March's App of the month is a fantastic find by one of our readers. TapTapSee is an app designed specifically for people with sight loss. Simply take a picture of what is in front of you and VoiceOver will tell you what it is!
Where to get it
Download TapTapSee from the iTunes App Store for free.
What is so great about TapTapSee?
The biggest plus for the app is that it was designed specifically with blind and partially sighted people in mind. How often have you been looking to choose between 2 different shirts and not known the colour? TapTapSee will tell you which colour they are.
To use the app you simply take a photograph of something. The app processes your photo, and tells you what it is. It works whether your subject is a person's face or a bottle of shampoo.
The app will identify American currency but unfortunately not UK currency.
You do need an internet connection for the app to work, because it compares your photo with a large database online to work out what it is.
What our users think
We recently received a tweet from Pipa who has been using TapTapSee for a little while.
"I found this application by complete accident. I typed Braille into the search bar in the AppStore app on my iPhone and scrolled through the results. When this come up I thought 'Another useless fake app like night vision apps'. However, I took a picture of my living-room and it said Living Room Area. I took a photograph of my TV it said Flat-Screen Television. I gave it harder things, such as a bottle of E45 lotion, for which it said "E45 Lotion"! Admittedly this worked because I had the front label in the shot. With a non-cylindrical item, you may need to take a couple of shots to get there, but you will eventually.
"With a recent update it now has a repeat button and auto flash in low lighting. It uses VoiceOver to announce the result. Although it doesn't process fast enough for bus numbers, it is good for around the house and reading other printed signage.
"All I can say is: I like it and recommend it - go and try it and if you like it spread the word!"
Got a suggestion?
We want to hear from you, our users. Which apps and websites should we be writing about on the TechKnowMore blog? Is there an app you can no longer live without? What website is at the top of your favourites list? Drop us an email on DigitalAccess@rnib.org.uk to let us know, and your favourite service could be featured in the very near future!