September 2015
Our first attempt at an app was published. The android app was written and approved by google and now available from the play store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.talkingnewspaper.myapp
If you have an android based phone, search for “Coventry Talking Newspaper” within google play and the app will be displayed as the first search result.
August 2015
We are currently working on the new app to enable easy access for talking newspaper audio. The design is a simple menu based system to locate the current program and archive shows. It is expected the app will expand over time to include other talking newspapers and links to other audio that will be of interest to the visually impaired in Coventry and the wider area. Looking through the available apps on iTunes, there is an app called “Talking News” which is a self designed app for Cotswold talking newspaper. and iblink radio. Talking News is exclusive for Cotsworld and iblink is very large. Coventry talking newspaper is listed on iblink but its really hard to locate us. Having our own app will overcome some of the issues with iblink.
The Church of England announced in June 2105 that it would live stream more of its church services according to reports in the Daily Telegraph. Live streaming church services for the visually impaired and housebound is not new. In the Netherlands the ability to sign up on the services website and receive the service is straightforward and widespread with companies such as solutions radio providing much of the equipment (see church web radio). Whilst the Netherlands system uses a dedicated equipment, the advance of smart mobiles mean it’s now cheaper to buyout a mobile phone and have a dedicated app to direct users through menus to the desired audio service. The webstreaming service also see church and worship take-up to increase.
The talking newspaper APP – The Idea
I need an app created (designed for iphone and android) that lists a number of audio programs available for users to click on and play. The list is a simple text and website link list that will be created on our website as possibly an xml file. The app pulls information from the list and displays on the screen. The list will change weekly / daily and the app will therefore just link to this xml file. Once clicked the app will give the option to play the audio file, download the audio file, scan forwards and back via a progress bar. The audio needs to play mp3, wav, m3u, pls files, have a “report this not working button”, a donate button, a contact us page and the ability to include google mobile ads. This app is for visually impaired uses and therefore needs minimal graphics and big buttons for the audio player. There is a smilar app in the USA called iblink. We have been advised to look at the mobile template from codecanyon called the universal full multipurpose android app. This is a fully working tempate that is already written and needs code changing, updating and code removed. Most of the features from the app will be moved out and the area for podcasts, audio and streaming will be kept and linked into the website. While this is a cheap option, it may get us started and is far better than the build your app online services that are charging a monthly fee. This template costs a one off £15 fee. If you have mobile phone app experience and wish to offer free services to a voluntary organisation please get in touch via the contact page.
The talking newspaper APP -submit audio for inclusion
Testing area for talking newspaper submission form design for TN’s to submit website location of current program :
[contact-form-7 id=”3410″ title=”Contact form 1_copy”]
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