We recently released an app called Pocket Recorder - Accessible Recorder by Sweetman Systems in the App Store. We know that there are many other recording apps currently in the App Store, but we have dedicated many hours to designing this app to be the easiest and most convenient app available to anyone with a visual impairment.
• Pocket Recorder’s menus are simple and easy to navigate.
• Icons are large and easy to find.
• Recordings are automatically uploaded to any device linked to your Dropbox account.
• Connect any iOS compatible braille display for easy editing and navigating.
• A simple, two finger double tap allows you to enter recording titles with your voice, rather than using the phone’s keyboard.
To find Pocket Recorder in the App Store open the link below on your mobile device or search for “Pocket Recorder Sweetman Systems” in the App Store.
By Andy, 16 August, 2016
Forum
iOS and iPadOS
Comments
Promo code for this app Please?
Hi @AndyRoberts I would love to try the app but don't have the money to aford it. could you please email me a promo code for the app? my email is:
jcdjmac@gmail.com
thanks.
Not finding it
I tried following the link you provided from my iPhone and got a "server not found" error, and I didn't find the app in the app store when I searched for "pocket recorder." I'd really like to check it out
In the App Store searching for
In the App Store searching for: "pocket recorder sweetman systems" will bring it up.
Here is another link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-recorder-accessible/id1095168529?mt=8&at=10laz6&ct=app_details_paid
email me promo code
hi @andy please email me promo code for the app. I would love to check it out.
jcdjmac@gmail.com
Apple Watch support
Hi, this app sounds like a very nice one. But for $10, it sounds a bit steep. I think something that would round the price out would be the ability to let the Apple Watch use the app as well.
We are currently working
We are currently working towards adding Apple Watch support which would come in one of the future builds. Thanks for the feedback. When considering how to price the app we had to consider the other apps in this current market ($10 falls toward the less expensive end of that spectrum)
and the amount of time we dedicated to making this project a reality.
Could you email me a code as
Could you email me a code as well,? Jdawg1983@gmail.com. Thanks much!
Loving the app!
Hi @andy I'm totally loving the app. I already have the app linked to my dropbox, which means any records I do will be automatically be uploaded to the folder. I cannot wait to see what future updates will bring to us voiceover users. amazing job!
Thanks!
Thanks @djmacradio! So pleased you are finding it useful. Spread the word, I know so many people could benefit from this app.
A Couple Questions
Hi Andy,
First, thank you so much for making Pocket Recorder accessible!
Before making a purchase, I had some questions about Pocket Recorder:
1. What file formats does the app export to? In particular, does it export to a lossless audio format for high-quality recordings?
2. Does the app support disabling iOS' audio filtering/processing? One of the things about recording on an iPhone is that iOS tries to filter the audio, but some apps allow you to disable the filters and record directly from the microphone.
3. If disabling of iOS' audio filtering isn't currently supported, is this something you plan on supporting in the future?
Thank you for any information.
Audio Quality
Hi Lad,
Thanks for your interest in Pocket Recorder!
The current format we export to is .m4a which is Apple's lossless audio format and is compatible with almost anything these days. We may try to add mp3 support in the future, but I think that is kind of a step in reverse. I went to the CES and NAMM conventions in search of the best portable microphones possible to use with the app and narrowed it down to 4 of my favorites, but I will say the quality captured by the app and the phone's built in mic is fantastic. I really wanted this app to be used for recording anything from podcasts to lectures to music and I think you will be pleased with quality. If you are interested in the microphone options I found, I'd be happy to send you the links.
i'd love to try
i'd love to try this app as well. it sounds very interesting. would be really appreciated if the developer willing to give the promo code. my email: madewikandana97@gmail.com
Awesome recorder!
Andy,
Great work on the app! I like the clutter-free interface and setting up DropBox was a breeze.
Feliciano
For Tech tips and updates:
Facebook www.facebook.com/theblindman12v
Twitter www.twitter.com/theblindman12v
Would love to try it
@andy
I would love to try this app!
Could you please send me a promo code at
tunmijubril12@gmail.com
?
Could you also email me a promo code
@Andy
I would love to try this app for recording my lectures!
Could you please send me a promo code at amitpahuja.24@gmail.com
Would love to try this app as well.
Hi, -I'd love to try this app out. I'm very big into recording, and this app would help me very much when I'm on the go. I'm wondering if I might be able to get a promo code as well? If so, could you please send it to me at
chipper0182@gmail.com
Thanks so much in advance.
10 bucks for a recording app
Damn, this app better make my bed, wash my dishes, take the dog out and make my coffee in the morning too. I can already do all that with Drop Vox, and that's like 2 bucks.
Probably won't make your bed...
@Toonhead I assure we have meticulously designed this app for VoiceOver users. It does one thing and does it very efficiently. If you're interested in giving your review of the app provide me with your email.
Features?
After reading this thread and the app store description I'm still not entirely clear on what the features of this app are. E.G. Is it a recorder only or can it also be used as an audio editor? What exactly does it do that other fully accessible and easy to use audio apps (TwistedWave, AudioShare, Hokusai, Ferrite, ETC) don't do?
Good question
Perhaps I was a bit harsh with my last comments there. All's I'm trying to say is if it's just a recorder, there are already really accessible apps that do this for a fraction of the cost. Now if this app does something really super-extraordinarily cool, please let us know. The app description doesn't really sound like much more than just a recorder, and there are plenty of accessible apps that do this same thing already, and with good quality too.
it seems really cool
Andy, you have private message.
This app can really be what I searched!
Really great app!!!!!
Although there are many recording apps out there that are accessible, it is easier to navigate. When you open the app, it doesn't have to load any stuff or anything like that, it just opens, and boom, before you even know it, you're in.
For the people asking what does this app do, here are some of the features I found:
• Recording tone: If you want to know when the recording starts and ends, there is an option in the settings screen to turn that on or off
• Background recording: You can demonstrate apps and stuff without having to worry, it may not record every single app in the universe, but it still works in apps, in fact I tried it on Baby Adopter yesterday and it recorded it just fine
• Play in the background: You can play your recordings in the background or when your screen is locked
• Rename files and delete
• Link your Dropbox account to the app and have it upload your recordings automatically to Droplhx, but you can always turn it on ooff in Settings.
Hope this helped! :)
Pocket Recorder
How does this app compare to recorders like SimpleMic or Boss Jock? How do I get a promo code? Very interested in trying this app.
Thank you!
Thank you @Feliciano Godoy! I'm really pleased you like it!
Thank You
Thanks @Audiogamer Tunmi! I really appreciate your helpful review!
Promo code request
Hello there Andy,
As an assistive technology instructor, I am constantly on the lookout for recording apps that are simple to use to eliminate the need for recommending specialized recording devices for most of my clients. I would really appreciate it if you could kindly Email me a promo code to give this one a test run before I can confidently promote it to others. My Email is:
Imran.altaf@gmail.com
Thanks Again!
Imran
Why Pocket Recorder?
First off, thank you so much to everyone who has purchased Pocket Recorder! We really appreciate the support and love that you are enjoying the app.
I know there are still some folks asking why Pocket Recorder? What is it, and what makes it different than what is already out there?
Pocket Recorder is an audio recorder. It allows you to record notes, lectures, training sessions, etc. and have the ability to name and store the recording on the phone while simultaneously having the option to sync it to other devices through cloud storage.
-DropBox cloud storage is an option, and not needed to make the app function. Recordings can be deleted individually or you can conveniently delete all recordings from your phone within the settings menu if you need storage room on your device. If you have chosen to sync the app, all your recordings will be backed up should anything happen to your device.
-There is no time limit to recording and it can continue in the background while you use your device. The same applies to playing back recordings, you can listen while you work.
-Recording titles can be edited and searched within the list. To add a title, a two finger double tap allows you to use dictation without having to search for the diction key. Alternatively use your connected Braille Display.
-Recordings export to .m4a and have fantastic quality. This is Apple’s Lossless Audio Format and the app uses the sound directly from the mic without added filters. These files can be played on many devices like BrailleNote, BrailleSense, Victor Stream and any computer.
-The app can also record using higher quality iPhone compatible microphones. (I have researched and tested the best available microphones and will post links to them in another post)
Pocket Recorder is simple, straight forward and efficient. I know other apps with these features currently exist and are accessible, but for most other apps, accessibility was an afterthought, if even a thought at all. Pocket recorder is different because this app was made for accessibility.
Yes, the app has a slightly higher price tag than some of the similar apps but there are no ads, no “Pro Version” and no in-app purchases. This is the app, and it will only improve with updates and positive user feedback!
So, if you want an audio recorder built from the ground up to be accessible as a powerful productivity tool on your iOS device, this is the app and Pocket Recorder was made for you.
Simplicity is great, good editing options would have been gold!
Hi.
The app sounds great, and simplicity and efficiency is really important in many recording situations.
I do agree With some of the comments in this thread: OK apps do excist already.
However, if Pocket Recorder can be developed to include an accessible and easy to use sound editor, this Product is Worth 10$! So far I havn't found really good sound editors (VoiceOver accessible). Twisted wave is perhaps one of the best. My experience is that these features are most important:
- Trim beginning and end of the recording
- Delete in the middle of the recording
- Adjust volum (especially boost)
Other effects typically found in SoundForge or other PC/Mac software would also have been OK of course, but less important. Really Advanced editing is probably more efficient on a computer With full Keyboards etc.
I do train other visually impaired (Im also blind) in Advanced topics, and this fall my Company will offer courses / training in audio/video recording, creating Advanced presentations With PowerPoint for iOS and more. I suppose you've had enough feedback, but I'm willing to test Pocket Recorder and if I like it: use it in Our courses. Maybe even support a translation into Norwegian.
Mail: morten@medialt.no
(Sorry, this was really written in a hurry, and my English is not too good - so hope it is understandable, even if both spelling and grammar are bad.)
Victor Stream?
I thought the Victor Reader Stream didn't support M4A files? am I wrong about this?
Verified
The New Generation Stream does play the files exported from Pocket Recorder. We record our training notes and give them to clients to play on their streams for practice when we leave. Just make sure to place the files in the "Other Books" folder on the stream.
Audio formats (Victor)
The Stream supported audio formats are MP3, wav, OGG Vorbis, or 3gp (AMR-WB+).
FAQ: http://www.humanware.ca/web/document/stream_faq_071102.htmcl
That's my point
M4A is not on that list. I've always worked on the basis that the stream didn't support M4A, which is why if I ever envisage playing something on a Stream I've had to export to Mp3 format. Well, it's not possible for both Andy and me to be right about this.
.m4a does work
As I said before, it has been verified that the .m4a files do indeed play on the stream. Maybe you need try it for yourself to confirm, but I assure you we have and do use Pocket Recorder's files on a stream.
I don't think this is the
I don't think this is the same app, but if it is it is ot in the US. I want to try this app to see if it is accessible, but sadly I get an error saying it is not in the us app store Here is the article of which I speak.
Take care.
pocket recorder
I've followed this thread, and dropvox already meets my needs, I get a tone indicating starting recording, I can record meetings and other things for hours, and when I get home, I can upload it to dropbox. It seems as though this app duplicates it, so when you're done uploading, the file is still in the app. From what I've read, it does not have anything different than what I've got. I can turn off uploading by not allowing it to access the cellular network which is good for uploading large files. I can record in mp3, where the other is m4a. The price tag doesn't attrack me, and I've known sweetman systems for years and respect the company.
differences with dropVox
Hello,
This app has many points common with Dropvox, but there are some differences:
1. You can listen to your recorder from the app, instead Dropvox can't reproduce it.
2. DropVox save your file as mp3, instead this app use M4a.
3. You can delete all recordings from Pocket Recorder, instead Dropvox can't do it.
4. Recordings made from pocket recorder have a great quality, the problem is that if you for example want to record a simple lesson at school, you will have a really great quantity of space on your iphone for the file. I really hope that the developer introduces in the future capability for selecting high quality or standard.
mp3 and m4a
Hi, thanks. As soon as the file is uploaded to dropbox, dropvox will delete it off the device as it considers it uploaded. It sounds like this app doesn't do that, it is still around. I appreciate the answer to my question, and I wish the developers luck. I'll monitor the thread, and if something I need comes up within this app that I think I need, I'd be happy to give the app a spin.
Dropvox does not do m4a? That
Dropvox does not do m4a? That sucks major. I like m4a as HRAAC is about half the size of an mp3 320kbps file but still sounds grate. Alsodoes dropvox do background recording? Thanks.
dropvox
Yes, I use it for background recording, by default it is off, but can be turned on in settings. The only two buttons are record and settings for dropvox. Think the price is $3 too, but don't remember off hand. I've held multiple recordings within it, once it is uploaded to dropbox, its off the device. I can use dropbox to play it if I need to. It auto names the file to dv and date and time stamps it. It does not do m4a, it does mp3 and wave. Can do stereo if a stereo mike is plugged in.
Pocket Recorder
Love the app! I do, however, have two files that simply won't upload to the Accessible Recorder folder. Is there a file length limitation? Also, I searched high and low to find Pocket recorder in Dropbox but finally found out it was indeed found in the Apps folder in the folder named "Accessible Recorder". Perhaps this could be mentioned in the documentation. And, yes, there are several recordings that were successfully uploaded to the folder.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I wanted to share the files with others. Thanks very much.
wave and dropvox?
Dropvox does wave? It says in the manual it does on the high quality setting mp3 44.1khz 80kbps mp3 for hq. I'm a bit confused here. Or did I simply misread the manual.
Update: I checked ad used the high quality setting and it does not do wave according to the manual. Where di dyou see it does this?
For @J.R. I just checked and
For @J.R. I just checked and dropbox does not do wave. Maybe it used to, but not anymore. At least, I can't find the setting.
Blessings and happy Tuesday
My belief
My belief was that it did mp3 and wave, and it was a setting. You could check with Steve to be sure, maybe I'm mistaken and that is always a possibility. I thought I saw an option for mp3 and wave in the quality section of the app in settings.
my mistake
My mistake then. Under a section of settings its mp3 and aac, not wave. My apologies. Thought I saw wave in there. Sorry about that!
Help with Uploading!
Hi, Andy.
Lynne again. Was wondering if there is indeed a limit to the lenth of recordings? Still no upload to Dropbox of two important files.
Thanks much for any help with this.
Hi Lynne
It sounds like you may need more room in your Dropbox for the files to upload, or you maybe the size of the recordings may need a more consistent internet connection in order to upload. Recording limit should not affect the ability to upload a file.
no aac either in dropvox
Actually under dropvox settings it's just mp3, no aac. This again according to the read me and a quick glance through the settings as I learn more about this app
Actually I believe dropbox
Actually I believe dropbox has a limit in the api of about 150mb. I remember there was a discussion in the forumsdropbox about this some time ago
secret settings
There is a way to see secret settings which is where I saw the setting for AAC. I learned about this option which could go away, but it can be accessed by double tapping and holding, and you'll see the format options I see. AAC is listed there, not in the main settings.
Pocket Recorder: SomeWishes For The Future
I find this to be a very nice program. I'd really love to enhancements: first, is it possible in a future release to provide for navigating around within a file that is being played back? Secondly, I would really appreciate the ability to add to an existing recording that I have completed.
Thanks to Sweetman Systems for developing this very accessible and usable program.