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Episode 1642 November 9, 2019

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Audience Questions

Audience QuestionsHour 1

Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3

What is a Good Screen Reader for PC?

Watch Mark from Mission Viejo, CA Comments

Mark is losing his vision and would like to find a screen reader for his Windows 10 PC. He can't even read it with the text zoomed in. So he needs something that will do voice dictation and screen reading. Rich says that iOS13 will now speak almost everything on your phone screen. It's called "Voice Control." So now you can control your entire phone with just your voice. So go into the accessibility features and try that out.

The best software for voice dictation is Dragon Naturally Speaking. 

 

Windows has a great technote here - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4089827/windows-10-guide-for-people-who-are-blind-or-low-vision and here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/disability-answer-desk

also, check out these open source readers - https://usabilitygeek.com/10-free-screen-reader-blind-visually-impaired-users/. ORCA is probably the best known.

 

Why is My TV Image Going Out?

Watch Rich from West LA, CA Comments

Rich bought a P50 Vizio that died after 6 months. He got a replacement, which lasted about a year and a half. Then the replacement died. All sound, no picture (intermittently). He's also been having issues with HDMI. Scott says that Vizio's have a known issue with failing HDMI ports. So try and plug into another one. But more often, the power supplies fail, so that maybe the problem. Rich adds to monitor the problem and maybe add surge protection. But also get back in touch with Vizio. The warranty may enable a return.

Is Fingerprint Unlock Going Away?

Watch Julian from LA, CA Comments

Julian is blind and relies on touch ID on his iPhone a lot. But he's worried that the fingerprint ID is being replaced and will no longer be available in mobile phones. Rich says he's heard rumors that Apple may be bringing it back in the next iPhone in 2020, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, check out IOS13's new VOICE CONTROL feature.

Also, check out the Braille Institute's Best in Tech LA conference, coming Sat, Nov 16 at the 

Braille Institute - Los Angeles
3594, 741 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Audience QuestionsHour 2

Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3

How Can I Install the Latest Windows Update?

Watch Michael from LA, CA Comments

Michael is having issues upgrading to the latest Windows 10 update. It keeps failing. What can he do? Rich says that Mike can take his computer to a nearby Microsoft store and they'll do a free diagnostic to see what's going on. It sounds though like it could be some sort of virus or malware. Worst case, he can back up the data, format the hard drive, and start over with a clean install.

Should I Wait to Buy a 16-inch MacBook Pro?

Watch Bill from Los Angeles, CA Comments

Bill has to buy a new Macbook Pro and wants to know if he should wait for the rumored 16" model, or buy the 15" now. Rich says he's in the same boat and he wants a 16" model as well. Check out the MacRumors Buyer's Guide. It's been about 123 days since the last model was released, and the average is 301 days. So it's likely he'll be waiting a while. 

How Can I Regain Control of My Site?

Watch Bill from Los Angeles, CA Comments

Bill has lost control of his business website and wants to know how to get it back. He paid a guy to build the websites, and now he's disappeared. Rich says that trusting a web guy to register your website is problematic because of situations like this. Most often, the guy you pay will register them in his name because he controls them. It's better to make sure your domain is owned BY YOU first and foremost. The best way to find out contact information is to do a WHOIS search on whois.net. Just type in WHOIS and the website domain and it should give information. You can at least contact the domain registrar and ask them to help you get control back. 

Audience QuestionsHour 3

Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3

Why am I Being Charged More on My Cellphone Bill?

Watch Jeff from Knoxville, TN Comments

Jeff has a straight talk through Walmart and is looking to move to T-Mobile, where he was promised two phones for $55. But now, he's been billed for $100 extra every month. So now they're saying they didn't mean $55 total, but $55 each. What can he do? Rich says it sounds like the company didn't give him the right deal and saddled him with extra fees. If it's less than 30 days, he could just return it and cancel your service. If it's beyond the return window, then he may be stuck for the duration of the deal. What's likely, is that Jeff misunderstood that the second line was included, when in reality, both lines are $55 each. The extra charge may also be activation fees.

Check out the fine print here - https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/unlimited-55-senior-discount-plans

But talk to the manager, and if that doesn't work, he can write a letter to John Legere, the CEO of TMobile. His email is John.legere@t-mobile.com. 

How Can I Get My Domain Name Back?

Watch Jeff from Thunderbay, CAN Comments

Jeff's company missed the domain renewal date and then lost the domain. It keeps getting bought up automatically by holding companies. Rich says that cybersquatting is a real thing, and sadly, there's not much that can be done if the domain expires. The only thing one can do is keep an eye on it and hope they forget.

How Can I Unlock a Deceased Friend's Phone?

Watch Michael from Temecula, CA Comments

Michael has a friend who recently died and his phone is locked. How can his wife unlock it? Rich says that there really isn't a way to do that, which is why it's valuable to have a document with all that information on it. One thing to try is to contact the cell provider and see if they can help. 

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