Double Tap

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the latest updates from Voice Dream Reader and explore a new tool to enhance web accessibility. First up, they discuss the recent changes announced by Voice Dream Reader. A listener, Graham, shares his discovery that the app's update notes suggest a shift away from a mandatory subscription model for legacy customers. This news sparks a detailed analysis by Steven and Shaun, who weigh in on the implications of this decision for both the company and its user base. They delve into the community's reaction, including the overwhelming feedback Voice Dream received, which ultimately led them to retract their subscription requirement for adding new documents. However, Steven and Shaun express concern about the sustainability of this decision, pondering how it might affect the app's future development and the broader context of app monetization strategies. The second part of the episode introduces a conversation with Oliver Emberton from Silktide, recorded by Allison Sheridan at the CSUN conference. Oliver presents a new Chrome extension designed to aid web developers in making their sites more accessible. This tool offers features like a screen reader simulator, a focus order visualizer, and a colour contrast checker, all aimed at simplifying the process of ensuring web accessibility. Allison's enthusiasm and insightful questions highlight the potential impact of such tools in promoting inclusivity online. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode focusing on the best of YouTube from this week, the hosts, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, discuss a range of topics related to technology and accessibility. First up, Michael Babcock joins the guys to chat about his recent trip to CSUN, particularly focusing on Sony's efforts in making cameras more accessible for the blind and partially sighted community. Michael details the evolution of Sony's accessible camera features, from basic accessibility announcements to the inclusion of TalkBack for navigation and future plans for facial recognition in photo previews. The conversation shifts to the intriguing AIBO, Sony's robotic dog, which Babcock had the chance to interact with at CSUN. Despite its lack of fur, Aibo exhibits behaviours that mimic a real dog, including responding to touch and learning from interactions. The hosts debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of such AI companions, pondering whether they could serve as suitable substitutes for real pets for certain individuals. (Starts at 13 seconds) The next featured YouTube video also touches on other notable products and technologies featured at CSUN, like the all-terrain cane by Awarewolf, designed to support hikers who are partially sighted, and Case for Vision, a smartphone case that facilitates reading for users. The hosts reflect on the practicality of these innovations and the importance of focusing on simple, effective solutions alongside more high-tech offerings. (Starts at 19 minutes 12 seconds) In the third video, Michael returns to talk about the experience of visiting CSUN, how he travelled there and what navigating around with 3,500 other people in the same space was like. (Starts at 32 minutes 35 seconds) Jenine Stanley from Aira joins the conversation to discuss how Aira is making the upcoming solar eclipse accessible for visually impaired individuals through detailed audio descriptions. This initiative highlights the broader potential of technology to make various aspects of life more inclusive. (Starts at 42 minutes 50 seconds) Get ahead of the conversation and check out the Double Tap YouTube channel every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the platform which you can find using this link: https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleTapVideo 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the big stories this week in tech, plus we catch up with Matt Ater from Vispero about his trip to CSUN in California and his current stay in London, England. Mr. F is our special guest reader for the Double Tap news this week, including stories about how the solar eclipse goes beyond visuals to engage all the senses, Google agrees to destroy collected incognito mode data, Microsoft spins off Teams as a separate product, an AI-powered Xbox chatbot is being tested, and OpenAI's new Voice Engine which could be a game-changer for accessibility. Later, Matt Ater from Vispero joins the conversation to discuss the CSUN conference, his visit to the UK, and his work with the RNIB on making kiosks more accessible through their JAWS for Kiosk product. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of topics, including the practicality of managing digital subscriptions, with Steven sharing his recent experience of trimming his subscriptions to manage his expenses better. Listener emails touch upon the antitrust case against Apple, debating the merits and implications of the case. They also explore how technology, particularly AI and large language models, is evolving and its impact on consumer choices and preferences. The show also features a segment with Jenine Stanley from Aira, who shares exciting details about how Aira is helping people enjoy the upcoming solar eclipse through detailed audio descriptions and interactive events. 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.