[NJTechDiv] BlindSquare 5.0 release notes

[Steve Cook]

In version 5.0 we are announcing 3 new features:

 

1. Speech Recognition. Apple has made dramatic improvements with Speech Recognition.   Starting with version 5.0 we now use Apple's own in-device service, free for use in all BlindSquare versions.

 

2. Apple Watch Support.  Our community has asked for Apple Watch Support.  With BlindSquare version 5.0, all generations of Apple Watch are now supported with primary features. The feature list will expand in future versions. BlindSquare, on the iPhone,  must be running when being controlled from the Apple Watch.  Apple Watch menu selections currently include:

 

*	SLEEP 
*	LOOK Around
*	ADD Place
*	Change announcement radius
*	WHERE am I
*	Around me

 

If you are tracking a place, its distance and direction are announced automatically always when you glance at the Watch App. 

 

Apple Watch Gen 5 specific features

For people who have Apple Watch 5 (or newer) BlindSquare makes use of the new on-board compass providing directional support for LOOK Around, simply by rotating the watch in the direction of your interest!   

 

You can select “LOOK Around” by voice command, from the iOS APP or using the BlindSquare Apple Watch menu.  BlindSquare will use the Apple Watch Gen  5 compass for LOOK Around whenever the arm/watch is lifted.  Turning the arm/watch will provide new compass directions to BlindSquare with immediate reports on locations in proximity in the current direction.

 

3. BlindSquare PHOTO POI.  BlindSquare can now create personal POIs from photos on your iPhone.  These photos can be your own or those shared from friends.   BlindSquare uses the location data, recorded automatically when location service is enabled, to create the georeferenced POI.   Actions:


1. Go to the PHOTO’s app on your iPhone.

2. Select ONE photo

3. Select “SHARE”

4. Select the new option “BlindSquare”  (NOTE: multiple images or videos are not supported)

5. Provide a comment or name and select “POST”

6. BlindSquare will launch and show “Place Screen” for the location where the photo was taken.  You can FAVOURITE, save it, simulate, look on the map, etc.

 

NOTE: BlindSquare uses EXIF metadata.  Location Services must be enabled when the picture is taken for EXIF metadata to be recorded and available. 

 

Other changes: 

*	When sharing your location, Latitude and Longitude are provided in EMAIL subject and in SMS MESSAGES.
*	If the pedometer is disabled from “SHAKE SETTINGS” it will also disable automatic announcements
*	Now supports dark mode and color preferences


BlindSquare, now in its 8th year, will continue to build new and exciting features into BlindSquare version 5.

 

PS. Photo POI was an idea from one of the BlindSquare users. I liked this a lot, but it took a couple of years to figure out how that can be done. I would like to thank the person who gave this idea, but I can't find that email.  

 

 

Steve Cook

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District 2 State Board Member of the National Federation of the Blind of SC

1st Vice President of the Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC

Board member at large of the Columbia chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of SC

The National Federation of the Blind of SC owns and operates Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center.  Below is a link to read more about Rocky Bottom and to make a reservation for a mountain retreat!

 <http://rockybottomofsc.com/> Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center

Please join the National Federation of the Blind of SC on Face Book at any of the below links!

 <https://m.facebook.com/NatFedofSouthCarolina/> National Federation of the Blind of SC on Face Book

 <https://m.facebook.com/Computer-Science-Technology-Division-of-the-NFB-of-SC-343263089815304/> Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC

 <https://m.facebook.com/RockyBottomofSC/> Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center 

South Carolina Association of Blind Students

 <https://m.facebook.com/groups/375092969314880?_rdr> South Carolina Parents of Blind Children

 

 

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