The Starship Changeling Profile Photo

The Starship Changeling

Hello everyone, and welcome aboard The Starship Changeling. please move down to the end of each row, filling every available seat, and stand clear of the doors. My name is Randy, and I often go by Changeling. I am an #A11y (accessibility) consultant, lover of horror novels and roller coasters and the human partner in crime to a feline named Alex. I mostly talk about blindness related issues, things i'm personally doing, tech, books and more. For more info, see the page titled "About" in the navigation section, or see the footer of any site page for other corners of the internet where I can be found. Thank you, and enjoy your ride on The Starship Changeling.

💻Tech

    ∞

    Here’s a post that details the new #A11y features coming to #iOS18.

    What's new in iOS 18 accessibility for blind and DeafBlind users | AppleVis applevis.com/blog/whats-new-io

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    I had my first RCS convo yesterday with a friend. Because they were a friend and my sense of them is they value their privacy, I felt it necessary to let them know their read receipts were on. If you find yourself in a similar situation with my friend or if you have a friend who values their privacy and may not be aware of this, I found the article below that explains how to turn this feature off.

    How to Turn off Read Receipts in RCS messages for Android Phones

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    💻 This year is the year I replace my #AppleWatch. Series10 with aluminum case, cellular connection and all the other cool features.

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    Scan the QR code now to watch what I’m watching.

    <img src=“https://starshipchangeling.net/uploads/2024/jackpot.png" width=“512” height=“535” alt=“The QR Code shows Changeling on a slot machine. The text below reads, “Scan me now for somethin’ good!!!” The text is bold.">

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    💻🎶Playing with the haptic feature of Apple Music in iOS18. Through the Fire and Flames by Dragon Force is the coolest experience I’ve had with it so far because of the fast rums and guitar and piano.

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    📰💻 Just opened an article from The Verge and experienced Apple Intelligence’s ability to summarize. To did a really good job at answering the 5 W’s and the H%2C then I went on to read the article and found it to be a more fulfilling read about a topic that interested me%2C but I had everything I needed from the summarization. If Apple could make their tech summarize social media feeds%2C that shit would be amazing.

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    📰💻 Got the notification this morning that it was My Time to experience !AppleIntelligence. I’m asking Perplexity questions about it and trying things out.

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    One cool thing about this morning’s vaccination clusterfuck: I was able to use #BeMyEyes and #BeMyAI to independently browse the soda coolers and get the right pop I wanted. What kind of pop? Let’s just say I got the right one baby! Uh huh! Maybe someone out there is old enough to get the reference.

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    Changeling's Guide to Discord for Desktop with Screen Reader Users (2nd Edition)

    Table of Contents

    1. Foreword
    2. Disclaimer
    3. One More Thing…
    4. Introduction 5. Getting Started 6. Key Features for Screen Reader Users
    5. Installing Discord
    6. Creating an Account
    7. Navigating the Discord Interface
    8. Joining Servers
    9. Using Servers
    10. Text Chat
    11. Voice Chats
    12. Stage Channels
    13. Settings
    14. Troubleshooting
    15. Conclusion
    16. Appendix: Discord Keyboard Shortcuts

    Foreword

    This is Changeling. If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because you need or want to use Discord and are wondering how to use the platform with your screen reader, assuming such a thing is possible. I bet at least some of you are just watching for the first significant difficulty so you can declare the whole endeavor a failure and beg your social group to use some other platform you know works. The fact that I haven’t found another platform that does what Discord does as well as Discord does it and the fact that Discord continues to improve its accessibility experience are the reasons a new version of this guide exists.

    Disclaimer

    This guide was written with the assistance of Perplexity AI. This was done to ensure a consistent plain tone throughout the guide to make it more user-friendly. I used what I know to verify and correct the parts written by the AI. And to write the original guide five years ago, of course.

    One More Thing…

    This guide is part of what I do in my spare time, and I do it largely because it makes me happy to provide the information in one place. That said, I live in a chronic spoon shortage, so any monetary donations you might make by visiting changeling.link and clicking the pay button on that page will be greatly appreciated.

    Introduction

    Discord is a popular communication platform that can be effectively used with screen readers, making it accessible to users who are blind or visually impaired. This guide will walk you through the basics of navigating and using Discord with a screen reader, helping you get started and make the most of its features.

    Getting Started

    To begin using Discord with a screen reader:

    • Install the Discord desktop app or access it through a web browser.
    • Log in to your account or create a new one if needed.
    • Ensure your screen reader is active and properly configured.

    Key Features for Screen Reader Users

    Discord offers several accessibility features that work well with screen readers:

    • Keyboard navigation: You can navigate through servers, channels, and messages using keyboard shortcuts.
    • Proper labeling: Most elements are correctly labeled for screen readers to interpret.
    • Voice channels: Easily join voice chats and communicate verbally with others.
    • Screen reader announcements: Discord provides relevant information as you navigate the interface.

    In the following sections, we’ll explore how to navigate Discord’s interface, join servers, participate in text and voice chats, and customize your experience for optimal accessibility. Whether you’re new to Discord or looking to improve your screen reader usage, this guide will help you communicate effectively on this versatile platform.

    Installing Discord

    To install Discord using a screen reader, follow these steps:

    1. Go to the Discord website (discord.com) using your web browser.
    2. Navigate to the download link, which should be easily accessible near the top of the page. Press Enter on this link to start the download.
    3. Once the installer file has downloaded, launch it to begin installation.
    4. The Discord installer is straightforward and mostly automated. You don’t need to take any specific actions during installation - just let it run.
    5. You can use the up and down arrow keys or your screen reader’s Say Dialog command to read the installation progress, but the installer will handle everything automatically.
    6. When installation is complete, Discord will prompt you to log in or create an account.
    7. If you’re creating a new account, follow the on-screen prompts to enter your details. Make sure to use a username that identifies you clearly, especially if joining specific servers.
    8. After logging in or creating an account, Discord will launch and you can begin using it with your screen reader.

    For the most accessible experience, it’s recommended to use the Discord desktop app rather than the browser version. The app tends to work better with screen readers and offers more customization options. Remember that Discord is generally quite accessible, with most elements properly labeled for screen readers. However, you may encounter some challenges navigating its complex interface at first. Take some time to explore the layout and familiarize yourself with Discord’s structure of servers, channels, and chat areas.

    Creating an Account

    To create a Discord account from the desktop app using a screen reader, follow these steps:

    1. Download and Install Discord: Begin by downloading and installing the Discord desktop application from the official website.
    2. Launch the App: Open the Discord app. Your screen reader will announce the login screen.
    3. Access the Registration: Navigate to the “Register” or “Create Account” button and activate it.
    4. Fill Out the Registration Form: You will see a form to complete. Use your screen reader’s navigation commands to move through the fields: 5. Enter your email address. 6. Create a username. 7. Choose a password. 8. Enter your date of birth.
    5. Submit the Form: After filling in the required information, locate and activate the “Continue” or “Create Account” button.
    6. Complete the CAPTCHA: Discord may present a CAPTCHA challenge. Look for a text-based option that is more accessible for screen reader users and follow the prompts to complete it.
    7. Verify Your Email: Once your account is created, Discord may ask you to verify your email address. Check your inbox for a verification message and follow the instructions to confirm your account.
    8. Log In: After verifying your email, you will be logged into your new Discord account.
    9. Explore the Interface: Take some time to familiarize yourself with Discord’s layout. The app has improved its accessibility, with most elements properly labeled for screen readers.
    10. Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts: Discord supports many keyboard shortcuts that can enhance your navigation experience. You can access a list of these shortcuts by pressing Ctrl + Shift + ?

    If you encounter any accessibility challenges, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in the Privacy & Safety settings to help improve your experience.

    Here are some key tips for navigating the Discord desktop application with a screen reader:

    • Use keyboard shortcuts to move between different sections:
      • Ctrl + 1: Main user tab
      • Ctrl + 2-9: Switch between servers
      • Ctrl + Tab: Cycle through tabs
    • Navigate messages:
      • The most recent messages are at the bottom, above the chat input box.
      • Each message is marked as a heading, so you can use heading navigation (e.g., H key) to move between messages.
      • Shift + H will jump to the most recent message.
    • Use element navigation:
      • Channels appear as links.
      • Voice channels and other controls appear as buttons.
      • Settings categories appear as tabs.
    • Access settings:
      • Press Ctrl + , to open general settings.
    • Chat input:
      • There are two edit boxes - the first is search, the second is chat input.
      • Use Enter to send a message, Shift + Enter for new lines.
    • Enable screen reader usage tracking:
      • Go to Privacy & Safety settings to allow Discord to track screen reader usage for improving accessibility.
    • Utilize Discord’s keyboard shortcuts:
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + ? to access the full list of keyboard shortcuts.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with its structure of servers, channels, and chat areas. If you encounter any accessibility issues, you can provide feedback to help improve the experience.

    Joining Servers

    Here are some key steps for joining Discord servers using a screen reader:

    1. Open the Discord app and log into your account.
    2. Use the Quick Switcher feature by pressing Ctrl + K (on desktop) to search for servers to join.
    3. Type in the name or invite code of the server you want to join in the search box.
    4. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the search results.
    5. Press Enter on the server you want to join.
    6. If it’s a public server, you can join immediately. For private servers, you’ll need an invite link.
    7. With an invite link, paste it into the “Join a Server” dialog (accessible via the + icon on the server list).
    8. Press Enter or activate the “Join” button to join the server.
    9. The new server will appear in your server list on the left side of the Discord interface.
    10. Use Ctrl + 1-9 shortcuts to quickly switch between your joined servers.
    11. Navigate channels within a server using the arrow keys.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout of servers, channels, and chat areas. If you encounter any accessibility issues, you can enable screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience.

    Using Servers

    Here are some key tips for navigating within Discord servers using a screen reader:

    • Use Ctrl + 1-9 keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between servers.
    • Navigate channels within a server using the arrow keys. Channels appear as links, while voice channels and other controls appear as buttons.
    • Use heading navigation (e.g., H key) to move between messages. Each message is marked as a heading.
    • Press Shift + H to jump to the most recent message in a channel.
    • The chat input box is typically the second edit box on the page. Use Enter to send a message, Shift + Enter for new lines.
    • Access server settings and options using Ctrl + , (comma).
    • Use the Quick Switcher feature by pressing Ctrl + K to search for specific channels or users within a server.
    • Most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout.
    • Remember that Discord uses both “Browse Mode” and “Focus Mode” for navigation. Browse Mode allows using screen reader shortcuts, while Focus Mode enables native keyboard support.

    If you encounter accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience. By utilizing these navigation techniques and keyboard shortcuts, screen reader users can effectively move through Discord servers and access the various features and content.

    Text Chat

    Here are some key tips for participating in text chat on a Discord server using a screen reader:

    • Navigate to the desired text channel using the arrow keys. Channels appear as links.
    • The chat input box is typically the second edit box on the page. Focus on it to start typing your message.
    • Use Enter to send a message, and Shift + Enter for new lines within a message.
    • To read recent messages, use heading navigation (H key) to move between messages. Each message is marked as a heading.
    • Press Shift + H to jump to the most recent message in a channel.
    • Use Ctrl + K to open the Quick Switcher and search for specific channels or users within a server.
    • Enable screen reader announcements for new messages in Discord’s accessibility settings. This allows you to hear new messages as they arrive.
    • Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Up/Down arrow to scroll through your message history.
    • To reply to a specific message, navigate to it and use the appropriate keyboard command to open the reply interface.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout of channels and chat areas. By utilizing these techniques, screen reader users can effectively participate in text chats on Discord servers. If you encounter any accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience.

    Voice Chats

    Here are some key steps for participating in voice chat on Discord using a screen reader:

    1. Navigate to the desired voice channel using the arrow keys. Voice channels are typically marked with a speaker icon.
    2. Press Enter on the voice channel to join it. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve connected to voice.
    3. To mute/unmute yourself: 4. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + M. 5. Or navigate to the mute button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    4. To deafen/undeafen (turn off all audio): 7. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + D. 8. Or navigate to the deafen button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    5. To adjust voice settings: 10. Press Ctrl + , to open Settings. 11. Navigate to the Voice & Video section. 12. Adjust input/output devices, volume levels, etc.
    6. To disconnect from voice: 14. Press the disconnect button near the bottom of the Discord window. 15. Or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + E.
    7. Use the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to easily jump between voice channels.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the layout of voice controls. If you encounter accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience. By utilizing these techniques and keyboard shortcuts, screen reader users can effectively participate in voice chats on Discord. The key is to familiarize yourself with the layout and available controls.

    Stage Channels

    To participate in Live Stages on Discord using a screen reader:

    1. Navigate to the Stage channel using the arrow keys. Stage channels are typically marked with a stage icon.
    2. Press Enter on the Stage channel to join as an audience member. Your screen reader should announce that you’ve joined the Stage.
    3. To raise your hand to speak: 4. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + R. 5. Or navigate to the “Raise Hand” button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    4. If a moderator invites you to speak, you’ll be moved to the speaker area. Your screen reader should announce this change.
    5. To mute/unmute yourself when speaking: 8. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + M. 9. Or navigate to the mute button near the bottom of the Discord window.
    6. To leave the Stage: 11. Press the disconnect button near the bottom of the Discord window. 12. Or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + E.
    7. Use the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to easily jump between different Stages in a server.
    8. To follow along with text chat during a Stage: 15. Navigate to the text chat area, typically to the right of the Stage interface. 16. Use standard screen reader commands to read messages.

    Remember that most elements in Discord should be properly labeled for screen readers. Take some time to explore the Stage interface and familiarize yourself with the layout. If you encounter accessibility issues, consider enabling screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve the experience. By utilizing these techniques and keyboard shortcuts, screen reader users can effectively participate in Live Stages on Discord. The key is to familiarize yourself with the layout and available controls.

    Settings

    Here are some key tips for accessing and navigating Discord settings using a screen reader:

    • Open Discord settings:
      • Press Ctrl + , (comma) to open the general settings menu.
    • Navigate settings categories:
      • Settings categories appear as tabs.
      • Use arrow keys to move between categories.
      • Press Enter to select a category.
    • Adjust individual settings:
      • Use up/down arrow keys to move through settings options.
      • Press Enter or Spacebar to toggle switches or open dropdown menus.
      • Use arrow keys to select options in dropdown menus.
    • Access Privacy & Safety settings:
      • Navigate to the “Privacy & Safety” tab.
      • Here you can adjust privacy options and enable screen reader usage tracking.
    • Close settings:
      • Press Esc to exit the settings menu.
    • Additional tips:
      • Most elements in Discord settings should be properly labeled for screen readers.
      • Use heading navigation (H key) to jump between sections quickly.
      • The Tab key can be used to move between interactive elements.

    Remember that Discord uses overlays for many menus, including settings. These typically appear at the bottom of the page, so you may need to navigate to the bottom to find newly opened menus. Take some time to explore the settings interface to familiarize yourself with the layout and options available.

    Troubleshooting

    Here are some common issues when using Discord with a screen reader and how to troubleshoot them:

    • Messages not being read automatically:
      • Enable screen reader announcements for new messages in Discord’s accessibility settings.
      • Use keyboard shortcuts like Shift + H to jump to the most recent message.
    • Difficulty navigating between channels and servers:
      • Use Ctrl + 1-9 shortcuts to quickly switch between servers.
      • Use arrow keys to navigate channels within a server.
      • Utilize the Quick Switcher (Ctrl + K) to search for specific channels or users.
    • Focus getting lost or jumping unexpectedly:
      • Take time to familiarize yourself with Discord’s layout and focus order.
      • Use heading navigation (H key) to move between sections more predictably.
      • If focus jumps unexpectedly, try refreshing the app (Ctrl + R).
    • Trouble with voice chat controls:
      • Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + M to mute/unmute.
      • Navigate to the bottom of the Discord window to find voice control buttons.
    • Difficulty reading message history:
      • Use heading navigation (H key) to move between messages.
      • If focus jumps unexpectedly when scrolling, try navigating from the most recent message.
    • Inaccessible elements or unlabeled buttons:
      • Enable screen reader usage tracking in Discord’s Privacy & Safety settings to help improve accessibility.
      • Check for Discord updates, as accessibility improvements are frequently made.
    • Overlays not dismissing properly:
      • Try pressing Esc multiple times (up to 10) to dismiss overlays.
      • If overlays persist, refresh the app (Ctrl + R).
    • Issues with the mobile app:
      • Consider using the desktop app instead, as it tends to be more accessible.
      • Keep the mobile app updated, as accessibility improvements are ongoing.

    Remember that Discord is continually working on improving accessibility. If you encounter persistent issues, consider providing feedback through Discord’s accessibility feedback channels.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, using Discord with a screen reader can be a rewarding experience that allows users to engage in vibrant communities through text and voice communication. While there may be challenges, such as navigating the interface or accessing specific features, the improvements made by Discord in terms of accessibility have significantly enhanced usability for screen reader users.

    By familiarizing yourself with keyboard shortcuts, utilizing the Quick Switcher, and understanding the layout of servers and channels, you can effectively navigate and participate in discussions. Additionally, enabling screen reader usage tracking can help Discord continue to improve its accessibility features, ensuring a better experience for all users.

    As you explore Discord, remember that practice and patience are key. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for support or to provide feedback on your experience. With the right tools and knowledge, you can fully enjoy the benefits of this dynamic platform while connecting with others.

    Appendix: Discord Keyboard shortcuts

    Here is a comprehensive list of Discord keyboard shortcuts:

    Basic Shortcuts

    • Show all keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + / (Windows) or Cmd + / (Mac)
    • Search for servers, channels, or DMs: Ctrl + K (Windows) or Cmd + K (Mac)
    • Search for a message in a channel: Ctrl + F (Windows) or Cmd + F (Mac)
    • Get help: Ctrl + Shift + H (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + H (Mac)
    • Scroll chat up: Page Up
    • Scroll chat down: Page Down
    • Jump to the oldest unread message: Shift + Page Up
    • Upload a file: Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + U (Mac)
    • Navigate between servers: Ctrl + Alt + Up/Down Arrow (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Up/Down Arrow (Mac)
    • Navigate between channels: Alt + Up/Down Arrow (Windows) or Option + Up/Down Arrow (Mac)
    • Go to the next screen/previous text channel: Ctrl + Tab (Windows) or Cmd + Tab (Mac)
    • Toggle between last server and DMs: Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow (Windows) or Cmd + Option + Right Arrow (Mac)

    Message Shortcuts

    • Edit message: Up Arrow (when focused on a message)
    • Delete message: Backspace (when focused on a message)
    • Pin message: Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac)
    • Reply to message: Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac)
    • React to message: Ctrl + Shift + Y (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Y (Mac)
    • Copy message text: Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac)
    • Mark message as unread: Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + U (Mac)

    Voice and Video Shortcuts

    • Toggle mute: Ctrl + Shift + M (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + M (Mac)
    • Toggle deafen: Ctrl + Shift + D (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + D (Mac)
    • Start new call: Ctrl + (backtick) (Windows) or Cmd + (backtick) (Mac)
    • Answer incoming call: Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or Cmd + Enter (Mac)
    • Decline incoming call: Esc

    Chat Shortcuts

    • Mark server as read: Shift + Esc
    • Mark channel as read: Esc
    • Create a private group DM: Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + T (Mac)
    • Show pinned messages: Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac)
    • Show channel members list: Ctrl + U (Windows) or Cmd + U (Mac)
    • Open emoji picker: Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac)
    • Open GIF picker: Ctrl + G (Windows) or Cmd + G (Mac)

    These shortcuts can significantly enhance your efficiency and navigation within Discord, making it easier to communicate and manage your interactions.

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    💻🧑🏼‍🦯 Just signed up for the #Glide installment plan. This is the closest I’ve ever come to going iPhone fan crazy over any product.

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    💻 Installed new Betas on Mac and iPhone today. The neural Siri voices just keep getting more natural and responsive when used for #VoiceOver. They also fixed the system voice in Mac, so my Zoom calls were narrated in part by the Bells novelty voice that I use to have my Mac say the time.

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    Monsters Described Promo with Description

    Here’s the Monsters described video from yesterday with an #AI generated description.

    The video shows a black cat sitting in the middle of a group of other cats. The background is dark, but there are streaks of light coming from the top, suggesting a spotlight. The cats all have a very distinct, almost demonic, appearance. Their eyes are piercing and intense, and they have pointed ears and long, sharp teeth. The cat in the middle, however, looks calm and collected, as if it is the leader of the pack. The whole image is designed to give off a sense of mystery and danger.

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    🧑🏼‍🦯💻 It just warms my heart whenever a website has a signup process that requires completion of a capcha and not only do they not have an alternative method, their contact form where I might request assistance also requires the solving of a capcha with no alternate method.

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    🧑🏼‍🦯💻 Some users of google Drive will get woke up on August 1, particularly some #Screen Reader users. Essentially, all the shortcuts have been rewritten from the ground up to allow for first letter navigation. The only way I know to access them seems to be to switch to the new layout. #A11y

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    I just discovered that #Fantastical lets you plan events by sharing an invite link with whoever you want however you want. You can even limit the number of registrations to an event. This is and continues to be an awesome calendar app!

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    www.imdb.com/title/tt1…

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    💻 Switched back to the Siri voices for voiceOver in the #iOS18 public beta, and went and switched my Mac back to the Siri voice. I forgout how muffled the Elloquence voices are on #Apple things.

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    Just did the annual encrypted backup of my phone and installed the #iOS18 public beta. My favorite thing so far? command mode for #BrailleScreenInput.

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