Today on the show Steven and Shaun give us an update on their exciting weekends, while Shaun probes Steven on how good his new Mac Mini M4 is. The guys also chat about the Mantis Q40 from Humanware receiving some big updates this winter, and they talk about a new version on the VOCR addon for Voiceover users on the Mac. Watch and listen to blind musician Andre Louis talk to the developer of the app from his YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/_9EIYUPyXao?si=tCz-PPoDHlbusUu0 . You can also downloa...
Nov 25, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the evolving landscape of hearing aids, particularly focusing on the recent advancements in over-the-counter hearing aids and Apple's new hearing aid functionality in AirPods. They explore the stigma surrounding hearing loss, the importance of hearing health, and the various types of hearing aids available today with audiologist Michele Dostaler. Also there’s more of your feedback on using the Parcel app, ZoomText perform...
Nov 22, 2024•57 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun discuss the current state and future of Amazon Echo and its AI capabilities with podcast host and tech trainer David Ward. They explore the challenges Amazon faces in developing its AI technology, particularly in comparison to competitors like Google and Microsoft. The guys also touch on listener feedback regarding gaming on smart speakers and the overall functionality of the Amazon Echo, as well as barriers that blind people face getting into employment. Get ...
Nov 21, 2024•57 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the innovative SevaVision glasses, which aim to utilize remaining vision in those with visual impairments, and we also find out more about the development of the Optima Braille Laptop. The guys also dive into the thorny topic of the costs and technology inside today’s assistive technology. Is it right that companies ask blind people to pay thousands of dollars for tech that is years out of date on the day of purchase, and what is the solut...
Nov 20, 2024•56 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun dive into the inbox featuring a wide range of topics for discussion. The subject of Meta Ray-Ban glasses comes up first with listener Corrie talking about her discoveries using Bluetooth with the Meta Ray Bands and other devices at the same time. The chat shifts to the comparison between wearables and mobility aids, emphasizing the importance of both in the blind community. Listener contributions also delve into the future of AI in accessibility, the challenge...
Nov 19, 2024•57 min
Today on the show, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss various topics including their weekend experiences, Steven’s purchase of the new Mac Mini, the Orbit Player device from Orbit Research available only in India, and the integration of Be My Eyes with Meta Glasses. They also engage with listener feedback and community interactions, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in technology, including a discussion about experiences with the Be My Eyes app, updates on Meta Ray-Ban technol...
Nov 18, 2024•56 min
In this special episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece open the floor to your questions for the team at Glidance. Steven and Shaun welcome back Amos Miller and Kyle Buzzard from Glidance to answer questions sent in by Double Tap listeners, with topics including its indoor navigation capabilities, challenges faced in public transport, repairability, affordability, potential use in airports and future developments to enhance user experiences. Get in touch with Double Tap by ema...
Nov 15, 2024•58 min
On today’s episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the latest developments in assistive technology, focusing on the partnership between Be My Eyes and Meta to integrate their services with Meta's Ray-Ban glasses - this service is now live. Also the guys welcome Amos Miller and Kyle Buzzard back to the show to discuss the latest developments in the much-talked about product from Glidance, the Glide mobility aid. The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding these innovations and the...
Nov 14, 2024•56 min
In this episode, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece engage in a light-hearted discussion about midweek fatigue, Christmas preparations, and the importance of holiday traditions. They then transition into a detailed review of the Pixel Watch, courtesy of listener Yusuf, highlighting its accessibility issues and user experiences. Listener emails bring up various topics, including how to connect devices in hotels, the evolution of Amazon Echo devices, the new InnoSearch shopping experience, naviga...
Nov 13, 2024•57 min
Today on Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece share their experiences from the recent Sight Village event, reflecting on the joy of meeting listeners and the importance of diverse voices in the blind community. They recount travel adventures, including humorous hotel mishaps, and feature an unboxing of a new keyboard, discussing its features and specifications. The show also includes listener feedback on tech products such as the latest BlindShell Classic 3, comparisons between specia...
Nov 12, 2024•57 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun learn about the new BlindShell Classic 3 mobile phone that is launching today (11th November). But first, we find out why Shaun is all excited about GoodMaps, an app that helps you navigate around indoors if the building has been mapped. However our main story focuses on the launch of the brand new smartphone from BlindShell, the BlindShell Classic 3. Jakub Mikeštík and Filip Hrdlička from the company join Steven to discuss the latest features, including a new ...
Nov 11, 2024•57 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Sean Preece engage with listener feedback on various topics, including the social model of disability, the role of technology in improving accessibility, and the environmental impact of AI. They discuss the complexities of disability beyond physical impairments, emphasizing the need for societal change alongside technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the sustainability challenges posed by AI and the importance of user ex...
Nov 08, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece hear about a new type of mobility aid that uses embedded RFID tags at various locations for navigation. The guys start with a quick peek into the inbox, and suddenly dive back into the implications of Neuralink, and personal experiences with vision loss. The conversation also covers the comparison between different smart cane technologies, specifically the WeWalk and Mini Guide, and concludes with a discussion on political volunteering...
Nov 07, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven tells Shaun about his recent trip to the loft in his house, where he discovered various forgotten tech gadgets, including a docking station for his MacBook Pro and an Apple TV 4K. Nostalgia takes center stage as they reminisce about past Apple products and their evolution. Listener Brian Clark shares a conversation he had with the team behind an incredible new Braille display called Cadence, which Tactile Engineering showcased at an ACB event recently in Ohio. Brian lear...
Nov 06, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss their experiences with accessible technology, focusing on InnoSearch, an online shopping platform designed for blind people. Steven talks about his experience of shopping for iPhone cases, the implications for Amazon Prime subscriptions, and the potential of AI to enhance shopping experiences. The main conversation today focuses on Braille embossing, featuring regular guest and friend of the show, Tim Dixon, who shares his journey with Brai...
Nov 05, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun kick off the week with a lively discussion following listener emails, starting with Glendon, who shares an interesting television commercial about the checkered eye symbol for blind and low vision people. This sparks a broader discussion about the various symbols and methods used to indicate disabilities and the public's understanding of them. Frank writes in about his experience with OrCam's customer service and the challenges of dealing with tech...
Nov 04, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the breaking news that Seeing AI now has the ability to describe videos live, plus friend of the show Jenine Stanley pops in from Aira to discuss some updates to their visual interpreter service. The big news of the day is Seeing AI’s latest update which now allows you to upload an MP4 video file and have it analyzed and described back to you while the video plays. Steven demonstrates this with some of his own videos recorded on his Meta Ra...
Nov 01, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun discuss Apple’s final announcement of the week - a new MacBook Pro with M4 chips inside. While not a major surprise Steven does share some interesting news he’s found within the announcements. Also listener Norina gets in touch to share her frustrations with getting access to audio description on a TV channel she found playing Christmas movies, sending Steven into a rage and demanding Hollywood stars should be involved in this conversation! And listener CC in M...
Oct 31, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun dive into the next big announcement from Apple, this time around the focus is on their new Mac Mini. But is this the real ‘blind’ Mac, and why does Steven think it is? Find out about all the features of the new Mac Mini and discover whether it might be right for you. Also there’s more of your feedback, including more comments and questions on the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, and a comment on the usefulness of Be My AI. Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedb...
Oct 30, 2024•57 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun discuss the first announcement of the week from Apple and a cool way to make your Perkins brailler smart. First up, the guys chat about Apple’s new product, the iMac with an M4 processor inside. This is the first of three announcements from Apple that will coming out over the next couple of days. The company also released Apple Intelligence in US English as part of their new operating systems for iPhone, iPad and Mac. AppleVis have reported a number of bugs and...
Oct 29, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun talk about their weekends setting up Windows on their computers, with Shaun moving his laptop into his shed and Steven adding Windows to his MacBook. Also there’s more of your feedback to respond to, with a particular focus on the Glide mobility aid and Elon Musk’s Neuralink company. We also get a listener query from John asking about a good option for a new router and the best keyboard for iPhones. Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletap...
Oct 28, 2024•57 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun discuss the big news from Apple that they are announcing a range of new devices next week, likely new MacBook Pros, iMacs and a redesigned Mac Mini with M4 processors built in. Also the guys report on an article from The Verge suggesting a new Open AI model will be coming in December, but no widespread rollout is planned. Plus, Apple have rolled out Sleep Apnea notifications on the Apple Watch in a new update, and Google Calendar gets dark mode. Shaun speaks to...
Oct 25, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun discuss the latest news in accessible tech, including a new update for the Victor Reader Stream 3rd Generation, an updated Micro Speak is now available and long time listener and friend of the show Tim Dixon shares his top tips on recording video out and about. The Victor Reader Stream has had a few major updates, including a new Canadian voice in both Canadian English and French-Canadian, plus there’s a new Notes Categories option, plus a number of fixes under...
Oct 24, 2024•56 min
Today on the show, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss various topics including the launch of the iPad Mini, Aira's new American Sign Language service, and upcoming Glide demo days. They also discuss the implications of new AI developments, particularly Anthropic's Claude, which can perform actions on behalf of users. Our main story today is a review of the Sonos Ace headphones by Steven. He discusses his own thoughts on the headphones along with long-time listener and Sonos fan, Elliot ...
Oct 23, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the Glide device, a new assistive technology aimed at enhancing mobility for blind users. They explore the device's potential as a replacement for traditional mobility aids like guide dogs and white canes, while also addressing community feedback and the importance of user experiences. The conversation delves into the integration of AI in assistive technologies, the cost implications of the Glide device, and the overall excitement and skept...
Oct 21, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Shaun talks about his recent trip to see Alice Cooper in concert, plus there’s a new video online that’s exciting the blind community, and Be My Eyes announce a partnership with Microsoft to improve AI data models to better represent disability. First up Shaun tells Steven about his recent gig experience and how he used Meta Ray-Ban glasses to enhance his experience, while Steven tells us about how he ensured his evening tipple was in fact alcohol-free. Next up listener Christo...
Oct 18, 2024•57 min
Today on the show Shaun talks with Steven about his upcoming Alice Cooper gig he is heading off to tonight, but why is he not so sure if he wants to go? Also we dive into the inbox to hear Negative Julian’s comments on the real value of low cost smartphones, Robbie’s thoughts on Neuralink devices and Marc’s desire to hear Steven go ‘ballistic’. Long time listener and friend of the show Gregg Hayes is back too with his take on the Tesla Cyber Cab event where Elon Musk showed off a new fully auton...
Oct 17, 2024•57 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun fight a number of breaking news stories including news of a new iPad Mini, a major new partnership between Be My Eyes and Hilton hotels, and the launch of Android 15. First up the guys praise the work of the National Federation of the Blind in the USA on their protest outside the offices of Uber and Lyft on Tuesday (15th October) campaigning for the companies to stop discrimination against blind people who are often refused access to taxi services due to having...
Oct 16, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun are joined by friend of the show Michael Babcok to help us answer some of our listeners’ burning questions in our ‘Ask Mickey Anything’ special. Questions coming up include finding out which podcast app is the best, how to get ChatGPT to summarise and explain PowerPoint presentations to you, why audio description is on a show on one network but not the other, and where do you get those Table Coasters Steven keeps talking about? During the episode Michael refers...
Oct 15, 2024•56 min
Today on the show Steven and Shaun grab a coffee and sit back to listen to your emails and voicemails which discuss various topics including the challenges of support services, community feedback, and upcoming Q&A sessions. They begin with a special feature from friend and long-time listener Michael Babcock into the issues surrounding Siri's interruptions in iOS and how to resolve it in your iPhone’s settings. Listener emails discuss personal user experiences with the iPhone 16 Pro, and the ...
Oct 11, 2024•56 min
