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Clubhouse

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App Name

Clubhouse

App Version

24.09.17

Platform

iOS/iPadOS

Category

News

Description

Clubhouse is where people come together to hang out, talk about anything, and make new friends from all walks of life.

  • explore thousands of live conversations—go deep on the big topics happening today or just chill out and hang with friends

  • share your thoughts, or just listen in—raise your hand to speak up or lean back and break out the popcorn

  • vibe with your people—curate a personalized hallway just “for you,” where every room is filled with people that love what you love

  • host a room—be the one to bring people together and lead the conversation

  • sidebar with friends—talk privately during and after live rooms, even when you’re not online at the same time

  • drop in to rooms throughout the day—when your commuting, running errands, or out for a run, you never know who you might bump into

Free or Paid

Free

Price

Devices you’ve tested on

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Accessibility Rating

3 – Average

Accessibility Comments

Clubhouse has several areas that could be improved. The app is usable with VoiceOver, but there are some unlabeled buttons, and other elements can’t be easily found.

Screen Reader Performance

VoiceOver may not be able to focus on all elements in the app, and images may not be labeled throughout the app.

Button Labeling

Many buttons are labeled for VoiceOver, but a few are not.

Usability

This app can be used, but there is a learning curve. Especially if you started with Clubhouse and are coming back to it.

Low Vision Accessibility Comments

The user interface for clubhouse is not the easiest to understand visually. Placement of options are nested in other controls, and simple tasks take longer than expected. Clubhouse does support dark mode.

Other Comments

Clubhouse is still used in the blindness and low vision community, but many have moved away from it after the pandemic ended. Clubs are now Houses, and there are other changes like this in the app. You can now do chats, and send voice status updates, which is confusing to many users who just want to create and join rooms.

App Store Links

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clubhouse/id1503133294

Developer Website

https://clubhouse.com

Podbean

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App Name

Podbean

App Version

6.1.5

Platform

iOS/iPadOS

Category

News

Description

The best podcast app / podcast player and audio livestream app to search, download, and listen to your favorite podcast, live stream, FM, radio and audiobook anywhere, anytime.

Listening to over 50 million episodes of podcasts worldwide on iPhone/iPad. The Podbean podcast app enhance your podcast listening experience with intelligent speed, volume boost, customizable playlist, and all the best features:

— DISCOVERY / RECOMMENDATION —
•  Search by podcast name, episode name, or author name.
•  Browse new/trending/top podcasts by topics or categories.
•  Get customized recommendations based on your play history.
•  View your play history and favorite episodes.
•  Choose audiobooks from bestsellers and classics for free.

— PLAYBACK / AUDIO EFFECTS —
•  Instantly stream or download podcasts to play offline.
•  Stay organized with customizable playlists.
•  Intelligent speed removes silences from an episode without distortion.
•  Volume boost normalize the volume and make shows easier to listen to.
•  Advanced playback features like auto-play next and Sleep timer.
•  CarPlay Support.
•  Integrates with Amazon Alexa.
•  Play podcasts using Apple Siri.

— NOTIFICATION / AUTOMATION —
•  Stay updated: Get new episode notification from followed podcasts
•  Automatic download and option to delete after being played.
•  Supports batch mode to download, delete, and add playlist.
•  Settings can be customized by podcast.

— AUDIO RECORDER —
•  Professional audio recorder with easy-to-use interface.
•  Rich background music and various sound effects to choose from.
•  Remote group recording to collaborate with invited people.
•  Powerful post production including edit, split, merge and export.
•  All-in-one podcast creator with free large space, various promotion and social sharing.

— Audio Live Streaming—
• Listen to an exciting variety of live audio shows
• Engage with the host and other listeners with messages
• Send gifts to reward the host
• Call-in to share your thoughts and ask questions

Podbean Podcast app now supports English, German, Portuguese, Swedish, Chinese, French, Spanish and Japanese.

Listen to the best podcasts on Podbean – Podcast App & Podcast Player, including This American Life, Serial, The Joe Rogan Experience, S Town, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History, Radiolab, My Favorite Murder, True crime, Criminal, Joel Osteen, The Dave Ramsey Show, ESPN Radio, The Moth, The Tim Ferriss Show, Freakonomics Radio, Startup, Stuff You Should Know, How Stuff Works, Bloomberg, Revision3, Relay FM, PodcastOne, The New Yorker, Showtime, Slate, TEDTalks, NPR podcasts, WNYC, 5by5, KCRW, NASA, CBS Radio, CNET, CNN, CBC, BBC and Bill O’Reilly etc.

Podbean podcast app & player is ad-supported. User can choose to purchase Podbean VIP Subscription to remove ads, and get advanced features including: customize homepage, unlimited playlist and priority support. Current price for Podbean VIP Subscription is $9.99 USD per year, and may vary from country to country. Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable.

Podbean podcast app & player’s terms of use: https://www.podbean.com/podbean-terms

Free or Paid

Free

Devices you’ve tested on

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Accessibility Rating

3 – Average

Accessibility Comments

This app works with VoiceOver with some minor accessibility issues.

Screen Reader Performance

This app can be used with VoiceOver, but not all images and buttons are labeled.

Button Labeling

Not all buttons are properly labeled with VoiceOver.

Usability

This app can mostly be used with VoiceOver, but a user must be fairly advanced to use this app.

Low Vision Accessibility Comments

This app has certain areas that may not work the best for low vision users. This app does not support dark mode in iOS.

Other Comments

This app can be used, but is not recommended for users who want to listen to podcasts.

App Store Links

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/podbean-podcast-app-player/id973361050

Developer Website

https://podbean.com

Podcast Guru

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App Name

Podcast Guru

App Version

1.0.26

Platform

iOS/iPadOS

Category

News

Description

A simple and modern podcast app with P2.0 and Podchaser support.

Podcast Guru is a beautiful podcast app supporting the latest, cutting edge features of open podcasting!

Featuring elegant navigation and a beautiful interface, this app is also fully loaded. We offer real time cloud backups and are cross platform with iOS. It’s the ONLY app that is fully Podchaser integrated, so you’ll see reviews, show creator profiles, and all kinds of extra goodies! We are also full backers of open podcasting and the Podcasting 2.0 initiative with features like chapters, transcripts, etc. Discover new podcasts, leave reviews and ratings, browse curated lists and cross reference your favorite hosts and creators across multiple pods!

Why are you going to love Podcast Guru?

A frustration-free experience

Podcast Guru is EASY to use, and we really mean it. Most other podcast apps have confusing interfaces and don’t prioritize user experience. Our app puts you first. We aim to delight you with a lightweight and beautiful design and not an overburdened clunky app.

Podchaser Integration

We were the first, and currently only app to have full podchaser integration! With Podchaser as our partner, we provide a rich experience, by showing you creator profiles, user lists, reviews and ratings. A free Podchaser account is not required, but if you’re already a Podchaser user, then this is the only app you’ll want to use.

Podcasting 2.0 Support

We are full backers of the latest Podcasting 2.0 standards, we currently support the majority of the new Podcasting 2.0 features and are always adding more! Currently this includes (when supported by the podcaster) :

  • Transcripts – Full transcripts, or closed captions

  • P2.0 search – Access to The Podcast Index’s open podcasting directory

  • Chapters – Podcaster included links, text and images on-screen as you listen

  • Funding – Links to funding websites like Patreon to support your favorite podcasters

  • Location – Extra information if the podcast is geographically relevant.

  • P2.0 credits – Person, guests, hosts, etc

  • Podping – real-time episode notifications

Other Amazing Features

  • Offline support with Auto downloads for your favorite podcasts.

  • Night Mode.

  • Multiple Search Engine Support (iTunes, The Podcast Index, etc)

  • Browse Podcasts by Category

  • Podcast episode reviews / ratings

  • Configurable playback speed

  • Full playlist support

  • Sleep Timer

  • Home Screen Widget

  • Accessibility and compatibility with screen readers.

  • Modifiable Playback queue (Up Next, etc)

  • Genre Filtering

  • OPML import / export support

  • Browse Popular and Trending Podcasts

  • View podcaster, creator and guest profiles

VIP Tier Features

  • Realtime Cloud Sync and backup across all your devices (including iOS)

  • Advanced speed controls

  • Advance disk/storage management automation.

Full Video Support

We support video podcasts like MacBreak and Ted Talks. You can also subscribe to Odysee RSS feeds!

Great content

Easily find your favorite podcasts, or discover new shows from millions of episodes available for free online. Podcast reviews and ratings powered by Podchaser help you find the best content.

Podcast Guru listeners are currently enjoying the latest episodes from popular podcasts including:

  • Huberman Lab

  • Critical Role

  • No Agenda

  • Crime Junkie

  • Hidden Brain

  • Hardcore History

  • Lex Fridman Podcast

  • The ALL-IN Podcast

Our mission is simple: Give listeners a powerful, reliable, and easy to use podcast manager – with only the minimum permissions required. Fun. Easy. Powerful. That’s Podcast Guru.

Terms & Conditions: https://podcastguru.io/terms-and-conditions/

Privacy Policy: https://podcastguru.io/privacy/

Free or Paid

Free

Devices you’ve tested on

iPhone 11 SE, iPhone 15 Pro

Accessibility Rating

5 – Fully Accessible

Accessibility Comments

This app is fully accessible.

Screen Reader Performance

Screen reader performance is excellent in this app.

Button Labeling

All buttons appear to be clearly labeled and identified.

Usability

This app is very useable once some initial exploration and familiarization is done.

Other Comments

VIP status
VIP status costs $12.99
This app has had quite a lot of new features added recently.

App Store Links

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/podcast-guru-app-player/id1535235039

Developer Website

https://podcastguru.io/podcast-guru-ios/announcing-podcast-guru-for-iphone/

Overcast

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App Name

Overcast

App Version

2024.8.1

Platform

iOS/iPadOS

Category

News

Description

Overcast is a modern, fully featured audio podcast app with many useful features in a simple, intuitive interface:

– Smart Speed saves time without distorting the audio or sounding unnatural.

– Voice Boost makes every podcast the same volume with a broadcast-quality remastering engine.

– Download podcasts for playing anytime, even offline.

– Search and browse for new podcasts, plus get personalized recommendations.

– Create custom Playlists with smart filters and per-podcast priorities, and rearrange the list whenever you want.

– Receive optional notifications when new episodes arrive.

– Subscribe to a podcast, or just add an episode: try new shows without committing.

– Sleep timer automatically stops playback after any time interval you set.

– Apple Watch app with standalone playback and cellular streaming.

– CarPlay support.

And Overcast has world-class privacy, with no third-party analytics, ad services, or tracking code.

Overcast is funded by ads that promote other podcasts. If you choose to purchase Overcast Premium to hide these ads, payment will be charged to your iTunes account, and your account will be charged for renewal 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. Auto-renewal may be turned off at any time by going

Free or Paid

Free

Devices you’ve tested on

iPhone 11 SE, iPhone 15 Pro, iPad Mini 5th generation

Accessibility Rating

4 – Mostly Accessible [Score Edited by staff]

Accessibility Comments

This app is mostly accessible.

Screen Reader Performance

Screen reader performance is responsive on an iPhone 11 SE

Button Labeling

Most buttons are labeled.

Usability

This app is very useable. There is an issue where VoiceOver may read incorrect episode information when an episode is deleted under all episodes.

Other Comments

This app was rewritten in 2024 to keep up with tech advances.
The developer is known to work well with the screen reader community.
I have not verified the annoyance of ads in the free version and be aware that this app carries a $10 per year subscription.

This app may also have other issues with VoiceOver that have not been reported.

[Entry edited by staff]

App Store Links

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857

Developer Website

https://overcast.fm/

Castro Podcast Player

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App Name

Castro Podcast Player

App Version

2024.7

Platform

iOS/iPadOS

Category

News

Description

Castro is a beautiful, full-featured podcast player that makes it easy to track and manage lots of podcasts at the same time. Only listen to the episodes you want and easily skip the rest, queue up hours of podcasts at a time and enjoy a seamless listening experience with carplay compatibility, chapter support, trim silence and much, much more!

HOW IT WORKS

  1. New episodes land in the NEW tab. Read their descriptions, add episodes you like to your QUEUE, and clear the rest.

  2. Press play to listen to episodes from your QUEUE in order. Queued episodes are downloaded automatically.

  3. Re-order your QUEUE to plan your next few hours of listening at any time. Browse your LIBRARY to review the back catalogue, quickly access starred shows, and see your listening history.

Subscribing to a podcast is no longer a commitment to listen to every episode. You don’t have to manage a huge list of subscriptions or choose a few shows and miss the rest.

WHY OUR USERS LOVE CASTRO

• Drag and drop podcasts to plan your listening with Castro’s unique queue
• An elegant dark mode and thoughtfully designed sleep timer offer the best in night time podcast listening.
• CarPlay support makes it easy to pick up where you left off while driving.
• Apple Watch app to control playback and select another episode from your queue.
• Episode notifications include a summary of the episode to help you decide if it interests you. Play, queue or clear the episode directly from the notification without opening the app.

CASTRO PLUS

Castro Plus is an optional paid subscription available for $24.99/year (includes a one-week trial). Plus unlocks a range of advanced features:

• Trim Silence — With this option on, the app will analyze audio as it plays to detect silent parts and accelerate those parts. Get through more episodes faster.
• Enhance Voices improves the listening experience for many podcasts and makes it easier to hear in loud environments. Under the hood, Enhance Voices applies a dynamic compressor to increase volume just where it’s needed.
• Sideloading: Import audio files directly, just by dropping them in iCloud Drive
• Mono-Mix — Mixes a stereo podcast to mono, which makes it easier to hear podcasts that pan some guests on left/right channels.
• Chapter Support: Artwork, Skipping & Pre-selection.
• Custom settings per-podcast: Episode Limit, Trim Silence, Enhance Voices, Mono Mix, Skip Intros, Playback Speed.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Castro 3 is an incredible app.”
— The Sweet Setup

“Castro 3 is everything Castro already was, but better.”
— MacStories

Castro 3 Is a Great Modern Podcast App”
— Beautiful Pixels

“Unlike other podcatchers, Castro’s primary virtue is its simplicity and ease of use. The app combines sleek visual design with crystal clear audio.”
— Tom’s Guide

CASTRO PLUS SUBSCRIPTION TERMS

Castro Plus costs $24.99 per year. Prices are in US dollars and may vary in countries other than the US.

Castro Plus is charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. It will renew on the day before the current subscription period ends. You can cancel auto-renewal any time from the Castro settings screen.

You can switch between the two subscription periods after you pick one, but your trial period will end immediately if you do, so it’s best to wait till your free week is over before changing.

Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable.

Privacy Policy & Terms of Use: https://castro.fm/privacy-policy

Free or Paid

Free

Price

Devices you’ve tested on

iPhone 15 Pro Max

Accessibility Comments

This app version appears to be mostly accessible with VoiceOver.

Screen Reader Performance

This app can be fully navigated with VoiceOver.

Button Labeling

All buttons are properly labeled with VoiceOver.

Usability

All aspects can be used with VoiceOver. The app is quite complicated, so it may take time to learn where everything is when using VoiceOver.I did experience issues subscribing to the Plus version in previous versions, and the text on the Plus page is not focusable with VoiceOver.

Other Comments

This is a fantastic podcast player, and the push notifications have a unique sound to let the user know that there is a new podcast available. Notifications have been observed to come in when a podcast is posted.

App Store Links

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/castro-podcast-player/id1080840241

Developer Website

https://castro.fm

The End of an Era: Reflecting on the Closure of AppleVis

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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and accessibility, few resources have stood as tall and steadfast as AppleVis. Since its inception, AppleVis has been a cornerstone for the visually impaired community, offering invaluable resources, a vibrant community, and a platform for advocacy and education. It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the recent announcement of its closure.

A Legacy of Empowerment

AppleVis quickly became a beacon of hope and empowerment for users of Apple products who are blind or visually impaired. Through detailed app reviews, accessibility guides, and community forums, AppleVis provided a wealth of information that was often hard to find elsewhere. The site’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility helped countless individuals navigate the world of technology with confidence and independence.

Community and Collaboration

One of the most remarkable aspects of AppleVis was its thriving community. Users from all over the world came together to share their experiences, offer support, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. This sense of community was not just about sharing information; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.

The forums were filled with discussions ranging from troubleshooting technical issues to celebrating the latest advancements in accessibility. The collective knowledge and camaraderie found on AppleVis were unparalleled, and many users found lifelong friends through their interactions on the site.

A Source of Advocacy and Change

AppleVis was not just a passive resource; it was a powerful advocate for change. By highlighting accessibility issues and providing direct feedback to developers, AppleVis played a crucial role in pushing for improvements in software and app accessibility. The site’s reviews and recommendations often served as a catalyst for developers to prioritize accessibility in their products.

Through their efforts, AppleVis helped shape a more inclusive digital landscape. The site’s influence extended beyond the visually impaired community, impacting the broader tech industry and raising awareness about the importance of accessibility for all users.

The Announcement and Its Opportunities

The announcement of AppleVis’s closure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door to new opportunities. The void left by AppleVis creates a unique space for innovation and fresh perspectives in the field of accessibility. Now, more than ever, there is a chance for new platforms and resources to emerge, building on the legacy of AppleVis while introducing innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired community.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the closure of AppleVis, it’s essential to focus on the future and the opportunities it brings. At iAccessibility, we are committed to continuing the work that AppleVis started and to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in accessibility. We will strive to provide valuable resources, foster a sense of community, and advocate for greater accessibility in technology. The legacy of AppleVis will inspire us to innovate, ensuring that the visually impaired community has the tools and support they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to AppleVis for all that it has given to the community. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and your legacy will not be forgotten. We look forward to building on that legacy and exploring new frontiers in accessibility.

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