Welcome to September’s News update. Bill Boules of BlindRehab.Com and the producer of the Field of Vision podcast joined Tim in discussing the latest news from Apple’s announcements during the Apple Event, our expectations related to operating system updates, and our thoughts on the future for tech in our lives.
Blind Vet Tech Teleconferences
If you have any questions with life with a visual impairment or methods to address barriers associated with low vision and blindness, join us on one of our Blind Vet Tech Monthly Talks. Our Monthly Talks provide visually impaired individuals the chance to learn and share information about their favorite devices. Visit BlindNotAlone.com/Zoom to learn when our calls occur and how to connect.
September’s Apple Event
On September 12, Apple introduced the world to:

* iPhone X S 2 sizes
* iPhone X R
* Apple Watch Series 4

Overall Bill and I agree the new capabilities and features of the iPhone X S models are intriguing, you just need a really strong justification to take the plunge. The iPhone 10 R is different though, with its lower price point, larger screen, and basically maintaining the best parts of the iPhone X S without the other stuff a fantastic option.
The Apple Watch Series 4 was the best part of the announcement. The new features related to the ECG, improved sensors, fall detection. Automatic workout detection, improved speakers, and larger screen sizes makes this hard to pass by. I will go as far to say that we have reached a point where the Apple Watch is more than an entertaining fitness device, but something that squarely resides within the slate of prosthetic devices and equipment instrumental for us to track our health and fitness. I believe in this so much, below you will find a series of justifications and goals related to requesting the Apple Watch from a blind rehab training entity.
iOS, MacOS, Windows 10, and other OS Fall Updates
Microsoft and Apple have turned the fall into a time to schedule important OS updates. Overall, its important to update your OS whenever these major updates arise, as they provide stability and security updates necessary for the health and safety of your computers and mobile devices. Our belief is that none of the updates will pose any risks for your assistive technologies, so feel free to update when you have the chance.
Future of Tech for us with Visual Impairments
Tech plays an instrumental role in our lives. This is especially true for goals related to employment. Bill’s passionate discussion on this topic is very evident and I encourage everyone keep listening to the podcast to learn more about this and the role of AT trainers.
Apple Watch Series 4 Justification
The first goal is requesting a device that enables one to keep track of time through auditory and haptic methods. Talking watches might be able to announce the time, the ability to receive the time in a tactile method via haptic feedback enables time keep ing in situations whereby auditory announcements are not feasible.
The second goal is requesting a device capable of influencing fitness related goals. Its important to do more than count steps, but also track active calories, heart rates, and establish personal daily goals. Other devices, like the Fitbit can do this, but lack integrated accessibility options.
The third goal is requesting a device capable of measuring and detecting items related to health.