The iOS app called simply “Echobatix” is a subscription app with a one-week free trial. In addition to the Explore and Read modes of the free app called Echobatix Lite, the Echobatix subscription app has two additional modes: Find and Barcode.
Use Find mode to find text on grocery item labels, to find rooms by name or number, or to find other text around you. Shake your phone to stop finding.
Barcode mode allows you to read any of roughly 2.8 million UPC barcodes on grocery items. Product barcodes and names are stored in the app itself, so you don’t need a WiFi or cell connection to identify grocery items.
The What’s New screen explains what has changed in the app.
Transcript
Echobatix version 1.5 is a subscription app for iOS for people who are blind, low
vision, or have difficulty reading printed text, finding signs, or identifying grocery items.
The back-facing camera is used in four ways: Explore, Read,Find and Barcode.
In Explore mode, point your finger at text and the app will read the text aloud. This is useful for buttons or
short text of a few words. My right hand is about 12 inches from the back of my
iPhone as I move my finger across the control panel to read the buttons.
[VoiceOver]
“eight…two…steam simmer…defrost…repeat..”
In Read mode, I’ll hold a bottle in my hand and read the text on the label. Then I’ll grab and quickly read a second bottle.
[VoiceOver]
“scout super sour anti-juice brace our apple with natural bitters discourages licking chewing and gnawing…”
“off registered sand hand anti-family…”
In Find mode, I’ll enter the words “yoga studio” into a text box using the dictation feature of the keyboard. Then
I’ll press the Return key to begin finding the yoga studio. As I wave my phone left and right, a sound indicates
when the words “yoga studio” are in view.
[VoiceOver]
“dictate…inserted ‘yoga studio’ … find the words ‘yoga studio’…camera heading…
found ‘yoga studio’…[chime sounds]”
Barcode mode reads UPC codes on grocery items and then provides a short description:
[VoiceOver]
“acacia honey…premium fig fruit spread…”
To get started with the app, use the link in the description below or search for Echobatix on the app store:
E C H O B A T I X.
When you start up the Echobatix subscription app, select an annual or monthly subscription. Click the Try Free
& Subscribe button to start your one-week free trial. Accept the safety disclaimer. Allow camera access. Read the What’s New screen
and continue. Then the app is ready to use.
Within the app there’s a Help button at top right. In the Help screen, activate the Training button for an explanation of all four modes for the app. Visit
echobatix.com/training