Apple’s $2B AI move, Meta’s new subscriptions, and a landmark social media court case could reshape the tech we all use. From facial-expression AI to ad-free Facebook, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece break it down with expert insight.

This episode of Double Tap Mainstream dives into the tech stories making headlines. Apple has quietly made its second-largest acquisition, buying the AI audio start-up Q.AI, a company developing facial-expression and “silent speech” recognition that could change how we interact with iPhones, AirPods, and Vision Pro.

Meta is testing paid subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, offering ad-free experiences and AI-powered features—raising questions about privacy, value, and the future of its popular Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Later, internet law expert Jess Miers joins to unpack a landmark Los Angeles court case accusing social media platforms like Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap of harmful app design. Could infinite scroll, autoplay, and notifications be legally considered addictive and dangerous? And if so, will this force a global redesign of social media?

Plus, Steven and Shaun explore how countries like France and Canada are building local tech ecosystems to reduce reliance on US services—signalling the rise of digital sovereignty.

Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

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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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Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie shares 20 years of insights on driving accessible technology, from the creation of the Xbox Adaptive Controller to the AI-powered future with Copilot. Discover how Microsoft is shaping digital inclusion and innovating for disabled communities worldwide.

In this episode of Double Tap Weekend, Steven Scott sits down with Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer, to explore the evolution of accessibility across the company’s products and culture. Jenny reflects on her personal journey with disability, the founding of the Disability Employee Resource Group, and the launch of impactful initiatives like the Disability Answer Desk.

She discusses how accessibility has shifted from a side focus to a company-wide mission, spanning digital products, hardware, and inclusive hiring practices. From the Xbox Adaptive Controller to adaptive accessories and tactile Surface keyboard stickers, Jenny highlights how co-creation with the disability community drives innovation.

The conversation also dives into the transformative impact of AI and Microsoft Copilot, showing how neurodiverse employees and disabled users leverage these tools to reduce cognitive load, improve speech recognition, and make everyday computing more intuitive. Jenny shares how inclusive data sources, like Be My Eyes and partnerships with universities, are shaping the next generation of accessible technology.

Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

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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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Explore why overreliance on US tech could be a problem, the rise of localised social media networks, and how accessible AI-powered apps like Cookie are changing the way blind users can cook in 2026.

Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into an engaging discussion about global tech dependence, the risks of relying solely on US technology companies, and whether decentralised or country-specific networks like Gander in Canada could offer better alternatives. They share concerns over AI-generated misinformation, social media fatigue, and the ethical dilemmas tech users face when choosing which platforms to support.

The episode then features an interview with Daria Marmer, creator of Cookie, an AI-driven cooking app designed for hands-free recipe navigation. Built initially for convenience, the app has become highly valuable for blind and visually impaired users, providing voice-controlled step instructions, ingredient details, and AI-powered substitutions. The hosts explore its accessibility, practical uses in the kitchen, and the impact of thoughtful design for inclusive technology.

Relevant Links
Getting Out Of US Tech Article: https://disconnect.blog/getting-off-us-tech-a-guide/
Cookie App (iOS): https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cookie-voice-recipes/id6755049877
Cookie Voice Recipes

Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website

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Subscribe to the Podcast:

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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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.