[SC-CSTD] FW: V I Labs Tech On Tap Newsletter Edition 210

Fri Jun 28 20:57:10 UTC 2024

From: V I Labs <content at vi.ie> 
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2024 4:00 AM
To: floza58 at bellsouth.net
Subject: V I Labs Tech On Tap Newsletter Edition 210

 <https://mailchi.mp/2d67fe1eacc3/v-i-labs-tech-on-tap-newsletter-edition-210?e=bcd617a5bc> View this email in your browser 

Featured Articles:

*	Windows Keystroke, inserting Hyperlink text
*	Piccy Bot New AI description app,Its novel but is it useful?
*	Upcoming Training Courses & Events

Windows Keystroke

By Joe Lonergan

How to hyperlink text in a document or email using a keystroke?

It is a good idea to hyperlink files or website addresses in your documents or emails to make it easier for people to access the links or information.

Sometimes the URL of websites addresses are so long it is better to hyperlink it to make it easier to enter or click on them, and this make the links clearer to understand and read.

For example, you might want to send a link to a group about a Microsoft Teams meeting and the link is long and difficult for screen readers to read. These link can be made better by adding a hyper link.

Other reasons to include hyperlinks are that you might want to link a file from a document or an excel sheet to make it easier for a user to access other associated documents or drives.  

How to add a hyperlink to a document or e mail 

1.	If it is a website address you are hyperlinking, first copy the address to your clipboard by selecting it and pressing control + C
2.	Then find the area in the email or document you want to place the link
3.	This is the important Keystroke. Press control + K
A box will pop up saying Address: now press control + V to paste the link  
4.	Tab once and you can type in the text that you would like to display, make this short and easy to understand 
5.	Press enter and your text will now appear in your email or document and will say for example "press enter to join the meeting" or "click here to take part in the survey".  

Hyperlinking text that is already there 

You can hyperlink any text in a document by selecting that text, then press control + K and paste in the web address and press enter.

As mentioned above you can also hyperlink text to files on your computer or online drives.

Again, press control + K tab to browse for file button this will open the drives on your computer. Locate the file you want and press enter on it.
Type in the text you want to display, and press enter and now you will have a handy link to that file for sharing.

Hopefully, this makes the way you hyperlink text clearer. Do you like when someone sends you an email with neat links rather than long winded website addresses?

In what situations have you used the Control + K keystroke, or We would also love to know your favourite keystroke or shortcut.

let us know with a voice note to the talking technology podcast at 0861990011 

 <tel:+353861990011> 0861990011 

Was I wrong to write off PiccyBot? New AI app now describes video

By David Redmond

Last night I had a problem. I had googled how to do something with a smart home app and the only result available to me was a screen recording with no VoiceOver or description.

Just hours before on Talking Technology, I had said that I didn’t see much use for PiccyBot, but when faced with an inaccessible video I was going to need to reconsider. 

I’ve got loads of AI apps on my phone, from Be My AI to seeing AI, Aira Access AI to Envision AI. But just one app could describe video. That app was PiccyBot. 

What Is PiccyBot

PiccyBot is an app created by a small company called Sparkling Apps based out of India. It’s not a million miles away from a be My AI or Envision, except it has two major differences.

Firstly, PiccyBot has a personality. The free version is extremely posh. As an example, when I took a selfie and asked it to describe, the app was more interested in the modern aesthetics of the ceiling than me.

You can subscribe to a pro version to get extra voices, and each voice has a different personality.

The voices available with the pro version are…

The voices available with the pro version are…

1.	Alloy: Expressive
2.	Echo: Happy
3.	Fable: Enthusiastic (This is the free voice)
4.	Onyx: Serious
5.	Nova: Fashionable
6.	Schimmer: Carving

Those who pay for the app can also disable the personalities if they wish.

Pro users can choose the AI model they want so if you’re a fan of the descriptions from be my AI, you might choose to use the GPT 4o option. Different models are stronger at different tasks, so it’s well worth playing around.

The second major feature of note though is something I had originally overlooked. PiccyBot can describe video. So, is it any good?

PiccyBot video descriptions

The descriptions of videos give you enough context to understand what’s in a video. It’s not exactly perfect audio description, but it definitely serves its purpose.

The apps developer has told me that the app is currently limited to the first 30 seconds of a video. He says, however, that this is something that they want to improve.

You can share videos from WhatsApp, messenger or your own library, and the developer also says that they are working on support for Instagram and TikTok.

This will be huge if they pull it off.

Is the app sustainable? 

I purchased the app last night for a one-time fee of €22.99. There is also a subscription available for less than €3 a month. Most of the players in this space have millions to spend, but Sparkling apps is a relatively small 4-person team. With such a low price I had to ask the developer how sustainable the app really was.

The response I got was interesting. The developers aren’t ruling out price hikes in the future but say that the app is okay for now. They said,  “ if we happen to have to increase the permanent price then the first users have had an advantage, hopefully by then the app will be popular enough to be worth that price as well.”

It’s a fair point. The app seems to have a strategy of getting to market fast and develop it as it grows. It’s good to know that they are at least considering sustainability though. Hopefully, the app will be getting updates well into the future.

The Future

PiccyBot launched in March and to me it does still feel very much like a work in progress. With that said, the app’s creator has been involved in the blindness space for years originally developing the Talking Goggles app. This history does make me feel that the future is good for PiccyBot, even if it isn’t perfect just yet. 

Right now, I’m told that the app has been downloaded 12,000 times. It’s a respectable user base and it definitely will grow. I’m not going to be using PiccyBot every day, but I’m a big believer in expanding the tools in one’s toolbox. Competition is good, and if PiccyBot leads to platforms like TikTok or Instagram becoming more accessible than that’s a win.

Conclusion

I think I might have dismissed PiccyBot too quickly. It’s got a long way to go but it’s definitely carved out its own niche. Will it be able to stay ahead of its well-funded rivals? Time will tell, but I definitely wish them luck.

Stay tuned for our full conversation with The PiccyBot team on the next episode of Talking Technology with V I Labs. Subscribe to your favorite podcast app or on the V I Labs YouTube channel.

Talking Technology Ep 60: Voice Notes, Audio Described Commentary, and Be My Eyes' Language Guide

We kick off the show this week by sharing your voice notes on a range of topics, from AfterShokz headphones to accessible dating apps.

Next, we dive into the world of Audio Described Sports Commentary, a service that brings all the excitement of live football to fans with sight loss. Shamrock Rovers FC audio described commentator Phelim Warren joins us to explain how he's making this possible for the club's blind and vision-impaired supporters.

Finally, we explore the new Inclusive Language Guide from Be My Eyes. What is it, and how can it help promote inclusivity in everyday language?

Contact Shamrock Rovers using the email  <mailto:info at shamrockrovers.ie> info at shamrockrovers.ie

 <https://ncbi.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0075302c481fdf615a1e2037f&id=d35dde5be9&e=bcd617a5bc> Play back the Show 

 <https://ncbi.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0075302c481fdf615a1e2037f&id=a593b1bf79&e=bcd617a5bc> Check out the full Podcast Playlist 

Hi Digital Courses
Unlock Your Digital Potential with NCBI Labs

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards digital empowerment? V I Labs is thrilled to announce our FREE Digital Literacy Courses, designed to equip people with essential digital skills! In an increasingly digital world, everyone deserves the tools to be digitally independent. Our courses will help you: 

*	Improve Communication and Collaboration Skills: Connect with others and expand your horizons.
*	Access a World of Information & Resources: Unleash the power of the Internet for learning and growth.
*	Enhance Job Prospects: Boost your career by understanding essential digital skills.
*	Reduce Social Isolation: Stay connected with loved ones and your community.
*	Improve Mental & Emotional Health: Harness technology for your well-being.

Course Details: Course Topics: Computers and the internet, using my smartphone, connecting with others, entertainment and shopping, hobbies and travel, and online banking.

Register Your Interest: Contact us at  <mailto:training at vi.ie> training at vi.ie to reserve your spot and receive updates or speak to your technology trainer directly. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to level up your digital skills. Join NCBI Labs in our mission to empower Ireland with digital literacy. 

Subscribe to V I Labs Podcasts  

V I Labs Podcasts are hosted on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and TuneIn. Please subscribe to the following and give us a listen on your favourite device.

 <https://ncbi.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0075302c481fdf615a1e2037f&id=8647bf3a81&e=bcd617a5bc> Apple Podcasts 

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Technology Support Line 

We offer a dedicated support line and email address for technical support related to assistive and mainstream technology. 

The service is free for people with sight loss and their families. We also offer technical advice on assistive technology to schools and employers. 

The Technology Support Helpdesk is operated between 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. 

Contact V I Labs nationwide on 1800 911 110.

Support Vision Ireland

Your continued support for Vision Ireland's work to help people with sight loss is hugely appreciated. Please click the link below for more information on how you can help. 

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