Hello Fello Community members.
I have been experimenting with the Fleksy app for iOS for some time now, and I find it very difficult to use. I remember downloading the Fleksy VO app about a year ago when it was released. I have tested it out, and found it to be useful, however I can't seem to find it in the App Store. My guess is they took it off the store. My question is this. Why won't Fleksy developers bring back the Flekxy VO. app, but add the feature to use it as a third party keyboard like they did in the original version of Fleksy? Why did Fleksy become so visual oriented now? I thought the Fleksy team was all about accessibility, and making it easy for us blind folks to type more acrut and faster without using a bluetooth keyboard. I wonder if the developers of Fleksy would be willing to give there code to another developer and see if any other developers would like to take a stab at bringing back the Fleksy VO we love so much, but add the ability to use it as a third party keyboard like the original version of Fleksy. This might sound like a crazy idea, but I think it would be an awesome idea to see what happens. Some of you may not agree with me, but just trying to think outside the box here. I want to know if this is possible, and if someone would be willing to take on the challenge in bringing back the Fleksy VO. app, or at least put a mode in the original version of Fleksy that acts like the Flekxy Vo. app. Thanks in advance for reading.
Jay.
Comments
Fleksy updates
First, Fleksy VO was put out around three years ago if memory serves me correctly. Secondly, I agree that the VO version was certainly the most useable version of Fleksy for a while. However, the people who owned Fleksy have recently sold it, I believe, although I could be mistaken and it just went under. However, I believe they made their software coding available in case anyone wanted to make a third-party keyboard with Fleksy. You should do asearch on Applevis for Fleksy to learn more. It was good while it lasted, but I personally can't help but feel a slight bit of grim satisfaction that a company who openly came out in favor of supporting the blind community and stating that we were their number one priority is gone after the stunts they pulled. I don't wish them ill, but still.
I still use Flejsy VO
Hello,
It's funny you bring this up at this time, I have just reinstalled Fleksy VO on my iPhone 6 and I am using it. Typing works perfectly, however no text shows up on the screen while you're typing. When you go to the menu, the copy and delete operation works, email and messages works, but nothing else seems to work. It's a little fussy, but it's still types better than the iOS keyboard.
I do not understand why the typing on FlexsyVO was so superior than any other Version. It really worked extremely well. When they went to the onboard keyboard, it seem like everything fell apart.
I also heard that the app was sold, and the new owners are planning to make it an open source. Hopefully, in the near future, we will see new version of Fleksy that works for the visually impaired.
It would be nice. It seems
It would be nice. It seems unlikely however. When they first released Fleksy VO, the developers got quite a lot of negative feedback here and elsewhere. Users were unhappy at having a separate app for VoiceOver users. I think they were a bit taken aback by the reaction and Fleksy was never really the same again, which is a pity.
I believe they are now owned by Pinterest and there was something said about making their accessibility knowledge open source, but I don't know if that includes the keyboard. Their general keyboard technology I would imagine is quite valuable intellectual property. The announcement I read wasn't very specific.
it is real sad
Fleksy used to be a great app. I do not know why they felt they needed to go the way of visual looks and all that junk. When they created the Fleksy VO app, I did not even get it, because at that point, I was unwilling to support a developer who clearly was not keeping up the standards they set. Some would say that I'm mean, but I have values. Sure, they created a separate app, but where are they now? if I could, I would get my 15 dollars back. It's a sad thing that i am writing such a poor statement about an app, that 6 years ago, I would have given six out of five stars if I could. Consequently, I am not as willing to spend money on apps right away. Developers really need to show their commitment to accessibility before I will chip in.