Hi everyone,
I'm the developer of Navia, a free Android app for blind and low-vision people, and I'd love your honest feedback.
The idea is simple: the map is something you touch. Slide a finger across the screen and Navia speaks what's under it: streets, house numbers, shops, bus stops, crossings, benches, with distance and direction as clock positions ("2 o'clock, 40 meters"). Sweeping around lets you build a mental picture of an area before you go there.
Other things it does:
- Works fully offline once you download your area (OpenStreetMap data)
- "Aim" at a place and get live distance and direction while walking
- Nearby list, search and voice dictation to find places; add your own points and favourites
- Experimental on-device AI: film a place like your front door for 5 seconds, and later point the camera to hear when you're facing it (photos never leave your phone)
- Simulate the sound of any place in 3D with headphones (traffic, trams, park, water)
- Built around TalkBack from the start, 47 languages, no ads, no account, no tracking
It's an extra aid only: always use your cane, dog or other safe method first.
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wikiponder.touchmap
What's confusing? What's missing for your city? I read every reply and will answer questions here.
Thanks!
Comments
good idea
I'm an ios user so I don't use the app but the idea is very good. I feel that for blind people offline maps can be more usefull as you yourself create the map on your mind and avoid gps problems. I want to create something like this after improving my programingskill.
@amiri: I Love This!
You know? I know a few people among the Android world in my area that is going to love this!
Thanks for sharing this fine appplication!
The only thing I'd change, has to do with the notice that pops up:
"TalkBack required
This app is designed to work with TalkBack, and TalkBack must be turned on for the app to work correctly. After downloading the map for your area, touch and move your finger on the screen to explore the streets and points around you.:
"As more and more Android screen readers begin to appear (with around 6 of them this year alone and more on the way), I'd update said notice to something like:
"Screen reader required
This app is designed to be used with a screen reader, which must be turned on for the app to work correctly. After downloading the map for your area, touch and drag your finger across the screen to explore the streets and points of interest around you."
Just a thought.
Other than that, it's about time Android got something like this. I love how it works!
For now at least I have no feedback to share, as I like what it does thus far. I shall keep you posted, and will spread the word!