Split Tap Surprise: Fire Tablets Beat Android Flagships

Apr 25, 2025

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Today’s Double Tap takes a deep dive into the accessibility quirks of tech—past, present, and speculative future. Steven and Shaun start off with a passionate breakdown of split tapping, a handy VoiceOver gesture on iOS, and the surprising discovery that Amazon Fire tablets now support it, even when premium Android phones don’t.

The hosts then discuss the usability of Fire tablets for blind users, highlighting quirks in VoiceView, audio issues, Kindle’s restrictions, and performance pros and cons—especially for budget-conscious buyers.

Then it’s onto AI: the team explores Perplexity AI’s new voice assistant features, including how it can send emails directly from iPhone, potentially challenging mainstream assistants like Siri. The hosts ask: is Apple’s AI development lagging, and will it drive blind users to Android?

Listener emails dive into everything from language policing in the blind community to old-school laser printers, .vip domains, access to apps like HapticNav, and whether Brother printers really are the best.

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.

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Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Exploring the Amazon Fire Tablet
12:37 Discussion on Language and Terminology in Disability
28:12 Exploring Perplexity: The AI Research Tool
36:37 Navigating the Android vs. iOS Debate
40:24 User Experiences with AI and Accessibility
46:41 Transitioning to New Technology: A Personal Journey
50:52 Printer Recommendations and Tech 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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