In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by David Ward from the Echo Tips Podcast to discuss the latest updates from Amazon, including the exciting new subscription service for Lady A (Alexa). Discover how A+ transforms the way you interact with your smart devices, offering more natural language conversations, enhanced AI integrations, and powerful third-party connections. Key Topics Covered: Lady A Gets a Bigger Brain – Discover the new A+ subscription servi...
Feb 27, 2025•56 min
In today's episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a wide range of topics, from quirky personal anecdotes to in-depth discussions on accessible technology. Shaun starts with a light-hearted confession about eating a Snickers bar just before recording, leading to a humorous exchange about the challenges of live broadcasting. Steven Scott then shares his latest gadget purchases, including a SeJoy USB-C powered electric shaver, inspired by listener Darren from Kent. Thi...
Feb 26, 2025•56 min
In today’s episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece tackle the ongoing debate over AI’s potential, diving deep into the hype versus reality of artificial intelligence. Is AI truly revolutionizing accessibility, or are we being sold a fantasy? Listener Gregory calls in to challenge Steven’s skepticism, sparking a lively discussion on how AI is impacting the blind community. The conversation continues with a heartfelt dialogue on the enduring value of Braille. Steven and Shaun respond ...
Feb 25, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into Apple’s controversial decision to disable Advanced Data Protection in the UK, sparking debates on privacy, encryption, and government overreach. What does this mean for iCloud users in the UK and around the world? We break down the facts, misconceptions, and political implications. We also discuss Steven’s hands-on experience with the Envision Ally—the new AI assistant for Envision Glasses, now in public beta. Is this a game-changer ...
Feb 24, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by co-host of RNIB Tech Talk on RNIB Connect Radio, Callum Stoneman, to explore the world of Google smart homes and whether Google Assistant is better than Lady A (Amazon Alexa) at smart home tasks. Callum shares his unconventional smart home setup, featuring Google Nest devices without Google speakers, running everything through Sonos instead. We dive into the Nest vs. Ring debate, discussing why more users are moving away from Ama...
Feb 21, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece break down the biggest accessibility stories from CES 2025 in Las Vegas! We’re joined by Anat Nulman, an expert in assistive technology and founder of Assistive.Consulting, who shares her insights into AI-powered mobility devices, smart home tech, and groundbreaking wearables designed for blind and visually impaired users. We explore game-changing innovations, including eSight Go, a wearable that enhances vision for those with macular degenera...
Feb 20, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece react to Apple’s latest product launch: the iPhone 16E. Is this just a rebranded iPhone SE 4, or is Apple shifting its budget strategy? We break down what’s new, including the A18 chip, C1 modem, 48MP camera, and the loss of MagSafe and Touch ID. Also, in tech news: Google Lens gets powerful new AI search features for iOS and Android. The Oko pedestrian crossing app returns to Canada after a temporary removal. Humane AI Pin is officially dead!...
Feb 19, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece deliver their highly anticipated review of the BlindShell Classic 3, the latest accessible smartphone for blind users. Joined by Michael Babcock, they dive into the pros and cons of the device, from its tactile buttons and new AI assistant Luna, to third-party app support and surprising speaker quality issues. Plus, Double Tap is heading to the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim this March! Steven and Shaun share their excitement ...
Feb 18, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by Michael Babcock to answer listener questions about accessible technology. They discuss the best smart speakers, how to access hands-on tech for the blind, recommend accessible calendar apps, and provide insights on accessible televisions. There are also questions on the usability of audio interfaces, and the intricacies of transferring music files between devices. They also discuss portable Wi-Fi solutions for maintaining conne...
Feb 14, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined once again by Robin Christopherson to discuss various aspects of using Outlook, focusing on accessibility features, keyboard shortcuts, and tips for navigating the email and calendar functionalities. They explore common challenges faced by users, particularly those relying on screen readers, and provide practical solutions to enhance productivity. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding the layout and features of ...
Feb 13, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece tackle Meta Ray-Bans’ missing AI features, the ongoing iPhone SE 4 speculation, and whether the new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are true AirPods Pro killers. Plus, we discuss the real state of accessibility training in 2025—do we need national centers for blind tech training? And listener Mike shares his frustrations about people misunderstanding white canes in public. Don’t miss this episode filled with tech news, accessibility insights, and ple...
Feb 12, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece explore the state of wearables in 2025, the mainstream success of Meta Ray-Bans, and Steven’s thoughts on switching to the iPhone 16 Pro Max. We welcome tech evangelist Robert Scoble to discuss the rise of AI-powered glasses, the future of augmented reality, and how Apple Vision Pro stacks up against upcoming smart glasses from Meta and Google. Plus, Steven makes another tech purchase—and we break down how to organize your iPhone for maximum e...
Feb 11, 2025•56 min
In today’s Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the latest in accessible tech and privacy concerns. We discuss the UK government’s controversial request for Apple to provide backdoor access to encrypted iCloud data, with tech journalist Will Guyatt breaking down the implications. Next, we welcome Kapsys CEO Aram Hekimian to introduce KapX, a new AI-powered wearable for blind and visually impaired users. This innovative headset promises real-time 3D obstacle detection, spatial audi...
Feb 10, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the innovative EchoVision glasses from Agiga and listener emails delve into the broader implications of artificial vision technology and the attitudes from within the blind community of such technologies. Our main story today focuses on the Agiga EchoVision glasses. Shaun speaks to the CEO and CTO at the company to learn about the device, highlighting its features. Listener emails bring up the perspectives within the blind community regard...
Feb 07, 2025•56 min
Today on Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the latest technology news, focusing on Amazon's upcoming products and services event scheduled for February 26th, the new features from Be My Eyes in their winter update, and the collaboration between OpenAI and WhatsApp that will bring new features to the messaging app. The discussion also touches on listener feedback, including thoughts on the new Seeing AI update which is also coming to Android as well as iOS, cool ways to detect tex...
Feb 06, 2025•56 min
Today on Double Tap, the conversation covers recent updates in AI technology and accessibility features, focusing on Seeing AI's new interface, Apple's new ‘Invites’ app, Microsoft Power Toys, and Sonos's new streaming player coming soon. The hosts discuss the implications of these updates for users, particularly in the context of accessibility and user experience, particularly in streaming hardware and apps like Sonos and Tapestry. An email from listener Gavin prompts a discussion on the import...
Feb 05, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the launch of Tapestry, a new app designed to consolidate social media feeds, podcasts, and more into one easy, accessible platform. They interview Gedeon Mayheux from The IconFactory, who shares insights on the app's development, its Kickstarter success, and the importance of accessibility for blind users. The conversation covers the app's features, user experience, and future developments, emphasizing the community's ro...
Feb 04, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece explore various topics, including the new subscription model for AppleCare Plus, updates to iCloud, and the user experience of the Amazon app. They also dive into the inbox which covers assistive listening devices for those with hearing loss, the challenges of social interactions, and the pros and cons of smart locks for home security. Emails also touch on privacy concerns with voice assistants, navigating dialog boxes with JAWS, innovative soluti...
Feb 03, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the latest advancements in wearable technology for the blind people, focusing in particular on a new product from French company Kapsys. In the news today they also discuss the GA Conf Awards, which recognizes efforts in game accessibility, and they talk about Blazie’s new integration of ChatGPT for JAWS users, exploring the implications and potential of these technologies. Our App of the Week this time around comes from Brian Counter, who...
Jan 31, 2025•56 min
In this episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the latest updates to PiccyBot, an app designed to bring videos to life with audio description using AI, as well as listen to more of your emails. Emails bring up the challenges and advancements in assistive technology, including the integration of smart glasses and the implications of the 3G network shutdown on certain assistive devices. Following Steven’s story of living with a tremor, a listener opens up with their personal experiences wi...
Jan 30, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece engage in a lively discussion about various topics, including their favorite TV shows, the challenges of managing listener emails, and a deep dive into the Oko app's subscription model. Listener emails cover user expectations when it comes to paid apps, the importance of maintaining quality in assistive technology, winter safety with spikes on footwear, social perceptions of blindness, the natural behaviors of blind individuals, ...
Jan 29, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss various topics including the recent storm in the UK, the emergence of a new AI competitor, DeepSeek, and its implications for the AI industry. They also address accessibility issues with the Apple Watch and the ongoing challenges faced by the NFB in improving Facebook's accessibility for users with disabilities. Steven and Shaun dive into the latest accessibility updates from Google, including new features for the Pixel phone and improveme...
Jan 28, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss various topics including the ongoing debate about Braille literacy and its correlation with employment, innovative training solutions for the blind, and how to change the batteries in Apple AirTags. There’s also a lively discussion on various themes surrounding leadership in blindness organisations, representation, community support, language, and technology. Steven suggests the need for blindness organisations to have a succession plan in...
Jan 27, 2025•56 min
Today on Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss the recent announcement by Donald Trump regarding a significant investment in AI infrastructure in the US. They explore the implications of this investment on climate change, the ongoing debate about the balance between technological advancement and environmental concerns, and the future of AI integration in everyday life. Additionally, they highlight listener feedback on the positive impact of AI technologies on accessibility for those of us with di...
Jan 24, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun are joined by Marc Aflalo, host of YourTechReport on SiriusXM, to discuss the Samsung Unpacked event, focusing on the launch of the Galaxy S25 and its features. They explore the iterative nature of smartphone upgrades, the role of AI in enhancing user experience, and the integration of smart devices in everyday life. Steven and Shaun also explore Meta's advancements in smart glasses and the competitive landscape with Apple, particularly focusing on Zuckerberg'...
Jan 23, 2025•56 min
Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the evolving landscape of accessible content creation and home security solutions. They explore the barriers to entry for content creators, the importance of technology in connecting with loved ones, and the affordability and accessibility of smart home devices, particularly focusing on Blink security cameras. The discussion also touches the evolution of content creation tools, the significance of authenticity, and the need for accessibili...
Jan 22, 2025•56 min
In this episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the recent price increase of Microsoft 365 and the implications of AI integration into the service. They explore the confusion surrounding subscription models, alternatives to Microsoft Office, and the challenges of using email clients. The conversation also delves into smart home technology with special guest Gregg Hayes. Listener and friend of the show Gregg joins Steven and Shaun to discuss the evolution of smart home technology, the tran...
Jan 21, 2025•56 min
In this episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss various topics, including their technical difficulties, an apology for missing a segment in a previous show, and the ongoing controversy surrounding TikTok's ownership and accessibility issues for blind users. They also touch on the media's responsibility in reporting accurate information, particularly regarding the accessibility of technology for the blind community. A new feature to Double Tap is App of the Week and today we hear about an ...
Jan 20, 2025•56 min
In today’s episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece navigate through a variety of topics, including the launch of a new segment called 'App of the Week', discussions on accessibility in healthcare, the importance of live audio description in events, and listener feedback on Braille literacy. They delve into the complexities surrounding Braille and literacy, emphasizing the nuances of the blind experience and the importance of community connections. Shaun and Steven discuss vari...
Jan 17, 2025•56 min
Today on the show Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss their frustrations with social media, particularly Facebook, and the addictive nature of doomscrolling. They explore alternatives like RSS feeds for news consumption and highlight the accessibility challenges faced by visually impaired users trying to use social media outside of the smartphone. The discussion also touches on the recent shift of the Oko app to a subscription model, prompting a broader conversation about the community's willi...
Jan 16, 2025•56 min
