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

Today’s Double Tap takes a deep dive into the accessibility quirks of tech—past, present, and speculative future. Steven and Shaun start off with a passionate breakdown of split tapping, a handy VoiceOver gesture on iOS, and the surprising discovery that Amazon Fire tablets now support it, even when premium Android phones don’t.

The hosts then discuss the usability of Fire tablets for blind users, highlighting quirks in VoiceView, audio issues, Kindle’s restrictions, and performance pros and cons—especially for budget-conscious buyers.

Then it’s onto AI: the team explores Perplexity AI’s new voice assistant features, including how it can send emails directly from iPhone, potentially challenging mainstream assistants like Siri. The hosts ask: is Apple’s AI development lagging, and will it drive blind users to Android?

Listener emails dive into everything from language policing in the blind community to old-school laser printers, .vip domains, access to apps like HapticNav, and whether Brother printers really are the best.

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.

Relevant Links:

• Amazon Fire Tablet Accessibility
• Perplexity AI
• InnoSearch.ai
• Brother HL-2400DW Printer
• HapticNav (via Access On/NFB)

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Exploring the Amazon Fire Tablet
12:37 Discussion on Language and Terminology in Disability
28:12 Exploring Perplexity: The AI Research Tool
36:37 Navigating the Android vs. iOS Debate
40:24 User Experiences with AI and Accessibility
46:41 Transitioning to New Technology: A Personal Journey
50:52 Printer Recommendations and Tech Tips

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

First up, Steven shares his frustrating but relatable journey setting up a flatbed scanner via a virtual machine on his Mac Studio to read medical documents privately. The hosts reflect on the pros and cons of returning to older, more reliable tech versus the convenience of modern scanning apps—and the risks to privacy they may pose.

Then it's onto major tech headlines: Apple and Meta face significant EU fines under the Digital Markets Act. The duo explores what these penalties mean for users, developer freedom, and privacy, while questioning whether they truly change the playing field.

Finally, the spotlight turns to HumanWare’s Stellar Trek. A brand-new update introduces book library access, pedestrian traffic light detection, and text export features, making this powerful navigation tool even more valuable for blind users. Plus, Steven is getting hands-on with the device soon—with support this time!

The show wraps up with listener feedback on EasyReader login issues, the RNIB reading service interface, and the personal benefits of learning Braille. As always, the community voices shine with insight and humor.

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.

Relevant Links:

• HumanWare Stellar Trek
• Digital Markets Act – European Commission
• RNIB Reading Services
• EasyReader App by Dolphin
• Descriptive Video Works
• CBS Audio Description Information

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
02:56 Exploring Meta Ray-Ban Glasses and Scanning Technology
06:11 Virtual Machines and Tech Setup Challenges
08:59 Navigating Medical Documents and Scanning Solutions
15:00 Big Tech Fines: Apple and Meta's Legal Troubles
17:47 Humanware's Stellar Trek: New Features and Innovations
32:28 Listener Feedback: Challenges and Solutions
35:43 Accessibility in Digital Services: A Critical Review
51:37 The Importance of Braille: Personal Experiences and Insights

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 this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun are back—caffeinated, opinionated, and tackling everything from accessibility to identity. Kicking things off, Steven shares how his Apple Watch health alerts, though sometimes dismissed by doctors, played a crucial role in keeping his health in check. They explore how smartwatches—despite not being medical-grade—offer critical health insights and peace of mind.

The discussion moves from tech to identity, challenging the notion of “blind pride” and debating whether it’s fair—or even helpful—to claim that being blind is a “blessing.” The hosts share their personal perspectives on disability acceptance, the emotional highs and lows of navigating blindness, and why one-size-fits-all narratives don’t work.

Listener emails round out the show, including a powerful question from a listener new to vision loss: iPhone or Android—which smartphone is better for accessibility? Steven and Shaun offer a thorough comparison of TalkBack and VoiceOver, app ecosystems, device pricing, and community support. Other listeners share thoughts on cane tips, orientation techniques, accessible recipe apps, and even whether swearing smart assistants signal progress or gimmick.

It’s a lively, honest, and often hilarious episode with valuable insight for anyone navigating life with vision loss or supporting someone who is.

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.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
09:05 The Role of AI in Accessibility and Communication
11:54 Accessibility in Smartphones: iPhone vs. Android
23:50 Support Networks and Learning Curves for New Users
27:42 Choosing Between Android and iPhone
28:49 User Experiences with Cane Tips
44:45 Navigating Recipe Apps and Accessibility
46:38 The Debate on Blindness and Vision
53:11 Acceptance and Perspectives on Blindness

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 this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun return to the inbox to read listener feedback and share deeply personal experiences—starting with Steven's recent hospital stay. From insensitive medical staff to outdated assumptions about blind people, Steven unpacks the emotional highs and lows of navigating healthcare while visually impaired.

The pair also dig into big tech topics, including listener reviews of Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 versus Pixel Watch, the pros and cons of angle gestures in Android, and the realities of using a Windows laptop with an ARM processor. Plus, there’s an honest look at the Echo Vision smart glasses, the Glidance mobility aid, and whether blind users should still invest time in learning braille.

You’ll hear passionate listener opinions—from frustration over UEB to support for Fairlight (Ferret-ight?) audio editing on iPad. There’s even a touching shout-out from an eight-year-old fan who thinks Sean deserves top billing!

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.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
02:51 Navigating Medical Environments
06:13 Attitudes Towards Blindness
09:06 Parenting and Blindness
11:55 Listener Interactions and Accessibility Tech
25:06 Windows ARM Experience
37:20 Navigating Accessibility Tools
43:08 The Braille Debate: Relevance and Education
52:05 Exploring Kindle and Fire Tablet Accessibility

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