Hong Kong government releases handy map app for visually impaired

The Hong Kong government has released a handy application that speaks out loud to users, telling them where they are and what’s around them – a feature particularly useful to the visually impaired. 

Using an unfortunate choice of words, the Survey and Mapping Office explains that the app was launched “with the vision” (emphasis ours) of allowing all – in this case, the visually impaired – to reap the benefits of technological advancements, e.g. Google Maps on smartphones. 

The application gives information on your whereabouts (e.g. “Sheung Wan Station A2 Access, at 10 o’clock direction, straight line distance about 300 metres away”), with options to get information on your surroundings or more specifically, nearby shops, schools and public amenities including MTR exits and bus stops – provided that you have an iPhone, as the app is not currently available for Android phones. There is no route planning feature yet, but they may be introduced somewhere down the line.

While this may be game-changing for the visually impaired, it may also prove useful for the visually able. The app’s audio feature may mean that the days of standing mid-pavement and zooming in on street names whilst awkwardly tilting your phone to work out where you are could be coming to an end, as you could nonchalantly hear your location through your earphones instead. 


A screenshot from the app

To enable the audio feature, your iPhone’s VoiceOver function must be turned on. To do so, tap “Settings” > “General” > “Accessibility” > “Accessibility Shortcut” > “VoiceOver”. To turn VoiceOver on or off, just triple-click the home button – easy peasy.

Whilst VoiceMap HK is a free app, it relies on mobile data and WiFi to function, so users are cautioned to keep an eye on their data usage – otherwise it may be a case of using it to tell you that the nearest CSL branch is at 10 o’clock direction about 400m away, to pay off a hefty phone bill for the month. 

 


Got a tip? Send it to us at hongkong@coconuts.co.




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