Apple’s Age Verification, AI Missteps & Aira Updates

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece bring a lively episode of Double Tap, blending humour, tech tips, and real-world accessibility insights. They start with spilled tea and light-hearted banter, dive into the mystery of a massive KitKat heist, and cover news of the PlayStation 5 price hike. The discussion shifts to organising USB and HDMI cables, exploring smart lighting with Philips Hue and lesser-known brands like Lepro, and the importance of on-device AI for meeting transcription and privacy. They highlight Perspective Transcribe, a new accessible iPhone app for recording, transcribing, and summarising meetings—perfect for blind professionals. The duo also tackles listener emails about paratransit, audiobook services, and accessibility frustrations, and break news about upcoming Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses designed for prescription lens users. It’s a tech-packed, funny, and informative listen for anyone navigating accessible technology in 2025 and beyond. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece welcome Adi Kushner from Orbit Research and Access Mind for an in-depth discussion on the newest Braille technology releases. Broadcasting from a shelter in Israel amidst ongoing conflict, Adi shares candid insights into living and working under daily threats while continuing to innovate for the blind community. The episode dives deep into the Strata and Flow Braille displays, highlighting the introduction of Piezo Braille technology for quieter, faster, and more familiar tactile output. Adi explains the difference between the Strata 40, 40 Pro, and the ultra-light Flow, designed for portability and instant plug-and-play. They also explore the philosophy behind Orbit’s mission—offering both affordability and premium options to meet diverse user needs—while addressing the ongoing development of Orbit Speak and Orbit Player software, including the new 2.0 update with powerful media and accessibility features. Relevant Links Orbit Research: https://www.orbitresearch.com Access Mind: https://www.accessmind.net VOSAP Subsidy Programme (US): https://www.voiceofsap.org Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of Double Tap Mainstream dives into the hottest tech stories with Steven Scott and Shaun Preece. The US FCC bans new consumer routers made outside the US, citing security risks, raising questions about practicality, tariffs, and the real impact on Wi-Fi users. Apple launches age verification in iOS 26.4, making the UK the first country to get deep system-level child safety features, but implementation and accessibility challenges leave some users frustrated. The hosts also explore iOS 26.4 updates, from playlist generation to improved keyboard accuracy and new accessibility options. Dell unveils a keyboard that can run a full day on a 50-second charge, while Sony enters the gaming keyboard market at a premium price. Amazon teases a Lady A-powered phone, Tinder experiments with AI-generated dating profiles by scanning your camera roll, and the EU’s 2027 removable battery rule could delay Ray-Ban smart glasses. Share your thoughts and email us at [email protected] or use WhatsApp at +1 613-481-0144. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Double Tap Weekend, Steven Scott spotlights the 41st CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim, with exclusive interviews from our reporters on the ground, Shelley and Scott. Julia Santiago explains the origins and mission of CSUN, highlighting its role as a global forum for accessibility and inclusive technology. Scott explores the BlindShell Classic 3 phone, featuring proprietary apps like Observo for image recognition, Luna for AI-powered assistance, and Tandem for remote support and video calls. We also meet Beacon Street Innovations, who are revolutionising Braille displays with compact, multi-line, and cost-effective designs aimed at improving employment opportunities for blind adults. Additionally, RightHear introduces its talking signage system, combining beacons and visual markers to enhance orientation and independence in public spaces, while Hans from Be My Eyes celebrates an incredible milestone of 1 million blind users and 10 million volunteers worldwide. Relevant Links CSUN Assistive Technology Conference: https://www.csun.edu/cod/conference BlindShell USA: https://www.blindshell.com/us Beacon Street Innovations: https://www.beaconstreetinnovations.com RightHear: https://www.right-hear.com Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece bring another lively episode of Double Tap packed with listener feedback. Hear tales of crow ambushes and magpie mischief, and how birds have traumatised blind pedestrians. We explore the complications of paratransit in the US, including booking delays and accessibility frustrations, balanced with gratitude from those who rely on it. Listeners share ingenious solutions for navigating gyms, including Navilens QR codes for finding exercise machines, plus a tip on using the “pencil grip” cane technique to avoid face-level collisions. We also discuss Audible’s library vs. ownership model, Braille writer repair resources, and the quirks of setting up a Surface Laptop with NVDA. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steven and Shaun let loose with a full-on rant about Apple’s recent updates. iOS 26.4 introduces mandatory age verification in certain countries, but the process is confusing, inconsistent, and often impossible without a credit card or driving licence. Shaun shares his experience of being unable to verify his age, highlighting the lack of clarity on what features may be restricted. The conversation then shifts to the bigger picture: Apple Intelligence. Despite Apple’s claims of advanced on-device AI, the hosts vent their frustrations about Siri’s shortcomings, unreliable shortcuts, and the inability to surface basic personal data in meaningful ways. With WWDC on the horizon, both are sceptical about whether Apple can deliver the AI experience users are expecting. Aira’s Jenine Stanley joins the guys later in the episode to discuss big updates to the app, including their integration into Meta’s smart AI glasses. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this CSUN 2026 special of Double Tap, the team dives into the world of assistive technology for blind and partially sighted users. Scott the Kayaker joins us to share his first-hand experiences navigating the busy convention halls and testing the Glidance Glide, a pioneering mobility device designed to guide users around obstacles with AI-powered steering and haptic feedback. There’s also plenty of conversation from the floor of the convention hall, including: HapWare presents the Al-Eye wristband, delivering tactile social cues like smiles, nods, and gestures in real time using Meta’s smart glasses. Stephanie from Oorion discusses the app’s evolution from locating lost keys to seamless Meta glasses integration, enabling hands-free object detection and scene description. New Haptics reveals the Codex, a multi-line braille display with touchscreen gestures and built-in audio capabilities for reading, games, and even audio editing. From real-world demos to the future of AI-driven accessibility, this episode captures the innovations helping blind users gain freedom and confidence in mobility, social interaction, and daily tasks. Relevant Links Orion App: https://www.oorion.fr/en HapWare: https://www.hapware.com Glidance: https://www.glidance.io New Haptics Codex: https://www.newhaptics.com Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into the ongoing challenges surrounding blind employment, sparked by the launch of Be My Eyes Workplace. Listener Mike Calvo offers a candid critique about cultural biases and the limits of tech in moving the employment needle, while others share excitement about new tools that can ease daily work tasks. The episode also covers sound recognition accuracy, whether NVDA can replace JAWS for some roles, the sustainability of community add-ons in the era of AI coding, and real-life frustrations like iPad display failures. Insightful listener messages highlight both optimism and scepticism about technology’s ability to create meaningful change in employment for blind and visually impaired professionals. Support the conversation by sharing your thoughts! Email [email protected], leave a voicemail at 1‑877‑803‑4567, or send an audio/video message via WhatsApp to 1‑613‑481‑0144. Subscribe to Double Tap on your favourite podcast app or find us on YouTube for more discussions that matter. Relevant Links Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com NV Access (NVDA): https://www.nvaccess.org Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this lively Double Tap episode, Steven and Shaun share their weekend tech tales—from bingeing Landman with audio description to the ongoing frustration of chasing accessible content across streaming platforms. They discuss the difficulty of finding TVs that are simple enough for seniors or anyone struggling with multiple remotes and confusing inputs. The conversation shifts to smart home devices, including the new Echo Max, and the duo explores the benefits and quirks of mechanical keyboards like the Keychron V6 Max and V5 Max. Listeners chime in with emails and voice notes, sharing experiences with tech glitches, accessibility tools, and their own keyboard journeys. The hosts also dedicate time to the learning curve of Android accessibility, slowing down to master gestures, and the importance of patience for new users. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of Double Tap Mainstream dives into the latest updates in mainstream technology from a blindness perspective. Steven and Shaun examine Apple’s release of the AirPods Max 2, breaking down the real improvements in sound, adaptive audio, and spatial features—while questioning if the heavy design will keep users from upgrading. The conversation then shifts to Google’s Gemini app for Mac, which is in early testing and promises “desktop intelligence,” and the UK launch of Alexa Plus AI with early access details and device compatibility notes. They also discuss the new Audible Standard plan, which offers a more affordable way to access audiobooks—though you may not truly “own” your selections. Other highlights include Spotify’s new Exclusive Mode for audiophiles, Apple’s updated Family Sharing payment options, and a reminder about critical iOS security updates for older devices. The episode wraps with a look at safety concerns in headphone materials and the luxury price tag of Hermès’ new Apple device chargers. Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.