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

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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.

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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

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Phone: 1-877-803-4567

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

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Email: feedback@doubletaponair.com

Phone: 1-877-803-4567

What do the Clicks Keyboard, Ember Mug, Monarch braille display, and AirPods Pro 2 all have in common? They’re all in the inbox this week on Double Tap!

Steven and Shaun dive into your messages, starting with Mallory’s reflections on Clicks and warm drinks, to Daisy’s deep dive into the Monarch’s potential—and price tag. You’ll hear honest takes on smart glasses like EchoVision, plus a listener story about using AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids (and one almost lost at Burger King). And in true Double Tap fashion, things go hilariously off track with accidental disco rants, talk of cigarette-scented hospital doorfinding, and a legendary Scottish passive-aggressive takedown on a public bus.

From accessibility insights to laugh-out-loud commentary, this episode captures exactly what makes Double Tap so beloved—and why the community keeps growing.

[Chapters]
00:00 – What day is it? Time for emails
02:15 – Message from Mallory: Clicks Keyboard & Ember Mug
04:45 – Is the Clicks Keyboard worth it? Bulk, buttons & thoughts
07:50 – Tech for blind coders: Start your podcast!
09:22 – Monarch feedback from Daisy in Nebraska
13:10 – Why the Monarch matters (but is still out of reach)
16:20 – Are high costs keeping us from better tech?
20:30 – Should price come first in a review?
22:50 – Orbit Reader questions & alternatives
24:00 – Gregory’s smart glasses: Celeste vs. EchoVision
27:15 – Why do so many companies chase the same idea?
29:30 – Smart glasses: Designed for blind people, or just usable?
32:05 – Could OpenAI take over this space?
34:20 – What’s the perfect mix of tech and real-world tools?
38:50 – Hetty’s AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids (and ear tip issues)
43:40 – Using earbuds in noisy environments
45:50 – Meta Ray-Bans and adaptive audio in action
48:10 – Public transport disco and hospital soundscapes
50:18 – Chris McCausland praise & TTS audio description debate
52:35 – The future of AD: More content, fewer humans?
55:10 – Why writing the description script matters most

⸻

[Key Quotes]

“We do need to have a range of voices. And if they were all the same, it wouldn’t really be very good for the community, right?” — Steven Scott

“If it works for you, and it’s amazing, then the money kind of becomes irrelevant—you’ll find a way to pay for it.” — Steven Scott

“Smart glasses don’t need to be ‘for blind people.’ They just need to work well for everyone.” — Shaun Preece

[Relevant Links]
Clicks Keyboard: https://clicks.tech
Ember Mug: https://ember.com
HumanWare Monarch: https://www.humanware.com
Meta Ray-Ban Glasses: https://www.ray-ban.com/meta
Apple AirPods Pro 2: https://www.apple.com/airpods-pro/
Be My Eyes (partnered with OpenAI): https://www.bemyeyes.com

👉 Got a tech question or comment? Email us at feedback@doubletaponair.com or leave a voice note on WhatsApp at +1-613-481-0144. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered takes on accessible tech!

#AssistiveTechnology #SmartGlasses #DoubleTapPodcast

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

Today on Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece open the listener inbox and tackle a wide range of accessible tech topics, real-world product experiences, and your feedback.

We kick off with Steven’s first impressions of the Stellar Trek GPS device from HumanWare, praising its high-quality speakers and intuitive voice selection interface. Then, we shift gears into a conversation about the Meta Ray-Ban glasses and updates from Meta’s LlamaCon event, including the rebranding of the MetaView app to Meta AI.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
02:51 Meta Ray-Ban Glasses and AI Developments
06:11 Google I.O. and Hardware Expectations
09:03 AI Competition: Google vs. Meta vs. Apple
15:04 Listener Feedback and Community Engagement
17:54 Discussion on BT Speak Pro vs. Orbit Speak
36:11 Comparing BT Speak Pro and OrbitSpeak
39:30 Exploring Built-in Applications
44:46 Community and Support for Users
49:11 User Experience and Preferences
52:35 Orbit Player Overview

Next, the discussion heats up around the future of smart glasses, speculating on Google's upcoming announcements at Google I/O and potential new hardware launches. We also touch on the evolving landscape of AI tools, the growth of Gemini, Copilot, and ChatGPT, and frustrations around poorly communicated app updates.

From there, we dive into listener feedback, covering accessible glucose monitors, a surprising redemption for Samsung's Bixby assistant, frustrations with AI voice apps needing a “stop listening” command, and a call for better website access to Double Tap content.

Special guest Lisa Salinger joins to deliver an in-depth, real-world comparison between the BT Speak Pro and the Orbit Speak. If you've been considering these devices, Lisa shares critical differences, user experiences, and practical advice to help you decide which one could best fit your needs.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

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

Today on Double Tap, Steven Scott and Sean Preece react to Google’s announcement that it will discontinue cloud support for the first- and second-generation Nest thermostats — a major accessibility blow for blind users. They discuss the implications for smart home reliability and urge companies to prioritize accessibility from the start.

We also celebrate the 20th anniversary of Apple’s VoiceOver, sharing personal reflections and hearing from Mike Shebanek, who helped bring built-in accessibility to Apple products.Finally, Aaron Linson joins Steven to give an in-depth user review of the Stellar Trek from Humanware. Learn how this standalone navigation device compares to smartphones, how it handles GPS directions, traffic signals, and even reads short texts and doors with its AI features. If you’ve ever wondered whether dedicated tech still has a place alongside smartphones, this conversation is for you.

[Chapters]
0:00 – Intro: Nest Thermostat Accessibility Outrage
2:15 – How Smart Home Devices Risk Becoming Inaccessible
5:40 – Why Accessible Design Must Be Baked In
7:08 – Apple’s VoiceOver Turns 20
9:23 – Mike Shebanek on VoiceOver’s Origin at Apple
14:06 – How the iPhone Changed Accessibility Forever
18:32 – Accessibility Features in Early iPhones
20:44 – Introducing the Stellar Trek
22:45 – Why Apps Alone Aren’t Enough for Navigation
25:13 – How the Stellar Trek Works for Blind Travelers
29:56 – Real World Navigation with Stellar Trek
32:19 – How Stellar Trek Provides Richer Location Info
36:58 – New AI Traffic Light and Bus Stop Detection
39:21 – Should You Still Buy a Pro iPhone for LIDAR?
44:05 – Affordability, Technology Reliance, and Spread the Load
47:40 – Book Reader and Short Text Features on Stellar Trek
50:01 – Why Dedicated Devices Still Matter
54:33 – The Value of Environmental Awareness When Traveling
56:58 – Wrapping Up: More Stellar Trek User Q&A to Come

[Key Quotes]
“Accessibility has to be in everybody’s mind at all times.” — Steven Scott
“If one update breaks accessibility, that’s it — you’re stuck.” — Aaron Linson
“VoiceOver being built in changed everything — no extra cost, no extra software.” — Kelly MacDonald
“The Stellar Trek lets me explore what’s around me, not just navigate point-to-point.” — Aaron Linson

[Relevant Links]
Humanware Stellar Trek: https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home
Learn more about Apple VoiceOver: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/vision/

#DoubleTap #AccessibilityTech #BlindTechnology

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

In today’s honest and lively Double Tap episode, Steven and Shaun explore why "everything feels terrible" in tech—and how it especially impacts accessibility.

The hosts open up about frustrating tech failures, from Steven’s Windows settings reset to Shaun’s struggles with Amazon Fire tablets and Meta Ray-Ban glasses. Listeners share first-hand experiences with the unreliable rollout of Meta AI Look and Tell and the erratic MetaView app behavior, offering valuable workarounds and tips.

Later, Steven and Shaun discuss Apple's shifting marketing around Apple Intelligence, the hidden hardware requirements for new AI features, and their skepticism about the iPhone 17 rumors.

Listener emails bring a range of fresh topics: accessible washing machines from brands like Bosch and Samsung, using HDMI dongles for audio output, thoughts on the "blind uniform," and hilarious and heartfelt personal stories about sunglasses, glass eyes, and public perceptions of blindness.

This episode highlights the community’s resilience, humor, and resourcefulness in the face of tech’s many frustrations.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us feedback@doubletaponair.com or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chhapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction: The Struggles of Technology
05:46 Meta Ray-Ban Glasses: Updates and Issues
15:19 User Experiences: A Mixed Bag
27:46 Exploring AI Glasses and Their Practical Uses
30:08 User Experiences and Feedback on Accessibility Features
32:51 Navigating Privacy Settings in Tech Devices
33:20 Accessible Washing Machines: A Community Discussion
39:05 The Blind Uniform: Identity and Perception

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