Meta Missteps, Mac Studio Power & The Future Of Indoor Navigation With Waymap

On today’s episode of Double Tap, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece dive into a jam-packed show that covers everything from Meta AI’s disappointing European rollout to Steven’s brand-new, powerhouse Mac Studio. They also speak with Tom Pey, president of Waymap, about how his organization is transforming indoor navigation for blind and visually impaired people through cutting-edge technology.

The guys kick things off with frustration over Meta AI’s European launch, which excludes the long-awaited “Look and Describe” visual features. They unpack the privacy and regulatory challenges affecting accessibility advancements across platforms like Meta, OpenAI, and Be My Eyes.

Later, Steven gets hands-on with Apple’s M3 Ultra Mac Studio and details the setup process, the power of its 10Gb Ethernet port, and how it fits into their production workflow. There’s also a candid rant on iOS accessibility issues, from VoiceOver focus bugs to inconsistent gestures.

Then, they welcome Tom Pey from Waymap to discuss how the app delivers turn-by-turn indoor and outdoor navigation with 1-meter accuracy—without GPS or internet. You’ll learn about the groundbreaking tech behind Waymap and the growing importance of infrastructure-free navigation for blind users.

Finally, the show wraps up with a discussion about Seleste smart glasses shutting down, a promising new ARx Vision iOS beta, and why leasing high-end tech might just be a smarter choice for creators and professionals.

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Meta AI Rollout in Europe: A Mixed Bag
02:48 Privacy Concerns and Data Processing Regulations
05:58 The Impact of AI Features on Accessibility
09:10 Navigating iOS Accessibility Challenges
14:52 Unpacking the Mac Studio: Specs and Performance
20:08 Internet Speed and Workflow Efficiency
33:55 Waymap: Revolutionizing Navigation for the Visually Impaired
40:03 Technical Innovations Behind Waymap
48:10 The Future of Navigation Technology
51:14 The Rise and Fall of Seleste Smart Glasses
53:06 ARx Vision: New Developments in Assistive Technology
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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.