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Talking Technology with V I Labs

Vision Ireland

This podcast is focused on technology that supports people who are blind and visually impaired. Our panel of IT Trainers & guest panelists discuss all the latest in mainstream and inclusive technology innovations in a fun and informative manner. V I Labs is the technology function within Vision Ireland. Vision Ireland is the national sight loss agency in Ireland. V I Labs provide technology assessments and training for all our service users. We are a not for profit charity, which offers support and services to people of all ages who are experiencing difficulties with their eyesight. Visit www.vi.ie to discover more about our technology services and other range of services Vision Ireland provide

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S3 · E119
Tuesday · 54 min
New assistance booking app on the way from Irish Rail - Talking Technology episode 119
On this episode of Talking Technology, we are joined by Irish rail to discuss a new assistance booking app that is on the way later this year. Ahead of its launch Ronan discusses how Irish rail assistance actually works and what is going to change. David and Daniel discuss The latest on the Vision Ireland Meta glasses partnership, and we explore how taxi app Bolt is using E scooters to improve accessibility. Check out the braille survey here 0:00 - intro 2:01 - Contact Details 3:16 - catching up on Meta Glasses 19:02 - The new assistance booking app from Irish Rail 32:51 - Talking Technology News 52:59 - outro Support the show
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S3 · E119
August 12 · 51 min
Meta and Vision Ireland announce free glasses partnership - Talking Technology extra
It’s a very exciting day in Vision Ireland as we finally get to share details of a groundbreaking new partnership that will see Meta donate 15,000 pairs of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to eligible Vision Ireland service users. On this episode, we catch up with Vision Ireland group CEO Chris White and head of Technology Sean Doran to learn about the partnership, and we’re joined by a range of guests who give their reaction to the news. Expressions of interest are now officially open. Visit Meta.vi.ie or call the dedicated phone line on 01 882 1910 0:00 - intro 1:55 - Chris and Sean share the big Ray-Ban Meta news 15:45 - Brian Manning on the impact Meta glasses have for those who are blind 24:00 - Hilary Devlin on how the Meta glasses help with parenting 37:10 - Bobbie Hickey on assistive tech going mainstream and how they help her stay stylish 42:22 - Denis Nolan on Meta glasses training sessions and upcoming roadshows 48:55 - how to get your name on the list Support the show
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S3 · E118
August 11 · 54 min
The future of accessibility at Tesco - Talking Technology episode 118
On this episode of Talking Technology, David takes a trip to a Tesco superstore to hear from James Hurst, head of UX design and research for the store experience. They explore Scan as You Shop, as well as the recent accessibility improvements made to Tesco self-service machines. There’s a long way to go, so David and James discuss new changes that will see accessibility preferences saved to a customer’s ClubCard, as well as the possibility of screen readers for self-service and scan as you shop devices. The Google graveyard expands in this week’s tech news, and we have good news for users of Windows 10. All that and more on this week’s episode of Talking Technology. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 1:42 – Comments from Toni regarding live AI, and explaining Scan as You Shop 8:03 – Demo of a Scan as You Shop at Tesco 28:26 – Tesco self-service machines 40:09 – Talking Technology News Support the show
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S3 · E117
July 28 · 1 hr 5 min
Brian Hartgen discusses Leasey 11.5, and Mayo are all Ireland champions - Talking Technology episode 117
After 75 years of heartbreak, 11 final defeats, and a curse from a Catholic priest, Mayo finally won the All Ireland. After a weekend that will go down in Irish sporting history for generations to come, Sara tells us what that incredible moment was like with audio description in the stadium. Brian Hartgen from Hartgen Consultancy tells us what’s new in the latest release of their Leasey product, demoing the new Leasey Media Centre and integrations with ChatGPT. We hear about a sitcom from The RNIB, and find out how AI is overcharging people for Guinness. All that and more on this week’s Talking Technology. The WebAIM screen reader survey Vision Ireland survey on shopping apps Leasey from Hartgen Consultancy 0:00 - intro 0:40 - Mayo are all Ireland champions after 75 years of heartbreak 10:56 - voice notes, and a sitcom about blindness from the RNIB 24:20 - What is Leasey? A chat with Brian Hartgen from Hartgen Consultancy. 52:49 - Talking Technology News 1:04:29 - outro Support the show
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S3 · E116
July 14 · 59 min
What does Vision Ireland want from the budget? - Talking Technology episode 116
On this episode of Talking Technology, we dive into the Vision Ireland pre-budget submission for Budget 2027. The submission contains 13 asks for six different government departments, so Kevin Kelly and Jamie Millar break it all down for us to explain what it’s all about. In tech news, we explore a new assistance booking app from Irish Rail, and we respond to your voice notes discussing various WhatsApp-related topics. Kevin asked us very nicely for a show notes link, so you can find the Vision Ireland pre-budget submission here. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011 0:00 - intro 2:42 - WhatsApp Voice Notes 18:20 - Pre-budget submission for Budget 2027 37:08 - Talking Technology News 57:36 - outro Support the show
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S3 · E115
June 30 · 1 hr
Magnification, maths and more, the latest updates to NVDA - Talking Technology episode 115
On this episode of Talking Technology, we catch up with Quentin Christensen from NV Access. We learn about upcoming features to the NVDA screen reader as well as how they keep the software secure. We discuss a new variant of the Meta glasses in tech news and share details on why drone delivery won’t be taking off in Ireland anytime soon. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 Intro 1:57 Voice Notes 17:48 NVDA chat with Quentin Christensen 42:18 - Talking Technology News 59:11 - Outro Support the show
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S3 · E114
June 16 · 1 hr 4 min
The technology making professional tandem cycling accessible - Talking Technology Episode 114
On this episode of Talking Technology, we are joined by Jessica Kennedy, who tells us all about the technology she uses when competing internationally at tandem cycling competitions. We explore accessible cooking and the OOrion app in your voice notes, as well as accessibility improvements for Tesco stores. There is an audible Monopoly game for Tonieboxes in tech news, and how are blind people benefiting from the Freedom 250 UFC fight at the White House? All that and more on the latest episode of Talking Technology. 0:00 - intro 3:10 - Voice notes 29:20 - Jessica Kennedy discusses Technology for tandem cycling 46:55 - Talking Technology News 63:43 - outro Support the show
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S3 · E114
June 9 · 51 min
Recap of WWDC 2026, and an all-new Siri - Talking Technology extra
On this episode of Talking Technology, we dive into the new updates announced by Apple at yesterday‘s Worldwide Developers Conference Keynote. The big topic of conversation is, of course, the new and improved Siri, but why aren’t we getting it in Europe yet? David Redmond, Daniel Dunne, Derry Lawler, and Tyler Stephen discuss all that and more. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 intro 2:13 contact detail 2:59 Apple WWDC 2026 discussion 50:07 outro Support the show
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S3 · E113
June 2 · 1 hr 6 min
What’s the news? - Talking Technology episode 113
On this episode of Talking Technology, we explore how you can access the news in an accessible format. Brian discusses the importance of staying informed and how blind people can participate equally in the information age, and we demo news apps including The Journal, The Irish Times, and The Irish Examiner. We explore the world of audiobooks and hear about some of the teams recent reads, and we hear about new accessible recipes that have been made available by supermarket brand Tesco. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 intro 2:23 contact details and voice notes 15:11 how to access the news in accessible formats 30:53 the incredible world of audiobooks 44:41 Talking Technology News 1:05:38 Outro Support the show
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S3 · E112
May 19 · 1 hr 13 min
New Apple Accessibility Features and the Latest in the World of Braille – Talking Technology Episode 112
On this episode of Talking Technology, we react to the latest accessibility features announced by Apple. Peter joins us to discuss updates to digital braille devices, including news on the BrailleNote Evolve and the BrailleSense 7. We also explore the Paige Braille app for those learning braille for the first time with Mairead, while Brian tells us everything we need to know about a new braille book club from Vision Ireland. It’s bank scams and blue screens in this week’s tech news — and why are all the big technology companies suing each other? Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:17 - intro and chat about Apple Accessibility features 8:06 - The actual official podcast intro with the American fella 11:05 - Contact details, MayFest 2026, and the new Google Fitbit Air 19:30 - Peter discusses the BrailleNote Evolve and BrailleSense 7 32:09 - Brian discusses the Vision Ireland bookclub, and David has some canine competition 44:39 - Paige Braille with Mairead 54:33 - Talking Technology News 1:01:51 - outro Support the show
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S3 · E111
May 5 · 57 min
What’s with all the labels? A chat with Hable about Speechlabels - Talking Technology episode 111
On this episode of Talking Technology, we learn about Speechlabels, a new product from the team behind the Hable One and Hable Easy smartphone controllers. The team also tell us about Stactiles, their new tactile sticker product. We explore new laptop chargers and Meta Glasses in Tech News, and can GameStop afford to buy eBay? All that and more on the latest episode of Talking Technology with V I Labs. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 intro 2:14 Voice Notes 9:51 Hable Speechlables interview 32:39 Talking Technology News 56:12 Outro Support the show
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S3 · E110
April 21 · 48 min
Tim Cook steps down, and a new Irish assistive technology company - Talking Technology episode 110
Tim Cook is officially stepping down as Apple CEO in September. In this episode of Talking Technology, David and Joe react to the news. Nathan Proudfoot tells us what it’s like to launch an assistive technology company as a teenager and shares his new calculator app available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. We explore Fire TV and Firefox improvements in tech news, and we discuss the launch of Aira on Meta glasses. Join the conversation with the voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 intro 0:42 Tim Cook stepping down from Apple 6:20 Voice Notes 14:20 Nathan Proudfoot on his new calculator app 27:16 Talking Technology News 47:20 outro Support the show
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S3 · E109
April 7 · 1 hr 13 min
What is Aira? And how does visual interpreting work? Talking Technology episode 109
On this episode of Talking Technology, we discuss the world of visual interpreting with Aira. Jenine Stanley discusses what Aira is and how the platform works, sharing exciting news on the future of integrations with the Meta glasses. We also hear from Rebekah, who is a visual interpreter for the service. She shares what kind of tasks people use Aira for as well as some of the coolest things that she has got to describe. We hear about a new virtual town for Braille users, complete with an AI-powered bartender, and could Be My Eyes volunteers help you run a marathon? Join the conversation with a voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. To call Aira support in Ireland the number that you need is 1-800-851 255. To sign up you use the Aira Explorer app. 0:00 intro 2:24 voice notes 21:22 what is Aira? A chat with Jenine Stanley. 40:00 visual interpreting chat with Rebekah 53:53 Talking Technology News 71:47 outro Support the show
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S3 · E108
March 24 · 59 min
Tactile graphics, iPhone warnings, and the latest from CSUN 2026 - Talking Technology 108
On this episode of Talking Technology, we catch up with Michael Grimes from Canon to learn about their world unseen exhibition and the technology behind printing tactile images. We share our thoughts on the latest updates from the CSUN conference in the US, discussing new products from Habel, as well as lots of Meta Glasses updates. We discuss the Garda iPhone warning and share how Vision Ireland can help, and we explore the invisible button causing havoc for screen reader users on Facebook. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 - intro 2:29 - Voice Notes and CSUN 2026 26:16 - Tactile Graphics Discussion 37:31 - Talking Technology News 57:48 - Outro Support the show
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S3 · E107
March 10 · 1 hr 9 min
What is the weWALK Smart Cane? - Talking Technology episode 107
On this episode of Talking Technology, we explore the WeWALK smart Cane and ask how technology can be used to enhance the traditional long cane we know and love. Jean Marc Feghali Chief Innovation Officer at WeWALK tells us about the WeWALK smart cane too and shares some exclusive news on their ever expanding WeAssist service. We dive into all the new products from Apple, discuss the new tech support hub from Vision Ireland, and say hello to Zippay, a new payment service from AIB, Bank of Ireland, and PTSB. Joe shares info on a new archive of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s GAA commentary, and in a week where Ring announced a new Irish voice for Ring video doorbells, David shares how he just missed out on the job. The archive : TheReplay.ie 2:16 Voice Notes 12:54 WeWALK Smart Cane and the WeAssist service 39:29 Elaine discusses the Tech Support Hub and Vision Ireland’s Tech Clubs. 49:33 Talking Technology News 68:01 Outro Support the show
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S3 · E106
February 24 · 52 min
Audio Description research in Ireland, and Be My Eyes in the workplace - Talking Technology episode 106
On this episode of Talking Technology, we catch up with Lucia Pintado Gutierrez to learn about her ADESI research looking at audio description in Ireland. We explore the newly announced Be My Eyes Workplace in Tech News, and speculate on what new fancy toys we might be getting at next weeks Apple event. Joe investigates why David made the RTE News, and shares details of a new public Consultation being conducted by the Irish government into the cost of disability. Handy links Cost of disability survey: www.Gov.ie/COD Read the Audio Description research: https://adesireland.com Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011 0:18 intro 2:18 contact details 3:41 tactile images and the World Unseen exhibition 12:29 Lucia Pintado Gutierrez on her Audio Description research 33:30 Talking Technology News 50:57 Outro Support the show
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S3 · E105
February 10 · 57 min
Making Europe more accessible. IAAP comes to Dublin - Talking Technology episode 105
The International Association of Accessibility Professionals, in association with Vially, brought their EU conference to Dublin last week. David caught up with some of the speakers from the event to learn more. Vision Ireland’s group CEO, Chris White, calls for stronger leadership and enforcement of the European Accessibility Act, and explains why Vision Ireland made a complaint to the Irish Aviation Authority. Susanna Laurin from the IAAP tells us about the organisation and its role, and gives her view on how the European Accessibility Act is working so far. Shadi Abou-Zahra, from Amazon, tells us what it’s like leading accessibility for one of the world’s largest companies. How do you ensure accessibility across a company with such a wide variety of products? Shadi tells us more. We discuss Narrator, paper travel passes, and rodents in this week’s Tech News. And we tell you about a new course now available on Vision Academy. All that and more on this week’s episode of Talking Technology. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 intro 3:01 WhatsApp Voice Notes 12:41 Chris White 21:40 Susanna Laurin 32:19 Shadi Abou-Zahra 42:43 Talking Technology News Support the show
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S3 · E104
January 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Irish Braille is changing - Talking Technology episode 104
On this episode of Talking Technology, we’re discussing all things Braille. Peter Claridge-Bowler tells us about the Brailliant BI 20 and BI 40 X Braille displays from Humanware. Are they any good? Lina Kouzi from the Vision Ireland library and INBAF tells us about the new unified Irish Braille code, and what it means for those who have been using the Irish language Braille code previously. And we catch up with Mairead O’Mahony to learn about the Vision Ireland Braille team and some of the services they provide. It’s all buses and advertising in this week’s tech news, and we of course discuss the weather. It wouldn’t be an Irish podcast if we didn’t, now would it? Send us a voice note with your thoughts now to +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 intro (and a discussion on the weather) 2:48 Voice Notes 15:59 The V I Labs Braille team 18 53 Brailliant BI 20 and BI 40 x Braille displays 34:07 Unified Irish Braille 47:33 Talking Technology News 59:45 Outro Support the show
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S3 · E103
January 13 · 1 hr 19 min
Jaws, Zoomtext, and something new. A conversation with the CEO of Vispero - Talking Technology episode 103
On this packed episode of Talking Technology, we catch up with Rhonda Bassett-Spiers, the CEO of Jaws maker Vispero. We discuss what’s new in Jaws and Zoomtext, and we hear details of an entirely new product currently in development. We discuss Vispero accounts and changes to how Jaws and Zoomtext licences work, and could Vispero partner with or purchase Be My Eyes? We discuss all that and more. Dereck Carolan joins us to share some of the services offered by V I Labs at Vision Ireland, also teasing some of the courses on the way this January. We have coverage of the consumer electronics show in tech news, as well as discussion of major accessibility issues at Leinster House. Join the conversation with a WhatsApp voice note now. The number you need is +353 86 199 0011. 0:00 Intro 3:14 Voice notes 22:18 An interview with the CEO of Vispero 49:38 What is V I Labs? 1:02:52 Talking Technology News 1:18:29 Outro Support the show
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S3 · E102
Dec 23, 2025 · 40 min
Christmas is finally here - Talking Technology episode 102
On this episode of Talking Technology with V I Labs, David and Joe discuss the Christmas movies and TV available with audio description. Is Frozen a Christmas movie? Santa joins us to discuss his master plan to move to the South Pole as a result of global warming, and shares the emotional moment when his Meta Glasses gave a beautiful description of Mrs Claus in the snow. Was Glide the lowlight of the year? And what on earth is happening at iRobot? Get the biscuits, chocolates, and perhaps a drink of your choice, and enjoy the 2025 Talking Technology Christmas special. Thank you very much for listening to our content this year. If you’ve found what we do of value, you can support the work of Vision Ireland with a donation by visiting vi.ie/donate. You can also tell them the podcast sent you in the comments section. We hope you have a super Christmas and New Year, and we’ll join you again in 2026. Support the show
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