Double Tap Accessible Media Inc.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a mix of technology news and listener feedback.
They discuss the potential TikTok ban in the US, with President Biden signing a law that requires TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to divest the app to a US owner or face a ban. The hosts express skepticism about the security concerns driving the ban, questioning the evidence of TikTok sharing user data with the Chinese government and discussing the broader implications of such a move on social media and mental health.
The episode also touches on the launch of WeWalk's new smart cane, sparking a debate about the involvement of the visually impaired community in the development of assistive technologies. Steven emphasizes the importance of engaging with the community to avoid pitfalls and create genuinely useful products.
Listener feedback includes a voicemail from Stan, who shares his experience with the RecUp app and recounts a challenging train journey, highlighting the importance of accessibility and safety in transportation.
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 and Shaun Preece dive into a variety of topics, including an upcoming Apple event, the arrival of Meta AI in Canada, and a new AR headset designed for people with macular degeneration.

The conversation shifts to the Double Tap team's plans for a month-long holiday, stirring a mix of excitement and the promise of staying "off the grid," despite past attempts that often ended with staying connected. The discussion emphasizes the importance of taking a break from the constant influx of tech news, especially with the rapid developments in AI.

The episode then moves into the latest tech news, starting with speculation about the new iPads expected to be announced at the next Apple "Let Loose" event. They ponder the evolution of the iPad lineup and express a desire for a device that combines the functionality of a MacBook with the portability of an iPad, sparking a discussion on the ideal form factor for portable computing.

Meta AI's expansion into Canada is another highlight, with Steven and Shaun expressing their excitement over the potential of smart glasses that offer real-time visual assistance and the ability to make video calls through WhatsApp and Messenger.

The episode also features an interview by Allison Sheridan from the NosillaCast podcast with Mitchell Freeman from Ocutrx, discussing an AR headset designed to aid individuals with macular degeneration. The technology's potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by central vision loss is explored, showcasing an innovative use of AR in accessibility.

Finally, the hosts address a voicemail from a listener, Negative Julian, who seeks clarification on the concept of on-device AI.

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 kick things off with listener feedback, starting with Tom from Colorado who shares his insights on WhatsApp video messaging on Android, contrasting it with iOS. Tom also suggests the hosts consider using WhatsApp for listener interactions, highlighting the ease of sending audio and potentially video feedback directly through the app.

Another listener, Shahzad, praises the Double Tap team for their engaging content and mentions the potential of kiosks in fast food restaurants for independent ordering by customers who are blind or partially sighted.

Later, the episode covers a review of the All-Terrain Cane by a listener named Ron from Houston. Ron provides a detailed analysis of the cane's pros and cons, discussing its design, durability, weight, and how it compares to traditional white canes. He also raises concerns about the cane's visibility as a symbol of blindness, given its colour scheme which deviates from the traditional white.

Listeners also contribute suggestions for navigating short distances outside, like taking out the trash and using apps like VoiceVista, Soundscape and NaviLens. These suggestions highlight the blend of technology and traditional orientation and mobility (O&M) techniques in aiding visually impaired individuals in their daily activities.

The episode wraps up with discussions on European train travel accessibility and the challenges faced by travellers, emphasizing the variability in assistance across different countries and networks.

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 discuss Apple's decision to end the production of fine woven cases and watch bands, citing customer feedback on their lack of durability and premium feel.

The episode also touches on the anticipation and speculation around Apple's future chip developments, specifically the transition from the M3 to the M4 processor in the Mac mini.

A personal story from Steven about updating his old Lenovo laptop brings up frustrations with Windows updates and the complexities of Windows licensing and versioning. This sparks a debate on the simplicity and user-friendliness of operating systems, with a call for Microsoft to consider a more streamlined approach for consumers.

Listener emails bring attention to ongoing issues with cinema accessibility, particularly the unreliable provision of audio description services. The hosts share their own experiences and frustrations, emphasizing the need for better training and awareness among cinema staff to improve the movie-going experience for patrons.

Another listener raises concerns about the potential risks associated with new smart mobility aids like the Glidance system, especially in scenarios where drivers might not notice a blind person crossing the street. This highlights the broader challenges of navigating public spaces safely with assistive technology.

Keep in touch by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.

This week on Double Tap, hosts Steven Scott and Sean Preece, along with guest Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet, start by diving into the innovative world of AI-powered devices, specifically focusing on the Rabbit R1. This device, highlighted at the Consumer Electronics Show, stands out for its unique capabilities, including its integration with large action models, which allow it to interact with third-party services and websites without formal collaborations.

Also there's a chat about the new app called Project Tapestry that is now fully funded on Kickstarter. The app will allow people to bring their social media and their RSS news feeds together into one easy-to-use app. Iconfactory is the company behind the app and we spoke to the developer Gedeon Mayheux.

And there's a chance to catch up with your feedback from previous episodes of Double Tap on YouTube.

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 cover a variety of topics, starting with an update on Seleste glasses and big news for YouTube users of third-party apps.

The discussion begins with Seleste Glasses, focusing on the company's decision to drop the Wi-Fi component in their next iteration for better battery life and a slimmer design, leading to the dropping of real-time video. However, an email from the CEO of Seleste sent to Double Tap clarifies that real-time video streaming might still be possible through Bluetooth, similar to Meta Ray bands streaming to Instagram. The conversation explores the technical challenges of streaming clear, uninterrupted video feeds wirelessly, which is crucial for applications like Aira.

Next, the hosts discuss YouTube's enforcement of third-party apps that block ads, highlighting the importance of advertisements in supporting creators and the platform. They express concerns about apps like Accessible YouTube Downloader Pro, which bypass ads, potentially violating YouTube's terms of service. The discussion emphasizes the need for these apps to comply with YouTube's policies to ensure creators are compensated for their work.

Listener emails add further debate to the episode, covering topics from the importance of learning Braille and touch typing to personal experiences with self-consciousness due to physical appearance. A listener correction about the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant's location sparks a light-hearted moment. The episode concludes with an encouragement for listener participation, inviting them to share stories, reviews, and feedback, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Double Tap 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 on social media.