Episodes

  • New Apple Accessibility Features Announced, Samsung Launch S25 Edge & Is It Time To Switch To Android?
    May 13 2025

    In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun break down Apple’s newly announced accessibility updates ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. From accessibility “nutrition labels” on the App Store to a full-featured Braille note-taker built into iOS 19, the team highlights major leaps forward for blind and low-vision users.

    They also explore the all-new magnifier app for Mac, updates to Apple Vision Pro’s accessibility capabilities including camera zoom and AI object recognition, and a vastly improved personal voice cloning tool.

    Later in the show, guests John Dyer and Carrie Morales join to discuss the evolving accessibility landscape on Android, including TalkBack’s integration with Gemini AI, and whether AI-driven features could make Android more appealing to blind users. The panel debates if Apple users might jump ship as smartphone prices climb — or whether ecosystem loyalty still reigns supreme.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    01:49 New Accessibility Features Coming To Apple Devices
    06:05 The Magnifier App for Mac
    10:10 Braille Access and Live Captioning
    14:54 Apple Vision Pro Accessibility Features
    18:13 Samsung's New Galaxy S25 Edge Smartphone
    20:54 Switching to Android: Insights from Experts

    Relevant Links
    Apple Accessibility Preview: https://apple.com/newsroom/2025/05/apple-previews-accessibility-features-coming-this-year
    Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: https://news.samsung.com/uk/meet-the-samsung-galaxy-s25-edge-an-engineering-marvel-of-new-slim-hardware-innovation
    Carrie On Accessibility: https://carrieonaccessibility.com
    Blind Android Users Podcast: https://blindandroidusers.com
    Accessible Android Articles: https://accessibleandroid.com

    Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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    56 mins
  • Mike Calvo, CEO of Pneuma Solutions: “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore."
    May 12 2025

    In this powerhouse episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun welcome back Mike Calvo, CEO of Numa Solutions, for a no-holds-barred conversation about accessible tech, disability rights, and what it means to truly support the blind community — from within. Mike doesn’t hold back as he calls out ineffective DEIA policies, advocates for blind-led innovation, and explains why legislation like Title II in the U.S. must be enforced, not ignored.

    The episode is also a deep dive into Numa’s product lineup: from Scribe for Documents to Remote Incident Manager (RIM), Cero, and DocuScan Plus. You’ll hear how these tools are helping blind people access inaccessible PDFs, take back control from outdated systems, and even empower call center workers to succeed. Plus, Mike shares breaking news on upcoming product developments and his son’s groundbreaking work in AI document scanning. It's a passionate, sometimes political, and always insightful discussion about building tech by blind people, for blind people — and why that still matters more than ever.

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 – Welcome back Mike Calvo from Numa Solutions
    02:10 – Why Numa is sponsoring Double Tap & the value of community support
    04:45 – DEIA vs accessibility: Why blind people get sidelined
    17:00 – What Title II legislation really means in the U.S.
    20:15 – The birth of Scribe for Documents explained
    23:30 – Steven’s real-world test: 30 PDFs converted with Scribe
    29:45 – From FreedomBox to Serotek: Mike’s early history
    32:15 – What is Remote Incident Manager (RIM) and who it’s for
    40:30 – Mike’s mission: “I’m mad as hell — and doing something about it”
    44:00 – Scribe vs DocuScan Plus: What’s the difference?
    46:00 – Breaking: Desktop version of Scribe coming soon
    48:30 – Why development must be driven by blind users
    51:00 – The future of email, calendar, and accessibility tools
    56:10 – Final thoughts: Advocating with purpose and passion

    Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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    56 mins
  • Your Feedback: Getting Real About Language, Job Insecurities & Putting Your Eyes On The Table
    May 9 2025

    In this feedback-packed episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun open the inbox to highlight powerful listener stories and opinions that spark some of their most honest and passionate reactions yet. From questions about pursuing a cybersecurity career as a blind person to whether “blind” or “visually impaired” should be the default term — the discussion gets real, raw, and at times hilariously offbeat.

    Steven shares his own personal journey of proving doubters wrong in the media world, sparking an empowering message about determination in the face of discrimination. There’s also strong commentary on digital accessibility, the blurred lines of language policing, and the impact of AI smart glasses from Meta and Google. Plus, listeners chime in on VoiceOver vs TalkBack, the future of Braille, disability benefits, and even a shocking tale about prosthetic eyes during a PIP assessment. It’s an unfiltered, energizing episode that reminds us why your voices matter.

    🕒 Chapter Markers

    00:00 – Introduction
    01:35 – Listener asks: Can I get a job in cybersecurity as a blind person?
    03:00 – Steven’s story: Fighting discouragement in education and career
    09:30 – Listener Charles responds to RNIB Braille service episode
    10:55 – Stan shares why “visually impaired” can be misunderstood
    14:10 – Steven rants: Language policing and offense culture
    20:45 – Listener Rowana celebrates Braille Note and Braille Week
    21:55 – Tyler questions Mac vs PC accessibility conclusion
    25:00 – Clarifying best setups for blind users: Mac Mini + Parallels
    28:15 – Gregory supports “potential” in smart glasses
    30:00 – Meta AI performance: Sandwich shopping & drink ID test
    34:00 – Juan critiques Meta Live AI’s lack of proactive detection
    37:00 – Energy cost of AI, ethical growth, and looming impact
    41:00 – Stuart shares free solar panel and heating install in Scotland
    43:30 – Grace’s epic prosthetic eye PIP story (must-hear moment!)

    💬 Quotes

    “Don’t ever belittle the potential of someone again.” – Steven Scott
    “The fight is not just external — it’s mental. You have to push past the voices telling you it won’t work.” – Steven Scott
    “People don’t say ‘blind’ because they think it’s a bad word. That’s the problem.” – Steven Scott
    “She kept asking how much I could see — so I took my prosthetic eyes out and put them on the table.” – Grace

    Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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    56 mins
  • 1000 Episodes Later: A Celebration of Community and Accessibility
    May 8 2025

    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 Markers
    00:00 – Introduction
    02:10 – Surprise video: Messages from Glidance, Be My Eyes, Google & more
    06:30 – Reflections on what Double Tap has become
    09:00 – Steven’s full-blown rant on radio accessibility
    12:30 – Why DAB and smart speakers fail blind listeners
    18:20 – The problem with owning digital media in 2025
    21:45 – Resurgence of DVDs & physical media explained
    26:30 – When power goes out: The critical case for accessible radios
    28:45 – Listener Scott asks about TalkBack on Samsung
    35:30 – Gemini Live: Using AI with your camera
    40:20 – Carl’s diabetes accessibility tips for CGMs
    47:30 – Libre app, Sweet Dreams, and audiographs explained
    49:45 – Larry shares a simple iOS app library tip
    51:00 – Renée asks: How do you know a site is inaccessible?
    54:00 – The web is a Wild West for screen reader users
    56:00 – Final reflections and thank yous from Steven and Shaun

    Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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    56 mins
  • Microsoft Announce New Surface Devices & Labelling On The Cheap
    May 7 2025

    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 Markers
    00:00 Introduction
    02:30 New Surface Devices Overview
    17:56 AI Features and Software Updates
    22:48 Labeling Technology Discussion

    Quotes
    “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 Scott

    Relevant Links
    Microsoft Surface Devices: https://www.microsoft.com/surface
    Nelko PM220 Label Printer: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nelko+pm220
    Sonos x IKEA Symfonisk: https://www.theverge.com
    LG smartphone end-of-life: https://www.androidcentral.com

    Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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    56 mins
  • WhatsApp Access Ends for Older iPhones & Windows on ARM Breakdown
    May 6 2025

    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 Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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    56 mins
  • Accessible Glucose Monitors: Why Aren’t They Better Yet?
    May 5 2025

    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 begins
    3:40 – Weekend updates: Eero mesh fixes and gigabit drama
    9:55 – Sky Glass, audio description, and setup accessibility
    18:10 – Double Tap’s new newsletter partnership with Mindvault
    22:04 – Listener Tess Lockton joins to talk accessible diabetes tech
    24:20 – Living through diagnosis and hospital mishandling
    31:05 – Dexcom vs Libre: pros, cons, and accessibility flaws
    40:15 – Finger-prick demo: Why even “accessible” monitors fail
    52:10 – The hidden costs and pressure of using inaccessible tools
    56:30 – Final advice and offers of help from Tess

    [Relevant Links]
    Double Tap Newsletter: https://doubletaponair.com/subscribe
    Nexus Voice Talking Blood Glucose Monitor: https://www.glucorx.co.uk/shop/nexus-voice-meter/
    Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring: https://www.dexcom.com
    Freestyle Libre 3 System: https://www.freestyle.abbott/en-ca/products/what-is-free-style-libre.html
    RNIB (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 Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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    56 mins
  • Reading the News Without Sight: StellarTrek Update Review
    May 2 2025

    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 fails
    2:58 – Spain and Portugal power outages & renewables debate
    6:02 – StellarTrek reader update and new Victor Reader features
    13:42 – TikTok accessibility feedback from listeners
    20:59 – Blind content creation and sighted assistance
    30:39 – What accessibility service would you want for life?
    40:27 – Exploring with Aira and missing out on the world
    48:13 – Over-the-counter hearing aids & shaver recommendations
    52:48 – Retraining Siri for better voice recognition
    54:46 – 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 Website

    Join the conversation and add your voice to the show either by calling in, sending an email or leaving us a voicemail!

    Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

    Phone: 1-877-803-4567

    Show more Show less
    56 mins
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