The last of the big tech events has concluded with Microsoft taking a bit of a victory lap. J.J., Joe and Rodney Edgar dive into the hardware portions of the MS talk then broaden out their conversation to compare these announcements against the earlier news from Google and Apple. Along the way we'll have the usual features; "Last Word", "Sound Off" and much more in episode 36 of the BBQ!
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This episode is brought to you by HIMS, who would like to remind you that "Your needs are our solutions". Check out the E-Bot Video Magnifier, the Blaze EZ reading solution, the new Smart Beetle Braille Display and more by visiting the HIMS website. Or, follow them on Twitter.
In The News:
Twitter's recent layoffs might impact accessibillity. Some who were dismissed found out about it in a terrible way.
$500 Braille Display from Transforming Braille Group Entering Field Testing
APH Reintroduces the Refreshabraille with Ergonomic Changes, Micro USB
New Google Talkback update goes live. Read product page to know more about what's new
RT @lordjeff Google should be applauded for finally releasing the latest talkback source code
The BuzzClip: Wearable Ultrasound for the Blind
MIT Alumni Seeking Participants for Mobile Technology Research
Followup story from BBQ 35: Fopydo Reading Stand Raises $4,550 on Kickstarter
Can You See Me? What to do when you see a person who is visually impaired
The Incredibly Inspiring Journey of a Blind Entrepreneur Who Built a $70 Million Company
The Blind Deserve Tech Support, Too
Discussion topic: Microsoft Hardware Event 2015
the interest in Windows 10, as we noted in BB Qast episode 3, propelled Microsoft into the tech spotlight again. However, that was January and Windows 10 is now in general availability. Is there still anything to look forward to from the company post Xbox One and Windows 10? We'll delve into that concept and explore how this event compares to the others we've seen in the last two months. Some of the articles we'll mention during this portion of the program can be found in the list below.
Microsoft announces 110 million Windows 10 installs since launch
Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition: Coming Q1 2016 for $3,000
Microsoft demos 'Project XRay' mixed reality game for HoloLens
The new Microsoft Band is a sleeker, curvier fitness tracker
Flagship Windows Phones at last: The Lumia 950, 950XL, and 550
Hands on: the new Lumia flagships are competent, Continuum is cool
Hands-on: The Surface Pro 4 is a design that s settled down
Surface Book Explained on Windows Weekly
And this follow up TWIT conversation on ordering a Surface Book is also worth a listen if you are considering the new Microsoft laptop
Unbeknownst to us, and to our chagrin, DTNS also covered this topic on a recent podcast. And by recent we mean it was recorded on the same day as ours. The very definition of "great minds" and the need for a podcast topic eh?
Sound Off:
Gordon wrote in with a suggestion about sports. By the way, due to the recent performances of sports teams in both Houston and Detroit, joe and J.J. might not be talking about sports for a while.

"Hello BBQrs,
As you are sports fans, I thought you might like to know about a recent BBC Radio 5 Live programme which focussed on visually impaired sports fans here in the UK. It is on the BBC Iplayer radio app at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06h9k36
I hope you will get something from the programme,
Cheers,
Gordon"

Several listeners commented on last week's story about a woman who purposely blinded herself. We recognize that this is a very devisive and controversial story for many of our audience. Here is one such comment from a long time listener of the show.

"Hi JJ and joe,
"First off, This is my first time writing in to the show. I have been listening since the first show back in January. I look forward to it every week.
I am deeply disturbed by the story of the woman who blinded herself.