A Smarter Way to Stay Safe: Exploring the X-Sense Talking Smoke Alarm

In this episode, we’ve got a little something for everyone—from tech updates to travel logistics to summer savings! Summer Convention Sale We’re kicking things off with an announcement: our Summer Convention Sale is on! From June 24 through July 14, enjoy 30% off all audio documentation (hardware not included). If you’ve been interested in something from our catalog, now’s a great time to explore and purchase. Please note: • We’ll be attending the ACB convention in Dallas, followed by time in North Carolina from July 5 to August 25. • Hardware orders will ship after we return, but we’ll do our best to ship physical media like SD cards and cartridges while in North Carolina. Note that there may still be delays, however. • Kim will personally email all customers who order hardware or physical media with shipping reminders. Apple’s Latest Updates We briefly discuss highlights from the recent WWDC Apple event, including some upcoming software features we’re excited to try. We also touch on Apple’s new naming convention—with a helpful article Chris found that breaks it all down. Rural Internet Adventures Next up, we dive into our search for internet service at our rural summer home. After a few hiccups (you’ll hear all about them!), we landed on Verizon LTE Home Internet. In this segment, we share: • What equipment we received and a physical description • The setup experience • How it performs here in Western New York Bonus: It even worked post-Hurricane Helene in North Carolina—a big win! App Tour: Audiobooks.com To round things out, Kim takes you on a tour of the Audiobooks.com app. She explains how the service compares to Audible, why she decided to give it a try, and what she likes (and doesn’t) about the iOS app. Android users, don’t worry—there’s a version for you too. As always, thanks so much for listening. We’re grateful for your support!

In this episode, we demonstrate the X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm featuring voice location technology. Hear how it works, what sets it apart from traditional alarms, and why it might be a great addition to your home safety setup. If you choose to purchase through our Amazon affiliate link above, we may earn a small commission thanks for supporting the show! —

We hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we had creating it! Come along as we walk a few steps (maybe more, maybe less—no judgment here!) through a mix of nostalgic tech, helpful tools, and safety tips. In This Episode: Blast from the Past: The Primula Talking Coffee Maker We revisit our Blast from the Past series to chat about the quirky and charming Primula talking coffee maker from 2009—billed as “the world’s first talking coffee maker.” Chris gives a live demo and walks you through the speech prompts this unique machine offers. StepUp App: A Fun Way to Track Your Steps Next, we step into the world of modern health apps with StepUp, a free and fun step-counting app available for iOS and Android. We explore its features, settings, and why it makes walking a little more rewarding (even if our step counts are embarrassingly low… oops!). Screen Protectors: Worth It or Not? We share personal horror stories and practical advice about screen protectors. Spoiler alert: Yes, they’re worth it—and yes, quality matters! If you have a device with a glass screen, this section is for you. Smoke Detectors & Safety Tips Finally, we discuss the now discontinued Google Nest Protect smoke detectors and our plan to refit our home with new ones after all these years. We also share a super important tip: Smoke detectors expire after ten years! This segment is part teaser, part public service announcement—we want you to be safe! Thanks for joining us! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming demos and discussions.

In this episode, we kick things off with a travel tip that recently saved us $200—and it just might save you money too! Whether you’re booking flights, rental cars, or hotel stays (especially via Expedia), this simple trick is worth knowing. While we haven’t found an equivalent for train travel yet, we hope this helps with your summer plans! Next, we’re thrilled to share our official plans for ACB Dallas in July! If you’re attending, come say hi—we’d love to meet you while wandering the exhibits. With over 30 hours of train travel ahead, we decided it was time for some helpful new headphones. Enter the Tagry wireless headphones—featuring a 100-hour battery life, active noise cancellation, and great comfort. Kim unboxes them and demos pairing, voice prompts, and music playback. Chris shares his impressions after a few days of use. If you purchase from the above link, we will earn a small commission. To wrap up, Kim talks about a recent earthquake near her hometown. We introduce and briefly overview two accessible apps—My Shake and My Earthquake Alerts—that help track seismic activity in real time and are friendly to screen reader users. Both these are available for iOS and android. Thanks, as always, for listening and spreading the word. we appreciate you.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris and Kim kick things off by sharing some listener feedback, including a mention of Hartgen Consultancy’s valuable products and services. Next, with the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID quickly approaching, we dive into what you may need to know if you plan to fly and still need to get yours. We also take a moment to remind listeners about our upcoming Mac event and where you can find more details. Activate this link to download a free introduction. Activate this link to purchase the full product. As always, thank you so much for tuning in and being part of our community!

In this episode, we’re helping you prep for late spring and summer with affordable ways to stay cool and escape the heat—wherever you are. Cool Gadgets for Warmer Days Chris shares his experience with the Vornado TRANSOM window fan, which he used in our summer home last year. This powerful fan features a weather-resistant case, reversible exhaust mode, and four speeds. There are two versions available—one with a remote, and one that works with Alexa. Chris explains the differences and demos the Alexa-compatible version he just installed in his NY office. Want to grab one for yourself? Click here to check it out on Amazon – both versions are listed, so be sure to choose the one that fits your setup. Check the correct radio button to choose the version you want. Note that this is an affiliate link, so we’ll receive a small commission if you purchase from it. We also chat about: – Tower fans and why touch buttons might not be ideal – Windmill fans and how they compare – Those quirky personal coolers you fill with ice (aka “swamp coolers” in the South) Need an Escape? We demo two relaxing Alexa skills that can mentally transport you far away: Virtual Vacation and Forest Sounds Summer Travel Plans We wrap up with exciting news—we’re headed to ACB in Dallas this July by train! We share why we love train travel and hope to see many of you there. Thanks so much for tuning in. Whether you came for practical tips or a bit of virtual escape, we’re glad you’re here.

In This Episode: A Smarter Checkout, A Soothing Sleep Mask, and Budget-Friendly Streaming In this episode, we’re diving into three exciting updates and discoveries we think you’ll love. First up, we’ve made a helpful improvement to the checkout process at [MysticAccess.com](https://www.MysticAccess.com). Whether you’re updating your shipping address or entering one for the first time, the process is now much smoother and more intuitive. Next, we unbox a feature-rich sleep mask that’s become a new favorite around here. With speedy Bluetooth pairing, over 35 relaxing nature sounds, a comfy fit, and more than 15 hours of playtime, it’s a dreamy companion for a restful night. Tune in to hear our first impressions, and stick around for our follow-up thoughts after more hands-on use. The above link is our Amazon affiliate link. If you purchase from this link we may receive a small commission. Finally, if you’re looking for affordable, family-friendly TV and movies, [Frndly TV](https://www.frndlytv.com/choose-plan-2) could be just what you need. It offers over 50 channels, a rewind feature for live shows, and works beautifully with VoiceOver on iOS—a huge accessibility upgrade from the past! Kim walks you through the app and shows how it compares to another budget streaming service, [Philo](https://agoodmovietowatch.com/cord-cutting/comparaisons/philo-vs-frndlytv/). Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing the podcast with others. We appreciate you! Until next time…

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of podcasts! Whether you’re new to podcasting or a seasoned listener, we’re covering everything from finding topics that interest you to following your favorite shows. We’ll also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share insights from our own experiences with Apple Podcasts, the Wondery app, and other podcatchers we love. Not sure what a “podcatcher” is? No worries! We’ll break down helpful podcast terminology and take a nostalgic journey through the early days of podcasting. Plus, we’ll explore how podcast accessibility has evolved over the past two decades, especially for screen reader users. Want to dive deeper? Check out our in-depth audio documentation on efficient and enjoyable ways to listen to podcasts, whether you’re a tech expert or just getting started. Thinking about launching your own podcast? We’ve got you covered! Our step-by-step audio guide walks you through everything you need to know. There’s more to podcasting than you might think! Thanks for tuning in—we’re so glad you’re here!

In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics—so even if something doesn’t seem relevant to you at first, stick around! You might pick up some valuable insights or learn some lessons along the way. **Ring Camera Accessories & the Importance of Research** Chris shares his experience with the accessories he purchased for our newest Ring camera after an issue with the included mount. This serves as a reminder of why researching products and reading reviews carefully is so important. **The iPhone 16E & What’s Missing** With Apple’s recent announcement of the [iPhone 16E](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-debuts-iphone-16e-a-powerful-new-member-of-the-iphone-16-family/), we highlight some well-loved features that didn’t make the cut. We also offer tips on navigating the phone without a Home button, learning to successfully use Face ID, and adapting to the switch to a USB-C port. **Phone Cameras & Their Growing Importance** Phone camera quality continues to improve, and for those of us using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) or learning new skills, a high-quality camera can make a big difference. We discuss why this matters and what to look for. **The ESIM Advantage** As eSIM technology becomes more common, we explore why we personally like it, the benefits it offers, and why doing your research before switching is essential. **Affordable Phone Plans & Data Conservation** Major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T still dominate the market, but there are ways to access their networks at significantly lower costs. We break down the pros and cons of budget-friendly phone plans and share tips to help you conserve your precious mobile data. **Looking Ahead: Alexa+ & AI in Our Workflow** With Alexa+ set to launch in a few weeks, we discuss how to find out if your device will support it (some won’t) and share our thoughts on its potential impact. Plus, we touch on one way we use AI—specifically ChatGPT—in our professional lives. **Podcast Update: Changes to Our Episode Titles** Finally, we share an important update regarding our podcast episode titles. As always, thank you for listening and for spreading the word about Mystic Access! We truly appreciate your support.

In this episode, we dive into a mix of tech, fun, and surprises! We start by discussing our upcoming event focused on the BlindShell Classic 3 phone and how it compares to its predecessor. Then, we explore the WeWalk smart canes, comparing the first and second generations to see what’s new and improved. Next, things take a playful turn as we test out a transforming radio-controlled truck— Note: this is our Amazon affiliate link, ordering from this link, we may receive a small commission. Chris’s awesome birthday gift! And to wrap things up, Chris shares an unexpected discovery about his new office chair that might just surprise you. Topics Covered in This Episode: BlindShell Classic 3 vs. Previous Model– What’s new and what’s changed? – WeWalk Smart Canes– Comparing Generation 1 and 2. – Fun with a Radio-Controlled Truck – A hands-on test of Chris’s birthday gift. -A Surprise on Chris’s Indulgear Office Chair – Braille in unexpected places! Note: this is our Amazon affiliate link, ordering from this link, we may receive a small commission. Tune in for a mix of insightful discussion and lighthearted fun!