In this episode, Steven and Shaun explore why JAWS dominates screen reader use in the workplace and whether NVDA is a viable alternative considering potential price increases for JAWS. They discuss pricing, support, accessibility scripting, and the future of assistive tech.

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!

With screen reader costs rising and accessibility funding under pressure, Steven and Shaun take a deep dive into the JAWS vs. NVDA debate. They question why JAWS continues to be the default in many workplaces despite NVDA's maturity and free availability. The conversation touches on software scripting, compatibility with custom enterprise tools, and the broader accessibility tech ecosystem.

Steven reflects on personal experiences with screen reader licensing, funding delays, and being offered limited choices in tech procurement. The duo also share frustrations with Windows and macOS accessibility bugs, VoiceOver focus issues, and WhatsApp interface quirks. Shaun raises the idea of jog wheels for audio editing and asks listeners for feedback on Reaper workflows.
The episode ends with a thought-provoking discussion on whether Microsoft should acquire an assistive tech company to secure the future of screen reading software.

Please note: Double Tap returns from break on the 7th June 2025.

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.

Is Eleven Labs building the next big voice assistant? Steven and Shaun break down the company's latest demo video and share their thoughts on the future of AI integration. Plus, practical talk on screen readers, accessible appliances, and daily blind tech.

This episode is supported by Pneuma Solutions. Creators of accessible tools like Remote Incident Manager and Scribe. Get $20 off with code dt20 at https://pneumasolutions.com/ and enter to win a free subscription at doubletaponair.com/subscribe!

Steven and Shaun dissect ElevenLabs’ new “11 AI” demo video and question whether it's more than marketing hype. While impressed by its natural-sounding voices and emotional tone control, they debate the lack of real integration and functionality, comparing it to other voice assistant platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT. The hosts also explore the deeper challenge of integrating AI across everyday apps and services—and why we're still not there yet.

Later, they shift to listener emails on topics including accessibility of LG appliances, the decline of WhatsApp support on older iPhones, alternatives for low-cost accessible tech, and the emotional weight of navigating blindness and independence. They also touch on third-party Android screen readers like Prudence, Bluetooth Apple TV setups, and the elusive “blindness uniform.”

Chapters
00:00 - Start
02:33 - Introducing 11 AI
14:18 - Do you wash your liquid level indicator?
26:54 - Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
28:32 - Listener Joel on legacy technology
39:09 - Listener Jeff on accessible LG appliances, iPhone uses & Dummy HDMI
53:21 - Listener Jason on accessible PTT radios

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.

Are audio-based social apps still relevant for blind users in 2025? Steven and Shaun revisit Zello, Clubhouse, and other platforms while tackling listener questions about Siri, Braille signage, CD ripping, and accessible radio tech.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun open the inbox and answer listener questions on everything from nostalgic chat apps like Zello and Clubhouse to modern frustrations with Siri. They discuss the decline of accessible audio-first communities, challenges with Braille signage in public spaces, and the reality of digitizing CD collections for Bluetooth listening.

Listeners also raise concerns about potential funding cuts to US assistive technology (AT) programs and the future of Braille and specialized devices. Plus, there’s news about a new talking DAB/FM radio in development and practical feedback on using Siri offline or with different accents.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
05:02 - Listener Marc on audio social media apps
16:13 - Listener Mary says you can use Siri to open apps even while offline
18:38 - Listener Nicole wants to rip her CDs
27:25 - Listener Ray talks about the challenge of inaccessible radios
29:12 - Listener Tom asks about indoor navigation using the Stellar Trek
30:46 - Listener Steve is getting refresher lessons for mobility
38:07 - Listener Rebecca has concerns about the state of the AT market in the US
39:56 - Listener Scout on various topics including a good mug for Shaun
45:36 - Listener Ryan on the best way to speak to Siri
49:21 - Listener Pete wants a Mr F badge
50:10 - Listener Damian wonders what all the fuss around Siri is?

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.

Steven shares the emotional and practical realities of applying for a guide dog, while Shaun questions the balance between blind pride and accessibility struggles. The duo also tackles listener emails on delivery frustrations, hearing myths, and audio description failures.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven opens up about his recent guide dog assessment and the mental toll it took. The conversation explores the complexities of guide dog eligibility, mobility expectations, and the challenges blind people face in daily life.

Shaun and Steven reflect on blind pride, debating whether it empowers or downplays real obstacles.

Listener feedback adds depth, from Grace’s Amazon delivery experience to Logan’s frustration with inaccessible blind school screenings. Lisa shares insight on using Glide, while Hetty and Lucas raise important points about independence and tech durability.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:31 - Steven has his guide dog assessment!
18:04 - Listener Geroge doesn’t like to move it, move it
22:22 - Listener Lisa with comments on Glide and blind people’s hearing
28:31 - Listener Grace on blind people texting and annoying delivery drivers
33:10 - Listener Heddy on the subject of blind pride
44:42 - Listener Logan on school for the blind not showing audio described movies in class
48:24 - Listener Lucas on the durability of Meta Ray Bans
53:53 - Listener Camille on boats not having steering wheels!

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.

New Meta Oakley smart glasses, upgraded voices for screen readers, and an honest look at accessibility shopping—all packed into this lively Double Tap episode.

In this episode, Steven and Shaun kick off the week with updates on Meta's latest collaboration with Oakley, bringing new smart glasses with improved battery and camera specs.

They also debate the merits of new SAPI 5 text-to-speech voices from Blastbay, evaluating how they perform at higher speech rates for productivity.

Listener emails spark thoughtful discussions on Braille literacy, the performance of AI phone shopping tools like InnoSearch, and creative workarounds for hands-free video calling.

Plus, there's a surprising gadget that combines hydration and MagSafe.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
03:47 - Double Tap takes a holiday!
05:27 - Double Tap is coming to Sight Village
07:25 - Meta and Oakley partner to create new smart sunglasses option
15:42 - Blast Bay offers new SAPI 5 voices for Windows users
26:30 - Subscribe to the Double Tap newsletter
27:28 - Contact the show!
30:30 - Listener Yusuf gives his thoughts on braille and literacy
40:55 - Listener Darren shares his experience of using Innosearch
49:59 - Listener Rich on alternatives to the FaceBook Portal devices

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.

Steven and Shaun tackle the big questions this week—from being trapped in a recliner to debating whether sheltered workshops for disabled people still have value. Plus, listener emails spark deep dives into Braille, inclusion, and how technology can both help and hinder.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven shares his comical ordeal of being stuck in an electric recliner during a power outage—complete with melting KitKats and home automation chaos. Shaun adds his own take on tech dependency and heatwave fashion choices.
The conversation shifts into more serious territory as they respond to listener emails. Doug Lawlor reignites the Braille literacy debate, emphasizing the value of combining Braille and screen reader skills. Steven and Shaun unpack the pros and cons of teaching Braille later in life, the barriers to adoption, and accessibility challenges in public spaces like cruise ships and toilets.

Later, a message from Raheem in Ireland about sheltered workshops in Kenya sparks a meaningful discussion about employment, inclusion, and whether creating dedicated workspaces for disabled people might offer purpose and community—especially when mainstream systems fall short.

Steven ends with a powerful call for blind leadership in blindness organizations, questioning why inclusion often seems to exclude the very people it aims to support.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:30 - Shaun’s incredible trousers
02:28 - Steven’s power dilemma
07:51 - Should blind people buy bulbs?
15:26 - Listener Doug talks about braille literacy
31:52 - Listener Mickey likes our newsletter
33:12 - Listener Raheem discusses the value of blind workshops in Kenya
55:08 - Rumours of new style Meta frames coming soon

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.

Steven and Shaun return to the inbox with tech frustrations, personal updates, and listener messages on future AI, smart mobility devices, and sunglasses for blind users. From garden mishaps to thoughtful reflections on accessibility, it's one of those episodes that somehow works—warts and all.

This episode is supported by Pneuma Solutions. Creators of accessible tools like Remote Incident Manager and Scribe. Get $20 off with code dt20 at https://pneumasolutions.com/ and enter to win a free subscription at doubletaponair.com/subscribe!

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun dig into listener feedback while navigating everything from technical hiccups to health annoyances. Steven shares the chaotic behind-the-scenes story of reviewing the Synapptic Smartwatch—complete with dead batteries and dying phones. Meanwhile, Shaun recounts his heroic (if slightly painful) attempt at DIY gardening.

Listeners weigh in on emerging AI tech, with comparisons to the film Her, and the potential—and risks—of operating systems that rely solely on voice input. Marc in Montreal and Steven reflect on the Glide device as a supplement, not a replacement, for traditional mobility tools like canes and guide dogs. The episode closes with a deeper discussion about "useless vision," blind identity, and the challenges of partially sighted education.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Steven’s still ill… and still complaining about it
13:22 - Listener Chris on the future of AI wearable devices
22:47 - Listener Marc really wants a Glide mobility aid
29:48 - Sponsor: Pneuma Solutions
30:42 - Get your ad on the show!
31:43 - Listener Peter on AirTags and AirTag holders for use with dogs
32:52 - Listener Dean on Shaun’s noises and Meta AI
50:58 - Listener Ryan on teaching screen readers
54:25 - Listener Negative Julian is back to prove his Android phone is updated
Relevant Links
Synapptic Smartwatch: https://www.synapptic.com
Glide Mobility Device: https://www.glidance.io
Dolphin SuperNova: https://www.yourdolphin.com

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.

Is Android finally accessible for blind users? We explore the new Synapptic SmartWatch Plus—an accessible Android-powered wearable—and test high-end custom earbuds from Breggz that promise audiophile-grade sound.

In this episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece explore two very different products with accessibility in mind. First, Steven offers a detailed hands-on review of the Synapptic SmartWatch Plus, a fully accessible Android smartwatch designed for blind and low-vision users. Unlike many Android wearables, this one impresses with fast performance, simple navigation, and full voice output—plus it works without a smartphone.

Then, Steven interviews Sander and Anouk from Breggz, creators of premium wireless earbuds built with balanced armature drivers for unmatched audio clarity. They discuss the engineering behind the custom-molded fit, plans for AI-driven voice control, and how the product appeals to audiophiles and users with mild hearing loss. The conversation also touches on accessibility challenges in apps and the future of latency-free Bluetooth sound for blind users.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:39 - Steven’s review of the Synapptic Smart Watch
14:05 - Shaun’s reaction to the Synapptic Smart Watch review
26:56 - Get in touch with the Double Tap team
27:24 - Anouk Slond talks about Breggz Earbuds

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.