Techstravaganza

Discussed topics JAWS Basics Introduction Siena introduced JAWS (Job Access with Speech), a screen reader developed by Freedom Scientific (now Vespero). Desktop Navigation with JAWS Siena demonstrated various methods to navigate the desktop using JAWS. Virtual PC Cursor and JAWS Cursor Siena explained the different cursor modes in JAWS and their functions. Web Browsing with […]

Discussed topics VoiceOver rotor basics Siena provided a comprehensive overview of the rotor functionality in VoiceOver. Rotor items and functions Siena demonstrated various items available in the rotor and their functions. VoiceOver activities Siena explained how activities in VoiceOver allow for preset configurations. Customizing the rotor Siena demonstrated how to add or remove items from [&#82...

Discussed topics Mac Finder introduction and basics Siena provided an overview of the Finder application on Mac computers. Finder keyboard shortcuts Siena walked through various keyboard shortcuts available in the Finder. File compression and zip files Siena demonstrated how to compress and decompress files using the Mac’s built-in zip functionality. Google Drive for cross-platform use [&#82...

Apple Music Interface Navigation The session began with Siena demonstrating how to navigate the Apple Music interface using VoiceOver. Technical Issues with Audio Playback There were technical difficulties playing Apple Music audio through the screen sharing feature. Creating and Managing Playlists Siena demonstrated how to create playlists and add songs to them. Searching Within Your […]

Discussed topics Uber app setup and account creation Siena demonstrated how to download and set up the Uber app from scratch on an iPad. Safety features in Uber The group explored various safety features available in the Uber app, with particular focus on PIN verification, trusted contacts, and emergency settings. Service animal accommodations The group […]

Perplexity App Introduction and Setup Siena demonstrated how to install and set up the Perplexity app on an iPhone. Basic Search Functionality Siena demonstrated how to perform basic searches in Perplexity using a question about the Beatles song “Let It Be.” Follow-up Questions and Conversation Flow Siena demonstrated how to ask follow-up questions to create […]

Messages app layout changes in macOS 26 Siena demonstrated the new layout of the Messages app in macOS 26 Tahoe, highlighting significant changes from previous versions. Opening conversations in separate windows Siena demonstrated how to open multiple conversations in separate windows for easier management. Pinning conversations Siena demonstrated how to pin important conversations to keep [&#8230...

Urgent reminders in iOS 26 Siena demonstrated the new urgent reminders feature in iOS 26, showing how to mark reminders as urgent to ensure they trigger alarms even when focus modes are active. Creating and organizing reminder lists Siena demonstrated how to create and organize lists in the Reminders app to better categorize different types […]

Scheduling a Zoom meeting on iPhone Ali demonstrated the complete process of scheduling a Zoom meeting using the iPhone app Meeting controls and features Ali demonstrated various meeting controls and features available during a Zoom meeting AI Companion feature Discussion about Zoom’s AI Companion feature and its capabilities Personal Meeting ID vs. scheduled meetings Discussion […]

Gmail app navigation and interface Siena and Ali demonstrated the basic navigation of the Gmail app interface. Reading emails in Gmail The presenters demonstrated how to read individual emails in the Gmail app. Navigating conversation threads A significant portion of the session focused on navigating conversation threads (email chains) in the Gmail app. Replying to […]

Setting up email accounts in iOS/iPadOS 26 Siena demonstrated the process of adding email accounts to the Mail app on an iPad, focusing on VoiceOver accessibility. Adding multiple email accounts Siena demonstrated how to add Gmail and custom domain accounts to the Mail app. Navigating between email accounts Siena demonstrated different methods for viewing and […]

Screen reader pronunciation settings on iOS Siena and Sherry demonstrated how to change pronunciation settings in VoiceOver on iOS devices. Deleting pronunciations on iOS Drew (Jeroo) asked about deleting pronunciations, leading to a discussion about the process. Pronunciation settings on macOS Siena demonstrated how to change pronunciation settings in VoiceOver on macOS. Pronunciation settings in...

Gmail keyboard shortcuts and navigation Siena demonstrated how to access and use keyboard shortcuts in Gmail on the web. Virtual PC cursor in Windows screen readers Siena explained the importance of toggling the virtual PC cursor when using JAWS with Gmail. Reading and managing email threads Siena demonstrated how to navigate through email threads and […]

macOS Phone App Demonstration Siena demonstrated the new Phone app in macOS, explaining its functionality as a secondary phone interface that works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac when devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi and iCloud account. The app allows users to make calls, send messages, and access call history, with Liz inquiring about […]

Facebook Tutorial and Device Demo The meeting began with a discussion about new technology, including a new device with reading capabilities and various voice options. Siena then introduced a tutorial on Facebook, covering topics such as writing posts, interacting with timelines, managing notifications, and exploring the Facebook menu. She requested participants to mute their microphones […]

Eye Catcher App Features Demo Siena demonstrated the sleep timer feature in the Eye Catcher app, showing how users can set the timer for 5 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes during podcast playback. She also showcased other player controls including bookmarks, continuous playback options, and show notes. Ali shared a link to a […]

iCatcher App Tutorial Overview Siena led a tutorial on the iCatcher app, demonstrating its features and functionality. She showed how to add podcasts, search for content, and customize the layout of the app. Siena also announced that Techstravaganza is now available as a podcast, and she added it to her list as an example. The […]

The team discussed and showed how to work around Google Meet problems experienced.

Hi Techstravaganza Friends, Have a listen to this excellent tutorial on Safari!

Hello Techstravaganza Friends, This was such a fun tutorial! Have a listen!

Hello Techstravaganza Friends, This was a fun tutorial on accessing the Voice Dream Reader Player settings. Have a listen, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or run into problems accessing it using the contact information at the bottom of the newsletter.

iOS Notifications and Techstravaganza Planning Siena led a meeting to discuss iOS notification issues and provide tips, with Ali assisting with technical setup. They planned to cover three main tips about notification settings and the Notification Center, though Ali had to briefly pause due to a system update prompt. Siena also announced that a Techstravaganza […]

Techstravaganza Podcast Platform Updates The team discussed the availability of Techstravaganza on multiple podcast platforms and announced a new support email address (support@Techstravaganza.ca) that currently routes to Siena but will be expanded to the whole team. Siena demonstrated how to follow the Techstravaganza podcast on Apple Podcasts, showing the search functionality and how to activate...

Hello everyone, We had an amazing session tonight covering the Facebook Tutorial! A huge thank you to @sienatrigianiSienat for running the session! Join us again for the next workshop, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025!