With increased travel eminent, I looked for a comparison of the Seeing Eye app and BlindSquare. i couldn't find one any newer than about three years ago.
I'm wondering if there are folks on this list who have used both apps recently. If so, can you give me some information as to how the two compare?
I am a little in awe with the cost for the Seeing Eye app, but I know the reasons behind it. I'm just wondering if it is worth the increased monetary outlay. I know I'm the only one who can make that decision, but any comparison info would be helpful.
Thanks.
Keith
Comments
another one you forgot
another one you might want to add to your list is Nearby Explorer. personally I haven't used the IPhone version, but I baught the one for android, and if the IPhone one is as good as the android version, I would pick it over the seeing eye app. first of all there is a one-time cost, that is just under 100 dollars, wich is a lot less than seeing eye would be, and I think it is really good personally.
Re: Another One You Forgot
Thanks, Jarrod. I'm wondering if either of these apps offer a brief trial period before one makes the investment. I have been a BlindSquare user for quite some time, but really haven't experimented with anything else since the very early days of GPS solutions for the iPhone.
Hey there Keith. unfortunitly
Hey there Keith. unfortunitly I don't think they do. seeing eye might, or you could use it for one month and pay the monthly fee for one month. I know nearby explorer has a free version for android that you can get, but I don't think that one is on the IPhone sadly.
I think Seeing Eye might
I think Seeing Eye might offer a trial subscription or else I think they break it down into nominal payments. Don't quote me on that. Blind square always seems a little complex, I have it but haven't used it. Nearby explorer seems pretty good. Again, because I listen to a podcast, not testing it out myself, I have no way of jdging these apps. Blind square just seems tricky. Plus, having my Iphone six s plus, and later a seven or eight, I like the newer big ones, if the phone's in my purse over my shoulder zipped up that would be a problem. My belt clip is ok, but if you have a skirt or dress on, not feasable.
well I use both apps though
well I use both apps though admittedly I use rnib navigator which is the UK branded version, and I don't often use it for turn by turn navigation.
what I will say is that rnib navigator always gets my address slightly wrong it thinks I am at number 26 when I am sitting in my room, but blind square gets my location correct.
One thing to remember is that seeing eye offers turn by turn navigation and descriptive information about roads blind square doesn't offer direct turn by turn navigation though it can talk to some third party navigation apps though not seeing eye.
also blind square can only access some free data sources, I think I am right in saying that seeing eye has access to premium data which blind square doesn't.
I think the two apps can complement each other, as blind square also has an explore feature where you can run your finger over a virtual map and explore a place, rnib navigator doesn't really have this it has a look around wand but that's it. although I sometimes use blind square the lack of direct turn by turn navigation has always made me think of this app as a little pointless in terms of navigation it can help you get an idea of what's around you but for turn by turn you still need to use a third party app to get turn by turn directions. seeing eye does offer the option for I think its a months subscription I can't remember if they offer a free trial or not.
i agree with the first comment
Nearby Explorer will give you all of the info you request through your customized settings, which are much more flexible that with The Seeing Eye app, and it will do so with your screen locked. For a one time cost of $79.95, I don't think you're going to be able to beat it for a self contained GPS app for the blind. The only drawback is that, if you have an iDevice with a 16 gig capacity, space will be of major concern, because the onboard maps which you must download, will take slightly over 4 gigs of space.
Trial of SeeingEye App
Seeing Eye does, indeed, offer a trial period. I am in the process of evaluating it now. Thanks for all the great comments!
A feature I like
One feature that I find invaluable with BlindSquare is the ability to track your location. When I am traveling somewhere, I usually use an application like Google Maps to get near to my location, and then will activate BlindSquare, find the place I am going, and start tracking. Do either Seeing Eye or Nearby Explorer offer the ability to track your location as you're walking by distance and direction to tell you when you get to your location like BlindSquare does? Thanks.