Requirements and Setup

Requirements

• iPhone with iOS 15 or above
• eBird account (create at ebird.org if needed)
• The OpenComm2 Bone Conduction Stereo Bluetooth Headset by Shokz:
  • A noise-canceling boom microphone is essential in the field. Other options like Airpods or the phone's built-in microphone only work well in very quiet environments or in the car.
  • The bone-conduction headset keeps ears unobstructed for birding by ear.
  • This particular model works quite well with BirdTalk. Recently, inexpensive Chinese knock-offs have appeared, but these are so far untested. Online reviews leave some doubt about their quality. Caveat emptor.
  • (optional) Add wind muffs such as Lavalier Wind Muff 2 Pack for even better recognition accuracy in windy environments.
• If the headset is a no-go for some reason, one option is the less expensive Neck Phone Holder which allows one to position the phone near one's mouth for hands-free use.
  • Not as effective nor as comfortable as the noise-canceling boom mic.
  • Is a little heavy around the neck
  • Works well in quiet locations.
  • Although BirdTalk's speaking back can be set to low volume, others nearby will hear it.

Setting up BirdTalk

Get Beta Access

Email your request to stevebt@membot.com:

• Include confirmation that you're willing to provide regular feedback to help improve BirdTalk
• Your email address will be used only for communications with you about setting up and operating BirdTalk.
• Wait for email confirmation that you've been added as a beta tester

Set up Bluetooth Headset

Pair the headset with your phone following the manufacturer's directions.

Set up TestFlight

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone
2. Search for "TestFlight", the official Apple app for beta-testing
3. Download and install the TestFlight app
4. Sign in with the email address you use with apple.com.

Set up BirdTalk

1. Open TestFlight
2. Look for BirdTalk in available beta apps
3. Tap "Install" next to BirdTalk
4. Wait for installation to complete
5. Install Siri if you haven't before. This activates speech recognition.
6. If there are any issues, contact us at BirdTalkSupport@membot.com

WiFi or Cellular Connectivity

• Connectivity required for initial setup and installation
• Works offline in the field after initial setup
• Need connectivity when you upload completed checklists to eBird

iPhone Permissions

If the phone asks, enable for BirdTalk's use:

• Microphone access;
• Speech recognition; and
• GPS, for recording observations and checklist locations

Using BirdTalk

Next: Go to Getting Started for a quick run through of the most common commands.