In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven and Shaun talk to retired judge David Tatel, author of the new book, "Vision, a Memoir of Blindness and Justice." However they start off the episode with the big news of the IT outrage that impacted businesses around the world. The issue seems to be centred around Microsoft's cloud platform, Azure, and a cybersecurity software called Crowdstrike. An update from the security company combined with a failure of Azure systems has led to computers worldwide...
Jul 19, 2024•57 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss a variety of topics, starting with their recent Amazon Prime Day purchases, exploring the features of the Blink video doorbell and comparing it to other smart doorbell options. The guys also dive into the Inbox to hear your emails and voicemails. They address topics such as the Apple Vision Pro device, the Optacon and MX Keys keyboard, highlighting their functionalities and benefits. The hosts also discuss the importance of accessibility fe...
Jul 18, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven and Shaun discuss various tech gadgets and innovations showcased at the NFB and ACB conventions. They begin with a series of comments from listeners starting with Negative Julian who laments that Steven and Shaun are stuck in their ways with their thinking on wearable devices, and that they should stop whining about their experiences! Plus there's comment from Glendon and Tom following Julian's remarks about the alternative types of wearables out there...
Jul 17, 2024•56 min
On this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss a range of topics including the shocking news that there is now a new colour for Apple's HomePod Mini: midnight. They also discuss the upcoming launch of AMD's Zen 5 AI processors and the differences between x86 and ARM architecture for those who don't know. Shaun also talks about his latest purchase - an Amazon Eero WIFI 6E Pro mesh system - but has it solved his wifi woes? Listener feedback includes discussions on the challenges people wh...
Jul 16, 2024•56 min
On this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss the latest Samsung devices, including the Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, Galaxy Watch 7, and Galaxy Watch Ultra, as well as the new Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. They explore the features and pricing of these devices, as well as the potential for accessibility with TalkBack on Samsung devices. They also discuss the concept of ecosystems, comparing Apple and Samsung ecosystems, and discussing the challenges and advancements in Android smartwatch...
Jul 15, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap on YouTube, Steven and Shaun discuss the visual description app called PiccyBot, how audio description needs to maintain human narration with a leading AD provider, and what they've both been buying ahead of Amazon Prime Day. The conversation begins with the developer of PiccyBot, Martin Van Der Spek. They discuss the app's features, development process, and the impact it has on the blind and low vision community. Martin shares his journey from creating Talking Gogg...
Jul 14, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by Brett Hallie, a retired software engineer with a background in working at Apple. Brett shares insights into his journey at Apple, starting from his hardware engineering work with the Apple II to his involvement in the development of software like Mac OS X and Final Cut Pro. He discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning Apple's operating system, the pressure of working under Steve Jobs, and the importanc...
Jul 12, 2024•58 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discussed a variety of topics including the use of inclusive language and new keyboards from Logitech. The concept of inclusive language and its relevance in the disability community makes up a significant portion of the conversation, with the guys sharing personal experiences and insights on the challenges people who are blind face in navigating the world and dealing with misconceptions from the public. Plus there's a look at cool new keyboards fr...
Jul 11, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss the latest tech that was on show at the NFB Convention in Florida recently, and Steven reports on a product recall by the RNIB in the UK. The guys begin with listener emails that bring up topics including accessible air fryers and Steven's new puppy. Also, there's much cheer for the renewal of Double Tap for another season and sadness expressed at the decision to bring Shaun of the Shed to an end, at least in its current form. The guys then...
Jul 10, 2024•57 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun explore a variety of topics based on listener emails, as well as the evolving language around disability terminology. The hosts also delve into the world of smart AI glasses, comparing various models and discussing the accessibility of different apps for users who are blind. Additionally, they touch on the concept of pride and how it relates to being blind, sharing personal perspectives and insights from listeners. Keep in touch by emailing us feed...
Jul 09, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece catch up with Brian Fischler from That Real Blind Tech Show. The hosts discuss various topics, including the importance of accessibility teams in tech companies, the experience of using HomePods for spatial audio, and the challenges and benefits of AI and mixed reality for individuals who are blind. Brian shares insights from his participation in the XR Access Conference, where he explores the potential of AI and virtual reality....
Jul 08, 2024•57 min
In this episode of the Best of Double Tap on YouTube, Steven and Shaun give details of how their show will transition to YouTube in the coming months. We start with David Redmond from Vision Ireland joining the guys to share his thoughts on the new iPad Pro with M4 processor. David talks about how he uses the device and gives his opinion on why it is a good choice for people with low vision. We also hear Shaun's take on the news that car company Honda is due to release an app called Honda Scenic...
Jul 07, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discussed various topics starting with the breaking news from Aira, including the introduction of two pilot programs for wearable devices, the availability of Aira on Meta Ray Ban smart glasses, and the ARX Vision device. They were joined by Jenine Stanley from the company who discussed the free Access AI feature for image recognition, the Remote Incident Manager product, and the extension of existing Aira plans without a price i...
Jul 05, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss various topics, including headphones, speakers, and air fryers. They talk about the Bose SoundLink Plex and the Bose Soundlink Max speakers, as well as the Treblab Z7 Pro headphones. They also mention the Bose Soundwear, a wearable speaker, and the Sony over-the-neck speaker. Additionally, they talk about air fryers following a comment from one of the listeners on the subject. They talk about the limitations of traditional cook...
Jul 04, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the upcoming NFB and ACB conventions and the product announcements that will take place. They start off with the Orbit Speak, a note-taker and entertainment centre that will be released at the conventions. They discuss the different versions and pricing options of the OrbitSpeak, as well as the Orbit Reader QWERTY. They also debate the possibility of Apple charging for AI features and the value of different devices in the marke...
Jul 03, 2024•57 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss the recent issues with Twitter's accessibility for users who are blind and the importance of having an accessibility team. The main focus of today’s chat is around the use of alt text for images. They share personal experiences and opinions on the topic, exploring the benefits and limitations of AI-generated alt text. They also reflect on the passing of Brandon Cole, a prominent accessibility advocate in the gaming industry. Keep in touch w...
Jul 02, 2024•56 min
In this episode of the Best of Double Tap on YouTube, Steven and Shaun discuss Google's accessibility features for 2024 across their range of devices, a new navigation and road-crossing app coming to Canada, and Shaun's reaction to his recent mobility lesson. First up, Carrie Morales joins the guys to chat about new accessibility features coming to Android 15 as well as the new ChromeBook Plus laptops. Then Michael Janssen joins Steven and Shaun to discuss his app called Oko that helps blind peo...
Jun 30, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss Shaun's lack of orientation and mobility (O&M) training and they chat with Aoife Buckley from Vision Ireland who is a specialist in this field. They explore the importance of O&M training, the challenges of accepting the need for training, and the impact of gradual sight loss on one's ability to navigate. Aoife explains the role of O&M training in teaching orientation skills, mobility techniques, and using non-visual cues for na...
Jun 28, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the OKO Mobility App, designed to assist with pedestrian crossings. The app, previously available in the U.S., Japan, Spain, and Belgium, is now launching in Canada on July 1st. The founder of the OKO Mobility App, Michael Janssen, joins the show to discuss the app's features, including pedestrian signal recognition and navigation assistance. The app uses AI to interpret pedestrian signals and provide audio and haptic fee...
Jun 27, 2024•57 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the breaking news about new accessibility issues faced by users on the Twitter app on iPhone after a recent update, highlighting the importance of having dedicated accessibility teams in tech companies. Additionally, they touch upon upcoming tech events, including the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event and the Google Pixel event. Later in the episode, they are joined by David Redmond from Vision Ireland, who shares his review ...
Jun 26, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Priest are joined by Carrie Morales, also known as Carrie On Accessibility, to discuss the latest in Google technology, focusing on Android, Chrome OS updates, and the Google Pixel Watch 2. Carrie is an avid Android user and fills the hosts in on what they've been missing out on as iPhone users. NVDA's latest update, 2024.2, is also highlighted, featuring new additions like SoundSplit for audio channel separation, quick navigation comma...
Jun 25, 2024•57 min
On the show today, Steven and Shaun discuss Steven’s recent rant on YouTube, which has gotten him into trouble with some listeners. Also, they reminisce about getting their first computers, and the excitement of the box more so than the computer itself. Plus there’s more headphone chatter and a recommendation from Steven for some good headphones. Plus there are more listener emails focused on Shaun’s recent query about being able to watch live TV via the Apple TV smart box, leading to a heated d...
Jun 24, 2024•56 min
In this episode of the Best of Double Tap on YouTube, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss various topics related to technology, accessibility, and innovation. They delve into an interview with Charles Leclercq, the CEO of ARxVision, discussing the ARX AI headset and its features. The episode also explores the evolution of artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of ARxVision's developments. They also touch upon Microsoft's CoPilot Plus PCs and the innovative features they off...
Jun 23, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss a new video showing off the features of Open AI's Chat GPT 4o model, but why is Shaun so unimpressed? Also, we talk about podcasts out there offering tips for iPhone users, following a question from listener Ronnie. Our main story today however focuses on Sonos and the changes it made recently to its app, leaving many people who are blind unable to use their devices. We hear from listeners Nicki Keck and Elliot Stonhill w...
Jun 21, 2024•56 min
In this episode, Steven and Shaun get all nostalgic about their love of audio and long for the days of physical media rather than digital downloads. However, they don’t stay nostalgic for long as they dive into the crazy world of Bluetooth speakers, multiroom systems and smart wireless headphones. Steven talks about the new Bose Soundlink speakers and also shares that he is due to review a pair of the new Sonos Ace headphones, which he admits should be interesting considering the recent developm...
Jun 20, 2024•57 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece talk about a range of stories and go hands on with the new Cobolt Talking Air Fryer courtesy of listener Alan. They chat about Microsoft's new CoPilot+ PCs that have launched this week and find out about some of the cool accessibility features built in as well as available separately. The guys also discuss a new feature in Chrome on Android devices that allow you to listen to webpages. You can read more via the help guide here: h...
Jun 19, 2024•57 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss a variety of topics following listener emails, as well as discovering more about the new ARxVision headset. The main focus of the episode is an interview with Charles Leclercq from ARxVision, where they explore the latest version of their headset. They discuss the design of the headset, its compatibility with different smartphones, the improvements in the new version compared to the original, and the pricing and availabil...
Jun 18, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by accessibility trainer Sean Randall to discuss the new iOS 18 beta features, focusing on the revamped Braille screen input. They highlight the improved Braille input activation method, cursor control for editing text, and the new command mode for Braille screen input. The hosts also explore the customization options for voiceover voices, multi-line Braille display support, and the flexibility of Braille tables. Addit...
Jun 17, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun are joined by author and broadcaster Shelly Brisbin, and accessible technology trainer and podcaster Michael Babcock to recap Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) and discuss the new Apple Intelligence feature. They share their thoughts on the event, including their predictions and the highlights of the announcements. The conversation covers topics such as the on-device and off-device capabilities of Apple Intelligence, the privacy concern...
Jun 16, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the BT Speak Pro from Blazie Technologies, a modern version of the Braille and Speak device. David Goldfield, head of marketing at the company joins the discussion and provides insights into the history of the company and the development of the BT Speak Pro. David describes the compact design of the device, featuring an 8-dot Braille keyboard, speakers, ports for HDMI, USB-C, and microSD, as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth con...
Jun 14, 2024•57 min