{"podcast":{"title":"Blind Level Tech","slug":"blind-level-tech-7549129","podcast_index_feed_id":7549129,"rss_url":"https://feeds.transistor.fm/blind-level-tech","website_url":"https://aftersight.org/","image_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/cxL71LOn9YVm3nRlnKzlU_ehkEBBpgIO5SWnd6eSYYU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wODFh/MDExMmY2NTVhODNk/Y2Q2MmJlYmVlMTY0/YTQ5Yi5qcGc.jpg","author":"Aftersight","episode_count":195,"summary":"Where accessibility meets innovation. Hosted by Evan Starnes, Blind Level Tech explores the latest in assistive technology, accessible design, and everyday tools that empower the blind and low-vision community. Each episode dives into real stories, expert insights, and practical solutions—from screen readers and AI tools to mobility tech and inclusive apps. Whether you’re blind, low vision, a professional in the accessibility space, or simply curious about how technology is reshaping lives, this show offers fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways. Produced by Aftersight, Blind Level Tech is more than a tech podcast—it’s a platform for inclusion, discovery, and possibility.","last_synced_at":"2026-06-10T18:17:50.354323+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/blind-level-tech-7549129"},"episode":{"title":"David Ward: Alexa Plus, Echoes, and the Future of Talking Tech","slug":"david-ward-alexa-plus-echoes-and-the-future-of-talking-tech","published_at":"2026-05-20T15:51:54+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/blind-level-tech-7549129/david-ward-alexa-plus-echoes-and-the-future-of-talking-tech","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/blind-level-tech-7549129","url":"https://share.transistor.fm/s/53219895","audio_url":"https://2.gum.fm/op3.dev/e/pdcn.co/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/pdst.fm/e/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/prfx.byspotify.com/e/media.transistor.fm/53219895/bfea2bdc.mp3","summary":"In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with David Ward, longtime assistive technology trainer, producer of the Echo Tips Podcast, and all-around smart speaker nerd in the best possible way. David shares how his early love of computers, IT certification, and training background led him into access technology and eventually into creating Echo Tips. The conversation centers heavily on Amazon Echo devices, the evolution of Alexa, and how smart speakers became a surprisingly powerful accessibility tool—especially for blind and low-vision users, seniors, and people who may not be comfortable with smartphones or computers. Evan and David also dig into Alexa Plus, including what feels genuinely new, what still feels unfinished, and how natural language AI is changing the way people interact with smart speakers. They discuss shopping by voice, routines, smart home control, legacy Alexa skills, and the challenges of making older skill-based systems work naturally with modern AI assistants. The episode wraps with a teaser for part two, where Evan and David plan to get more into AI, Braille Sonar, vibe coding, and David’s broader tech background. Creators & Guests Evan Starnes - Host ★ Support this podcast ★","meta_description":"In this episode of Blind Level Tech, Evan sits down with David Ward, longtime assistive technology trainer, producer of the Echo Tips Podcast, and all-aro…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3282,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/blind-level-tech-7549129/episodes/david-ward-alexa-plus-echoes-and-the-future-of-talking-tech/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/blind-level-tech-7549129/david-ward-alexa-plus-echoes-and-the-future-of-talking-tech.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}