Double Tap

Eating out of trash cans, AirTagging dogs, and telling Shaun to shut up. It can only be another episode of Double Tap Canada. It’s a tech show… honest.

Shaun has been taking a look at a new password manager from Dropbox. It’s free to Dropbox Plus or Premium subscribers and is available on iOS, Android, Chrome, Edge and Firefox. There’s no denying that password security is something we should all take seriously, but with so many options available, why has Shaun decided Dropbox Passwords is the one to use? Steven, as always, looks for an easier option and has bought a hardware security key from Yubico.

Next up, we take a look at some of the reasons an Apple Watch may be essential for seniors. With features such as fall detection, emergency calling, heart/health tracking and more, an Apple Watch could bring peace of mind to many. Although, Marc does have an interesting story about how his watch called the police from Space Mountain…

In Microsoft news, the next update to Windows 10 will feature improvements to Bluetooth. With the introduction of AAC (advanced audio codec), you can expect better audio performance and the update also promises to simplify the management of Bluetooth profiles making selecting the right device far easier. Speaking of improved audio, there’s also a rumour that Apple Music will be offering a "Hi-Fi" quality option to its subscribers. This means allowing streaming of audio in either Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, or lossless formats.

Finally, what do the following things have in common? Corded headphones, stand-alone GPS, point and click cameras, and analog watches? If you guessed that they are on a list of tech that is deemed obsolete then well done, you’re right! But does the team agree?

Marc returns to a slightly chaotic Double Tap Canada this week as no one is quite sure how long the show should be. A quick call to the boss should clear things up. What could possibly go wrong…

After a quick discussion about Steven’s new watercooler, Marc’s refurbished iPhones and testing if Facebook is listening to our diaper conversations, it’s on to the first tech story of the week, Amazon’s new line of Fire tablets. Starting with the Fire Tablet 10 - which features a more powerful 8-core processor, a brighter 10-inch HD display & 3GB of RAM which is a definite improvement over previous models - there is also the Fire Tablet 10 Plus, which ups the RAM to 4GB and includes wireless charging. Amazon is also offering a productivity bundle, which includes the Fire Plus tablet along with an attachable keyboard and 1-year subscription to Office 365. Everyone agrees that, for the price, these are great tablets. So why is it Shaun has two that he never uses?

Also new this week is a new range of laptops from Samsung. The Galaxy Book range feature a choice of Intel CPU’s, full-sized keyboards, both wi-fi and mobile connectivity, and the Galaxy Book 360 has a versatile display allowing you to use the laptop like a tablet, including touchscreen and S-Pen support. Speakinging of laptops, Steven tells us why he’s replaced his new M1 MacBook Pro with the M1 MacBook Air. Spoiler alert: it’s all about the Touch bar.

In software and services news, Steven has been trying out the recently-updated Microsoft Remote Desktop Client software, which allows him to remotely control his Windows computers from his M1 Macs. All the audio from the remote computer can be streamed back to the computer you are using, meaning that it’s totally accessible for screen reader users. Steven is impressed, but can he get it to work on an iPad?

Finally, it’s on to Facebook Audio. With yet another platform jumping onto the Club House bandwagon, is there any reason to get excited by Facebook’s offering? Shaun thinks so. Also, Spotify has announced that they are going to be offering a pay to subscribe podcast service similar to Apple’s recent announcement. Does this signal a complete change to the way we listen to podcasts and are people really prepared to pay?

This week Double Tap Canada is unapologetically all about Apple as we take a deep dive into just what was announced at the recent Apple event. Hold on to your trousers things are about to get exciting…

First up is the updated Apple Podcast service. Apple will be giving content creators the ability to make their content available on a paid subscription basis. If you really love a particular podcast or want to hear bonus content, you might have to pay a monthly fee set by the podcast producers themselves. This is a big change to the way podcasting has been done for the last 15 years, but is something that content creators have been wanting for a long time.

The Apple TV 4K has also had a bit of a refresh, with some hardware improvements; most interesting to Steven is the new Apple TV remote control. It seems that lots of people aren’t fans of the original Siri remote control and Steven is definitely one of them. Is a redesigned remote control enough, though?

It was with the new iPad Pro’s however, where Apple surprised most people. There are two models, an 11-inch and 12.9-inch, but both now feature the new M1 processor. This is the same processor found in Apple’s recent computers, such as the Mac Mini, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. There’s no denying that the M1 processor is powerful, but is it simply overkill to have it in an iPad? Can iPad OS really take advantage of the M1 or could this be a first step to seeing Mac desktop apps running on an iPad? The display of the 12.9-inch model was also surprising in that it’s Apple’s first Mini-LED screen. With a million to one contrast ratio and a sustained brightness rating of a thousand NITS, it’s one of Apple’s highest quality displays ever.

Speaking of the M1 processor, the iMac was the latest machine to join the M1 family of computers. Thanks to the M1’s smaller footprint, and the fact it needs far less cooling than previous iMac Intel processors, the new iMac has been redesigned to be thinner than ever before. With a range of colour options, a sexy new design and the great performance of the M1 chip, is it any wonder Steven simply can’t wait to throw his money at Apple to get his hand on this? Shaun isn’t quite so sure why anyone who is blind or partially sighted would be so interested in what is basically a 24-inch monitor…

Finally, it’s on to Shaun’s favourite announcement from the entire event: Airtags. They’ve been rumoured for a long time, but they are now finally here. These coin-sized devices can be attached to anything from clothing to keys, and when you can’t find the item you’re looking for, simply grab your iPhone. Using the Find My app, you can find your lost item. Airtags are powered by a replaceable battery, waterproof and have a built-in speaker which can be triggered to play a noise, making the item easier to find. For iPhones with ultra-wide band support, such as the iPhone 11 and 12, you can get even more precise information such as how many feet and in which direction your lost item is. Even better, if you lose your item outside and someone with any iPhone walks past the Airtag, you will be informed of its location. In theory, you should never lose anything again. Maybe Steven can attach Airtag’s to his socks…

In this week’s show, we take a look at Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop 4. Available in 13-inch or 15-inch screen sizes and with the choice of Intel or AMD processors, is there anything to make this latest addition to the Surface laptop family stand out? In Apple news, it appears Siri may have let slip the date of Apple’s next event a little too early. Was this just a plain mistake or was it in fact, as a cynical Steven Scott feels, a planned marketing move? Whatever the reason for Siri’s slip, Apple has now officially announced that there will be an event on the 20th of April. As to what hardware we’ll see at the event, the rumours are around new iPads, Air Tags and maybe an Apple TV refresh. In a new feature, Steven’s Top Tip, the man himself will be telling us how he keeps his screen reader quiet during his many, many Teams meetings. Shaun even helps out by coming up with an impromptu jingle for the new segment. Speaking of Teams, it’s back to more Microsoft news as we take a look at their new "Modern" range of accessories. With headsets, a webcam and a conference speaker, this new line-up is designed to make life easier for Teams users due to dedicated on device buttons to open and control the Teams app itself. Sounds great, but why is Shaun having so much trouble using Teams with a screen reader? Finally, we have a listener email asking about being productive and creative on a computer when you are blind or partially sighted. Is it possible and if so, how? Shaun and Steven give their opinions.

Despite some of the DTC team feeling unwell due to a mixture of doughnuts & in your face trees, Double Tap Canada is back with this week’s tech news. First up, it’s a look at the recent interview with Apple's Tim Cook. Did he actually reveal anything about Apple's rumoured self-driving car? Were there any clues as to when we will see Apple's smart glasses?

Next up, it’s Steven’s new gadget. A Logitech Keys To Go keyboard. Considering how much he loves his standard Logitech Keys keyboard, just why is he sending this portable version back? Surprisingly, the answer lies in the lack of tap-dancing ducks…

Speaking of ducks, we’ll also be taking a look at Steven's new favourite app, Perky Duck. This free app for Windows & Mac allows you to take notes using a standard keyboard using the S D F & J K L keys as braille keys. Will this get Steven back into braille?

In other news, in the latest update to popular audio social media app Clubhouse, it’s now possible to make payments to users through the app. Steven & Marc see this as a good thing but Shaun is worried it may attract too many scammers. There’s also a new smart watch on the market but is Casio just too late to the game? And at around $700 US, will anyone even give it a chance?

Finally, Belkin have announced a new charging stand for the iPhone 12 range that has the ability to swivel and track you as you move around a room. With this and the recent Echo Show 10, is this feature actually useful or is it just plain creepy?

Double Tap Canada takes a trip back in time this week as Steven starts the show in a nostalgic mood. He’s managed to get his hands on an old piece of tech he used way back when he was at school. While it’s always interesting to look back at retro tech, the more pressing question that is raised is just why was Steven’s school so smelly?

It’s then on to a discussion on just what to look out for when buying a ‘budget’ laptop. Of course, if you don’t care about screen quality or size then there are great savings to be made on displays without touch-screen support or 4K resolution. But, what about memory? Will you really notice the difference between 8GB of RAM and 16GB or RAM? If you are just looking to upgrade your existing laptop which component should you spend your money on?

In tech news this week, Apple have announced the date for their Worldwide Developers Conference. Running from the 7th to the 11th of June, this is the event where we’ll see Apple’s plans for iOS 15 and other operating systems and maybe some new hardware too. Are we finally going to get confirmation of Apple Glasses? Marc & Shaun can’t wait, so why is Steven so uninterested?

The streaming media service HBO Max has finally added some 1500 hours of audio described content to its library and also promises to make their app more accessible. Obviously, this is great news for us but more than that it’s a great example of what blind organizations & the blind community can achieve when it comes to holding companies accountable regarding accessibility.

Other tech news include how Starbucks in the US now have free Aira access, just what is wrong with the Apple TV remote & how the success of Clubhouse is showing people the benefits of audio when it comes to accessing news & entertainment.

Finally, Steven tells us about his latest purchase, the AfterShokz OpenComm bone conduction headset. The Aftershokz range of bone conduction headsets have been extremely popular in the blind & visually impaired community as they allow you to listen to audio safely, without blocking out environmental noise around you. The OpenComms have a boom arm microphone, which should make then ideal when it comes to making calls. Do they deliver on this promise? Steven will be letting us know.

Double Jab, sorry, I mean Double Tap Canada returns with another look at all that’s new in the world of tech. We take a look at an interesting new TV show from Apple that focuses on audio rather than visuals. Calls, which is available on Apple TV+ has nothing on screen other than visualizations of the phone calls you are listening in on. Obviously, this is a concept that we as visually impaired people are used to but just how will this show be received by mainstream sighted users?

Also, Disney Plus has announced that they will be releasing more theatrical movies to their streaming service. Available at an additional cost over the monthly subscription, is this in fact the best way to enjoy the latest movies? And why does Shaun hate cinemas so much?

In other news, we have a new start-up called Framework who promise an easily upgradable, easily repairable laptop. Need more USB ports? Simply pull out the old ones and plug in the new. Cracked the screen? Simply unclip the broken one and pop in a new one. There’s no denying it sounds great, but this has been tried before and never taken off. Could this be different?

There’s also a new smart watch from One Plus One with amazing battery life, rumors of a brand new HomePod with a screen, a possible replacement for Android called Google Fuchsia and most shocking of all, the news that Shaun has actually bought some tech! He’ll be giving you his impressions of the Amazon Echo Buds.

Double Tap Canada is back with a coffee fueled Steven Scott, an angry Marc Aflalo & Shaun Preece just trying to get a word in edgeways… With Apple announcing that it will no longer be producing the original HomePod speaker, should HomePod owners be worried & what does it mean for the future of the mini? Also, Shaun is excited by a cutting-edge way of controlling devices, namely, by pressing buttons. With a Flic 2 button not only can you trigger Amazon Echo routines but also control numerous devices such as your phone or pc. Talking of smart devices, Steven is intrigued by the SwitchBot, a device that can be placed over any button or switch and flick or prod it when activated via an app or smart speaker. Of course, Marc is already planning how he can use this robot finger to annoy people…

The show wraps up with a test drive of a new audio game called Blind Drive. You’re blindfolded & trapped inside a speeding car and can only use your ears to avoid on-coming traffic. Shaun & Steven throw the fully sighted Marc behind the wheel to test his listening skills.

This weeks Double Tap Canada was recorded in front of a live studio audience. Well, nearly. We did in fact record live in the Club House app and we’d like to thank everyone who took part. It was great to chat with you all.

This week Steven unboxes the new Echo Show 10 from Amazon. Does its ability to spin around and track you as you walk around the room creep you out or does it make video calls etc. far more natural and easier?

Talking of creeping you out, Steven will be telling, or should that be confessing, to us all about something he found online to help him sleep. It may not be tech, but it does lead to an interesting conversation on hugging cows and Marcs love of walking alpacas.

We’ll also be taking a quick look at the new Android Accessibility Suite 9.1. What new features of Talkback has Shaun & Steven been using? And just who is that celebrity voice Steven is using for his text to speech?

If you’d like to comment on any of the topics we discussed or ask us a question, you can email us [email protected] or text/call on 1844 971 1999.

Double Tap Canada is back to talk tech but something is missing this week. Steven Scott is supposed to be off on holiday but can he really keep away from the show?

Unusually, it’s Shaun who is waiting for a tech delivery this week. It’s so unusual in fact that he needs to give the delivery person a password in order to receive the parcel. Both Marc & Shaun have never heard of this before and of course, Marc wants to turn it into a treasure hunt by announcing the password on air. In less shocking news, Marc is also awaiting a new gadget in the form of the latest drone from DGI. He’s definitely excited but is there any reason Shaun, as a visually impaired person, should be to? Spoiler alert, the answer is probably no.

It’s then on to the news that Twitter is introducing an audio only feature similar to the incredibly popular Club House app. But with companies like Facebook & Twitter rushing to get in on the new audio only craze are they in danger of releasing a less than perfect experience for their users?

Also, Google have just released what they’re calling a whole new version of Talkback. When Samsung released their S21 smartphone recently we were confused as to why it came with a version of Talkback which boasted some impressive added features such as new multi-finger gestures, voice control & user customizable gestures. Well, now we know. Google & Samsung are collaborating on the development of the Android screen reader Talkback from now on and Google have now released this new version to the rest of the Android world.

Finally, in listener emails we take a look at a new device promising to replace the trusty white cane and a question on using the iOS Voice Control feature