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Fall 2025 Edition.
A service of the Technology User Group at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. Feel free to share this newsletter.
The new operating system for iPhone was released on September 15, 2025. The iPhone SE (2nd generation), as well as the iPhone 11 and later models, can receive this upgrade. As always, there will be numerous changes, and not all models will incorporate the entire update. For features and a demo of the new operating system, listen to the recording from our September 2025 Technology User Group (TUG) meeting, where we reviewed the latest changes to the iPhone’s operating system.
Check out the TUG Archives available here:
https://msla.maryland.gov/Pages/Technology-User-Group.aspx.
FS Companion is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool from Freedom Scientific. Simply find the edit field on FS Companion’s screen and type in a question, such as “Using JAWS, how do I append my clipboard?”
There are three ways to reach FS Companion:
- The web address is fscompanion.ai.
- While using Fusion, press Insert and the Spacebar, followed by F1.
- FS Companion can also be found under the Help option in the JAWS menu.
Recently, NLS released an update for the NLS Humanware Braille eReader. If your unit did not automatically update, do the following:
- Make sure your eReader is plugged in or has at least 80% battery life remaining.
- Go to Settings, followed by Software Update, followed by Check for Update. If there is an update, press Enter (dot 8) when you are prompted to download.
- Wait for the software to download. You will then be prompted to Install Update Now.
- Press Enter (dot 8) when the eReader responds with OK.
This update process takes a few minutes, so please be patient.
Bananavision is a streaming service that features audio-described television content. Streams include Mystery Science Theater 3000, Over the Edge, Star Trek Vision, Brain and more. The site can be reached by visiting
https://bananavision.tv.
The service is also available on the ooTunes platform, which means you can add Bananavision channels using the radio app on your Victor Reader Stream, or you can add the ooTunes app on your favorite iDevice from the Apple app store.
On Saturday, November 8, the Technology User Group (TUG) will focus on assistive technology gifts for the holidays. A wide selection of useful gadgets and products will be showcased. We will also hear from a number of vendors selling products for the blind. For joining information, please see the Events section of this newsletter.
Podcasts are a great way to learn the latest features in new technology. Echo Tips and Dot to Dot are two excellent examples for learning how to use the Echo-related products. Echo Tips provides brief educational episodes highlighting and demonstrating features of the Amazon Echo. These episodes are especially helpful for new users of the Echo platform who are learning how to use the device. Echo Dot to Dot provides short, 5-minute episodes outlining top skills and tips for the Amazon Echo.
You can even ask your smart speaker to play these podcasts. Just use a command, such as “Alexa, play Echo Tips podcast.” Be sure to say the word “podcast” or the device may search for something else instead.
The one finger triple tap does the following:
- While on an app, a one finger triple tap will bring up options, such as Edit Home Screen, Share App, and Remove App.
- On a folder, the choices will be Rename, Edit Home Screen, and Remove Folder.
Certain apps, including the Amazon app, offer additional options, such as Search, Cart, View Orders, and Today’s Deals.
Please note: If you have unwanted apps on your device, the one finger triple tap gesture makes it extremely easy to remove them. Simply triple tap with one finger on the app you wish to remove. Swipe to the right with one finger until you hear the Remove App button. Double tap the Remove App button with one finger, then swipe to the right with one finger until you hear the Delete App button. Double tap the Delete App button with one finger to confirm.
All Technology User Group (TUG) meetings can be joined via Zoom:
https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/6562037293
Meeting ID: 656 203 7293
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Upcoming TUG Topics:
November 8: Assistive Technology Gifts for the Holidays
December 13: Wearables
January 10, 2026: The Image Center
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