Soundscape Beta for Android & First Look At Dot Pad X

Soundscape has officially arrived on Android, thanks to the Scottish Tech Army’s volunteer-driven effort to revive and expand Microsoft’s beloved navigation app. We also explore the DotPad X’s tactile braille graphics, Dropbox Passwords shutting down, and listener ideas for future braille devices.

In this episode, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece bring two big accessibility updates. First, Soundscape—originally a Microsoft research project—has been rebuilt for Android by the Scottish Tech Army. Kirsty McIntosh joins to share the story, explain the beta testing phase, and call for community feedback, volunteers, translators, and sustainable funding. The team hopes charities will share the small running costs to keep it free for all users.

Next, we take a first look at DotPad X, a portable multi-line braille and tactile graphics display with both a 20-cell braille line and a 300-cell graphics area, compatible with major screen readers. Steven and Shaun reflect on the growing role of tactile graphics in braille tech.
Other topics include Dropbox sunsetting its password manager, listener Aaron’s thoughts on embedding accessibility into company culture, and Chris’s inventive suggestion for hot-swappable switches on braille keyboards. There’s also lighthearted banter on Windows NVDA issues, app organisation habits, and the nostalgia of mechanical keyboards.

Chapters
0:00 – Intro & Soundscape tease
2:40 – Soundscape comes to Android
12:10 – First look at DotPad X tactile display
20:35 – Dropbox Passwords shutting down
27:00 – Listener email: accessibility in company culture
33:15 – Listener email: hot-swappable braille keyboard switches
39:20 – Interview: Kirsty McIntosh, Scottish Tech Army, on Soundscape for Android
1:18:40 – Funding challenges and community support
1:27:15 – Closing thoughts & tomorrow’s big Envision announcement

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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.