an u...

This was originally published to the Technically Working podcast. See the notes below: TW107: Mute Buttons, Mishaps, and Mental Replays In this episode, Damashe uncovers a hidden switch that finally makes his mute button work the way he wants—after months of assuming he needed to rewire it. Meanwhile, Michael shares a chaotic behind-the-scenes story from an in-person board meeting, complete with misbehaving audio gear, last-minute ...

In this episode, Michael, Liz, and Chris welcome callers to share their favorite tech tips and tackle real-world tech questions. From quick productivity shortcuts to tricky screen reader behavior, it's all on the table in this lively community conversation.

Tech Tips Shared:

• Windows Tip: Use Control + L in File Explorer to jump straight to folders like "Downloads" or even open a website in your browser.
• L...

Summary:
Chris and Michael catch up on the latest macOS Sequoia 15.4 update, sharing what’s working better—and what still needs a workaround. From new Braille fixes to ditching Apple’s Mail categories, they cover practical improvements for VoiceOver users. Michael walks through how LaunchBar has become his go-to for blazing-fast app launching and file actions, and Chris breaks down tips for customizing Finder views to better su...

Adrian, aka Driza, is back with a quick and practical demo using the internet browser on the BlindShell Classic 3—with the touchscreen turned off. In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Bookmark a webpage for easy access later
• Save it to your Favorites list so it’s always one button away
• Share a link by text or email, straight from the browser

Using A Werewolf Gear as the example, Driza walks through three different...