In this engaging episode, Marc Aflalo welcomes Steven Scott, host of the Double Tap podcast, for an in-depth discussion on the latest breakthroughs in assistive technology. From Glasgow, Scotland, Steven shares his firsthand experiences with Glide—a revolutionary mobility aid that blends AI, robotics, and navigation to empower blind and low-vision users. They delve into how this innovative device bridges the gap between traditional white canes and guide dogs, offering a practical, affordable alternative for enhanced independence.

The conversation also highlights Aira, a visual interpretation service leveraging cutting-edge tech like Meta’s Ray-Ban frames to deliver hands-free support in real-world scenarios. Steven explains how these tools are reshaping the way blind users navigate public spaces like airports and retail stores, fostering a greater sense of freedom.

Beyond the tech, Marc and Steven tackle broader topics like societal stigma, accessibility challenges, and the transformative role of mainstream adoption in driving down costs. As they look ahead to 2025, they touch on the exciting future of Braille technology and the importance of keeping this essential format alive in the digital age.

🎧 Tune in for a lively, thought-provoking conversation that blends humor, humanity, and hope for a more accessible future.

🔗 Connect with Steven Scott

💻 Website: doubletaponair.com

📺 YouTube: Double Tap Video

🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @blindguytech

✨ Don’t miss this one—perfect for tech enthusiasts, accessibility advocates, and anyone curious about the future of assistive technology!

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Marc hosted Chandrashekar LSP, Managing Director for Zoho Southern Canada, in a wide-ranging conversation about Zoho’s transformative impact on businesses, its comprehensive suite of products, and its unique approach to fostering connections with users through events like Zoholics Montreal. The discussion touched on Zoho’s product ecosystem, AI innovations, global reach, and how user feedback shapes its roadmap.

Zoho’s Event Success: Zoholics Montreal

Chandrashekar LSP shared the success story of Zoholics Montreal, a user conference that attracted over 750 attendees, including Zoho employees, partners, and customers. The event provided structured learning tracks, one-on-one sessions, and an interactive Experience Center, where participants connected directly with product experts. These events help Zoho gather real-time user feedback, influencing its product roadmap and fostering deeper relationships with its community.

Zoho’s Product Ecosystem

Marc described Zoho as an “operating system for business,” offering tools like CRM, social media management, landing pages, and analytics. Chandrashekar revealed that the average Zoho One user employs 23 apps, with CRM, Analytics, Customer Support, Campaigns, and Accounting being the most popular. He also highlighted Zoho’s ability to localize products for regional needs, such as Kenyan and German editions of Zoho Books.

Zoho’s Approach to AI

Zoho’s AI strategy emphasizes contextual intelligence tailored to business needs rather than relying solely on large language models (LLMs). Chandrashekar explained how Zoho’s AI-driven tools enhance workflows, such as identifying sentiment in customer tickets or optimizing sales outreach timing. Zoho’s privacy-first approach ensures that AI learns from a business’s unique data without compromising its proprietary information. Marc praised Zoho’s unified AI ecosystem for its utility in empowering small businesses.

Global Presence and Localization

Zoho boasts over 100 million users worldwide, providing insights from diverse markets to shape its product offerings. Chandrashekar highlighted Zoho’s localization capabilities, including HR systems and accounting tools adapted for regional requirements like e-invoicing in African and Middle Eastern countries.

Data Privacy and Sovereignty

Chandrashekar discussed Zoho’s commitment to data privacy and sovereignty, sharing plans to expand its independent data centers, including in Canada, to comply with laws like Quebec’s Law 25. Unlike competitors that rely on AWS or Azure, Zoho operates its own data centers, reducing risks of cyberattacks and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Customer-Centric Innovation

Marc and Chandrashekar explored how user feedback from events like Zoholics and community forums shapes Zoho’s product priorities. While some requested features are quickly implemented, others may take years due to the complexity of Zoho’s extensive product ecosystem and its focus on strategic integration.

Future Goals

Zoho’s immediate priorities include simplifying business operations, improving compliance with local regulations, expanding global data centers, and enhancing its BI (Business Intelligence) platform. Chandrashekar emphasized Zoho’s vision of becoming the ultimate “easy button” for businesses, providing an all-in-one solution for operational needs.

For more information, visit the official Zoholics page or explore Zoho’s suite of tools on their website.

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In this episode of YourTechReport, Marc Aflalo welcomes Ryan Flynn from Amazon Key and Kyle Fitzgerald from Chamberlain Group to discuss the game-changing launch of Amazon In-Garage Delivery in Canada. Imagine a world where your Amazon packages are safe from porch pirates, bad weather, and winter chaos, all while sitting securely inside your garage.

Ryan and Kyle explain how this innovative service works, from its seamless integration with MyQ’s smart garage technology to the meticulous security features ensuring peace of mind for users. With over 12 million MyQ-connected garages worldwide, learn how Canadians can easily adopt this service using technology they likely already own.

Discover the practical benefits of in-garage delivery:

• Protecting packages from theft and weather

• Easy setup via the Amazon and MyQ apps

• Affordable retrofitting for older garage doors

• Real-world use cases for busy families

This episode also explores the partnership between Amazon and MyQ, the customer feedback that’s shaping the service, and why this is the perfect smart home addition for the holiday season.

🎧 Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery

• Explore MyQ’s Smart Garage Control

• Follow YourTechReport on social: @YourTechReport

Don’t miss this exciting conversation that blends smart home tech with real-life practicality—perfect for any tech enthusiast or busy homeowner.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Introduction: Welcome Ryan Flynn and Kyle Fitzgerald

01:10 - What is Amazon In-Garage Delivery?

03:00 - The Benefits of In-Garage Delivery for Families

05:00 - How MyQ and Amazon Built the Partnership

07:30 - How In-Garage Delivery Works: Security and Ease

10:00 - Setting Up MyQ for In-Garage Delivery

11:40 - Retrofitting Older Garage Doors: What You Need

12:50 - Why In-Garage Delivery Makes Sense for Canadians

13:40 - Consumer Feedback: Success Stories from Canada

14:40 - Closing Thoughts: The Future of Secure Deliveries

Stay tuned for more smart home insights next week!

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Get ready for an entertaining and tech-packed episode of YourTechReport! Marc Aflalo (broadcasting from Montreal) and Mitchell Whitfield (from sunny LA) dive into the hottest tech deals and share their Black Friday survival tips. From digital projectors to the latest Beats headphones, they reveal what’s worth waiting for—and what’s already in their carts.

Mitchell raves about his new Mac Mini M4 Pro, the perfect desktop companion for creatives and tech enthusiasts alike. They discuss the quirks of Apple’s design choices (looking at you, Magic Mouse) and the growing love for USB-C. Plus, discover the genius of integrating storage hubs seamlessly with the Mac Mini’s sleek design.

With insights on how tech companies are reshaping Black Friday and a sprinkle of humor about shopping in underwear (it’s relatable, okay?), this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves gadgets, Apple tech, and a good laugh.

🖥️ Explore more tech insights:

Follow YourTechReport on social media @YourTechReport and drop your questions at [email protected].

📦 Featured Topics:

• Why digital projectors are the future of backyard movie nights

• The evolution of Beats headphones: From bass-heavy to brilliant

• Apple’s Mac Mini M4 Pro: Small but mighty

• Surviving Black Friday: Online vs. in-store madness

• How USB-C is making life (and tech setups) better

Listen now and gear up for your next tech purchase!

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Intro: Montreal Meets LA

00:04 - Black Friday Shopping Strategies

01:10 - Digital Projectors: Big Screen, Small Device

03:25 - Are Beats Headphones Still Worth It?

05:50 - Surviving Black Friday Madness

07:30 - Shopping Online vs. In-Store

08:50 - New Tech, Extended Return Policies

09:20 - Mitchell’s Mac Mini M4 Pro Review

11:00 - The USB-C Revolution

12:10 - Apple’s Seamless Device Setup

13:00 - Mac Mini Storage Hubs and Accessories

13:30 - What’s Coming Next on YourTechReport

Catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧

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In this thought-provoking episode of Your Tech Report, Marc Aflalo sits down with Sandeep Panesar, to unpack the realities behind planned obsolescence and its effect on the tech industry and consumers. The discussion begins with a practical definition of planned obsolescence and its deliberate implementation by companies to encourage faster replacement cycles and sustain long-term sales. Sandeep shares his personal experience with an iPad Air 4 and the challenges he faced after updating to iOS 18, showcasing how software updates can unintentionally or intentionally lead to usability issues.

The conversation also highlights the legal framework surrounding consumer rights, touching on Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act and its similarities to the stringent EU consumer laws. Sandeep and Marc explore the implications of consumer brand loyalty and how information asymmetry benefits large corporations. They then transition into discussing the digital divide, hinting at the ways planned obsolescence can exacerbate technological disparities.

Listeners will gain insights into how companies may influence upgrade cycles, the potential motivations behind these practices, and what consumers can do to stay informed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in consumer rights, tech sustainability, and the deeper strategies tech companies employ to drive their product ecosystems.

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In this episode of YourTechReport, Marc connects with Dan Ackerman, Editor in Chief of Micro Center News, to dive into their unique experiences of switching between Mac and Windows systems. Dan shares his insights on how Windows has evolved, particularly for gaming and creative tasks, and the pros and cons of each platform. They discuss the small yet powerful nuances that make each system unique—from Mac’s spacebar preview to Windows’ flexibility with gaming.

Dan also reveals details about his recent AI cloning experiment, where he created a virtual version of himself that can respond in real-time for videos and even conduct interviews. With tools like ChatGPT, Eleven Labs, and HeyGen, Dan’s exploration into AI demystifies the process of creating a realistic digital clone for under $50. They touch on the potential of AI avatars in customer service, video narration, and content creation, along with the ethical implications and future of AI in tech.

With Black Friday around the corner and CES on the horizon, Marc and Dan also talk shop about the latest developments in PC gaming, the launch of new Intel and AMD chips, and Micro Center’s expansion into Miami. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, curious about AI, or just looking for the next upgrade, this episode has something for everyone.

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Mac vs. Windows: A Tale of Two Systems

2. 02:15 - Transitioning Back to Windows: The Pros and Cons

3. 03:30 - Dan’s AI Cloning Experiment: Cloning Yourself for $50

4. 05:00 - Tools for AI Cloning: ChatGPT, Eleven Labs, and HeyGen

5. 06:45 - Building Real-Time AI Conversations

6. 09:00 - The Future of AI in Customer Service & Content Creation

7. 11:00 - What’s New in the PC World: Intel & AMD Chips

8. 12:15 - Micro Center’s New Miami Store and Canada Expansion

9. 14:00 - Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Holiday Tech Buzz

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In this episode of YourTechReport, Marc welcomes Steven Scott, host of Double Tap, to discuss the latest in accessible technology, including Steven’s hands-on experience with the new Mac Mini. They chat about Apple’s dedication to accessibility and how the Mac Mini is ideal for users with visual impairments, thanks to built-in accessibility features like VoiceOver.

Steven also introduces the audience to Sight Village, the UK’s premier tech event for people with visual impairments, where tech vendors showcase specialized and mainstream technologies. Marc and Steven dive into the revolutionary new Glide device, an AI-driven mobility aid designed to offer navigation assistance similar to a guide dog—without the need for a dog. They discuss how this groundbreaking device, which uses advanced sensors and AI, is empowering users with autonomy at a fraction of the cost of traditional mobility aids.

They wrap up by exploring the growing range of tech products for the blind, from talking air fryers to accessible microwaves, and the importance of inclusivity in tech design. Whether you’re interested in accessibility tech or curious about the future of AI in assistive devices, this episode has insights that will inspire you!

Chapters

01:00 - New Mac Mini Hands-On: An Accessible Powerhouse

04:00 - Inside Sight Village: The “Best Buy” for the Blind Community

06:00 - Meet the Glide Device: A Guide Dog Alternative

09:00 - Guide Dog vs. Glide: Who Benefits Most?

12:00 - Affordability and Accessibility: The Price of Innovation

14:00 - Talking Appliances: Air Fryers, Microwaves, and More

16:00 - The Best Time in History for Accessible Tech

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In this episode of YourTechReport, Marc dives into the latest Mac devices with Patrick O’Rourke, the Devices Managing Editor at Pocket-Lint. Patrick shares his hands-on experience with Apple’s newest offerings, from the surprisingly powerful and compact Mac Mini to the upgraded MacBook Pro. They discuss the M4 Pro chip’s remarkable performance in a mini powerhouse, the sleek design updates, and Apple’s new take on nanotexture screens.

Marc and Patrick break down who these devices are really for, how they handle demanding tasks like gaming and editing, and whether it’s worth upgrading if you already own an M1 or M2 MacBook Pro. With insights on performance, design, and functionality, they explore the growing trend of smaller, powerful devices redefining what’s possible in computing today.

Whether you’re considering a new Mac or just interested in the evolution of Apple’s desktop lineup, this episode offers an in-depth look at the real-world experience with Apple’s latest innovations. Don’t miss it!

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction to the Episode & Guest

2. 01:00 - The Compact Power of the Mac Mini

3. 03:30 - Mac Mini Design & Practicality

4. 05:20 - Who Should Buy the New Mac Mini?

5. 06:00 - MacBook Pro: New Features & Screen Technology

6. 07:30 - Nanotexture Screen: Is it Worth It?

7. 08:45 - Gaming on the MacBook Pro: Reality Check

8. 09:35 - What to Expect from Apple This Holiday Season

9. 10:00 - Closing Thoughts

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In this enlightening episode of Your Tech Report, Marc Aflalo is joined once again by Sandeep Panesar to delve deeper into the pressing issues of planned obsolescence and the digital divide. Sandeep begins by outlining the four types of obsolescence—systemic, perceived, functional, and technological—explaining how these strategies are purposefully designed to drive consumer spending. He highlights examples from tech and fashion, showcasing how companies use planned obsolescence to influence buying behavior.

Marc and Sandeep also discuss the rising cost of technology and how these price hikes contribute to a widening digital divide. While first-world consumers may be able to keep up with new models, people in developing regions face significant barriers to access. The conversation shifts to the broader impact on society, touching on e-waste, resource exploitation, and the importance of moving toward a circular economy that focuses on reuse and recycling.

The episode ends on an introspective note, recognizing that while solutions may be complex, awareness and conversation are critical first steps toward meaningful change.

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In this engaging episode of Your Tech Report, hosts Marc Aflalo and Mitchell Whitfield delve into Apple’s latest week of announcements, featuring the new Mac Mini with the powerful M4 Pro chip. The duo discusses their excitement over the Mac Mini’s newfound status as the star of Apple’s product lineup, exploring its specs, configurations, and future-proofing capabilities. Marc and Mitchell share their personal experiences ordering and spec-ing out their Mac Minis, highlighting the benefits and trade-offs of custom configurations, such as opting for 10-gigabit Ethernet and expanded storage. The episode also ventures into broader discussions on Apple’s design decisions, such as the infamous charging port on the Apple Mouse, and why Apple hasn’t released a USB-C hub despite the demand.

Marc shares his perspective on using older Macs, like the cylindrical Mac Pro, as backup machines and considers the possibilities of portable, desktop computing on the go. The episode rounds out with speculation on Apple’s future moves, including the potential for a new Mac Pro and the evolution of Mac Studio. Listeners will enjoy this deep dive filled with tech insights, personal anecdotes, and a preview of future content focusing on the digital divide and planned obsolescence.

Chapter Markers

0:00 - Intro and Halloween Recap: Marc and Mitchell catch up, sharing Halloween stories and warm weather experiences.

3:27 - The Apple Week Recap: Discussing the week’s major announcements, particularly the new Mac Mini.

4:52 - Mac Mini Specifications: Marc and Mitchell detail their Mac Mini orders, highlighting configurations and pricing.

8:43 - Future-Proofing with Ethernet: Why opting for 10-gigabit Ethernet makes sense for high-speed connections.

10:17 - Supply Chain Insights: The custom-order process and delivery timelines for Apple’s products.

11:27 - The Apple Mouse Debate: Critique of the Apple Mouse design and the charging port issue.

15:09 - Mac Mini as a Backup Machine: Marc’s backup strategy using older Macs and how it integrates with his workflow.

18:17 - Portability and Travel Options: The possibility of using the Mac Mini as a portable powerhouse.

20:09 - Benchmarking and Performance: Fresh Geekbench results for the M4 Pro and their implications.

23:22 - The Absence of an Apple USB-C Hub: Speculation on why Apple hasn’t ventured into creating their own hubs.

24:21 - Upcoming Hands-On Content: Preview of future content and hands-on reviews.

25:43 - Outro and What’s Next: Teasing an upcoming discussion with guest Sandeep Panesar on digital divides and planned obsolescence.

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