Double Tap

In this festive episode, the hosts reflect on the year 2024, discussing major tech stories, including the revival of AppleVis, the anticipation surrounding the Glide device, and innovations showcased at CSUN. They also delve into the evolving landscape of hearing technology and its implications for accessibility. They also discuss audio description, the rapid evolution of AI technology, and the future of assistive tech. Steven also welcomes Brian Comiskey, the Futurist at the Consumer Technology Association, to discuss what’s coming up at CES 2025 and the expectations surrounding new tech developments.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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 Festive Greetings04:57 Reflecting on 2024: Major Tech Stories11:56 The Glide Device: Anticipation and Skepticism18:05 Innovations from CSUN: Accessibility Tech23:04 Hearing Technology: Bridging Gaps and Stigmas28:52 Siri's Shortcomings and User Expectations35:57 Exploring New Technologies Coming Up At CES 2025

In this festive episode of Double Tap, Shaun and Steven engage in a lively discussion filled with holiday cheer, listener emails, and reflections on technology accessibility. They explore various topics, including smart thermostats, voice assistants, and the evolving landscape of audio description, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their audience.In this episode, the hosts discuss various themes surrounding accessibility, personal experiences with cochlear implants, and the complexities of navigating sight loss in society. They talk about the importance of community, identity, and the need for open conversations about disability.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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 Intro05:56 Smart Thermostats: Accessibility and Functionality12:02 Text-to-Speech in Audio Description17:56 Getting Out To The Theatre and Audio Description28:00 Reflections on Accessibility and Community33:04 Cochlear Implants: A Personal Journey49:31 Identity and Community: The Blind Experience55:47 Gratitude and Looking Ahead to 2025

Today on the show Steven Scott and Shaun Preece discuss their holiday preparations, weekend plans, and the joys of a quiet Christmas. They share humorous anecdotes about cleaning their studios, ear cleaning mishaps, and the importance of slowing down expectations in daily life. The conversation eventually shifts to technology, including the Be My Eyes app and the challenges of using camera glasses for reading. They also explore the recent news about a driverless bus service in Scotland and the future of autonomous vehicles. Also, Steven shares his excitement about digitizing old cassette tapes, reflecting on the nostalgia of family memories. Our featured conversation today discusses the Aira visual interpretation service, its functionality, and its new partnership with Walmart. Jenine Stanley from the company, along with Michael Babcock who has been out testing the service at Walmart, explore how Aira provides visual interpreting services for individuals who are blind, emphasizing its value in everyday situations, privacy concerns by users, and the importance of trust. The discussion also highlights the role of access partners like Walmart in enhancing accessibility for users while reducing costs overall.Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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 Holiday Preparations and Weekend Plans08:52 Be My Eyes Experience and Camera Challenges15:08 Driverless Bus Service in Scotland Cancelled25:06 Nostalgia and Digitizing Cassette Tapes30:15 Introduction to Aira and Be My Eyes33:03 Exploring Aira's Visual Interpreting Service40:32 Aira's Partnership with Walmart41:01 Aira in Action: A Walmart Experience49:13 Access Partners and Their Importance55:54 How to Sign Up for AiraAbout AiraAt Aira, we believe access to information is a human right. Aira breaks down accessibility barriers by providing on-demand video remote interpreting for both the blind and low-vision community, and the Deaf Community. People can download the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app, and be instantly connected to a professional interpreter. Available 24/7/365, interpreters work with callers to facilitate more efficient communication and accomplish tasks together. Aira is proud to lead the way in delivering secure, on-demand, inclusive services that transform lives and open doors to new opportunities for all. #OnMyTerms Learn more at www.aira.io (https://www.aira.io)Download for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aira-explorer/id1590186766Download for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aira.explorer&hl=en_CA

Today on the show, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece delve into the social model of disability, discussing its implications and the responsibilities of society in creating accessible environments. They explore the relationship between blind individuals and tech companies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and understanding in advocating for better accessibility. Listener interactions also touch on usability versus accessibility, the role of technology in the lives of blind users, and the evolving landscape of tech products like Chromebooks and gaming apps. Our main interview today features listener Lysette talking about the complexities surrounding blindness, the implications of Neuralink, and the social model of disability. They explore various perspectives within the blind community regarding the desire for sight restoration, the importance of societal accommodations, and the intersection of technology and disability. The discussion also touches on identity, pride, and the role of employment in changing societal perceptions of blindness. Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] 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 Intro 27:58 Exploring Relationships with Tech Companies 32:14 Understanding the Social Model of Disability 34:37 The Intersection of Technology and Disability 38:21 Identity and the Experience of Blindness 41:52 Blind Pride vs. Societal Perceptions 46:58 The Role of Employment in Changing Perceptions 54:13 Concerns About Neuralink and Its Implications