Developer:  SayHi
Version: 1.5

Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.1

Pros:

• Basic functions are very accessible to VoiceOver and easy to use. Tap English to dictate, and the server will come back with a vocal output in the foreign language as well as a conversation balloon style text of what was processed.
• Navigation through the app is best experienced through single finger left and right swipe gestures.

Cons:

• Getting used to the app’s navigation is tricky. While it may seem easy enough at first, only trying to navigate using traditional single touch around the screen for button hunting will leave you groping. Visually, from what little I can see, the button layout makes sense. However, VoiceOver deals with the button layout differently, and will actually show up in a different order than what is presented on the screen. So a full exploration of swiping single finger left and right is needed to ensure all elements are the screen have been displayed.
• Reviewing the conversation history can be intimidating. If you’re looking for an easy conversation flow and ability to quickly reference back to it, this is going to take a lot of practice. Visually, the screen is divided into two halves. One side is for your primary language (likely English) and the other side is for the foreign output language. Navigating this with VoiceOver is challenging at first, and downright hair-pulling if you intend to hear each vocal translation with the text.  There are two buttons labeled “button” that are alongside the text processed translation.  The first “button” is the English (or primary) translation. The second “button” is the second translation text language. There is a third button labeled “drawer handle” which does nothing when pressed. I am guessing this is a holder for each text balloon style window.

Breakdown:

If you’re interested in learning about or playing around with different languages, this is a must have. However for practical, intentional, or actual business oriented use this remains as a large question mark in my mind. I could see how this would be a great utility to have when traveling internationally, and need a phrase or a simple statement to communicate a sentence or two. Although all major European and Asian languages are supported, there are no Middle East languages available. Despite the initial navigation learning curve, the purchase of this app currently at $2.99 is definitely worth it.

Download SayHi Translate from the iTunes Store. ($2.99)

Developer: Smallrock Software Inc.
Version:  1.0.4

Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01

Pros:

• Easy to use controls, very usable with VoiceOver.

VoiceOver actually works using the gesture area. Hovering over the “Perform Gesture to Dial” text, followed by double tapping and holding down on the gesture pad area while performing the assigned gesture does work in most cases.

• Changing details about a previous contact or command within a contact is easy to follow.

Cons: 

• Setting up a new gesture, as in creating the initial gesture to perform the action, for some reason does not work with VoiceOver enabled. VoiceOver must first be shut off in order to perform the gesture and have the app recognize it. This is kind of odd, but not a deal-breaker. Also, shutting off VoiceOver in the main Gesture Dial window does make gesture commands and recognition easier but may be inconvenient for some.
• There are some occasions where a gesture was either misread or poorly done, and ended up calling a different number than expected. When this happens either prepare for an awkward conversation, or change the delay time in which Gesture Dial performs the action to cancel it out.

Breakdown:

This time saving and convenient app has replaced the built-in Phone program and its place on my iPhone frequently used apps dock.

Download Gesture Dial from the iTunes Store. (free)

Developer: Bloomberg LP
Version: 2.11.3

Using iPhone 3Gs version 5.0.1
Revised Review: February 3, 2012

Notable Changes:

• None to really point out. This is not a bad thing, just an indicator of solid performance and dependability of the app itself.

Possible Improvements Needed:

• The one issue preventing complete VoiceOver compatibility are the non-labeled images within the articles of the news section. While only a minor issue, but the BBC News app seems to do an excellent job of annotating all images within their content with no problems.

Reassessment:

If you haven’t already, download this app if you have any interest in knowing financial markets, related stories, and the wider global economy.

Download Bloomberg from the iTunes App Store. (free)

Originally Reviewed: June 22, 2011
Version: 2.10.12
Using iPhone 3Gs, version 4.3.3

Pros:

• Very smooth and accessible interface. No delays or hiccups with VoiceOver.
• All functions of this app appear within reach. The audio section works well, and play button when content is loaded is easily identified.

Cons:

• One small gripe; whenever a picture is presented within the article, VoiceOver will announce the picture container and the filename.

Breakdown: The ease of use, reliability, and voluminous content will make you throw the Yahoo stock app into the dark recesses of your iPhone. Good riddance.

Developer: Skype Software S a r l

Version: 3.6.1
Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01

Originally Reviewed: February 3, 2012

Pros:

• Surprisingly smooth transition with accessibility from logging in, to finding and adding new contacts. Almost all elements of this program are reachable with VoiceOver with one exception described below.

Cons:

• When navigating to the “Call” panel, I can visually see a traditional dial pad there ready to use just as the Phone function. This does not quite work as expected though. Instead, VoiceOver responds with “Dial pad view image” leaving the entire area inaccessible. Oddly enough a similar problem exists in Facebook Messenger being unable to contact online friends… Again, this essentially takes away half the functionality of the app right away. I suppose I could find a way around this, and perform a search for the person, but the available functionality for others is still not there for you depending on VoiceOver.

Breakdown:

My honest first and new experience into the land of Skype proved useful, mostly accessible, but falling short in a critical area. If you absolutely have to have it, the app in its current state is usable.

Download Skype from the iTunes Store (free)

Developer: Nuance Communications
Version: 2.0.17

Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01

Originally Reviewed: February 3, 2012

Pros:

• The overall interface and experience is very accessible with VoiceOver. Most elements are easy enough to instantly grasp of where they are, i.e. buttons, options, etc.

Cons:

• One major drawback however is that the main display for the output/result of dictation is not readable with VoiceOver. There does not appear any way to access the content other than to copy and paste it into an email, note, or other textbox or window. Although it is more than likely you would be doing this anyway, being able to see the result of your speaking prior to copying and/or sending seems essential to me.

Breakdown:

With the exception to the major accessibility flaw, the Dragon Dictation app is solid and dependable. I have already used it for composing emails instead of pecking away at the software keyboard.

Download Dragon Dictation from the iTunes Store (free)

Developer: Facebook Inc.
Version: 1.5.3

Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01

Originally Reviewed: February 3, 2012

Pros:

• Facebook Messenger features a clean, minimal interface that is surprisingly accessible, if only halfway with VoiceOver as opposed to the original Facebook app.
• Conversation history is readable in blocks using VoiceOver. Links within a block of text can be followed with no apparent issues.
• Messenger will notify you with an alert of the first incoming chat message from a friend.

Cons:

• It appears the “Compose” panel for messaging new friends is completely inaccessible.  No friends are announced who are either available or on mobile.
• The notifications process within an ongoing conversation is inconsistent. It would be nice to have each message also serve to be an alert, if just a sound played.

Breakdown:  

I was ready to give Facebook a standing ovation for accessibility until I reached the Compose panel. Unfortunately, this destroys half the functionality of the application, unless you only plan to continue conversations with previous friends. As it seems accustom for Facebook, accessibility seems in place but not enough to make a fluid and usable experience. I must say though that the initial attempt is pretty good, and will continue to use this app despite the major flaw.

Download Facebook Messenger in the iTunes Store (free)

Notable Changes:

• No major improvements, sadly.

Possible Improvements Needed:

• Unfortunately the same issues exist when it comes to the main content of articles and “iReports” being inaccessible.

Reassessment:

With a virtual unlimited selection of news apps available for the iPhone, the complete lack of support for VoiceOver, it appears a waste of time revisiting this app.

Originally Reviewed: October 17, 2011

Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01

Pros:

• There is a definite improvement from the experience of using the Fox News app, however, the same problem exists.
• Headline news is partially readable and the ability to move from one section to another using the three finger swipe left or right gesture works fine.

Cons:

• The main body of articles within  the iReport section are completely unreadable to VoiceOver. This is a significant loss of information and reduces the worth of keeping this app on your iPhone.
• Headline news appears only readable when using the single finger swipe left and right gestures, and two finger swipe down gesture. Touching the text to read information yields nothing.

 Breakdown:

Depressingly so with most news applications currently available, the interface is built with no consideration or possible existence of VoiceOver. Sadly this leads to limited access to news/information in general. True, that there are endless choices – but if most are not compatible with adaptive technology then they cannot be considered as an option.

Download CNN Mobile for iPhone on the iTunes Store.

Developer: AT&T Inc.
Version: 2.2Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01

Revised Review: January 29, 2012

Notable Changes:

• The confusion regarding an ad banner on the bottom of the app with VoiceOver has been fixed.
• One very useful and added feature which benefits VoiceOver users, the “Saved User IDs” enable simple access to logging in.

Possible Improvements Needed:

• Currently, and quite honestly, nothing that I can see. All former and minor VoiceOver compatibility issues have been resolved.

Reassessment:

There are no disappointments here when it comes to complete VoiceOver compatibility. It is evident a lot of work went into making this app easy to use for all in mind. There are not a lot of options or radio buttons to sift through, which makes it ideal and fluid to use with VoiceOver. Aside from being an essential component of your iPhone if using AT&T, it is definitely worth a download

Download myAT&T in the iTunes App Store. (free)

Originally Reviewed: June 28, 2011
Using iPhone 3Gs, version 4.3.3

Pros:

• Easy navigation throughout the entire application. Menus are simple and self-explanatory with no dead ends.
• Even the billing PDF and AT&T Forums are accessible – which I initially thought would not be the case.

Cons:

• On the main screen of the Wireless section, the top is labeled as “button”. This is only an ad.

.
Breakdown: Taking into account the limitless flak and complaints of almost anything AT&T, this however is done very well. I had my skepticism even before downloading this app but was proven wrong.

Developer: BBC News

Version: 1.7.3

Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01
Revised Review: January 29, 2012

Notable Changes:

• The latest app update has fixed all former inaccessible issues with VoiceOver. The BBC News app now rivals AP Mobile in ease of use and accessibility.
• Using “landscape” mode works great, each section is now accessible and helps separate all current stories available.

Possible Improvements Needed:

• In “portrait” mode, one thing which can get confusing is by casually browsing the front panel using only the standard touch gesture. The column style layout and cells for stories works great, but headers for those columns are only noted when directly touched over them. This can lead to a mishmash of stories, not really being clearly separated.

Reassessment:

The severe and unacceptable delay in re-reviewing this app was mainly due to the very poor initial experience of being completely inaccessible. However, I think the BBC News app has shown the greatest improvement of accessibility to VoiceOver of the collection of other apps reviewed thus far.  The app has been placed back onto my iPhone and on the front page within my Business folder.

Download BBC News in the iTunes App Store (free)

Originally Reviewed: June 22, 2011
Using iPhone 3GS 4.3.5
App Version: 1.7.1

Pros:

• Quickly locate and listen to the Live Radio feed from the BBC World Service.
• In landscape mode, the highlighted section is accessible, kind of. Story headlines are announced, then when tapped,  followed by a fully readable article in VoiceOver.

Cons:

• Front page content (in portrait mode) cannot be individually selected in VoiceOver. Instead, the headlines are read in groups. Selecting a story while the group is being announced seems to randomly choose an article from the group.
• Although in landscape mode the navigation seems a bit accessible, that comes to a disappointing end when you realize there is no way to change news categories. The row of buttons which control content selection are invisible to VoiceOver. These buttons are located above the articles. In my own case, having a tiny bit of vision to see this huge bug, was able to navigate around it by shutting off VoiceOver, selecting the next category, the turning VoiceOver back on.

Breakdown: This was quite a letdown. Of all news agencies, my initial thought was thatBBC News would really go out of their way to be fully accessible.  I guess not. Beyond the convenient live radio feed button which I keep it for; my suggestion in its current version and state, let other news apps do the heavy lifting.

Developer: Blacktree
Version: 1.0.3

Using iPhone 3Gs, version 5.01
Originally Reviewed: January 28, 2012

Pros:

• This app fills in a much needed gap between the normal clock functions of the iPhone and a useful feature which makes the pair complete one another.
• Straight forward navigation with VoiceOver, when using single finger left and right swipe gestures.
• One side benefit of hit or miss consistency (noted below) is the app loads in resident memory. Meaning you can close the app and it will still function. However, I don’t rely on this as being a repeatable “feature”.

Cons:

• There is no VoiceOver indicator noting that the chime function is actually turned on. Only the two available options are listed as equal values (no status). When viewed under my CCTV, double tapping each one will select the button.
• There are two “buttons” which are in fact not buttons but blank dividers.
• Inconsistent performance when it comes time to reset (turning off/on) your iPhone. While it appears in the App Switcher, sometimes the app does not work. Closing and re-launching the app fixes this.

Breakdown:

Chine is one of the more useful apps that greatly increase my already crippling reliance on my iPhone

Download Chime from the iTunes Store. (free)