Double Tap

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into two exciting tech developments that are making waves in the world of accessible technology. First up, they discuss the much-anticipated arrival of Audible support on the Victor Reader Stream 3, a feature that has been eagerly awaited by the blind and partially sighted community. This update not only brings Audible books to the device but also introduces several quality-of-life improvements, such as sorting books in alphabetical order on the bookshelf, faster SD card loading times, and a suspend mode to save battery life and speed up wake times. The update signifies a significant leap forward in making digital reading more accessible and enjoyable for users. The second big story is the launch of Meta AI in the UK, a development that has the hosts buzzing with excitement. Steven shares his firsthand experience with the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, demonstrating their ability to provide instant, accurate descriptions of his surroundings, from identifying a Rodecaster Pro audio mixer to recognizing a "phone banish box." The glasses not only offer a groundbreaking way for users to interact with their environment through AI but also introduce the possibility of video calls using the glasses' built-in camera. As they wrap up, the hosts touch on other tech updates, including new features for Zoom recorders that enhance accessibility for users who are blind or partially sighted, and the anticipation around the Kliks keyboard, a device that promises to bring back the tactile typing experience reminiscent of BlackBerry keyboards. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of tech topics, kicking off with an apology from Steven to Apple users for potentially causing a widespread need to reset Apple IDs - the conversation takes a humorous turn as they speculate on the cause and impact. They then shift to discussing the implications of passwords in today's digital age, advocating for the adoption of passkeys as a more convenient and secure alternative to traditional passwords. The episode also delves into the practicality of iPads for users who are blind, debating whether the device's screen real estate and iPadOS offer a substantially different experience from iPhones for VoiceOver users. The conversation takes an exciting turn with listener Gregg Hayes' detailed review of the Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Gregg, who has access to the AI features not yet available in the UK where Steven and Shaun live, demonstrates the glasses' capabilities, including asking for the weather, identifying objects, and navigating a strip mall with voice commands. He highlights how the glasses integrate with social media, music services, and enable hands-free operation, making them a potential game-changer for users who are blind or partially sighted. Gregg's review sparks a discussion on the future of specialized devices, as mainstream products like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses begin to offer similar functionalities at a more affordable price. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into an array of topics which lead into an insightful discussion on Tape It, a recorder app designed initially for musicians but has found a niche within the blind and partially sighted community. The creators of Tape It hadn't initially focused on accessibility, but after receiving feedback from a Canadian user who is blind, they realized the app's potential for a broader audience. This led them to learn about and implement VoiceOver features, significantly improving the app's usability for users. Steven talks to Thomas Walther, co-founder of the app, to chat about how Tape It harnesses the iPhone microphones to deliver high-quality audio recordings. Thomas also shares the journey of discovering the blind community's interest in the app and the steps taken to make it more accessible. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

This week on Double Tap on YouTube, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the world of gaming accessibility, a topic that's gaining momentum and sparking conversations among gamers with disabilities. The episode shines a spotlight on the Game Accessibility Conference happening in London, underscoring its significance in bringing together voices and innovations in the field. Also, Steven and Shaun discuss the rise of AI for assistance apps like Aira's new Access AI feature. They ponder the words of Aira CEO, Troy Otillio, who spoke to them recently about the new feature, what sets it apart and how privacy concerns can be eased. Plus they discuss the impact of a new service like this on already stretched staff within the Aira call centre. Plus there's the chance to find out about Lenovo's innovations. The company's Senior Technologist for the UK and Ireland, Graham Thomas, speaks to Steven about their new accessibility features being built into the keyboard. They also discuss broader accessibility, diversity and inclusion that is inspiring their latest computer designs. Get ahead of the conversation and check out the Double Tap YouTube channel every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the platform which you can find using this link: [https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleTapVideo]

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of topics, starting with Shaun's rant about the challenges of navigating trash day in the UK, which cleverly segues into a discussion about the newly announced WeWalk Smart Cane. They explore how this smart cane could potentially make navigating the streets easier for visually impaired individuals, especially on days when obstacles like bins and parked cars make mobility a challenge. The episode includes a detailed breakdown of the WeWalk Smart Cane's presentation, with audio clips from the event that describe the cane's functionality and the technology behind it. The hosts express their intrigue and optimism about the potential of the smart cane, while also acknowledging the importance of hands-on training to fully utilize its features. Furthermore, they touch on the significance of data and AI in enhancing mobility aids, mentioning how the WeWalk Smart Cane could collect useful data for orientation and mobility specialists to monitor and improve users' navigation skills. There's also more comment from Negative Julian about the use of on-board AI on devices, with further explanation offered by Steven and Shaun. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a mix of technology news and listener feedback. They discuss the potential TikTok ban in the US, with President Biden signing a law that requires TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the app to a US owner or face a ban. The hosts express skepticism about the security concerns driving the ban, questioning the evidence of TikTok sharing user data with the Chinese government and discussing the broader implications of such a move on social media and mental health. The episode also touches on the launch of WeWalk's new smart cane, sparking a debate about the involvement of the visually impaired community in the development of assistive technologies. Steven emphasizes the importance of engaging with the community to avoid pitfalls and create genuinely useful products. Listener feedback includes a voicemail from Stan, who shares his experience with the RecUp app and recounts a challenging train journey, highlighting the importance of accessibility and safety in transportation. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of topics, including an upcoming Apple event, the arrival of Meta AI in Canada, and a new AR headset designed for people with macular degeneration. The conversation shifts to the Double Tap team's plans for a month-long holiday, stirring a mix of excitement and the promise of staying "off the grid," despite past attempts that often ended with staying connected. The discussion emphasizes the importance of taking a break from the constant influx of tech news, especially with the rapid developments in AI. The episode then moves into the latest tech news, starting with speculation about the new iPads expected to be announced at the next Apple "Let Loose" event. They ponder the evolution of the iPad lineup and express a desire for a device that combines the functionality of a MacBook with the portability of an iPad, sparking a discussion on the ideal form factor for portable computing. Meta AI's expansion into Canada is another highlight, with Steven and Shaun expressing their excitement over the potential of smart glasses that offer real-time visual assistance and the ability to make video calls through WhatsApp and Messenger. The episode also features an interview by Allison Sheridan from the NosillaCast podcast with Mitchell Freeman from Ocutrx, discussing an AR headset designed to aid individuals with macular degeneration. The technology's potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by central vision loss is explored, showcasing an innovative use of AR in accessibility. Finally, the hosts address a voicemail from a listener, Negative Julian, who seeks clarification on the concept of on-device AI. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece kick things off with listener feedback, starting with Tom from Colorado who shares his insights on WhatsApp video messaging on Android, contrasting it with iOS. Tom also suggests the hosts consider using WhatsApp for listener interactions, highlighting the ease of sending audio and potentially video feedback directly through the app. Another listener, Shahzad, praises the Double Tap team for their engaging content and mentions the potential of kiosks in fast food restaurants for independent ordering by customers who are blind or partially sighted. Later, the episode covers a review of the All-Terrain Cane by a listener named Ron from Houston. Ron provides a detailed analysis of the cane's pros and cons, discussing its design, durability, weight, and how it compares to traditional white canes. He also raises concerns about the cane's visibility as a symbol of blindness, given its colour scheme which deviates from the traditional white. Listeners also contribute suggestions for navigating short distances outside, like taking out the trash and using apps like VoiceVista, Soundscape and NaviLens. These suggestions highlight the blend of technology and traditional orientation and mobility (O&M) techniques in aiding visually impaired individuals in their daily activities. The episode wraps up with discussions on European train travel accessibility and the challenges faced by travellers, emphasizing the variability in assistance across different countries and networks. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss Apple's decision to end the production of fine woven cases and watch bands, citing customer feedback on their lack of durability and premium feel. The episode also touches on the anticipation and speculation around Apple's future chip developments, specifically the transition from the M3 to the M4 processor in the Mac mini. A personal story from Steven about updating his old Lenovo laptop brings up frustrations with Windows updates and the complexities of Windows licensing and versioning. This sparks a debate on the simplicity and user-friendliness of operating systems, with a call for Microsoft to consider a more streamlined approach for consumers. Listener emails bring attention to ongoing issues with cinema accessibility, particularly the unreliable provision of audio description services. The hosts share their own experiences and frustrations, emphasizing the need for better training and awareness among cinema staff to improve the movie-going experience for patrons. Another listener raises concerns about the potential risks associated with new smart mobility aids like the Glidance system, especially in scenarios where drivers might not notice a blind person crossing the street. This highlights the broader challenges of navigating public spaces safely with assistive technology. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

This week on Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Sean Preece, along with guest Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet, start by diving into the innovative world of AI-powered devices, specifically focusing on the Rabbit R1. This device, highlighted at the Consumer Electronics Show, stands out for its unique capabilities, including its integration with large action models, which allow it to interact with third-party services and websites without formal collaborations. Also there's a chat about the new app called Project Tapestry that is now fully funded on Kickstarter. The app will allow people to bring their social media and their RSS news feeds together into one easy-to-use app. Iconfactory is the company behind the app and we spoke to the developer Gedeon Mayheux. And there's a chance to catch up with your feedback from previous episodes of Double Tap on YouTube. Get ahead of the conversation and check out the Double Tap YouTube channel every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the platform which you can find using this link: [https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleTapVideo]

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece cover a variety of topics, starting with an update on Seleste glasses and big news for YouTube users of third-party apps. The discussion begins with Seleste Glasses, focusing on the company's decision to drop the Wi-Fi component in their next iteration for better battery life and a slimmer design, leading to the dropping of real-time video. However, an email from the CEO of Seleste sent to Double Tap clarifies that real-time video streaming might still be possible through Bluetooth, similar to Meta Ray bands streaming to Instagram. The conversation explores the technical challenges of streaming clear, uninterrupted video feeds wirelessly, which is crucial for applications like Aira. Next, the hosts discuss YouTube's enforcement of third-party apps that block ads, highlighting the importance of advertisements in supporting creators and the platform. They express concerns about apps like Accessible YouTube Downloader Pro, which bypass ads, potentially violating YouTube's terms of service. The discussion emphasizes the need for these apps to comply with YouTube's policies to ensure creators are compensated for their work. Listener emails add further debate to the episode, covering topics from the importance of learning Braille and touch typing to personal experiences with self-consciousness due to physical appearance. A listener correction about the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant's location sparks a light-hearted moment. The episode concludes with an encouragement for listener participation, inviting them to share stories, reviews, and feedback, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Double Tap community. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into a variety of tech topics, maintaining their usual blend of humour and insight. They kick off by discussing their current health woes, sharing a light-hearted banter about colds and the remedies they've attempted. The conversation then shifts to a more tech-focused discussion, starting with Elijah's review of the Celeste glasses. This segment offers listeners a detailed look into the features, user experience, and potential of the Celeste glasses, a piece of accessible technology designed to aid users. Elijah's review is thorough, covering everything from the design and setup process to the app's main features like text scanning, scene description, and the smart assistant. He also touches on the practical aspects such as battery life, connectivity, and the potential for future third-party app integration, providing a comprehensive overview that could be valuable for anyone considering this technology. Throughout the episode, the hosts also engage with listener feedback on various topics. They discuss the potential of Tesla's self-driving technology, comparing it to Waymo, and explore the challenges and advancements in accessible navigation aids for people who are blind or partially sighted. The discussion is enriched by input from listeners who share their experiences, opinions, and even life hacks for navigating the world. One notable segment involves a listener's query about finding a practical solution for navigating from a building to a dumpster across a courtyard without a clear shoreline or guidance system. This prompts a broader discussion on the current state and future possibilities of outdoor navigation aids, highlighting the real-world challenges faced by people who are partially sighted. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into various topics, including the latest Android 15 updates, the buzz around AI, web accessibility, and the quirky challenges of modern smart home devices. They discuss the news that NVDA has received a major funding boost of $10,000 from Microsoft, as well as the news that Android 15 will have a new feature to help people who are blind use the fingerprint unlock on phones where the sensor is underneath the screen. Plus there's chat about Limitless AI, who have just announced a new hardware device aimed at helping you remember what's happened through your day. In the second half of the show, guest Jakob Rosin from Estonia joins the guys to discuss the pitfalls of relying too heavily on AI for web accessibility. He critiques web overlays that promise to make sites accessible but often fall short, emphasizing the need for human oversight in accessibility efforts. Rosin's insights highlight the importance of genuine commitment to accessibility, beyond superficial tech solutions. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece kick things off with a casual chat about their current health woes, joking about the myriad illnesses that seem to strike as the weather changes. The duo then dives into a discussion about a recent visit to an AI burger joint, "CaliExpress by Flippy," reported by The Guardian. They explore the implications of AI and robotics in the fast food industry, particularly in light of California's new $20 hourly minimum wage for fast food workers. The conversation raises questions about the future of employment in an increasingly automated world, the ethics of replacing human jobs with machines, and the potential societal impacts of such shifts. Steven and Shaun also address the critical reception of the Humane AI pin, highlighting a particularly scathing review by tech influencer Marques Brownlee. They debate the responsibility of reviewers with large followings to consider the impact of their critiques on emerging technologies and companies. Listener feedback and emails bring up topics such as the VoiceVista reading speeds, the Arcanite fingerprint reader's performance, and accessible fitness apps for interval training. The episode wraps up with a voicemail from a listener sharing his favourite travel destinations and experiences, prompting a light-hearted reflection on travel preferences and the value of exploring new places. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode focusing on the best of YouTube from this week, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss a range of topics related to technology and accessibility. They kick off with discussion on the Apple antitrust case brought forward by the U.S. Department of Justice, the implications of legal battles on technological innovation, and the broader impact on consumers and the tech industry. They are joined by Michael Babcock, who shares insights on the DOJ's case against Apple, discussing whether the legal actions are timely or necessary, given the tech advancements and changes already underway within iOS. Next up, they guys explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the increasing use of kiosks in various industries, from fast food to healthcare. Special guest Matt Ater from Vispero introduces JAWS for kiosk, a solution aimed at making kiosks more accessible to the visually impaired by providing voice guidance and other accessible features. This segment highlights the importance of inclusivity in technological development and the potential for accessibility solutions to broaden the usability of everyday technologies. And finally Samuel Green from Zoom North America discusses the new Essential range of audio recorders designed with accessibility features, including voice guidance and 32-bit float recording technology. This innovation aims to simplify the recording process for visually impaired users, emphasizing Zoom's commitment to inclusivity and the potential impact of accessible recording technology on the blind community. Get ahead of the conversation and check out the Double Tap YouTube channel every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the platform which you can find using this link: [https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleTapVideo]

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a significant update for Android users, specifically around Braille display compatibility. Matthew Horspool from the Braillists Foundation joins the conversation to break down the technicalities and implications of Android 15's beta release, which promises HID support for Braille displays. This development is poised to make a wide range of Braille devices more accessible to Android users, addressing long-standing compatibility issues and potentially transforming the experience for visually impaired Android enthusiasts. The episode also features a roundup of other tech news, presented by Grace Scoffield. Highlights include Waymap's impressive funding round to expand its navigation solutions, Roku's new certification requirements to boost accessibility, and speculation around Microsoft's ARM laptops potentially outperforming Apple's M3 MacBook Air. The segment wraps up with a nostalgic look back at the release of Windows 3.1, marking a significant milestone in computing history. Listeners contribute to the episode with thoughtful feedback on various topics, including the recent controversy surrounding Voice Dream Reader's subscription model changes and suggestions for micro Bluetooth devices to enhance the usability of devices like the Victor Reader Stream 2. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a mix of tech news, listener feedback and some intriguing discussions about smart technology, particularly focusing on Amazon's Lady A (Alexa) and the evolving landscape of smart speakers and AI. Steven and Shaun predict the future will bring a new wave of smart speakers powered by AI, which will likely require new hardware to support more sophisticated on-device processing. This conversation leads to a broader discussion on the potential impact of AI on accessibility, with both hosts recognizing the promise AI holds for making technology more usable for people with disabilities. However, they also acknowledge current limitations, such as accessibility issues on websites like chat.openai.com. Listener feedback plays a significant role in this episode, with emails touching on topics like using AI for cooking assistance and the importance of tactile feedback in mobility aids like white canes. The hosts also respond to a listener's critique about their skepticism towards smart canes replacing traditional mobility aids, clarifying that their concern lies more with the lack of community involvement in the development of such technologies rather than opposition to innovation itself. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece kick off another show filled with discussions on Pi, the AI assistant, and listener emails. The hosts start with a conversation about a one-cup hot water dispenser Steven is considering buying. This discussion explores the challenges of using traditional kettles and the convenience of a one-cup dispenser. Listener emails return the focus to proper technology talk, with an update on Pi, the AI assistant, and its significance in the partially sighted community. The email highlights a recent move by Microsoft in the AI space and emphasizes how AI assistants like Pi can simplify web navigation and information gathering for visually impaired users. The conversation shifts to Steven sharing his excitement about getting new slippers and anticipating a new family dog. Listener feedback continues to steer the episode, with discussions on accessible guitar tuners and navigating outdoor spaces using technology. The hosts explore various apps and solutions, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the diverse needs of their audience. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece kick things off with a chat about Pi AI, a personal AI assistant that's been generating buzz for its impressive performance and utility. However, one listener's experience with Pi AI, as shared through an email, highlights some accessibility hurdles, particularly with its user interface and voice interaction features, which sparked a broader discussion on the importance of accessibility in tech apps. The conversation then shifts to the Mac versus Windows debate, sparked by a listener's observation that despite the low percentage of Mac users who are blind, Mac often gets more airtime on tech podcasts. Steven defends his preference for Mac, attributing it to personal familiarity and the show's focus on his own tech experiences. This segues into a discussion about Chromebooks and their place in the tech ecosystem, especially in education, and how Google's Chromebook+ standard aims to ensure a quality experience for users, including those relying on accessibility features. Listeners also contribute to the episode with their tech queries and observations. Topics range from VoiceOver issues on iPhones, and preferences between Mac and Windows based on personal use cases, to leveraging tech for learning Braille and experiencing astronomical events like eclipses through accessible broadcasts. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the latest updates from Voice Dream Reader and explore a new tool to enhance web accessibility. First up, they discuss the recent changes announced by Voice Dream Reader. A listener, Graham, shares his discovery that the app's update notes suggest a shift away from a mandatory subscription model for legacy customers. This news sparks a detailed analysis by Steven and Shaun, who weigh in on the implications of this decision for both the company and its user base. They delve into the community's reaction, including the overwhelming feedback Voice Dream received, which ultimately led them to retract their subscription requirement for adding new documents. However, Steven and Shaun express concern about the sustainability of this decision, pondering how it might affect the app's future development and the broader context of app monetization strategies. The second part of the episode introduces a conversation with Oliver Emberton from Silktide, recorded by Allison Sheridan at the CSUN conference. Oliver presents a new Chrome extension designed to aid web developers in making their sites more accessible. This tool offers features like a screen reader simulator, a focus order visualizer, and a colour contrast checker, all aimed at simplifying the process of ensuring web accessibility. Allison's enthusiasm and insightful questions highlight the potential impact of such tools in promoting inclusivity online. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.