Techstravaganza

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  • Techstravaganza 2.0 Reminder for Thursday, December 11, 2025

    Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place tomorrow evening (Thursday, December 11, 2025) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern!

    Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:

    On this month’s Techstravaganza 2.0, we will explore how to navigate the Gmail app for iPhone and iPad using VoiceOver.

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team:

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening!

  • Adding and Viewing Multiple Accounts in the Mail App on iPad, Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025

    Setting up email accounts in iOS/iPadOS 26

    Siena demonstrated the process of adding email accounts to the Mail app on an iPad, focusing on VoiceOver accessibility.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed how to set up an iCloud email account as the first account
      • Siena: Demonstrated how to enable/disable iCloud Mail in Settings
      • Ali: Clarified that users don’t need an iCloud email account but might be prompted to create one for certain backup features
      • Jackie: Asked about setting up accounts without an iCloud email
      • Siena: Confirmed you can use any email address for your Apple ID
    • Conclusion
      • The Mail app guides users through initial setup when first opened
      • Users can enable or disable iCloud Mail through Settings > Apple Account > iCloud

    Adding multiple email accounts

    Siena demonstrated how to add Gmail and custom domain accounts to the Mail app.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed how to add accounts through Settings > Mail > Accounts
      • Siena: Demonstrated the authentication process including two-factor authentication
      • Siena: Explained how to select which services to enable (Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes)
      • Siena: Showed how to customize account labels for easier identification
    • Conclusion
      • Multiple accounts from different providers can be added to the Mail app
      • The Mail app recognizes account types (Gmail, Exchange, etc.) automatically
      • Users can customize account labels to make them more recognizable

    Siena demonstrated different methods for viewing and switching between email accounts.

    • Details
      • Siena: Showed how to use the sidebar on iPad to switch between accounts
      • Siena: Explained that on iPhone, users would use the “Mailboxes” back button
      • Siena: Demonstrated how to enable and use the “All Inboxes” feature
      • Ali: Mentioned he prefers using “All Inboxes” to avoid missing emails
    • Conclusion
      • Users can view individual account inboxes or combine them using “All Inboxes”
      • The iPad interface uses a two-column layout with message list and open message
      • VoiceOver users need to use the “containers” rotor setting on iPad to read messages

    Email app preferences

    Discussion about different email apps and their features.

    • Details
      • Ali: Mentioned he finds the Gmail app more reliable than the Mail app
      • Amanda: Shared that she prefers Outlook
      • Siena: Noted that Gmail app has better notifications and calendar integration
      • Ali: Discussed how Gmail app handles calendar invites directly in the email
    • Conclusion
      • Different email apps have various strengths and weaknesses
      • The Gmail app will be covered in a separate tutorial the following day

    Calendar app discussion

    A side discussion about calendar applications and subscriptions.

    • Details
      • Ali: Mentioned Fantastical’s features including live activities on lock screen
      • Amanda: Explained she stopped using Fantastical to avoid another subscription
      • Macara: Discussed conference call joining features in Fantastical
      • Ali: Noted he’s helped the Fantastical team improve accessibility
    • Conclusion
      • Fantastical offers useful features but requires a subscription
      • The group might do a tutorial on Fantastical in the future

    Coming Up

    Join us tomorrow evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern for Techstravaganza 2.0, where the Gmail app on iPhone and iPad will be explored. Next Wednesday, we will have the annual Zoom tutorial, which, depending on time on Wednesday, might have a followup on Thursday, Dec, 18, from 8:00 to 10:00 PM Eastern.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

  • Only 15 minutes to go! Techstravaganza Workshop for Wednesday, December 10, 2025

    Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a quick heads up that our Techstravaganza workshop is starting in 15 minutes (at exactly 1:00 PM Eastern) and will run until 3:00 PM.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at how to add and view multiple email accounts on the iPhone and iPad, as per participants’ request.

    Don’t forget that on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, we will be having our Techstravaganza 2.0 tutorial, in which we will take a look at how to use the Gmail app on the iPhone and iPad. Please stay tuned to this evening’s newsletter for details!

    Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:

    (Updated), What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for November and December 2025

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you shortly!

  • One Hour Reminder! Techstravaganza Workshop for Wednesday, December 10, 2025

    Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place in exactly one hour, and will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at how to add and view multiple email accounts on the iPhone and iPad, as per participants’ request.

    Don’t forget that on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, we will be having our Techstravaganza 2.0 tutorial, in which we will take a look at how to use the Gmail app on the iPhone and iPad. Please stay tuned to this evening’s newsletter for details!

    Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:

    (Updated), What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for November and December 2025

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you this afternoon!

  • Techstravaganza Reminder for Wednesday, December 10, 2025

    Happy Tuesday Techstravaganza Friends,

    This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, December 10, 2025) from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.

    Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

    Join the workshop!

    In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


    Join Zoom Meeting

    https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

    Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
    Passcode: 751106

    One tap mobile
    +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

    coming Up

    On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at how to add and view multiple email accounts on the iPhone and iPad, as per participants’ request.

    Don’t forget that on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, we will be having our Techstravaganza 2.0 tutorial, in which we will take a look at how to use the Gmail app on the iPhone and iPad. Please stay tuned to tomorrow’s newsletter for details!

    Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:

    (Updated), What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for November and December 2025

    Contact Us! Follow Us!

    If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

    Contact the team:

    Email

    support@techstravaganza.ca

    Like us on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

    Follow the Show:

    On Tunein

    http://tun.in/pxXlj

    On Apple Podcasts:

    On Audible:

    https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

    On iHeart:

    On Spotify

    https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    I look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon!

  • Additional Techstravaganza Workshop to be Held on Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

    Good morning Techstravaganza friends!

    I hope your Friday is off to a great start!

    As you may know if you’ve read our post about what’s coming up this month, we are having our annual Zoom tutorial on Dec 17.

    in case we don’t get to cover everything on the Wednesday, there will be another tutorial on Thursday, Dec 18, at 8:00 to 10:00 PM Eastern to cover what is left.

      There will also still be the usual Techstravaganza 2.0 on Thursday, Dec11, 2025.

      Find out What Else is coming up for the rest of this Month on Techstravaganza at the following link

      (Updated), What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for November and December 2025

      Contact the team:

      Email

      support@techstravaganza.ca

      Like us on Facebook

      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

      Follow the Show:

      On Tunein

      http://tun.in/pxXlj

      On Apple Podcasts:

      On Audible:

      https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

      On iHeart:

      On Spotify

      https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    • Techstravaganza, Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025

      Screen reader pronunciation settings on iOS

      Siena and Sherry demonstrated how to change pronunciation settings in VoiceOver on iOS devices.

      • Details
        • Sherry: Demonstrated accessing the pronunciation settings through Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Speech > Pronunciation
        • Siena: Explained that users can add words that are mispronounced and create phonetic substitutions
        • Siena: Used “Fogarty” as an example, showing how to spell it phonetically as “FOH GGER TY” to get the correct pronunciation
        • Sherry: Showed how to test pronunciations using the play button before saving them
      • Conclusion
        • iOS allows users to apply pronunciation changes to specific voices or all voices
        • Changes made on iPhone will sync to iPad and Apple Watch through iCloud
        • The process involves adding the word as spelled correctly, then creating a phonetic substitution

      Deleting pronunciations on iOS

      Drew (Jeroo) asked about deleting pronunciations, leading to a discussion about the process.

      • Details
        • Jeroo: Asked how to delete a pronunciation completely
        • Siena: Explained that with VoiceOver on, users can swipe down with one finger to access the delete option
        • Jeroo: Noted difficulty finding the edit button without VoiceOver
        • Siena: Located the edit button at the bottom of the screen
        • Jeroo: Confirmed that when using the edit button, red circles with minus signs appear next to entries
      • Conclusion
        • With VoiceOver: Swipe down on a pronunciation to access the delete option
        • Without VoiceOver: Use the edit button at the bottom of the screen, then tap the red circle with minus sign
        • The placement of the edit button at the bottom makes it difficult to find, especially for users with visual impairments

      Pronunciation settings on macOS

      Siena demonstrated how to change pronunciation settings in VoiceOver on macOS.

      • Details
        • Siena: Showed how to access VoiceOver Utility using Ctrl+Option+F8
        • Siena: Navigated to the Speech category and then the Pronunciation tab
        • Siena: Demonstrated adding a pronunciation by entering the original word and its substitution
        • Palmer: Asked for clarification on the process
      • Conclusion
        • Unlike iOS, macOS doesn’t allow setting pronunciations per voice
        • MacOS allows setting pronunciations per application
        • The process involves adding the word and substitution, with no explicit save button needed

      Pronunciation settings in JAWS

      Siena demonstrated how to change pronunciation settings in the JAWS screen reader.

      • Details
        • Siena: Accessed the Dictionary Manager through the JAWS context menu (Insert+J)
        • Siena: Showed how to add a word and its replacement pronunciation
        • Siena: Explained additional options like playing sounds instead of speaking certain words
        • Siena: Demonstrated how to specify language, synthesizer, and voice settings
      • Conclusion
        • JAWS offers more granular control than VoiceOver, allowing settings by language, synthesizer, and voice
        • Changes can be saved to the default dictionary or application-specific dictionaries
        • The process is similar to iOS and macOS but with more customization options

      Contact the team:

      Email

      support@techstravaganza.ca

      Like us on Facebook

      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

      Follow the Show:

      On Tunein

      http://tun.in/pxXlj

      On Apple Podcasts:

      On Audible:

      https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

      On iHeart:

      On Spotify

      https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

    • Only 15 minutes to go! Techstravaganza Workshop for Wednesday, December 3, 2025

      Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

      This is a quick heads up that there are only 15 minutes left to go until our upcoming Techstravaganza workshop! The workshop will start promptly at 1:00 PM, and will run until 3:00 PM Eastern.

      Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

      Join the workshop!

      In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


      Join Zoom Meeting

      https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

      Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
      Passcode: 751106

      One tap mobile
      +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

      coming Up

      On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at how to correct mispronunciations in VoiceOver on both the iPhone/iPad and the Mac. Time permitting, we will cover how to do this in JAWS for Windows. Special tohanks to guest speaker Sherry Foster who has offered to help with the iOS portion of the tutorial!

      Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:

      (Updated), What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for November and December 2025

      Contact Us! Follow Us!

      If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

      Contact the team:

      Email

      support@techstravaganza.ca

      Like us on Facebook

      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

      Follow the Show:

      On Tunein

      http://tun.in/pxXlj

      On Apple Podcasts:

      On Audible:

      https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

      On iHeart:

      On Spotify

      https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

      I look forward to seeing you shortly!

    • One Hour Reminder! Techstravaganza Workshop for Wednesday, December 3, 2025

      Happy Wednesday Techstravaganza Friends,

      This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place in exactly one hour, and will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.

      Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

      Join the workshop!

      In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


      Join Zoom Meeting

      https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

      Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
      Passcode: 751106

      One tap mobile
      +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

      coming Up

      On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at how to correct mispronunciations in VoiceOver on both the iPhone/iPad and the Mac. Time permitting, we will cover how to do this in JAWS for Windows. Special tohanks to guest speaker Sherry Foster who has offered to help with the iOS portion of the tutorial!

      Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:

      (Updated), What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for November and December 2025

      Contact Us! Follow Us!

      If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

      Contact the team:

      Email

      support@techstravaganza.ca

      Like us on Facebook

      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

      Follow the Show:

      On Tunein

      http://tun.in/pxXlj

      On Apple Podcasts:

      On Audible:

      https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

      On iHeart:

      https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-techstravaganza-301161434?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=trueAp

      On Spotify

      https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

      I look forward to seeing you this afternoon!

    • Techstravaganza Reminder for Wednesday, December 3, 2025

      Happy Tuesday Techstravaganza Friends,

      This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, December 3, 2025) from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.

      Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.

      Join the workshop!

      In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:


      Join Zoom Meeting

      https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87541152813?pwd=kjXUohW4pxWKcYtiIQiHSd5ynZ6Mga.1

      Meeting ID: 875 4115 2813
      Passcode: 751106

      One tap mobile
      +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada

      coming Up

      On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at how to correct mispronunciations in VoiceOver on both the iPhone/iPad and the Mac. Time permitting, we will cover how to do this in JAWS for Windows.

      Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:

      (Updated), What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for November and December 2025

      Contact Us! Follow Us!

      If you have any questions or topic suggestions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team.

      Contact the team:

      Email

      support@techstravaganza.ca

      Like us on Facebook

      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578990010675

      Follow the Show:

      On Tunein

      http://tun.in/pxXlj

      On Apple Podcasts:

      On Audible:

      https://www.audible.ca/podcast/Techstravaganza/B0FWTHWQG7?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

      On iHeart:

      On Spotify

      https://spotify.link/vVGru9nKBXb

      I look forward to seeing you tomorrow afternoon!

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