RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I David, Thanks for this good to nknow, And what is codi? And who do you use for your vpn back to the USA? -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of David Chittenden Sent: Thursday, 27 April 2017 3:05 PM To:

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I agree with Scott for the most part. The only problem with Amazon, from the Aus / NZ perspective, is that Amazon does not support these markets. So, to use Amazon video, it is necessary to use VPN set to the USA. As for NetFlix, I consistently find that NetFlix has the best programming (shows)

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Yeah the only reason I have a 4k tv is due to the screan reader in the Samsung model I have. The models after mine had the screan reader disabled for NZ but yet not in USA UK Aus and a couple of other places. Go figure. -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

It does not, the fire TV and stick can be enabled with out sited assistance. > On Apr 24, 2017, at 10:31 PM, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > So if the fire stick needs sighted assistance to enable accessibility then is > the fire tv any better for accessibility and which one is

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

You’re starting to see a lot of 4K here. Televisions are getting down right affordable and why not buy 4K if it doesn’t break your bank. In my case as mentioned as well I have a lot of 4K cameras and creat content in 4K. I’m just trying to imagine if everyone in NZ and AU started streaming

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Simon, I’m speaking as a US user here so it may be different in your area, David may know what’s available but the content available on Fire TV is better for starters. (Same with fire stick). I like the Amazon prime content better. THere’s lot of original programming that’s not available in

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Yeah just reading an article on the net about the 3 amazon fire devices There is the TV Stick, the TV Box and the TV Game box, And according to the blog article the TV is about 40% less perforamance than the TV Box, Both come with the remote and alexa but in NZ they don't have the same

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

There is a built in screen reader in this product. David Tanner >From my iPhone 7 > On Apr 24, 2017, at 9:51 AM, John Panarese wrote: > > OK. So how are you guys using the Fire Stick? I can’t find any information > about its accessibility and how one uses it as a

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I actually won an Amazon Dot as a door prize from an internet security seminar so I figured I should at least plug the thing in. It's turned out to be quite handy as an always on assistant. Even though Siri can do many of these things, I don't have to fish a phone out of my pocket. Things like

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Rmann0581 at gmail.com. I spelled At out so it would be harder for spam programs to get my address. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 24, 2017, at 10:51 PM, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > Hi Ryan, > Sure whats your address? > > -Original Message- > From:

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi Ryan, Sure whats your address? -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ryan Mann Sent: Tuesday, 25 April 2017 2:46 PM To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

So David, If you were buying one now which one would you go for concidring what NZ gets in regard to netflicks etc? Note I have an apple tv 4th gen. -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of David Chittenden Sent:

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Would you contact me off list as well? Thanks. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 24, 2017, at 10:31 PM, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > So if the fire stick needs sighted assistance to enable accessibility then is > the fire tv any better for accessibility and which one is better

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Well, I was unaware of how to start VoiceView independently. It is good to know that one can do so without needing to initially set up in settings. Kind regards, David Chittenden, MSc, MRCAA Email: dchitten...@gmail.com Mobile: +61 488 988 936 Sent from my iPhone > On 25/04/2017, at 12:31,

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

In The US, Amazon FireStick works on par with Apple TV, and is about $100 USD less expensive. It only has 8 GB onboard memory for apps. It has a good talking (you talk to it) interface. The text to speech side is not as robust as Apple. For the money, we find it worth it. We only use the Apple

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

So if the fire stick needs sighted assistance to enable accessibility then is the fire tv any better for accessibility and which one is better between the fire stick and fire tv? -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi Scott, I don't either live in a vacume of blind users But again 4K is so new here in NZ that most users wouldn't know the difference between 4k out put and the previous screen output of my 32inch Samsung LED tv. -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

SO these fire tv have good accessibility for screen reader users? Why would I want a fire tv over an apple tv if I was making a choice? I didn't find the chrome cast 2 much of a benefit and my apple tv works great for me other than the lack of usefull apps. I'd like sonos available on my

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

If you set fire to your tv wouldn't that be a waste of the tv? Is a fire stick otherwise known as a match? -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Scott Granados Sent: Tuesday, 25 April 2017 1:56 AM To:

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I set up NetFlix myself. My partner had to go into settings and turn VoiceAssist on for the FireStick. Kind regards, David Chittenden, MSc, MRCAA Email: dchitten...@gmail.com Mobile: +61 488 988 936 Sent from my iPhone > On 24/04/2017, at 21:12, Ryan Mann wrote: > >

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hey Scott, Agreed, this is not a place to discuss about these things. I'll shout you a mail > On 25/04/2017, at 3:47 AM, Scott Granados wrote: > > Well, we’ve probably strayed off topic for the list but I find what you’re > talking about absolutely compelling. I

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Well, we’ve probably strayed off topic for the list but I find what you’re talking about absolutely compelling. I can see where you might apply your calculations to large complex data analysis like environmental modeling for example or looking for chaotic patterns. The thing that interests me

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi Scott, I think the cutting edge is in applications that affect the world, not those that affect pure data itself. The normal classifiers as you say are: -sensory (vision, touch, localised temperature, pressure, captured environmentals) -model or data model, where all your data and features

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I picked up an LG sound bar over the holidays which works fine. But it's not as good as the klipsch in terms of its actual sound quality. So, I have that sound bar on a small TV with my fire stick and AppleTV for. That way, he doesn't have to be bothered and gets to have his big sound bar which

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Interesting, you had asked me about my sound bar at one point. It’s a Sony ht-ct-260H and it works very well with speech. I think it’s been superseded with a newer model so not sure it’s availability. I’m using the fiber out from the TV in to the fiber in on the sound bar to connect the audio

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Well, I do, because my husband, who is very definitely sighted, can't stand speech. So if I want speech, I have to have my own stuff. Although he also has a stick, not the Fire TV. Not to mention the fact that none of the speech works through the sound bar in the room where the big TV we have

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Well, as I don’t live in a vacuum of blind only users 4K is important. We also tend to record a lot of 4K content around here so it’s nice to have the playback option. I’ve got a stick as well on the non 4K TV and you’re right it is pretty good. The size especially makes it nice and it’s

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I don't know if the stick has 4K or not. I doubt it. As a blind person, I don't care. As for the snappiness, obviously since I don't have a Fire TV, I cannot compare it with the stick. But I'm pretty satisfied with the snappiness of the stick. Says the TV doesn't give me any more access than

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

OK. So how are you guys using the Fire Stick? I can’t find any information about its accessibility and how one uses it as a totally blind person. If you are doing so, please contact me off list. Take Care John D. Panarese Director Mac for the Blind Tel, (631) 724-4479 Email,

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

The Fire TV has a better remote, better WiFi interface, faster processor, and a lot more snap to the interface from a user of TTS perspective. I’m also not sure if the stick provides 4K video, the Fire TV does. Both are good products don’t get me wrong I’m just a bigger fan of the Fire TV

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi Scott, I don't see the use case for a blind person with a Fire TV versus the stick. I have a stick, the newer generation. It seems quite responsive. Admittedly, I don't have the Fire TV to compare it with. But I just don't see the point, unless money is no object and you don't mind spending

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

You would want a Fire TV in my opinion, not a fire stick. The stick is a bit less powered and while a good product the Fire TV is a very very good product. Accessibility has been continuously improved and the access to prime video content is fantastic. The stick has a slower processor, less

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

My opinion is Amazon should stick to artificial intelligence and web services along with retail and leave the phones to the professionals.:) Not a big fan. > On Apr 24, 2017, at 8:46 AM, Jessica Moss wrote: > > Whatt are your thoughts on the amazon firephone? I

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

HI! Hopefully they will give us some features before we are dead. > 23 apr. 2017 kl. 15:29 skrev Krister Ekstrom : > > That was what i was about to write a couple mails ago, many of those digital > assistants have no or limited functionality outside the US. I’m not

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Oh cool, how exactly does the firestick differ from the Apple Tv, other than it’s way less moneywise, and is a USB stick? > On Apr 24, 2017, at 12:02 AM, David Chittenden wrote: > > Yes, these devices have parental control settings. > > Kind regards, > > David

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Whatt are your thoughts on the amazon firephone? I thought about that when I was about to upgrade my phone, but was really uncertain about it at the same time sense I didn’t know anyone who owned one, and also had never used a fire tablet as much as I really lusted after one. > On Apr 24,

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi! Actually i will get myself an Iphone Se just as an ipod and daisy book reader. But i think i am not going to use it anymore as a phone and this just because apple doesn’t seem to have any intresting development in regards to Siri. It took them forever to bring siri to Sweden but google seems

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Totally blind friendly in terms of accessibility. The app you use to configure and update the device is absolutely 100% accessible on both major platforms, the settings are very simple and clean to set up and the directions you follow on the web for example to configure translate perfectly to

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Could you set up Netflix yourself or did your partner have to set it up? What about other settings such as the WIFI network? I live alone, so if I was to get a Fire Stick, I would need to be able to set it up. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 24, 2017, at 6:10 AM, Scott Granados

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I believe there is an accessibility solution for COdi now. Something that’s come out with in the last few weeks. THere’s been mention of it on the android list although I don’t have specifics at hand. You. Might google for a solution as I think one has recently been released. > On Apr 23,

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

ThanksDavid, I wondered about that, Like siri when it was first released, great in the USA but crap in the likes of everywhere else. -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of David Chittenden Sent: Monday, 24 April

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Yes, these devices have parental control settings. Kind regards, David Chittenden, MSc, MRCAA Email: dchitten...@gmail.com Mobile: +61 488 988 936 Sent from my iPhone > On 24/04/2017, at 10:42, Jessica Moss wrote: > > Ok, probably a stupid question, but is there a

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Ok, probably a stupid question, but is there a way with those, to filter out what content you don’t want to view, perfect example, R-rated movies you obviously wouldn’t want your kids looking at? Mom and I have been looking at ditching DirectTv, which is expensive as ever, and we either don’t

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I have, and use, an Amazon Fire Stick. In Australia and NZ, it is not possible to check the local weather. That said, Fire Stick works very well with NetFlicks. Like Apple TV, we have it set to always play Audio Description when available. We prefer Fire Stick over Apple TV, especially because

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Alexa works in the uk and ireland also. On Sun, 23 Apr 2017, David Chittenden wrote: Step outside the US, and Alexa falls apart. Unlike Siri and Google, Alexa does not support anything outside it's limited geographical area. This is why it is able to be so much better there, it is limited in

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi David and Krister. I just purchased an Amazon Echo Dot a few weeks ago and Alexa works perfectly. I can listen to my favorite iHeartRadio stations and Pandora just fine. Granted I used a VPN to create accounts for both services but even if I didn't have them because they don't work in Canada

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Kawal, you might like the Google TTS. Siri is a Nuance voice but I don’t see the point of a great voice attached to a weak back end. The google voice is rendered on line and sounds very good on their google home. Also the voice on the Fire TV seems a little better than the stick probably

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I was listening to a demo of Amazon's Fire Stick whilst walking on my Treadmill this morning. I hate Alexa, I hate the voice. I prefer Siri's female voice. Oh I know Siri can't do very much i.e. you can't have a serious conversation with Siri, I wish you could. I'd love to have a proper

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

It is, but to my knowledge, you can’t take full advantage without the amazon echo dock to go with it. > On Apr 23, 2017, at 6:44 AM, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > So Sean, > > This amazon alexa is available through an app for my iPhone? > > -Original Message- > From:

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Simon, yes as well as dedicated hardware like the Amazon Dot and Echo. > On Apr 23, 2017, at 6:44 AM, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > So Sean, > > This amazon alexa is available through an app for my iPhone? > > -Original Message- > From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Oh I’m on the other side of that equation. I’ve tried both and went google home all the way. The upgrade / feature additions are very aggressive and I probably see updates twice a week, the voice recognition is unbelievably good, it now recognizes individual users from each other, it

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Get both google and Apple, best of both worlds,? On 4/23/17, Krister Ekstrom wrote: > That was what i was about to write a couple mails ago, many of those digital > assistants have no or limited functionality outside the US. I’m not certain > that even Google or Siri

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

That was what i was about to write a couple mails ago, many of those digital assistants have no or limited functionality outside the US. I’m not certain that even Google or Siri for that matter works at their fullest here in Sweden and then let’s not even begin to talk Samsungs new Bixby. I

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Step outside the US, and Alexa falls apart. Unlike Siri and Google, Alexa does not support anything outside it's limited geographical area. This is why it is able to be so much better there, it is limited in scope. Kind regards, David Chittenden, MSc, MRCAA Email: dchitten...@gmail.com Mobile:

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Yes. Just search for Reverb for Amazon Alexa. Sent from my iPhone > On Apr 23, 2017, at 5:44 AM, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > So Sean, > > This amazon alexa is available through an app for my iPhone? > > -Original Message- > From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com >

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

So Sean, This amazon alexa is available through an app for my iPhone? -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Shawn Krasniuk Sent: Sunday, 23 April 2017 9:47 PM To: 'Chris Blouch' via MacVisionaries

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi Scott. I'm not Yuma but I can tell you who I think is the better AI. After watching demos of the two of them, Alexa still wins hands down. Sure, with Google Now, when you ask it questions, you can ask subsequent questions about the topic you started with it. Alexa has a hard time with that,

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Wow there’s a lot of great points here. I’m curious, as someone who’s heavily involved in AI who do you think is the absolute cutting edge right now outside the classified space. Maybe you could rank a little the major publicly visible efforts like Watson verses Google verses Amazon and such.

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi Simon, Alexa is Amazon’s digital assistant, their answer to Google home. It’s the voice behind the echo and the amazon TV etc. > On Apr 22, 2017, at 8:44 PM, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > Sorry but what is this Alexa? > > > > -Original Message- > From:

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I wanted to chime in for a few points: Apple is dispersing itself a bit too much. What's next on the line? A Lavazza partnership for a coffee machine? Or maybe some jogging shoes with mag safe laces? Better yet, a Mars lander capsule with an enhanced version of voice over? Wait, the latter is

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Amazon's speech recognition assistant. Works well in the US and some places in Europe. Kind regards, David Chittenden, MSc, MRCAA Email: dchitten...@gmail.com Mobile: +61 488 988 936 Sent from my iPhone > On 23/04/2017, at 10:44, Simon Fogarty wrote: > > Sorry but what

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Sorry but what is this Alexa? -Original Message- From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com [mailto:macvisionaries@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Shawn Krasniuk Sent: Sunday, 23 April 2017 6:33 AM To: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing

RE: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I kind of agree They appear to have lost all innovation, There is no resembalence of looking forward to the next big feature If anything they seem to be copying what other do rather than finding the next thing themselves. From: macvisionaries@googlegroups.com

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Hi Scott. While I'm a loyal Apple customer, I completely agree with you about Siri. Siri is one of the reasons I bought my Amazon Echo Dot. Alexa is just a better assistant than Siri is. I mean, with the Dot, Alexa gets better and better every day with the number of skills that get added each

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

(smiles) And let Steve Jobs rest in peace. I know I know, we the end user, always know best. From E.T.'s Keyboard. . . "God for you is where you sweep away all the mysteries of the world, all the challenges to our intelligence. You simply turn your mind off and say God did it."

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Oh no argument at all Ray, you have a good suggestion, I may just do that. I also may just go to the stock holders meeting. Let’s cross our fingers and hope the next phone and series of iMacs are a slam dunk. > On Apr 22, 2017, at 10:59 AM, Ray Foret jr wrote: > >

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

I’m not arguing your points: still, I say that if you and the rest write directly to Cook at the address I gave, he will see what you have to say. I know this because he does in fact see a lot of the e-mail that goes to that address and in some cases, actually responds to it. Sent from my

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

A dead frog maybe. They forgot to hop. > On Apr 22, 2017, at 9:46 AM, E.T. wrote: > > Sounds like the typical leap frog game. > > From E.T.'s Keyboard. . . > "God for you is where you sweep away all the > mysteries of the world, all the challenges to > our

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Ray, if Tim Cook were a decent CEO Apple wouldn’t be in this problem. Here’s a guy who has totally rested on Steve Job’s laurels. Let’s think about it, exactly how much has the iPhone changed since Job’s death. Siri has completely stagnated, the shape is basically unchanged, the video

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Sounds like the typical leap frog game. From E.T.'s Keyboard. . . "God for you is where you sweep away all the mysteries of the world, all the challenges to our intelligence. You simply turn your mind off and say God did it." --Carl Sagan E-mail: ancient.ali...@icloud.com On

Re: And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

Well, Scot, it’s all well and good for you to say that on here: but, don’t you think your message might carry more weight if you wrote Cook himself? tc...@apple.com Sent from my Mac, The Only computer with full accessibility for the blind built-in Sincerely, The Constantly Barefooted Ray,

And here's an example of why Apple is losing the digital assistant game

So, Apple brought us Siri and we had hi hopes but they’ve let it fall flat on it’s face and are being schooled by Amazon and especially google. Let’s look at the announcements recently from the 3 companies. Alexa continues to make strides with additional integration across multiple platforms