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

By AppleVis, 29 February, 2024

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Welcome to the February 2024 edition 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 updates, including new app entries, updates, news, and podcasts.

New and Noteworthy App Entries

Apple Sports (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Your real-time scores and stats app, fast and simple.

  • Get play-by-play updates, betting odds, box scores, and more.
  • Customize your scoreboard by following teams, tournaments, and leagues—including MLS, MLB, NBA, WNBA, NHL, Premier League, NCAA basketball, and many more.
  • Quickly sync your favorite teams and leagues from the Apple TV app and Apple News.
  • Enjoy an incredibly fast and easy-to-navigate app designed for sports fans.
  • Tap to watch live games on the Apple TV app and connected streaming apps.

Current Version: 1.0 (February 21, 2024)

Apple Sports' AppleVis App Directory entry

Apple Sports' App Store page

Bandcamp (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Bandcamp is an online record store and music community where passionate fans connect with and directly support the artists they love.

The Bandcamp app lets fans explore a vast catalog of music by artists from every corner of the globe, allows them to directly support artists by buying their merch (and wishlisting albums & tracks for purchase at a later time), and lets them instantly listen to the music they've purchased, online or offline.

Current Version: 3.1.0 (August 7, 2023)

Bandcamp's AppleVis App Directory entry

Bandcamp's App Store page

BROK The InvestiGator (iOS/iPadOS, Free With In-App Purchases)

BROK is an innovative adventure mixed with beat 'em up and RPG elements. In a grim world where animals have replaced mankind, what kind of detective will you be?

In a futuristic "light cyberpunk" world where animals have replaced humans, privileged citizens live under a protective dome from the ambient air pollution while others struggle to make a living on the outside.

Brok, a private detective and former boxer, lives with Graff, the son of his deceased wife. Although he could never elucidate her accident, recent events may shed some light on an even more tragic outcome... one that may be linked to their own existence. Will they be able to withstand the threats of this corrupted world and face their own destiny?

FEATURES

  • Solve puzzles with your wits... or muscles!
  • Make choices impacting gameplay and/or story
  • Relaxed mode for pure "Point & Click" gameplay (fights can be skipped)
  • Level up to beat enemies and bosses
  • Combine clues to uncover the truth!
  • In-game hints
  • Two playable characters, switch at any time
  • 15 to 20 hours long on first playthrough
  • Multiple distinct endings to unlock
  • Fully voice acted (23,000 lines)
  • Optimized for touch screens (fight using touch swipes or virtual buttons)
  • Compatible with most Bluetooth controllers
  • Play the adventure with friends in local co-op (up to 4 players)
  • Text fully translated into 10 languages

ACCESSIBILITY

BROK is the first full-fledged adventure game to be fully playable by blind or visually impaired players!

  • Fully narrated via quality text-to-speech and audiodescriptions (characters, locations and scenes.)
  • Puzzles adapted for blindness.
  • All puzzles and fights can be skipped.
  • Adapted tutorials.
  • Ability to repeat the last voice speech and instructions.
  • Positional audio for fights.
  • No online connectivity required (after the download).
  • No specific device required
  • Additional options: larger fonts and increased contrast (backgrounds and enemies.)

To enter the accessibility menu, press two fingers on the title screen, then follow the audio instructions.

IMPORTANT: Accessibility speeches are only available in English.

  • Chapter 1 is entirely free (2 to 3 hours of gameplay)
  • Each additional chapter is $1.99
  • An alternative Premium option to buy all chapters at once is $7.99 (the game has 6 chapters)

Current Version: 1.0.3 (February 26, 2024)

BROK The InvestiGator's AppleVis App Directory entry

BROK The InvestiGator's App Store page

Object Voice (iOS/iPadOS, US$0.99)

Object Voice is a groundbreaking mobile application designed to enhance accessibility and independence for individuals with visual impairments. Leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, Object Voice provides real-time object detection capabilities, allowing users to identify a vast array of objects and animals, and persons instantly, whether in their immediate surroundings or within stored images.

Key Features:

  • Real-Time Object Detection: Experience the power of advanced AI technology as Object Voice accurately identifies over 1000 objects and animals, and persons in real-time. Whether in the physical environment or within stored images, users can rely on Object Voice to provide instant feedback.
  • Offline Functionality: With Object Voice, accessibility is always within reach. Enjoy the convenience of offline functionality, allowing users to utilize the app anytime, anywhere, without the need for an internet connection.
  • Intuitive Auditory Feedback: Object Voice provides intuitive auditory feedback, delivering clear and concise descriptions of detected objects, animals and persons. Users can navigate their environment confidently, receiving immediate guidance and information.
  • Customizable Settings: Tailor Object Voice to suit individual preferences with customizable settings. Adjust speech rate, volume, and language settings to optimize the user experience and meet specific accessibility needs.
  • Image Detection: Object Voice extends its capabilities beyond real-time detection by allowing users to analyze images or photos stored on their device or iCloud. Simply upload the image, and Object Voice will provide identification and description of objects within the image.
  • Continuous Updates and Improvements: Object Voice is committed to delivering ongoing updates and improvements, ensuring optimal performance and the addition of new features. Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in accessibility technology.

Current Version: 1.3 (February 19, 2024)

Object Voice's AppleVis App Directory entry

Object Voice's App Store page

PCloud Cloud Storage (iOS/iPadOS, Free With In-App Purchases)

pCloud is the secure place for your photos, videos and documents. Access your files from every device, anywhere you go. Start with up to 10 GB free storage and automatically backup your photos and videos and free up space from your device. Easily preview photo albums, stream your favorite HD videos and listen to your personal music playlists anytime, on the go. Send large files with a tap, even to people who don't have a pCloud account. All the changes you make to your files will be immediately synced across all your devices. pCloud is available for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows and Linux device.

Features:

  • Start with up to 10 GB cloud storage space when you sign up.
  • Go Premium and get up to 2 TB for your entire digital collection.
  • Automatically backup photos and videos and free up space from your device.
  • No file size limit - upload Full HD files without worrying about their size.
  • Add and share large photos, videos and documents at the highest internet speed available to you.
  • Allow offline access for files and folders and access them without internet connection.
  • Allow your friends to upload files, without giving them access to your entire account via Upload links.
  • Instantly share large files with friends and family via Download links.
  • Military-grade file encryption with pCloud Encryption.

Current Version: 2.39.1 (February 20, 2024)

PCloud Cloud Storage's AppleVis App Directory entry

PCloud Cloud Storage's App Store page

Pro Wrestling Manager 2024 (iOS/iPadOS, US$9.99)

Take control of your very own pro wrestling promotion with the highly anticipated sequel to PWM 22 and 23- Pro Wrestling Manager 2024! Get ready to experience the most intuitive and in-depth mobile pro wrestling management game.

Current Version: 2024.4 (February 4, 2024)

Pro Wrestling Manager 2024's AppleVis App Directory entry

Pro Wrestling Manager 2024'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

BARD Mobile (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

CARRY A LIBRARY IN YOUR POCKET

Access tens of thousands of books—from current best sellers to much-loved classics, popular magazines, and music instruction and scores—in audio and electronic braille, with new selections added daily.

BARD Mobile is a service of NLS. NLS provides free audio and braille reading materials to residents of the US and American citizens living abroad who cannot read regular print. If you are blind or have temporary or permanent low vision or a physical or reading disability that prevents you from holding or reading the printed page, you may be eligible for this program. For more information, visit https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/eligibility-for-nls-services.

Current Version: 2.2.2 (February 22, 2024)

Changes in Version 2.2.2

The app now supports iOS versions 14-17.

Other updates include:

  1. Siri Shortcuts (Voice User Interface): The app can now be operated by voice commands for playback and navigation, including stopping and resuming a playback, fast-forwarding and rewinding by various intervals, and setting a sleep timer or a bookmark. Add Siri shortcuts in the App Settings.
  2. International language search: Set up to four languages in the app's settings and then filter search results by selecting a preferred language.
  3. Accessibility improvements for visually impaired users: We have boosted color contrast between selected and unselected search categories. This update enhances visibility with Smart Invert, Classic Invert, and Dark Mode on.
  4. Multiword search for Search/Search music
  5. Bug fixes

BARD Mobile's AppleVis App Directory entry

BARD Mobile's App Store page

Dawncaster: Deckbuilding RPG (iOS/iPadOS, US$4.99)

Dive into the the action packed world of Dawncaster and test your deckbuilding skills with 1000+ cards and endless combinations!

Play as a cunning rogue, a brutal warrior, or a mysterious Seeker wielding arcane magic. Or create your own class and play as who- or whatever you want to be! Start playing today, create a unique deck with access to over 600 cards and see how far you can venture into the corrupted lands of Umbris.

Current Version: 1.12.08 (February 27, 2024)

Changes in February

There have been many releases this month. In addition to new features and fixes, each release has further enhanced the accessibility of this game for VoiceOver users.

Dawncaster: Deckbuilding RPG's AppleVis App Directory entry

Dawncaster: Deckbuilding RPG's App Store page

Envision AI (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Envision is the fastest, most reliable and award-winning OCR app that speaks out the visual world, helping blind and visually impaired users to lead more independent lives.

Envision is developed for and together with the visually impaired community. The app is simple, gets things done and brings the best assistive experience to blind and low vision users.

Simply use your phone camera to scan any piece of text, your surroundings, objects, people or products and everything will be read out to you thanks to Envision’s smart artificial intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR).

Current Version: 3.3.1 (February 22, 2024)

Changes in Version 3.3.0

We’re thrilled to introduce an exciting new feature to the Envision App – “Ask Envision about Text.”

This innovative feature allows you to seamlessly engage with your scanned documents and library content by simply asking questions to the assistant. Whether you need summaries, translations, or insights into specific details, “Ask Envision about Text” has you covered and can be accessed from the Reader.

To enhance the accessibility and convenience of this feature, we’re also introducing a new “Voice Mode.” With Voice Mode, you can interact with the AI by simply using your voice, eliminating the need for typing. Speak your questions to the app, and it will provide you with the information you seek.

With this update we also have the following changes:

  • Better describe scene results with the document reader.
  • Crash fixes for setting up your Siri shortcuts within the app's settings.
  • Crash fixes for the Document reader, opening files from Envision It.

Envision AI's AppleVis App Directory entry

Envision AI's App Store page

Lazarillo - Accessible GPS (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

LazarilloApp the GPS for people who are blind or have low vision, lets you explore the world around you and set up routes.

Lazarillo is a specialized GPS app that brings mobility tools for people who are blind. Using audio messages, Lazarillo will tell you about nearby places, the street you are walking on, street intersections in your way and more! Like a radio, Lazarillo will announce the things around you while you are moving.

Current Version: 3.5.45 (February 12, 2024)

Changes in Version 3.5.45

We improved the simulation feature; you can simulate anywhere, plan routes, save favorites, and explore.

Bug fixes

Lazarillo - Accessible GPS's AppleVis App Directory entry

Lazarillo - Accessible GPS's App Store page

Mona for Mastodon (iOS/iPadOS, Free With In-App Purchases)

Mona is a Mastodon app packed with customization features. Optimized for VoiceOver. Native design.

Post Actions

  • Drag actions into the order you prefer
  • Configure actions as swipe options: swipe a post horizontally to perform an action
  • Optionally hide some or all action buttons from post cards, while keeping them accessible via context menu, swipe options, keyboard shortcuts, and VoiceOver rotor

iCloud Sync

  • Sync your mute list, user notes, reading positions, drafts, search history, accent colors, and custom app themes across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, privately and securely
  • Optionally disable some features from automatic syncing

User Notes

  • Privately set aliases, notes and username colors for other Mastodon users
  • User Notes list: browse, organize and edit all your notes in one place

More

Current Version: 6.1 (February 28, 2024)

Changes in Version 6.0

Mona 6 includes new features, improvements, and adds new capabilities to the Shortcuts automation and the Action button on supported iPhone.

  • Redesigned picture description editor
  • Image viewer on macOS Sonoma now supports Live Text
  • Post composer can now smartly split your post into a thread, if your post exceeds the character limit set by your server (requires Mona Pro)
  • Picture loading system has been re-engineered, providing better performance and lower memory usage
  • Supports locking the app with Face ID or Touch ID

Here are some of the newly added actions that you can find in the Apple Shortcuts app:

  • Send posts with a scheduled date
  • Get, reschedule, or delete scheduled posts
  • Send posts with media or poll attachment
  • Send replies to a specified post, so you can create a thread of posts with customized automation
  • Get character limit of certain account
  • Split text for threading
  • Get, add, modify, or delete server-side filters linked to your Mastodon accounts
  • Get the post or profile currently displayed in the Mona app
  • Get the post or profile currently displayed in the Mona app
  • Check if the Mona app is running (so you can alter the Action button's behavior when Mona is running)
  • Open the in-app post composer or search view
  • Adjust settings for video autoplay (e.g. when you are using a certain Focus mode or when battery level is low)
  • Get and set image caption (e.g. combining with a third-party caption-generating action)
  • Get accessibility text of accounts or posts
  • Take screenshots of certain posts

Mona for Mastodon's AppleVis App Directory entry

Mona for Mastodon's App Store page

OKO - AI copilot for the blind (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Reach your destination effortlessly.

OKO is a smart camera app that helps you explore your surroundings with real-time feedback. With it, you can know the state of the pedestrian traffic light.

At an intersection, the pedestrian traffic light function gives you the state of the pedestrian light by playing haptics and audio feedback, similar to a physical APS system.

Current Version: 3.5.1 (February 12, 2024)

Changes in Version 3.5.0

We have improved the audio feedback. You can now choose between three different audio pitches.

OKO - AI copilot for the blind's AppleVis App Directory entry

OKO - AI copilot for the blind's App Store page

Voice of the Ancients (iOS/iPadOS, Free With In-App Purchases)

Let me tell you a story! Meanwhile, you can sit at the fireplace, close your eyes, and listen to the tale about ancient hidden treasures and secret societies. This time, you won't just listen. You will be the hero of the story. It will be your adventure. Your voice guides the way. Can you solve the mystery just with your voice?

My game is highly optimized for blind and visually impaired people (thanks to the extensive testing by the Applevis forum members). Still, I developed the game also for other kinds of users:

For intermediate and advanced English learners, this game offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your spoken English skills.

And for all adventure enthusiasts, this game rekindles the power of imagination, often stifled by the graphical grandeur of modern video games.

Unleash your inner detective and unravel the mysteries that lie ahead, solely using your voice as your compass.

With the first episode available for free, what are you waiting for? Embark on this extraordinary journey today and discover the magic of storytelling through voice.

Current Version: 1.0.3 (February 22, 2024)

Changes in February
  • Fixed a crash that occurs at the beginning of Episode 2 in some cases.
  • Fixed a bug that prevented the use of non-premium or enhanced voice if premium or enhanced voice is installed. It is a crucial bugfix using the Hungarian language because the premium version of the Hungarian voice (TĂĽnde) is far worse than the standard one.

Voice of the Ancients' AppleVis App Directory entry

Voice of the Ancients' App Store page

VoiceVista (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

VoiceVista is a critical application for the blind and low vision users' community. It is built upon Microsoft's discontinued and open-source project Soundscape (https://aka.ms/ossblog) and is licensed under the MIT License (https://github.com/microsoft/soundscape/blob/main/LICENSE.txt).

The app leverages advanced iOS audio technology and precise location services to empower individuals in developing a heightened sense of their environment. It offers reassurance in unfamiliar settings, assisting users in forming mental maps and confidently navigating their desired routes.

Current Version: 1.3.7 (February 24, 2024)

Changes in February
  • Location monitoring improvements
  • Stop beacon after moving away is detected
  • Exclude unnamed roads from intersections
  • Wake up by pressing the play button on the headphone
  • Button to delete the last breadcrumb marker
  • Button to list places ahead
  • Virtual Location Explorer by teleporting between intersections and places
  • Intersections Nearby in the Surroundings tab
  • UI for reporting distance to monitoring location
  • Additional rotor actions for a place or marker
  • Stop beacon button on Apple Watch

VoiceVista's AppleVis App Directory entry

VoiceVista's App Store page

Zanagrams (iOS/iPadOS, Free With In-App Purchases)

Winner of the 2023 Apple Vis Game Of The Year Award.

Exercise your brain during your downtime with this new unique twist on word-puzzles you’ve come to know and love.

Each puzzle contains six clues you’ll aim to find the one-word answers for. Each answer is broken-up into groups of two or three letters, presented as buttons in the lower portion of your screen, and jumbled for your brain-teasing enjoyment. Try to spell out each of the answers in the puzzle by tapping buttons to add them to your spelling.

Zanagrams will automatically detect if you’ve spelled any of the answers in the puzzle you’re working on, and any of the buttons you used to spell that answer will be permanently-disabled to narrow-down your choices. By the time you finish a puzzle, you’ll have used every button once.

  • Compare your performance against players around the globe in the worldwide Game Center leaderboards.
  • Compete against friends by seeing who gets the best score for each puzzle in its Official mode.
  • Play randomized versions of puzzles you’ve already completed for endless fun!
  • Use hints to reveal the next group of letters in a word when you get stuck.
  • Zanagrams contains 20 free puzzles, spread across two Puzzle Packs, totalling 120 anagrams you can play as many times as you like.
  • Once you’ve fallen in-love with the game, you can purchase more Puzzle Packs, choosing from our huge selection of both themed and unthemed Puzzle Packs.
  • 100% accessible with Voiceover.
  • High-contrast color options available for low-vision users
  • 100% accessible with Voice Control for users with motor impairments.

Current Version: 1.1.1 (February 24, 2024)

Changes in February
  • Fixes issue causing the game to crash when players opt to play the next puzzle from the scoring screen. Also fixes theta associated with puzzles that were completed preceding one of these crashes.
  • Zanagrams now has leaderboards! Connect your Game Center account and start competing against the rest of the world. I also updated the logo with a brighter version in response to feeback from our low-vision users. Additionally, there are several notable bug fixes:
  • Zanagrams will no longer lag after exiting the store.
  • Fixed bug causing misrepresented statuses of puzzles
  • Fixed a bug causing the tutorial to occasionally crash.

Zanagrams' AppleVis App Directory entry

Zanagrams' App Store page

Recent News and Views

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Review: A Compelling Offering for Those Who Prioritise Environmental Awareness, but at a Price

By David Goodwin | February 24, 2024

With the release of the Ultra Open Earbuds featuring an unconventional open-ear design that attaches around the ears to let in environmental sounds, vital for situational awareness and spatial orientation for blind users like myself, Bose offers an intriguing alternative to other open-ear buds like Sony's LinkBuds, bone conduction headphones such as Shokz' OpenRun Pro, and in-ear buds with transparency modes like Apple's AirPods Pro. At ÂŁ299 (US$299), they won't be for everyone and might be a hard sell against those established and relatively more affordable options. However, early reviews left me wondering if Bose had managed to hit a sweet spot of ambient awareness, audio quality, and features, making me curious if they could tempt me away from the Shokz and AirPods I use daily.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro are my companion on my daily 4+ mile walk around mostly quiet suburban streets. They leave my ears completely open to environmental sounds and are a secure and comfortable fit. The audio quality is good for my typical listening of either podcasts or audiobooks. Call quality is passable. They are a good choice for this use case, but feel rather basic and uninspiring when compared to the audio quality and features that you would expect from similarly priced earbuds.

The Apple AirPods Pro are my choice when at home. The audio quality is very good for my use case and to my ears. They offer features that I miss when using the Shokz, such as Listen for Siri and Announce Notifications. However, even when fitted with foam tips, they always feel like they are on the point of falling out (the left one in particular). I'm always nervous when doing tasks like preparing food or washing dishes. They also start to feel uncomfortable after a couple hours of use, although taking them out briefly typically helps.

I use both the Shokz and AirPods Pro daily, getting at least a couple hours from each. But both have limitations, so I wondered if the uniquely-designed Bose Ultra Open Earbuds could replace one or both given their ambient listening capabilities paired with the Bose signature audio quality.

Read more: “Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Review: A Compelling Offering for Those Who Prioritise Environmental Awareness, but at a Price”

Add Widgets to Your Desktop in macOS Sonoma

By Sebby | February 19, 2024

One of the marquee features of macOS Sonoma is widgets on the desktop. The widgets can come from Mac apps, just as they could before in previous versions of macOS, where they appeared in Notification Centre. New to Sonoma, they can now also come from select iPhone apps running on your nearby iPhone.

This is a pretty cool and useful feature, as it goes, for those wanting it, but when it was announced there didn't appear to be a way for a VoiceOver user to use it. At some point, Apple fixed it without telling anyone and, though it's still not documented anywhere as of time and writing, there's now special support in VoiceOver for dragging widgets onto your desktop. Personally, I've found it to be of limited utility, and I wouldn't miss it if it were gone, and of those I've tried, I'm mostly interested in using widgets from the Mac rather than iPhone. Still, I can imagine that it could fill gaps for easy access to information for people who appreciate it. Here's how to use it.

Read more: “Add Widgets to Your Desktop in macOS Sonoma”

Apple News

This Month in Podcasts

AppleVis Unleashed February 2024: The Brown Mushroom

In this month's edition of AppleVis Unleashed, Thomas Domville, Mike Malarsie, and John Gassman discuss recent Apple news and other topics of interest. Topics featured in this episode include:

  • Let's Talk about the Apple Vision Pro
  • Upcoming Features in Apple iOS 17.4
  • Understanding the Apple Compliance of the DMA for EU Users with iOS 17.4
  • What Should We Expect from the Upcoming Apple's March Event
  • SE Users Start Saving Your Pennies
  • Apple is Going All In for AI in the Upcoming iOS 18
  • Heads Up All New Apple Apps for Windows Users
  • What's in this month AppleVis News

Listen to “AppleVis Unleashed February 2024: The Brown Mushroom”

How and When to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode

In this episode, Tyler demonstrates how to start your Mac in safe mode and explains in what situations this may be useful.

Safe mode is a feature of macOS that disables login items, third-party drivers, and legacy system extensions at startup, useful if an incompatible item in one of these groups is causing a problem with your Mac. In addition, system caches are cleared, and a light check of your startup disk is performed when starting up in safe mode, which can identify possible issues that could be causing slower than expected performance.

Listen to “How and When to Start Your Mac in Safe Mode”

Podcasts by Thomas Domville

Hot AppleVis Content

Here are some of the most talked-about posts from the past month:

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