AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for December 2024

By AppleVis, 31 December, 2024

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Welcome to the December 2024edition of AppleVis Unlimited, your monthly digest of the latest and most notable content on the AppleVis website. This edition features a curated selection of community-submitted content, including new app entries; updates; news; how-to guides; popular discussions; and podcasts.

New and Noteworthy App Entries

Accessible Math Match (iOS, US$0.99)

Math Match – Challenge Your Mind with Math

Put your mental agility to the test with Math Match, the ultimate math game for iPhone. Solve math operations in a race against time or challenge yourself to get as many correct answers as possible without making a mistake. Have fun while improving your math skills!

Game Modes:

  • Count down: Get as many correct answers as you can in 1 minute.

  • No Mistakes Mode: Keep going until you make a mistake.

  • Multiplication Practice: Master the multiplication tables with this practice mode.

Difficulty Levels:

  • Easy, Medium, and Hard: Adjust the difficulty based on your skills. Higher levels bring more complex math challenges.

Connect with GameCenter:

  • Share your score and compete with friends and players around the world. Become the best at Math Match!

Discover how fun it can be to train your brain. Download Math Match now and start adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying today!

This application is compatible with VoiceOver and other accessibility features.

Accessible Math Match's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Accessible Math Match's App Store page

Blue Letter Bible (iOS, Free)

Powerful Bible study tools linked to every verse in an easy-to-use, personalized Bible reader!

Dig deep into God’s Word with over 30 Bible versions, audio Bibles, text and audio commentaries, Hebrew / Greek lexicon, concordances, dictionaries, advanced word searches, and more. Customize your reading experience with rich color themes, fonts, auto scrolling, and parallel version views. Personalize your study with highlighting, underlining, and note taking options – all with Cloud back up.

Current Version: 2.80 (October 29, 2024)

Blue Letter Bible's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Blue Letter Bible's App Store page

Eldrum: Black Dust - Text RPG (iOS, US$8.99)

Dive into a dark, immersive world where your choices shape your destiny. Eldrum: Black Dust is a gripping text-based RPG that combines the depth of D&D, the strategic gameplay of CRPGs, and the narrative freedom of CYOA gamebooks.

Key Features:

  • Branching Storylines: Every decision matters in this grimdark adventure, leading to multiple endings.

  • D&D-Inspired Gameplay: Experience the depth of tabletop RPGs in a mobile format.

  • Turn-Based Combat: Engage in strategic 2D battles reminiscent of classic CRPGs.

  • Rich, Dark World: Explore a meticulously crafted universe filled with moral ambiguity and tough choices.

  • Immersive Experience: Vivid text descriptions enhanced by evocative imagery and atmospheric audio.

  • Exploration: Roam the desert city and its surroundings, uncovering secrets and side quests.

Eldrum: Black Dust brings the essence of traditional gamebooks and CRPGs to your fingertips, with a modern twist. Whether you're a fan of Choose Your Own Adventure stories, D&D campaigns, or simply looking for a deep, narrative-driven experience, this game offers hours of captivating gameplay.

Our commitment to accessibility shines through - Eldrum: Black Dust is proudly created by a studio recognized for developing the Best Mobile Game for Blind Users (AppleVis Game of the Year 2020).

Current Version: 1.3.3 (December 29, 2024)

Eldrum: Black Dust's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Eldrum: Black Dust's App Store page

Nono Blocks Formula (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Nono Blocks Formula is a logic puzzle game based on Nonograms — a type of grid puzzle where you fill in cells using hint numbers to reveal the correct pattern. Each row has hint numbers beside it, and each column has hint numbers above. These numbers indicate stretches of consecutive dark cells separated by crossed cells. Tap to mark cells as dark, cross them out, or tap again to change their markings. The goal is to fill every cell in the grid correctly, leaving no empty spaces.

With over a hundred levels, Nono Blocks Formula offers puzzles that become more challenging as you progress, helping to develop your logic and problem-solving skills. Play using simple tap-based controls on iPhone and iPad, or enjoy the experience with a mouse on Mac.

Key Features:

  • Over 100 levels, ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty.

  • Intuitive and simple controls.

  • Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

  • Leaderboards to track progress and compete with others.

  • The game is fully accessible with VoiceOver support.

Current Version: 1.15.1 (December 23, 2024)

Nono Blocks Formula's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Nono Blocks Formula's App Store page

Super Race Grand Prix (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Super Race Grand Prix, are you the fastest pilot?

Super Race Grand Prix is a race in which blind pilots are allowed to participate. Your pleasantly crazy co-pilot will try to guide you to victory.

Use your concentration, reaction speed, memory and tactical insight to bring this game to a successful end.

  • Concentration: Concentrate on the different sounds you hear during the race.

  • Reaction speed: React quickly when steering, braking or accelerating.

  • Memory: Try to remember the curves of the circuit so that you are prepared for the next curve.

  • Tactical insight: Decide whether to make a pit stop and what improvements you make to your racing car.

This audio game is fully accessible for people with a visual impairment using VoiceOver.

Use your iPhone or iPad as the steering wheel of your racing car.

Super Race Grand Prix integrates Game Center, allowing you to compare scores and race against your friends in real time.

Super Race Grand Prix's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Super Race Grand Prix's App Store page

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

iOS/iPadOS
Mac
Apple Watch
Apple TV

Notable App Updates

Bookshare Reader (iOS, Free)

Listen to books and read your way!
Get the official Bookshare Reader app. Access millions of ebooks from Bookshare, the world's largest library of ebooks for people with reading barriers like dyslexia, blindness, low vision, and physical disabilities. Listen to books in high quality audio and customize your reading experience in ways that work for you. Read bestsellers, new releases, textbooks and educational books, children’s books, young adult, mysteries, biographies, and more.

Current Version: 1.24.1 (December 16, 2024)

App Store Release Notes for Versions 1.24.0 and 1.24.1
Version 1.24.0 (December 11, 2024)

Fixed Layout Book Support
You can now download and enjoy Fixed Layout books (like graphic novels) on the Bookshare Reader app! Zoom in/out and adjust some audio settings for a better reading experience. Note: Visual settings are currently limited.

Updated My Library Screen
"Recent Books" is now labeled as "My History" and is now a dropdown for easier navigation.
"Downloads" is also available as a dropdown option.

Bug Fixes & Accessibility Improvements
We’ve fixed bugs and made improvements to enhance accessibility and overall performance.

Version 1.24.1 (December 16, 2024)

Fixes app crash when opening the setting panel.

Bookshare Reader's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Bookshare Reader's App Store page

Dolphin EasyReader (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

EasyReader offers convenient access to your favourite accessible book libraries and talking newspaper stands, in one place.

Neurodivergent readers – especially readers who have dyslexia – can customise their reading experience with dyslexia-friendly fonts, adjustable colour schemes and word highlights that synchronise with audio.

Designed for accessibility, EasyReader enables blind and partially sighted readers to read with magnified text, audio, or a combination of both - where each word is highlighted on screen as it’s read aloud. It also links to braille displays for braille readers.

EasyReader is compatible with VoiceOver and supported braille displays.

Current Version: 11.04 (December 6, 2024)

App Store Release Notes for Version 11.04 (December 6, 2024)
  • RNIB Bookshare: V11.04 will support the new RNIB service at its launch. You may need to enable the library in Manage Libraries view and login again.
  • Éole: download fix for a certain book type
  • Sugamya Pustakalaya: download fix for EPUB
  • Premium: MS OneDrive fix made for business MS Accounts
  • FIX: No text visible in some EPUBs
  • FIX: Screenreader issues with linkbacks in some Daisy books
  • Additional fixes and improvements to enhance your experience

Dolphin EasyReader's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Dolphin EasyReader's App Store page

Land of Livia: An Epic Fantasy (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Escape your daily life with a fully accessible epic fantasy adventure designed for relaxed gameplay. Grow your character through exploration and questing from a modest farm hand into a worldly adventurer. Venture across land and sea to uncover the beginnings of a dark conspiracy afoot in the Land of Livia.

Gameplay inspired by great games like World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, Diablo and Planescape Torment, but distilled down into a primordial form. This one-of-a-kind game allows you to quest and loot all throughout your day for months on end with no predatory microtransactions.

FULLY ACCESSIBLE

Accessible-by-design with tailored VoiceOver support and a level playing field for all.

FITS INTO A BUSY LIFE

Relaxed and rewarding gameplay that fits into your life rather than taking it over.

AN EPIC ADVENTURE

Embark on a 100+ hr adventure in an original and unique fantasy world with 150 diverse locations and a compelling narrative. Complete a plethora of increasingly challenging quests and use your wits to find 20+ ancient lost items of legend.

SOCIAL & INCLUSIVE

Experience the innovative Campfire system where strangers become adventuring companions. You may even need their help to discover the most challenging secrets of the land.

FREE PRELUDE

Play through the first chapter, Sorceress and the Sea, for free with 4 additional chapters available via in-app-purchase. No loot boxes or gambling.

Current Version: 4.2.2 (December 9, 2024)

App Store Release Notes for Versions 4.2.0, 4.2.1, and 4.2.2
Version 4.2.0 (November 29, 2024)

NEW CONTENT - CONTINUE YOUR ADVENTURE

A new age has dawned for the Land of Livia, full of optimism and hope, but the centuries of tyranny cast a long shadow. Many unanswered questions and mysteries remain to uncover.

NEW PLAYER TUTORIAL TIPS

We’ve reimagined the tutorial experience for new players. Instead of a traditional tutorial, you’ll now see a series of helpful pop-up tips as you play. Once dismissed, these tips can be found anytime on the Help screen. You can also toggle them on or off in the Settings screen.

We’re always looking to make the new player experience better—if you have feedback or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you!

IMPROVED LOW VISION ACCESSIBILITY

Thanks to your input, we’re thrilled to share our first step toward making Land of Livia more accessible for players with low vision. We’ve rebuilt almost every screen in the game (Inventory and Item Cards are not yet updated) to increase the base font size and fully support Dynamic Type.

This means you can now customize the font size to your preference. Just head to your device’s Settings app: Accessibility → Display & Text Size → Larger Text.

More accessibility improvements are on the horizon, so stay tuned!

CHANGES

  • Help and Settings are now separate screens for easier navigation, and accessible directly from the Map screen.
  • Updated the size and style of gold on the Map screen to improve readability.
  • Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence HUD icons are now displayed vertically.
  • Improved the accessibility label for locked journal entries, now more descriptive than just “Locked.”
Version 4.2.1 (December 3, 2024)

CHANGES

  • Added Split Atom Labs logo to the launch screen
  • Improved launch time

BUG FIXES

  • Fixed issue where the launch screen hangs if there is no internet connection
  • Fixed ordering of players in rankings
  • Fixed issue where path decrease time was not applied directly for longer paths
  • Fixed issue where request for notifications was not shown for existing players
  • Fixed Inn Listening so that it correctly returns No Result when there is nothing left to unlock
  • Fixed issue with activities not saving correctly but notifications still being sent
  • Removed level 50 quest made available by mistake
  • Removed colon from automatic chat messages
Version 4.2.2 (December 9, 2024)

Thanks for all the great feedback on the 4.2.0 release! We are already hard at work on the next major update.

CHANGES

  • Improved effectiveness of auto save

BUG FIXES

  • Fixed an issue with iCloud backup restore

Land of Livia's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Land of Livia's App Store page

Skeets for Bluesky (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Skeets is a native Bluesky app that supports both iOS and iPad OS.

Amongst other features the app offers:

  • Hold reading position when refreshing
  • Edit posts
  • Post notifications ($)
  • Thread Unroll ($)
  • Bookmarks ($)
  • Drafts ($)
  • Push Notifications filter ($)
  • Trends in Search
  • In-App Translations
  • VoiceOver-friendly
  • iOS Shortcuts support
  • Actionable Push Notifications
  • Alt-Text Generator (for images with text)
  • Hide like/repost/comments numbers
  • Async video upload
  • Search within user profiles
  • Shorten user handles
  • Low data mode
  • Customize main app color ($)

Current Version: 1.21.1 (December 19, 2024)

App Store Release Notes for Versions 1.19.5, 1.20.0, 1.20.1, and 1.21.1
Version 1.19.5 (December 4, 2024)

New:

  • Added accessibility support and VoiceOver actions to the notifications tab
  • Any view that displays a list of users is accessible now
  • Added a view that lets you see who followed you to the notifications tab

Bugfixes:

  • Fixed a bug that would cause the app to generate multiple requests at once thus slowing down loading of items
  • Fixed a bug that would display the + follow indicator for your own account
  • Fixed a bug that would reload the timeline when minimising a video
  • Fixed a bug that occasionally would not display the Feed-Chooser in the navigation bar
  • Switching accounts should work better now (still a little WIP). Push Notifications are now re-registered when switching accounts (when it works)
  • Fixed a bug that would only show anonymous push notifications from time to time (e.g. "Someone followed you")
Version 1.20.0 (December 4, 2024)

New:

  • Support for 2-Factor-Authentication logins
Version 1.20.1 (December 16, 2024)

NEW:

  • Added self-labelling support in the composer (when attaching media)
  • Videos can now be embedded in replies

FIXES:

  • Improvements for the "Token expired" bug: you can now just re-login if your session has expired (which still shouldn't happen - please let me know if it still does)
  • Fixed the bug that would always "swallow" the first typed letter in a response
  • Cleaned up the Profile Tap and added a dedicated "Logout" button
  • Moved the "new post" and "refresh" buttons to the navigation bar by default if VoiceOver is activated
  • Fixed a layout bug on the iPad for external embeds
  • Fixed a bug that would crash the app when adding a photo in the composer before adding text
  • Fixed a bug that would not let users interact with embedded YouTube videos
  • Fixed the badge for notifications
  • Account switching should be more robust now
Version 1.21.1 (December 19, 2024)

Update: quick bug fix release to address a crash that occasionally occurred in the GIF picker

NEW:

  • Mentions-only filter in notifications
  • Add Tenor GIFs to your posts
  • Configure the content filter on GIFs
  • Bluesky Trending Topics in Search

Skeets for Bluesky's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Skeets for Bluesky's App Store page

Speech Central AI Voice Reader (iOS, Free with In-App Purchases)

Feature set that exceeds the competition, no subscription for the premium tier with the free tier that is limited by the quantity, not by the quality, that is the reason why you'll love Speech Central. Here are just some of our outstanding features:

  • The best text-to-speech experience - our proprietary engine significantly enhances the output of Apple's voices and AI voices (OpenAI, Azure, Google) by infusing their readings with emotion and variation.
  • The best PDF support in text to speech apps - your reading flow will not be interrupted by footers, headers, footnotes, in text citations and long web links as they are detected by the advanced artificial intelligence in most cases. Even the scanned PDF documents are imported with titles recognised.
  • The best web support in text to speech apps - for the first time you can listen everything as both articles and headlines (including RSS feeds) are supported. Articles can be added from the headlines page for fully uninterrupted flow or from Safari. And you can send articles from the desktop browser with the Pocket extension.
  • The widest support for documents/office and e-book formats.
  • CarPlay support.
  • Knowledge and text annotation tools built-in.
  • Import the text from the physical books with the camera.
  • The widest choice of options to customize the voice, appearance and various other parameters.
  • Sync playlist items across Apple devices including the macOS app and the current position in the text.
  • Apple Watch app that can play the content independently of the main app.
  • Export the text with annotations to the .docx format.
  • Customize functions of audio buttons. The widest selection of tools to control the speed and browse the text that is read aloud.
  • The app can be used with dozens of languages that have text-to-speech support on the device with automatic language detection from the content.
  • Export the text to the audio file.
  • The best in class accessibility. It is completely free when used with VoiceOver and tested to be accessible by legally blind users.
  • Your data stays truly private, no data is collected even when the syncing is enabled.
  • Track the Mindfulness time in the Health app

Current Version: 16.1.5 (December 28, 2024)

App Store Release Notes for Versions 15.8.7, 16.0, 16.1, and 16.1.5
Version 15.8.7

Swedish localization

Version 16.0

Happy holidays to everyone!

For your happy New Year one of the most frequently requested feature is coming to Speech Central: Annotation highlighters. Enjoy!

Version 16.1 (December 17, 2024)
  • Export and import highlights in the .docx file format
  • Filter highlights by the color
  • New text selection tool for VoiceOver users
  • Improved audiobook emulation with Google TTS voices
  • Providing information for Apple Intelligence context awareness
Version 16.1.5 (December 28, 2024)

Better text recognition in some poorfy made PDF files

Speech Central's AppleVis iOS App Directory entry Speech Central's App Store page

Recent News and Views

Apple releases iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2; Bringing Fixes and Refinements for VoiceOver and Braille Users

By AppleVis | December 11, 2024

Apple has today released iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 to the public; bringing several accessibility fixes and feature refinements for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision users. iOS 18.2 also brings Siri and Writing Tools integration with ChatGPT, Genmoji, Image Playground, and Image Wand to Apple Intelligence-capable devices; as well as Visual Intelligence to iPhone 16 models.

For VoiceOver and braille users, our experience is that the following accessibility bugs have been resolved or meaningfully improved in iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2:

Read More: "Apple releases iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2; Bringing Fixes and Refinements for VoiceOver and Braille Users"

Apple releases macOS Sequoia 15.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod software 18.2

By AppleVis | December 11, 2024

Apple has today released macOS Sequoia 15.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod software 18.2 to the public.

As with iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2 brings Siri and Writing Tools integration with ChatGPT, Image Playground, and some accessibility fixes for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision users.

Our experience is that the following accessibility bugs have been resolved or meaningfully improved in this release:

Additionally, we are currently aware of the following new bug in macOS Sequoia 15.2:

Read More: "Apple releases macOS Sequoia 15.2, tvOS 18.2, and HomePod software 18.2"

A Warning to VoiceOver Users Regarding Volume Issues in watchOS 11.2

By AppleVis | December 11, 2024

Update: A member of our community has shared a workaround for the volume issue discussed below. This involves using the new Volume item in the Control Center to raise the system's master volume. While this is a reliable workaround for those who are already on watchOS 11.2, we stand by our recommendations in the original post.

Original Post:

Apple announced that today they will be releasing iOS 18.2 to the public; It is expected that Apple will release the corresponding updates for its other platforms, including watchOS 11.2, as well. This post contains preliminary details about an issue that we believe VoiceOver users need to be aware of prior to installing watchOS 11.2. Because of the inability to downgrade Apple Watch software without sending the device to Apple, we strongly recommend that if you have not already installed watchOS 11.2, that you read this post in its entirety, as well as any comments, before doing so.

During the latter half of the watchOS 11.2 beta cycle, members of the community, as well as our team, identified an intermittent but significant issue with VoiceOver volume that occurs when using Siri or when an alarm activates.

At this point, we need to stress that our understanding of the below issue (and all of the ways it may manifest itself) is limited. It is very possible that we may not understand the full scope of the issue; and it is also entirely possible that there may be an effective workaround that we simply have not identified.

What we do know, both from our internal testing and from reading posts on our Apple Beta Software forum, is that in certain circumstances, VoiceOver volume will decrease significantly. In our own testing, our team encountered this issue mainly when using Siri; or after an alarm (such as the Wake Up Alarm in the Sleep app) is activated. Another member of our community has reported that this issue also occurs when receiving an incoming call.

Read More: "A Warning to VoiceOver Users Regarding Volume Issues in watchOS 11.2"

This Month in Podcasts

Unlock the World of Internet Radio with Broadcasts for iOS

In this podcast, Dennis Long showcases the Broadcasts app for iOS, a lightweight and user-friendly tool for streaming internet radio and organizing stations into a personalized library. Broadcasts supports a variety of online radio formats, enabling users to explore and enjoy their favorite stations from around the globe.

Key features of the app include:
- Custom Libraries: Easily curate and organize your favorite stations for quick access.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and CarPlay.
- Background Playback: Listen to stations while multitasking or with your device locked.
- iCloud Sync: Automatically syncs your library across all Apple devices.
- Siri and Shortcuts Integration: Control playback and automate tasks using Siri or custom shortcuts.
- Minimalist Design: A clean, clutter-free interface focused on simplicity.

Broadcasts is the perfect app for radio enthusiasts looking for a sleek and customizable streaming experience.

Listen to "Unlock the World of Internet Radio with Broadcasts for iOS"

Personalized Emojis Made Easy: Genmoji on iOS Explained

In this episode, Thomas Domville demonstrates how to use Genmoji on iOS. Genmoji, introduced in iOS 18.2, is an AI-powered feature that allows users to create custom emojis simply by describing them in text. This innovative tool enables personalized and unique emojis, going beyond the standard set to enhance self-expression in messaging and other apps.

How to Create a Genmoji:

  1. Update Your iPhone:

    • Make sure your device is running iOS 18.2.
    • Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.

  2. Enable Apple Intelligence:

    • Open Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri, and turn on Apple Intelligence.

  3. Access Genmoji:

    • Open the Messages app.
    • Start a new message or choose an existing conversation.
    • Double-tap the emoji icon on the keyboard.
    • Select "New Genmoji" in the top-right corner of the emoji keyboard.

  4. Create Your Genmoji:

    • In the text field, type a description of your desired emoji (e.g., "a pink flamingo wearing tap-dancing shoes").
    • Double tap Submit.
    • Browse the generated options, then choose your favorite.
    • Double tap Add to include it in your message.

Device Compatibility: Genmoji is available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup and newer.

Listen to "Personalized Emojis Made Easy: Genmoji on iOS Explained"

Apple Crunch November 2024: Where's the Intelligence Exactly?

In this month's edition of Apple Crunch, Thomas Domville, Marty Sobo, and John Gassman discuss recent Apple news and other topics of interest.

Chapters:

  • Introduction
  • Results of the AppleVis First Ever Survey by the Community
  • Apple Intelligence has Arrived with iOS 18.1
  • Looking Forward to iOS 18.2
  • Apple is reportedly moving away from annual launches
  • Closing

Resources:

If you have feedback or questions for the Apple Crunch team, you can reach them at AppleCrunch@AppleVis.com

Listen to "Apple Crunch November 2024: Where's the Intelligence Exactly?"

Helpful How-Tos

The Mac's Messages App Explained (For iOS 18, macOS Sequoia)

By Tyler | Updated December, 2024

If you have an iPhone, you’re probably fairly familiar with the Messages app on iOS, using it to send and receive texts, photos, videos, and other files. As part of Apple’s interconnected ecosystem, this capability is also available on macOS.

An example of how the Messages app could be useful on macOS is if you’re working on your Mac and a text comes in. Rather than stop what you’re doing and switch devices to view and respond to the message, you could simply open the Notification Center or Messages app on your Mac, view and respond to the message, and get back to your original task.

While certain aspects of the Messages app’s interface may initially seem confusing, there are a number of tricks, which I will cover in this guide, which you can use to maximize your efficiency with it. In fact, being able to do tasks like calling and texting seamlessly on both my Mac and my iPhone is one of my favorite cross-device integration features.

Read More: "The Mac's Messages App Explained"

Trending Topics

Below is a selection of forum topics posted on AppleVis during December 2024:

All recent content posted to AppleVis can be found at:

Apple Posts Non-Apple Posts

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Wishing you every good thing in 2025,

The AppleVis Editorial Team Www.AppleVis.Com A proud member of the Be My Eyes family

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