Double Tap

• 1000 Episodes Later: A Celebration of Community and Accessibility

  It’s a major milestone as Steven and Shaun hit their 1000th episode of Double Tap! In this special edition, they’re joined by executive producer Marc Aflalo for a surprise celebration packed with heartfelt tributes from major names across the accessible tech world. You’ll hear messages from Amos Miller (Glidance), Mike Buckley (Be My Eyes), Kelly MacDonald (AMI), and even Chris Patnoe from Google and of course Mr. F.But that’s not all — Steven delivers an impassioned rant about the state of radio in 2025. From inaccessible DAB radios to smart speakers demanding sign-ins, he questions why a traditionally blind-friendly medium has become so complicated. The conversation then shifts to digital ownership, AI tools like Gemini and Copilot, and how listener feedback shapes every episode. Expect laughs, honesty, and a deep appreciation for community in this milestone moment.Chapter Markers00:00 – Introduction02:10 – Surprise video: Messages from Glidance, Be My Eyes, Google & more06:30 – Reflections on what Double Tap has become09:00 – Steven’s full-blown rant on radio accessibility12:30 – Why DAB and smart speakers fail blind listeners18:20 – The problem with owning digital media in 202521:45 – Resurgence of DVDs & physical media explained26:30 – When power goes out: The critical case for accessible radios28:45 – Listener Scott asks about TalkBack on Samsung35:30 – Gemini Live: Using AI with your camera40:20 – Carl’s diabetes accessibility tips for CGMs47:30 – Libre app, Sweet Dreams, and audiographs explained49:45 – Larry shares a simple iOS app library tip51:00 – Renée asks: How do you know a site is inaccessible?54:00 – The web is a Wild West for screen reader users56:00 – Final reflections and thank yous from Steven and Shaun Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap WebsiteJoin the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!Email: [email protected]: 1-877-803-4567

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• Microsoft Announce New Surface Devices & Labelling On The Cheap

  In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun explore Microsoft’s latest Surface hardware announcements and what they mean for everyday users — including accessibility and hardware compromises. They share hands-on impressions and debate the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop’s specs, design changes, and what users should consider before upgrading. Plus, Sean Randall joins the conversation to deliver an incredibly simple and affordable tip for blind users: using a label printer at home. The trio dives into how this mainstream tech solution can beat specialist tools in cost, usability, and practicality. Wrapping up, listener emails highlight growing frustrations with web accessibility on Chrome for Mac, and Amanda from Australia raises a compelling point that resonates globally.Chapter Markers00:00 Introduction02:30 New Surface Devices Overview17:56 AI Features and Software Updates22:48 Labeling Technology DiscussionQuotes“If you’re using magnification software, the Surface Pro is a great machine to look at.” – Steven Scott“The printer was so simple: typed in Notepad, hit print, label in hand.” – Sean Randall“Cost is a factor. Most blind people aren’t in work. We need affordable solutions.” – Steven ScottRelevant LinksMicrosoft Surface Devices: https://www.microsoft.com/surfaceNelko PM220 Label Printer: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nelko+pm220Sonos x IKEA Symfonisk: https://www.theverge.comLG smartphone end-of-life: https://www.androidcentral.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap WebsiteJoin the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!Email: [email protected]: 1-877-803-4567

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• WhatsApp Access Ends for Older iPhones & Windows on ARM Breakdown

  On today’s episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece tackle big questions around digital access, legacy tech support, and the future of computing for blind and low vision users.The episode opens with breaking news: WhatsApp has officially dropped support for iPhones that can't run iOS 15.1. This has serious implications for blind users and community organizations that rely on donated older iPhones to connect people through messaging. Steven and Shaun explore the broader digital divide and why it’s becoming harder for people with vision loss to stay connected in an increasingly online world.Later, the duo shares a game-changing accessibility tip from friend of the show Sean Randall, who uses a standard label printer combined with Seeing AI's short text feature to make food and plug labeling more inclusive. It’s a low-cost alternative to expensive Braille or NFC labeling systems and sparks a wider conversation about simple tech hacks that have big impact.In the second half, Greg Hayes returns to discuss Windows on ARM. Steven shares his experience running ARM-based Windows in a virtual machine and the compatibility issues he faced with scanner drivers and legacy hardware. Greg explains the benefits and trade-offs of the ARM platform—including battery life, speed, and application support—and how the industry is transitioning from Intel to more efficient ARM architectures. Is now the time to go all-in on ARM? The panel explores the risks, rewards, and practical advice for blind users navigating this shift. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap WebsiteJoin the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!Email: [email protected]: 1-877-803-4567

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• Accessible Glucose Monitors: Why Aren’t They Better Yet?

  Can you really manage diabetes accessibly as a blind user? In this powerful episode, Shaun dives into the search for an accessible blood glucose monitor—and gets an eye-opening response from Tess Lockton, a visually impaired parent of a child with type 1 diabetes. From the frustrating reality of so-called “talking monitors” to the pros and cons of continuous glucose monitors like Dexcom and Libre, Tess shares hard-earned insights every listener needs to hear.Also in this episode: Steven and Shaun talk Eero mesh networks, gigabit internet, and Sky Glass, before diving into your feedback on navigation tech, including a thoughtful message about GPS and accessibility from listener Doug.[Episode Summary]Shaun shares his struggles managing type 2 diabetes as a blind person and kicks off a deeper conversation about accessible diabetes tools. Listener Tess Lockton joins to discuss raising a child with type 1 diabetes while visually impaired—and how the tech designed to help often falls short. She breaks down her experiences with Dexcom and Libre systems, the challenges of getting accurate readings, and why even the best tech solutions still leave accessibility gaps.Meanwhile, Steven updates his home setup with Sky Glass and talks through the accessibility differences between SkyQ and the new system. The duo also nerd out over mesh networking and smart speakers—and highlight new listener feedback on GPS tech like StellarTrek and the missed potential of Soundscape-style navigation.[Chapters]0:00 – Shaun’s glucose journey begins3:40 – Weekend updates: Eero mesh fixes and gigabit drama9:55 – Sky Glass, audio description, and setup accessibility18:10 – Double Tap’s new newsletter partnership with Mindvault22:04 – Listener Tess Lockton joins to talk accessible diabetes tech24:20 – Living through diagnosis and hospital mishandling31:05 – Dexcom vs Libre: pros, cons, and accessibility flaws40:15 – Finger-prick demo: Why even “accessible” monitors fail52:10 – The hidden costs and pressure of using inaccessible tools56:30 – Final advice and offers of help from Tess[Relevant Links]Double Tap Newsletter: https://doubletaponair.com/subscribeNexus Voice Talking Blood Glucose Monitor: https://www.glucorx.co.uk/shop/nexus-voice-meter/Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring: https://www.dexcom.comFreestyle Libre 3 System: https://www.freestyle.abbott/en-ca/products/what-is-free-style-libre.htmlRNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People): https://www.rnib.org.uk👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk on accessible tech and life with disability. Visit https://doubletaponair.com/subscribe for exclusive updates!#accessibletech #diabetestech #blindtech Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap WebsiteJoin the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!Email: [email protected]: 1-877-803-4567

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• Reading the News Without Sight: StellarTrek Update Review

  Steven and Shaun kick off with a fun Friday vibe and plenty of listener emails to explore tech quirks, from weak Bluetooth signals to TikTok’s accessibility challenges. Listeners share mixed experiences using TikTok with VoiceOver and ask whether blind creators truly manage without sighted assistance. Steven breaks down the pros and limitations of the latest StellarTrek update, including access to text-based newspapers and magazines— finally offering a satisfying reading experience for blind users.The hosts also reflect on recent power grid outages across Europe and discuss the risks of overreliance on renewable energy without adequate backup systems. Later, they respond to listener Charles’s compelling question: “If you could have one blind-related support service on demand for life, what would it be?” The answers range from on-call O&M specialists to always-available drivers and Aira agents.Additional topics include over-the-counter hearing aids, USB-C powered electric shavers, tips for retraining Siri, and the broader implications of accessibility tech in a changing world.[Chapters]0:00 – Friday vibes and Bluetooth tech fails2:58 – Spain and Portugal power outages & renewables debate6:02 – StellarTrek reader update and new Victor Reader features13:42 – TikTok accessibility feedback from listeners20:59 – Blind content creation and sighted assistance30:39 – What accessibility service would you want for life?40:27 – Exploring with Aira and missing out on the world48:13 – Over-the-counter hearing aids & shaver recommendations52:48 – Retraining Siri for better voice recognition54:46 – Final thoughts and what’s coming Monday👉 Like, comment, and subscribe to Double Tap for more tech stories and accessibility talk from a blind perspective!#blindtech #accessibletech #TikTokAccessibility Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap WebsiteJoin the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!Email: [email protected]: 1-877-803-4567

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