There's an app for that: magnification apps
by Chris Fox
What use is a tablet device when I am visually impaired? Some people may ask just such a question.
For a lot of people magnification is provided through the traditional means of glass magnifiers, more recently video magnifiers both portable and ones not so portable. But, with so many people now having mobile phones and tablets with good quality cameras built in, is there another way? Let’s find out……
Virtual Loupe
This is a simple magnification app that you can use as you would a magnifying glass. Pinch the screen to zoom in on what you are looking at.
iPhone or iPad only.
Cost: Free
Download Virtual Loupe
Restaurant Menu Reader
We have all been there. In a restaurant with the “mood lighting”, in other words dingy! You are given the menu and your first reaction is “I can’t see anything on the menu”. This app helps by making the menu easier to see allowing you to adjust the colours, contrast and background and also using the flash on your device to improve the light.
iPhone or iPad only
Cost: £1.49
Download Restaurant Menu Reader
ZoomReader
ZoomReader is made by the same company who make ZoomText image enhancement software for Windows and Mac. This app offers magnification and different colour settings. It also provides Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and can read the documents back to you.
iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad compatible.
Cost: £13.99
Download ZoomReader
Cozy Magnifier and Microscope
Like other basic magnification apps, this one has the useful freeze frame function and positive/negative colour option.
Android phones with Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and above.
Cost: £0.69.
Download Cozy Magnifier and Microscope
Your Magnifying Glass
This is a basic magnification app that provides magnification and can use the light on your Android phone to make things easier to see.
Android phones
Cost: Free
Download Your Magnifying Glass
ZoomContacts
ZoomContacts is from the same company that make Zoomtext. This app makes your contact lists easier to see and you can change the colours of the fonts.
iPad only
Cost: £0.69
Download ZoomContacts
Glasses
This is a very basic magnification app.
Windows 8 phones
Cost: Free
Download Glasses
Optelec Magnifier
This is a magnification app from Optelec best known for their range of video magnifiers.
iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad.
Cost: Free
Download Optelec Magnifier
Zoom + Video Magnifier
A basic but useful Magnification app that allows you to change colours and backgrounds.
Works on all Android devices from 2.2 Froyo.
Cost: Free
Download Zoom+
BC Digital Magnifier
A basic magnifier which you can use in low light with aid of your phone’s built in light.
Works with Android from 2.2 Froyo.
Cost: Free
Download BC Digital Magnifier
Tell us what you use on your tablets and phones, have you tried any of these apps and what do you think of them? Give us your feedback by emailing us at technology@sense.org.uk.
Chris Fox is ICT Project & Assessment Officer at Sense
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