
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Listener debates on AI, accessibility, and smart glasses take center stage. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into your emails on AI reliability, Ray-Ban and Echo Vision charging, smart cane tech, accessible menus, and storage solutions like NAS and Tailscale.
This episode of Double Tap is powered by your feedback. Gregory kicks things off with a passionate defense of AI’s potential in smart glasses, while Shaun questions whether the technology is truly ready for real-world navigation. Joe from Virginia puts Perplexity AI to the test, raising important points on consistency, accessibility, and overhyped expectations.
The conversation shifts to smart glasses with Douglas explaining why Ray-Ban side shields are more solid than Shaun assumed, and Steven reviewing his experience with charging accessories. Ibrahim from Nigeria shares his enthusiasm for the Hable One and introduces an affordable ultrasonic smart cane with unique features, sparking discussion about global accessibility products.
Tom highlights Soundscape’s success on Android thanks to the Scottish Tech Army, while Charles raises the everyday challenge of accessible restaurant menus and solutions ranging from Be My Eyes to simply asking servers. Stuart from Ireland rounds things out with praise for NAS devices and curiosity about running Tailscale on MyCloud for seamless file access.
Chapters
00:00 – Inbox episode intro
01:09 – Gregory defends AI in smart glasses
03:07 – Shaun’s skepticism on AI accuracy
05:00 – The AI and employment debate
13:35 – Joe tests perplexity AI on NVDA
27:41 – Douglas on Ray-Ban side shields
31:03 – Gregory asks about charging accessories
38:20 – Ibrahim on Hable One & ultrasonic cane
44:25 – Tom reviews Soundscape on Android
46:48 – Charles asks about accessible menus
51:02 – Stuart praises NAS devices & Tailscale
55:27 – Wrap up and listener thanks
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
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!
Steven and Shaun kick off with a deep dive into Ramblio, the fast-growing audio-based social platform that feels like “Twitter for voice.” They discuss its availability on iOS and Android, community response, and the challenge of monetization for voice apps.
The conversation then turns to Hable’s new SpeechLabel app, which uses NFC, QR, and Aztec codes to create custom audio labels for everyday items like groceries, clothing, and documents. The hosts compare it to PenFriend, NaviLens, and WayAround, debating its value and accessibility for blind users.
Listener feedback fuels the second half of the show. Topics include concerns about Envision Ally Solos international availability, excitement around Echo Vision glasses, frustrations over rising JAWS SMA pricing, and practical insights on cane tip choices for rural navigation. Breaking news also drops: Apple’s September 9th “Awe Dropping” event and Meta Connect on September 20th, both promising big announcements for iPhone and smart glasses users.
Chapters
0:00 – Intro & Mr. F shoutout
1:28 – Ramblio: audio-first social app
8:13 – Hable launches Speech Label
21:02 – Listener email: Envision Ally Solos worldwide
25:20 – Alison & TJ on pre-ordering Solos
27:21 – Greg on JAWS SMA pricing
35:06 – Echo Vision smart glasses delays
44:28 – Apple & Meta event news
54:25 – Listener email: cane tips for rural living
57:00 – Wrap up & Double Tap Extra
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
Steven Scott and Shaun Preece open with a lively debate about the HumanWare Monarch braille device, its price tag, and whether it’s really a “consumer” product. They share feedback from listeners, discuss tactile graphics with the PIAF “Pictures in a Flash” machine, and reflect on funding challenges in accessibility.
The episode then shifts to Ramblio, a new iOS beta social app designed around short voice messages. Steven compares it to early platforms like Vorail and Clubhouse, raising questions about moderation, community culture, and whether audio-first spaces can thrive long-term.
The highlight is Steven’s hands-on review of the Geekom A5 mini PC. He explains why it could be the perfect “screenless” computer for blind users, detailing setup with screen readers, performance with NVDA, and how its compact build compares to the Mac Mini. The conversation expands into accessibility, affordability, and the personal reality of moving from low vision to fully screenless computing.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro and banter
01:39 – HumanWare Monarch reactions & funding debates
06:36 – Clarifying tactile graphics with the PIAF machine
08:43 – Introducing Ramblio: a new audio-first social app
12:26 – The challenges of audio-only social media
14:25 – First impressions of Ramblio beta
15:31 – Mini PCs and the search for a secondary computer
20:31 – Hands-on with the Geekom A5 mini PC
27:04 – Performance, processors, and screen reader speed
38:39 – Living screenless: accessibility and identity
54:50 – Envision Ally Solos webinar mention
55:36 – Closing thoughts
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
Chris Cooke joins Steven Scott and Shaun Preece to share her real-world experience with the Monarch multi-line braille display from APH and HumanWare. The hosts also discuss the future of tactile graphics, Glide’s $4M funding boost, and the growing ecosystem of NVDA add-ons.
This episode dives deep into the evolving world of tactile technology. Long-time listener and rehabilitation specialist Chris Cooke brings her hands-on perspective of the Monarch, exploring how multi-line braille and tactile graphics are reshaping accessibility in education, employment, and daily life.
The conversation highlights how tools like the Monarch open up new ways for blind users to understand spatial concepts, icons, music notation, and even perspectives like the scale of buildings. Chris shares her practical use cases—from teaching fractions to exploring the Eiffel Tower—illustrating how tactile graphics extend far beyond textbooks.
Steven and Shaun also react to Glide’s latest $4 million funding round, noting the impact of high-profile backers from OpenAI and SpaceX. They discuss the phased rollout of the mobility device, its beta testing, and the newly announced name “Rover.” The hosts also chat about NVDA add-ons, showing how tools like Audio Manager are giving blind users greater flexibility with audio and system control.
Chapters
0:00 – Intro
14:40 – Glide raises $4M and rollout plans
28:50 – NVDA add-ons and customization
37:10 – Chris Cooke joins the show
41:00 – The evolution of tactile graphics
52:15 – Real-world impact of the Monarch
1:05:30 – Multi-line braille and spreadsheets
1:15:00 – Accessibility, libraries, and the future
Relevant Links
American Printing House (APH) Monarch: https://www.aph.org
HumanWare: https://www.humanware.com
Glide Mobility: https://www.glide.ai
NVDA Add-ons: https://addons.nvda-project.org
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
Explore Chatterbox TTS voice cloning with Robin Christopherson, the latest updates to accessible devices like the Mantis Q40 and Victor Reader Stream, delays to Agiga’s EchoVision smart glasses, Google’s Gemini for Home, and community insights on Linux accessibility.
Thanks to Turtleback Low Vision for sponsoring this episode of Double Tap. As a thank you to the Double Tap community, Turtleback is offering 12% off your entire order with promo code DT12. Visit https://www.turtlebacklv.com to shop the full lineup!
In this episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a packed inbox and welcome Robin Christopherson for a detailed demo of Chatterbox TTS, a voice cloning tool from Hugging Face that quickly generates natural-sounding speech. They also cover major assistive tech updates, including new audiobook support for the Mantis Q40 and Victor Reader Stream 3, plus APH’s discount on Studio Recorder.
The conversation shifts to breaking news: Agiga delays its EchoVision glasses due to hardware issues, Meta expands its Ray-Ban smart glasses lineup, and Google hints at new smart speakers alongside Gemini for Home. Listeners Ken and Scout weigh in on the accessibility of Linux distros like Accessible Coconut, while others share questions on keyboards and Mac VoiceOver shortcuts.
With humor, honesty, and practical advice, this episode captures the evolving landscape of accessible tech and the community’s role in shaping it.
Chapters
0:00 – Intro and Inbox banter
6:45 – Google event critique and presentation style
14:22 – Agiga EcoVision glasses delay
22:30 – Meta Ray-Bans & transition lenses explained
31:00 – Google Gemini for Home smart speaker rumors
44:10 – Updates: Mantis Q40, Victor Reader Stream, Braille devices
51:20 – APH Studio Recorder anniversary discount
55:05 – Robin Christopherson demo: Chatterbox TTS voice cloning
1:11:40 – Listener emails: Accessible Linux (Ken & Scout)
1:23:15 – Keyboard accessibility questions
1:32:00 – Mac VoiceOver shortcut issue
1:38:15 – Wrap-up and sign-off
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
Google unveiled the Pixel 10 lineup, Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds updates — but how much of it really matters for accessibility and AI? Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, Carrie Morales, and John Dyer break it all down.
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 post-event roundtable, the Double Tap team dives into Google’s latest announcements. From the Pixel 10 Pro and Fold to the new Pixel Watch 4, the discussion highlights what’s new, what’s missing, and what truly impacts blind and low-vision users.
The panel debates Google’s celebrity-led presentation style, the accessibility gaps in the launch, and the growing role of Gemini AI across devices. Topics include the controversial camera demos, the promise of AI-powered photo coaching, Pixel Snap (Google’s answer to MagSafe), and whether foldable phones are finally practical.
Carrie shares why she pre-ordered the Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel Watch 4, John explains the importance of built-in magnets for wireless charging, and Steven reflects on Google’s digs at Apple’s “broken promises” around AI. The team also weighs the Pixel Watch’s ongoing TalkBack challenges, Gemini’s rollout to smart speakers and wearables, and the potential of real-time translation in calls.
It’s an honest, accessible-first take on Google’s boldest event yet.
Chapters
0:00 – Intro and Google event reactions
4:30 – Presentation style: late-night show vibes
11:20 – Pixel 10 lineup and AI camera coaching
20:45 – Foldable phones and accessibility trade-offs
33:10 – Pixel Snap: Google’s MagSafe alternative
45:30 – Pixel Watch 4 and Gemini on WearOS
58:40 – Gemini’s useful on-device AI features
1:12:00 – TalkBack performance on Pixel vs Samsung
1:25:15 – Smart speakers, Chromebooks, and Gemini integration
1:35:00 – Pixel Buds updates and gesture controls
1:45:20 – Final thoughts on Google’s strategy
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
Steven Scott and Shaun Preece tackle the frustrations of installing printers, review the Keychron Q6 Max keyboard, and look ahead to Google’s big Pixel 10 event. Plus, listener emails on shopping accessibility, community inclusion, and Apple News Plus.
Today’s Double Tap dives into the quirks of accessible tech and daily life as blind users. Steven shares his battle with an Epson printer setup and why driver downloads remain a nightmare, while Shaun argues printers should “just work.” The pair continue to explore the Keychron Q6 Max mechanical keyboard, discussing switch types, typing accuracy, and the balance between accessibility and customization.
Listener emails bring fresh perspectives: practical advice on clothes shopping online, inclusion concerns within ACB and NFB, and praise for Apple News Plus. There’s also light-hearted banter on streaming ads, old BlackBerry revivals, and whether Google should recommit to smart speakers at its Made by Google event.
Chapters
0:00 – Intro & AI subscription debate
6:45 – The case of the missing keyboard & Keychron Q6 Max review
23:10 – Why are printers still so hard to set up?
39:50 – Mac vs Windows accessibility frustrations
57:15 – Looking ahead to Google’s Pixel 10 event
1:03:00 – Emails: accessible shopping, LGBTQ inclusion, Apple News Plus
1:21:00 – Closing thoughts & upcoming guests
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses now have game-changing accessories—but are they worth it? Steven and Shaun debate new side shields and charging cables, before diving into a fiery conversation about AI’s reliability, accessibility frustrations, and how blind users really experience these tools. Plus, Steven shares his PC troubleshooting “hero” moment, and listeners weigh in on funding assistive tech, smart homes, and accessibility wins.
This episode of Double Tap starts with Steven and Shaun exploring unexpected accessories for the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. From clip-on side shields to block out light to a charging cable that allows continuous use, the hosts share their reactions—Steven enthusiastically ordering both, Shaun far more skeptical.
The conversation quickly turns to AI. Shaun delivers a scathing critique, declaring he’s “falling out of love with AI” due to unreliable answers and dangerous inaccuracies, while Steven highlights his own disappointing attempt to set up a printer with Gemini Vision. The two hosts clash over prompting, practicality, and whether AI can ever be trusted for mobility or real-time tasks.
Steven then tells the story of reviving a “silent PC” without a screen or sound—a challenge familiar to many blind users—sparking discussion on non-visual computing, audio device management, and accessibility workarounds like Narrator.
Listener emails round out the episode. Charles asks why assistive tech companies don’t offer payment plans, Greg from Phoenix highlights Apple Home’s local control as a smarter option for thermostats, and Greg from Pennsylvania shares powerful advocacy stories, from accessible kiosks to live play-by-play at baseball games, proving change is possible with persistence.
Chapters
0:00 – Intro & early morning accessory shopping
5:40 – Side shields for Meta Ray-Bans
13:15 – Charging cable for all-day use
22:30 – Shaun’s AI breakup rant
40:10 – Steven’s Epson printer setup fail with Gemini
52:30 – Falling out of love with AI?
1:04:00 – The silent PC rescue story
1:25:00 – WhatsApp web accessibility challenges
1:40:00 – Listener email: Assistive tech payment plans
1:50:00 – Listener emails: Smart thermostats, Apple Home, and advocacy wins
2:05:00 – Wrap-up & closing banter
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
JAWS and ZoomText pricing in the UK is changing, and users are confused. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece bring in Stuart Lawler from Sight & Sound Technology to break down the new subscription model, explain Software Maintenance Agreements (SMAs), and clarify what the changes mean for long-time users. Plus, a hands-on look at the Keychron Q6 Max mechanical keyboard, updates on Aira desktop support, and a listener email about life with prosthetic eyes.
This episode tackles one of the biggest questions in UK accessibility tech right now: what’s happening with JAWS and ZoomText pricing? Steven and Shaun are joined by Stuart Lawler from Sight & Sound Technology to cut through the confusion. Stuart explains why Vispero has moved to a subscription model, what the pricing tiers look like, and how current users can still benefit from SMAs before the October deadline.
Alongside the pricing discussion, Steven shares his experience with the hefty Keychron Q6 Max mechanical keyboard, exploring both its impressive build and the accessibility challenges of customizing it. The hosts also highlight how services like Aira desktop support and Be My Eyes can help blind users navigate inaccessible software.
Listener feedback adds humor and insight, with one email describing the quirks of prosthetic eyes, while Shaun shares breaking news about Meta’s new detailed description feature for Ray-Ban smart glasses in the UK. The conversation rounds off with speculation about Google’s upcoming hardware event and the future of smart glasses.
Chapters
0:00 – JAWS & ZoomText UK pricing confusion
4:52 – Steven’s new Keychron Q6 Max keyboard review
21:45 – Using Aira desktop for accessibility support
31:12 – Meta AI’s new detailed description option for Ray-Bans
36:40 – Listener email: fun with prosthetic eyes
48:25 – JAWS subscription vs SMA explained with Stuart Lawler
1:20:10 – Google Pixel event speculation and smart glasses
Relevant Links
Sight & Sound Technology: https://www.sightandsound.co.uk
Vispero (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion): https://www.freedomscientific.com
Aira Desktop Access: https://aira.io/desktop
Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com
Keychron Q6 Max: https://www.keychron.com
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
Double Tap is officially renewed for its ninth season, launching September 1. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece share the behind-the-scenes news, explore the surge in pre-orders for the Ally Solos smart glasses, and debate the evolving personality of ChatGPT-5. The episode also dives into listener emails covering NAS vs Tailscale remote storage, accessible audiobook players, mental health resources for blind users, and the game-changing potential of Be My Eyes’ real-time video feature via smart glasses.
Thanks to Turtleback Low Vision for sponsoring this episode of Double Tap. As a thank you to the Double Tap community, Turtleback is offering 12% off your entire order with promo code DT12. Visit https://www.turtlebacklv.com to shop the full lineup!
Steven and Shaun open with the big announcement—Double Tap will return for a ninth season on AMI, continuing daily tech talk for blind and low-vision audiences. The pair celebrate with sound effect banter before shifting to reaction to the Ally Solos smart glasses, now sold out in their first pre-order run. They discuss price appeal, app-based testing, and the role of big tech AI models in driving innovation.
The conversation shifts to ChatGPT-5, with both hosts noting backlash over its personality changes and human-like voice. This leads to a wider discussion on how blind users value speed and efficiency over conversational tone in assistive tech.
Listener emails spark discussions on:
Network storage: Pros and cons of NAS devices vs. the Tailscale app for secure remote access.
Accessible media: Trevor’s Android audiobook player recommendation, Simple AP Player.
Mental health: Greg shares US-based vision loss mental health resources, prompting candid conversation on loneliness, social isolation, and guilt around commitments.
Be My Eyes: Gregory celebrates the app’s new real-time video feature for social and practical tasks.
The show closes with Charles challenging Steven to name a modern song he likes, leading to a lighthearted music taste debate.
Chapters
0:00 – Season nine confirmed for Double Tap
4:32 – Ally Solos smart glasses sell out
11:45 – ChatGPT-5 voice personalities & accessibility
20:12 – NAS vs Tailscale for accessible storage
32:18 – Listener email: Android audiobook player app
34:40 – Soundscape on Android update
36:00 – Mental health resources & personal reflections
1:02:20 – Be My Eyes real-time video excitement
1:07:15 – Modern music debate
----
Follow on:
Subscribe to the Podcast:
About Double Tap
Hosted 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.
From the publisher's feed

16 Listeners

22 Listeners

22 Listeners

12 Listeners

50 Listeners

9 Listeners

1 Listeners

4 Listeners

28 Listeners

17 Listeners

19 Listeners

0 Listeners