ATSource now on Twitter.

If you would like to keep up with how the ATSource project is going, then keep checking back here, but you can now follow @ATSourceApp on Twitter for the most up to date information. I will have at atsource.info up soon as well, and then the iOS and Android versions will follow.

Next Project

Now that the first version of Blind Bargains for iOS is complete, I think the next project on the table for me will be a project I have wanted to make for a while, which is ATSource. ATSource will be a resource that lets blind, visually impaired, and sighted users find resources online for accessibility for mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and all variants of Android based devices. I will be asking many organizations content they would like to provide or contribute to this app, so if you are a provider of assistive technology, or are someone in the area of helping blind users work with their mobile device, then I m looking for you.

What will this app provide?

1) First, we will provide app links to many different assistive technology resource apps on these devices.

2) We will provide rss feeds to other resources on the net that will bring you the latest in blindness and assistive technology news.

3) We will give you links to organizations that sell products for the blind and visually impaired.

4) We will provide links to social outlets of these companies so you may connect with them to learn more and to contact someone for more information.

I hope everyone enjoys this new app when it is complete. I will have a better description up at the new home of ATSource at http://www.atsource.info

Blind Bargains for iOS

A few days ago, Blind Bargains from the A T Guys just released their new application for iOS and Android that brings excellent content for the blind and visually impaired to iOS and Android devices. As the developer, I really enjoy this app myself due to the content that these guys provide to the blind community. The app is accessible on both platforms, and as the developer for the iOS version, I too use and enjoy this app on a daily basis.

I urge everyone that is blind or visually impaired that uses one of these device types to download this new app from the iOS App Store or from the Google Play.

Say hey to HeyTell!

Since the creation of iOS and Android, users desired the ability to use push to talk functionality on their devices. HeyTell has been released to fulfill this requirement.

How does it work?

First, HeyTell asks you who you are by requesting that you pick yourself from your contact list. It is a good idea that you make sure you have your information in your contact list. Once you have identified yourself, then you can start using the app.

You will first need to know someone that uses HeyTell. If you do, find them in your contacts by selecting the select contacts button. Once you find the person’s name, you can double tap and select send via email or sms. Once they accept your friend request you can start talking to that person.

When you want to talk to someone, all you have to do is select that person in the conversations list and double tap and hold on the press to speak button. When you are done just let your finger go off the phone. Your message will be instantly sent, and the person can respond. the same way. You can also see previous messages by tapping the more info button near the person’s name, and there is an option to switch between speakers on the phone. HeyTell also has extras you can purchase to make the app do different things.

If you are not in the app when someone sends you a message, the app will get a push notification and alert you to a new message.

Observations

For one of the first apps of its kind, HeyTell is a very well designed app. The creator had VoiceOver users in mind and has labeled every button. I also understand that it is necessary to sometimes use iAd, but in this app the ad covers part of the conversation window which can make this area quite clutterd. I would also like to see group messaging, and forwarding be implemented, but I am sure these things will come in later. The interface to this app is very clean and basic, and I myself notice some of the techniques they used as I am an iOS developer myself. I think the creators followed the guidelines well, and I wish other iOS developers would do the same.

Conclusion

At a very low price tag of FREE, I think HeyTell is a must have if you prefer push to talk conversations. I have not had the chance to look at the Android version of this app, so if anyone would like to comment please do so. I am also working on an Android accessibility website called drainable.net, so once that is up I would like to get some good reviews of Android accessibility, and I think I will start with HeyTell.