Double Tap

Double Tap Productions Inc.

Double Tap is the show where blind people talk tech! If you’re blind or partially sighted and have an interest in technology, this is the show for you. Everyone is welcome no matter how old you are or how much or how little experience you have with technology. Each week the team will help you better understand how technology can help your everyday life, even if you have little or no sight. Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail! Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com Phone: 1-877-803-4567 read less

Our Editor's Take

The Double Tap podcast shares tech news and reviews with the visually impaired community. Its hosts are Steven Scott and Shaun Preece. They invite everyone of all ages and levels of tech knowledge to join them. Here they all learn about accessible technology.

Steven is a radio host whose sight condition forced him to adapt to new technologies. When Steven discovers a new gadget, he's excited to share it with the broader community. Shaun is an audio producer who was born with a visual impairment. He has had to rely more on assistive technology as his vision has worsened. The podcast hosts met while on the UK show Tech Talk and bonded over their passion for technology.

Steven and Shaun share tips and reviews in each podcast episode to help improve daily life. In one, they discuss a fascinating tool, Annie, created to help with learning Braille. Annie is for blind and low-vision children to use by themselves. Product manager Andrew Flatres joins to discuss its features, design, and value. They praise its focus on self-education, although it can be shared in the classroom, too. What makes it unique is that it provides a fun, game-like format that is great for kids.

An ever-present topic within tech discussions is the future of AI. Steven and Shaun discuss how it may help the lives of the visually impaired community. There are voice features and image descriptions within ChatGPT that are already beneficial. The podcast hosts also talk about the need for regulations for this new and fast-paced technology.

The podcast discusses coping with sight loss and the language used to refer to the community. It also features questions and stories from listeners. One listener talks about disliking the term "blind." He states that it's often the only way he can explain his need for extra help. The more accurate term "partially sighted" doesn't result in the same support, he says.

The Double Tap podcast has product reviews, recommendations, and discussions in all areas. New episodes arrive Mondays through Saturdays.

read less
TechnologyTechnology

Episodes

A Coffee And A Dive Into The Inbox
2d ago
A Coffee And A Dive Into The Inbox
Today on the show, Steven and Shaun dive into the inbox featuring a wide range of topics for discussion.The subject of Meta Ray-Ban glasses comes up first with listener Corrie talking about her discoveries using Bluetooth with the Meta Ray Bands and other devices at the same time.The chat shifts to the comparison between wearables and mobility aids, emphasizing the importance of both in the blind community. Listener contributions also delve into the future of AI in accessibility, the challenges of navigating with technology, and the desire for independence in daily life. Feedback on Glide and other devices highlights the ongoing evolution of assistive technology. 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.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro02:57 Corrie’s Discoveries with Meta Ray Bands06:09 Wearables vs. Mobility Aids11:48 The Future of AI in Accessibility15:10 Navigating with Technology: Canes and Wearables20:46 Independence and Accessibility in Daily Life24:01 Thoughts On Glide and Other Devices28:12 Navigating Stairs: The Challenges of Mobility Devices31:47 Perspectives on Vision: The Desire for Sight32:39 The Braille Debate: Technology vs. Traditional Learning36:25 Employment Challenges: Attitudes Towards Blind People41:48 The Future of Braille: Balancing Tradition and Technology43:43 AI and Power Consumption: The Nuclear Dilemma50:05 Personal Experiences Relating to Vision Loss
Be My Eyes Officially Comes To Meta Ray-Bans & Glidance Updates
1w ago
Be My Eyes Officially Comes To Meta Ray-Bans & Glidance Updates
On today’s episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss the latest developments in assistive technology, focusing on the partnership between Be My Eyes and Meta to integrate their services with Meta's Ray-Ban glasses - this service is now live.Also the guys welcome Amos Miller and Kyle Buzzard back to the show to discuss the latest developments in the much-talked about product from Glidance, the Glide mobility aid.The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding these innovations and their potential to enhance accessibility and user experience. Amos and Kyle talk about the development of the Glide device, focusing on its potential to assist people with both hearing and visual impairments. The discussion highlights the importance of community feedback in the design process, the innovative features of the device, and the hands-on experiences of users.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.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro02:55 Be My Eyes and Meta Partnership12:00 Glidance Interview: Development and Community Feedback38:06 Steven and Shaun’s Hands-On Experience with Glide
HearSee Mobility & The Great Neuralink Debate Continues
07-11-2024
HearSee Mobility & The Great Neuralink Debate Continues
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 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.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro08:47 Tim on Neuralink and Internal Ableism14:00 Pete On Comparing Smart Canes: WeWalk vs Mini Guide20:19 Hailey On Political Volunteering and Personal Stories30:10 HearSee Mobility Interview with James Bloomfield
What’s In Steven’s Loft, Cadence Braille Display & What Is Blind Culture?
06-11-2024
What’s In Steven’s Loft, Cadence Braille Display & What Is Blind Culture?
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 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.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro02:58 Exploring Steven’s Loft: Hidden Treasures18:02 Braille Technology: The Cadence Display34:00 Neuralink and Perspectives on Vision Restoration39:12 The Complexity of Blind Culture and Identity45:16 Navigating Community Dynamics and Acceptance
InnoSearch Experiences & Embossing With Index Braille
05-11-2024
InnoSearch Experiences & Embossing With Index Braille
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=eFBa5axFBSEGet 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.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro03:11 Exploring InnoSearch: Steven Tests It15:01 Braille Embossing: A New Perspective18:10 Tim Dixon's Journey with Braille Embossers28:33 Understanding Braille Embossers and Their Setup37:53 Exploring Index Braille Technology From NosillaCast46:37 The Value and Accessibility of Braille Embossers
Your Feedback: Symbols For Blindness, Braille Future & The Neuralink Debate
04-11-2024
Your Feedback: Symbols For Blindness, Braille Future & The Neuralink Debate
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 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.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.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro03:05 Glendon’s ‘Interesting’ TV Ad05:36 Symbols for Disability Awareness15:44 Frank’s Resolved Issues With OrCam19:55 Leannda’s Thoughts On The Future Of Braille33:00 Mark’s Experience Of Braille Screen Input37:00:Gregory’s Thoughts On Teaching Braille To Kids45:19 Callum’s Thoughts On Neuralink & Vision Restoration Perspectives
Seeing AI Describes Videos & Aira Updates
01-11-2024
Seeing AI Describes Videos & Aira Updates
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 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.Chapter Markers:00:00 Intro01:51 Exciting Updates on Seeing AI07:58 Interview with Saqib Shaikh: The Vision Behind Seeing AI13:59 Demonstrating the New Video Description Feature19:45 Exploring Additional Features of Seeing AI27:18 Connecting with Aira: New Partnerships and Access Locations34:25 Meta and Aira: A New Era of Visual Assistance46:04 Innovations in Aira: ASL and New Services
New iMac with M4 & Make Your Perkins Brailler Smart With Paige
29-10-2024
New iMac with M4 & Make Your Perkins Brailler Smart With Paige
Today on the show Steven and Shaun discuss the first announcement of the week from Apple and a cool way to make your Perkins brailler smart.First up, the guys chat about Apple’s new product, the iMac with an M4 processor inside. This is the first of three announcements from Apple that will coming out over the next couple of days. The company also released Apple Intelligence in US English as part of their new operating systems for iPhone, iPad and Mac. AppleVis have reported a number of bugs and fixes in the latest releases - more details here:iOS 18.1https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-releases-ios-181-ipados-181-bringing-new-bugs-some-fixes-voiceover-braille-usersWatch OS 11.1https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-releases-watchos-111-bringing-changes-system-volume-behavior-voiceover-volume-rotorMac OS Sequoia 15.1https://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-releases-macos-sequoia-151-bringing-both-improvements-new-bugs-voiceover-usersOur main story today features a UK startup called Paige which have developed a tool to make Perkins braillers smart by replacing the bottom plate of the machine with a new sensor board. Greg Hargraves from the company joins Steven and Shaun to talk about the product and its development.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.Chapter Markers:0:00 - Intro4:12 - Apple Announces M4 Powered iMac17:31 - Apple Intelligence Launches26:01 - Contact Us26:59 - Smarter Perkins with Page Braille
Victor Reader Stream Updates, Micro Speak Is Back & Tim’s Video Tips
24-10-2024
Victor Reader Stream Updates, Micro Speak Is Back & Tim’s Video Tips
Today on the show Steven and Shaun discuss the latest news in accessible tech, including a new update for the Victor Reader Stream 3rd Generation, an updated Micro Speak is now available and long time listener and friend of the show Tim Dixon shares his top tips on recording video out and about.The Victor Reader Stream has had a few major updates, including a new Canadian voice in both Canadian English and French-Canadian, plus there’s a new Notes Categories option, plus a number of fixes under the hood. Full details are here: https://support.humanware.com/en-usa/support/victor_reader_stream_3/victor_reader_stream_3_software/release_notesAlso the Micro Speak is now available, with an updated audio prompt system and better audio recording quality. Plus there’s now a USB-C charging cable port for easier use. It’s available in Canada from Special Needs Computing, and in the US from AT Guys, while in the UK you can purchase it from Talking Products and RNIB.Listener and long time friend of the show Tim Dixon is also back with us today to chat about his recent experience with his new iPhone 16 Pro as a video camera while at the recent Sight Village exhibition. He shares his top tips in successfully recording out and about.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.Chapter Markers:0:00 - Intro  4:32 - Shaun Says Sorry to RNIB (Sort of)  8:56 - Feedback - Pete on the RNIB Online Shop  13:31 - Feedback - Shafiq on Where To Get A Cane  15:45 - New Update for Victor Reader Stream 3  20:21 - The MicroSpeak Audio Recorder  26:14 - Contact Us  26:35 - Tim Gives Us Tips On Recording Content