WayAround Tag and Scan

Description of App

WayAround is the app for your smart device that provides on-demand details about everyday things. The simple tag-and-scan approach lets you quickly and easily identify things around you. It also provides extra details, like how something works or when it expires.
This app uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which is the same feature as Apple Pay. WayAround Tag and Scan uses NFC technology to allow you to use different types of stickers, magnets, buttons, and clips to label things in your home or office. These WayTags have the NFC chips in them, and once you download the app you can either use your Apple NFC reader, or a WayLink device from WayAround.
You don't have to line up the camera or wait for a bar code to scan, you simply get near the WayTag you have placed on an item and it will read you what you programmed it to read aloud using the app. There is a general description area, and then specifics that you can fill in using their form fields. For example, you can sew a completely waterproof tag into a shirt and when you scan it, you could have labeled it "blue button up shirt-wash cold-hang dry-purchased June 1, 2017". Or, you could place a magnet on the fridge with a note for a roommate programmed on it, and re-program it later.
It is completely accessible with Voice Over, and was created to benefit and assist the independence of the visually impaired (but really could be utilized by anyone).

Version

1.0.3

Free or Paid

Free

Apple Watch Support

Device(s) App Was Tested On

iPhone

iOS Version

11.2.5

Accessibility Comments

WayAround Tag and Scan is completely accessible with Voice Over. All things are labeled and the effort to make the focus go to logical places is much appreciated. The app is very user friendly for high contrast and other visual alterations as well. It is intuitive and simple once you understand the product and what you need to purchase to take advantage of the app.
The programmers made an effort to test altered gestures, Braille displays, and a simple aesthetic to make this not only accessible for those with loss of vision, but other disabilities as well. Plus, they are very responsive to comments, feedback, and questions.

VoiceOver Performance

VoiceOver reads all page elements.

Button Labeling

All buttons are clearly labeled.

Usability

The app is fully accessible with VoiceOver, but the interface could be easier to navigate and use.

Other Comments

This is an amazing app that has a lot of potential to be a staple in the home and office. As more people experience vision loss and do not read Braille this is a fantastic and economical way to replace cumbersome labels. It also has the promise of expanding to other areas, such as navigation and universal design. My only comment is not really one that can be easily fixed with assistive technology. The hardest part is understanding initially what this app is and how the WayTags that go with it work. The website is very helpful though, and as I mentioned the staff are very responsive.

App Store Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wayaround-tag-and-scan/id1294361140

Developer's Website

http://www.WayAround.com

Developer's Twitter Username

@WayAroundTools

Recommendations

2 people have recommended this app

Most recently recommended by solan 6 years 7 months ago

Options

Comments

Tip to secure oval hole buttons

These Velcro ties: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E1Y5O6/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 work very well with WayAround's oval hole buttons for tagging cables or anything else the tie can be wrapped around along with the button.

Cool Idea

Thanks, that's a very cool idea. We started selling these tags on A.T. Guys and it's been quite interesting to follow the various ways people are using them.

Apple Watch?

Hi! I'm seriously concidering ordering some tags and giving this a try! Looks really neat!
But I'm already suspecting that it sooner or later will become rather tedious to have to whip out my iPhone and unlock it, and then find the app and open it, and probably having to locate the scan button first, everytime I need to find out quickly what secrets a tag is hiding from me. :)..
So that's why I'm wondering if there's any plans of making an Apple Watch companion app for this app? The app entry says "no" on Apple Watch, but it seems to have been posted a while ago, so many things could have happened in the meantime.
I can't see why NFC based tags in theory shouldn't work just as fine using an Apple Watch as the reader as an iPhone, since the Apple Watch must have NFC capabilities also for using Apple Pay. There may be limitations in API's that I'm not aware of, but I thought I'd check anyway.
It would be awesome having such an app available on my Watch, which I'm wearing on my wrist all day, already unlocked and ready for action every hour of the day :)
I imagine a watch face complication would make for even faster access when needing to scan tags really quick.
If not this app, is anyone aware of any similar apps that use NFC tags and also has an Apple Watch app?
Oh and a short additional question at the end: Does anyone know if there is one place selling these tags that will ship to Norway?
Looking forwards to any answers, cause this looks very interesting, and I'm pretty damned tired of not being sure of what clothes I'm wearing everyday without having sighted assistance! ;)
All the best

Re: Apple Watch

I know it's not available now for the watch, but the app is always being updated. I'm with you on any way to cut down on the number of steps. We do ship internationally from the A T Guys site.

WayAround

If you would like a product that is practical and up to date, then you will benefit from WayAround. There is no clunky device to manipulate, there is only your cell phone and the stylish waytags that you will affix to products using a rubber band or the tags own design; some of which are magnets, stickers or buttons. Download the app and get started on creating a tag by writing a description of the product which might include whether or not the item can be washed in warm water, or when it expires. With VoiceOver turned on, the description is read upon contact. It is all so very easy to use. Give it a try! The product is well worth it!

I don't use the watch but I

I don't use the watch but I echo the commenter who said an apple watch app woudl be useful, or at least an apple watch complecation

Thanks and Watch

Candice,
Thanks for the nice review, I'm glad you're enjoying the product. I think the many types of tags is one of the big advantages over other systems.

KE7ZUM on ,
I passed on your comments. How would you envision a complication working or being of benefit to the app?

As the watch has an NFC ship

As the watch has an NFC ship, I think? Then putting yoru rist i the fridge and holdign it up to a tg is easier than the phone. I picture that, I'm not sure that would work. But it would be worth a try.

Way around Is the Best!

after trying several systems to label clothing and household items, I found the Way Around System to be THE BEST. it consists of your iPhone, the Way Around app, and a variety of adhesive labels, clips and buttons to choose from. simple and intuitive. There are Manny YouTube videos that explain Waze to use the products and step-by-step instruction on using the app. The Way Around Team (including sales, marketing/development and technical assistance) get the highest marks for fantastic customer service, prompt, helpful and considerate. I suggest starting off by buying a "sample pack" which includes one of each of the tags/labels/clips/buttons, and you can test them out and decide what will work best for you. Personally, I use mostly the oval hole buttons, which I affix to my clothes using 1.5 inch safety pins; these buttons are machine washable, so it makes laundry sorting a breeze. I am also discovering many ways to use the adhesive labels and magnetic tags, too. I also purchased a Way Link Device, which helps scan through items a bit faster. 100% accessible with voiceover.