Apple has received much praise since accessibility became an integral element of iOS. Much has certainly been said and written on how this has been a life-changer for so many people, and that it has opened up a world of possibilities.
These are sentiments that it's hard to disagree with.
A few short years ago miniaturization was the trend for mobile phones, resulting in handsets so small that you could almost lose them in the fluff that gathers at the bottom of your pockets. At…
As much as we all love the level of accessibility that is available 'out of the box' with an iDevice, we probably all feel a sense of apprehension when a new update to iOS is released. We click the 'Update' button, silently hoping that accessibility problems from the previous version will have been fixed and that no major new problems will be introduced.
It's certainly difficult to imagine how it could be any other way. Apple undertakes extensive beta testing of every iOS version, but…
It's no big surprise that a jailbreak was available for iOS 5 within hours of its release.
Unfortunately it's a tethered jailbreak, which for most of us will probably mean that it's more hassle than it's worth.
However, if you can't wait for an untethered jailbreak, mobiputing.com has a guide on how to jailbreak iOS 5.
For some time now I have been considering various ways to make the AppleVis site an even more useful resource. Inevitably, I end up facing the same old problems: the time demands; not having a breadth or depth of knowledge of the iOS platform, VoiceOver and iDevices; and having a writing style that doesn't lend itself to creating editorial content.
However, it’s clear that there are many users of this site who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, so I think the time has come…
Version 2.0 of LookTel Money Reader is now available in the 5 comments : last update or comment 6 years 1 month ago
AI Squared announced on Thursday the release of ZoomContacts, an iPad app for the vision-impaired.
ZoomContacts is a “Large Print” contact application for iPad users who have difficulty seeing small text on the screen. ZoomContacts uses Apple’s internal Contacts database to store and manage information, but offers multiple font size and color combination choices to make it easier on the eyes.
ZoomContacts features a simple user interface with large, prominent buttons that…
A new GPS app has just been released in the iTunes App Store that offers some innovative features for blind and low vision users of Apple iDevices.
Ariadne GPS enables you to know your position at any time and to monitor it whilst walking. You can configure the app to update you with information as you are walking, such as telling you street numbers or the current street name.
There is also the option to save specific locations and be alerted when you approach one of them, Alerts…
Digitalis have just released two games that have been optimised to take advantage of the advanced accessibility features available on Apple's iDevices.
The much-anticipated ZoomReader app from Ai Squared is now 2 comments : last update or comment 6 years 1 month ago
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D) has released an iOS app that enables RFB&D members to
explore RFB&D’s extensive library of more than 64,000 downloadable DAISY formatted books.
The main features of the new app are:
A new app has recently been released that could make life easier for blind people in the Toronto area.
Next Streetcar provides real-time arrival times for TTC (Toronto Transit) streetcars based on the user’s location. The app will automatically locate the user on launch or allow for manual selection of all routes and stops. Furthermore, you can add stops to your personal favourites for easy access at any time.
Next Streetcar claims to offer enhanced support for…
Rumours about the impending launch of the iPad 2 and the release of iOS 4.3 appear to be converging.
There now appears to be a growing consensus that Apple will launch the iPad 2 on the 13th of February with iOS 4.3 coming one day later.
Macstories quotes a reliable source to support the above statement, adding that iOS 4.3 will be live by 1000 PST. iOS 4.3 will bring improved support for AirPlay, clean up the existing code and introduce iTunes app subscriptions that will…
The BBC are reported to be releasing their long-awaited iPlayer app this Thursday, February 10th.
For now there will only be an iPad version, but it is possible that a version for the iPhone might follow. The iPlayer app will also only be available in the United Kingdom for now.
It is reported that an app for BBC America will be released later this year, perhaps as early as July.
We can only hope that this app proves to be more accessible than the BBC's news app.
An updated version of the Chess-wise app has just been released that offers significantly improved accessibility for VoiceOver users.
The developer of this app has worked closely with a number of blind iDevice users, and early reports from the VIPhone mailing list indicate that this new version of the chess game is very accessible.
You can navigate the board using a one-finger swipe, or you can just slide one finger around the board and VoiceOver will announce the coordinates and…
Bookshare have today posted the following information about their forthcoming iOS app:
"Our members talked, and we listened! Announcing the new Read2Go App, the DAISY reader for Bookshare on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.
Read2Go is an accessible e-book reader that was developed by Benetech (the parent nonprofit for Bookshare), in partnership with Shinano Kenshi Co. Ltd (best known for its PLEXTALK® brand of digital talking book players).
Read2Go is the most full-…
Apple and their products feature prominently in the nominations for Blind Bargains' 4th Annual Access Awards..
The iPhone 4 appears in 2 categories; Best New Product Or Innovation and Best Hardware Product. VoiceOver is nominated for the title of Best Screen Access Program.
Apple itself is nominated for the title of Best Company, whilst the iPad goes up against the iPhone 4 for the crown of Best New Product Or Innovation.
You can view the nominations and cast…
ITProPortal is reporting that the iPhone 5 may be launched on Monday the 6th of June 2011.
As with every launch of a new or updated Apple product, there is much speculation about the possible features of the next iPhone. ITProPortal reckon the most likely are that it will come with slightly reworked antenna, a new Cortex A5 processor with a new PowerVR-based core, a buttonless design and CDMA/GSM compatibility, as well as a white model being available at launch.
Handelabra Studio has recently updated three of their apps to provide full VoiceOver support.
The apps are 14 comments : last update or comment 6 years 1 month ago
Apple have released to developers the second beta of iOS 4.3, as well as a new pre-release copy of Apple TV software designed to support the mobile operating system's new AirPlay feature for third-party programmers.
The first beta of iOS 4.3 introduced a personal hotspot control panel, new multitouch gestures for the iPad, and updated SMS alert settings. Resource files accompanying the release also provided hints at a handful of new iPad and iPhone models, as well as a potential "Find…
Microsoft has just released a OneNote app for the iPhone, and it's free "for a limited time".
As with the Windows Phone 7 app, the iPhone app will let you manage notes and shopping lists (and even add photos taken with the iPhone's camera), and then sync those with Windows Live SkyDrive so you can access them in either the Windows desktop application or its web-based counterpart.
The OneNote app is currently only available to US users. We are still waiting for reports on the app'…