AppleVis Podcast

In this episode of the AppleVis Extra, David Nason speaks with Rocco Fiorentino, developer of FloType, an upcoming VoiceOver-first keyboard for blind and low-vision users. If you remember the speed and simplicity offered by Fleksy and later FlickType, FloType will feel immediately familiar. Rocco explains how his background as an audio engineer and producer gradually led him into development, first through scripting tools designed to make Pro Tools more efficient with VoiceOver, and eventually to building a keyboard intended to solve one of the persistent frustrations of touchscreen devices: typing quickly without needing to hit every virtual key precisely.
FloType takes a very different approach from Apple's conventional onscreen keyboard. Rather than requiring you to locate individual letters accurately, you tap approximately where you believe the letters would be on a QWERTY keyboard. FloType analyzes the pattern of those taps and predicts the word you intended. Swipe right to accept the suggestion, swipe up or down to move through alternatives, and continue typing without having to find a spacebar. In the episode, Rocco gives a hands-on demonstration showing just how quickly this can work, including entering words, correcting an incorrect prediction, adding punctuation and emoji, deleting text, and switching to manual character entry when a word isn't in FloType's dictionary.
There is considerably more going on than word prediction. FloType can be used system-wide through an iOS keyboard extension, while gestures provide access to editing commands that would otherwise require finding controls on the screen. Rocco discusses cursor navigation, manual entry, customizable sounds and haptics, key size and contrast options for low-vision users, and plans for a self-voicing experience. He also talks about an Apple Watch version currently being tested, where limitations in watchOS gesture handling present some interesting accessibility challenges. Multi-language support is another major goal, with English and Spanish planned as the initial languages when FloType reaches the App Store.
The conversation also offers an interesting look behind the scenes at accessible app development. Rocco is totally blind and discusses using Swift and Xcode, AI-assisted development, sighted feedback for visual design, and extensive input from blind and low-vision beta testers. He explains why supporting another language involves far more than translating an interface: FloType needs to understand the vocabulary, grammar, keyboard layout, and patterns of each language well enough for its prediction system to remain useful. The pair also discuss FloType's eventual business model, the realities of maintaining an accessibility-focused app as Apple changes VoiceOver and its operating systems, and Rocco's commitment to ensuring the project can continue even if he is someday unable to maintain it himself.
This episode should be particularly interesting to anyone who misses Fleksy or FlickType, finds conventional touchscreen typing cumbersome, doesn't use Braille Screen Input, or simply wants another fast way to enter text on an iPhone or iPad. It is also well worth hearing for blind developers and anyone curious about how a VoiceOver-first application moves from an idea to a working product. FloType remains in active beta at the time of writing rather than being a publicly released App Store app, but its…

In this episode of the AppleVis Extra, David Nason is joined by blind software developer Yannick Plassiard for a fascinating conversation about accessibility, software development, and what happens when the person building an accessible app is also someone who relies on accessibility every day. Yannick is the developer behind App-Suite, a growing collection of accessibility-focused applications that includes aGram, aScan, aCapture, and other projects spanning MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android.
Yannick takes us back to his earliest experiences with computers, learning to program on MS-DOS and working primarily with Braille at a time when screen readers and assistive technology looked very different from what we use today. From there, he discusses a career that has taken him through accessibility, Braille technology, healthcare, financial systems, and backend development. That varied background has given him an interesting perspective on accessible software design: techniques developed to solve problems in one industry can often prove surprisingly valuable when applied somewhere else.
The conversation then turns to App-Suite and the accessibility problems that inspired Yannick to start building his own applications. We hear about aScan, his approach to making document scanning and understanding easier for blind users; aCapture, which grew from his frustration with the complexity of recording and streaming audio on the Mac; and aGram, an alternative Telegram client designed with accessibility firmly in mind. Yannick also shares some of the lessons learned while developing aGram, including why newer technology isn't necessarily the best technology for every job and how performance problems led him to reconsider an initially SwiftUI-heavy approach.
One of the most intriguing parts of the discussion concerns Talk Forward, Yannick's Android screen reader project. Built from the open-source foundations of TalkBack, Talk Forward explores what an Android screen reader might feel like if some of the interaction techniques familiar to VoiceOver users were brought across to Google's platform. Yannick discusses adding concepts such as rotor-style navigation, improving responsiveness, experimenting with AI-powered dictation and image descriptions, and even developing a custom keyboard in an effort to make typing more predictable and efficient. For anyone who has considered trying Android but found the transition from VoiceOver difficult, it's an especially interesting glimpse at another approach to accessible mobile interaction.
David and Yannick also explore the rapidly changing relationship between artificial intelligence and software development. Yannick explains how AI tools have changed his workflow, allowing him to spend less time writing routine code and more time reviewing, testing, debugging, and thinking about how an application should actually behave. Just as importantly, he makes the distinction between making an interface technically accessible and making it genuinely pleasant and efficient to use with a screen reader. Whether you're a developer, a VoiceOver user curious about how accessible apps are made, an Android user interested in Talk Forward, or simply someone who enjoys hearing how accessibility challenges can inspire new software, there's plenty in this conversation worth hearing.
Thinking About Giving It a Try?
If Yannick's approach to accessibility sounds appealing, App…

Harrison introduces **Deyesfree **, an accessible dice rolling app built specifically with VoiceOver users in mind. Rather than adapting a traditional visual interface, the app was designed from the ground up to provide a fast, intuitive experience for blind and low vision users while remaining equally enjoyable for anyone looking for a simple digital dice roller. Throughout the introduction, Harrison shares the story behind the app, the inspiration for creating it, and the accessibility decisions that shaped its development.
The demonstration begins with a guided tour of the app's interface before moving into practical examples of rolling dice for games such as Monopoly, Yahtzee, and Dungeons & Dragons. Harrison shows how to create custom dice rolls, save frequently used presets, hold individual dice while re-rolling the rest, review previous rolls using the history feature, sort dice, and customize the app's speech and sound settings. Along the way, he explains how each feature helps make tabletop gaming faster and more enjoyable without requiring users to work around a sighted interface.
As the episode continues, Harrison explores several of the app's advanced capabilities, including Bluetooth keyboard support, configurable voice speed, optional ambient sound effects, multilingual support, and integration with Siri Shortcuts. He also demonstrates the Apple Watch companion, showing how players can quickly roll common dice directly from their wrist or access synchronized presets from the iPhone app. These features work together to create an experience that is both accessible and efficient whether you're playing a casual board game or a lengthy tabletop role-playing campaign.
Whether you're an experienced tabletop gamer, new to role-playing games, or simply interested in thoughtfully designed accessible software, this episode provides an excellent look at how accessibility can enhance—not limit—the user experience. Harrison's walkthrough highlights both the practical features of Deyesfree and the design philosophy behind creating an app that feels truly native for VoiceOver users.
Thinking About Giving It a Try?
If Deyesfree sounds like something you'd enjoy, it's available as a free download from the App Store. The app is developed by Harrison Tu and is designed to make rolling dice quick, intuitive, and fully accessible for VoiceOver users while remaining just as useful for low vision and sighted players. According to the current App Store listing, the app is available at no cost and falls under the Entertainment category. ([App Store][1])
You can learn more or download the app using the following resources:
App Store:DeyesFree on the App Store
AppleVis App Directory:DeyesFree on AppleVis
Transcript
Disclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.
Harrison: Hello everyone. Um hello Apple Vis. My name is Harrison2, and I am…

In this episode of the AppleVis Extra podcast, David Nason is joined by Quinton Williams, the developer of VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes. Quintin shares the story behind creating the app, how a personal interest in accessible talking clocks inspired the project, and how an idea that began as a simple experiment quickly evolved into a feature-rich app for iPhone and Mac.
The conversation explores Quintin's unconventional path into software development. Rather than following a traditional programming background, Quinton discusses how he is using modern AI tools alongside Swift development to learn by building real-world projects. He talks candidly about the benefits and challenges of AI-assisted development, emphasizing the importance of understanding the code rather than relying on AI-generated solutions without learning from them.
Listeners will also hear about the design philosophy behind VAL, including its extensive customization options, support for Apple's new AlarmKit framework, compatibility with Steve's Talking Clock, and plans for an online library where users will be able to share custom clocks and sound packs. Quintin also discusses the realities of independent app development, including beta testing, accessibility, App Store approval, automation tools like Fastlane, and balancing development across multiple Apple platforms.
Whether you're interested in accessibility, app development, or simply enjoy hearing how members of the AppleVis community are creating innovative software, this episode offers an engaging look behind the scenes of an ambitious accessibility-focused project. Be sure to listen to the full conversation to hear Quintin's experiences, future plans for VAL, and his insights into building apps with today's development tools.
Resources & Links
AppleVis – Announcing AnonyMouse's App Pick of the Month for May 2026: VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimeshttps://applevis.com/blog/announcing-anonymouses-app-pick-month-may-2026-val-voice-alarm-chimes
Download VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes on the App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/val-voice-alarm-chimes/id6760596283
Join the Conversation: Preorders for my clock app are live!
For the latest updates, beta testing opportunities, and community discussion about VAL, be sure to visit the AppleVis pages linked above.
Thanks for listening to the AppleVis Extra podcast.
Transcript
Disclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.
David: Hi there, and welcome to the AppleViz Extra podcast. My name is Dave Nason. I'm delighted to be with you again with another episode in our mini-series talking to blind and low vision developers. We thought it would be really cool to put a bit of focus on people from within our community who are coding and creating great apps for us and…

In this episode of the AppleVis Extra podcast, David Nason is joined by Ashley Cox, a blind software developer who is building native apps for Apple's platforms with a strong focus on accessibility, usability, and thoughtful design.
Ashley shares his journey into software development—from teaching himself HTML in the early days of the web to developing sophisticated Swift applications for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Along the way, he discusses how personal needs often inspire his projects and why creating software for yourself can lead to better experiences for everyone.
The conversation takes an in-depth look at Simulcast, Ashley's upcoming podcast application that combines podcast playback, internet radio, Apple Music integration, iCloud syncing, Siri support, and a host of accessibility-focused features into one native Apple experience. Ashley also discusses two additional projects currently in development: Levelly, a precision spirit level for iPhone; and Audit, a modern single-track audio editor designed specifically for macOS.
David and Ashley also explore:
Learning Swift as a blind developer
Why native apps still matter
Cross-platform versus native development
Building accessible interfaces from the ground up
VoiceOver customization, rotor support, and real-world testing
Working with hundreds of beta testers
Using Apple APIs such as Siri, Apple Intelligence, ShazamKit, and iCloud
The realities—and frustrations—of publishing software on the App Store
Pricing apps without relying solely on subscriptions
How AI is changing modern software development
Why blind developers bring unique perspectives to software design
Whether you're interested in Apple development, accessibility, podcast apps, or hearing from developers within the blind community, this conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes of modern app development and the passion required to bring quality software to life.
Resources & Links:
Ashley Cox
The Blind Man's Workshop
AppleVis discussion: Seeking Testers for my new iOS and macOS Podcast App
If you're interested in following the development of Simulcast, joining the beta, or reading feedback from early testers, be sure to visit the AppleVis discussion thread linked above. It includes feature updates, development news, and information on participating in the TestFlight beta.
Thanks for listening to the AppleVis Extra podcast.
Transcript
Disclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.
David: welcome to the Appoviz Extra podcast. David Nason here, delighted to be with you for another episode. On today's podcast, really excited to be joined by a developer called Ashley Cox. This is the first in a mini-series of podcasts we're doing to showcase blind and low vision developers. So people from within our community, who…