Double Tap

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun review the latest announcements from Meta Connect, despite saying they wouldn't! The pair chat less about the new mixed reality headset and more about the new Ray-Ban Stories glasses that feature video-calling, audio and even AI capabilities (in the U.S. at first). But will the camera on the glasses be available to apps like Aira and Be My Eyes? Also, Steven presents a solution to the challenge he has had for a while, editing a video clip easily. He shows how you can use QuickTime on the Mac to easily trim video clips for sharing on social media. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss a news story that has been circulating suggesting the company might be about to put a price on Alexa. The company has been quoted as saying that, following new generative AI features announced last week, it may be time for a subscription model to be added to Alexa. Also, we hear a demo from listener Elijah in the voice of Amazon Polly showing off a smartwatch with a difference: it's running a full edition of Android software. The watch also features a camera and with the Android software installed, can run most apps from the Google Play Store. But, it's a project not for the faint-hearted, as Elijah explains. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss more of your feedback and comments from the Inbox. We also spend time with Maxwell Ivey, who is known online as the Blind Blogger. Max is an accessibility advisor who spoke at last year's WordPress Accessibility Day event and shares with us his feelings on the state of web accessibility in 2023, how we should combat inaccessibility, and how AI could play a part in making the web easier to navigate for all of us. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the launch of Be My AI to the world with Mike Buckley, the CEO of Be My Eyes. The three chat about the rise of the Open AI-enabled feature that allows people who are blind to investigate photos and learn more about the world around them. Also, Shaun reviews the new feature and demonstrates how it will work in practice for everyone. And there's more of your comments and feedback as always. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun talk about the subjects you've been chatting about following the last week of Double Tap episodes. First up, it was all about the SoundCurtain, and Shaun's apparent dismissiveness of the feature. However, they were both corrected that it is a feature for people who use Braille displays, and also for those who are Deaf-blind and don't want their audio to be blasting out in public while they are unaware. There was much discussion on the use of iPads. Some prefer it as a secondary device, due to the battery implications features like GPS can have on their smartphone. Listener Lena gets back in touch to share an update on the Weatherology app following a listener's concerns, and Camille tells us why the episode of Double Tap hosted by Michael Babcock and Shaun Preece was the "best one ever!" However, it is first-time contributor Jackie's emails that almost get the tears flowing as she tells the guys what Double Tap means to her. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

Starting with the big headlines from the week, Andy Frank (also known as Mr. F) joins us to share the announcements from Microsoft and Amazon this week, including big software and hardware news but also a spotlight was shone on accessibility; and we have all the news. Plus, Steven reviews the Kapsys SmartVision 3 mobile smartphone, which is a Google-certified device that runs full Android 11, has a touchscreen, but also a tactile T9 keypad. Steven puts it through its paces and gives you an idea of how it works. And listener Derry Lawlor shares his thoughts on a talking dictation device: the Olympus DM-770. It's almost the last device of its kind but offers an accessible and easy way to take, store and share notes, thoughts and even interviews accessibly. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the major announcements from Microsoft following their big event on Thursday, 21st September. Also joining the guys is Robin Christopherson, to mull over the big news of AI Copilot support coming in Windows 11, and to raise concern about the new Outlook app that replaces the existing Mail and Calendar apps. Will the new app be accessible for users who are blind? Also, there's much discussion on how AI will transform accessibility; does this let developers of inaccessible websites off the hook? Robin and the guys discuss. And of course, there's the usual fawning over new hardware, from the new Surface Laptop Go 3 to the big upgraded Surface Laptop Studio 2. Which one would you want to own, and with all these new features, what does it mean for our existing hardware? Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formerly Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun review the latest announcements from Amazon at their devices and services event, held on the 20th of September. They are joined by Robin Christopherson from the UK’s AbilityNet charity, and together they chat about the new Echo Show 8, as well as a range of other new hardware announcements across their Fire TV and smart home security camera lineup. Also, there was much discussion about Alexa’s new voice that will be coming next year, as well as improvements in generative AI, meaning more conversational capabilities for the smart assistant. However, with much talk on a visual approach to the smart home, what does that mean for the audio-only Echo devices out there? The guys discuss this and more. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X/Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the Kapsys SmartVision 3 mobile phone that Steven received recently. In his review, Steven discusses the value of having the touch screen as well as a physical T9 keypad and demonstrates how to navigate the Google-certified Android device by cursor keys alone. Also, he shows off the dictation and Google Assistant button on the side of the device. And there’s more thought-provoking conversation starters from you the listeners. We hear from first-time listener Eric, who asks about the best online dating apps for people who are blind, while Aaron raises questions about the way we consider ourselves as part of society, and whether or not society is to blame for disabling us, or do we hold responsibility for our own lives. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567(Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X/Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Shaun receives a reckoning over his comments about touchscreen devices vs. smart feature phones and devices that don’t require a touchscreen. Listeners weigh in on the subject perhaps, or perhaps not, fairly squaring their aim at Shaun. Also, there’s more discussion on the biggest issue of the day: how to pour milk into a cup. Listeners offer their suggestions. And Derry Lawlor very kindly shares a demo of his new Olympus DM-770 dictaphone that features voice guidance. But are these types of devices on the way out and should we as a blind community demand they stay? Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the new features available from today in the latest iOS update for iPhones. There’s also more of your feedback, including concerns about using X as an average user, comments about the new SoundScape app from NCBI in Ireland. Listeners also chime in with their stories of dealing with people who don’t understand sight loss or disability in any way. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formally Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the big news stories of the week, and review all the headlines we missed, with Mr. F at the helm and delivering this week’s Double Tap News. There’s also a chance to catch up on all of our coverage of the Apple Event and a review of an incredibly easy app for Windows that can help you use YouTube more accessibly. And, Michael Babcock joins us to talk about screen recording using your iPhone and also ensuring you include VoiceOver in the mix. Especially useful when you are trying to send a review of an app to a developer. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formally Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the breaking news that HumanWare has announced it is working to bring a fix to the Audible issue on their new Victor Reader Stream 3rd Generation by the first quarter of 2024. Also, Andrea Voss from the CNIB joins the guys to chat about their ongoing partnership with LEGO and how you can get your hands on the new Braille Bricks from their CNIB SmartLife store. Link here: https://www.cnib.ca/en/news/lego-introduces-braille-bricks?re-gion=on And of course, there’s more of your feedback, including suggestions for backpacks, and also a solution for those times you can’t seem to download a file on Microsoft Edge without it being blocked! Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X (formally Twitter): @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

As Techtember rolls on, Steven and Shaun discuss two upcoming events. Amazon events were always known for the sheer amount of new products they unveiled. Just what can we expect to see this year? Microsoft may not be quite as fun as an Amazon event, but there’s no denying their hardware expertise. Steven tells us of his experiences using a Surface Pro and why he really wants a Surface Laptop. All these plus spiders, gardening, non-sweaty wristbands and, of course, your feedback. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Well, what else was today's episode going to be about? Steven and Shaun are joined by Michael Babcock as they discuss their thoughts on Apple's latest offerings. Is the excellently named "Double Tap" gesture of the new Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches enough to make people want to upgrade their current hardware? Likewise, does the convenience of the new USB-C connector on the iPhone 15 family make the iPhone 15 a must-have device? The trio give their answers and dig a little deeper to see what other new features may be lurking in the shadows. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun make a solemn promise to actually do what they said they would do, but will it happen? First up, good friend of the show Robin Christopherson talks about the accessible YouTube app he has been playing with on Windows to make it easier to navigate the content. Here’s a link to the app: https://ddt.one/en/software/accessible-youtube-downloader-pro Also, Michael Babcock is back to share his tips on screen recording with an iPhone, in case you ever want to get in touch with a developer to share the challenges you are having with an app, for example. And there’s more of your feedback on the subjects of blind pride and the revival of SoundScape. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun offer us a treat of two new tasty demos, however in true Double Tap form the whole plan goes out of the window when Steven gets distracted by himself! Instead, we focus on an article from journalist Steven Aquino, who is blind, that raises his concerns over the excitement of Apple switching from lightning to USB-C connectors in their upcoming lineup of tech. However, Steven is unsure it’s a strong argument and shares his thoughts. Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevena-quino/2023/09/07/switching-the-iphone-from-lightning-to-usb-c-has-bigger-implications-than-convenience/ Also, Steven has been buying again and this time around it is a new Bluetooth speaker called the Soundlink Flex. It’s a waterproof speaker that can offer up to 12 hours of listening pleasure while connected via Bluetooth. Steven comments on its style and sound, but will it impress Shaun? Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

On today's show, Steven and Shaun share some of the highlights from recent interviews and listener app demos. We start off with Mike Buckley and Shaun discussing the latest developments in the upcoming Be My AI feature in the incredibly useful Be My Eyes app. It's then on to two fantastic app demos from our listeners. WikiTrip gives you lots of details about landmarks around you while Weatherology gives your local weather report a personality. It's then back to the interviews with Lucy Begley, from HumanWare, talking to Steven all about the new Victor Reader Stream 3rd Generation. Finally, Jason Fayre, from Toronto, stops by to share an update on his experiences with the HIMS SensePlayer device. Is the new firmware giving him new reasons to be excited about the player? Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) X: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Michael Babcock takes the hosting chair today while Steven is away, and immediately jumps into tech with a discussion on how to make sure you are always in the frame when it comes to video conferencing on your computer. Shaun talks about his experience with the fantastic Windows app Can You See Me and Michael tells us of a similar app for the Mac called CenteredHead. After more talk on everything from Windows vs. Mac and browser problems, it’s on to a listener lesson for Shaun regarding his trouble using a liquid level indicator. Just how do you make the perfect cup of tea or coffee, and will Shaun admit to being a secret finger dipper? Listener Ken also emails us about his recent purchase of the Leaden Wireless Bluetooth MP3 polarized sunglasses. With a price tag of only $15.99, just how do they compare to the far more expensive options out there in the audio sunglasses market? There’s more listener feedback with a voicemail from Scout giving his opinion on the reasons why people want stand-alone devices such as the Victor Reader Stream 3 and the SensePlayer. But with the prices of these devices creeping close to the cost of smartphones are they pricing themselves out of the market? Finally, Wayne emails in to share his experiences with sonar mobility devices such as the UltraCane and Sunu Band. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the issues around Windows for many users who are blind and why some are considering making the switch to Mac. Also, Mike Buckley joins Shaun to discuss the latest developments in their new upcoming Be My AI feature, and Mike talks about their recent partnership with LEGO. And listener Lena gets in touch with her latest app demo on Weatherology, which brings a touch of personality to your weather reports. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 571 3354 (UK) Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir