Just released in the App Store is Viskey, an alternate iOS keyboard for low vision users from the developers of the highly regarded MBraille.
Viskey brings you an easy to use and accessible keyboard without sacrificing modern features. You can enjoy spelling support, auto-correction and capitalization. Existing text can be reviewed with an unmatched zoom using cursor keys.
Features include:
- Cursor keys
- Spell Check
- Auto-Correction
- Auto-Capitalization
- System Shortcuts
- User Dictionary
- Configurable black on white.
- Optional key popup with a BIG font.
To mark the launch of Viskey, the developer has very kindly given us a number of promo codes to give away to members of our community.
Although Viskey is accessible with VoiceOver, it’s target user is typically somebody with low vision. So, please consider this and take a look at the list of features mentioned above before entering this competition, as we want to be sure that the promo codes will go to people most likely to get the most from this app.
Like most promo code giveaways on AppleVis, the deal is simple; get your name in our virtual hat and see if it gets pulled out.
To enter to win one of the promo codes, please send an email to [Competition Now Closed] with “viskey” as the subject.
This contest will close at 11:59pm PDT on Sunday, June 7, 2015. Winners will be selected at random and notified by email.
As always, our usual competition rules apply and can be read here.
Comments
First impressions
Being that this was being marketed towards low-vision users, I went ahead and downloaded this app to my iPad Mini 2 and my iPhone Six Plus. I added the keyboard in my settings and tried it on both devices. I will say that it does in fact, provide a larger keyboard. This, I appreciate.
I only have several comments on its use. On the iPhone Six Plus, it's great. I actually love it and can see it clearly. I would add that there should be an additional option to turn off the label when pressing a letter. A large bubble with the letter appears and can clutter your view while typing. Make this an option for the user.
The second thing I wish this app had was the ability to engage the voice-to-text. From what I can tell, it doesn't appear on my Viskey keyboard. Would be nice if that was left there.
Last but not least, could this keyboard be scaled? When I launched it in the Apple iPad Mini 2, I went to the iMessage app and when Viskey popped up, it took over three quarter of my screen. If it was scalable to size, that would make this keyboard even more desirable and attractive.
Re: First impressions
You can turn off the bubble pop-up. In the Viskey app itself, go to settings and key-popup is the first option.
As to dictation, unfortunately Apple does not offer that capability to third party keyboards yet.
Harri (Viskey & MBraille author).