AppleVis Unlimited: What's New in Accessible Apps for March 2016

By AppleVis, 1 April, 2016

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Welcome to the March 2016 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy in the accessible app landscape. Below, you'll find a recap of the best content posted to AppleVis - from new app entries, to app updates, to podcasts and blogs. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.

New and Noteworthy App Entries

Adventure To Fate : Quest To The Future JRPG (iOS, US$2.99)

Adventure To Fate : Quest To The Future - is a JRPG style dungeon crawler game

  • Tons of character creations possible (6 Classes, 3 Starting Pets, 6 Professions)
  • 450+ items to loot, craft, buy and find. *170 unique monsters to fight
  • Fully accessible to the blind using Voiceover

Quest To The Future Story

Our biggest fears have come to fruition, the defenses of the dimensional ports have failed. An evil force has laid to waste our guards and now pours through the portals without resistance.

We've brought you here as our last chance at stopping this evil. You're one of the select few that have used the portals before, to come here for a better life, but in our darkest hour we turn to you one last time, to go back and triumph where we failed.

With our guards and roads destroyed, getting back to the portals will not be easy, as this invasion has crippled our ability to send forces en masse to clear a path. You'll be forced down, through the sewers that run underground to the ruins, into the crypt where the portal to the future lies. You must make haste we don't have much time!

Current Version: 1.0 (March 2, 2016)

Read Adventure To Fate’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Adventure To Fate’s App Store Page

Blind Abilities (iOS, Free)

Blind Abilities produces podcasts and blogs dealing with accessibility, technologies, devices and enhancing the opportunities in the job market for the Blind, visually Impaired and DeafBlind. We interview developers, users and advocates in the field of Blindness. Blind Abilities is a community of Blind, DeafBlind and Low vision members sharing experiences and offering advice when needed. Together we share each other’s vision to bridge the gap between the limited expectations and the Realities of Blind Abilities. Our Teen Cast podcasts focus on promoting successful transitioning from high school to college and employment. Life Skills and everyday living categories is part of our mission to enhance the self-confidence to reach one’s higher expectations in all aspects of living with Blindness.

With this app you are always connected to the latest episodes and the show. Quickly star episodes and save them to a list so you can easily enjoy them over and over! This app has a Car mode too! Rotate your phone to display larger playback controls. It is the best and most convenient way to access Blind Abilities.

Current Version: 2.0.32 (February 23, 2016)

Read Blind Abilities’ AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Blind Abilities’ App Store Page

Blindfold Shuffleboard (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Blindfold Shuffleboard is a fully accessible audio game that's similar to outdoor shuffleboard.

In Blindfold Shuffleboard, you can play by yourself, or against a variety of computer opponents.

Shuffleboard is played with 4 discs per player, and you alternate turns, shoving your discs down the shuffleboard court into the scoring zone, or knocking your opponents discs out of the scoring zone.

You shoot your discs by aiming towards the scoring area and flicking. The faster you flick, the more powerful your shot is.

You hear the disc sliding down the shuffleboard court, and sometimes hitting the other discs. . Like real shuffleboard, you can score as high as 40 points, or as low as -40 points. And you can post your high scores to Facebook or Twitter.

Current Version: 1.0.5 (March 12, 2016)

Read Blindfold Shuffleboard’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Blindfold Shuffleboard’s App Store Page

Blindfold Spin and Solve (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Blindfold Spin And Solve is a fully accessible phrase guessing game for both sighted and visually impaired people, designed for rapid audio play.

You and your opponent take turns spinning a wheel to determine the cash prize you win if you guess a letter in the phrase,or the entire phrase, or you can buy a vowel. If you guessed right, you keep spinning the wheel and guessing more letters, until you determine the entire phrase. For example, one of the phrases in the game is "MORE FUN THAN A BARREL OF MONKEYS", and when the game starts out, it tells you that there are 7 words in the phrase and that the first word has 4 letters, the second word has 3 letters, the third word has 4 letters, and so on.

Current Version: 1.1.8 (March 19, 2016)

Read Blindfold Spin and Solve’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Blindfold Spin and Solve’s App Store Page

Disney Movies Anywhere – Watch your Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars Movies! (iOS, Free)

The Disney Movies Anywhere app allows you to watch your Disney movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go.

Grow your digital collection two ways: purchase eligible Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars titles from participating providers or unlock your Digital Copy from eligible Combo Packs. Once you connect your participating provider account to Disney Movies Anywhere, your eligible movies will seamlessly flow into your Disney Movies Anywhere Collection. Then use the Disney Movies Anywhere app to watch your favorite Disney movies anywhere you go!

You get more with Disney Movies Anywhere – access exclusive videos and bonus content, special offers, and reward points for all your eligible digital purchases.

Current Version: 1.6.4 (February 29, 2016)

Read Disney Movies Anywhere’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Disney Movies Anywhere’s App Store Page

Nano Empire (iOS, US$0.99)

A network of nanorobots gives humans godlike power. What will you do with yours?

Create your own world! Build, upgrade, and explore a unique combination of glorious locations. No two worlds are the same!

Wage war against 10 enemy personalities, from giant scorpion matriarchs to ruthless space pirates!

Embark on secret missions, discover dark truths, and take action. Many lives will depend on your choices!

An incremental strategy game designed for depth and replayability.

No Ads, No In-App Purchases.

Accessible with VoiceOver.

Current Version: 1.2.1 (March 28, 2016)

Read Nano Empire’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Nano Empire’s App Store Page

Visual Brailler (iOS, Free)

Visual Brailler is the simple braille editor. It’s a braille writer for your iPad, and it has a place in every braille transcriber’s toolbox. Use it for NLS certification exercises or to practice UEB. Show off your mastery of braille!

Features:

  • 6-dot braille on-screen keyboard
  • Support for any and all 6-dot braille codes
  • An indefinite number of 40-cell braille lines
  • Cut, copy, and paste braille manipulation
  • Refreshable braille display input and output
  • BRL (unformatted) and BRF (formatted) braille file export

Current Version: 1.2 (October 2, 2015)

Read Visual Brailler’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Visual Brailler’s App Store Page

Wikipedia Mobile (iOS, Free)

Search, read, and explore Wikipedia with the official Wikipedia app for iOS. Find the information you need now, or dive down a Wikipedia rabbit hole– take a journey through the knowledge that interests you most. With more than 36 million articles in nearly 300 languages, your favorite free online encyclopedia is now at your fingertips. Curious? Check out the App features below.

Current Version: 5.0.2 (March 29, 2016)

Read Wikipedia Mobile’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Wikipedia Mobile’s App Store Page

All recent app entries posted to AppleVis can be found at:

iOS
Mac
Apple Watch

Notable App Updates

1Password - Password Manager and Secure Wallet (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

1Password remembers all your passwords and other sensitive information so you don’t have to. Keep your digital life secure, always available, and safe behind the one password that only you know.

Use 1Password to generate strong and unique passwords, save them securely, and fill them on websites and in participating apps with just a few taps. 1Password is your digital vault for all kinds of information associated with modern life, from addresses and credit card numbers to locker combinations and one-time passwords.

Current Version: 6.3.1 (March 12, 2016)

Changes in Version 6.3.0-6.3.1
  • Save time by picking which vault is shown when you launch the app
  • Save even more time with faster (and better) Spotlight search
  • Do more with improved VoiceOver support: We’ve expanded VoiceOver support to cover some of our newer UI elements, like the vault picker button and the QR codes used for 1Password for Families and Teams. Give it a listen!
  • You’ll also enjoy the improvements we made to sync, our translation updates, the bug fixes to prevent crashes, and more. If you’d like to see the details, check out our full changelog.

Read 1Password's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit 1Password's page on the App Store

Moovit: Your Local Transit App (iOS, Free)

Moovit is the #1 local transit app in the world trusted by over 30 million riders across more than 800 cities. With the most robust and precise information of any public transit app, Moovit adds a new city every 24 hours.

Combining all your transit options together in a single app, Moovit gives you total control over your travels so you can finally enjoy peace of mind when riding public transportation.

Because public transportation is always unpredictable, Moovit constantly updates as transit operators change schedules or alter service, so you don't end up at a station that is closed, or waiting for a bus that isn't coming.

Current Version: 4.10.0 (March 27, 2016)

Changes in Version 4.10.0
  • Accessibility—Moovit now works with VoiceOver for blind riders
  • Best Way Today—Moovit finds & sends you the best route for your commute each day, twice a day, every day, so you’re on your way with a single tap
  • Connect & Sync — Sync your favorites rank & points through the cloud so you never lose them
  • Speed and performance enhancements

Read Moovit’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Moovit’s page on the App Store

Seeing Eye GPS (iOS, Free with In-App Subscription)

The Seeing Eye, the pioneer in guide dogs, and Sendero Group, the pioneers of accessible GPS, have teamed up to create The Seeing Eye GPS™. Almost 20 years of user feedback and feature requests are behind the design of all Sendero GPS products. The accessible features in The Seeing Eye GPS™ are only the beginning of what is yet to come as users help in evolving this first fully accessible GPS product for the iPhone. The Seeing Eye GPS™ is a fully accessible turn-by-turn GPS iPhone app with all the normal navigation features plus features unique to blind users.

Unique to The Seeing Eye GPS™

  • Instead of multiple layers of menus, the three important navigation elements are on the lower portion of every screen: Route, POIs and Location.
  • At intersections, the cross street and its orientation are announced
  • Intersections are described (e.g. four-way) with the clock face orientation of the streets.
  • There are two choices for POI data (Google Places and Foursquare).
  • Directions are configured appropriately for Pedestrian and Vehicle routes, including heads-up announcements for approaching turns, turn now, continue straight and upcoming turns.
  • If one wanders off the route, it's automatically recalculated and updated turn information is announced.
  • Point your phone in a given direction to hear what is nearby with the LookAround Wand.
  • Nearby Points of interest and intersections are automatically announced.
  • Ability to run in the background or with the screen locked for iOS 7. If you are running an older version of iOS 6 only the sound effects will play and the phone will vibrate at turns and at your destination but no speech output. Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

Current Version: 2.1.1 (March 24, 2016)

Changes in Version 2.1.0-2.1.1
  • Integrated iOS 9 optimization, now the app loads in half the time.
  • Updated the Google Map SDK.
  • Added indoor beacons to the POI sources for indoor orientation through Boni’s LoudSteps SDK.
  • Added Magic tap gesture to repeat the last spoken route instruction when a route is loaded.
  • Added a Repeat button to the route loaded, location and visual map screen when a route is loaded.
  • Route instructions are numbered.
  • Current route instruction is highlighted in the route details.
  • Completely redesigned the visual user interface for low vision users, adding various text and background color themes.
  • Replaced the menu buttons with menu tabs.
  • Increased text font size.
  • Removed the flashing yellow text for app announcements.
  • Increased size of Next Turn symbol on route navigation screen.
  • Added the ability to select orientation announcement preferences between clock-face & right/left, clock-face, or right/left.
  • Updated Boni Loud Steps SDK.

Additionally, Seeing Eye GPS now offers a free 1-month trial.

Read Seeing Eye GPS’ AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Seeing Eye GPS' page on the App Store

SwiftKey Keyboard (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Upgrade your phone’s keyboard to SwiftKey Keyboard for free and get more done without fussing over typos. Join over 250 million people worldwide who use SwiftKey for hassle-free typing.

Replace your phone’s default keyboard with one that uses Artificial Intelligence to automatically learn your writing style, including the words that matter to you, the way you type and the emoji you use. That means autocorrect and predictive text that actually works.

SwiftKey Keyboard caters for all typing tastes. Different colours, designs and themes. Support for 30+ languages. Tapping or swipe-to-type. Tons of emoji (smileys, emoticons). No emoji. Or emoji keyboard predictions learned from how you’ve used emoji before.

Current Version: 1.4.8 (March 31, 2016)

Changes in Version 1.4.8

Accessibility improvements (support for VoiceOver, high contrast theme available when ‘Darken Colors’ is turned on in iPhone/iPad settings, increased contrast in SwiftKey settings)

Visit SwiftKey’s page on the App Store

Twitter (iOS, Free)

Twitter is a free app that lets you connect with people, express yourself, and discover more about all the things you love.

See what your favorite celebs and athletes are chatting about. Be the first to hear breaking news. Catch a glimpse behind the scenes at concerts, sporting events, and more.

Then join the conversation: Tweet your own text, photos, and video to your followers — and maybe make a few fans along the way.

Get inspired. Be social. Even send private messages to friends. All in real time, as big (and little) things happen, from anywhere you happen to be.

Current Version: 6.50 (March 29, 2016)

Changes in Version 6.50

Now users can create alt text for images, so visually impaired followers can access more media.

Twitter is now in Catalan, Croatian, and Slovak.

While not explicitly mentioned, VoiceOver now also automatically reads alt text descriptions where available.

Read Twitter’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Twitter’s page on the App Store

Voice Dream Reader (iOS, US$9.99 with In-App Purchases)

Read with your ears! Voice Dream Reader is a widely acclaimed desktop-class app that reads articles, documents and books out loud. With advanced text-to-speech and a highly configurable visual layout, it can be tailored to suit every reading style and level.

Supported Document Formats

  • PDF, Plain text, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, RTF, Google Docs and Apple Pages.
  • Web articles.
  • DRM-free EPUB eBooks.
  • Bookshare Books.
  • DAISY text-based books and audiobook.
  • Audiobooks in MP3, MP4 or zipped MP3 format.
  • Experimental rich text and image support for all documents.

Text-to-Speech

  • One premium Acapela voice of your choice free with the purchase of the app.
  • 36 built-in iOS voices in 27 languages are also available for free.
  • 200+ additional premium voices in 30 languages from Acapela, NeoSpeech and Ivona available through in-app purchases.
  • Correct pronunciation with your own pronunciation dictionary.
  • All voices work offline and play in the background even with the screen locked.

Reading Styles

  • Tee-up a list of articles and play while you drive, walk or run.
  • Spoken word is highlighted to improve comprehension and retention.
  • Auto-scrolling and full screen, distraction-free mode to help reader focus.
  • Finger reading. For beginners to read by at running a finger under each word.
  • Pac-Man. Harvard and MIT developed speed-reading method for everyone to read at 2x speed with no loss of comprehension.
  • High contrast and large font size for low vision readers.
  • Optimized for VoiceOver, Braille and switch control.

Tools

  • Bookmarking, text highlighting and annotation. Highlights and notes can be exported as text.
  • Full-text search.
  • Built-in dictionary.
  • Skip text in PDF header and footer.

Content Sources

  • Native support for Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, Pocket, Instapaper and Evernote.
  • Native access to Bookshare.
  • Safari extension to save Web pages and Web addresses.
  • Support for Box and OneDrive via iOS Document Picker.

Library Synchronization

  • Your entire library, including folders, reading locations, bookmarks and annotations are synchronized across all your devices using iCloud Drive.

Current Version: 4.0.0 (March 31, 2016)

Changes in Version 4.0.0

This is a massive update which improves just about every aspect of the app. We rewrote everything down to the very core to support these new features, which is why it's taken more than a year. Thanks for your patience.

All new features are free. We love our customers.

Your current library will be updated. We recommend that you backup your library using iTunes on a PC or Mac before installing this update. Detailed instructions can be found on our website under support.

Please write a 5-star review in the App Store. And buy an extra voice for fun. We'll be grateful.

A Beautiful New UI

  • Grid view and cover images in the library.
  • Improved library organization: filters, flags, and sort order.
  • Visual appearance of the entire app uses the current color theme.
  • Experimental rich text and image support for all documents.

New Reading Modes

  • Finger reading. For beginners to read by at running a finger under each word.
  • Pac-Man. Harvard and MIT developed speed-reading method for everyone to read at 2x speed with no loss of comprehension.
  • Sentence mode which pauses at every sentence. Useful for beginning readers.
  • Repeat document.
  • Option to rewind to beginning of the last sentence when you pause.

New Voices

  • Alex, free high quality voice in iOS 9.
  • New premium child voices from Acapela in US, UK, and Australian English, US Spanish, and German.
  • Acapela's new flagship German voice: Claudia.
  • Emotive variations of Jeroen, Antoine, Margaux, Dimitris and Will.

Other New Features

  • Set PDF margins to exclude text in header and footer.
  • Up to 4X speed for recorded audio.
  • Support for 3D Touch, split screen and Spotlight search.
  • Safari extension to save Web pages and Web addresses.
  • Evernote file attachments.
  • Background download for files and voices.
  • More accurate language detection.

Pro Features (requires in-app purchase for existing users)

  • Your entire library, including folders, reading locations, bookmarks and annotations are synchronized across all your devices using iCloud Drive.

Read Voice Dream Reader’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Voice Dream Reader’s App Store page

Vorail (iOS, Free)

Vorail, discover and be discovered.

  • Speak to ask.
  • Listen to learn.

No abuse

  • Zero tolerance towards abuse. Once any user reports an abuse, the offender is out forever.

Relax and enjoy

  • An old Chinese saying "Apart from birth and death, nothing is a big deal in life." Relax, really. There is nothing to lose. To use the service, no photo/profile/phone number is required. Let the true you emerge.

Don't give up

  • Some people may feel a little disoriented in the first couple of sessions, because, hey, it's like being in the dark room. Don't give up, you will get through it.

VoiceOver implementation:

  • magic tap on home feed moves focus to next person
  • magic tap on IM screen to start record, the magic tap again to stop / save recording
  • magic tap on record screen to start recording, then magic tap again to stop / recording
  • four finger tap to access tabs
  • rotor action to select actions for each voice on home feed

Current Version: 1.60 (March 31, 2016)

Changes in March

With six updates released in March, there are too many changes to be appropriate for listing here. However, the developer has continued its commitment to accessibility by responding to user feedback with a number of further tweaks to VoiceOver support and functionality.

Read Vorail’s AppleVis iOS App Directory entry for more information
Visit Vorail’s App Store page

Recent News and Views

Apple Releases iOS 9.3.1, Bringing a Fix for the Link Crashing Bug Introduced in 9,3

By AppleVis | March 31, 2016

Apple has today released iOS 9.3.1 to the public, bringing a fix for the web link crashing bug that many users have been experiencing since updating to iOS 9.3.

According to AppleInsider, this bug was “related to an iOS 9 feature called Universal Links, which allow third-party app developers to have certain domain names open links directly into their app. This means links tapped in apps like Safari, Mail, Messages and more will bypass Safari and open the content directly in an iOS app.”

At this time it is unknown whether this release includes any additional bug fixes or under-the-hood improvements. However, coming so soon after the release of iOS 9.3, it seems unlikely that this update will address any of the known accessibility bugs present in iOS 9.3. Of course, we would love to be proved wrong. So, if you spot any accessibility-related changes in iOS 9.3.1, please do let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Apple Releases iOS 9.3.1, Bringing a Fix for the Link Crashing Bug Introduced in 9,3

Why My iPhone Has Convinced Me to Start Learning UEB

By Brian Giles | March 27, 2016

I’m a millennial. I love how the rapidly changing pace of technology allows us access to so much information. I usually have no qualms about jumping right in when a new, potentially revolutionary service comes out. For instance, I can’t wait to get my hands on an iPhone SE so I can try out Apple Pay, if only to say that I’ve tried it and to understand why Apple hyped it up when they announced it. However, as humans, we generally only like so much change. One change I’ve been averse to is the adoption of UEB in North America.

I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s learning Braille like anyone else, and while I’m not the fastest Braille reader, I used it all through school so it’s what I know. So when I heard about UEB being adopted in the U.S., my knee jerk reaction was “don’t take my grade 2 away!” I didn’t see how the new rules and changes would benefit me.

Read More: Why My iPhone Has Convinced Me to Start Learning UEB

Summary of Apple's March 21, 2016 Event

By Amir | March 21, 2016

With Apple, most of us are in for some big excitements when it comes to the company's gorgeous events. Of course over the past couple of years, the smorgasbord of leaks prior to the events have spoiled the anticipation phase a bit. However, regardless of what you might or might not have heard about Apple's event which was held this morning, let's focus on what the company debuted. Maybe what was put at our fingertips can form the basis of our next iDevice or Watch purchase.

This is not September, but we have an iPhone -- a miniaturized one!

Today Apple finally unveiled something many users were on the lookout for: an iPhone which is not only smaller, but as powerful and feature-rich as its older brethren: iPhone SE. This 4-inch iPhone reminds us of the older iPhone 5 line put on steroids. For instance, it uses the very same A9 CPU which can be found in iPhone 6s. It also comes with a 12 megapixel back camera with Live Photo/4K video capabilities and the Touch ID sensor and NFC sensor for Apple Pay. 3D Touch, however, is absent to keep the 6s line the more appealing offering.

Read More: Summary of Apple's March 21, 2016 Event

Apple Releases iOS 9.3 with a Number of New Features and Improvements

By AppleVis | March 21, 2016

Apple has today released iOS 9.3, bringing a number of new features, improvements, and bug fixes to the iOS 9 operating system.

For blind and low vision users, Apple has made further progress towards addressing the accessibility bugs still present in iOS 9.2.1.

Read More: Apple Releases iOS 9.3 with a Number of New Features and Improvements

Apple Releases OS X El Capitan 10.11.4 With Bug Fixes and Enhancements

By AppleVis | March 21, 2016

Apple has today released OS X El Capitan 10.11.4, bringing with it a number of bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements.

The main outward-facing changes that we are aware of in OS X 10.11.4 are Live Photos support in Messages; the ability to password protect notes in the Notes app; and an option to import notes from Evernote.

Read More: Apple Releases OS X El Capitan 10.11.4 With Bug Fixes and Enhancements

Apple Releases tvOS 9.2 with Support for Bluetooth Keyboards, Voice Dictation, and More

By AppleVis | March 21, 2016

Apple has today released tvOS 9.2 for the fourth-generation Apple TV, bringing with it a number of significant new features; bug fixes;and under-the-hood improvements.

Read More: Apple Releases tvOS 9.2 with Support for Bluetooth Keyboards, Voice Dictation, and More

Apple Releases watchOS 2.2, Bringing Support for Pairing Multiple Apple Watches with a Single iPhone

By AppleVis | March 21, 2016

Apple has today released watchOS 2.2 for the Apple Watch, bringing with it new features and bug fixes.

In terms of new features, watchOS 2.2 introduces support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone; this feature requires both watchOS 2.2 and iOS 9.3 on the iPhone. Additionally, the native Maps app has gained support for the Nearby feature first introduced with iOS 9, and also now offers quicker access to directions to home and work.

Though these appear to be the main outward-facing changes in this release, there are also very likely to be a number of bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements in watchOS 2.2.

Read More: Apple Releases watchOS 2.2, Bringing Support for Pairing Multiple Apple Watches with a Single iPhone

Dancing In Sand: Ferrite Audio Editing on the iPhone

By Morgan | March 15, 2016

I'm not of sound mind. I do not own a decent microphone and I am not an audio engineer. I do not record music or podcasts. I simply have thousands of audio files, captured and collected over a lifetime, that sometimes need just a bit of attention.

I have been on a personal quest for the perfect subset of iPhone apps. I have found wonderful productivity tools that allow me to read, write, and research -- all through my iPhone. Still, a few solutions have eluded the allure of going small. As much as I have hunted, I could never find a recording studio that could fit into my shirt pocket. Life can be such a challenge.

I first began to deal with my digital editing needs about fifteen years ago. I purchased Sound Forge for my Windows machine. My desires were simple. I wanted to extract snaps, crackles, and pops. I wanted classy fade-ins and fade-outs. I wanted the ability to lay down music tracks as a soothing background for my recorded memories. And, I absolutely wanted to snip out anything that made me look stupid.

When I transitioned to the Mac in 2013, I gave up Sound Forge and began my hunt for a new audio editor. I discovered Amadeus Pro. I purchased the product and found it very accessible. I loved gliding smoothly through the timeline, reviewing slivers of sound, and being able to freely trim or extend my selections. The batch processing capabilities turned out to be great. I also enjoyed the embedded effects and being able to hear the consequences of any action before moving ahead. Sweet stuff.

So, if Amadeus Pro has been such a comfortable product, why am I looking for an iPhone sound editor? Simple. I know that I am much more likely to eventually clean up all of my raw and unedited sound files if I can do so from my easy chair, the front porch, or my Mom's house. I saw some discussion on AppleVis about an intriguing app called Ferrite Recording Studio by Canis Lupus, a Wooji Juice application. I decided to give Ferrite a spin and downloaded it onto my iPhone.

Read More: Dancing In Sand: Ferrite Audio Editing on the iPhone

Becoming a Social Media Butterfly: Exploring Social Media as a VoiceOver User on iOS

By Niall Gallagher | March 1, 2016

In this post I would like to focus on the topic of social media, and how you can use the said medium on your iOS device with VoiceOver. I also want to dispel any misconceptions that social media is a complete no-go area for members of the blind or visually impaired community.

Social media is often subject to a lot of negative press and criticism, and in some cases such coverage and opinion is justified. However, I believe that social media is a fantastic form of modern media and source of information when used appropriately.

I will begin by discussing what is meant by social media, and how it can be of benefit to you. Then I will consider what you need to know when signing up to different forms of social media, and I will explain some of the terminology commonly found on many social media sites.

Before concluding, I will discuss how you can use social media on your iOS device, and I will highlight some social media applications you may consider researching and/or downloading. I will then conclude this post by giving you 2 little fun social media activities which you can complete if you so desire.

Read More: Becoming a Social Media Butterfly: Exploring Social Media as a VoiceOver User on iOS

This Month in Podcasts

AppleVis Extra #40: Voice Dream Reader 4.0 with Winston Chen

In this edition of the AppleVis Extra, Lisa Salinger, Jeff Bishop and Thomas Domville talk with Winston Chen about the much anticipated version 4.0 release of Voice Dream Reader for iOS.

Voice Dream Reader is a widely acclaimed app that reads articles, documents and books out loud. With advanced text-to-speech and a highly configurable visual layout, it can be tailored to suit every reading style and level.

Version 4.0 is described by Winston as “a massive update which improves just about every aspect of the app. We rewrote everything down to the very core to support these new features, which is why it's taken more than a year.”

Voice Dream Reader 4.0 is available for download from the App Store now. To mark the release of this update, the price has been reduced to US$9.99 for a limited time; a 33% saving on its usual price.

Listen to “AppleVis Extra #40: Voice Dream Reader 4.0 with Winston Chen”

Exploring and Using the Alt Text Feature in The Twitter iOS App

In this podcast, Michael Hansen gives us a demonstration of the new alt text feature in Twitter's iOS app.

With Twitter's alt text feature, users can now include alternative text with images they post--so visually impaired readers can access them and know what is in the picture. In addition, VoiceOver also automatically reads out alt text in tweets where it is included; users need not change any settings to access alt text.

Listen to “Exploring and Using the Alt Text Feature in The Twitter iOS App”

AppleVis Extra #39: A Roundtable Discussion on Apple's March 21, 2016 Event

In this edition of the AppleVis Extra, Michael Hansen, Mike Malarsie, Chris Skarstad, Jeff Bishop, and Thomas Domville discuss the announcements, products, and software introduced at Apple's March 21, 2016 event.

Listen to “AppleVis Extra #39: A Roundtable Discussion on Apple's March 21, 2016 Event’

Exploring Some of the New Features in iOS 9.3

In this podcast, Thomas Domville gives us a demonstration of some of the new features in iOS 9.3.

Features covered in this podcast include:

  • A new option to see how much data is being used by Wi-Fi Assist
  • New 3D Touch Quick Actions for Apple Apps
  • A new 4-finger gesture to switch between apps
  • Securing notes using Touch ID and a passcode
  • Night Shift mode

Listen to “Exploring Some of the New Features in iOS 9.3”

New to the Fourth-Generation Apple TV in tvOS 9.2

Jonathan Mosen recorded a short series of podcasts in which he introduced us to some of the features new in tvOS 9.2:

New to the Fourth-Generation Apple TV in tvOS 9.2: Bluetooth Keyboard Support
New to the Fourth-Generation Apple TV in tvOS 9.2: Grouping Apps into Folders on Your Home Screen
New to the Fourth-Generation Apple TV in tvOS 9.2: Siri Dictation in Text Fields

An Introduction to Transit App for iOS

In this podcast, Mike Malarsie gives us a demonstration of Transit App – Real-Time Tracker & Directions for Bus, Subway and Metro including Offline Schedules.

With Transit app, users can:

  • Know when your next subway or bus is arriving with real-time predictions.*
  • Plan A-to-B trips with ease.
  • See exactly where your transit vehicle is on the map in real-time.*
  • View schedules and route itineraries. Even offline.
  • Locate bike share stations including how many bikes / docks are available.  
  • Find nearby car2go's and easily book a vehicle.
  • Check real-time ETAs for the closest Uber, and request a ride with two taps.
  • Browse real-time service advisories, and subscribe to push notifications for disruptions that may affect your commute (in select cities).
  • NEW: Schedule alarms and get reminders before your bus or train arrives.
  • NEW: Enable stop announcements and get notified when you're approaching your stop.

Transit is a free download from the App Store.

Listen to “An Introduction to Transit App for iOS”

Experience the Magic with Audio-Described Disney Movies in Disney Movies Anywhere for iOS

In this podcast. Thomas Domville introduces us to Disney Movies Anywhere. a free iOS app that allows you to watch your Disney movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go. Additionally, the app offers access to exclusive videos and bonus content, special offers, and reward points for all your eligible digital purchases.

To access movies through this app you will need to purchase eligible Disney, Disney•Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars titles from participating providers or unlock your Digital Copy from eligible Combo Packs. Once you connect your participating provider account to Disney Movies Anywhere, your eligible movies will seamlessly flow into your Disney Movies Anywhere Collection. Then use the Disney Movies Anywhere app to watch your favorite Disney movies anywhere you go!

Audio description is available with any of the Pixar movies that you have purchased or when watching the latest Pixar release at the movie theatre.

Listen to “Experience the Magic with Audio-Described Disney Movies in Disney Movies Anywhere for iOS”

An Overview and Demonstration of Blindfold Road Trip for iOS

In this podcast, Thomas Domville gives us an overview and demonstration of Blindfold Road Trip for iOS.

In Blindfold Road Trip, the objective of the game is to be the first person to travel 1,000 miles. As described in the App Store:

You and a computer opponent are given a handful of cards.

Your turn begins by drawing a card from the deck, and then either playing the card, or discarding the card.

The objective of the game is to play distance cards, such as 100 miles, so that you travel a total of 1000 miles.

You also want to prevent your opponent from playing distance cards, by stopping him by damaging his car, or slowing him down. Your opponent will try to do the same to you. Both of you can play cards to fix damage caused by your opponent.

Blindfold Road Trip is free to download from the App Store but requires in-app purchases.

Listen to “An Overview and Demonstration of Blindfold Road Trip for iOS”

Using iOS with VoiceOver and a Bluetooth Keyboard Part 3: Safari

In part 3 of his mini series on using bluetooth keyboards on iOS devices with VoiceOver, Scott Davert discusses and shares a number of tips and keyboard shortcuts which should enable you to be more productive and efficient when using Safari to browse the web.

The previous podcasts in this series are:

Using a Bluetooth Keyboard with VoiceOver on iOS Part 1: An Introduction, and Navigating the Home Screen
Using iOS with VoiceOver and a Bluetooth Keyboard Part 2: Editing Text

Listen to “Using iOS with VoiceOver and a Bluetooth Keyboard Part 3: Safari”

A complete list of all podcasts posted to the AppleVis website in the past month can be found at www.applevis.com/podcasts

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