The first public beta of JAWS version 2020 has been posted. It's free for JAWS 2019users.

The American Printing House for the Blind has released an update for its free Braille Blaster translation software which includes experimental support for braille graphics for some ViewPlus embossers.

The Center on Disabilities at California State University Northridge has opened the call for general session papers for the 2020 edition of its conference.

Perhaps the most important access technology survey is back for another round, allowing screen reader users from across the world to sound off.

Google has added an additional way to turn on TalkBack, at least for Pixel devices.

Two JAWS updates have been released this month by Freedom Scientific, fixing a variety of bugs with Skype, Slack, Outlook and other applications.

A new pilot experience has been launched to offer accessible versions of instructions for Lego bricks and sets.

AIRA has announced that calls of five minutes or less on its service will now be free.

Amazon.com has the Rubik's Tactile Cube for $11.28. Shipping is free for Amazon prime members. This accessible version of the Rubik's Cube adds tactile shapes to each of the 6 sides, allowing you to solve the classic toy by touch.

We're big fans of Shipt, the grocery delivery service which is now available in most of the country. Now, you can get an annual membership for over half off, or just $49 by using this link.

Remote assistance app Aira is offering 3 months of service for free on the Intro plan when purchasing the first month.

Amazon takes 20% off select Planters nuts via this clippable coupon. Even better, get an extra 5% off when you order via Subscribe & Save. Plus, these orders receive free shipping.

For Sprint customers only, Sprint offers a Papa John's Large 1-Topping Pizza for free when you download the My Sprint Rewards app for iOS or Android. (It's free to download and join. A promo code for the pizza will appear as a reward after you have downloaded and verified the app.) That's a savings of around $17 and a rare freebie from Papa John's.

Amazon offers the Zest Tea High Caffeine Blend 20-Sachet Package in several flavors for $9.71 with free shipping via the steps below. That's the lowest price we could find by $4. It purports to have as much caffeine as coffee. To get this deal: 1. Click the provided link. 2. Clip the 20% off coupon on the product page. 3. Order via Subscribe & Save for a final price of $9.71. Note: Be sure to cancel Subscribe & Save after your item arrives to avoid being billed for future shipments.

Amazon offers the RXBar Real Food 1.83-oz. Protein Bar 24-Pack in Peanut Butter for $41.34. Clip the on-page coupon and check out via Subscribe & Save to cut the price to $31. With free shipping, that's $10 less than you'd pay in local stores. Each bar contains 12g of protein. Note: Be sure to cancel your subscription after your order arrives to avoid being billed for subsequent shipments.

Closeout Center via eBay offers the Schick Xtreme3 Disposables Razors 20-Pack in Refresh Scent for $12.99 with free shipping. That's the lowest price we could find by $11. Each razor features dual comfort strips, a rubber handle, and lubrication for a burn-free shave.

Some things just fit into place when it comes to podcasting. Kind of like how you can easily snap together a pile of Legos into a nifty completed construction project. This week J.J. learns more about how to do just that with new accessible tools that will make him a Master Builder in no time with Matthew Shifrin , a consultant from Lego. There is also a ton of news, a few long time listeners in "Sound Off" and the "Last Word" is for the dogs. Look through your blocks for that elusive small blue two studded piece, it was just in our hands a minute ago we swear, while consuming BBQ 192.

Everyone knows the drill by now. Apple does a big event in September, new iPhones are announced, and tech podcasters gather together to talk about what the company did or didn't do with their new shiny iThings. Do three little letters mean a better iPhone? Is it time to upgrade or buy an Apple Watch? The Shelly Brisbin joins the BBQ Crew who goes over the event in their own way that you have come to expect some five years running.

We're gearing up for the big Apple event on September 10th which undoubtedly will contain lots of hardware, software and TV announcements.
The need for greater focus on all things Apple park has placed the BBQ Crew into "Research Mode" as a result of this impending Innovation presentation. It also means it provides us a great opportunity to trot out the "Features" format for this episode. Join us as J.J. deep dives into Voice View, David Ward returns with a look at the Guard Mode for Echo and Joe missed the memo about Amazon things but shows off his spiffy new USB C dock. Fire, Echoes and a cube await you on BBQ 190.

The BBQ Crew returns with news, an interview and that gut-wrenching "Last Word" just like the good 'ol' days of yore. In other words, we've run out of summer convention coverage and now it is back to work. Tune in to hear Greg Stilson speak about the free AIRA plan and we think this week's tip will help you live your life online to the max. Fire up the grill and BBQ with BBQ 189.

You could probably tell that we have been enjoying our summer break a little too well with this being a convention wrap up show in August instead of July. You may even detect a little podcast rust coming off J.J., Joe and Lisa Salinger during this recording. And you might even think that you have heard all we had to say about the NFB and ACB conventions from the coverage we have already uploaded. Yet, believe it or not, this isn't a typical rundown of our earlier interview s kind of episode. Tune in to hear stories and information not covered from the exhibit hall floors in this "better late than never" convention wrap up show.

In March, at CSUN19, APH was noted as being one of our big stories in our wrap up of the event. Code Jumper leaped into the spotlight at that show and people noticed the device's unique way of making the process of learning STEM subjects more enjoyable to different skill levels and age groups. Joe Strechay, Consultant, and Michelle Cundiff, Education and Outreach Specialist for APH, sat down with our own Joe to discuss the exciting news that has emerged since March. Tune in to hear how the Microsoft Education Community will aid in the creation of plans, achievements and goals related to Code Jumper. Michelle also previews some ideas for modules, materials and possible STEM Camps that Educators can use alongside Code Jumper. If you would like to know more about Code Jumper and the importance of coding in education, and To hear the units in action, listen in to our CSUN demonstration with J.J. and Dave Wilkinson. Also, check out our interview about how partnerships will play a role in APH's future moving forward. And you can always find the latest news about products and services from APH by visiting their website

Sponsor: American Printing House For The Blind

APH designs innovative learning solutions for people who are blind or visually impaired. They believe in the power of breaking down barriers and creating a future that belongs to everyone. Visit APH on the web to learn more about their products and services.

The beginning of 2019 found Humanware launching the newest member of the Braille Note family in the form of the upgraded Braille Note Touch Plus. Joe caught up with Andrew Flatres, Braille Product Manager, on the NFB Exhibit Hall floor to talk about customer feedback and how that was impacting the upcoming firmware update for the new notetaker. The duo also discuss a few features rolling out for Braille Displays, deciding which product might fit someone best and how both are avoiding the Las Vegas Casinos.

As noted in the interview, there was some additional news coming from the Victor Reader Trek talks held later that day. Here is Robert Panetta , Product Manager for the Victor Readers, who sent along this information via email to us.

"Much of the focus this year has been on the navigation component of the VR Trek. Earlier in the year we introduced an update that reduces the time it takes the Trek to lock onto a satellite signal to a matter of seconds. The next piece we have upcoming on the Trek, and we're very excited about, is an updated navigation engine due out by the end of the year. Users can expect more accurate addresses, richer points of interest, and a better overall navigation performance. We'll also try to bring in a number of other feature requests people have made, but still too early to comment on those changes yet."

To learn more about the Victor Reader Trek, the Braille Note Touch Plus and so much more, visit the Humanware website

We'll let you in on a little bBQ Crew 2019 secret Joe, J.J. and Shelly all lost a recorded convention interview this year. Therefore, it seems strangely fitting that Lisa caught this curse too with her time in Rochester. But it is all good because Barry Scheur, Owner of Guidelights and Gadgets, was able to speak about his wears away from the noise of the Exhibit Hall floor as a result of the unfortunate workings of digital recording technology. Listen in as Barry tells Lisa about what was popular this year. The two talk about Bluetooth headsets, leather goods and a talking power bank. There are also descriptions of Guide Dog accessories, powerful speakers and much more. Barry notes that there is always a revolving inventory, so contact him directly, by visiting the Guidelights and Gadgets website