About BlindSquare

BlindSquare is a solution that makes use of the latest features available in smartphones to aid the blind and visually impaired in their daily lives. It has been developed and tested in close cooperation with blind and visually impaired users. BlindSquare is available for iPhone and iPad in the App Store.Using your iOS-device’s GPS capabilities, BlindSquare determines your location and looks up information about your surrounding on Foursquare and Open Street Map. It then ascertains the information most useful to you and speaks it in a clear, synthetic voice. It can inform you about shops, restaurants, public buildings, and parks in your vicinity. It will also tell you when you approach a street intersection. You can use it to determine the address of your current location, find places of interest near you, get alerted when you reach places, and save your own places in BlindSquare. You can also use BlindSquare in conjunction with other navigation apps such as Navigon, TomTom, the free Google Maps, and the iOS maps app installed on each iOS-device. These third-party apps can provide spoken turn-by-turn directions, while BlindSquare can inform you about your surrounding and upcoming street intersections.

BlindSquare can go a long way towards helping you to travel more independently, but it will never substitute good orientation and traveling skills. GPS-readings can be unreliable depending on the quality of your GPS-reception. Be sure to use your best judgment when deciding if BlindSquare’s information is correct in a given situation.

BlindSquare is $39.99 in the App Store.  

http://www.blindsquare.com

20 Ways To Stop iOS 11 Battery Drain!

 
20 Ways To Stop iOS 11 Battery Drain! iOS 11 has been a huge source of frustration for many users due to its battery life. In this video we take a look at 20 ways to stop the consistent battery drain that you may have been experiencing on iOS 11. Any questions, comments, concerns, please be sure to go ahead and leave them in the comment section of this video. As always, thank you for watching and be sure to be well and peace 🙂

iOS 8 Accessibility Roundup: More Accessible Than Ever

iOS 8 builds on existing accessibility features to offer some exciting new possibilities for iOS users with disabilities. Many websites will have general information about iOS 8, but this post will focus on accessibility related changes to iOS. iOS 8 includes new keyboard options, improved text-to-speechvoices, improved Guided Access features, and improved Siri functionality among other accessibility related features. Apple can always add or alter features before the general release. The new operating system will be available this fall for the general public.

QuickType and Keyboard

Apple’s iOS 8 will include a built in predictive keyboard called QuickType. This new software keyboard will predict words for the user as they type. Once the word you want to enter appears in the suggestion bar above the keyboard, you simply tap it to insert that word. This feature will cut down on key strokes needed to enter words which will benefit people with dexterity challenges. QuickType even takes context into account so if your typing an email it will suggest more formal language that if you are writing a text message. QuickType will be similar to the Co:Writer app, but will work across all apps on your devices.

In addition to Apple’s own QuickType keyboard, iOS 8 will allow third-party developers to develop keyboards for system wide use. For example, Fleksy could be updated to work with every app on the iPhone or iPad. This flexibility gives users with different abilities the opportunity to switch keyboards to one that fits their needs. For users who are blind or visually impaired downloading the fast and accessible Fleksy keyboard may allow them to more easily enter text.

Health

iOS 8 takes big steps to help people manage data associated with their health. Users can input data into the health app through third-party health monitoring devices like a blood pressure reader or through apps. This data can then be automatically shared with doctors and other health care professionals to help insure timely and appropriate care. For instance, if a blood pressure or glucose reading was outside of a normal range, a doctor could be automatically alerted. This could help people with chronic conditions live more independently especially in their later years.

The health app will include another life saving feature called “in case of emergency card.” This information card will be accessible from the lock screen and will allow first responders and emergency room doctors important health information in the case of an emergency. The card can include a photo, medical conditions, allergies, current medications, and more all to give life saving information to emergency medical personnel.

Family Sharing

Family sharing will allow families with multiple iOS 8 devices to manage their iOS devices more harmoniously. Parents will be able to set up home sharing to monitor their child’s physical location or to share purchased content from the iTunes store among members of the family. Children will also have to ask parents permission before purchasing an app.

Spotlight Search

Spotlight search is an existing feature in iOS 7, but in iOS 8 it gets supercharged. Spotlight in iOS 8 will give Siri-like answers. Unlike Siri, which uses voice input, spotlight uses text input. This new form of input gives users with speech impairments the ability to type, instead of speak, queries and get meaningful results.

Touch ID

iOS 8 improves Touch ID by allowing third-party apps to unlock information using just a user’s fingerprint. Touch ID is currently used for unlocking your device and making iTunes purchases. This feature already is great for blind users because it offers secure authentication without having to type, which can be a slower process with VoiceOver. In iOS 8, the ability to access third-party apps with just a finger print will expand on the already very accessible Touch ID feature of iOS 7.

Siri

iOS 8 will also bring improvements to Siri. Most notably, users will be able to activate Siri hands-free by saying “Hey, Siri.” This new hands-free voice command may benefit people that have trouble activating the home button. This always listening feature is similar to Google’s advanced voice search.

iOS 8 will also offer faster dictation that appears on screen as you speak. This new feature will prusumably work with Siri and in app dictation.

Much More

iOS 8 will also include features that Apple did not have time to fully preview during their keynote. The first one included in the keynote was “Braille Keyboard for direct 6-dot Braille input.” Other accessibility related features include the ability to use the advanced and high quality Alex voice. The Alex voice is currently available for the Mac and many users enjoy its high quality. iOS 8 will also include improved zoom for accessibility, but no further details on this feature where offered.

iOS 8 will also include some enhancements to Guided Access. Guided Access is a feature that locks a user into a single app. This is great for teachers administering tests on an iPad or parents of kids who are easily distracted. In iOS 8, users will be able to use Touch ID to exit from Guided Access. Users will also be able to use time limits and countdown timers to control Guided Access.

Another feature listed is “Speak screen,” a somewhat mysterious feature than did not garner any further explanation from Apple. Speak screen may be a brand new accessibility feature or maybe unrelated to accessibility, but the name seems to imply some link to accessibility.

How do I clean my AirPods?

Protect your investment with regular cleanings and good aural hygiene. Dropping $160 on a pair of wireless earbuds in a dental-floss-sized case is no small decision. If you decided to spring for a pair of AirPods, you’re going to want to take good care of them so they’ll last you a couple rounds of iPhone upgrades. After all, these ones don’t come bundled in the box. Here’s how you clean your AirPods and keep ’em clean! With dirt, dust, lint, grime, ear wax, and more constantly finding its way onto your glossy white AirPods, you’re definitely gonna want to clean them from time to time. Consistency is your friend, friend: The best way to ward off long-lasting grime is by preventing it from building up. Clean and clean regularly.

Carry a microfiber cloth

Get a little microfiber cloth and keep it on your person or store it wherever you charge your AirPods. Give your AirPods (and the case if you want) a quick buff every couple days.

If you happen to spot an offending smudge, go ahead and wipe it away.

You can pick up a six pack of microfiber cleaning cloths from Amazon and be set for life … or at least the life of your AirPods! Do not use hand sanitizer on your AirPods. You risk damaging the polish — or worse, the electronics. Instead, a little bit of water (purified is better than tap) on a cloth can help you wipe away the grease and grime.

As much as I wish Apple’s AirPods were a seamless piece of plastic, they’re not. And the tiny, tiny little cracks and crevices start to fill up with dust, grime, etc. When a cloth-polish just won’t do, you’ve gotta get up close and personal.

I find a cotton swab is great for a thorough cleaning of your AirPods. Whether you’ve got ear wax clinging to the speaker grilles or dirt in the seams, a cotton swab will usually do the trick.

Lastly, if you’ve got a particularly stubborn smudge that won’t wipe away from the surface of your AirPods, you might try giving it a quick swipe or four with a rubber eraser. The rubber will pull the mark from the surface of your AirPods.

A word of warning, though: Don’t get lazy! Check on your little Pod Pals from time to time to make sure they’re not collecting grime.

https://youtu.be/arw-OUhx9Rw

Here is my review of my new BumpKase by NutKase.com

Hello my name is Chelsea and I want to tell you about my New iPad case called BumpKase

 by NutKase.com

Being a visually impaired person I have had a few issues with judging exactly if I have placed an item on a bed, counter or dresser. I have had a few times where I have missed the mark. And was extremely concerned if I have damaged what I have dropped. 

  I have been looking for a durable case for my iPad and  I have found the one that will give me that protection I want.

I have been using his case for about one week and it is the best drop proof case ever to protect my iPad! It’s excellent quality with sleek design & it’s made of rugged TPU and has double protected corners so if it drops it is safe! Plus it has a unique hand strap which allows me to hold it in one hand, & it comes in great colours! You will love it! Connecting headphones & plugging it in to charge is super easy, the ports are clearly delineated and very easy to use. It has a magnetic cover for sleep wake mode, and folds nicely into standing position & landscape mode. 

Another nice feature is that there is a clear pocket for a card with your name/phone number/address and email address. This will be beneficial for people knowing who the device belongs to.

 I know at times that money is extremely tight. And when you purchase an item you don’t always plan on purchasing accessories and a mediately. But when you purchase a expensive I am such as an iPad it is extremely important to consider purchasing a case to protect your investment.  

So if you have an iPad or considering getting one I would extremely recommend checking out this company. They also have a case for laptops.

How to Turn Off the Passcode Screen in iOS 7

When you upgraded your iPhone or iPad to iOS 7, you were asked to enter a passcode during the setup process. Then, when the setup was complete, your device now requires this code to be entered every time you use it.

Having a passcode on your device does provide some added security that will keep someone from using your device without your permission. Additionally, if your device is lost or stolen, someone can not access the Settings on your device to disable the Find My iPhone features that allow you to locate the device and remotely wipe the data on the device.

However, there are instances where someone may not want to have this level of security on their device. If you installed iOS 7 and now have to enter a code to use your device, it can easily be removed.

Disable the Passcode

Open the Settings app and select Passcode.

 

You will be asked to enter your code.

 

After entering your code, you will see the Turn Passcode Off option at the top of the window. Select this option and you will again be asked to enter your code.

 

After entering the code this one last time, the passcode function will now be disabled for the device. You will know the function has been disabled because the screen will now display the Turn Passcode On option. The next time the device goes to sleep mode, it can be awakened and used without entering a code.

 

Keep the Passcode But Lessen the Pain

If you like the added security of a passcode, but don’t like entering it every time you use the device, try changing the frequency in which a code is required. With the passcode function enabled, tap on Require Passcode. Here you will have the option of selecting when a code is required after a certain period of inactivity. Shorter times provide a higher level of security than longer times.

What If I Haven’t Installed iOS 7 Yet?

If you haven’t installed iOS 7 yet and wish to avoid setting a code on your device, there is an option to skip the passcode during the setup process. It is easy to overlook, so pay close attention when asked to enter a code.

 

If you need additional information or there is something else you would like to see on iAnswerGuy, please send me a question and I will try to answer it in a future article.

How to add additional email addresses to iMessage

iMessage is great way to send and receive text and multimedia images with any iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad running iOS 5 or higher, as well as any Mac running OS X Mountain Lion. Along with receiving iMessages at your phone number on the iPhone, you can receive iMessages at your Apple ID email address on iOS and OS X as well. But what if you’ve got more than one email address and you want to be able to use all of them with iMessage? Follow along and we’ll show you how!

Before you can start using an email address for iMessage, however, you’ll need to make sure it’s not an existing Apple ID. If your email addresses are @icloud.com, @me.com, or @mac.com your email address is automatically an Apple ID. If you have an iTunes account, the email address associated with that, and with FaceTime, are also automatically Apple IDs.

You can only have one Apple ID linked to iMessage account at a time. However, if you have additional, non-Apple ID email addresses you’d like to use with iMessage, such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail accounts that aren’t connected as an Apple ID, you can set those up.

How to add multiple email address to iMessage on iPhone and iPad

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap on Messages.
3. Now tap on Send & Receive.
4. Select Add Another Email… underneath the You can be reached by iMessage at: section.
5. Type in the email you’d like to add and hit return on your keyboard.

That’s it. You’ll receive an email asking you to confirm you have access to the entered email account. Once you do that you’re ready to start sending iMessages from the newly added address!

How to get more help with iMessage