The episode begins with accessibility news, highlighting the upcoming CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim, California (March 9–13). Evan shares reflections from attending last year’s conference and encourages listeners interested in emerging assistive tech to consider attending.
A major announcement follows from Be My Eyes, introducing Be My Eyes Workplace, a professional accessibility platform designed for employment environments. The suite includes AI-powered image descriptions for on-screen content, remote assistance from trusted colleagues, and accessible interaction with workplace documents such as PDFs, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Next, Evan dives into a substantial firmware update for the Victor Reader Stream 3, outlining numerous improvements including customizable online bookshelves, podcast management controls, download prioritization, Bluetooth device management, expanded file compatibility, and support for Bluetooth keyboards—dramatically improving text entry and workflow efficiency.
HumanWare also enters the spotlight with the announcement of the BrailleNote Evolve, a next-generation Windows-based braille notetaker featuring 32 GB of RAM and full compatibility with screen readers like NVDA and JAWS. Evan discusses how this device could blur the line between traditional note takers and full desktop computing environments.
Additional accessibility news includes updates to Numa Solutions Remote Incident Manager, which now supports session recording—an especially valuable feature for remote training and technical support.
The episode then shifts into mainstream tech updates, including rumors and announcements surrounding Apple’s evolving product strategy, upcoming hardware releases, and accessibility fixes in iOS 26.3. Evan also discusses the newly released second-generation Apple AirTag, improvements to Precision Finding, and expanded lost-luggage recovery sharing.
Finally, Evan covers emerging developments from Meta, including reported facial recognition capabilities under development for smart glasses—technology that could significantly enhance real-world identification and environmental awareness for blind users.
The episode closes with an open invitation for listener feedback, story submissions, and voicemail participation before Evan signs off—ready for a well-earned lunch break.
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• (00:00) - — Welcome & Listener Feedback Updates
• (01:40) - — CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Preview
• (03:20) - — Be My Eyes Workplace Announcement
• (05:20) - — Victor Reader Stream 3 Version 1.6 Updates
• (10:20) - — BrailleNote Evolve Announcement
• (12:35) - — Remote Incident Manager Recording Feature
• (13:50) - — Apple AirTag 2 Overview
• (15:05) - — Apple Product Strategy & Upcoming Devices
• (16:20) - — iOS 26.3 Accessibility Changes
• (17:20) - — Meta Smart Glasses Facial Recognition
• (18:05) - — Listener Feedback & Wrap-Up

This week on Blind Level Tech, Evan Starnes and Jonathan Price kick things off with some classic dark-humor banter, then jump into listener feedback from Anne in Topeka, Kansas—highlighting the very real (and very frustrating) accessibility pitfalls of modern appliances: “tactile” markings that turn out to be painted-on decoration, hidden features like child lock, and ovens that refuse to heat after a power glitch unless the clock is reset.
From there, the episode pivots into a practical, BLT-style comparison: Amazon Echo / Alexa (including Alexa+) vs Apple HomePod / Siri, with accessibility and real-world usability front and center. Evan breaks down what’s improved with Alexa+ (better conversational flow, expanded integrations, more assistant-like behaviors), what still feels messy (skills being left behind, app UI changes, and feature removals like announcements in your own voice, and why turning on start/end request sounds can be a game-changer for blind users. On the Apple side, the conversation covers HomePod setup simplicity, VoiceOver support on-device, strong audio quality, and how Apple’s ecosystem can be both a strength and a limitation—especially depending on your smart-home brands.
The episode wraps with a lightning-round verdict (cost vs setup vs audio quality vs usability), a call for listener stories and “tech faceplants,” and a clear reminder that Aftersight’s work is powered by community support—whether through donations, merch, or sharing the show.

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes is joined once again by Jonathan Price for a wide-ranging conversation about what they call “tech wins”—mainstream technology that either intentionally includes accessibility or, by good design, ends up being universally accessible.
The discussion flips the script from past episodes focused on accessibility gaps and instead highlights real-world examples of tech getting it right. A listener email from Dan sparks a deep dive into classic and modern Braille technology, including the Braille Lite, Optacon, and the challenges of modern graphical Braille displays. From there, the conversation expands into Samsung’s ecosystem—covering appliances, TVs, soundbars, monitors, and the SmartThings app—and how thoughtful setup experiences, audio cues, and system-wide integration can make an enormous difference for blind and low-vision users.
Evan and Jonathan also explore why accessible onboarding matters, how ecosystems can cross company boundaries (Samsung + Apple), and why certain accessibility features—like audible setup screens—should never disappear.
{{chapters{{
00:00 – Welcome back & episode setup
02:00 – Defining “Tech Wins”
04:30 – Listener email from Dan: Braille Lite & Optacon
06:45 – History of Braille notetakers
11:30 – Samsung appliances & audio-based accessibility
13:45 – Voice Guide on washers and smart appliances
15:50 – Samsung TV setup and onboarding accessibility
18:00 – Why setup screens matter
20:00 – SmartThings app & ecosystem integration
23:00 – Soundbars, remotes, and physical controls
26:15 – Vizio accessibility shout-out
28:00 – Favorite Samsung tech & what shouldn’t disappear
30:00 – Wrapping up & listener call-to-action

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Tech companies promise “life-changing.” Then you open the app and meet the unlabeled rectangle of doom.

Evan Starnes is joined by Aftersight’s lead podcast producer (and returning BLT co-host) Jonathan Price for a banter-forward reality check on modern tech hype—especially through the lens of accessibility. Inspired by a listener email from Ron in Memphis, they unpack why “AI everywhere” can create more friction than freedom, how subscription creep turns products into monthly relationships, and why companies keep shipping half-baked devices that depend on updates and vague “bug fixes.”

Then it’s time for Tech Faceplant: the smart device that can’t survive setup, the app that became a dashboard, and the “next big thing” hardware that doesn’t fit real life. The episode wraps with a practical BLT buyer checklist built around independence, reliability, accessibility support, and exit costs—because if you can’t set it up solo, it’s not premium…it’s dependent.

SEND US YOUR TECH FACEPLANTS
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Voicemail: 720-712-8856
Put “BLT Tech Faceplant” in the subject/message so we can find it fast.

CREDITS
Host: Evan Starnes
Co-host: Jonathan Price
Producer: Jonathan Price

CHAPTERS
00:02 — Evan’s “overheated co-host” intro + Jonathan’s back for banter
02:25 — Weather whiplash + quick note on seasonal mental health
04:51 — Ron (Memphis) email: “Tech Faceplant” + accessibility truth bombs
07:16 — Evan’s $300 “smart” toothbrush: app required, accessibility fails
09:40 — If it’s not usable day one, it’s not a breakthrough—it’s a project
12:00 — AI everywhere: real value vs. nuisance overlays (and battery hits)
16:31 — Subscription creep: products becoming monthly relationships
18:54 — “Smart” mattress example: app features locked behind a paywall
23:42 — Hotel mini-bar sensors + tactile exploration accessibility barrier
25:58 — Half-baked launches + OTA updates + vague release notes
28:25 — Tech Faceplant #2: the app that became a dashboard
30:49 — Tech Faceplant #3: hardware that doesn’t fit real life
33:12 — The first 5-minute BLV reality check: setup + QR-code traps
35:30 — Buyer rules: “Does it need to be smart?” + reviews + BLV validation
40:21 — Non-negotiables: app dependence + offline access + “paperweight” risk
42:11 — Send your tech fails + next episode tease: tech that actually delivers
46:48 — Outro: “Hope is loud and usability is quiet.”

• (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

1) Episode Summary

Evan explores why “old school” tech is showing signs of a comeback—starting with landline-style phones—and why some people (especially younger generations) are intentionally stepping back from always-on screens. He shares how a listener conversation sparked research into reported trends around landlines, “landline mode” smartphone setups, and kid-focused devices that behave like a phone but are managed by parents.

From there, he broadens the discussion to other retro returns—music players, physical media, and simpler devices—framing the appeal as fewer interruptions, fewer updates, fewer accounts, and fewer subscriptions. Evan contrasts the reliability and immediacy of older hardware with modern “smart” products that can become limited if servers shut down, then balances that with the real accessibility and independence gains smart tech can bring (screen readers, AI tools, rideshare, remote access, and more).

He closes with personal examples of tech he’d happily keep (or go back to), including older operating systems, analog audio setups, call-in security, classic note takers, and a dedicated talking alarm clock—then invites listeners to share their own “what I miss / what I’d keep” tech preferences.

2) Contact Info

Aftersight Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer (Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Host: Evan Starnes
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:06 — Cold open: interrupted by the telephone (ironically)
02:28 — Why this topic: listener conversation + research rabbit hole
04:52 — Landlines, screen time concerns, and “landline-like” options
07:17 — “Landline mode” habits and the screen-time mindset shift
09:41 — Music/media nostalgia: iPods, CDs/records, and distraction-free listening
12:05 — Pro: fewer updates and faster “ready-to-go” devices
14:32 — Pro: fewer subscriptions and fewer forced accounts
16:36 — Pro/Con: smart devices can be “bricked”; note on open-sourcing as a fix
19:00 — Pro: remote access and modern convenience (when it works)
21:28 — Accessibility wins: smartphones, rideshare, AI tools, and independence
23:51 — Resilience angle: POTS vs VoIP and why it matters in outages
24:59 — Bridging old + new: adapters that let old phones work with cell service
27:07 — Personal tech preferences: simpler OS, analog stereo, and stable gear
29:26 — Assistive tech nostalgia: classic note takers and “offline-first” tools
31:36 — Alarm clocks and “make me get up” routines
33:38 — Listener call-in/email + closing message: “not everything needs to be smart”

In this welcome-back episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explains the unexpected hiatus that caused several months of episodes to temporarily disappear, sharing honest reflections on burnout, creative fatigue, and the need to recalibrate. Rather than pushing for constant growth, Evan introduces 2026 as a “stabilization year” for BLT — a chance to refine what already works, improve consistency, and rediscover the joy of creating the show.
Evan also walks listeners through a small but meaningful update to the show’s intro, retiring the voiceover while keeping the familiar BLT music intact. He invites listeners to help shape the future of the show by offering feedback, ideas, and even tagline suggestions.
The episode then shifts into tech coverage, starting with an in-depth accessibility-focused review of a recent Amtrak trip, highlighting strong tactile and Braille labeling on trains, mixed accessibility in sleeper car controls, and significant usability issues with Amtrak’s app and website. Evan also shares a standout accessibility feature from Chicago Union Station, where audible track number announcements made navigation intuitive and efficient.
Rounding out the episode is a robust tech news segment, including new features for Meta Ray-Ban and Oakley Vanguard glasses, Southwest Airlines’ integration with Apple Wallet, and a lighthearted Sandwich of the Week inspired by Chicago cuisine. Evan closes by previewing what he’s excited to follow in 2026 — from AI accessibility improvements to autonomous vehicles in Denver.

Key Topics & Segments
•
The BLT hiatus: burnout, reflection, and creative reset
•
2026 as a “stabilization year” for Blind Level Tech
•
Intro update: retiring the voiceover, keeping the iconic music
•
Listener feedback invitation and open communication
•
Accessibility-focused Amtrak travel review
•
Chicago Union Station’s audible track number system
•
Meta smart glasses updates and new AI-powered features
•
Southwest Airlines + Apple Wallet accessibility potential
•
Sandwich of the Week: Chicago-style hot dog with giardiniera
•
What Evan is watching in tech for 2026

00:00 – Welcome back & explaining the BLT hiatus
•
03:30 – Stabilization vs. growth & creative burnout
•
04:40 – Intro changes and future BLT direction
•
05:01 – How to submit feedback & suggestions
•
07:25 – CES thoughts & assistive tech podcast shoutout
•
08:50 – Amtrak travel experience (accessibility review)
•
12:07 – Sleeper car pros, cons, and tactile design
•
16:55 – Chicago Union Station audible track numbers
•
18:40 – Meta Ray-Ban & Oakley glasses feature updates
•
24:04 – AI music matching & multilingual voice control
•
26:26 – Southwest Airlines & Apple Wallet integration
•
27:45 – Sandwich of the Week: Chicago-style hot dog
•
28:53 – Looking ahead to tech in 2026 & sign-off

Notable Tech News Highlights
•
Meta Smart Glasses
•
Find My Glasses (location-based)
•
Hyperlapse and slow-motion video
•
Adjustable video stabilization
•
Direct sharing to Instagram & Facebook Stories
•
Spotify-powered “play a song to go with my view”
•
Multilingual music controls
•
Oakley Vanguard-exclusive workout insights and vocal shortcuts
•
Travel & Accessibility
•
Amtrak trains praised for Braille labeling and comfort
•
Amtrak app and website accessibility challenges
•
Chicago Union Station’s audible track announcements
•
Southwest Airlines tickets and flight info in Apple Wallet

Sandwich of the Week
•
Chicago-style hot dog with giardiniera
•
Spicy, crunchy, savory
•
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys bold flavors

Listener Feedback & Contact Information
We want to hear fr ...

In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with Sam Proulx to dig deep into Fable, a company helping major brands improve web accessibility through real testing by people with disabilities. Sam explains what Fable is, how it started in Canada, and how it grew from a small group of screen reader users into a multinational accessibility testing community that now includes people who use screen magnification, alternative navigation methods (switch control, eye gaze, voice dictation), and more.

Sam and Evan talk about why accessibility can’t stop at checkbox compliance, and why real usability and joy matter just as much as meeting standards. Sam shares a helpful analogy: requirements are like building codes for architects—essential, but not enough to create something people actually enjoy using. They also explore how accessibility needs change based on context (banking vs social media vs gaming), and why “fit for purpose” matters.

Later, Sam breaks down how companies work with Fable through subscriptions (with monthly requests that don’t roll over to encourage ongoing testing) or project-based engagements for agencies and smaller orgs. He also explains how individuals can join the Fable testing community, what training looks like, how requests are offered, and why the waitlist exists (so testers actually get meaningful paid work). The conversation closes with a strong message about networking, disability employment, and building accessible futures—together with allies.

• Join Fable’s tester community: makeitfable.com/community
• Learn about Fable: makeitfable.com
• (Mentioned) Community page path: makeitfable.com/community (and “/slash community” as spoken)

Aftersight / Blind Level Tech feedback:

• Email: feedback@aftersight.org
• Phone: 720-712-8856

Show Credits

Show: Blind Level Tech (Aftersight Original)
Host: Evan Starnes
Guest: Samuel “Sam” Proulx (Fable)
Organization Mentioned: Fable (web accessibility testing and auditing)

producer: Evan Starnes

• (00:00) - — Holiday intro + setting up the episode
• (02:16) - — What is Fable?
• (02:53) - — How Fable started (founders + early days)
• (06:43) - — Expanding the disability testing community
• (10:55) - — Beyond WCAG: accessible and enjoyable
• (12:42) - — “Fit for purpose” accessibility
• (14:55) - — How companies engage Fable (subscriptions + requests)
• (17:16) - — Project-based testing + agency model
• (19:43) - — Balancing disability leadership with allies
• (25:02) - — How to join Fable as a tester
• (32:34) - — Where accessibility is heading
• (34:15) - — Wrap-up + networking + disability employment