Double Tap

• Alexa Plus, Guide Dogs, and the Future of AI for Blind People

  Is AI overhyped or a genuine game-changer for blind users? Stephen Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the benefits, risks, and future of AI tools like Alexa Plus, Be My Eyes, and smart home tech for blind and visually impaired people.In this lively episode of Double Tap, Stephen and Shaun tackle a packed inbox of listener emails, exploring everything from AI hype to the real-world challenges of accessible tech. They discuss the pros and pitfalls of AI assistants like Alexa Plus, share listener feedback on smart home security risks, and reflect on how blind users can balance independence with privacy. The conversation also covers the emotional side of accessible living—from guide dog retirement to the quirks of using smart appliances. With candid humour and thoughtful insights, the hosts consider whether AI is truly intelligent or simply confident in its own “hallucinations.”Key themes include: AI’s practical impact on everyday life for blind users Voice assistants, smart home security, and privacy trade-offs How AI might evolve from “prompt-driven” to more autonomous tools The emotional realities of guide dog retirement and accessible living Enjoyed this discussion? Share your thoughts in the comments, subscribe for daily episodes, and email your questions to:[email protected] Relevant LinksWired – Google Gemini Smart Home Hijack (article): https://www.wired.com/story/google-gemini-calendar-hijack-smart-homeThe Verge - Large Language Mistake (article): https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/827820/large-language-models-ai-intelligence-neuroscience-problems Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Blind Tech Talk: Keyboards, Cane Tips, and Audio Mastery

  Discover the ultimate tools for blind and visually impaired tech users as Steven Scott and Shaun Preece explore NVDA Audio Manager, the Keychron B6 Pro keyboard, open-ear Shokz headsets, and the quirks of daily accessibility tech. Learn how to manage audio devices, mute microphones with confidence, and find budget-friendly keyboards that rival the Logitech MX Keys.In this lively episode, Steven and Shaun dive into the practical side of accessible tech. Steven shares how NVDA’s Audio Manager add-on transforms his workflow, letting him easily mute and manage audio devices with instant voice feedback. The conversation shifts into the world of open-ear headphones, USB-C frustrations, and the hilarious challenges of using modern mixers like the Rodecaster Pro 2 while blind. Keyboard enthusiasts will enjoy the in-depth comparison between the Logitech MX Keys and the affordable Keychron B6 Pro, including thoughts on ergonomics, key feel, and the accessibility of companion software. The duo also swap stories about cane techniques, echolocation, and the freedom of walking at night with little to no vision. With personal anecdotes—from peeling laptops to wrist rest obsessions—this episode blends practical tips with humour that every blind tech fan will appreciate.Relevant LinksNVDA Screen Reader: https://www.nvaccess.orgNVDA Add-ons: https://addons.nvda-project.orgKeychron Keyboards: https://www.keychron.comShokz Open-Ear Headphones: https://shokz.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• The Realities of Blind Employment and Assistive Tech

  Explore the real-world debate on JAWS vs NVDA for blind computer users, the costs and support challenges, and the broader conversation on blind employment, self-employment, and assistive tech. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece share listener emails on training programmes, screen reader licensing, and how blind people navigate work, tech, and life.This episode is supported by Pneuma Solutions. Creators of accessible tools like Remote Incident Manager and Scribe. Get $20 off with code dt20 at https://pneumasolutions.com/ and enter to win a free subscription at doubletaponair.com/subscribe!In this lively Double Tap discussion, Steven and Shaun dive into community reactions about the JAWS screen reader, NVDA, and Narrator. Listeners share candid experiences about software licensing, support, and the realities of using screen readers at home and in the workplace. The conversation evolves into a broader look at employment for blind people, including the challenges of training programmes, self-employment, and workplace accessibility. From stories about guide dog training and Apple Watch heart monitoring to debates over Be My Eyes navigation and safety, the episode blends tech insights with humour and honest reflection on living blind today. Relevant LinksBe My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.comNVDA Screen Reader: https://www.nvaccess.orgJAWS Screen Reader: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jaws/Double Tap Newsletter: https://doubletaponair.com/subscribeRamblio App: https://ramblio.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• JAWS 40-Minute Mode: Frustrations, Fairness, and Real-World Impact

  Explore the heated debate around JAWS screen reader pricing, subscriptions, and 40-minute mode as Steven Scott and Shaun Preece respond to passionate listener feedback. Hear real frustrations, funny tech stories, and a hands-on demo of the Hark podcast discovery app.Aira is proud to sponsor Double Tap, supporting a community that values independence, access, and real solutions for blind and low vision users. Aira is an app that gives you on-demand visual interpreting through trained professionals who can describe surroundings, read information, or guide you using your phone’s camera. It also includes Access AI, a feature that provides instant image descriptions with the option to confirm details with a live visual interpreter. Aira works with major companies, airports, universities, and retailers that offer the service for free as Access Partners, and the platform is approaching ten million calls while remaining available on both iOS and Android. In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive deep into the ongoing conversation around JAWS screen reader licensing and the frustrations it causes blind users. Listener Callum shares a detailed story about the challenges of subscription renewals, 40-minute mode, and slow workplace procurement processes that can leave users locked out of essential tools. The hosts debate fairness, accessibility, and whether a better middle ground exists. Alongside the discussion, Lena delivers another brilliant demo – this time of Hark, a free podcast discovery app that curates short “Harklets” to help you discover new shows. The episode also features a hilarious viral story from Capital FM about a sighted commuter mistaking a mop for a cane, reminding everyone that misunderstandings can be unintentionally funny. Relevant LinksHark App: https://www.harkaudio.comJAWS Screen Reader: https://www.freedomscientific.com/products/software/jawsAira Explorer: https://www.aira.io Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• The VoiceOver Learning Lounge: Making the Mac Accessible for Everyone

  Discover how the VoiceOver Learning Lounge empowers blind and low vision users to master the Mac and iPhone with ease. Learn how Charmaine Co’s accessible training and audio lessons can transform unused Apple devices into powerful tools for work and life.Steven Scott and Shaun Preece welcome Charmaine Co, an assistive tech instructor from Vancouver, to explore her innovative VoiceOver Learning Lounge. This resource offers flexible, remote training for blind and low vision users who struggle to get started with Mac or iPhone accessibility.Charmaine shares her journey from teaching JAWS and Braille to developing on-demand lessons and live coaching sessions that help learners confidently use VoiceOver, Excel, Word, web browsers, and more—without feeling like they’re back in school. She also highlights the importance of practical, bite-sized lessons that prevent expensive tech from gathering dust.The episode also features listener emails about guide dogs, mobility, and PC refresh habits, along with requests for step-by-step TailScale tutorials.Relevant LinksVoiceOver Learning Lounge: https://linktr.ee/VoiceoverGuideEmail Charmaine: [email protected] Tap Feedback: [email protected] Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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