Double Tap

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also find us on social media.