Double Tap

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of topics including the AI advancements with Apple's new system, Realm, which aims to outperform GPT-4 in understanding context and conversation. The episode takes a deep dive into the controversy surrounding Voice Dream Reader's shift to a subscription model, with listeners voicing their opinions on the fairness and implications of this change. The hosts explore whether the new owners of Voice Dream Reader should honour the previous "lifetime" purchase promises and how the app's value and utility justify or challenge the move to a subscription model. Also, Allison Sheridan from the NosillaCast podcast shares an interview she recorded at this year's CSUN assistive technology conference with Strap Tech, an obstacle avoidance device. You can listen to Allison's shows via podfeet.com. Plus Steven shares news of a new JAWS course from the guys over at Unmute Presents. Find out how and how to subscribe at unmute.show. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website --- Follow on: YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube X (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/x Instagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagram TikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktok Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook LinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin   Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/apple Spotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotify RSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcast iHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart   About Double Tap Hosted 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 Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the latest tech news, focusing on Google's settlement over tracking users in incognito mode and Amazon's new palm recognition service for payments and verification. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its advancements in text-to-speech and voice cloning technologies are a major part of the discussion. They explore how AI is becoming more emotionally intelligent and the potential for voice cloning to impact society, raising ethical questions about the technology's use and the difficulty in distinguishing real from fake. Listener emails also touch on the BT Speak discontinuation, subscription model frustrations, and the need for regulations on AI development. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website --- Follow on: YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube X (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/x Instagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagram TikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktok Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook LinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin   Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/apple Spotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotify RSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcast iHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart   About Double Tap Hosted 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, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a range of topics with their characteristic blend of humour and insight. The show kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the challenges of studio technology and the quirks of recording a daily show. The hosts share a laugh over an unexpected voicemail from a company offering to dispose of electronic waste, sparking a conversation about the rare occurrence of spam calls to their line and the high quality of listener interactions. The episode takes a more serious turn as they address listener concerns over the Voice Dream Reader app's transition to a subscription model. This change has sparked controversy within the community, particularly among those who previously purchased the app with the understanding of a one-time fee for lifetime access. The hosts debate the implications of this shift, balancing the need for ongoing app development and support against the expectations set by previous purchase agreements. Throughout the episode, listener emails play a significant role, offering valuable insights and personal experiences. From comparing Braille displays to discussing the importance of accessible technology in education, the audience contributions add depth to the conversation. One listener shares a humorous and relatable story about accidentally entering the wrong apartment, highlighting the everyday adventures of navigating the world as someone who is blind or partially sighted. The hosts also touch on the potential of new mobility technology to enhance independence. While Steven expresses skepticism about replacing traditional aids like canes and guide dogs, they both acknowledge the importance of innovation in addressing challenges like obstacle detection at head height. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website --- Follow on: YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube X (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/x Instagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagram TikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktok Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook LinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin   Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/apple Spotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotify RSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcast iHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart   About Double Tap Hosted 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 Scott and Shaun Preece dive back into their overflowing inbox to tackle a variety of listener emails, exploring topics from accessible technology to personal anecdotes and beyond.One listener, Sharon from Michigan, updates the hosts on the Blindshell mobile program, highlighting the ongoing efforts to secure continued funding for this valuable service.Another email from Dave touches on key safes and sunglasses, introducing practical solutions for everyday challenges faced by visually impaired people. Dave shares his personal experience with macular degeneration and the difficulties of wearing sunglasses with hearing aids, sparking a conversation on the importance of accessible options for everyone.Eleanor brings up the topic of Braille education, advocating for its inclusion in the curriculum for visually impaired children. This leads to a broader discussion on the benefits of specialist schooling versus mainstream integration, with the hosts sharing their perspectives on the matter.Dennis from Nairobi seeks advice on accessing sensitive content on Twitter, reading e-papers, and a peculiar issue with VoiceOver not reading the word "are." The hosts provide their insights and encourage Dennis to provide more details for further assistance.The episode also features discussions on the Ambutech No-Jab cane, recommended by several listeners for its innovative design that prevents jabs during use. This sparks a conversation about the preferences and experiences of cane users.Lastly, Mark from Miami Beach addresses the upcoming changes to Gmail, advocating for the standard view over the basic HTML version. He emphasizes the accessibility of the standard view with screen readers and encourages listeners to adapt to the new format.The show wraps up with a reminder that there will be no new episodes now until Easter Monday when the boys return. Happy Easter everyone!Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media. 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 lively episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece start with a clarification about the Orbit Reader Q40, correcting a previous guest's thoughts about the number of cells it has; it's 40, not 48, as was mistakenly mentioned.The discussion then moves to Apple's WWDC announcement, where Steven expresses his waning interest in the Vision Pro, contrasting with Sean's curiosity about its development potential, especially concerning the accessibility of its cameras to developers.Listener emails bring a personal touch to the episode, with stories and questions about cane preferences, non-tech sunglasses for bright sunlight, and the importance of mobility training over tech solutions for navigation challenges. The hosts also address feedback on various topics, including the accessibility of the Amazon Music iOS app and the potential of Windows Spots on Apple Voiceover to improve navigation on Mac.Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media. 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 lively episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, along with their special guest Michael Babcock, dive into a comprehensive review of this year's CSUN Assistive Technology Conference.Michael Babcock, a first-time attendee at CSUN, shares his experiences and insights from the event. He discusses various aspects of the conference, from the diversity of assistive technologies showcased, including those beyond blindness, to the significance of meeting people in person whom he's known online for years.Michael shares his thoughts on the new Orbit Q40 and Q20 Braille displays,  the ARX Vision headset, which promises to enhance navigation for visually impaired users through AI and a camera integrated into a bone conduction headset, and Sony's robotic dog, Aibo.Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media. 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 Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the hot topic of the Department of Justice's antitrust case against Apple. They unpack the government's claims that Apple is monopolizing the tech market, with a special focus on iMessage and Apple Pay. Steven argues that the case is based on outdated information, especially with upcoming changes in iOS 18 that address many of the DOJ's concerns. Shaun, while agreeing on some points, highlights the importance of government scrutiny in keeping big tech companies in check for the sake of consumer experience.The conversation then shifts to the AppleVis expansion to cover more than just Apple products. Thomas Domville, a moderator at the website, joins the discussion to explain the decision to include forums on Windows, Android, smart home tech, and assistive technology.Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media. 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 the show, Steven and Shaun dive into the big news from Aira and the Microsoft Surface event. Starting with the Microsoft Surface event, they discuss the unveiling of the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, specifically designed for business use. This sparks a debate about the relevance and excitement around Microsoft's offerings, especially in a world where Mac and PC users fiercely defend their choices. The introduction of a Copilot key on select Surface models stirs a mix of curiosity and skepticism, highlighting the growing influence of AI in everyday tech. There's also more news from CSUN's Assistive Technology Conference as it wraps up for another year, with Grace Scoffield bringing us news of updates from Be My Eyes, Aira, Orbit Research, HIMS International and more. The show focuses on the Aira announcement as Steven and Shaun welcome CEO of AIRA, Troy Otillio and Jenine Stanley from the company to share their news of a new Access AI feature that is rolling out to users worldwide as a beta. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website --- Follow on: YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube X (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/x Instagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagram TikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktok Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook LinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin   Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/apple Spotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotify RSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcast iHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart   About Double Tap Hosted 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 Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the world of Windows ahead of Microsoft's Surface event, sharing their experiences, preferences, and some friendly banter about the perennial Windows vs. Mac debate. To explore this in more detail, they bring on guest Robin Christopherson, who shares his transition from Mac to Windows, driven by his workplace's decision. Christopherson discusses his adaptation to Windows 11, his continued use of a Mac keyboard, and his experiences with Windows' built-in accessibility features, particularly praising the natural voices in Narrator. Listener Marco, from Germany, shares his reasons for switching to Mac, emphasizing the Apple ecosystem's convenience, his struggles with Windows PCs, and a desire for a change after retiring from a career deeply intertwined with Windows development. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website --- Follow on: YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube X (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/x Instagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagram TikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktok Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook LinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin   Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/apple Spotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotify RSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcast iHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart   About Double Tap Hosted 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 Scott and Shaun Preece kick off with excitement about CSUN 2024 and the latest developments in accessible technology. Allison Sheridan, the host of the NosillaCast podcast, also joins them to share her insights from the event. The episode starts with a significant announcement from Aira, introducing new AI features aimed at enhancing accessibility for the visually impaired. The discussion highlights the Access AI feature from Aira, which combines AI with human verification to provide detailed descriptions of images for users. Also, the guys discuss the announcement of new devices by Orbit Research, specifically the Orbit Reader Q40 and Q20, which feature QWERTY keyboards and are designed to make Braille more accessible and affordable. Despite the excitement, there's skepticism regarding the actual availability of these products, given Orbit's history with delays. Allison Sheridan then shares her passion for incorporating accessibility into mainstream tech discussions. She recounts her learning about accessibility, including teaching herself voiceover and advocating for accessible app design. Allison's anticipation for CSUN centres on exploring innovative solutions across various aspects of accessibility, not just for those who are blind or partially sighted but for all disabilities. Her story of attempting a tech talk blindfolded and her efforts to promote image descriptions in social media highlight her commitment to making technology inclusive. Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us across social media. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website --- Follow on: YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtube X (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/x Instagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagram TikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktok Threads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threads Facebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebook LinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin   Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/apple Spotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotify RSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcast iHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart   About Double Tap Hosted 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.