In this episode, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece engage in a light-hearted discussion about midweek fatigue, Christmas preparations, and the importance of holiday traditions. 

They then transition into a detailed review of the Pixel Watch, courtesy of listener Yusuf, highlighting its accessibility issues and user experiences. 

Listener emails bring up various topics, including how to connect devices in hotels, the evolution of Amazon Echo devices, the new InnoSearch shopping experience, navigating with assistive devices, and the transition from JAWS to NVDA.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

06:07 Listener Review: The Pixel Watch

19:51 Email from Stan on Echo Studio Experiences

34:04 Emails from Darren and David on InnoSearch AI

44:29 Email from Gordon On Navigating with Ramble Tag

47:53 Emails from Doug and Lisa On Switching from JAWS to NVDA

Today on Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece share their experiences from the recent Sight Village event, reflecting on the joy of meeting listeners and the importance of diverse voices in the blind community. 

They recount travel adventures, including humorous hotel mishaps, and feature an unboxing of a new keyboard, discussing its features and specifications. 

The show also includes listener feedback on tech products such as the latest BlindShell Classic 3, comparisons between specialist and mainstream devices, and insights into new innovations in accessible technology as featured across the podcast spectrum.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

02:49 Reflections on Sight Village Experience

20:53 Steven’s New Keyboard Unboxing

41:52 Feedback: Darren on Blind Shell Classic 3: Features and User Reactions

52:19 Feedback: Alan on New Products and Innovations in Accessible Tech

Today on the show Steven and Shaun learn about the new BlindShell Classic 3 mobile phone that is launching today (11th November).

But first, we find out why Shaun is all excited about GoodMaps, an app that helps you navigate around indoors if the building has been mapped.

However our main story focuses on the launch of the brand new smartphone from BlindShell, the BlindShell Classic 3. Jakub Mikeštík and Filip Hrdlička from the company join Steven to discuss the latest features, including a new AI assistant called Luna, a new Tandem app for supporting people using the device from another smartphone, and new support for third party apps in the Google Play Store.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

02:52 Shaun Explores Good Maps

09:06 Introducing Blindshell Classic 3: Features and Improvements

20:53 BlindShell Classic 3: Tandem App

27:00 BlindShell Classic 3: Introduction to Luna AI Assistant

36:49 BlindShell Classic 3: Opening Up to Third-Party Apps

48:56 BlindShell Classic 3: Pricing and Availability

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Sean Preece engage with listener feedback on various topics, including the social model of disability, the role of technology in improving accessibility, and the environmental impact of AI. 

They discuss the complexities of disability beyond physical impairments, emphasizing the need for societal change alongside technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the sustainability challenges posed by AI and the importance of user experiences in shaping accessible technology. 

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

02:58 Roberto On Exploring the Social Model of Disability

11:48 CC On Sustainability and AI's Environmental Impact

21:02 Eleanor On Feeling What’s Around You

23:36 Negative Julian On Bigger Icons Helping Steven’s Essential Tremor

30:50 Glendon’s Quest for Unbreakable Kitchenware

34:41 Pete On Exploring Voice-Activated Apps and Their Impact

43:24 Shawn On Employment Opportunities for the Blind Community

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece hear about a new type of mobility aid that uses embedded RFID tags at various locations for navigation.

The guys start with a quick peek into the inbox, and suddenly dive back into the implications of Neuralink, and personal experiences with vision loss. 

The conversation also covers the comparison between different smart cane technologies, specifically the WeWalk and Mini Guide, and concludes with a discussion on political volunteering and its accessibility for people with disabilities. 

Our main conversation today explores innovative solutions for indoor navigation using RFID technology. HearSee is based in Southern Utah in the USA and has created an innovative smart cane that detects embedded RFID tags to help blind users navigate indoors. President of HearSee, James Bloomfield, talks to Shaun about the invention.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

08:47 Tim on Neuralink and Internal Ableism

14:00 Pete On Comparing Smart Canes: WeWalk vs Mini Guide

20:19 Hailey On Political Volunteering and Personal Stories

30:10 HearSee Mobility Interview with James Bloomfield

Today on the show Steven tells Shaun about his recent trip to the loft in his house, where he discovered various forgotten tech gadgets, including a docking station for his MacBook Pro and an Apple TV 4K. Nostalgia takes center stage as they reminisce about past Apple products and their evolution. 

Listener Brian Clark shares a conversation he had with the team behind an incredible new Braille display called Cadence, which Tactile Engineering showcased at an ACB event recently in Ohio. Brian learned about the innovative design and applications of the Cadence device used by students at the Indiana School for the Blind, ensuring accessibility and equitable access to technology for visually impaired students there.

Listener comments bring us back to the subject of Neuralink and the varying perspectives on vision restoration within the blind community. Additionally, it addresses the complexities of blind culture, identity, and the dynamics within the blind and visually community, highlighting the need for understanding and acceptance among different groups.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

02:58 Exploring Steven’s Loft: Hidden Treasures

18:02 Braille Technology: The Cadence Display

34:00 Neuralink and Perspectives on Vision Restoration

39:12 The Complexity of Blind Culture and Identity

45:16 Navigating Community Dynamics and Acceptance

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun discuss their experiences with accessible technology, focusing on InnoSearch, an online shopping platform designed for blind people. 

Steven talks about his experience of shopping for iPhone cases, the implications for Amazon Prime subscriptions, and the potential of AI to enhance shopping experiences. 

The main conversation today focuses on Braille embossing, featuring regular guest and friend of the show, Tim Dixon, who shares his journey with Braille embossers and the importance of accessibility in technology. They discuss the intricacies of using Braille embossers, particularly focusing on the setup process, user experiences, and the technology behind Index Braille, a leader in this field. There’s also an interview kindly provided by Allison Sheridan from the Nosilla Podcast - watch the full video of the interview with Index here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFBa5axFBSE

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

03:11 Exploring InnoSearch: Steven Tests It

15:01 Braille Embossing: A New Perspective

18:10 Tim Dixon's Journey with Braille Embossers

28:33 Understanding Braille Embossers and Their Setup

37:53 Exploring Index Braille Technology From NosillaCast

46:37 The Value and Accessibility of Braille Embossers

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun kick off the week with a lively discussion following listener emails, starting with Glendon, who shares an interesting television commercial about the checkered eye symbol for blind and low vision people. This sparks a broader discussion about the various symbols and methods used to indicate disabilities and the public's understanding of them.

Frank writes in about his experience with OrCam's customer service and the challenges of dealing with tech issues. He also touches on the RNIB's banking problems and the frustrations of dealing with IT issues. The hosts discuss the importance of accessible tech and the need for better training and support.

Leannda’s email brings up the topic of Braille and its accessibility, especially after education. Steven and Shaun discuss the declining use of Braille and the importance of making Braille technology more affordable and accessible to ensure its continued use. They also touch on the recent changes in iOS 18 and the issues some users have faced with the eloquence voice disappearing.

Mark from Perth shares his positive experience with Braille screen input on iOS 18 and recommends a helpful podcast episode from BrailleCast which can be found here: https://www.braillecast.com/podcast/x077/

Gregory's email connects the recent news about Be My Eyes on Meta's mainstream glasses to the broader issue of universal design and accessibility. The hosts agree on the importance of making all products accessible to everyone and discuss the challenges of achieving this goal.

Finally, Callum's message addresses the topic of Neuralink and the possibility of regaining vision. He shares his perspective as someone who has been blind from birth and expresses a desire to experience vision, despite the potential challenges. This leads to a thoughtful discussion about the varying opinions within the blind community on the topic of regaining sight.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

03:05 Glendon’s ‘Interesting’ TV Ad

05:36 Symbols for Disability Awareness

15:44 Frank’s Resolved Issues With OrCam

19:55 Leannda’s Thoughts On The Future Of Braille

33:00 Mark’s Experience Of Braille Screen Input

37:00:Gregory’s Thoughts On Teaching Braille To Kids

45:19 Callum’s Thoughts On Neuralink & Vision Restoration Perspectives

Today on the show Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the breaking news that Seeing AI now has the ability to describe videos live, plus friend of the show Jenine Stanley pops in from Aira to discuss some updates to their visual interpreter service.

The big news of the day is Seeing AI’s latest update which now allows you to upload an MP4 video file and have it analyzed and described back to you while the video plays. Steven demonstrates this with some of his own videos recorded on his Meta Ray-Ban glasses, plus we hear a clip from the archive of Saqib Shaikh from Microsoft, the man who created Seeing AI, talking about its creation and his aim with the project.

Aira also has news to share and Jenine Stanley, the company’s Director of Customer Service and Engagement, joins the guys again to talk about a new partnership with a UK train network, and also updates listeners on their use of Meta Ray-Bans for Aira calls.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 Intro

01:51 Exciting Updates on Seeing AI

07:58 Interview with Saqib Shaikh: The Vision Behind Seeing AI

13:59 Demonstrating the New Video Description Feature

19:45 Exploring Additional Features of Seeing AI

27:18 Connecting with Aira: New Partnerships and Access Locations

34:25 Meta and Aira: A New Era of Visual Assistance

46:04 Innovations in Aira: ASL and New Services

Today on the show Steven and Shaun discuss Apple’s final announcement of the week - a new MacBook Pro with M4 chips inside. While not a major surprise Steven does share some interesting news he’s found within the announcements.

Also listener Norina gets in touch to share her frustrations with getting access to audio description on a TV channel she found playing Christmas movies, sending Steven into a rage and demanding Hollywood stars should be involved in this conversation!

And listener CC in Montreal shares his recent issues with the latest iOS 18 upgrade on his iPhone.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 - Intro  

4:34 - We Want Your Opinions of the Larq Water Bottle  

10:53 - Steven's First Impressions of the Apple Watch Series 10  

19:58 - Apple Announces the New M4 Powered Macbook Pro  

43:21 - Feedback - Norina on Audio Described Christmas Movies  

51:21 - Feedback - CC on iOS 18 Voices  

Today on the show Steven and Shaun dive into the next big announcement from Apple, this time around the focus is on their new Mac Mini.

But is this the real ‘blind’ Mac, and why does Steven think it is? Find out about all the features of the new Mac Mini and discover whether it might be right for you.

Also there’s more of your feedback, including more comments and questions on the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, and a comment on the usefulness of Be My AI.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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.