Apple Music Interface Navigation

The session began with Siena demonstrating how to navigate the Apple Music interface using VoiceOver.

• Details
  • Siena: Demonstrated how to search for songs using the search field at the bottom of the screen
  • Siena: Showed how to navigate through search results and access additional options through the “More” menu
  • Ali: Assisted with explaining interface elements and navigation techniques
  • Liz: Asked about the difference between iPad and iPhone interfaces
  • Siena: Explained that iPad uses a sidebar navigation that isn’t present on iPhone
• Conclusion
  • The search field in Apple Music is located at the bottom of the screen
  • VoiceOver users can access additional options by swiping up or down when focused on a song

Technical Issues with Audio Playback

There were technical difficulties playing Apple Music audio through the screen sharing feature.

• Details
  • Siena: Attempted to play “Everybody Plays The Fool” by Aaron Neville but the audio wouldn’t come through the screen share
  • Ali: Suggested focusing on demonstrating the interface rather than troubleshooting the audio issues
  • Siena: Tried alternative methods to share audio but was unsuccessful
• Conclusion
  • Apple Music doesn’t allow audio playback through screen sharing
  • The workshop continued with a focus on interface navigation rather than audio demonstration

Creating and Managing Playlists

Siena demonstrated how to create playlists and add songs to them.

• Details
  • Siena: Created a new playlist called “Siena’s favorite 60s songs”
  • Siena: Showed how to search for songs and add them to the playlist
  • Siena: Added “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan, “Turn Turn Turn” by The Birds, and “Good Morning Starshine” by Oliver
  • Liz: Asked about reordering songs within a playlist
  • Siena: Demonstrated how to access the edit function through the “More” menu and reorder songs
• Conclusion
  • Creating playlists requires navigating to the library tab and selecting the playlist option
  • Songs can be added to playlists from search results using the “More” menu
  • Reordering songs requires accessing the edit function through the “More” menu, then using swipe gestures to move songs up or down

Searching Within Your Library vs. Apple Music Catalog

Discussion about how to search specifically within your own library rather than the entire Apple Music catalog.

• Details
  • Liz: Asked how to search only within her library rather than all of Apple Music
  • Siena: Demonstrated that users need to go to the library tab first, then select a category (songs, artists, or albums), then use the search field that appears
  • Liz: Noted that she preferred searching just her library to avoid getting multiple versions of songs
• Conclusion
  • To search within your library: go to Library tab > select category (Songs, Artists, Albums) > use search field
  • The main search tab searches the entire Apple Music catalog
  • You can tell if a song is in your library by checking the available actions (it will show “Delete from library” instead of “Add to library”)

Apple Music vs. YouTube Premium

Discussion comparing Apple Music to YouTube Premium and which service offers better value.

• Details
  • Ali: Questioned why he should keep paying for Apple Music when he already has YouTube Premium which includes YouTube Music
  • Siena: Mentioned Apple Music has features like crossfade and better Siri integration
  • Ali: Noted he doesn’t use Siri and finds YouTube Premium more valuable overall
  • Ivy: Requested a future tutorial on YouTube Premium to help decide if it’s worth subscribing
• Conclusion
  • YouTube Premium offers more features that most users would benefit from (ad-free videos, background play)
  • Apple Music has specific features like crossfade that might appeal to DJs or music enthusiasts
  • Personal preference and specific use cases determine which service provides better value

iTunes Library Migration

Discussion about what happened to iTunes purchases after the transition to Apple Music.

• Details
  • Ivy: Asked what happened to songs purchased through iTunes now that iTunes no longer exists
  • Ali: Explained that purchased songs remain in the user’s library regardless of Apple Music subscription
  • Geoff: Shared that he had to unhide his purchases as they were hidden during the transition
• Conclusion
  • iTunes purchases are still accessible in the Apple Music app
  • Some users may need to unhide purchases that were hidden during the transition
  • The music library combines both purchased songs and Apple Music content

Radio Stations in Apple Music

Brief discussion about accessing radio stations through Apple Music and geographical restrictions.

• Details
  • Ivy: Asked about radio features in Apple Music
  • Geoff: Mentioned that voice commands can be used to play specific radio stations
  • Hans: Noted that some stations are geo-restricted based on country
  • Baxter8686: Shared that they listen to BBC Radio 4 and other international stations through Google Home
• Conclusion
  • Apple Music includes radio station access
  • Many radio stations are geo-restricted due to streaming licenses
  • Alternative methods like using smart speakers may provide access to international stations

Find out What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza in February at the Following Link

(corrected), Updated, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for January and February 2026

Contact the team:

Email

support@techstravaganza.ca

Like us on Facebook

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On Apple Podcasts:

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On iHeart:

On Spotify

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Discussed topics

Uber app setup and account creation

Siena demonstrated how to download and set up the Uber app from scratch on an iPad.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed how to download the Uber app from the App Store and set up an account using a phone number
  • Siena: Demonstrated the account verification process using a one-time password (OTP)
  • Siena: Explained notification settings and permissions needed for the app to function properly
• Conclusion
  • The Uber app requires location access, contact access, and notifications to function properly
  • Users can sign in with phone number, email, Apple ID, or Google account

Safety features in Uber

The group explored various safety features available in the Uber app, with particular focus on PIN verification, trusted contacts, and emergency settings.

• Details
  • Siena: Demonstrated how to access safety settings and set up trusted contacts
  • Jeff: Shared his experience with PIN verification, mentioning that drivers can accept the last 4 digits of your phone number instead
  • Hans: Explained that the PIN is generated for each ride and appears in the app when a ride is confirmed
  • Ivy: Asked about where to find the PIN in the app
  • Ali: Helped navigate through the safety settings screens
• Conclusion
  • Users can enable PIN verification for added security when getting into an Uber
  • Trusted contacts can be added to share trip status and for emergency situations
  • The app allows recording of rides for safety purposes
  • There was a technical issue with VoiceOver not announcing trusted contacts that were added

Service animal accommodations

The group discussed how to set up service animal accommodations in the Uber app.

• Details
  • Liz: Asked about Uber drivers’ obligations regarding service animals
  • Siena: Located and demonstrated the service animal settings in the accessibility section
  • Palmer: Mentioned recent news stories about drivers refusing service to people with service animals
  • Ivy: Shared concerns about driver screening and safety
• Conclusion
  • The Uber app has specific settings for service animals under Accessibility settings
  • Users can disclose service animal information to drivers who will be reminded of legal obligations
  • Enhanced support is available if issues arise, including waived cleaning fees

Booking a ride with Uber

Siena demonstrated the process of booking a ride through the Uber app.

• Details
  • Siena: Showed how to select a destination and pickup location
  • Siena: Explained different ride options (UberX, Uber XL, Comfort)
  • Jeff: Mentioned that the pickup location selection is very sensitive to touch
  • Liz: Asked about pricing and whether it changes if the ride takes longer due to traffic
• Conclusion
  • Users can select from different ride types based on their needs and budget
  • The app provides fare estimates upfront
  • Users can schedule rides in advance
  • According to Ivy, significant delays due to traffic may result in additional charges

Accessibility features for blind and low vision users

The group discussed various accessibility features in the Uber app specifically designed for blind and low vision users.

• Details
  • Siena: Demonstrated how to access and configure accessibility settings
  • Jeff: Mentioned that he had set his low vision status in the app
  • Ivy: Shared an experience where not disclosing her low vision resulted in a taxi leaving
  • Ali: Emphasized the importance of disclosing vision status when booking rides
• Conclusion
  • The Uber app has specific settings for blind and low vision users under Accessibility
  • Users can choose to disclose their vision status to drivers
  • Disclosing vision status helps drivers provide appropriate assistance

Technical challenges with VoiceOver

The group encountered and discussed technical issues with VoiceOver not properly reading certain elements in the Uber app.

• Details
  • Siena: Experienced issues with VoiceOver not announcing trusted contacts that were added
  • Jeff: Confirmed visually that the contacts were actually added despite VoiceOver not announcing them
  • Jeroo: Also confirmed seeing the contacts on screen
  • Ali: Suggested it might be a VoiceOver issue rather than an app issue
• Conclusion
  • VoiceOver in iOS 26.3 beta has some issues with certain app elements
  • Siena will report the issue to both Apple and Uber
  • Users may need to “trust the process” when VoiceOver doesn’t announce all elements

Headphone discussion

After the main presentation, participants discussed various headphone options, particularly focusing on bone conduction headphones.

• Details
  • Siena: Described her Shokz OpenCom 2 bone conduction headphones with boom mic
  • Ivy: Asked questions about AirPods and how they might have become unmuted during the meeting
  • Liz: Asked about options for connecting wired headphones to newer iPhones without headphone jacks
  • Palmer: Discussed latency issues with Bluetooth headphones
• Conclusion
  • Bone conduction headphones like Shokz are a good option for those who want to hear their surroundings
  • Lightning to headphone jack adapters are available for connecting wired headphones to newer iPhones
  • Bluetooth headphones can have latency issues that affect VoiceOver responsiveness

Uber driver requirements and safety concerns

Participants discussed concerns about Uber driver requirements and safety issues.

• Details
  • Liz: Asked about qualification requirements for Uber drivers compared to taxi drivers
  • Ivy: Shared concerns about limited background checks for drivers
  • Palmer: Mentioned that drivers are supposed to take training but the content is unclear
  • Ivy: Recounted stories about safety incidents with Uber drivers
• Conclusion
  • There are concerns about the level of screening and training Uber drivers receive
  • Some participants expressed hesitation about using Uber for longer trips to unfamiliar areas
  • The group was uncertain about accident protocols for Uber drivers

Find out What’s Coming up on Techstravaganza at the Following Link

(corrected), Updated, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for January and February 2026

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

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Perplexity App Introduction and Setup

Siena demonstrated how to install and set up the Perplexity app on an iPhone.

• Details
  • Siena: Walked through the installation process, showing how to sign in using Google, Apple, email, or single sign-on
  • Siena: Explained the app’s interface including library, discover, and ask buttons
  • Siena: Demonstrated how to dismiss initial prompts and navigate the app
• Conclusion
  • The app has a straightforward setup process with multiple sign-in options
  • The interface includes library, discover, and ask sections for different functionalities

Basic Search Functionality

Siena demonstrated how to perform basic searches in Perplexity using a question about the Beatles song “Let It Be.”

• Details
  • Siena: Asked “In what key is the song Let It Be by the Beatles?”
  • Siena: Showed how to select search modes (fast answers, deep research, etc.)
  • Siena: Explained that free users get limited Pro searches per day
  • Siena: Demonstrated how Perplexity provides detailed answers with citations
  • Rob: Commented that the information could help improve his guitar playing as a self-taught musician
• Conclusion
  • Perplexity correctly identified the song is in C major and provided additional musical details
  • The app cites sources for its information, enhancing credibility
  • The app offers different search modes with varying depths of research

Follow-up Questions and Conversation Flow

Siena demonstrated how to ask follow-up questions to create a conversational flow with Perplexity.

• Details
  • Siena: Asked follow-up questions about who composed “Let It Be”
  • Siena: Showed how Perplexity maintains context between questions
  • Rob: Shared his surprise about learning that “Mother Mary” referred to Paul McCartney’s mother, not the Virgin Mary
  • Ivy: Asked if there was a voice option for the app
• Conclusion
  • Perplexity maintains context between questions, creating a conversational experience
  • The app provides detailed answers with interesting background information
  • Users can scroll to find the “Ask a follow-up” text field at the bottom of responses

Music Information and Sheet Music

The group explored Perplexity’s ability to provide music-related information, including chord sheets and lyrics.

• Details
  • Liz: Asked if Perplexity could read piano music to a blind person in small chunks
  • Siena: Demonstrated asking for lyrics to “Let It Be”
  • Siena: Attempted to get sheet music for various songs
  • Rob: Requested chord information for “Glimpse of Us” by Joji
  • Siena: Found that Perplexity provided chord progressions but noted copyright limitations for newer songs
• Conclusion
  • Perplexity can provide lyrics and chord progressions for songs
  • The app has limitations with providing complete sheet music due to copyright restrictions
  • Older songs have fewer copyright restrictions than newer ones

Voice-to-Voice Mode

Siena demonstrated Perplexity’s voice interaction capabilities.

• Details
  • Ivy: Asked if there was a voice option in the app
  • Siena: Located and demonstrated the voice-to-voice mode
  • Siena: Played a game of Hangman using voice commands
  • Ivy: Noted this would save typing and be more convenient
• Conclusion
  • Voice-to-voice mode allows for hands-free interaction with Perplexity
  • The mode is effective for playing games and maintaining conversational flow
  • Voice mode requires microphone permission

Creative Content Generation

Siena tested Perplexity’s ability to generate creative content by requesting a Harry Potter fanfiction.

• Details
  • Siena: Asked Perplexity to write a Harry Potter fanfiction story
  • Siena: Read the generated story about Albus Potter visiting a wandmaker
  • Liz: Commented “Who needs novelists anymore?” impressed by the quality
• Conclusion
  • Perplexity can generate creative content with minimal prompting
  • The app creates contextually appropriate stories within established fictional universes
  • The quality of generated content impressed participants

Comparison with Other AI Tools

The group discussed how Perplexity compares to other AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.

• Details
  • Max: Asked how Perplexity differs from ChatGPT and Gemini
  • Siena: Asked Perplexity directly for a comparison
  • Ali: Mentioned she works extensively with Google systems
  • Max: Mentioned another tool called Orion for finding objects
• Conclusion
  • Perplexity excels at citation-backed answers to real-world questions
  • ChatGPT is better for long-form creative work
  • Gemini works best for those deep in the Google ecosystem
  • Different AI tools have different strengths and use cases

Recipe Search Functionality

Liz asked about Perplexity’s ability to find recipes.

• Details
  • Liz: Asked if Perplexity could find a recipe for Dutch apple pie
  • Siena: Demonstrated searching for the recipe
  • Siena: Showed how to ask follow-up questions about apple types
  • Ivy: Asked about cursor placement for follow-up questions
• Conclusion
  • Perplexity can provide detailed recipes with ingredients and instructions
  • The app can answer specific follow-up questions about cooking techniques and ingredients
  • Navigation requires scrolling to find the follow-up question field

Discussion of Orion App for Object Finding

The group discussed another AI app called Orion that helps find objects.

• Details
  • Max: Introduced Orion as a tool for finding and identifying objects
  • Liz: Asked if it could help find lost items like hearing aids or identify spices
  • Ashlyn: Suggested smart glasses could help with similar tasks
  • Ali: Proposed making Orion a future Techstravaganza tutorial topic
• Conclusion
  • Orion is designed specifically for finding and identifying objects
  • The app requires patience as users need to move their phones slowly
  • The group agreed to make Orion a future tutorial topic in March

Find Out What’s Coming up on Techstravaganza at the Following Link

(corrected), Updated, What’s Coming Up on Techstravaganza for January and February 2026

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