BWBF Speech Radio App

#670

I have been picking up discussion of the Speech Radio app from Wireless for Blind and it looks as if it might jut be a solution to easy radio listening and station hopping that many of us want.

Find out more about the app at:

It does appear the Android version is buggy and Pixel phones are said not to work with it propperly at the moment.

I believe tony who is on this list has tried it with an iPhone so if he's not commented here before then I hop hope he wil come in on this.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#669

First, on the point of accessability of BBC Sounds.? It isn't a case of "telling manufacturers how to make their radios, etcetera, more setting a propper framework and technical hook-ins to enable radios or internet devices to link seemlessly to radio stations and enable convenient and easy-to-use interfaces including enabling staton pre-sets to be implemented.? the same goes for phones/tablets and specialist devices helping them to build on an interface or access streams easily to enable setting up of pre-sets.? (One of the reasons I wrote to In touch was that I began to rely more on internet radio to overcome poor reception in my high-rise city centre location, a replacement for terrestial radio should for me look a lot like a radio!

to that end, and as I've suggested on another list, a radio or even "wireless" page could be included in an updated Sounds app to enable one-touch clicking of stations to listen to them, possibly one page or screen for national stations, another for local radio - what's left of it!? Quite possibly this could be built on to enable physical button devices to hook into.? I and many feel their has been to much disparraging of devices in the specialist market that enable just this sort of thing.
So , I do believe the Beeb should do more than ensure straight accessability to what is for us, and some others who find Sounds a clutter and not at all convenient to use if all you want is to listen to the radio.? Actualy subscribing to and downloading podcasts from sounds is still a mystery to me, by the way.
Its not as though the Beeb has not responded to our needs in a more strictly accessability requirements way either.? I recall a time when iPlayer and playing of radio and Tv was much less accessible than now.? One of the BBC technical team put out a request for how the player interface should be improved, and they did do it.? I find the player good in terms of accessability and eas of use these days proving these things can be acted on.? the only bit I and many have problems with at times is the question of whether you are an adult or not.
A depricating and discouraging attitude towards? specialist access solutions is I believe much too straight forward and seemingly uninformed on the needs and wants of many vI and other users who want an easy, push button equivalent of pre-sets on an oldie radio (A word deprocated by the Beeb these days)You can go back a long way to when wireless was a much simpler affair and the old Bush valve preset radios which must have helped many blind people switching between the Light, the third programme, and Home Service as they were then, but with the option to tune around on the remaining two buttons).

It is not simply the case BBC Sounds is inaccessible;? in the strict sense it is.? Its more its simplicity of use that is the problem.

A report on another list cites a Daily Mail article complaining that older listners seem to have been thrown under the bus of progress in the determined effort to gode people into setting up BBc Sounds and that goes for many disabled listeners and viewers too.? A bit rich coming from the Daily Mail as it isusually known for its support of one of the Government's favourite themes, BBC bashing!? Pity then that the Beeb is compounding its problems of finance by alienating a large part of their audience.

Its Your BBC, they proclaim.? Does that include me and so many of our community who are not so impressed with this notion of progress that is BBC Sounds?

I intend writing again to BBC sounds in spite of their peski form, and to humanware and anyone else who might take notice and maybe even prompt the BBC to think again.? Some hopes, I hear you say.

Ray.

Show quoted text

On 01/12/2022 05:46 pm, Steve Nutt wrote:
I just don't see that.

The BBC don't tell Sony, Roberts, or whoever how to manufacture their radios.

Admittedly they are locking down Sounds with an account, but that shouldn't be insurmountable.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Henry Miller
Sent: 01 December 2022 17:06
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29



Hi Steve
But it is the BBC's job to ensure that all listeners can share the same experiences based on age, ethnicity disability and any thing else.
Best wishes
Henry

  
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 16:48
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

No, I'm not excusing anyone. It's not the BBC's job to make these specialist players accessible, it is the manufacturers of the players.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 16:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

Hi Steve,
But you are excusing the BBC for excluding us, and many other groups.
This is not inclusion but exclusion.
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

I'm not writing anyone off. I'm saying that anything that is made for us, could be adapted to use a single sign in method to access BBC Sounds, then you would have the simplicity of the device that you currently use.
The VR Stream could be made to do this I would imagine, since it already has Wi-Fi.

Certainly, most of the Daisy players that I know of now have Wi-Fi, and if you are accessing Internet radio, such as BBC Sounds, then you need Internet anyway. I am sure this could be made easier with a little imagination from the manufacturers of specialist devices, but I don't think it's up to the BBC to adapt, rather it's the manufacturers of our products that need to look at it.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

How much I  disagree with you Steve.
The question is that for many of us we want to be included and regarded.
BBC Sounds, iPlayer and Britbox have bluntly appealed to those who have time and effort, or else it is part of there daily work, to adapt, if they can't then it is for them, people, like me toughen  up  or be quiet.
Years ago bars, clubs and dance halls barred blind people on the grounds that we were a  fire hazard, in a  fire the rest can get out, so we do not need to make the place safer.

I  suspect that the BBC consult people like the "boys club" of the RNIB's tech talk podcasts, or whatever they are called.
If the sighted public had to go through the hoops we have to, the BBC would make adaptions.
Careful what you say Steve or the BBC and RNIB will start quoting you.
Most of the time I  really like what you say, but this time I  feel you are writing me off.
Best Mary.

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.


Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.


This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem lacking in the BBC Sounds project.


So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets as I use on my VR players?


Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#668

I just don't see that.

The BBC don't tell Sony, Roberts, or whoever how to manufacture their radios.

Admittedly they are locking down Sounds with an account, but that shouldn't be insurmountable.

All the best

Steve

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Henry Miller
Sent: 01 December 2022 17:06
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

Hi Steve
But it is the BBC's job to ensure that all listeners can share the same experiences based on age, ethnicity disability and any thing else.
Best wishes
Henry

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 16:48
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

No, I'm not excusing anyone. It's not the BBC's job to make these specialist players accessible, it is the manufacturers of the players.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 16:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

Hi Steve,
But you are excusing the BBC for excluding us, and many other groups.
This is not inclusion but exclusion.
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

I'm not writing anyone off. I'm saying that anything that is made for us, could be adapted to use a single sign in method to access BBC Sounds, then you would have the simplicity of the device that you currently use.
The VR Stream could be made to do this I would imagine, since it already has Wi-Fi.

Certainly, most of the Daisy players that I know of now have Wi-Fi, and if you are accessing Internet radio, such as BBC Sounds, then you need Internet anyway. I am sure this could be made easier with a little imagination from the manufacturers of specialist devices, but I don't think it's up to the BBC to adapt, rather it's the manufacturers of our products that need to look at it.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

How much I  disagree with you Steve.
The question is that for many of us we want to be included and regarded.
BBC Sounds, iPlayer and Britbox have bluntly appealed to those who have time and effort, or else it is part of there daily work, to adapt, if they can't then it is for them, people, like me toughen  up  or be quiet.
Years ago bars, clubs and dance halls barred blind people on the grounds that we were a  fire hazard, in a  fire the rest can get out, so we do not need to make the place safer.

I  suspect that the BBC consult people like the "boys club" of the RNIB's tech talk podcasts, or whatever they are called.
If the sighted public had to go through the hoops we have to, the BBC would make adaptions. 
Careful what you say Steve or the BBC and RNIB will start quoting you.
Most of the time I  really like what you say, but this time I  feel you are writing me off.
Best Mary. 

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#667

Hi Steve
But it is the BBC's job to ensure that all listeners can share the same experiences based on age, ethnicity disability and any thing else.
Best wishes
Henry

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 16:48
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

No, I'm not excusing anyone. It's not the BBC's job to make these specialist players accessible, it is the manufacturers of the players.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 16:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

Hi Steve,
But you are excusing the BBC for excluding us, and many other groups.
This is not inclusion but exclusion.
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

I'm not writing anyone off. I'm saying that anything that is made for us, could be adapted to use a single sign in method to access BBC Sounds, then you would have the simplicity of the device that you currently use.
The VR Stream could be made to do this I would imagine, since it already has Wi-Fi.

Certainly, most of the Daisy players that I know of now have Wi-Fi, and if you are accessing Internet radio, such as BBC Sounds, then you need Internet anyway. I am sure this could be made easier with a little imagination from the manufacturers of specialist devices, but I don't think it's up to the BBC to adapt, rather it's the manufacturers of our products that need to look at it.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

How much I  disagree with you Steve.
The question is that for many of us we want to be included and regarded.
BBC Sounds, iPlayer and Britbox have bluntly appealed to those who have time and effort, or else it is part of there daily work, to adapt, if they can't then it is for them, people, like me toughen  up  or be quiet.
Years ago bars, clubs and dance halls barred blind people on the grounds that we were a  fire hazard, in a  fire the rest can get out, so we do not need to make the place safer.

I  suspect that the BBC consult people like the "boys club" of the RNIB's tech talk podcasts, or whatever they are called.
If the sighted public had to go through the hoops we have to, the BBC would make adaptions. 
Careful what you say Steve or the BBC and RNIB will start quoting you.
Most of the time I  really like what you say, but this time I  feel you are writing me off.
Best Mary. 

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#666

Hi Ray
Well said, why do people with no or extremely restricted sight always have to jump through so many more hoops than the average sighted person to achieve the same goal.
Imagine if all computers only displayed on the screen the letter being pressed on the keyboard for the same length of time that this letter would be spoken by a screen reader-my word they wouldn't cope and there would be uproar.  However, we blind people have to cope with it and find new skills and strategies.

Best wishes
Henry

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 01 December 2022 11:01
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

I would agree with some of what is said, below, but I do take issue with some of it.

Firstly, it may well be that if everything has to be accessed via the 
BBC Sounds Gateway then a one-time login would at least solve the issue 
of having automatic access to Sounds for radio and I dare say podcasts 
if podcasts are to be behind that wall too.  The nudging or pushing of 
people to use Sounds is of course making itself felt with access to the 
latest podcasts being restricted to BBC Sounds.  For a publically funded 
service like the BBC free to everyone in the UK this is a questionable 
restriction.

Going back to radio station acess, what I and many are arguing for is an 
easy one or two button preset access to stations we listen to a lot.  I 
regularly listen to five or six national BBC stations and local radio - 
and not just the area I live in.  So, I want speedy convenient access to 
these as I have now, without a good deal of swiping and tapping or 
grovelling around a screen to get to the many stations I want to listen 
to.  A Many people still do value this sort of feature on ordinary 
radios and in the blind community you can go right back to the old Bush 
push button presets on the radios that used to be issued to people all 
those years ago.

It would not be beyond the enginuity and skills of BBC designers to 
build such a feature into Sounds with an on-screen preset pad numbered 
and giving names of stations you have chosen as presets. This could be 
built on by access tech manufacturers with the addition of a press 
button interface linked via bluetooth or whatever.  Yes, as unpelitable 
as hardware interfaces may be to the skillful and well adjusted smart 
phone user these are valued, literally, by a high proportion of blind 
users and those who have problems of dexterity and co-ordination in 
using touch screens.

I have to say with some hesitation and reluctance, that the attitude 
which says "I can do it, so should you" just does not cut it with me and 
many everyday users.  Planely there are many who, for whatever reason, 
still find smart phones a faff and a painfully clunky way of accessing 
radio stations, unless that is, some sort of adaptation is available and 
Synapptic, which is not perfect, does provide this with in their case a 
voice drivven interface which is easy to use.  Yes the A Lady does that, 
and I have one, although for reasons I will not burden the list with 
right now, I still cannot link it to BBC Sounds when it comes to 
validating my BBC Sounds account.I access commercial offerings with my 
smart speaker though when it comes to playing say, Mushroom FM Amazon 
wants me to sign up to a subscription service. No thanks.

So, I still argue for an easy to use press button preset interface and 
there is nothing wrong in wanting this.  Its a convenience and time 
saver - at a cost I am willing to bear.  Its rather like some drivers 
like automatic cars instead of manipulating with gear stick and 
clutch.So we have a market for these things.  I am sure any specialist 
dealer isn't going to say to us, Well you do not need this, so I am not 
going to sell it!

Ray.

On 30/11/2022 12:40 pm, Steve Nutt wrote:
To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made
themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of
the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb
in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem
lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be
helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given
part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster
broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players
and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not
stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for
statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and
players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets
as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and
hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose
a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front
investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds
wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike
their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press
release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips
were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest
version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised
something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another
keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This
could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone
or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books
either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be
persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but
sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#665

No, I'm not excusing anyone. It's not the BBC's job to make these specialist players accessible, it is the manufacturers of the players.

All the best

Steve

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 16:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

Hi Steve,
But you are excusing the BBC for excluding us, and many other groups.
This is not inclusion but exclusion.
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

I'm not writing anyone off. I'm saying that anything that is made for us, could be adapted to use a single sign in method to access BBC Sounds, then you would have the simplicity of the device that you currently use.
The VR Stream could be made to do this I would imagine, since it already has Wi-Fi.

Certainly, most of the Daisy players that I know of now have Wi-Fi, and if you are accessing Internet radio, such as BBC Sounds, then you need Internet anyway. I am sure this could be made easier with a little imagination from the manufacturers of specialist devices, but I don't think it's up to the BBC to adapt, rather it's the manufacturers of our products that need to look at it.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

How much I  disagree with you Steve.
The question is that for many of us we want to be included and regarded.
BBC Sounds, iPlayer and Britbox have bluntly appealed to those who have time and effort, or else it is part of there daily work, to adapt, if they can't then it is for them, people, like me toughen  up  or be quiet.
Years ago bars, clubs and dance halls barred blind people on the grounds that we were a  fire hazard, in a  fire the rest can get out, so we do not need to make the place safer.

I  suspect that the BBC consult people like the "boys club" of the RNIB's tech talk podcasts, or whatever they are called.
If the sighted public had to go through the hoops we have to, the BBC would make adaptions. 
Careful what you say Steve or the BBC and RNIB will start quoting you.
Most of the time I  really like what you say, but this time I  feel you are writing me off.
Best Mary. 

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#664

Hi Steve,
But you are excusing the BBC for excluding us, and many other groups.
This is not inclusion but exclusion.
Mary

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:44
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

I'm not writing anyone off. I'm saying that anything that is made for us, could be adapted to use a single sign in method to access BBC Sounds, then you would have the simplicity of the device that you currently use.
The VR Stream could be made to do this I would imagine, since it already has Wi-Fi.

Certainly, most of the Daisy players that I know of now have Wi-Fi, and if you are accessing Internet radio, such as BBC Sounds, then you need Internet anyway. I am sure this could be made easier with a little imagination from the manufacturers of specialist devices, but I don't think it's up to the BBC to adapt, rather it's the manufacturers of our products that need to look at it.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

How much I  disagree with you Steve.
The question is that for many of us we want to be included and regarded.
BBC Sounds, iPlayer and Britbox have bluntly appealed to those who have time and effort, or else it is part of there daily work, to adapt, if they can't then it is for them, people, like me toughen  up  or be quiet.
Years ago bars, clubs and dance halls barred blind people on the grounds that we were a  fire hazard, in a  fire the rest can get out, so we do not need to make the place safer.

I  suspect that the BBC consult people like the "boys club" of the RNIB's tech talk podcasts, or whatever they are called.
If the sighted public had to go through the hoops we have to, the BBC would make adaptions. 
Careful what you say Steve or the BBC and RNIB will start quoting you.
Most of the time I  really like what you say, but this time I  feel you are writing me off.
Best Mary. 

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#663

I'm not writing anyone off. I'm saying that anything that is made for us, could be adapted to use a single sign in method to access BBC Sounds, then you would have the simplicity of the device that you currently use.
The VR Stream could be made to do this I would imagine, since it already has Wi-Fi.

Certainly, most of the Daisy players that I know of now have Wi-Fi, and if you are accessing Internet radio, such as BBC Sounds, then you need Internet anyway. I am sure this could be made easier with a little imagination from the manufacturers of specialist devices, but I don't think it's up to the BBC to adapt, rather it's the manufacturers of our products that need to look at it.

All the best

Steve

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of ltmmcarter@...
Sent: 01 December 2022 13:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

How much I  disagree with you Steve.
The question is that for many of us we want to be included and regarded.
BBC Sounds, iPlayer and Britbox have bluntly appealed to those who have time and effort, or else it is part of there daily work, to adapt, if they can't then it is for them, people, like me toughen  up  or be quiet.
Years ago bars, clubs and dance halls barred blind people on the grounds that we were a  fire hazard, in a  fire the rest can get out, so we do not need to make the place safer.

I  suspect that the BBC consult people like the "boys club" of the RNIB's tech talk podcasts, or whatever they are called.
If the sighted public had to go through the hoops we have to, the BBC would make adaptions. 
Careful what you say Steve or the BBC and RNIB will start quoting you.
Most of the time I  really like what you say, but this time I  feel you are writing me off.
Best Mary. 

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#662

How much I  disagree with you Steve.
The question is that for many of us we want to be included and regarded.
BBC Sounds, iPlayer and Britbox have bluntly appealed to those who have time and effort, or else it is part of there daily work, to adapt, if they can't then it is for them, people, like me toughen  up  or be quiet.
Years ago bars, clubs and dance halls barred blind people on the grounds that we were a  fire hazard, in a  fire the rest can get out, so we do not need to make the place safer.

I  suspect that the BBC consult people like the "boys club" of the RNIB's tech talk podcasts, or whatever they are called.
If the sighted public had to go through the hoops we have to, the BBC would make adaptions. 
Careful what you say Steve or the BBC and RNIB will start quoting you.
Most of the time I  really like what you say, but this time I  feel you are writing me off.
Best Mary.

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:40
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of 
the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb 
in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem 
lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be 
helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given 
part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster 
broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players 
and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not 
stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for 
statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and 
players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets 
as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and 
hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose 
a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front 
investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds 
wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike 
their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press 
release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips 
were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest 
version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised 
something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another 
keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This 
could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone 
or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books 
either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be 
persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but 
sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#660

I would agree with some of what is said, below, but I do take issue with some of it.

Firstly, it may well be that if everything has to be accessed via the BBC Sounds Gateway then a one-time login would at least solve the issue of having automatic access to Sounds for radio and I dare say podcasts if podcasts are to be behind that wall too.? The nudging or pushing of people to use Sounds is of course making itself felt with access to the latest podcasts being restricted to BBC Sounds.? For a publically funded service like the BBC free to everyone in the UK this is a questionable restriction.

Going back to radio station acess, what I and many are arguing for is an easy one or two button preset access to stations we listen to a lot.? I regularly listen to five or six national BBC stations and local radio - and not just the area I live in.? So, I want speedy convenient access to these as I have now, without a good deal of swiping and tapping or grovelling around a screen to get to the many stations I want to listen to.? A Many people still do value this sort of feature on ordinary radios and in the blind community you can go right back to the old Bush push button presets on the radios that used to be issued to people all those years ago.

It would not be beyond the enginuity and skills of BBC designers to build such a feature into Sounds with an on-screen preset pad numbered and giving names of stations you have chosen as presets. This could be built on by access tech manufacturers with the addition of a press button interface linked via bluetooth or whatever.? Yes, as unpelitable as hardware interfaces may be to the skillful and well adjusted smart phone user these are valued, literally, by a high proportion of blind users and those who have problems of dexterity and co-ordination in using touch screens.

I have to say with some hesitation and reluctance, that the attitude which says "I can do it, so should you" just does not cut it with me and many everyday users.? Planely there are many who, for whatever reason, still find smart phones a faff and a painfully clunky way of accessing radio stations, unless that is, some sort of adaptation is available and Synapptic, which is not perfect, does provide this with in their case a voice drivven interface which is easy to use.? Yes the A Lady does that, and I have one, although for reasons I will not burden the list with right now, I still cannot link it to BBC Sounds when it comes to validating my BBC Sounds account.I access commercial offerings with my smart speaker though when it comes to playing say, Mushroom FM Amazon wants me to sign up to a subscription service. No thanks.

So, I still argue for an easy to use press button preset interface and there is nothing wrong in wanting this.? Its a convenience and time saver - at a cost I am willing to bear.? Its rather like some drivers like automatic cars instead of manipulating with gear stick and clutch.So we have a market for these things.? I am sure any specialist dealer isn't going to say to us, Well you do not need this, so I am not going to sell it!

Ray.

Show quoted text

On 30/11/2022 12:40 pm, Steve Nutt wrote:
To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.


Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made
themselves available for the programme.


This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of
the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb
in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem
lacking in the BBC Sounds project.


So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be
helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given
part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster
broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players
and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not
stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for
statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and
players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets
as I use on my VR players?


Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and
hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose
a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front
investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds
wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike
their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press
release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips
were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest
version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised
something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another
keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This
could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone
or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books
either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be
persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but
sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Re: Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#659

To be honest, if Google and Amazon can make Actions or Skills, respectively, for BBC sounds, then I don't think specialist hardware players are needed.

Having said that, this won't only affect specialist players, since some regular hi-fi speakers also directly access BBC streams such as Bluesound. However, Sonos have got over it, again, by creating a link to BBC sounds. This is only a one time log in to the account, so it really wouldn't be that difficult.

Not quite a fuss about nothing, but not the end of the world either, in my view.

All the best

Steve

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Rea Lists
Sent: 30 November 2022 12:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made 
themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of 
the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?  In any case the Beeb 
in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem 
lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be 
helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given 
part of the licence fee  is now going to pay for rollout of faster 
broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players 
and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not 
stratospherically tech savvy?  So, an on-screen set of buttons for 
statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and 
players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets 
as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and 
hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.  So I propose 
a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front 
investment needed to make this happen.  Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds 
wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike 
their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press 
release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips 
were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest 
version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised 
something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another 
keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?  This 
could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone 
or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books 
either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be 
persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but 
sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Its BBC Sounds or Nothing? In Touch November29

#658

A modified post with additions posted earlier to Vi-gen Access group.

Subject sums up mytakeaway on last night's In touch and the demise of the Shoutcast radio feeds.

Should not have been surprised that tno one from BBC Sounds made themselves available for the programme.

This is probably in line with the true Riethian autocratic traditions of the BBC - or is it just the two fingered salute?? In any case the Beeb in Rieth's day had some commitment to "public service" which sadly seem lacking in the BBC Sounds project.

So, here's a thought from me on how adaptive tech vendors might be helped to give us one button pre-set access to streamed radio. Given part of the licence fee? is now going to pay for rollout of faster broadband,then should not an amount be made available to develop players and interfaces to meet the needs of so many blind people who are not stratospherically tech savvy?? So, an on-screen set of buttons for statons similar to the Humanware interface? Hardware interfaces and players that allow easy access to pre-set stations and banks of presets as I use on my VR players?

Engineering this sort of thing is routine enough for software and hardware engineers and designers - if you pay them enough.? So I propose a grant from the BBC and public broadcasting to finance the up-front investment needed to make this happen.? Perhaps the folks at BBc Sounds wil communicate with the access tech industry too on this one, unlike their unwillingness to communicate with us - other than via press release type statements

I interviewed Humanware at a local meeting recently but the guys lips were sealed when it came to what might be in store for the latest version of their talking book and radio player, but we are promised something early next year.

To end with, I wonder how people here would feel about yet another keypad interface to work alongside iPhones and Android devices?? This could be something like the Humanware interface, but linking to a phone or tablet. this might have potential as well for playing talking books either downloaded or online, and Wireless for Blind might also be persuaded to join in what with the demise of the Sonata player, but sometimes I think WFBFis in a ghetto like bunker not unlike BBC Sounds.

Ray.

Ray.

Ceasing of BBC Shoutcast streams in 2023 on In Touch tonight

#657

This is not exactly a cross-posting of the message sent to Vi-gen a few minutes ago.

I brought up this subject here and on another list a few weeks back.? In touch is going to investigate this in tonight's programme.

I was sent an invitation to take part but the researcher and I decided my email explaining the situation probably left nothing further that I could add.

Still, I did emphasise two points:? I like others use internet radio as FM/DAB here in central Birmingham does not enjoy good reception. I like quite a few others have not found BBC Sounds at all easy to navigate, (in my case using a Synapptic adapted Android phone). Synapptic does not have its own app as such for BBC Sounds, so you are left to your own devices navigating what, to me, is an infuriating site to navigate.

I also mentioned that the push by the BBC to nudge and shuv people into using Sounds is not welcomed by so many elderly and disabled people.? If you have managed to set up login details the site is not exactly intuitive - to me at least.

Like so many things, the blind community is devided between the Smart smart phone set who think its the best thing since sliced bread, and others who find this way of doing things a pain.? For me, what could be simpler than pressing a button and having easy one or two key press access to many stations?

Whether Humanware and other adaptive tech providers will make an appearance on the programme I waite to find out.? And will BBC Sounds themselves come on?

On that last point, I do wonder if BBC Sounds is going to be the only show in town for getting internet radio feeds?? It is strange that the Roberts internet radio I have in the kitchen, having got help to set it up, does get the BBC national and local radio feeds and I do not recall hearing the announcement about the ceasing of the radio feeds on that radio.? In fact the feeds it is using have not been obliterated by the World Cup as the ones Humanware use have beenb.? So, I've a feeling these are possibly the higher quality feeds which the VR players at present cannot handle.? So, is it really BBC Sounds or nothing?

Don't always give In touch a listen - even though we include it as we are permitted to do, in our TN. but I shall tonight.

Ray.

daiy player

#656

开云体育

Hi. What about the envoy connect. S amll simple player, and you have the I access software, and not sure if sold in the uk.

Marvin.

Re: Seeking a daisy player replacement

#655

I think one of the Humanware daisy CD players is in the RNIB Black Friday sale.? It handles other media too such as SD cards and USB pendrives.

Ray.

Show quoted text

On 27/11/2022 06:20 pm, Adrien Collins wrote:
Hi Daniel

Does it have to play cd's? if not what about the evo 12 or milestones, they are both very good daisy players. Computer room services sells them both and probably others too.

Regards

Adrien

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel McGee
Sent: 26 November 2022 22:52
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Seeking a daisy player replacement

Hello everyone. New member here.

Basically, in 2022, are there any CD / USB players out there which can play daisy / Mp3 format but feature the "resume function." So that an audio book can continue from where you left off, during the audio book.

Note: smart phones / amazon devices need not apply here. I already have those.

My specific use case.

I use RNIB reading services to, download audio books I want to listen
to. However, I still like receiving the books in the post for that
continue selection, that I might of not chosen, have I picked out the
books myself. I hope that last part made sense.

Thus, my current daisy player has died and RNIB unfortunately don't
repair them anymore apparently.

Hence, my quest to replace it with a new device but most importantly,
auto resume function. Otherwise, it's pointless. Don't want to find my
place every time, I turn off the player.

So, do such players exists these days? Hoping for a ray of hope here.

I look forward to hearing from anyone on this list.

Regards

Daniel

Re: Seeking a daisy player replacement

#654

Hi Daniel

Does it have to play cd's? if not what about the evo 12 or milestones, they are both very good daisy players. Computer room services sells them both and probably others too. 

Regards

Adrien

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Daniel McGee
Sent: 26 November 2022 22:52
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] Seeking a daisy player replacement

Hello everyone. New member here.

Basically, in 2022, are there any CD / USB players out there which can play daisy / Mp3 format but feature the "resume function." So that an audio book can continue from where you left off, during the audio book.

Note: smart phones / amazon devices need not apply here. I already have those.

My specific use case.

I use RNIB reading services to, download audio books I want to listen 
to. However, I still like receiving the books in the post for that 
continue selection, that I might of not chosen, have I picked out the 
books myself. I hope that last part made sense.

Thus, my current daisy player has died and RNIB unfortunately don't 
repair them anymore apparently.

Hence, my quest to replace it with a new device but most importantly, 
auto resume function. Otherwise, it's pointless. Don't want to find my 
place every time, I turn off the player.

So, do such players exists these days? Hoping for a ray of hope here.

I look forward to hearing from anyone on this list.

Regards

Daniel

Re: Seeking a daisy player replacement

#653

So does the RNIB

Andrew

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Jim McAuslan
Sent: 27 November 2022 13:01
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] Seeking a daisy player replacement

Hello Daniel,

Have you thought about asking Humanware.

01933 415 800

They sell Victor Reader products.

Hope this helps.

Jim Mc

On 26/11/2022 22:52, Daniel McGee wrote:
Hello everyone. New member here.

Basically, in 2022, are there any CD / USB players out there which can 
play daisy / Mp3 format but feature the "resume function." So that an 
audio book can continue from where you left off, during the audio book.

Note: smart phones / amazon devices need not apply here. I already 
have those.

My specific use case.

I use RNIB reading services to, download audio books I want to listen 
to. However, I still like receiving the books in the post for that 
continue selection, that I might of not chosen, have I picked out the 
books myself. I hope that last part made sense.

Thus, my current daisy player has died and RNIB unfortunately don't 
repair them anymore apparently.

Hence, my quest to replace it with a new device but most importantly, 
auto resume function. Otherwise, it's pointless. Don't want to find my 
place every time, I turn off the player.

So, do such players exists these days? Hoping for a ray of hope here.

I look forward to hearing from anyone on this list.

Regards

Daniel

Re: Seeking a daisy player replacement

#652

Hello Daniel,

Have you thought about asking Humanware.

01933 415 800

They sell Victor Reader products.

Hope this helps.

Jim Mc

Show quoted text

On 26/11/2022 22:52, Daniel McGee wrote:
Hello everyone. New member here.

Basically, in 2022, are there any CD / USB players out there which can play daisy / Mp3 format but feature the "resume function." So that an audio book can continue from where you left off, during the audio book.

Note: smart phones / amazon devices need not apply here. I already have those.

My specific use case.

I use RNIB reading services to, download audio books I want to listen to. However, I still like receiving the books in the post for that continue selection, that I might of not chosen, have I picked out the books myself. I hope that last part made sense.

Thus, my current daisy player has died and RNIB unfortunately don't repair them anymore apparently.

Hence, my quest to replace it with a new device but most importantly, auto resume function. Otherwise, it's pointless. Don't want to find my place every time, I turn off the player.

So, do such players exists these days? Hoping for a ray of hope here.

I look forward to hearing from anyone on this list.

Regards

Daniel

Seeking a daisy player replacement

#651

Hello everyone. New member here.

Basically, in 2022, are there any CD / USB players out there which can play daisy / Mp3 format but feature the "resume function." So that an audio book can continue from where you left off, during the audio book.

Note: smart phones / amazon devices need not apply here. I already have those.

My specific use case.

I use RNIB reading services to, download audio books I want to listen to. However, I still like receiving the books in the post for that continue selection, that I might of not chosen, have I picked out the books myself. I hope that last part made sense.

Thus, my current daisy player has died and RNIB unfortunately don't repair them anymore apparently.

Hence, my quest to replace it with a new device but most importantly, auto resume function. Otherwise, it's pointless. Don't want to find my place every time, I turn off the player.

So, do such players exists these days? Hoping for a ray of hope here.

I look forward to hearing from anyone on this list.

Regards

Daniel

Re: how to delete a book?

#650

Hi Steve

Ok thanks, will try it. 

Regards

Adrien

Show quoted text

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Steve Nutt
Sent: 19 November 2022 17:42
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [dap-uk] how to delete a book?

Hi Adrien,

Yes, it's very simple.

When in the folder structure, navigate to the book, then hold down the Mode button, the one below the Play button. It will sound like it's screwing up a piece of paper. The book is then deleted.

Note you must be on the folder itself, not playing the book, when you delete it.

All the best

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of adrien collins
Sent: 19 November 2022 16:05
To: [email protected]
Subject: [dap-uk] how to delete a book?

Hi

I need to delete some books from my sd card in my milestone 312 ace, I cannot find out how to do this, is there an easy way to do this please? They are rnib talking books, so are in the book shelf. I know how to delete from audio but not books when you press the select button. 

Regards

Adrien