Double Tap Special: Ask Mickey Anything

In this special episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece are joined by tech guru Michael Babcock to tackle listener questions. As always, the conversation is packed with tips, tricks, and a bit of chaos.  

Steven kicks things off by talking about his switch from VMware Fusion to Parallels for running virtual machines on macOS. He shares how it’s made his life easier, especially with keyboard shortcuts and overall functionality. Meanwhile, Michael offers his own insights into navigating macOS and Windows simultaneously without losing your mind.  

One listener asks for advice on marking frozen foods in a chest freezer without braille. The team dives into solutions like tactile markers, elastic tags, and tech options such as PenFriend and NFC tags, with plenty of laughs along the way about the quirks of cooking when you can’t see what’s in the freezer.  

Michael also takes on a great question about learning VoiceOver gestures on iPhone. If you’ve ever struggled with swipes, taps, or understanding the rotor, he’s got you covered with recommendations like Apple’s built-in VoiceOver tutorial and the VO Starter app.  

Headphones are another hot topic. From bone conduction options like the Shokz OpenRun Pro to Apple’s AirPods, the guys break down what works best for audiobooks, walking, and staying aware of your surroundings. They even touch on budget-friendly alternatives that won’t break the bank.  

Steven revisits his take on the Apple Watch after recently upgrading. Spoiler alert: He’s found new love for its navigation features, health tracking, and Apple Pay convenience, though he admits it’s still not perfect for everyone.  

For listeners curious about video accessibility, Michael explains how to use the Seeing AI app to make sense of videos and suggests ways to convert formats if needed. They also troubleshoot transferring files between iPhones and the Victor Reader Stream, exploring options like USB-C adapters and SD card readers.  

Mac vs. PC debates resurface as the team discusses whether switching to macOS is worth it. Michael shares his tips for tackling the learning curve, while Stephen reflects on how the Mac has become a powerful tool in his workflow.  

The episode wraps up with advice on how to amplify specific voices in noisy environments. Whether it’s using the iPhone’s Live Listen feature with AirPods or investing in a personal listener device, there’s plenty of practical info for making family gatherings (or avoiding them!) a little easier.  

It’s another jam-packed episode full of tech, accessibility tips, and laughs!

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 Intro

06:02 Virtual Machines and Software Choices

11:58  Accessibility in the Kitchen

18:08 Understanding VoiceOver Gestures and Controls

24:46 Audio Devices: Recommendations and Comparisons

31:55 The Apple Watch: A Personal Perspective

30:16 Utilizing Seeing AI for Video Accessibility

36:02 Transferring Files Between Devices

40:30 Transitioning from Windows to Mac

49:10 Enhancing Conversations with Technology

56:20 Navigating Blindness: Resources and Communities

01:02:40 Dog Ownership and Blindness: Practical Tips

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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.

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