Episode Details

Double Tap is officially renewed for its ninth season, launching September 1. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece share the behind-the-scenes news, explore the surge in pre-orders for the Ally Solos smart glasses, and debate the evolving personality of ChatGPT-5. The episode also dives into listener emails covering NAS vs Tailscale remote storage, accessible audiobook players, mental health resources for blind users, and the game-changing potential of Be My Eyes’ real-time video feature via smart glasses.

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!

Steven and Shaun open with the big announcement—Double Tap will return for a ninth season on AMI, continuing daily tech talk for blind and low-vision audiences. The pair celebrate with sound effect banter before shifting to reaction to the Ally Solos smart glasses, now sold out in their first pre-order run. They discuss price appeal, app-based testing, and the role of big tech AI models in driving innovation.
The conversation shifts to ChatGPT-5, with both hosts noting backlash over its personality changes and human-like voice. This leads to a wider discussion on how blind users value speed and efficiency over conversational tone in assistive tech.

Listener emails spark discussions on:
Network storage: Pros and cons of NAS devices vs. the Tailscale app for secure remote access.
Accessible media: Trevor’s Android audiobook player recommendation, Simple AP Player.
Mental health: Greg shares US-based vision loss mental health resources, prompting candid conversation on loneliness, social isolation, and guilt around commitments.
Be My Eyes: Gregory celebrates the app’s new real-time video feature for social and practical tasks.

The show closes with Charles challenging Steven to name a modern song he likes, leading to a lighthearted music taste debate.

Chapters
0:00 – Season nine confirmed for Double Tap
4:32 – Ally Solos smart glasses sell out
11:45 – ChatGPT-5 voice personalities & accessibility
20:12 – NAS vs Tailscale for accessible storage
32:18 – Listener email: Android audiobook player app
34:40 – Soundscape on Android update
36:00 – Mental health resources & personal reflections
1:02:20 – Be My Eyes real-time video excitement
1:07:15 – Modern music debate

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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, fosteri