What the heck has the Serotek team been up to? Working hard in the basement for you of course! And what has all that resulted in? Well, one of our most comprehensive updates. In fact, you might call it the mother of all updates! We’re calling it Sero. On the surface, it’s going to be a universal experience that will bring together our software services under a single app. “Sero,” after all, means “connected,” so it only made sense to develop an interface that will keep you connected across different platforms. It’s the first time in assistive technology history that users can enjoy a consistent user experience regardless of whether you’re on Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, or Apple TV. The move to a single app means a great foundation for upward mobility. We can now deploy faster updates across the board. It means voice chat and text chat at home on your computer or on the road via your smartphone. It means the ability to download content from our ever expanding library, starting a movie on your Mac or PC and finishing it up on your tablet. You’ll be able to better rate, share, and favorite the content you want and lots more! Yes, there will be some changes. For one thing, you’ll note … [Read more...] about Sero: The Mother of All Updates
SAMNet
What’s New at Serotek?
You guys may’ve heard the Tek Talk broadcast the other night where Mike Calvo and Matt Campbell covered some changes at Serotek. Didn’t catch it? Click here and listen at your leisure. Or, if you’d rather read about some of our changes, here’s a breakdown: Windows 10 It's clear by now that although Windows 10 attempts to make Windows 7 users feel at ease with the return of the Start menu, the new operating system unapologetically builds on the foundation that Microsoft laid with Windows 8. The cornerstone of this foundation is an application platform and user interface style that has gone by many names. It was once called Metro. Microsoft later referred to apps based on this technology as "Windows Store apps". We have often called them "modern apps". Microsoft currently prefers the name "Universal Windows Platform". Whatever you call it, it's even more pervasive in Windows 10, from the moment you enter your password on the Windows sign-in screen. You'll also find the new style of user interface in the Action Center, where you can review and respond to notifications, and in the Settings app, which is the modern equivalent of the Control Panel. Even the Start menu, meant to entice … [Read more...] about What’s New at Serotek?
Self-service Just a Call Away
Don’t you hate it when you call your tech vendor only to find out you’ll need to try again when someone is available? We do too. That’s why, in addition to changing a number of account settings within your Serotek product, you can now also make adjustments via the telephone. The self-service options are available via telephone at: 866-202-0520, or 650-249-1000. By calling either number, you will be able to: 1. Reactivate suspended service 2. Schedule an appointment with technical support 3. Update payment information 4. Repair Serotek software on any of your computers that are connected to the net Please note: You must call the system using the telephone number on file to be automatically identified as a current user. From now on, if you’ve lost your SAMNet password or PIN, you can reset it via e-mail, or the system can call you at the telephone number on file to reset it. Note: We have chosen to eliminate PINs moving forward. From now on, new customers, and customers resetting passwords, must choose a stronger password. This will help ensure the security of your account and personal information. If you choose to reset your password via phone, you will receive a temporary PIN which … [Read more...] about Self-service Just a Call Away
The Return of SPN
Reprinted from SeroTalk.com. So, what’s the scoop? Is SPN dying a slow death? Well, that’s what skeptics would have you believe, but thank goodness SPN is the intrepid cat that keeps coming back and feeling more than ready to rise to the challenge! Let’s start with staff changes. To that end, we’ll begin with your Serotek Communications Director. I oversee the company’s external channels. Hence, the SPN platform and its staff fall under my supervision, an excitingly daunting prospect to be sure. My philosophy for SPN moving forward is pretty straightforward: Recruit the best talent to bring you the best information you can count on. But, I am boring. Let’s move onto a couple of the people who are the real stars behind this operation. Derek Lane and Hope Povenmire are Serotek’s new Co-Content Directors. They have quickly become my trusted pilots at the helm, and our highly engaging strategy sessions make me confident you are going to be in really good hands. For everything that goes well, thank them. For anything that goes wrong, blame me. Derek in His Own Words My primary hobby and professional work have always dealt in different aspects of audio production. I learned how to run … [Read more...] about The Return of SPN
Serotek Announces iBlink Radio for the Mac
Earlier this summer, the "accessibility anywhere" people brought you exciting updates to our iBlink Radio app across multiple mobile devices, including iOS, Android and Amazon's Kindle Fire product line. Our commitment to providing cross-platform access continues with the release of iBlink Radio, with the SAMNet Connect feature, for the Mac. Now you can access all your favorite blindness-related radio stations, podcasts, and local and national radio reading services either from your mobile device or your Mac computer. Additionally, if you're a SAMNet subscriber, you can access all your news, entertainment, SAMNet forums, notes, media library and much more right from within the iBlink Radio app. The best part is that if you use iBlink Radio from multiple devices, your activity is synced across each device so you never lose your place. What is iBlink Radio? iBlink Radio is a free app providing access to global radio stations, podcasts and local and national reading services of special interest to the blind and visually impaired. The app was inducted into the highly acclaimed AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame in December 2011, and and is often promoted as a must-have app for consumers … [Read more...] about Serotek Announces iBlink Radio for the Mac
Exciting Update to iBlink Radio!
Serotek is proud to announce an updated version of iBlink Radio for iOS, Android, and now the all new Amazon Fire OS! The latest version of the software that many have called "The Pulse of the Blind Community" is taking Serotek's mission of "Accessibility Anywhere" to an entirely new level to include "accessibility On Any Mobile Device." That's right! You can now enjoy all of your favorite iBlink and SAMNet content across all of your mobile devices on IOS, Android, and now Amazon's Fire OS. Enjoy enhanced access to your SAMNet account and community through the all new SAMNet Connect feature. Download content so you can play it while you're on the plane or in an area with spotty connectivity. Switch from device to device and never lose your place in your favorite podcast, audio-described movie, or other content. A SAMNet subscription is required for some features. What in the World is SAMNet? System Access Mobile Network (SAMNet) is the world’s largest consolidation of entertainment and social networking for the blind community. Unlike other online social networks, the system is completely accessible. Your monthly or annual subscription unlocks thousands of Internet radio stations, … [Read more...] about Exciting Update to iBlink Radio!
Serotek And SPN at this year’s Summer conventions
There’s a lot to be excited for at this year’s NFB and ACB summer conventions, and whether you’re jetting off to Orlando or Vegas to enjoy them in person or you’re experiencing them from the comfort of your own home, Serotek and SPN have got you covered. First, we’re proud to announce updates to iBlink Radio for Android and iOS devices. We’ve been hard at work on an API (Application Programming Interface) which will make it easier than ever for third-party vendors to access your favorite Serotek services from other devices. Our Android update, which will be found in both the Google Play and Amazon stores once approved, is the first app to use the Serotek API, and we’ll have more partnerships to announce in the coming months. This release supports SAMNet Connect, allowing you to enjoy your favorite SAMNet content from your Android device, and even download it for offline listening. iBlink Radio for iOS will also see an update, available in the app store once approved, which adds improved performance and the ability to download content to your iDevice for offline listening. Whether you’re listening from iBlink Radio or elsewhere, The SeroTalk Podcast Network will bring you the most … [Read more...] about Serotek And SPN at this year’s Summer conventions
Working in Partnerships to Better Serve You
Partnership and collaboration are terms more commonly associated with social causes. Two nonprofit organizations get together, combine their efforts, and deliver better services for their beneficiaries, but at Serotek, a for-profit venture, we’re in the business of working with partners inside and outside of the assistive technology industry to provide you with awesome opportunities. You may have heard of our In It to Win It promotion. The short version is that SAMNet and Accessibility Anywhere subscribers are randomly selected to win a prize just for being subscribers. Each month we will feature a different vendor. In February the lucky winners were: Jim Fettgather Wendy David Christine Shade Each received their choice of a charm for their cane or a dog bone charm from Laura Legendary’s Elegant Insights Jewelry shop. If you’re interested in being the featured business for an upcoming month, drop us a note. It’s a great way to spread word of your products to one of the fastest growing consumers bases on the web. Also, we recently partnered with BillSparks.org to expand our radio content. If you’ve never heard of it, BillSparks.org is a large online database of radio streams … [Read more...] about Working in Partnerships to Better Serve You
A Word to Ambassadors
If you haven’t signed up for our Serotek Ambassador’s Club, what’s the holdup? It’s the perfect way to sell the products you already use and love and earn cash while you’re at it. Call us crazy, but that sounds eerily like a win/win for everyone involved. Click on over to the S A C page for all the detes. If you’ve already jumped in, our very own Lisa Salinger from the SeroTalk Podcast Network has produced a tutorial to help maximize your experience. Learn what to avoid, keeping records, and other concrete tips to make your time in the Club that much more enjoyable. Download the presentation and then head on over to the exclusive S A C forum to swap ideas on winning strategies. While we’re on the subject of tutorials, don’t forget about our growing repository of frequently asked questions. We’re also adding more audio to our support page, and the user forums on SAMNet are always hopping with tips and tricks. In other words, you have a growing range of tools and resources to be a star Ambassador. Questions? Hit us up in the comments, drop us a line, or give us a ring: 1-866-202-0520. Don't miss a post from the Serotek Blog. You never know when a promotion might be headed your way! … [Read more...] about A Word to Ambassadors
In it to Win it: The Easiest Contest you’ll ever enter!
If you’re a current SAMNet or Accessibility Anywhere subscriber, you surely already feel like a winner. But what if your membership in the SAMNet community could be made even better, with a chance to win free stuff? We’re not going to make you write a limerick about accessibility to enter the drawing which will take place each month, though we’d no doubt find it entertaining if you did. We won’t make you write a five-paragraph essay on the merits of SAMNet voice chat, though you’re welcome to do that too. Instead, we’re making it surprisingly easy. All you have to do is be a current subscriber to a SAMNet or Accessibility Anywhere package, opt in to be eligible for promotions and giveaways, and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win fantastic prizes from members of our own community. To do this: Access the “my account” section of your software. Choose the link to edit contact information. Check the box to be eligible for promotions and giveaways. While you’re there, be sure all your contact information is accurate so we’ll have no problems getting in touch with you when you win. The talent in our community is nothing short of amazing, and we are delighted to … [Read more...] about In it to Win it: The Easiest Contest you’ll ever enter!
