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

Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

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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.