So, apparently BlindSquare is now free to all Canadians.

By Jo Billard, 21 May, 2021

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

At least that's what the email from the CNIB said, but when I went to the app store to download it, they still want $54. Ain't gonna happen. So, why say that it's free when it isn't? Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Maybe the app store is behind? I'm feeling really disappointed.

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Comments

By Patrick Bouchard on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 09:51

Perhaps it's something being funded by the CNIB or something affiliated with them? That's usually how that kind of thing works. I would contact them and ask. Still, I'm so glad I bought BlindSquare when it was like $12. Affordable without having to jump through hoops to get it for free.

EDIT: I found the announcement (hail Google). https://www.cnib.ca/en/news/cnib-and-blindsquare-announce-free-and-unexpired-access-blindsquare-all-canadians
It doesn't say how to get it though, so my recommendation to contact them stands.

By Butterbee on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 09:51

In order to access the service for free, you need the app called "BlindSq Event" (note that this is not a typo). This is because apps on the App Store cannot have country-specific pricing. Pricing differences between countries are determined by fixed exchange rates.

By Kelly Pierce on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 09:51

The only way Blind Square can do this is through its Blind Square Event app. It was developed to offer people attending a blindness convention or conference, such as NFB or ACB in America or Site village in the UK, a fully functional blind Square experience in the conference city. This enables people to preview the app, as Apple does not allow for free trials of paid apps. It is cool it is now available in Canada. The downside is that Canada likely has a geo fence so the app will likely not function outside Canada, such as when Canadians visit the United States.

By Jo Billard on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - 09:51

Thanks, everyone. I will just redownload it and see how it works. It didn't work in my area, but hopefully it will now. I might try using it more if it does.