Shaun of the Shed

In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses the importance of accessibility features in Windows and demonstrates how to access and use the Ease of Access Center.  In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses the importance of accessibility features in Windows and demonstrates how to access and use the Ease of Access Center.    He explores various options under the Vision, Hearing, and Interaction categorie...

In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses how to supercharge apps on an iPhone using Apple Shortcuts. He explains that apps are what enable blind individuals to do various tasks on their smartphones, and Apple Shortcuts allows users to create scripts to automate app functions. Shaun walks through the step-by-step process of setting up shortcuts and assigning gestures to activate them. He demonstrate...

The Be My Eyes app is now available for Windows, specifically for the AI feature.  Be My Eyes is an app that allows users to create a video call with a sighted volunteer for assistance. It has evolved to include artificial intelligence (AI) functionality called Be My AI, which can provide descriptions of images.  The Windows app offers four main options: describe the screen, describe a picture tak...

In this episode, Shaun Preece discusses the process of finding files, folders, and websites on a Windows computer using a screen reader, as well as navigating File Explorer and creating shortcuts.  He provides tips and demonstrations on using the Start menu, File Explorer, and keyboard shortcuts to efficiently locate and access files and folders. Additionally, he demonstrates the creation of deskt...

In this episode, Shaun discusses artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential benefits for blind or visually impaired individuals. Showcasing the “Pi” AI service as a voice assistant that can answer questions, create emails, offer recommendations and much more. Highlights Show Open (00:00) Artificial Intelligence for the Blind & Partially Sighted (00:20) Using “Pi” as AI Voice Assistant (02:16)...

Takeaways It is important to test your internet speed to ensure you are getting what you are paying for. WiFi routers play a crucial role in delivering internet speed throughout your home. Mesh networks can provide better WiFi coverage and eliminate dead spots. When choosing a router, consider factors such as speed, coverage, and performance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context 01:...

In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, Shaun Preece discusses the benefits of using biometric security, specifically fingerprint recognition, on Windows computers; discovering that biometric security is more effective than using passwords or PIN codes and more convenient.  Shaun demonstrates how to add a USB fingerprint reader to a computer and set up fingerprint recognition in Windows settings, em...

Join Shaun Preece as he explores the importance of learning Braille for blind or visually impaired individuals. Despite the advancements in technology, Shaun highlights the benefits of being able to read and write in Braille. He shares his personal journey and regrets for not learning Braille earlier, and discusses its potential uses in education and employment. Shaun also reviews four Braille lea...

On this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece explores the hand gestures feature of the Apple Watch, a game-changer for users who are blind or partially sighted. Shaun guides listeners through setting up and using pinch and clench gestures for easy navigation without needing to touch the screen. His practical tips, combined with personal anecdotes from his travels, make this episode an e...

In this episode of Shaun of the Shed I'll be showing you how we can use artificial intelligence to get amazingly detailed descriptions of any photos we take. Want to know exactly the colour and design of that T-shirt you're about to put on? Not a problem. Want to identify that mysterious can in your cupboard and get cooking instructions? Not a problem. You can even take multiple pictures of a menu...

Episode Description: In this episode of Shaun of the Shed I'm talking about a new update to the popular screen reader NVDA. The update adds a new feature called the Addon Store. Addons, as the name suggests, are a way of adding extra features and functionality to your screen reader. For example, there are addon that make apps such as WhatsApp or Outlook more accessible or easier to navigate. Addon...

On this episode of Shaun of the Shed, Shaun Preece goes hands-on with the Hable One. The Hable One is a Bluetooth controller and smartphone keyboard designed for people who are blind or partially sighted.  It has eight buttons, including six Braille keys, and is roughly five inches by two and a half inches in size. The device can be used to enter text, navigate, and interact with both iPhone and A...

In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece explains quick access methods to screen reader settings across various platforms for users who are blind or partially sighted. He walks through shortcuts for VoiceOver on iPhone and Mac, TalkBack on Android, and NVDA, JAWS, and Narrator on Windows. Each shortcut provides a quicker route to change speech rate, pitch, volume, media descriptions...

In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece discusses the use of QR codes, particularly beneficial to members of the blind and partially sighted community. He covers their creation, appearance, and information capacity. Shaun demonstrates how to use a smartphone to scan QR codes, expressing his struggles with built-in camera apps on both iPhone and Android devices. He then introduces t...

In this exciting episode of Shaun of the Shed, join us as we delve into the fascinating world of smartphone magnification. Whether you're an Android or iPhone user, we've got you covered! Discover how to harness the power of your built-in camera to magnify the wonders around you, and learn handy gestures to zoom in on the screen for a closer look.  From activating the feature to unlocking its full...

Shaun Preece, host of the AMI original podcast "Shaun of the Shed," explains in a quick episode how to customize gestures on a smartphone to make it more efficient for blind or partially sighted users. He highlights that gestures are used as a basic navigation tool for blind users, and there are many gestures that don't have any functions assigned to them that can be customized to improve the smar...

In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece shares life-saving technology tips for the blind and partially sighted. Learn how to make emergency calls and set up a medical ID using your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device. Sight or no sight, these tips could be crucial in an emergency. About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand...

In this episode of Shaun of the Shed, Shaun introduces us to the concept of audio description and explains how it enables blind or visually impaired individuals to watch TV shows and movies.   He gives an example of how audio description works and demonstrates how to turn it on on various devices. Shaun also explains that while the big players in streaming media take notice of the universal audio...

In this episode, we'll be exploring the Microsoft app Seeing AI and how it can help people with low vision to read text, recognize objects and even identify people.   Seeing AI uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to process visual information, making it a powerful tool for those who have difficulty seeing. We'll show you how to set up and use the app, including how to customize setti...

On this edition of Shaun of the Shed, host Shaun Preece guides you through getting started with smart speakers. Then, Shaun demonstrates five uses for smart speakers, including navigating your smart home with just your voice. About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing a...

Welcome back to Shaun of the Shed! Today we're going to take the first step in making this dumb old shed a shiny new smart shed. In this episode, I'll be showing you how easy and quick it is to set up a smart plug, which allows you to remotely control any device plugged into it. I'm using the Amazon Echo Smart Plug, but the steps involved in it setting up are very similar no matter which brand of...

Following a question from a listener, I'll be taking a look and listen to the Anker Soundcore Frames, a pair of sunglasses with speakers built into the arms. Why would you choose audio sunglasses over regular headphones or ear buds? Watch the video to find out. About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen re...

Coming October 15th, Shaun of the Shed gets its new home here! And, on YouTube! About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new computer. Host Shaun Preece is an audio producer from Manchester who has a real passion for technology. Despite being born wi...

"Welcome to Shaun of the Shed. There's no denying that technology can be confusing. Just knowing where to start can make your head spin... If you're new to the world of tech and are looking for a helping hand then look no further. Following up from the previous episode, we are going to take a look at the startup wizard for JAWS. It's an automatic process that allows you to customise your JAWS expe...

Below are the timestamps for the topics covered.   (3:50) - The Price of JAWS (7:14) - Downloading JAWS (13:17) - Installing JAWS (15:56) - Some basics and where to get help" About Shaun of the Shed Shaun of the Shed gives those new to the world of technology a helping hand with everything from using a screen reader or smart speakers to unboxing and starting up a new computer. Host Shaun Preece is...