HOT APPS

by Jen Barling

Signtime

Apple has launched a new service called SignTime. Customers can now communicate with AppleCare and Retail Customer Care by using Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Customers visiting Apple Store locations can also use SignTime to remotely access a sign language interpreter without booking ahead of time.

SignTime uses video to connect you with an Australian Sign Language (Auslan) interpreter. Go to the SignTime web page and connect with an Auslan Interpreter by using your device’s camera and microphone. The Auslan interpreter will contact Apple Support for you and translate your conversation.

Turn Your Phone Into A Magnifying Glass

There are many apps out there that turn your phone into a magnifying glasshandy for reading small text on packaging, medications and menus. But did you know that iPhone (iOS 10 or later) has a very useful magnifying glass feature using the lens of the camera?

You can zoom right in and view the text or image in real time. Or you can capture the image and then zoom in on it. This way the image is stable as you’re trying to see it. Move the image around with your finger to see different parts of the image. There is also a torch and high contrast function to make the text even easier to see.

Voice Dream Reader

Voice Dream’s mission is to develop accessible, speech based software for mobile devices. One of a suite of tools, Voice Dream Reader enables you to read anything on your device by listening to it. You can load content from websites, Drop Box, iCloud, Google drive and scanned paper documents. It is compatible with PDF, EPUB, DAISY audio and text, Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. There are 36 built in voices in 30 languages. It also has synchronized word and line highlighting to enhance comprehension which can help boost reading skills and knowledge retention.