I'm not of sound mind. I do not own a decent microphone and I am not an audio engineer. I do not record music or podcasts. I simply have thousands of audio files, captured and collected over a lifetime, that sometimes need just a bit of attention.
I have been on a personal quest for the perfect subset of iPhone apps. I have found wonderful productivity tools that allow me to read, write, and research -- all through my iPhone. Still, a few solutions have eluded the allure of going…
Welcome to the February 2016 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy in the accessible app landscape. Below, you'll find a recap of the best content posted to AppleVis - from new app entries, to app updates, to podcasts and blogs. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
In this post I would like to focus on the topic of social media, and how you can use the said medium on your iOS device with VoiceOver. I also want to dispel any misconceptions that social media is a complete no-go area for members of the blind or visually impaired community.
Social media is often subject to a lot of negative press and criticism, and in some cases such coverage and opinion is justified. However, I believe that social media is a fantastic…
For a long time, I've wanted an Apple Watch. I held back for several reasons, not the least of which was because I didn't know if it was worth the money. When a tiny little watch costs around the same price as the latest iPad, it gives one pause. If you're in the same boat, I hope this post will be of some use. If you've never wanted an Apple Watch at all, I encourage you to read on. I've been as fair and unbiased as I can be, so you'll find plenty of criticism and honest…
I really meant to finish reorganizing my home office last month. I like things orderly. I pulled everything out of my office closet with the intention of throwing just a few things away. Not a good idea. Now my treadmill is stacked with random boxes and unmatched luggage. My stationary bike has become a temporary home for my displaced leashes, coats, and sweaters. My desk is in there, cleverly hidden under uprooted technology, Braille magazines, and cables galore. I do not dare bend over to…
Welcome to the January 2016 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy in the accessible app landscape. Below, you'll find a recap of the best content posted to AppleVis - from new app entries, to app updates, to podcasts and blogs. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
We are pleased to announce the people who are the founding members of our new AppleVis Podcast Team. Each person brings a wealth of podcasting and Apple product experience to the table, and we are sure that they will help to make the AppleVis Podcast an even more informative voice in the space that we occupy.
The founding members of the AppleVis Podcast Team are:
Apple has today released tvOS 9.1.1 for the fourth-generation Apple TV, bringing with it bug fixes, performance tweaks and a new Podcasts app.
According to MacRumors, tvOS 9.1.1 focuses on under-the-hood improvements and the addition of the new Podcast app.
No release notes are currently available from Apple, so the complete list of improvements and changes in this update is unknown.
…
Apple has today released iOS 9.2.1 to the public, bringing a number of bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements to the operating system.
According to Apple's release notes via MacRumors, iOS 9.2.1 includes:
security improvements and bug fixes, including a fix for a significant Mobile Device Management issue that affected enterprise customers.
Based on our testing…
Apple has today released OS X El Capitan 10.11.3, bringing with it a series of bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements.
According to Apple's release notes via MacRumors, “OS X 10.11.3 includes unspecified bug fixes and security updates”.
Based on our testing of the betas which preceded this public release, it does not appear as though there are any accessibility-specific improvements in OS X El…
Update, 01/24/2016, 18:00 PST: Applications for the AppleVis Podcast Team have now closed. All applicants will be notified of our decision no later than 18:00 PST on Sunday, January 31, 2016. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who applied.
We would like to extend an invitation to members of the AppleVis community to become a founding part of our new Podcast Team.
This is an exciting opportunity for experienced podcasters to share their…
Update #2: Please see this further follow-up comment from a member of our Editorial Team for their personal response to the reaction of some to this decision.
Update #1: Please see this comment from a member of our Editorial Team for clarifications and answers to user-submitted questions about this change.
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Until 3 or 4 years ago, I did most of my financial dealings over the phone or using my bank’s website. Although more recently I have used the app for 99 percent of my dealings involving finances (in fact, I prefer the app more than the website), the app has some problems. Due to the world population going more mobile than ever before, financial institutions as well as other industries are forced to embrace the digital age or get left behind. But what is the result…
This blog post is going to focus on providing an overview of creating a website, and discussing the usability and accessibility of the WordPress software. For those who feel they do not have the technical skills required to complete such a task, don't worry, it is very easy to create a website on the internet.
The entire process of creating a website can be completed in a matter of minutes, as there are only 3 necessary steps. The first and second step are by…
My digital world is beautiful, in large part, because I have been able to collect and protect the memories and experiences of a lifetime. I have huge electronic piles of my own writing, sound files from when my son was growing up, a massive library of accessible books, along with thousands of old radio shows and other valued mementos. I have recordings of my brother and sisters singing "The Signs of New Math" in the mid-1960's and I have oral histories of both my parents. I have audio…
Welcome to the December 2015 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy in the accessible app landscape. Below, you'll find a recap of the best content posted to AppleVis - from new app entries, to app updates, to podcasts and blogs. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
Last year, I did a detailed round-up of Apple rumors for 2015. I had so much fun writing that post that I wanted to do it again this year, especially with all the exciting things (possibly) in the pipe. Here, then, is your 2016 Apple rumors round-up as of right now… Warning: there’s some really cool stuff…
We are pleased to announce the results of the fourth annual AppleVis Golden Apple Awards.
Since their launch in 2012, the AppleVis Golden Apple Awards have afforded blind and low vision users an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication which developers have put into making great and accessible iOS and OS X applications during the given year.
To be shortlisted for this year's Golden Apple Awards, apps must:
AppleInsider is reporting on claims coming out of Japan that the Apple Store will begin selling accessibility-related peripherals and accessories for OS X and iOS devices in early 2016.
According to this report, there is no information on what actual products will be featured:
It is not yet clear what products or product categories…
We are pleased and excited to announce that voting for the AppleVis Golden Apple Awards of 2015 is now open. Read on to see which apps and developers have been shortlisted and to cast your own votes.
The AppleVis Golden Apple Awards is our community's opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication which developers have put into making great and accessible iOS and OS X applications over the last twelve months.
To be eligible for consideration for the…