In this episode of Double Tap, Steven and Shaun are joined by long-time friend of the show, Tim Dixon, who shares his hands-on experience with the new Plaud AI note device—a compact, AI-powered assistant built for blind users. Designed as a simplified smartphone alternative, the Plod can make and receive phone calls, record conversations, send notes to email, and provide AI summaries of meetings and recordings.
But is it worth the £349 price tag? Tim breaks down what works, what needs improvement, and where the device fits in an already crowded market of assistive tech. From its intuitive, tactile interface and snappy performance, to its limitations with Bluetooth pairing and occasional crashes, this review dives deep into real-world usage.
Steven and Shaun also discuss the broader implications of purpose-built assistive tech versus mainstream solutions. Can niche devices still compete, or are they fighting a losing battle against AI-powered smartphones and wearables?
Whether you're curious about the Plaud, want to simplify your tech setup, or are just wondering where assistive hardware is headed in the age of ChatGPT and Gemini, this episode offers honest insights and balanced commentary.
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Chapter Markers:00:00 Introduction02:23 User Feedback and Experiences with Technology10:10 Challenges in Accessibility Advocacy25:05 Exploring the Plaud AI Note Device28:03 Introduction to the Accessible Audio Recorder30:52 AI Integration and Transcription Features33:32 Practical Applications and Use Cases35:56 Accessibility of the App and User Experience39:43 Subscription Plans and Pricing43:35 Privacy Concerns and Data Management46:41 Comparative Analysis with Other Devices
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