Wednesday, 12th November 2025
11 am via Zoom
Question 1. What would people suggest is a good reply to anyone commenting on your appearance I.e. remarking “that “you look tired” or “are you okay?” Current eyedrops prescription is causing various side-effects, one of which is tired looking eyes.
Recommendations: Jokey replies such as “that’s funny, I was thinking the same about you” were suggested, also simply saying that you were experiencing unpleasant side-effects due to the medication you’d been prescribed.
The discussion went on to suggest that as the side-effects were being caused by an intolerance to preservatives within the eyedrops, that it was a good idea to speak to your consultant to see whether a preservative free alternative was available. Finally, wearing sunglasses in the short term was also suggested.
Question 2. When using a Samsung tablet, how can I improve its functionality so that it understands more of what is dictated to it?
Recommendations: Check the settings of the speech to text
Android system settings for speech and voice recognition
Ensure you are speaking clearly and directly into your device without background noise.
It is also worth adding frequently used or unusual words to your personal dictionary. You can also create shortcuts for things like email addresses. To do this, visit: Settings > General Management > Personal Dictionary.
For an apple device please go to Settings, general keyboard, text replacements.
Another suggestion for unusual words was to add them as a new contact leaving a space between each word. Your device will then recognise them. Top tip: you can edit WhatsApp and text messages you have already sent and also recall emails if you spot a mistake.
Question 3. Is it possible to use Siri to send an audio message via WhatsApp?
Recommendations: Not as yet as you need to manually press the record button or hold and slide up to lock recording.
You can always record a Voice Memo and share that but again that has to be done manually.
Question 4. I am still finding it challenging to shop for clothes online, how does everyone else manage?
Recommendations: it is difficult to shop online but not impossible. The following website was suggested: “InnoSearch AI
” https://www.innosearch.ai/gb/stores
For best results, go to a shop in person where staff will usually be more than happy to help. There was a great discussion about the many times staff had gone above and beyond to help and ensure a successful and pleasant shopping experience.
Question 5. Google Maps isn’t speaking on my Samsung (android) device, help!
Recommendations: in the first instance take it to your IT department as it is a work issued phone, just in case they have disabled any of the useful features.
This link has lots of useful information about this issue .
Question 6. Hive app not working with VoiceOver. It’s very frustrating!
Recommendations: Call Apple accessibility support on 0800 048 0754
If the Hive app isn’t working with VoiceOver, it’s often a temporary glitch or an app bug that can sometimes be fixed by logging out/in, updating, reinstalling, checking permissions, or contacting Hive support as they’ve previously addressed these issues, with the newest updates often resolving persistent VoiceOver problems on iOS devices.
Common Solutions for VoiceOver Issues
1. Update the App: Ensure you have the latest version from the App Store, as new releases often contain accessibility fixes for VoiceOver.
2. Log Out & Back In: Sign out of your Hive account within the app, then log back in.
3. Reinstall the App: Delete the app, restart your device, and then reinstall it from the App Store.
4. Check Permissions: Verify the app has necessary permissions like Bluetooth and Location in your phone’s settings.
5. Restart Devices: Reboot your phone Hive Hub, and Hive Receiver
6. (check Hive’s support site for re-pairing instructions).
7. Check Hive Status: Visit status.hivehome.com to see if there are known service issues.
8. Contact Hive Support: If problems persist, report the issue to Hive support as they actively work on accessibility improvements.
Why It Happens
Accessibility (VoiceOver) issues can pop up after app updates, even if previous versions worked. Sometimes it’s a bug on Hive’s side that gets fixed in subsequent updates, while other times it’s a device/permission conflict.
Other recommendations:
1. Sarla talking on the BBC World Service programme, The Food Chain: Turmeric, The golden spice
2. WhatsApp polls using VoiceOver; following on from a discussion during October’s Bounce, WhatsApp polls will only work properly if you turn “Screen Recognition” on .
3. There is a new feature available with iOS 26,it is called hold assist
4. It is worth keeping up-to-date with the various improvements in smart glasses including: Envision’s “Ally Solos” glasses https://shop.letsenvision.com/en-gb/collections/solo
Meta Rayban glasses are available on the High Street from Argos to Vision Express.
5. The following article may be of interest:
ChatGPT Can Now Read Messages Aloud to Improve Access for Users with Vision Loss
by Janet Weinstein | Mar 7, 2024
A new feature introduced by OpenAI for ChatGP allows users to have their conversations with AI (Artificial Intelligence) read aloud on both iOS and Android apps and with the web version. This follows the recent move where ChatGPT with voice became free of charge for everyone. As noted in a previous issue of this Bulletin, ChatGPT, an AI tool, has been used for writing projects, to analyze images, and more. The “Read Aloud” feature originated from a collaboration with BeMyEyes, a not-for-profit organization that connects people who are blind or visually impaired with volunteers who are sighted to help with everyday tasks. This partnership brought “valuable insights and feedback from users” to allow OpenAI to tailor their offerings to better meet “the needs of diverse communities.” For example, screen readers and other devices may have trouble with multiple items on an online shopping list. With this new feature, users can take a screenshot of their cart and ask ChatGPT about it, making shopping “easier and more accessible.