“Fix It Now”: Steven Scott’s Accessibility Rant

In this emotionally charged episode, Steven and Shaun unpack a controversial move by Meta to retire WhatsApp's native Windows app and replace it with a less accessible web wrapper. Steven, increasingly exasperated by the constant erosion of usability in mainstream apps, argues that blind users are being left behind by development teams prioritizing aesthetics and feature expansion over accessibility. Shaun plays devil’s advocate, reminding listeners it's still in beta—but even he admits the accessibility track record isn’t reassuring.The conversation widens to broader issues of planned obsolescence and consumer rights as Belkin announces the shutdown of its Wemo smart home devices. The guys debate whether legislation is needed to protect users when cloud-connected products suddenly stop working.They also cover Tiflotecnia's rebranded Vocalizer voices for NVDA, compare narrator voices, laugh about robot vacuums that do a worse job than humans, and reflect on the emotional toll of constant tech change on blind users. Steven hints at an upcoming hands-on review of the WeWALK smart cane in response to listener feedback.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:36 - Steven rants about Meta’s upcoming WhatsApp changes29:02 - Sponosr Double Tap!29:51 - Get in touch with the Double Tappers30:13 - Shaun talks about the demise of Belkin WeMo products37:48 - Steven buys a new Belkin docking station41:02 - Shaun buys new voices for NVDA46:16 - Issues finding chapter markers on apps49:46 - Shaun finds out what the Audio button was for in Facebook52:17 - Shaun’s short review of the Eufy robot vacuum55:57 - Steven updates us on WeWalk travels ----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.