Your Emails: Guide Dog Retirement, Brain Science & Blind Super Senses

Can smart glasses help you play poker? Does AI give blind users superpowers? And what really happens when a guide dog retires? Steven and Shaun dig deep into the inbox to explore listener stories, smart tech, brain science, and blind pride—plus some laughs along the way.

This episode of Double Tap opens with caffeine-fueled chaos and rolls into a lively, insightful discussion based entirely on listener emails. Dean from New Zealand kicks things off with high praise for the WeWALK Smart Cane and a surprising nod to Shaun’s tip about using Copilot on mobile. The hosts then unpack the latest updates to the cane’s obstacle detection and battery life, teasing a full review coming soon.
Shaun explains why he prefers the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses over Envision despite Meta AI’s limitations—hint: it’s all about video calling and interface. Steven agrees, but raises concerns about battery life and the lack of display real estate. They also touch on upcoming AI-powered features like CoBrowse AI and agentic AIs, and the growing appeal (and privacy implications) of wearables.

Listener Craig shares his emotional experience of retiring his guide dog Merlin, prompting a deep discussion about the lack of control blind users have in that process. Steven also opens up about his own hesitations around getting a guide dog, from access refusals to society’s challenges.

Amy writes in with thoughtful reflections on sensory substitution—especially the growing research around brain plasticity in blind people—and shares a story about resisting pressure to wear glasses as a child. This sparks a nuanced conversation about disability identity, assumptions from sighted people, and whether blind people really do develop “super senses.”

Paul, a blind social worker, emails about using smart glasses to play cards or access online casinos. Steven and Shaun discuss current limitations, suggest tactile braille cards, and speculate about the future of AI-powered agents for gaming and kiosk access.
The episode wraps with praise for Richer Sounds and a broader chat about how experiential retail could revive the high street—and why Amazon might ironically be leading the way.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:44 - Listener Dean talks about the WeWalk smart cane and praises Shaun!
16:06 - Listener Craig talks about retirement of his guide dog, Merlin
29:37 - Get in touch with Double Tap
30:01 - Listener Amy on blindness and better hearing
44:36 - Listener Ian joins in on the praise of UK chain store Richer Sounds
48:53 - Listener Paul on smart glasses and accessible gambling

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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.