Today on the show, Steven and Shaun listen to your feedback on the best backpacks for travellers who are blind. Listeners Jenine and Lena chime in with their thoughts, and listener Greg shares his views while also sharing his disillusionment with technology news. And, on that topic, we discuss the rumours about Apple’s new Vision Pro headset not gaining as many new developers to create apps for the new device; but is it all as it seems? Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversat...
Aug 11, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss an alternative to Be My AI, the new feature coming soon to Be My Eyes users that will enable people who are blind to identify, get descriptions for, and analyze images. However, while the beta is due to open up to more people soon, you can try the feature courtesy of the new Bing Chat app. Regular contributor and podcaster Thomas Domville (also known as Anonymouse) demonstrates the feature. Also, Steven has been buying again, but it’s not something wit...
Aug 10, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun really do make it all about you, with a read through your emails and a listen to your voicemails. All of this of course comes after a healthy dose of banter about Shaun looking like an upside-down camel. Full details within! We hear from listener Debbie from Toronto, who is wondering how to join the OpenScape beat. Details to join are here: https://testflight.apple.com/join/yAwt6vYy Plus there are comments from Aaron on using the new OpenFit earbuds from Shokz...
Aug 09, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the latest rumour about the new iPhone 15 to be announced in early September. Also, as Zoom encourages its staff to return to the office, the guys discuss the benefits (or lack thereof) of being in the office versus working from home. And there are more of your comments on using backpacks, stronger mobility aids such as the All Terrain Cane, and a question from Greg on whether a crow is smarter than Steven following his attempts to thread a lanyard thr...
Aug 08, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun review the week in tech news with Grace Scoffield. There's also a review of the Peloton bike accessibility features from listener Gavin, while Ron gets in touch to share his thoughts on the Slinger Slim lanyard device for your smartphone. Plus, we hear more of your comments on lanyard solutions. We are also joined by Gregg Hayes from Phoenix, Arizona, to talk about his recent experience of trying out a driverless car with his guide dog alone. Get in touch with...
Aug 05, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss Steven’s recent trip to London, England, where he decided to go it alone and try travelling without assistance. How did that go, and how is London coping with that decision? Also, there’s more of your feedback, including a question from Bev on the ability to navigate using a walker, and listener Ron sends in a review of the Slinger Slim lanyard device for the smartphone. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@do...
Aug 04, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss whether or not beta software should be as accessible to the general public as it currently is. Take Apple's latest iOS 17 beta; it is currently available for developers but the company decided to waive the developer beta fee, meaning anyone could sign up and, with the recent updates, it is easier than ever to go ahead and install it. But does this cause more harm than good, in particular when it comes to accessibility? Steven lays out his argument agai...
Aug 03, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the use of backpacks and the importance of the right one for all our blind needs when on the move, including a spare cane! But is there a backpack that is top in its class that is durable and can hold everything we need to carry with us? Also, for the more adventurous amongst you, there is a new cane out there called the All Terrain Cane that promises to withstand the elements while guiding you safely around town, or even on that mountain climb you are...
Aug 02, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the ongoing debate around lanyards and hear about some of the many, and varied, options that exist courtesy of our amazing audience. Listener Lena joins the chat with a full description of some really useful ID badge-style lanyards with holders, and Michael Babcock chimes in with his thoughts on the Slinger and Slinger Slim, which you can, helpfully, buy from AT Guys! Links for Lena and Michael’s choices are here: Travelon Id and Boarding Pass Holder -...
Aug 01, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun read through more of your email comments, including more on audio description, ongoing assistive tech deals during July and website accessibility issues. Plus, Michael Babcock from the UnMute Presents podcast drops by to share a quick tip on how to benefit from Portable Preferences for VoiceOver on the Mac, meaning you can backup your important preferences and also take them with you to use on another Mac if needed. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and joi...
Jul 31, 2023•52 min
Today on the Express, Steven and Shaun wrap up another week of tech news with the latest headlines from Grace Scoffield, including news of a new device to aid communication for people who are Deaf-blind. Also, there’s news of a new Android version of ChatGPT and Samsung’s latest products announced at their Unpacked event. Also, there’s an update on the Braille laptop, called the Optima, from Ali Kushner from AccessMind, and details of new enhancements to Siri from disability advocate Colin Hughe...
Jul 29, 2023•52 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun find out more about the upcoming Optima braille laptop device from one of the partners involved in its creation. Add Kushner from AccessMind joins the guys to talk about feedback they have been receiving that they intend to implement into the device and also what feedback they have been getting from competitors in the braille tech space. Also there’s more feedback from you, in particular on the subjects of audio description, braille and literacy and also commen...
Jul 28, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun listen to more of your feedback, including comments on the blind experience, threading of lanyards and a new console coming from Bristol Braille Technology soon. Also, listener Peter, from Guernsey, sends in his demo and thoughts on the Orbit Writer Braille input keyboard following much discussion about the Hable One. Listener Kay also chimes in with her thoughts after trying both devices. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: ...
Jul 27, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun talk about the challenge of using lanyards. Yes, we are serious! Also, there’s an interesting email from Wayne that asks questions about the future of tech apps like Aira and how they could replace physical support workers in the future, and why Twitter has become what it has. Michael Babcock joins in, too, with a look at the updated Envision app, and listener Peter starts a conversation about the use of AI as a replacement for human friendship and relationshi...
Jul 26, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun read through more of your feedback, including Jenine’s Prime Day woes, and a request for demos from Darren in Northern Ireland. Plus, Shaun reveals how cheap he is when buying no-name chargers online, with a warning from Steven. And disability advocate Colin Hughes joins us to discuss his latest success with Apple after advocating Siri could be more useful when wearing AirPods in order to authenticate making a call or sending a message while wearing them. It’s...
Jul 25, 2023•54 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the latest news from Elon Musk, that Twitter will be rebranding to X. What does this mean for the fledgling social network? Also, there are more of your comments on the subjects of blind pride, Braille and even handbags! 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 Yo...
Jul 24, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the week’s news in accessible technology, including a look at a new app called Vizling that can make content, such as comic books or maps, accessible. Listener Lena got in touch to share her thoughts on the app and reviews it this week. You can get the Vizling app at the following app stores: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vizling/id6444816899 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vizling Our main feature this week comes courte...
Jul 22, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss more of your comments and listen to your feedback. Also, listener Lena gets in touch to share a review of a new app she has found called Vizling, that aims to make multimodal content more accessible. That could be a comic book, a piece of art or a map. You can download the app at the following app stores: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vizling/id6444816899 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vizling Get in touch with the Doub...
Jul 21, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, there are more highlights from Sight Village in England courtesy of listener Tim Dixon. Tim talks to Philip Ward, from a company called Seeing Solutions, which manufactures a product called the Mini Guide. It’s a navigation device that can be held in your hand or attached to your mobility aid as you move around your environment. Then, Tim speaks with Stuart Lawlor, at Sight and Sound Technology, about the new SensePlayer from HIMS and also to Freek van Welsenis, co-founder of ...
Jul 20, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun are joined by Tim Dixon, who has been attending Sight Village in England this week. While Shaun and Steven argue over smart LED curtains, Tim talks to Ellis from VisionAid Technologies about a new range of products they are bringing out over the next few months, including a new CloverBook XL text reader, the Dot Pad and VoxiVision. You can read all about their new arrivals by visiting the website - https://www.visionaid.co.uk/new-arrivals Also, Tim finds out a...
Jul 19, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun read through more of your comments and feedback, including a review from listener Felix of Threads, the new social media app everyone is talking about. Also, there’s a question from listener Shahzad on what the best Android phone is for people who are blind. And, listener Tim Dixon joins us from Sight Village in England to talk about his experiences and what he has had his hands on, as well as bought, at the event this year. Get in touch with the Double Tapper...
Jul 18, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun relax with a nice cup of coffee and listen to more of your feedback and comments. There’s everything to discuss, from Braille learning to audio description, and even why older tech is becoming challenging for some people. And there are a few comments following the passing of Dougal Dog, a huge part of the Double Tap family. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) /...
Jul 17, 2023•52 min
Today on the Express edition, Steven and Shaun look back on the big stories we covered this week, starting with a review of the main tech stories from Grace Scoffield. Also, there’s a chance to hear our chat with Jason Fayre on the question of whether 3D printers could be used to print out Braille. There’s another chance to hear listener Lena’s wonderful demonstration of the Call Annie app. And, later in the show, there’s a chance to enjoy our conversation this week with Andy Squires, who is bli...
Jul 15, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun take a break for a second to say a fond farewell to Steven’s beloved dog Dougal, who has been part of his life for 14 years but, sadly, had to be put to sleep on Thursday. Steven pays tribute to his loyal friend and companion and shares his memories with Shaun, who has also experienced this moment in the past. The show moves on to react to your feedback and comments on the subject of being questioned about your sight level, and why Mastodon is a good place for...
Jul 14, 2023•53 min
One thing is for sure at Double Tap: You never quite know what you are going to get! Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss Shaun’s latest software find, called Logitech Options+ which lets him add new functionality to his MX Keys keyboard. Also, there’s a beautiful message from listener Robbie who tells us about the impact our show on blind advocacy had on him personally. Also, Jason Fayre from Toronto joins us to talk about 3D printing and answers our questions on whether the technology c...
Jul 13, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun talk about Braille and Steven’s dive into the world of dots. The pair chat about the benefits of learning Braille and why hard copy Braille is better in the early years of learning as opposed to using Braille displays. Steven also shares his thoughts on the best ways to get started in learning and Shaun questions why there are so few resources to get started. There are also lots of comments around the unofficial "Grade 3" Braille code and chats about how usefu...
Jul 12, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss Steven’s latest purchase: A new pair of Open Fit earbuds by Shokz, the company previously known as AfterShokz. These are a new type of earbuds from the company known for its bone-conduction headsets that are popular with people who are blind and runners alike, due to the open-ear nature that allows you to move around outdoors without any sound being blocked by anything in your ear. They are available worldwide now and cost $179 USD. Also on the show, S...
Jul 11, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss more of the big tech news stories and listen to your feedback, including comments from Jeanette on a wide range of topics, and a question from Ronnie on where Negative Julian got those NFC buttons. Here’s the link to the buttons on eBay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/273885060871?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=g2z8biyDRiq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=k80j4iLjRuO&var=&widget_ver=arte-mis&media=EMAIL In a special repor...
Jul 10, 2023•52 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun are joined by Michael Babcock and Damshe Thomas, from AT Guys, to talk about their experiences of both the NFB and ACB conventions they visited this week. We also discuss some of the tech they got hands-on with, including the new Orbit Speak from Orbit Research; and find out about some of the interesting companies displaying their wares, including Blind Girl Designs and IRIE-AT. Michael also got the chance to catch up with Sam from the popular YouTube channel ...
Jul 08, 2023•53 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun read through more of your feedback, including comments on Aira pricing from listener Robbie; the longevity of Braille embossers by Camille; and an interesting discussion starter from Mary, who suggests the answer to the long-term success of Braille would be to make it possible for it to be larger and more spaced out. Get in touch with the Double Tappers and join the conversation: Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Call: 1-877-803-4567 (Canada and USA) / 0204 5...
Jul 07, 2023•52 min
