<HTML><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=windows-1252" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META name=GENERATOR content="MSHTML 11.00.9600.19597">
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY dir=ltr bgColor=#ffffff>
<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>
<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>We
know most of this stuff, but this is great to share with your sighted friends
and family, maybe even to drop hints at gift time. LOL.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'><FONT
size=2>Got the following from Top Tech Tidbits and thought some might be
interested.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT><FONT size=2></FONT><FONT size=2></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2><A
href="https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2020/01/19/20-things-the-amazon-echo-can-make-easier-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-people/">https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2020/01/19/20-things-the-amazon-echo-can-make-easier-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-people/</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>20 things the Amazon Echo can make easier for blind and
visually impaired people</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I’m sure you all know by now that I have a keen interest in
technology and that I love all things assistive tech. From my
<BR>iPhone,<BR>laptop and braille display, technology plays a huge part in my
<BR>life.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I’ve had an Amazon Echo for around three years now, in fact,
our Alexa collection has grown, and we have quite a few around the
house.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I was very intrigued by the Amazon Echo when it was first
released and started to become popular due to the fact that it was mainstream
technology that<BR>seemed fully accessible for someone with no useful vision
like myself. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Companies like Amazon have normalised voice activated
technology in a way, making the products something that everyone would find
useful, whether you have<BR>sight or not. I’m a firm believer that companies
like Amazon, Apple and Microsoft are leading the way in terms of making
mainstream technology accessible. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>It is worth noting that every Amazon Echo is fully accessible
for people with a visual impairment, including the Amazon Echo Show and Amazon
Echo Spot<BR>which both have screens. Amazon have thought of accessibility for
these devices for people with a visual impairment as they developed a
screen-reader called<BR>VoiceView, and also have other features such as a screen
magnifier, colour inversion and colour correction. These <BR>accessibility
features<BR>are built into the devices. There are also features for people with
a hearing impairment. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>At first, I did wonder if I would use the Amazon Echo, but I
can safely tell you that I use it every single day. Would I be without Alexa
now? Definitely<BR>Not.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>A photo of a grey Amazon Echo Dot next to a Turquoise box
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>In 2019, Amazon launched an <BR>advert<BR>which highlighted
how technology can benefit the lives of people with sight loss and make a real
difference. The advert demonstrated how people can carry<BR>out their morning
routine by using their Amazon Echo to check the time and the
weather.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>In the advert, the woman wakes up, makes herself a coffee and
then gets ready to head out. She asks Alexa the time and the weather, the advert
also features<BR>a guide dog and viewers then realise that she has a visual
impairment.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I think this advert is a great way of highlighting how the
Amazon Echo is useful for people with a visual impairment. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I often see blind and visually impaired people asking
questions about whether they think the Amazon Echo would be useful for them or a
family member with<BR>a visual impairment and what they can be used for, so I
thought I’d share some things that they can make a bit easier for blind and
visually impaired people. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Finding out the date and time</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>It sounds like something so simple but asking Alexa the date
and time is really useful, especially if you don’t have a phone or similar
device to hand.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>A photo of an Amazon Echo Spot showing the time in the middle
of a coloured home screen </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Setting alarms and reminders</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>When I was younger, I’d have a clock on my bedside table that
I used to have to press various buttons in order to set an alarm to wake me up
in the morning,<BR>then I moved onto setting alarms on my phone as it was much
easier and a lot quicker.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Alexa makes setting alarms very quick and simple; you can even
wake up to one of your favourite tunes. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>In terms of reminders, I constantly used my phone and wrote
them down in the notes or reminders apps, but with Alexa I can set reminders
very quickly and<BR>she will announce them for me, I also get a notification on
my phone so I never miss them. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Adding things to your shopping list or to-do list</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can ask Alexa to add items to your shopping list or to-do
list, you can then access them when you’re out shopping for example using the
Alexa app.<BR>It’s a great way of staying organised! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Checking the weather</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Most people check the weather on a phone app, but I find it a
lot easier to ask Alexa what the current weather is. It’s also great to do
before you go<BR>out. She gives great detail such as telling you whether it’s
raining, cloudy or sunny, and is very accurate.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can set up your location on the Alexa app. If you want the
weather first thing on a morning, then you can set up routines and she’ll read
it out loud<BR>as part of a list of actions. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Getting the latest news</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Alexa has a range of skills for this, it means that you are
able to get the news just with one simple command and stay up to date with
what’s going on<BR>in the world. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Using smart plugs</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I recently got an Amazon Smart Plug and let me tell you, it’s
fantastic! I’d been debating whether to purchase one or not for a while as I
didn’t know<BR>if I’d use it and what I’d use it for, but now that I have one,
I’m planning on purchasing some more!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I find it an essential and very useful accessibility
feature.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Smart plugs enable you to operate anything that runs on
electric with Alexa. I have my plug connected to my straighteners and it’s great
just being able<BR>to tell Alexa to turn them on or off.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>One of the things that I really like about some Smart Plugs is
that they make a clicking sound when being turned on/off which is really helpful
for me<BR>as someone with no useful vision. I can’t say whether all smart plugs
do this but some certainly do, it is a feature that is very
helpful.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>A photo of an Amazon Echo </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Controlling the heating</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Rather than using physical controls on a thermostat, it is
possible to control the heating from a smartphone or Alexa with certain devices.
Heating controls<BR>can sometimes be a bit difficult if you can’t see so being
able to control it through the Amazon Echo makes it easy and
accessible.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>We recently purchased an Alexa compatible thermostat and it is
brilliant, I’m able to turn the heating on and off without worrying whether I’ve
done it<BR>correctly. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Controlling the lights</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Some blind and visually impaired people suffer with
sensitivity to light, so being able to dim the lights or turn them on/off with
smart plugs and bulbs<BR>can really help with this.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>We have a couple of smart bulbs around the house and they are
very useful. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Managing calendars</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I primarily use my phone calendar to keep track of what I have
going on, but I can just ask Alexa to tell me what I have on that day and she
will tell<BR>me. You can also add events by voice.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>It is a great way of keeping organised and staying on top of
what you have going on. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Finding recipes</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Society seems to have this idea that blind and visually
impaired people can’t cook, well let me tell you, we actually can. We have our
own methods and<BR>adaptions when cooking independently.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can find new and interesting recipes just by speaking to
Alexa, she will then read out the ingredients, the cooking methods etc.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Setting timers</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can set a timer quickly just by using your voice and Alexa
will let you know when the timer is up, you can also ask her how long is left on
the timer. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Listening to the radio</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Just by using one command, you can listen to your favourite
radio stations.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>A photo of an Amazon Echo Show, the screen shows that RNIB
Connect Radio is currently playing with a Red background </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Listening to music</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t listen to music,
whether I’m streaming music or listening to the radio, I’ve always got some sort
of music<BR>playing.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Listening to music on the Amazon Echo is really easy to do and
it has a great sound as well. It is even better that you can link your Amazon
Echo with<BR>streaming services such as Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Music.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Reading</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Many years ago in my experience there didn’t used to be a
great deal of books transcribed into braille or many audio books, unlike there
is today.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Things like Audible, Kindle and Apple Books have transformed
reading and made audiobooks and eBooks something that is no longer just for
people with a<BR>visual impairment, they can be for anyone and
everyone.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can play books from Audible or Kindle on the Amazon Echo
with one command and Alexa will start reading straight away.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>One feature that I love is that I can listen to a book on my
iPhone or iPad and then pick up where I left off on my Amazon Echo.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Reading the TV guide</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I’ve never actually been able to read the TV guide unless I’ve
asked a sighted person to read it to me or looked online, but now Alexa can tell
me what’s<BR>on TV.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Sighted people can just look at the TV to see what’s on
whereas many people with sight loss can’t, so that’s where Alexa comes
in.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>The TV guide skill is great for knowing what’s on TV when, and
you can even get it to remind you when a show is on. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Searching and getting information</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Most of the time I will use my phone or computer to search
online for the information I need, but asking Alexa some things such as opening
times for a<BR>business, finding a restaurant, finding out what’s on at the
cinema and much more is really quick and simple.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>This is great if you need to find something out quickly and
takes the hassle away from trying to navigate inaccessible websites.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Purchasing items from your product history</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>If you are an Amazon Prime member then you can re-order
products from your order history by talking to Alexa.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>If you have an Amazon Echo Show or Echo Spot, then you can
also search for products.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Voice shopping is a very convenient and accessible way of
shopping. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Communication</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can make calls and send messages using Alexa, you can also
drop-in to other Echo devices that you have around the home. I don’t use these
features<BR>as much but they do come in useful from time to time. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Connecting devices via Bluetooth</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can connect a smartphone or other device via Bluetooth and
use the Amazon Echo as a speaker. I sometimes use this when listening to books
from RNIB<BR>Overdrive for example. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Playing accessible games</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>As all of the games are played by voice on any Amazon Echo,
they are fully accessible for blind and visually impaired people as there are no
visual aspects.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>A photo of an Amazon Echo Show which has a background picture
of the mountains and clouds on the screen </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>You can do even more things by using skills, they are similar
to phone and tablet Apps and bring your Echo to life. There are thousands of
skills that<BR>really enhance your experience using Alexa. There are skills in
many categories – food and drink, games, health and fitness, movies and tv,
music and podcasts,<BR>news, productivity, shopping, sports, travel and the
weather just to name a few. There are also kid skills that will keep the little
ones entertained.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>All skills are fully accessible for blind and visually
impaired people as you use them by interacting with Alexa. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>That is just a bit of an insight into why the Amazon Echo is
great for people with a visual impairment and how some of the features are
beneficial for<BR>people with sight loss.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I also hope this post shows that technology can make such a
huge difference for blind and visually impaired people. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Do you have an Amazon Echo? If so, do you have any other
features to add? Let me know in the comments. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Holly x<BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV style="COLOR: white; CLEAR: both" width="1">_._,_._,_</DIV>
<HR>
Groups.io Links:
<P>You receive all messages sent to this group.
<P><A href="https://groups.io/g/echo/message/3941" target=_blank>View/Reply
Online (#3941)</A> | <A
href="mailto:echo@groups.io?subject=Re:%20%5Becho%5D%2020%20things%20the%20Amazon%20Echo%20can%20make%20easier%20for%20blind%20and%20visually%20impaired%20people%2C%20from%20Top%20Tech%20Tidbits"
target=_blank>Reply To Group</A> | <A
href="mailto:mb69mach1@fastmail.com?subject=Private:%20Re:%20%5Becho%5D%2020%20things%20the%20Amazon%20Echo%20can%20make%20easier%20for%20blind%20and%20visually%20impaired%20people%2C%20from%20Top%20Tech%20Tidbits"
target=_blank>Reply To Sender</A> | <A
href="https://groups.io/mt/71045110/128244" target=_blank>Mute This Topic</A> |
<A href="https://groups.io/g/echo/post">New Topic</A><BR>
<HR style="WIDTH: 10%">
To post a message send it to: echo@groups.io<BR>Have an iDevice that you need
help with or want to know more about how to use it? Try the iDevice group. Send
an email message to, iDevices+subscribe@groups.io.<BR>This list is owned by,
Gateway For the Blind LLC.<BR><A href="http://www.gatewayfortheblind.com"
target=_blank>http://www.gatewayfortheblind.com</A><BR>The Gateway To
Independence
<HR style="WIDTH: 10%">
<A href="https://groups.io/g/echo/editsub/128244">Your Subscription</A> | <A
href="mailto:echo+owner@groups.io">Contact Group Owner</A> | <A
href="https://groups.io/g/echo/leave/3563743/910717818/xyzzy">Unsubscribe</A>
[seabreeze.stl@gmail.com]<BR>
<DIV style="COLOR: white; CLEAR: both"
width="1">_._,_._,_</DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>