Oh yeah I was meant to do that exercise thing...

PXL_20240526_041207174.jpg

Soooo it's been a while. Christmas happened, then I got sick and then I never got back into the routine of exercising (there's a whole story about breaking routines and inability to start again that goes beyond this post), and I can feel the effects. I'm having more pain and spasms and my ability to walk is being affected.I managed to start again on Friday. Just five minutes on the arms and five minutes on the legs, but it's a start. I'm hoping to get back to 15 minutes on legs and 7.5 on arms every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.We shall see. Anyway here's the updated table with the data from Friday<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td colspan="2">Training Duration</td><td colspan="2">Distance</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Active (hrs:min)</td><td>Passive (hrs:min)</td><td>Active (km)</td><td>Passive (km)</td></tr><tr><td>Hands</td><td>08:57</td><td>00:02</td><td>291.55</td><td>0.50</td></tr><tr><td>Feet</td><td>45:18</td><td>00:05</td><td>1058.12</td><td>0.83</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Exercise Update - 2024-05-26

Where do you share your photos? Where do you share your art?

IMG_3837_monochrome.png

So after a comment by someone over on Mastodon I had another look at my <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/25875680@N05/">Flickr</a> account.I really haven't done much with it since I downgraded it from a Pro account to a free one a couple of years back, so I thought I would clean it up a little, add some more photos etc.While I was looking at it I had this question going through the back of my head.Where actually do I want to display my photo work?I love taking photos, whether it's photos of my daughters netball games (the action is great and I know the team loves going through them post match) bird and nature photos or something more complex. I have literally tens of thousands of photos and I want to take the best of them and share them and I guess become a bit more "serious" about the art that I create (note the next person who compares AI image generation to Photography is going to get an earful).So I mainly share my pictures on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pixelfed.au/i/web/profile/493560367028064272">Pixelfed</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/purserj/">Instagram</a>, and I've attempted to build a Gallery system on this site (it still needs a lot of work), plus I also have the aforementioned Flickr account. So am I doing it right?I would love to hear about others experiences in this, how do you manage your photos? How do you decide what part of your art to share? Where do you share it?&nbsp;

Where to share my art?

Podcasts, transcripts and Youtube, OH MY!

petwbiglogo.png

I recently set myself a little project to try and build a work flow that would allow to me produce the following:<ul><li>Podcast Videos: It seems to be all the rage these days so I thought I would have a look at what would be needed to make a Podcast available via Youtube.</li><li>Podcast Transcripts: I've been meaning to look at this for a while now. Mostly for accessibility reasons but now that Apple has announced support for the podcast:transcript tag, it just makes sense.</li></ul><h2>Podcast Transcripts</h2>When I'm talking about transcriptions I'm really talking about two things:<ul><li>A human readable copy of what is said in the audio file</li><li>A marked up record of what is said in the audio file that is able to be displayed IN TIME with the audio (whether that's in video or other format)</li></ul>Now there's a lot of cross over and you can get away with fulfilling both requirements using any of the industry standards for subtitles, however for a proper human readable experience I think it needs a bit more than that. So whatever I need to do is going to have two outputs, for humans and for machines.With that in mind I set out to transcribe the first ever episode of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://angrybeanie.com/podcasts/shows/petw">Purser Explores The World</a> - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://angrybeanie.com/podcasts/shows/petw/episodes/Numbats_in_Space">Numbats In Space</a>I could have sat down and transcribed the episode manually but given that I was looking at transcribing literally tens of hours of content with PETW and Women In STEMM I thought I would try and see how well the current crop of Open Source Transcription Models performed. For this experiment I used <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://github.com/openai/whisper&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigx4uQypuFAxX6sFYBHcNUD3kQFnoECAYQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw0F0jnhqr7aD2bJ_zoSYARP">Whisper</a> but I'll be looking at others like Kaldi as well.I figured Numbats In Space was a good test as not only did it feature three different interviewees, but there were quality issues with the audio (there's lag in some parts, a bit of static in others) that might trip up any model. However after a bit of futzing around with Whisper and tools like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/m-bain/whisperX">WhisperX</a> I was able to generate whats called an SRT file (stands for SubRip subTitle) that didn't need a lot of correcting. There was one instance of a speaker being mis-assigned and some cleanup on words that where either unclear or scrambled.Now, all I have left to do is:<ul><li>Add the podcast:transcript field to my rss builder on the site</li><li>Upload the SRT so that it goes out with the rss</li><li>Edit a copy of the transcript so that its much more human than just a time marked statement of who said what, when.</li></ul><h2>Podcast Videos</h2>In the meantime I had a little play to see if I could automate the generation of videos based on the audio and transcripts. The goal was to produce something that could be uploaded to youtube and not actually look like buttock.I tried with ffmpeg, but I never really nailed the look so I shelved that for the moment (I will be returning to it) and decided to have a play with an actual video tool.First off I tried with DaVinci Resolve, I have the free version, but it is immensely powerful and I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone who wants to get into compositing and editing.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/Qs0YWe6G4AI?si=t9BbzYrwnT7t9yvW"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qs0YWe6G4AI" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>Now this looks AMAZING, however there were a couple of issues. Firstly the render size was absolutely massive. That's probably on me and I haven't configured it correctly.&nbsp;Secondly the render TIME was going to be roughly 14 hours.&nbsp;14 hours to render a fancy audio visualiser, an image and an audio track. Sorry but my brain just rebelled at having to wait that long to get a result. So I stopped the render and clipped the first minute and a bit.Another thing you might notice is that the subtitles/captions that are appearing look a little raw, I hadn't run through and verified the transcript at this point.Right, so given that I was impatient and what I was going for wasn't actually that complicated (and certainly didn't NEED the power of Davinci) I turned to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://kdenlive.org/en/">kdenlive</a> a Free and Open Source Software Non Linear Video Editor that I've used on and off for over a decade. I was able to throw together something similar very quickly and the final render time and size was much smaller.And here's the result<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/kxZMBjnG9so?si=AEfnxkZnKyqfTyPD"><div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kxZMBjnG9so" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></figure>If you don't have subtitles turned on then turn them on and select the en-AU set (Youtube still offers the auto-generated as well so you have to be clear).It's all a work in progress of course, I'd still like to be able to automate as much as possible (both for practical reasons and for the fun of it) but I think I'm at a good place to continue

From Transcripts to Podcast Videos

This week in Tech and Disability news from around the world:

- AI Companions for people with dementia
-  New app released for people to crowdsource venue accessibility
-  English council adopts wheelchair crossing app

And more

pexels-pavel-danilyuk-8439094.jpg

Looking at the stories I've picked out for this weeks News post I'm thinking I should deep dive a bit more on some of the topics presented here.Even before the current AI Hype cycle started we've had ongoing research into so called "Companion" apps and bots. Artificial services that would help the elderly or disabled to live their best lives. But what does this actually mean for everyone concerned? At the very least what does it mean for the privacy of the individuals concerned? What about effects on the human work force? Does the rise of the Companion Bot mean a race to cut costs?I'll try and do more deep dive articles as time permits.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2023/11/meet-viv--an-ai-character-fostering-companionship-for-people-wit">Meet Viv, an AI Companion for people with dementia</a>Initially based on the experiences of four women with dementia, Viv is an experimental, AI driven system that has been designed to communicate and be a companion to people who suffer from dementia. The researchers behind Viv &nbsp;(<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://feel-lab.org/about/">The felt Experience and Empathy Lab</a> based at the University of New South Wales) hope to build a tool that will provide support to dementia sufferers by easing loneliness and providing a calming effect to people in distress.Viv isn't alone of course, there's a lot of research being done into the role of companion apps and robots for aged and disability care, and it's only going to get &nbsp;busier/more interesting/controversial as question about even basic things like what IS companionship and can an artificial creation really provide it are asked and argued about.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/speaking-without-vocal-cords-ucla-engineering-wearable-tech">Wearable patch allows people to speak</a>A new patch has been developed that measures the movement of your larynx and sends the signals to a processor which converts the movements to speech.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rollmobility.com/">New App to crowd source the best and the worst accessible locations</a>I came across this one via a couple of different routes. Firstly I saw it mentioned on TiktTok (there are a number of good Disability/Accessibility Advocates on the Tok) and then a family member mentioned it me.The Roll Mobility App is an app aimed at giving people with mobility and accessibility issues the ability to review and share their experiences with different locations. Essentially crowd sourcing an accessibility map for users.Originally launched last year with a focus on the Denver, Colorado area, it seems to have been picked up by a wider group and is continuing to gain users.<img class="image_resized" style="width:25.07%;" alt="Screenshot_20240317-150959.png" src="/uploads/Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png" srcset="/uploads/thumbnail_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 72w, /uploads/small_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 500w, /uploads/medium_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 750w, /uploads/large_Screenshot_20240317_150959_03ecb508d3.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/2024-March-149">The WHO is looking for experts to join their "Technical Advisory Group on assistive technology"</a>The WHO has put the call out for experts to join the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on assistive technology.Established in 2022, the TAG has the following functions:<ul><li>To provide independent advice to WHO on methodologies and review of evidence for the development of APL and accompanying tools such as the APS and TAP to support its implementation;&nbsp;</li><li>To provide recommendations to WHO on the use of the evidence in the aforementioned technical development;&nbsp;</li><li>To review and make recommendations to WHO on the APL based on available evidence and further identify gaps where more research is needed; and</li><li>As appropriate, to review and make recommendations to WHO on technical products in development.&nbsp;</li></ul>They're looking for people with experience in implementing Assistive Technology programs, developing AT standards or has worked in the development of AT workforce capacity<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-68350777">Portsmouth City Council adopts wheelchair crossing app</a>Portsmouth City Council has started installing new crossing buttons that make crossing the road a more accessible task.The new systems have been designed to be more accessible to people with disabilities. They are installed lower on the pole, allow users to wave their hands UNDER the box and are even blue tooth enabled, allowing users with an app to register a request to cross without even touching the system.I'd be interested to know if any of this technology has made it to Australia.Email: james AT angrybeanie DOT comMastodon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aus.social/@purserj">@aus.social@purserj</a>Bluesky: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bsky.app/profile/purserj.bsky.social">purserj.bsky.social</a>Threads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.threads.net/@purserj">@purserj</a>

Tech and Disability News from Around the World - 2024-03-17

Where I examine the intersection between technology and disability. The good, the bad and some of the very bad.

Tech and Disability

This week:

Accessibility and the Great AI Frenzy
Another NDIS service provider management platform folds. Where does the data go?
Two UK Councils trialling AI Voice Assistants
A toothbrush for your whole mouth
Microsoft Accessibility Summit 2024 

Samba-Product-Photo-1024x539.jpg

So it's been a bit of a busy week in the world and the stories I'm presenting below are just a sample of what's going on.What I find particularly interesting is the fact that accessibility tech is being drawn into the "Great AI Frenzy". I mean I suppose it was inevitable, and (to the shock of some I think) there are actually genuine use cases for Machine Learning/AI both in the medical fields AND accessibility. The danger is when we start seeing "AI" being used where it's really not needed, or worse where it can do real harm.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/ndis-provider-goodhuman-forced-into-liquidation-owing-nearly-3m-20240308-p5fawd">Another NDIS Software Provider goes bust</a> (It's behind a pay wall)SAAS (Software As A Service) provider GoodHuman has been forced into bankruptcy with debts of up to $3 million owed to current and former staff. GoodHuman offered a range of services to NDIS Service Providers at the smaller end of the scale, including maintenance and storage of Customer Records, Digital Service Agreements and NDIS Budgets.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:72.82%;"><img src="/uploads/goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png" alt="goodhuman2.png" srcset="/uploads/thumbnail_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 245w, /uploads/small_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 500w, /uploads/medium_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 750w, /uploads/large_goodhuman2_20a6b0c7b1.png 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><figcaption>A screenshot of the services offered by GoodHuman</figcaption></figure>If GoodHuman is sold off piecemeal or picked up wholesale one of the key questions is going to be what happens to that data?<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://attoday.co.uk/ai-voice-assistant-service-communicates-information-to-residents-in-richmond-and-wandsworth/">Two UK Councils trial "AI Voice Assistant" for community members receiving adult or social care</a>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/">London Borough of Wandsworth</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.richmond.gov.uk/">London Borough of Richmond on Thames</a> have partnered with an "Conversational and Generative AI" company called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tovie.ai/">Tovie</a> to power a three month pilot of Generative AI powered Voice Assistants.The pilot will look at two use cases:<ul><li>In the first, they will be using an AI powered Voice Assistant to contact residents who are on waiting lists for different services (which services aren't specified) and inform them of their status and also gather relevant information.</li><li>In the second they appear to be pitching as a first level support service for people who are using devices provided by the councils.</li></ul><blockquote>The assistant will engage with them to understand their usage of the device, assist with troubleshooting should potential issues arise, and communicate any concerns back to the council team through a central mailbox.</blockquote>I'll see if I can follow up on this in three months time.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://newmobility.com/curaprox-samba-robotic-toothbrush/">New Powered toothbrush gives those with limited dexterity better cleaning power</a>&nbsp;It's amazing how doing something simple like brushing your own teeth can be both achingly frustrating and empowering at the same time. For people with low manual dexterity, brushing can be a chore, even a hazard.&nbsp;Now there's a new toothbrush on the market that's aimed at giving people with low dexterity back control. It looks like a beast but it seems to do the job.<img class="image_resized" style="width:50.52%;" alt="Samba-Product-Photo-1024x539.jpg" src="/uploads/Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg" srcset="/uploads/thumbnail_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 245w, /uploads/small_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 500w, /uploads/medium_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 750w, /uploads/large_Samba_Product_Photo_1024x539_e603a88488.jpg 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/03/07/ability-summit-2024-advancing-accessibility-with-ai-technology-and-innovation/">Microsoft holds 14th Annual Ability Summit</a>Microsoft has recently held its 14th Annual Ability Summit and announced a set of new tools and services coming to their platforms over the next few months.<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/03/08/create-inclusive-content-with-the-new-accessibility-assistant-in-microsoft-365/">Accessibility Assistant for Microsoft 365</a>: A tool that makes it easier to ensure that your power point presentations and word documents are as accessible as they can be</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/accessibility/seeing-ai-app-launches-on-android-including-new-and-updated-features-and-new-languages/">Seeing AI</a>: The MS visual description app has now been released on Android and has been expanded to support 18 languages with a target of 34 by the end of 2024</li></ul>Okay, that's it for this week. Let me know if this was helpful or if you have any stories or news or even just anecdotes around how technology either helps or hinders. You can get me on any of the links belowEmail: james AT angrybeanie DOT comMastodon: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aus.social/@purserj">@aus.social@purserj</a>Bluesky: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://bsky.app/profile/purserj.bsky.social">purserj.bsky.social</a>Threads: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.threads.net/@purserj">@purserj</a>Twitter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/purserj/">@purserj</a>

NEWS