AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for October 2019

Welcome to the October 2019 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website. Below, you'll find a selection of the best content posted to AppleVis by members of the community - from new app entries, to app updates, to the latest news and podcasts. 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

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

Is it a book or a game? It's neither, it's Decision Fiction! This app allows you the ability to enjoy branching story games with multiple endings. These interactive fiction game books allow you to decide your own adventure and explore hundreds of choices and endings. With missions, levels, artefacts, you'll have endless hours of reading fun.

Current Version: 1.7 (October 7, 2019)

Read Decision Fiction's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Decision Fiction's App Store page 

Dolby On: Record Audio & Video (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Dolby On is the only free recording app for audio and video with AMAZING Dolby sound. With one tap, record songs and videos with advanced audio processing technology so that you can sound your best wherever you are, and when it matters most -- in the moment.

RECORD AUDIO AND VIDEO – SHARE EASILY

Effortlessly record live sound and videos with a suite of automatic studio effects. When you’re ready, share your creations with your fans on your favorite social channels, send to collaborators via text message or email, upload directly to SoundCloud, export lossless audio, or even livestream right to Facebook; all with spectacular sound in a simple audio recorder

Creativity doesn’t happen on a schedule. With Dolby On, you won’t need to choose between recording quickly or with quality ever again.

WHERE THERE’S MUSIC TO MAKE, THERE’S DOLBY ON

• Capture ideas and demo recordings for yourself or to share with your collaborators. Record your voice memos and music memos with amazing sound in a simple recording app!
• Document rehearsals or the gig for your archive with audio and video recordings.
• Grab great sounds and inspirations in the field to sample in your next music creation. Select lossless audio for even better sound quality.
• Record high quality shareable audio video content for your fans.

ONE RECORD BUTTON, 50 YEARS OF DOLBY INNOVATION

Current Version: 1.2.1 (October 29, 2019)

Read Dolby On: Record Audio & Video's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Dolby On: Record Audio & Video's App Store page 

iA Writer (iOS/iPadOS, US$8.99)

“iA Writer creates a clean, simple and distraction-free writing environment for when you really need to focus on your words.” ***** The New York Times

“iA Writer is an example of how powerful simplicity and accessibility can be.” ***** The Guardian

“iA Writer is all about textual production—writing this phrase, this sentence, this word at this moment.” ***** WIRED

iA Writer removes distractions. Giving you a calm, focused, writing space, so you can express yourself clearly.

Current Version: 5.3.2 (October 24, 2019)

Read iA Writer's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit iA Writer's App Store page 

‎MCT Money Reader (iOS/iPadOS, Free With In-App Purchases)

MCT Money Reader instantly identifies some currencies and transfers the result to the user via text to speech. This application complies with accessibility standards for visually impaired or blinded persons who can quickly and easily identify and count the banknotes. No internet connection is required for this use, the application is working offline. The recognition takes place in less than 1 second under normal conditions. The phone flash works to allow it to be used in dark surroundings.

The recognized banknotes are: US dollar, Euro, Turkish lira, Russian ruble, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, Indonesian rupee, Pakistan rupee, Mexican pesos, Colombian peso, Philippines pesos, South Korean won, Egyptian pound, Azerbaijan manat, Polish zloty, Swedish krona, Iranian rial , Vietnamese dong, Ukrainian hryvnia, Saudi Arabia riyali, Thai baht

The app will redirect you with a tone of audible tone when you search for the banknote. There is also a counter to collect the amount of money you introduce in practice. Because of the surfaces of some banknotes are very similar to each other, it is useful to display the other surface of the banknote as long as the application's banknote recognition period is extended. In general, the introduction of both surfaces of the banknote will be the most healthy way.

MCT Money Reader supports various languages such as English, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Korean, Swedish, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Filipino, Thai, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Azerbaijani and Turkish.

Current Version: 1.4 (September 13, 2018)

Read ‎MCT Money Reader's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit ‎MCT Money Reader's App Store page 

ScripTalk Mobile (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

ScripTalk Mobile by En-Vision America, Inc., allows iOS devices with Near Field Communication (NFC) capability to read ScripTalk Talking Labels. These special labels are adhesive RFID tags attached to medication containers by pharmacies participating in the ScriptAbility accessibility program. The patented ScripTalk system uses text-to-speech technology to provide the visually and reading-impaired with audible prescription information. Currently, there are many people that have difficulty reading or understanding the contents and instructions of their prescription medications. The small print and look-alike packaging of medicine vials can lead to confusion, non-compliance, and mistakes. En-Vision America has created a solution to this serious issue with ScripTalk Mobile.

Current Version: 1.0.5 (October 11, 2019)

Read ScripTalk Mobile's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit ScripTalk Mobile's App Store page 

Spotify Stations (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Easily create stations for all the music you love, all for free.

With the world’s music at your fingertips, finding the right thing to play can feel like a challenge. Stations gets you to music instantly—no searching or typing needed. As Stations learns more about what you like, it creates stations packed with the music you love, made just for you.

Stations is an experiment by Spotify, and we’re always looking for ways to make it better.

Current Version: 1.16.1 (September 23, 2019)

Read Spotify Stations' AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Spotify Stations' App Store page 

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

iOS
Mac
Apple Watch
Apple TV

Notable App Updates

BlindSquare (iOS/iPadOS, US$39.99)

BlindSquare is pioneering accessible navigation both indoors and outdoors. Know where you are, know where you're going, travel with confidence.

BlindSquare is a new solution that combines the latest technology to help the blind with their daily lives. It has been developed in collaboration with blind people and carefully field tested. You need either an iPhone or an iPad to get started. It also supports some additional accessories to enhance the experience.

How does it work?

BlindSquare uses GPS and the compass to locate you. It then gathers information about the surrounding environment from FourSquare. BlindSquare has some unique algorithms to decide what information is the most relevant and then speaks it to you with high quality speech synthesis.

“What's the most popular café within 200 meters radius? Where is the post office or the library?”

You can control BlindSquare also through voice commands. The Voice Command feature is a premium service requiring purchase of credits for continuous use. Voice Command Credits are available as an in-app purchase on the App Store.

Current Version: 4.994 (October 23, 2019)

Changes in Version 4.993

In this release we announce a free feature for BlindSquare clients in Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, delivering huge benefits to tens of 1000's. Aira, connecting you to real people instantly to simplify daily life - now fully integrated into BlindSquare. This is made easy by BlindSquare auto-detecting the 100's of Aira free access areas, or access to an Aira agent from the tools menu, or simply by speaking the voice command "Aira". The rest is easy. A skilled agent, is ready for your call.

Did we say free? Totally free for the first 5 minutes. Subsequent 5 minute calls, also free. If you are an Aira subscriber, your usage STARTS at the 6th minute, because the first 5 are free. No strings, just great value. Thank you Aira! You can read more at the Aira website, aira.io.

Want to know the exact location of a bus stop? No problem. Want to know where the recycle bins are? No problem. Want help finding a page from a textbook that you need to OCR for class? No problem. Want additional information about the intersection you are about to cross? No problem. Trouble finding your way to your airport boarding gate? No problem. Just connect to Aira! Vast requests, can be solved in just a couple minutes! We are also including enhancements to address changes in iOS 13, that interrupted services for some. Thank you Apple, for the many benefits brought by this release.

Read BlindSquare's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit BlindSquare's App Store page 

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

All New! Dice World® is getting better every day! 6 great dice games in a friendly gaming community for everyone to enjoy!

As always it is completely accessible to the visually impaired, allowing EVERYONE to play on a level playing field! #everyoneplays!

Dice World is going viral around the globe! Join the fun and meet new people while playing great dice games!

Includes Farkle, Yatzy, Pig, Threes, Balut and 1-4-24! Easy tutorials for all games!

Current Version: 16.06 (October 26, 2019)

Changes in Version 16.3

New color customization options! Customize exactly how you want each game to appear!

Accessibility enhancements!

Lots of great bug fixes!

Read Dice World's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Dice World's App Store page 

Goodreads: Book Reviews (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Discover and share books you love on Goodreads, the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations!

Find new and interesting books by browsing personalized recommendations based on books you've read and your favorite genres. See what your friends are reading, write book reviews, and keep track of what you want to read.

Current Version: 3.19 (October 8, 2019)

Changes in Version 3.19

• Bug fixes to address issues with stability and accessibility
• Performance improvements

Read Goodreads: Book Reviews' AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Goodreads: Book Reviews' App Store page 

Google Maps - Transit & Food (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Navigate your world faster and easier with Google Maps. Over 220 countries and territories mapped and hundreds of millions of businesses and places on the map. Get real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit info, and explore local neighborhoods by knowing where to eat, drink and go - no matter what part of the world you’re in.

Current Version: 5.29 (October 22, 2019)

Changes in October

It wasn't mentioned in any release notes, but in October Google Maps rolled out a new feature that “gives people the ability to receive more detailed voice guidance and new types of verbal announcements for walking trips. This feature is the first in Google Maps to be built from the ground up by, and for, people with vision impairments.”

You can learn more at https://blog.google/products/maps/better-maps-for-people-with-vision-impairments/

Read Google Maps - Transit & Food's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Google Maps - Transit & Food's App Store page 

Just press Record (macOS, US$4.99)

Just Press Record is a simple, professional audio recorder that features speech-to-text transcription and iCloud syncing across all your devices.

The ideal tool for musicians, journalists, podcasters, students, lecturers, audio professionals, businesses or anyone who needs to capture audio at home, on the move or in the studio.

FEATURES:

• MULTIPLE DEVICES: Play back and record on all your iOS devices, your Apple Watch and your Mac – giving you ultimate flexibility on how you use your recordings. Just Press Record for iOS / watchOS is a separate purchase available from the iOS App Store.
• iCLOUD OR LOCAL STORAGE: Choose to save your recordings in a local folder on your Mac or in iCloud Drive for instant access from your other devices.
• TRANSCRIBE (requires the latest version of macOS): Turn speech into text with support for over 30 languages. Set your preferred language independently of your Mac’s language setting. You can format your text as you record with punctuation commands.
• EASY INTERFACE: See everything at a glance including the current input device and a level meter so you can start recording straight away. The Just Press Record icon in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen is ideal for when you need to kick off a recording quickly. We've also added support for the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro and support for Dark Mode.
• INPUT SELECTION: Use your Mac's built-in microphone or an external audio interface or USB microphone. Record in stereo or mono - ideal for voice recordings.
• QUICK MUTE: Press and hold the M key during a recording and your microphone will be silenced. As soon as you release the M key your mic will be live again. Perfect for when you need to cough!
• UNLIMITED RECORDING TIME: With unlimited recording time you can record just about anything, so long as you have enough storage on your Mac or iCloud!
• FILE MANAGEMENT: Files are saved by date and time and can be easily renamed and arranged in Finder so you can locate your files easily.
• FILE FORMAT: Recordings can be saved to uncompressed AIFF or WAV files for maximum quality or to iTunes AAC format to save space.

Current Version: 18 (October 15, 2019)

Changes in Version 18

Transcription has arrived on the Mac! The popular speech-to-text transcription feature from our iOS app is now available to Mac users running macOS Catalina.

Read Just press Record's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Just press Record's App Store page 

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

MBraille brings you a mobile braille keyboard.

With the free features you can type, edit and send tweets and text messages using contracted or uncontracted English braille.*

With the full version you can also use braille to

• call contacts or telephone numbers
• send email
• do facebook status updates
• add calendar entries
• fire away internet search engine queries
• the text typed is automatically put to clipboard when you switch apps.
• interact with other 3rd party applications
• check spelling
• save and open text files
• sync to dropbox
• use MBraille as third party keyboard

The keyboard is also available as a separate in-app purchase.

Current Version: 4.5 (October 23, 2019)

Changes in Version 4.5

Vastly improved self voicing. In order to hear MBraille as 3rd party keyboard in iOS 13.1 when VoiceOver is running, the self voicing must be turned on in the settings.

You can adjust self-voicing voice and speed with dot commands. If you use MBraille as 3rd party keyboard, it is recommended to reboot your phone after installation. And do not forget to turn on full access in phone Settings->General->Keyboards->MBraille.

Other improvements:

• Better support for voicing emoticons, such as :) ;) :D
• Some UEB fixes. Other internal fixes to keep up with latest iOS development tools and version and to enable easier maintenance in the future.

Read MBraille's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit MBraille's App Store page 

Texas Hold’em (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

Apple’s Texas Hold’em is back! To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the App Store, we’ve brought back one of its first games, a popular classic. Originally created for iPod, then brought to iPhone, fans will love the polished redesign, featuring new characters, more challenging gameplay, and stunning graphics for the newest iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Players will also love that it’s free to play—for the very first time.

Texas Hold’em lets you play like a pro against 24 realistic opponents—or with your friends over Wi-Fi. Use all of the hints, tips, tells, and your mastery to gain access to more challenging locations with higher stakes and even bigger rewards!

Current Version: 2.1 (October 9, 2019)

Changes in Version 2.1

Texas Hold’em comes to iPad—enjoy it full screen, or play it while you do something else using Split View or Slide Over.

This update also includes accessibility improvements and performance enhancements.

Read Texas Hold’em's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Texas Hold’em's App Store page 

Twitterrific: Tweet Your Way (iOS/iPadOS, Free With In-App Purchases)

Twitterrific is the award-winning, elegant Twitter client that’s easy to understand and a delight to use. Tweeting has never been simpler or so much fun!

Browse Twitter free from the clutter of promoted tweets. Easily search for the perfect GIF or meme when composing tweets. Use Muffles to hide tweets containing words, phrases, people and hashtags from the timeline that you don't want to see. Customize fonts, appearances, image thumbnails and more via the theme panel. Quickly respond to tweets, change accounts or view conversation threads with a minimum of effort using gestures. Rich media support means GIFs and videos play right in the timeline.

Robust VoiceOver support means Twitterrific is fully accessible. Extensive keyboard shortcuts make Twitterrific a breeze to use with an external keyboard.

Current Version: 6.1 (October 24, 2019)

Changes in Version 6.1

Robust support for iOS 13's automatic theme switching plus the ability to open as many Twitterrific windows as needed on iPadOS. Improvements, bug fixes & more!

NEW FEATURES

• Automatic theme switching for iOS 13:

  • Select your light or dark theme automatically based on the system appearance
  • Twitterrific's classic sunrise / sunset mode is still available
  • Adjust system / auto / manual theme switching in the Appearance panel

• Support for multiple windows on iPadOS 13:

  • Open as many windows as you want
  • Keep tabs on different accounts or open the same account many times
  • Each window remembers its own tab customizations and account selection

• Multiple ways to open a new window on iPadOS 13:

  • Drag a new copy of Twitterrific from the home screen dock to iOS split view
  • Drag and drop the sidebar button to create a new window for that account
  • Drag any account out from the account picker panel
  • Long-press on an account in the account picker

IMPROVEMENTS

• Popup views now use the native card-style behavior on iOS 13
• 'System Font' was updated to the rounded variant of the font on iOS 13
• Alerts, menus & controls are themed based on your Appearance preferences
• Ability to pin the sidebar open on large screens regardless of device orientation
• Improved behavior of views that move or resize when the keyboard appears
• Improvements to keeping the reading position in sync
• Improved the accessibility of the account picker
• Pulling-to-refresh no longer obscures content
• Profile views load their content more smoothly

GESTURES & SHORTCUTS

• On iPad, popup views can be dismissed with a quick swipe down anywhere outside of the popup or via the window's titlebar
• A single tap on the sidebar button now quickly opens the account picker if the sidebar is pinned open
• Changed the keyboard shortcut for switching between tabs on the main timeline to Control-Tab and Control-Shift-Tab
• Changed the keyboard shortcut for switching between accounts to Option-Tab and Option-Shift-Tab

BUG FIXES

• Links now open in the correct external browser
• Fixed visual issues when loading profile views
• Fixed problems with external URL or shortcut requests
• Fixed layout issues in the compose sub-panels (GIPHY, search, drafts)
• Fixed visual issues in the muffle editor that appeared after switching themes
• Text labels are no longer truncated when using the bold text accessibility setting
• Videos no longer continue to play after being dismissed with VoiceOver
• Fixed issues for VoiceOver users making it hard to navigate the main tab bar
• Fixed the 'Invalid Media' error when tweeting images from other apps
• Fixed layout when composing tweets or DMs in slide-over mode on iPad
• Fixed multiple crashes that could occur while background processing
• Addressed an issue causing some subscribers to have to restore their subscription each month

OTHER

• Twitterrific now requires iOS 12.4 or later

Read Twitterrific: Tweet Your Way's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit Twitterrific: Tweet Your Way's App Store page 

YouMail Voicemail & Call Block (iOS/iPadOS, Free)

YouMail is the 100% FREE, trusted way to stop robocalls. YouMail has stopped over 1 billion calls to date and there are now over 10 million YouMailers.

Reclaim your privacy and your sanity, and stop wasting time trying to block one call at a time. Our robocall blocker protects you from the millions of numbers being used by unwanted robocallers, as it:

• Automatically blocks robocallers from telemarketers, scammers, and spammers. It plays them a “Number Out of Service” greeting, which takes you off their lists and stops them from calling you from ANY number they might use.
• Lets you effortlessly block other unwanted callers, like your ex- or a sales person who just won't get the hint. Just enter their phone number and they'll hear "out of service" too and be out of your life forever.
• Keeps annoying spam out of your voicemail box too, so you only have to deal with the messages that matter.
• Lets important robocalls you care about come through - like your prescription reminders and school alerts.
• Provides you a complete call blocking history - so you can be sure there are no surprises!

YouMail works by replacing your iPhone visual voicemail with an award-winning visual voicemail service that includes high-quality voicemail to text.

Current Version: 4.8.7 (October 27, 2019)

Changes in Version 4.8.3

• Now blocks robotexts, not just robocalls. More customization of robocall blocking
• Improved voice over accessibility actions for message and history lists
• Other bug fixes and improvements throughout

Read YouMail Voicemail & Call Block's AppleVis App Directory entry for more information 

Visit YouMail Voicemail & Call Block's App Store page 

Recent News and Views

Apple Releases iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2; Bringing Many Bug Fixes for Blind and Low Vision Users

By AppleVis | October 28, 2019

Apple has today released iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2 to the public. In addition to bringing some new features - including some originally slated for the initial iOS 13 release - these releases bring fixes for a large number of the bugs that iOS 13.0 and iOS 13.1 and iPadOS 13.1 introduced for blind and low vision users.

One Change of Note

In iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2, Apple has made one change that may initially have you believe that something is broken.

The Context menu item has been removed from the VoiceOver rotor's Actions menu and replaced with a new gesture: a one-finger triple- tap. Our assumption is that this change has been made to address the problem where this item would be present in the Actions menu when on UI elements which didn't actually have a Context Menu. Regrettably, this change does make it harder to discover which UI elements do have Context menus - one must use a mix of experience, educated guesswork, and trial and error.

If you would prefer to have a different gesture to access the Context menu, you can change it by going to Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver > Commands > Touch Gestures.

Bug Fixes for Blind and Low Vision Users

Our testing suggests that the following pre-existing accessibility bugs have been resolved in iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2:

• VoiceOver no longer on occasions becomes unresponsive after ending a phone call or a voice chat in some messaging apps.
• It is now possible to use the Indian Siri voices as the VoiceOver voice.
• If you have a Shortcut that prompts you to select from a menu, VoiceOver now consistently speaks all menu options.
• It is now possible to access the Status Bar with the VoiceOver keyboard shortcut.
• The Status Bar is now easier to locate by touch.
• VoiceOver focus is no longer erratic in the Find My app.
• It is now possible to edit the start or end position of a video in the native Photos app.
• Show Context menu is no longer the initial position of the VoiceOver rotor's Action menu in text fields.
• When viewing a message in the Mail app, VoiceOver now speaks the badge on the Back button which indicates the number of unread messages in the same folder.
• When navigating to an existing conversation in the Messages app, the VoiceOver focus is correctly placed on to the last message.
• The “Clear All” option in the VoiceOver rotor's Action menu on the Notifications Centre now works as expected.
• After pairing an MFi hearing device, the controls for bass and treble are now labeled for VoiceOver users.
• The “Show All Windows” button on iPadOS now has a VoiceOver label.
• The selection status of the Dark/Light Mode toggle in the Control Centre is now accurately indicated to VoiceOver users.
• VoiceOver now speaks text pasted in to the message field in the Messages app.
• VoiceOver users can now access websites listed under “Siri Suggestions” in Safari.
• VoiceOver no longer says “Paused” on the playback progress control while a video is playing in the Photos app.

Read More: “Apple Releases iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2; Bringing Many Bug Fixes for Blind and Low Vision Users”

If Catalyst Apps Are the Future of Mac Software, the Future Currently Doesn't Look Too Bright for VoiceOver Users

By David Goodwin | October 11, 2019

In its recent “deep dive” in to Mac Catalyst, Ars Technica reported that Apple and developers they spoke with considered Catalyst apps to be “the future of Mac software”. If my early experience is anything to go by, Apple still has much to do if VoiceOver users are to be included in that future.

If you are unfamiliar with Mac Catalyst, it's new from Apple with the release of macOS Catalina and essentially enables developers to quickly and easily create Mac versions of their existing iPad apps.

According to Apple's developer website, developers need only check a box to select the Mac as a supported device when viewing their iPad project in Xcode.

By checking this box, Apple's Xcode software will do much of the ‘heavy lifting’ in regard to porting an iPad app to macOS: it will automatically create a default menu bar; add support for trackpad, mouse, and keyboard input; add support for window resizing and full-screen display; enable Mac-style scroll bars; add support for copy-and-paste and drag-and-drop; and add support for system Touch Bar controls.

Apple's vision is that by automating so much of what's required, developers can focus their time on adding desktop-specific features to their apps:

Your newly created Mac app runs natively, utilizing the same frameworks, resources, and runtime environment as apps built just for Mac. Fundamental Mac desktop and windowing features are added, and touch controls are adapted to the keyboard and mouse. Custom UI elements that you created with your code come across as-is. You can then continue to implement features in Xcode with UIKit APIs to make sure your app looks great and works seamlessly.

As both a Mac and iPad user, this is a vision that I can readily buy in to - the prospect of being able to use the same apps across both platforms is extremely appealing; as is the thought of having a much greater selection of apps available on my Mac.

Regrettably, my early experience suggests that Mac Catalyst currently does not deliver when it comes to ensuring that macOS versions of an app offer the same level of accessibility and user experience as they do on iPad.

Read More: “If Catalyst Apps Are the Future of Mac Software, the Future Currently Doesn't Look Too Bright for VoiceOver Users”

Other Apple News

• Apple Releases macOS 10.15.1 and watchOS 6.1 with Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 Support
• Apple Releases tvOS 13.2 and a Software Update for HomePod that brings Multi-User Support
• Apple Launches $249 AirPods Pro; with New In-Ear Design, Active Noise Cancellation, and Transparency Mode
• The New Features, Changes, Improvements, and Bugs in macOS Catalina for Blind and Low Vision Users
• Apple Releases iOS 13.1.3, iPadOS 13.1.3, and macOS Catalina Supplemental Update

Aftershokz Aeropex Are the Company's Most Refined Bone Conduction Headphones Yet, but Lack the Volume to Satisfy All Use Cases

By David Goodwin | October 31, 2019

I've been using AfterShokz bone conduction headphones since 2013 and they are a regular companion on my daily walks, allowing me to listen to music, podcasts, books, and VoiceOver while still being able to hear traffic and whatever else is going on around me.

The $159 Aftershokz Aeropex are the company's smallest, sleekest, lightest, and most advanced bone conduction headphones yet. They are well-designed, have good build quality, and are extremely comfortable to wear.

In nearly all regards these are the best bone conduction headphones I've used to date. The only regression I experienced over the older AfterShokz Trekz Titanium, is that they don't perform as well in particularly noisy environments.

If your own use case doesn't involve noisy environments (such as walking alongside busy roads), then I would highly recommend the Aeropex. Otherwise, despite being slightly bulkier and less refined, the Trekz Titanium might be a better choice at just $79.

Read More: “Aftershokz Aeropex Are the Company's Most Refined Bone Conduction Headphones Yet, but Lack the Volume to Satisfy All Use Cases”

A Beginner's Guide to Using macOS with VoiceOver

By Tyler | October 14, 2019

If you’re new to the Mac, learning and mastering the VoiceOver screenreader can seem daunting at first. In an attempt to streamline the search for essential getting started information across the AppleVis website, I will provide a series of tips, along with links to more comprehensive guides and podcasts, organized by heading and subheading.

From personal experience, I have found that one of the most effective ways to learn a new screenreader is to read documentation with another more familiar one. For example, you could start reading this guide on iOS, Android or Windows, gradually try various things on the Mac, and finally, see how you do relying on VoiceOver in addition to or in place of your other screenreader.

Read More: “A Beginner's Guide to Using macOS with VoiceOver”

This Month in Podcasts

AppleVis Unleashed October 2019: Bring on the Grill Cheese Pro and the Apple Skin Tags

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

• Apple Releases iOS 13.2 and iPadOS 13.2; Bringing Many Bug Fixes for Blind and Low Vision Users
• The New Features, Changes, Improvements, and Bugs in macOS Catalina for Blind and Low Vision Users
• If Catalyst Apps Are the Future of Mac Software, the Future Currently Doesn't Look Too Bright for VoiceOver Users
• Apple (probably) isn't holding an October event after all
• AirPods Pro: Everything you need to know!
• Kuo: New iPad Pro and iPhone SE 2 in early 2020, followed by Apple AR headset collaboration with 'third-party brands'
• Kuo: MacBooks will swap over to a scissor mechanism keyboard in 2020
• Apple TV+ Series Review Roundup: The Morning Show, See, Dickinson, and For All Mankind
• Apple schedules fiscal Q4 2019 earnings release for October 30th
• Supreme Court allows blind people to sue retailers if their websites are not accessible
• Google Maps rolls out detailed voice guidance for people with impaired vision
• How to add hourly Taptic Chime alerts to Apple Watch

Listen to “AppleVis Unleashed October 2019: Bring on the Grill Cheese Pro and the Apple Skin Tags”

Hot AppleVis Content

Here are some of our forum topics which have got people talking in the past month:

• Airpods Pro - My First impressions
• Thoughts on the newly announced AirPods pro?
• BARD mobile on iPhone 11 problem
• Introducing 'AAA' Audio Game - 'Pitch Black'
• One Voice - A polite discussion of how we, the community, can voice issues to Apple
• iOS email apps
• voiceover and phone crashing.
• Just my thoughts

Club AppleVis

Club AppleVis offers members and friends of our community a means of directly contributing towards the financial costs of operating AppleVis—thus ensuring that we can continue to deliver the information, help, and support that so many people have come to value and rely on over the past 9 years.

To learn more about Club AppleVis; the perks of membership; and how you can join, please visit www.applevis.com/club-applevis