Double Tap

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

Today on the show, Steven opens up about why he started on new medication and the apps and tips he has to get himself fit. Also, listener Negative Julian weighs in on the conversation around older people and technology. Is it a redundant argument coming from people who don’t fully understand where most people are coming from when they lose their vision later in life? And, 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) Twitter: @BlindGuyTech / @ShaunShed / @DoubleTapOnAir Mastodon: @DoubleTap YouTube: DoubleTapOnAir

Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss more of the topics you are raising from your emails and feedback. We hear comments about the All Terrain Cane and the UltraCane smart device as well as one listener’s experience of using Door Detection on her iPhone. Plus, we learn all about the WikiTrip app from one of our listeners and Lucy Begley from HumanWare meets Steven in a library to tell him all about the new Victor Reader Stream 3rd Generation. 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 welcome back Matt Ater, VP at Vispero, to walk us through how the JAWS Kiosk works in practice. Also, Matt unveils some of the new features coming up in JAWS 2024. 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 welcome Matt Ater, VP at Vispero, to talk all things JAWS and JAWS Kiosk. Ee learn about the concept of the JAWS Kiosk and how it came about, and discuss the thorny topics of blindness and capability, and why being blind scares so many sighted people. 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 celebrate a new season of Double Tap on AMI-audio. There’s a lot to talk about, too, from your comments and emails including how AI will form part of our everyday lives and what that could mean for us as people who are blind. Also, the subject of what literacy means is back in the conversation, and we hear about a new newsletter for all things iPhone. 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 share an exclusive story about the relaunch of the popular SoundScape app that was previously created by Microsoft. The tech giant made the decision to turn it into an open-source project late last year and developers have since started building their own versions, including Voice Vista and Open-Scape (which is still in beta at this time). But how sustainable are these individual apps without backing from major groups or organizations? That’s the question the Scottish Tech Army posed when considering bringing the application back to life. Today, we meet Kirsty McIntosh from the Scottish Tech Army to explain how their project got involved with SoundScape, and what they are doing to ensure the app returns to its former glory and is also sustainable in the longer term. Plus we get an instant reaction from long-time user of SoundScape, AMI-audio’s own Becki Zerr, who drops in to give her thoughts following her comments to Double Tap earlier this year after the news Microsoft was retiring the project. The app is available now and you can download it from the Apple App Store here: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/soundscape/id6459021379 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 big breaking news of the day: Shaun has started drinking coffee! Well, there is other news too, such as the Apple Event announcement that is likely to showcase new iPhones and Apple Watches on September 12th. Also, Amazon is holding their next special product event on September 20th, but what will they show off? And, we meet Steve Ewell, who is the Executive Director at the Consumer Technology Association Foundation, which is the non-profit arm of CES (Consumer Electronics Show) that takes place at the beginning of each year in Las Vegas. Steve talks to Steven about a contest offering those who are creating products for older people and those with disabilities a platform at the event, with a booth and money towards travel being included in the prize. It’s a great opportunity to share the work of an accessible product, app or service. More information about the contest is here: https://www.cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Founda-tion/Eureka-Park-Accessibility-Contest 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