Description of App
Blindfold Video automatically records a video as soon as it starts.
We've had lots of people ask for a video recorder that starts recording automatically.
Using the iPhone Video Camera in voice-over mode can be burdensome, especially when it's critical to record something, or you are highly stressed.
For example, recording a video helps you when:
Another dog attacks your guide dog.
Someone is denying you service because of your vision impairment.
You feel you are in danger.
Comments
What maikes this app better than ...
Hey.
So, what is this apps advantage over the native ios workaround which is tap your phones home button, swipe left ones to get to the camera screen and hit the volume up button to start recording a video or photo? You can even set the slider to the position you want it way in advance so if you are coming into a critical situation, you won't even need to do that.
BTW, respect for you if your guide dog gets attacked and you go like "Ok, let's get my phone out, let's unlock it, let's find the app, oh wait, in which folder was it again ..., ah shit, the other dog is gone already."
advantage of BlindFold video
I can see your point, IE you don't even have to unlock the screen to take video. That said, if you are one who struggles for the slider for any reason and you did not set it to video, because you didn't plan for the critical situation, I can see where opening an app that automatically records would be helpful. And, if you put it in a place that's easy to get to and not inside of a folder, you could open it relatively easily. I myself, for testing purposes, (no I did not need to take video in an emergency thankfully), put it on the outside of one of the rows on my first page of apps, that I know I can get to easily with home, and if I drag my finger down the side of the screen I'll be able to target it quickly. That said, if you are comfortable with the camera feature, it definitely works just as easily, as I discovered as I played with it a bit. Options are good so anyone can easily get critical video when/if needed. Unfortunately, we live in times when this is a very valuable tool that you never know when you'll need.
Possible improvements to a decent app.
First, it seems as though if you are in the main screen of the app when you close it it will open again on that screen when you reopen it instead of starting to record a video automatically. Secondly, it would be really great if there were an option to note starting and stopping video recording by vibration. Example, two quick vibrations when recording is started and 3 when stopped instead of announcing recording stopped out loud . I could see using this app anytime I want to record something instead of having to wade through the screen to make sure all of the correct options are chosen.
start recording on start-up
If you look in settings and/or on the main screen, there is an option to turn on automatic recording. You do have to record one video, I guess to make sure all is running right, but then you can turn that feature on. I think it says something like start on menu screen, and you can turn that off, which starts auto-recording. Then, if you remove the app from the switcher and restart it, you should find it starts recording on launch. If my directions did not make sense, this is also explained in the user guide.
I can see how this might be useful but...
I can see how this app might be useful in some situations. but your guide dog being attacked by another dog, or you being attacked for that matter, might not be one of them. There's also the issue that sometimes you just might not be able to record a video where you are for whatever reason.
main screen
If you set it to record upon start, you won't go to the main screen.
I originally thought to use vibration, but one of the testers thought it would generate too much noice that would lose some sound. That's why I picked a very short ting sound. People should tell me if they want me to add that option.
it's all about choice
When we think of apps that make our lives easier/more efficient, the key thing to consider is choice. Yes, the camera does the same thing, but I don't find it as intuitive, and I didn't see that the slider stayed in the same place. So I have the *choice* to use a different application if I so choose.
My friend uses the camera on her phone when she orders Uber or Lyft rides in case of denial. An app like the one we are discussing is going to be an amazing tool for her.
You never know when you are going to need to be able to quickly make it to that camera.
there is room for more than one tool in one's arsenal.
OK as it is
I would not change the sound. The vibration would be too noisy. Your are correct.
Need some tweaks to be more value to me
Great idea would like to see the following:
One, why do I need to sign up with email before I set up the app
Two, I’m not sure why users are against haptic feedback. if I am drawing my iPhone from my pocket, I would love to know via sense of touch that the app is enabled, who gives a crap if a small haptic punch is registered on the video itself… This is not for shooting HomeMovies, this is for quick & easy video capture
3, I would like to see an option whereby a video is automatically uploaded to the cloud. dropbox, Google Drive, I cloud drive etc. etc. if I am being mugged or there is a situation where I might also lose my phone I could then have access to some video for future viewing.
As usual thanks kid friendly games awesome!
Is there a way to get back to
Is there a way to get back to the main page after recording a video? Vo just goes silent after you are finish recording.
Main menu
On some iphones, you need to switch to app switcher and then back again for voice over to be enabled. It's a bug in iOS. I may have a workaround that I will try
Why ...
Since the app is free, asking for your email seems reasonable. I will add you to the email list for my blog.
Haptic feedback will make a lot of noise during the recording. We tried that during testing.
I may add auto upload in the future if enough people want it
Same question
I have the same question. Frustrating
I agree about feedback.
Though I do not want this app, I do agree haptik feedback is a must. Like someone said, who cares about a noise? Plus I wonder if a phone is in a case such as the otterbox, how will that muffle the haptick sound? Plus, if you want to be discrete about recording, not hearing voice over anounce to the world, "I'm recording a video!!" would be helpful.
Haptic Feedback...
Haptic feedback would be pretty neet. As others have said I don't think this would be used to shoot a top-notch video. just something quick and dirty. I would also agree with the VoiceOver announcement. Having VO announce that "I'm recording a video" is most definitely not what one would want if one is trying to remain covert or something.
Try it first
People should try the app before rejecting how its done now.
Auto upload would be great.
I like this app, I also agree with the 3rd point of post #9. Good point Rocker!
Should try the app.
I get you want people to experience the app as it is. But if more then one person, to my calculation it's at least four or five, want this, why resist? I'm not about to download an app I have no use for. I was merely suggesting an improvement. If you're in an attack situation, or perhaps you and your significant other wanna... The less time wondering if it's recording then knowing for sure the app is, is just simple. As i said, it was a suggestion, no big deal. If it works for those who use it, fine. I personally enjoy as little disruption as possible. Good luck with that.
one possible downside to blindfold video
When deciding whether to download or use Blindfold Video, be aware that, the first time you open the app after downloading, none of its features will be accessible until you provide your e-mail address so you can be sent weekly e-mails. Regardless of where you tap, it keeps asking you for your e-mail. I found this too intrusive, so chose not to use the app.
It's not intrusive
You are under no obligation whatsoever to provide a legitimate email address. However, don't you want to know about new Blindfold games, or to get the inside scoop on the development and distribution process?
Email address
This app is free. Since nothing in life is really ever free the small thing I ask is that you provide your email address, so I can send you weekly emails about the new games and apps I'm building for you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Weekly emails
Why does someone HAVE to put in their email address? You have not done this before. I'm not saying you're doing anything dishonest, just that others you've set an alert if we need help contact you. why not just agree to that, then the functions of the app can be used? I'm sure this video ap will be good for those who want to use it. I also realize you are taking a lot of time an effort into putting this and other games together. You can't please everyone, it just seems that since the video release there are now some questions as to why your M.O. has differed slightly. again, not a slam just putting in my two cents.
Automatic recording
If it runs automatically on start-up, couldn't you say "hey seri, open app name"? Closing the app could stop recording and begin uploading to dropbox or some other cloud location.
Bill13
response to comment
good afternoon, i didn't mind submitting my email address to blindfold video:) I think marty rocks and his stuff is groovy:)
Why email
I did a random survey and found most people didn't even know I had a blog. Since I created the app for free - all the other games have upgrades that about 5% of the people who download eventually purchase - it doesn't seem a big burden to give me something in exchange for it. I won't be sharing or selling anyone's information; it's simply to let me reach people through email.
Good idea
I have to say that this app is a great idea, and I will definitely be downloading and using it.
Replying to comment 16
Good morning
@16, seriously dude? Almost everyone who commented till now would like to see a taptic feedback instead of a voice over announcement and you have nothing better than to snap at people like a todeler who lost his toy?
That's what I will customer support ... not.
And, not every free app wants you to register with an E-Mail address, I don't see a point in doing this just to receive a news letter, for those who want to use the app, I would suggest using one of those trash mail providers, these things must be good for a reason.
Greetings Moritz.
Email pushback
As always, I've heard from another people to change my mind. Email in the next version will be optional.
Stop complaining
For everyone who is complaining about putting in your email address
You need to recognize that he has made this app free and all that he asks for us to do is put in our email. I have personally signed up for the newsletter. In my opinion, I look forward to getting the emails, opening them, and reading what is new in the blindfold games. It’s not like he’s going to sell your email to companies like some do . I also want to compliment you on how many games you have made for the community. It wasn’t easy to make all of these games.
You're right on a couple of points.
First, absolutely no one is disputing how much hard work, effort and probably money has gone into these games. It does make sense he needs to make some back on whatever he can. I myself, have purchased packs for some of the games, when I am interested i certainly do so. The disagreement with the email address is simple, we didn't have a choice. That's all some of us wanted. Yes, I would feel the same if this were blindfold sea battle, or travel cards, or runner, or any other number of titles. We just wanted the ability to say yes we want to share our email, no we don't Given the backlash, he is choosing in my estimation, to decide not to do that again. I am not alone in saying that I respect his well earned place in what he's done for us. I do not even want this video app, I'm just simply answering the question of do we want our email addressR\ given out? i did not. If you like reading ever email, fantastic. We have a right to ask for another choice. Rest assured, if there is something I am interested I will most definitely show download and given I have finacial backing, I will support the developer.
Email address
As always, I've heard from another people to change my mind. Email in the next version will be optional.