Double Tap

In this feedback-packed episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun open the inbox to highlight powerful listener stories and opinions that spark some of their most honest and passionate reactions yet. From questions about pursuing a cybersecurity career as a blind person to whether “blind” or “visually impaired” should be the default term — the discussion gets real, raw, and at times hilariously offbeat.Steven shares his own personal journey of proving doubters wrong in the media world, sparking an empowering message about determination in the face of discrimination. There’s also strong commentary on digital accessibility, the blurred lines of language policing, and the impact of AI smart glasses from Meta and Google. Plus, listeners chime in on VoiceOver vs TalkBack, the future of Braille, disability benefits, and even a shocking tale about prosthetic eyes during a PIP assessment. It’s an unfiltered, energizing episode that reminds us why your voices matter.🕒 Chapter Markers00:00 – Introduction01:35 – Listener asks: Can I get a job in cybersecurity as a blind person?03:00 – Steven’s story: Fighting discouragement in education and career09:30 – Listener Charles responds to RNIB Braille service episode10:55 – Stan shares why “visually impaired” can be misunderstood14:10 – Steven rants: Language policing and offense culture20:45 – Listener Rowana celebrates Braille Note and Braille Week21:55 – Tyler questions Mac vs PC accessibility conclusion25:00 – Clarifying best setups for blind users: Mac Mini + Parallels28:15 – Gregory supports “potential” in smart glasses30:00 – Meta AI performance: Sandwich shopping & drink ID test34:00 – Juan critiques Meta Live AI’s lack of proactive detection37:00 – Energy cost of AI, ethical growth, and looming impact41:00 – Stuart shares free solar panel and heating install in Scotland43:30 – Grace’s epic prosthetic eye PIP story (must-hear moment!)💬 Quotes“Don’t ever belittle the potential of someone again.” – Steven Scott“The fight is not just external — it’s mental. You have to push past the voices telling you it won’t work.” – Steven Scott“People don’t say ‘blind’ because they think it’s a bad word. That’s the problem.” – Steven Scott“She kept asking how much I could see — so I took my prosthetic eyes out and put them on the table.” – Grace Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

It’s a major milestone as Steven and Shaun hit their 1000th episode of Double Tap! In this special edition, they’re joined by executive producer Marc Aflalo for a surprise celebration packed with heartfelt tributes from major names across the accessible tech world. You’ll hear messages from Amos Miller (Glidance), Mike Buckley (Be My Eyes), Kelly MacDonald (AMI), and even Chris Patnoe from Google and of course Mr. F.But that’s not all — Steven delivers an impassioned rant about the state of radio in 2025. From inaccessible DAB radios to smart speakers demanding sign-ins, he questions why a traditionally blind-friendly medium has become so complicated. The conversation then shifts to digital ownership, AI tools like Gemini and Copilot, and how listener feedback shapes every episode. Expect laughs, honesty, and a deep appreciation for community in this milestone moment.Chapter Markers00:00 – Introduction02:10 – Surprise video: Messages from Glidance, Be My Eyes, Google & more06:30 – Reflections on what Double Tap has become09:00 – Steven’s full-blown rant on radio accessibility12:30 – Why DAB and smart speakers fail blind listeners18:20 – The problem with owning digital media in 202521:45 – Resurgence of DVDs & physical media explained26:30 – When power goes out: The critical case for accessible radios28:45 – Listener Scott asks about TalkBack on Samsung35:30 – Gemini Live: Using AI with your camera40:20 – Carl’s diabetes accessibility tips for CGMs47:30 – Libre app, Sweet Dreams, and audiographs explained49:45 – Larry shares a simple iOS app library tip51:00 – Renée asks: How do you know a site is inaccessible?54:00 – The web is a Wild West for screen reader users56:00 – Final reflections and thank yous from Steven and Shaun Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun explore Microsoft’s latest Surface hardware announcements and what they mean for everyday users — including accessibility and hardware compromises. They share hands-on impressions and debate the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop’s specs, design changes, and what users should consider before upgrading. Plus, Sean Randall joins the conversation to deliver an incredibly simple and affordable tip for blind users: using a label printer at home. The trio dives into how this mainstream tech solution can beat specialist tools in cost, usability, and practicality. Wrapping up, listener emails highlight growing frustrations with web accessibility on Chrome for Mac, and Amanda from Australia raises a compelling point that resonates globally.Chapter Markers00:00 Introduction02:30 New Surface Devices Overview17:56 AI Features and Software Updates22:48 Labeling Technology DiscussionQuotes“If you’re using magnification software, the Surface Pro is a great machine to look at.” – Steven Scott“The printer was so simple: typed in Notepad, hit print, label in hand.” – Sean Randall“Cost is a factor. Most blind people aren’t in work. We need affordable solutions.” – Steven ScottRelevant LinksMicrosoft Surface Devices: https://www.microsoft.com/surfaceNelko PM220 Label Printer: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nelko+pm220Sonos x IKEA Symfonisk: https://www.theverge.comLG smartphone end-of-life: https://www.androidcentral.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

On today’s episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece tackle big questions around digital access, legacy tech support, and the future of computing for blind and low vision users.The episode opens with breaking news: WhatsApp has officially dropped support for iPhones that can't run iOS 15.1. This has serious implications for blind users and community organizations that rely on donated older iPhones to connect people through messaging. Steven and Shaun explore the broader digital divide and why it’s becoming harder for people with vision loss to stay connected in an increasingly online world.Later, the duo shares a game-changing accessibility tip from friend of the show Sean Randall, who uses a standard label printer combined with Seeing AI's short text feature to make food and plug labeling more inclusive. It’s a low-cost alternative to expensive Braille or NFC labeling systems and sparks a wider conversation about simple tech hacks that have big impact.In the second half, Greg Hayes returns to discuss Windows on ARM. Steven shares his experience running ARM-based Windows in a virtual machine and the compatibility issues he faced with scanner drivers and legacy hardware. Greg explains the benefits and trade-offs of the ARM platform—including battery life, speed, and application support—and how the industry is transitioning from Intel to more efficient ARM architectures. Is now the time to go all-in on ARM? The panel explores the risks, rewards, and practical advice for blind users navigating this shift. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Can you really manage diabetes accessibly as a blind user? In this powerful episode, Shaun dives into the search for an accessible blood glucose monitor—and gets an eye-opening response from Tess Lockton, a visually impaired parent of a child with type 1 diabetes. From the frustrating reality of so-called “talking monitors” to the pros and cons of continuous glucose monitors like Dexcom and Libre, Tess shares hard-earned insights every listener needs to hear.Also in this episode: Steven and Shaun talk Eero mesh networks, gigabit internet, and Sky Glass, before diving into your feedback on navigation tech, including a thoughtful message about GPS and accessibility from listener Doug.[Episode Summary]Shaun shares his struggles managing type 2 diabetes as a blind person and kicks off a deeper conversation about accessible diabetes tools. Listener Tess Lockton joins to discuss raising a child with type 1 diabetes while visually impaired—and how the tech designed to help often falls short. She breaks down her experiences with Dexcom and Libre systems, the challenges of getting accurate readings, and why even the best tech solutions still leave accessibility gaps.Meanwhile, Steven updates his home setup with Sky Glass and talks through the accessibility differences between SkyQ and the new system. The duo also nerd out over mesh networking and smart speakers—and highlight new listener feedback on GPS tech like StellarTrek and the missed potential of Soundscape-style navigation.[Chapters]0:00 – Shaun’s glucose journey begins3:40 – Weekend updates: Eero mesh fixes and gigabit drama9:55 – Sky Glass, audio description, and setup accessibility18:10 – Double Tap’s new newsletter partnership with Mindvault22:04 – Listener Tess Lockton joins to talk accessible diabetes tech24:20 – Living through diagnosis and hospital mishandling31:05 – Dexcom vs Libre: pros, cons, and accessibility flaws40:15 – Finger-prick demo: Why even “accessible” monitors fail52:10 – The hidden costs and pressure of using inaccessible tools56:30 – Final advice and offers of help from Tess[Relevant Links]Double Tap Newsletter: https://doubletaponair.com/subscribeNexus Voice Talking Blood Glucose Monitor: https://www.glucorx.co.uk/shop/nexus-voice-meter/Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring: https://www.dexcom.comFreestyle Libre 3 System: https://www.freestyle.abbott/en-ca/products/what-is-free-style-libre.htmlRNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People): https://www.rnib.org.uk👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk on accessible tech and life with disability. Visit https://doubletaponair.com/subscribe for exclusive updates!#accessibletech #diabetestech #blindtech Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Steven and Shaun kick off with a fun Friday vibe and plenty of listener emails to explore tech quirks, from weak Bluetooth signals to TikTok’s accessibility challenges. Listeners share mixed experiences using TikTok with VoiceOver and ask whether blind creators truly manage without sighted assistance. Steven breaks down the pros and limitations of the latest StellarTrek update, including access to text-based newspapers and magazines— finally offering a satisfying reading experience for blind users.The hosts also reflect on recent power grid outages across Europe and discuss the risks of overreliance on renewable energy without adequate backup systems. Later, they respond to listener Charles’s compelling question: “If you could have one blind-related support service on demand for life, what would it be?” The answers range from on-call O&M specialists to always-available drivers and Aira agents.Additional topics include over-the-counter hearing aids, USB-C powered electric shavers, tips for retraining Siri, and the broader implications of accessibility tech in a changing world.[Chapters]0:00 – Friday vibes and Bluetooth tech fails2:58 – Spain and Portugal power outages & renewables debate6:02 – StellarTrek reader update and new Victor Reader features13:42 – TikTok accessibility feedback from listeners20:59 – Blind content creation and sighted assistance30:39 – What accessibility service would you want for life?40:27 – Exploring with Aira and missing out on the world48:13 – Over-the-counter hearing aids & shaver recommendations52:48 – Retraining Siri for better voice recognition54:46 – Final thoughts and what’s coming Monday👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to Double Tap for more tech stories and accessibility talk from a blind perspective!#blindtech #accessibletech #TikTokAccessibility Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

What do the Clicks Keyboard, Ember Mug, Monarch braille display, and AirPods Pro 2 all have in common? They’re all in the inbox this week on Double Tap!Steven and Shaun dive into your messages, starting with Mallory’s reflections on Clicks and warm drinks, to Daisy’s deep dive into the Monarch’s potential—and price tag. You’ll hear honest takes on smart glasses like EchoVision, plus a listener story about using AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids (and one almost lost at Burger King). And in true Double Tap fashion, things go hilariously off track with accidental disco rants, talk of cigarette-scented hospital doorfinding, and a legendary Scottish passive-aggressive takedown on a public bus.From accessibility insights to laugh-out-loud commentary, this episode captures exactly what makes Double Tap so beloved—and why the community keeps growing.[Chapters]00:00 – What day is it? Time for emails02:15 – Message from Mallory: Clicks Keyboard & Ember Mug04:45 – Is the Clicks Keyboard worth it? Bulk, buttons & thoughts07:50 – Tech for blind coders: Start your podcast!09:22 – Monarch feedback from Daisy in Nebraska13:10 – Why the Monarch matters (but is still out of reach)16:20 – Are high costs keeping us from better tech?20:30 – Should price come first in a review?22:50 – Orbit Reader questions & alternatives24:00 – Gregory’s smart glasses: Celeste vs. EchoVision27:15 – Why do so many companies chase the same idea?29:30 – Smart glasses: Designed for blind people, or just usable?32:05 – Could OpenAI take over this space?34:20 – What’s the perfect mix of tech and real-world tools?38:50 – Hetty’s AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids (and ear tip issues)43:40 – Using earbuds in noisy environments45:50 – Meta Ray-Bans and adaptive audio in action48:10 – Public transport disco and hospital soundscapes50:18 – Chris McCausland praise & TTS audio description debate52:35 – The future of AD: More content, fewer humans?55:10 – Why writing the description script matters most⸻[Key Quotes]“We do need to have a range of voices. And if they were all the same, it wouldn’t really be very good for the community, right?” — Steven Scott“If it works for you, and it’s amazing, then the money kind of becomes irrelevant—you’ll find a way to pay for it.” — Steven Scott“Smart glasses don’t need to be ‘for blind people.’ They just need to work well for everyone.” — Shaun Preece[Relevant Links]Clicks Keyboard: https://clicks.techEmber Mug: https://ember.comHumanWare Monarch: https://www.humanware.comMeta Ray-Ban Glasses: https://www.ray-ban.com/metaApple AirPods Pro 2: https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/Be My Eyes (partnered with OpenAI): https://www.bemyeyes.com👉 Got a tech question or comment? Email us at feedback@doubletaponair.com or leave a voice note on WhatsApp at +1-613-481-0144. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered takes on accessible tech!#AssistiveTechnology #SmartGlasses #DoubleTapPodcast Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Today on Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece open the listener inbox and tackle a wide range of accessible tech topics, real-world product experiences, and your feedback.We kick off with Steven’s first impressions of the Stellar Trek GPS device from HumanWare, praising its high-quality speakers and intuitive voice selection interface. Then, we shift gears into a conversation about the Meta Ray-Ban glasses and updates from Meta’s LlamaCon event, including the rebranding of the MetaView app to Meta AI.Chapter Markers:00:00 Introduction02:51 Meta Ray-Ban Glasses and AI Developments06:11 Google I.O. and Hardware Expectations09:03 AI Competition: Google vs. Meta vs. Apple15:04 Listener Feedback and Community Engagement17:54 Discussion on BT Speak Pro vs. Orbit Speak36:11 Comparing BT Speak Pro and OrbitSpeak39:30 Exploring Built-in Applications44:46 Community and Support for Users49:11 User Experience and Preferences52:35 Orbit Player OverviewNext, the discussion heats up around the future of smart glasses, speculating on Google's upcoming announcements at Google I/O and potential new hardware launches. We also touch on the evolving landscape of AI tools, the growth of Gemini, Copilot, and ChatGPT, and frustrations around poorly communicated app updates.From there, we dive into listener feedback, covering accessible glucose monitors, a surprising redemption for Samsung's Bixby assistant, frustrations with AI voice apps needing a “stop listening” command, and a call for better website access to Double Tap content.Special guest Lisa Salinger joins to deliver an in-depth, real-world comparison between the BT Speak Pro and the Orbit Speak. If you've been considering these devices, Lisa shares critical differences, user experiences, and practical advice to help you decide which one could best fit your needs.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

Today on Double Tap, Steven Scott and Sean Preece react to Google’s announcement that it will discontinue cloud support for the first- and second-generation Nest thermostats — a major accessibility blow for blind users. They discuss the implications for smart home reliability and urge companies to prioritize accessibility from the start.We also celebrate the 20th anniversary of Apple’s VoiceOver, sharing personal reflections and hearing from Mike Shebanek, who helped bring built-in accessibility to Apple products.Finally, Aaron Linson joins Steven to give an in-depth user review of the Stellar Trek from Humanware. Learn how this standalone navigation device compares to smartphones, how it handles GPS directions, traffic signals, and even reads short texts and doors with its AI features. If you’ve ever wondered whether dedicated tech still has a place alongside smartphones, this conversation is for you.[Chapters]0:00 – Intro: Nest Thermostat Accessibility Outrage2:15 – How Smart Home Devices Risk Becoming Inaccessible5:40 – Why Accessible Design Must Be Baked In7:08 – Apple’s VoiceOver Turns 209:23 – Mike Shebanek on VoiceOver’s Origin at Apple14:06 – How the iPhone Changed Accessibility Forever18:32 – Accessibility Features in Early iPhones20:44 – Introducing the Stellar Trek22:45 – Why Apps Alone Aren’t Enough for Navigation25:13 – How the Stellar Trek Works for Blind Travelers29:56 – Real World Navigation with Stellar Trek32:19 – How Stellar Trek Provides Richer Location Info36:58 – New AI Traffic Light and Bus Stop Detection39:21 – Should You Still Buy a Pro iPhone for LIDAR?44:05 – Affordability, Technology Reliance, and Spread the Load47:40 – Book Reader and Short Text Features on Stellar Trek50:01 – Why Dedicated Devices Still Matter54:33 – The Value of Environmental Awareness When Traveling56:58 – Wrapping Up: More Stellar Trek User Q&A to Come[Key Quotes]“Accessibility has to be in everybody’s mind at all times.” — Steven Scott“If one update breaks accessibility, that’s it — you’re stuck.” — Aaron Linson“VoiceOver being built in changed everything — no extra cost, no extra software.” — Kelly MacDonald“The Stellar Trek lets me explore what’s around me, not just navigate point-to-point.” — Aaron Linson[Relevant Links]Humanware Stellar Trek: https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/homeLearn more about Apple VoiceOver: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/vision/#DoubleTap #AccessibilityTech #BlindTechnology Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

In today’s honest and lively Double Tap episode, Steven and Shaun explore why "everything feels terrible" in tech—and how it especially impacts accessibility.The hosts open up about frustrating tech failures, from Steven’s Windows settings reset to Shaun’s struggles with Amazon Fire tablets and Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Listeners share first-hand experiences with the unreliable rollout of Meta AI Look and Tell and the erratic MetaView app behavior, offering valuable workarounds and tips.Later, Steven and Shaun discuss Apple's shifting marketing around Apple Intelligence, the hidden hardware requirements for new AI features, and their skepticism about the iPhone 17 rumors.Listener emails bring a range of fresh topics: accessible washing machines from brands like Bosch and Samsung, using HDMI dongles for audio output, thoughts on the "blind uniform," and hilarious and heartfelt personal stories about sunglasses, glass eyes, and public perceptions of blindness.This episode highlights the community’s resilience, humor, and resourcefulness in the face of tech’s many frustrations.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.Chhapter Markers:00:00 Introduction: The Struggles of Technology05:46 Meta Ray-Ban Glasses: Updates and Issues15:19 User Experiences: A Mixed Bag27:46 Exploring AI Glasses and Their Practical Uses30:08 User Experiences and Feedback on Accessibility Features32:51 Navigating Privacy Settings in Tech Devices33:20 Accessible Washing Machines: A Community Discussion39:05 The Blind Uniform: Identity and Perception Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.