You Won’t Believe Mickey’s Tech Answers! Smart Speakers, Soundboards & Accessibility

Smart speaker recommendations, accessible audio interfaces, foldable keyboards, and ACB Media insights — this listener-driven Double Tap episode covers it all with practical tips and honest takes.

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 Scott and Michael Babcock dive into your questions about tech tools like the Amazon Echo, HomePod, and Google Nest. They compare LaunchBar, Raycast, and Spotlight for Mac users with accessibility needs, explore ad blockers that work well with screen readers, and break down the accessibility of audio interfaces like the Vocaster and Audient EVO.

Michael shares behind-the-scenes stories from the American Council of the Blind, including the ACB Convention, community Zoom events, daily TikTok/YouTube content, and the powerful role of ACB Media. They also talk accessible podcast editing with Reaper, voiceover numpad commander, and the Stream Deck accessibility beta.

Bonus: Listener Shannon gets recommendations for the best foldable keyboards and numpads — which might just lead to a Lenovo laptop purchase!
The episode dives into accessibility pros and cons of popular tech:
Smart speakers: Amazon Echo vs Apple HomePod vs Google Nest.
Ad blocking tips for screen reader users using browser reader modes and plugins.
LaunchBar vs Raycast vs Spotlight for Mac users with accessibility needs.
Accessible audio interfaces like Vocaster and Audient EVO.
Customizing Reaper and using numpad commander for one-handed audio editing.

Michael also hints that Stream Deck's beta software may finally be becoming accessible, and listener Shannon gets keyboard and number pad recommendations — possibly leading to a Lenovo laptop purchase instead!

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:21 - Shaun’s still unwell but we have a special guest for the hour!
02:13 - Michael is now working for ACB
19:17 - Ask Michael Anything!
19:38 - Question from Lewis: What’s the best smart speaker?
25:33 - Question from Renee who wants to get hands on with assistive tech
29:55 - Sponsor: TurtleBack
30:41 - Get in touch with the Double Tappers
31:05 - Question from Doyle on what is the best way to remove ads on websites?
34:06 - Question from Jeanette on where to buy LaunchBar for Mac?
36:59 - Question from Joe on how Steven plays in his sound effects during the show?
41:10 - Question from Shannon on which portable keyboard to get?
49:25 - Question from someone, somewhere on the accessibility of audio interfaces
52:55 - Question from Kimberley on how to edit audio on Mac or Windows one-handed

Get in touch with us by email at feedback@doubletaponair.com or connect on WhatsApp at https://www.doubletaponair.com/whatsapp

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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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