Double Tap

In this episode of the Double Tap podcast, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss a variety of topics related to technology and accessibility. They start by exploring the use of personal AI and the advancements in AI technology that allow for more human-like interactions, as well as the limitations and accessibility concerns associated with these AI tools. The hosts also touch upon the development of AI companionship and the potential for AI to provide support for individuals with mental health needs. They discuss the challenges and possibilities that come with using AI as a companion, particularly when it comes to providing support for those in isolation. Stephen and Shaun also delve into the latest advancements in AI and voice assistant technology, specifically focusing on Siri and its potential for improvements in future updates. They share their thoughts on the role of AI in the future of technology and accessibility, and whether the current trends in AI development are meeting the needs and expectations of those who are blind or partially sighted.. The episode concludes with a discussion on tech solutions for mobility needs, including the use of smart canes and other devices designed to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The hosts express their concerns about the effectiveness and practicality of these tech solutions and the need for community feedback and involvement in product development.

In this podcast episode, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss a variety of topics, including the use of simulation glasses, and the accessibility of distraction-free writing devices for blind and partially sighted users. The hosts open their conversation by discussing the use of simulation glasses, also known as sim specs, and the experience of sighted individuals wearing these glasses to replicate the visual impairments of people with conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. They explore the implications of such simulations and the potential for technology, such as AI, to create accurate and inclusive representations of visual impairment. They also discuss the use of distraction-free writing devices, such as the Alpha Freewrite, and the lack of accessibility consideration in these products, calling for more inclusive design and features like audio output for users.

In this episode of the Double Tap YouTube podcast, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by special guest Fern Lulham to discuss online dating and the experience for blind and low vision people. The hosts and guest explore the evolution of online dating and the ways in which technology has impacted the dating landscape. They delve into the practicalities and challenges of blind people navigating the world of dating apps and websites, and the safety concerns that arise in the online dating space. The conversation transitions to a discussion about technology fatigue and the challenges blind and low vision people face in adopting new tech products, particularly in the context of Apple's new Vision Pro product. The hosts share their concerns about the resources allocated to developing products that are accessible to the blind community and question whether the potential benefits of new tech products outweigh the practical use and accessibility for blind and low vision users. The hosts express their apprehensions about the future of technology for blind and low vision individuals, particularly in the context of spatial computing and VR. They discuss their reservations about the focus on visual-centric products and the potential exclusion of blind and low vision users from the benefits of new technology.

In this podcast episode with hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, the main topics discussed revolve around Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) and the impact and importance of accessibility in digital products. The hosts reflect on the significance of GAAD and how it's celebrated on social media but also express concern about companies' genuine commitment to accessibility. They interview Joe Devon, one of the co-founders of GAAD, and discuss the origins and impact of the initiative.

In the podcast episode with hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, the main topics discussed were Rabbit R1, a new AI device, the Project Tapestry, and the use of distraction-free devices, gaming consoles, and various tech topics with community comments. The hosts explored these topics by providing an overview of new technological devices and their potential impact, discussing the importance of accessibility, and highlighting the need for involving individuals with disabilities in conversations about technology and innovation. The hosts had a conversation with a guest, Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet UK, about the Rabbit R1, an AI device with innovative capabilities. They explained its features, including the large action model and its potential impact on accessibility for people with disabilities. They also discussed the significance of involving individuals with disabilities in the development of new technology. In another segment, they explored the Project Tapestry, a new application designed to create a unified timeline for different social media platforms and news feeds. The hosts and a guest, Gideon Mehew, discussed the importance of accessibility for devices like the Project Tapestry and the potential impact they could have on users. The hosts also delved into various community comments discussing the use of guide dog and guide horse schools, the accessibility of distraction-free typewriters, the experience of playing games without sight, and the importance of involving individuals with lived experiences in discussions about technology and innovation.

In this podcast episode, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into the topics of gaming accessibility, AI integration in devices, and the accessibility features of Lenovo laptops. The hosts start by discussing the accessibility of gaming consoles and the hesitation of some visually impaired individuals to invest in a gaming console due to a lack of accessible games. They highlight the necessity for game developers to continue to work on improving accessibility features in games to cater for the visually impaired audience. Next, they switch topics and explore the new accessibility features found in Lenovo's laptops. They interview Graham Thomas, senior technologist at Lenovo UK and Ireland, who speaks about the company's commitment to inclusive design and making PCs more accessible to users with disabilities. The hosts discuss Lenovo's purposeful design and the impact of diversity and inclusion in the development of their products. The conversation then shifts to the integration of AI in PCs, particularly in Lenovo's new line of laptops, and the impact of AI on user interactions with devices. The hosts explore how AI can enhance productivity and accessibility, leading to the development of new keyboard functionalities on Lenovo laptops. As the episode continues, the hosts share insights into the growing demand for desktops and all-in-one PCs, particularly as people continue to work from home. The hosts and their guest, Graham Thomas, discuss the shifting workplace dynamics and the advantages of using desktops in work-from-home setups.

In this episode of the Double Tap YouTube podcast, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss and analyze the latest news and updates in the world of technology and accessibility for blind and partially sighted individuals. They delve into the topic of the antitrust case brought forward by the U.S. Department of Justice against Apple, exploring the irony of the case and the potential implications for tech companies. They also discuss the ongoing evolution of mobility aids and the potential benefits and drawbacks of integrating new technology into these devices, highlighting the need for careful consideration and inclusivity in the development of these tools. The hosts also interview Michael Babcock and dive into the complexities of the Apple antitrust case, discussing the implications for iMessage and the potential impact on user experience. Additionally, the hosts talk to Matt Ater from Vispero about the new JAWS kiosk, a screen-reader accessible audio recorder that aims to improve accessibility and usability for blind and visually impaired individuals in various settings, such as restaurants, hotels, and recording environments. They explore the features and functionalities of these new recorders and their potential impact on the accessibility of audio recording for a variety of users.

In this episode of the Double Tap podcast, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discussed a range of topics. They began by talking about the Zero Project Conference and their experiences at the event, including discussions about accessible banking with Penny Roberts from Bankability. They then explored the work of .lumen, which has developed glasses to empower the blind and partially sighted community through self-driving technology. The hosts interviewed Cornel Amarei, the CEO and founder of .lumen, who explained the company's mission and groundbreaking technology. The episode also delved into the world of accessible navigation, discussing a new app called WaveOut developed by DreamWaves. The hosts, along with guest Hugo from DreamWaves, explored the concept of spatial audio navigation and its potential benefits for blind or partially sighted users. Additionally, the episode touched on the challenges of app development, including issues with battery drain and overheating in GPS-dependent apps.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discussed the Zero Project Conference in Vienna and the technology and services mentioned there. The episode revolved around the topics of Hable, Google accessibility, and eye tracking technology. The hosts delved into the new Hable 2 and explored its features, the challenges related to its cost and manufacture, and the company's efforts to bring the product to a broader audience. The conversation focused on the importance of keeping the device simple and user-friendly, with the goal of making it accessible to everyone. They also discussed the significance of Hable's unique design and multi-modal functions, and the company's commitment to creating content and training programs to promote awareness and usability of accessibility tools. The hosts also spoke with Christopher Patnoe from Google about the tech giant's commitment to ethical AI and accessibility. They discussed Google's Gemini AI model, the potential risks and benefits of AI for accessibility, and the importance of thoughtful ethical design and inclusivity. Moreover, the episode featured a conversation with Eduardo Jauregui from Irisbond about the advancements in eye-tracking technology and their potential applications for people with disabilities, such as those with ALS or cerebral palsy. The discussion highlighted the main features of the Hable 2 and the company's commitment to expanding its capabilities, with a focus on making the device more affordable and user-friendly. The hosts also hinted at exciting updates coming soon and emphasized the company's commitment to working closely with the community to ensure that their feedback shapes the future of Hable devices, ultimately providing accessible and empowering tools for everyone.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece cover a range of topics related to disability, technology, and innovation. They speak with Dr. Anthony Giannoumis, who runs a company called Scaling Solutions, which aims to help members of the disability community start businesses. They discuss how the company is using new technology to help visually impaired individuals learn Braille. They also explore the concept of Scaling Solutions and the way it connects different disability communities around the world, breaking down market barriers and expanding the reach of disability innovations. The hosts also interview Gwen Birchall, who is involved in technology development for the disabled community, and Mark Walker from AbilityNet, a UK charity that works on disability technology. They discuss the Zero Project conference and its focus on disability and assistive technology, as well as the importance of legislation and regulation in driving improvements in accessibility. The conversation also touches on inclusive advertising and the representation of disability in media, and the potential impact of politics and government policies on disability rights and inclusion. They discuss AI and the responsible use of technology in relation to disability, and the ongoing work being done by organizations like AbilityNet to support members of the disability community through technology and education.

In this episode of the Double Tap AMI-audio podcast, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece revisit Vienna's Zero Project conference and explore exclusive nuggets from the event. They interview various individuals, including Rama from the Royal College of Art in London, who highlights the importance of inclusive and accessible design. They also speak with Celestine from Nairobi, Kenya, who discusses the challenges members of the disability community face in Africa and the need for greater awareness and accessibility. The hosts also chat with Jakob from Estonia, who represents Sparrow Access, an organization involved in accessibility consulting and advocacy work for the blind and partially sighted. Jakob shares the unique challenges and innovations in digital government services in Estonia and emphasizes the importance of community and international collaboration in promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Throughout the episode, the hosts discuss the need for a global conversation on accessibility, share anecdotes from their interviews, and highlight the impact of innovative and inclusive design on the lives of members of the disability community. The episode sheds light on the unique challenges faced in different countries and the ongoing efforts to create inclusive and accessible environments for all individuals.

In this podcast episode, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece revisit the Zero Project conference in Vienna, focusing on the main topics discussed and the insights shared by various guests. The episode begins with an overview of the Zero Project conference and its purpose of highlighting innovations that support the lives and rights of people with disabilities. The hosts then delve into the significance of technology and ICT-based solutions in the disability community, emphasizing the impact and potential of technology in shaping global change. Throughout the episode, the hosts conduct interviews with various guests, such as Michael Fembek, the director of the Zero Project conference, and Andrew Cho, the CEO of Sensee Books. They address the accessibility of children's books for visually impaired children, the challenges members of the disability community face in the UK, and the importance of diverse representation and inclusion. The podcast also discusses the role of large-scale events like the Zero Project conference in facilitating international collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting inclusivity. The conversation touches on the significance of storytelling and advocacy in raising awareness and driving change. The hosts conclude the episode by highlighting the importance of technological solutions for creating accessible documents and the impact of AI in improving accessibility. They also emphasize the relevance of the Zero Project conference in providing a platform for individuals and organizations to share their experiences and address important issues related to disability rights and inclusion. Overall, the episode covers a wide range of topics, from the role of technology in promoting disability rights to the challenges and opportunities faced by the disability community on a global scale. The conversations offer valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible world for people with disabilities.

In this episode of Double Tap on YouTube hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the world of keyboards, specifically focusing on a unique product that brings the tactile typing experience back to modern smartphones. They interview Jeff Gadway from Clicks Tech, discussing the innovative keyboard accessory for iPhones that mimics the beloved BlackBerry keyboard. This product, showcased at CES, has garnered attention for its potential benefits, especially within the blind and visually impaired community. Jeff shares the backstory of Kliqs, highlighting the blend of expertise from consumer technology and specialist tech products that brought this idea to life. The conversation shifts gears to discuss Braille and its significance for blind and partially sighted individuals. They bring in Jake from the Perkins School for the Blind, who shares his journey with Braille and its impact on his education and future career aspirations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of Braille literacy, the challenges of accessing Braille education, and the role of technology in enhancing Braille learning. Lastly, the hosts explore the latest features in Android 15, focusing on accessibility improvements like fingerprint unlock guidance for visually impaired users and enhanced support for Braille displays. They discuss how these updates aim to make Android devices more accessible and user-friendly for the blind and visually impaired community. 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]

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece get ready to take a break for the holidays, promising a lineup of great episodes for May. Listeners' emails bring up various topics, including sighted assumptions leading to a funny misunderstanding at work, the usability of the AI assistant Pi, and concerns over TikTok's influence and data privacy. They also discuss the all-terrain cane and its potential new version and share personal stories and tips for enjoying nature and ensuring safety. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt appreciation for the Double Tap team, especially Grace and Laura, who play crucial roles behind the scenes. The hosts express gratitude to the entire AMI team and their listeners, setting a warm and inclusive tone for the show's community. 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.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott flies solo but brings on a special guest, Kate Crohan, a seasoned teacher for children at Perkins School for the Blind. Their conversation delves deep into the world of Braille, exploring its significance, challenges, and future. Kate shares her extensive experience, from her early days teaching newly visually impaired adults at the Carroll Center for the Blind to her current role at Perkins. They discuss the emotional and practical aspects of learning Braille, particularly its role in accepting vision loss and gaining independence. Kate emphasizes the importance of Braille beyond just reading books; it's about labelling, navigating public spaces, and even personal enjoyment, like creating drawings or enjoying tactile jewelry. The discussion also touches on the challenges of teaching Braille, the debate between QWERTY and Perkins keyboards, and the role of technology in enhancing Braille literacy. Steven and Kate explore the concern that audio might overshadow the need for Braille, but they also see technology as a beacon of hope for its future. They stress the importance of Braille for employment and independence, especially for individuals with additional disabilities like hearing loss. The conversation concludes with a promotion of an upcoming YouTube interview with Jake, a student at Perkins School for the Blind, who shares his connection to Braille and his aspirations for the future. 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.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into two exciting tech developments that are making waves in the world of accessible technology. First up, they discuss the much-anticipated arrival of Audible support on the Victor Reader Stream 3, a feature that has been eagerly awaited by the blind and partially sighted community. This update not only brings Audible books to the device but also introduces several quality-of-life improvements, such as sorting books in alphabetical order on the bookshelf, faster SD card loading times, and a suspend mode to save battery life and speed up wake times. The update signifies a significant leap forward in making digital reading more accessible and enjoyable for users. The second big story is the launch of Meta AI in the UK, a development that has the hosts buzzing with excitement. Steven shares his firsthand experience with the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, demonstrating their ability to provide instant, accurate descriptions of his surroundings, from identifying a Rodecaster Pro audio mixer to recognizing a "phone banish box." The glasses not only offer a groundbreaking way for users to interact with their environment through AI but also introduce the possibility of video calls using the glasses' built-in camera. As they wrap up, the hosts touch on other tech updates, including new features for Zoom recorders that enhance accessibility for users who are blind or partially sighted, and the anticipation around the Kliks keyboard, a device that promises to bring back the tactile typing experience reminiscent of BlackBerry keyboards. 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.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of tech topics, kicking off with an apology from Steven to Apple users for potentially causing a widespread need to reset Apple IDs - the conversation takes a humorous turn as they speculate on the cause and impact. They then shift to discussing the implications of passwords in today's digital age, advocating for the adoption of passkeys as a more convenient and secure alternative to traditional passwords. The episode also delves into the practicality of iPads for users who are blind, debating whether the device's screen real estate and iPadOS offer a substantially different experience from iPhones for VoiceOver users. The conversation takes an exciting turn with listener Gregg Hayes' detailed review of the Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Gregg, who has access to the AI features not yet available in the UK where Steven and Shaun live, demonstrates the glasses' capabilities, including asking for the weather, identifying objects, and navigating a strip mall with voice commands. He highlights how the glasses integrate with social media, music services, and enable hands-free operation, making them a potential game-changer for users who are blind or partially sighted. Gregg's review sparks a discussion on the future of specialized devices, as mainstream products like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses begin to offer similar functionalities at a more affordable price. 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.

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into an array of topics which lead into an insightful discussion on Tape It, a recorder app designed initially for musicians but has found a niche within the blind and partially sighted community. The creators of Tape It hadn't initially focused on accessibility, but after receiving feedback from a Canadian user who is blind, they realized the app's potential for a broader audience. This led them to learn about and implement VoiceOver features, significantly improving the app's usability for users. Steven talks to Thomas Walther, co-founder of the app, to chat about how Tape It harnesses the iPhone microphones to deliver high-quality audio recordings. Thomas also shares the journey of discovering the blind community's interest in the app and the steps taken to make it more accessible. 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.

This week on Double Tap on YouTube, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the world of gaming accessibility, a topic that's gaining momentum and sparking conversations among gamers with disabilities. The episode shines a spotlight on the Game Accessibility Conference happening in London, underscoring its significance in bringing together voices and innovations in the field. Also, Steven and Shaun discuss the rise of AI for assistance apps like Aira's new Access AI feature. They ponder the words of Aira CEO, Troy Otillio, who spoke to them recently about the new feature, what sets it apart and how privacy concerns can be eased. Plus they discuss the impact of a new service like this on already stretched staff within the Aira call centre. Plus there's the chance to find out about Lenovo's innovations. The company's Senior Technologist for the UK and Ireland, Graham Thomas, speaks to Steven about their new accessibility features being built into the keyboard. They also discuss broader accessibility, diversity and inclusion that is inspiring their latest computer designs. 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]

In this episode of Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of topics, starting with Shaun's rant about the challenges of navigating trash day in the UK, which cleverly segues into a discussion about the newly announced WeWalk Smart Cane. They explore how this smart cane could potentially make navigating the streets easier for visually impaired individuals, especially on days when obstacles like bins and parked cars make mobility a challenge. The episode includes a detailed breakdown of the WeWalk Smart Cane's presentation, with audio clips from the event that describe the cane's functionality and the technology behind it. The hosts express their intrigue and optimism about the potential of the smart cane, while also acknowledging the importance of hands-on training to fully utilize its features. Furthermore, they touch on the significance of data and AI in enhancing mobility aids, mentioning how the WeWalk Smart Cane could collect useful data for orientation and mobility specialists to monitor and improve users' navigation skills. There's also more comment from Negative Julian about the use of on-board AI on devices, with further explanation offered by Steven and Shaun. 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.