Big Week for Apple, Be My Eyes Teams with Meta & AI Under Fire

Apple is kicking off a 3‑day product launch event with at least five new devices rumoured, including the iPhone 17 E, new iPads, and MacBooks with M4 and M5 chips. Steven Scott and Shaun Preece break down what this means for blind and visually impaired users, plus the latest in AI, accessibility, and tech news from Sonos, Mobile World Congress, and beyond. This lively episode of Double Tap dives into Apple’s 3‑day event running 2–4 March, with speculation around an affordable MacBook, iPhone 17 E, and next‑gen iPads. Steven and Shaun share personal experiences with old and new Apple gear, including an 18‑year‑old MacBook still running Snow Leopard and performing surprisingly well with VoiceOver. The discussion expands to AI ethics, including Be My Eyes’ new partnership with Meta to enhance inclusive AI training, and OpenAI’s controversial deal with the US Department of Defence. The hosts also explore the flood of AI‑generated disinformation on X during recent global events. Other highlights include accessibility updates for Twitch and WhatsApp via new scripts and add‑ons, the rise of modular laptops at Mobile World Congress, and a nostalgic detour into CD ripping, 3D printing for blind users, and the enduring value of accessible tech tools. Call to Action Support accessible tech conversations! 👉 Subscribe, rate, and share Double Tap on your favourite podcast platform. 👉 Join the conversation with your feedback: [email protected] Relevant Links Double Tap Website: https://doubletaponair.com Be My Eyes: https://www.bemyeyes.com Doug Lee’s JAWS Scripts: https://dlee.org AMI Audio: https://www.ami.ca/audio Key Quotes “AI can’t improve for blind users without real data—responsibly shared.” — Steven Scott “Modular laptops should be the base level for everyone!” — Shaun Preece Hashtags #AppleEvent #AccessibleTech #BlindTech #AIForAccessibility ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedinSubscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheartAbout Double TapHosted 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.