NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile
Description of App
NFB-NEWSLINE® content now comes to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch!
NFB-NEWSLINE® is an information source designed to keep persons who are unable to read conventional newsprint informed about current events locally, nationally, and around the world.
NFB-NEWSLINE® Mobile features the text of over three hundred newspapers, forty magazines, plus personalized television listings.
In order to use this application, you must be a NFB-NEWSLINE® subscriber with a valid identification and security code. Eligible NFB-NEWSLINE® subscribers are only authorized to install and use this application on five devices.
To learn more, view eligibility requirements for this free service, and complete an online application, please visit http://www.nfbnewsline.org or call (866) 504-7300.
NFB-NEWSLINE®, a service sponsored in part by the National Federation of the Blind.
http://www.nfb.org
Version
Free or Paid
Compatibility
Device(s) App Was Tested On
Accessibility Comments
This app is 100% accessible with both VoiceOver and braille.
VoiceOver Performance
Button Labeling
Usability
Other Comments
As an avid user of news apps, I have found this may be one that replaces them all. The content is packaged together in an easy to use format and in an environment that is user friendly for both users of speech and braille. All of the content that you would find on the nfbnewslineonline.org web site, that would be loaded on to your digital talking book player, or that you would access through the phone is now available on your iDevice. Why I say that this app may replace all of the others I have is simply because all of these media outlets are available through NFB-Newsline. As this app was designed with VoiceOver users in mind, it naturally works nearly flawlessly with it.
With the release of version 2.0, it seems like the iOS 6 bugs that were present such as the app crashing when a user loads their subscriptions has been fixed.
Comments
#1 very nice so far!
I can now officially delete the tv guide app I have, because this one has all the tv listings I wanted! The design is a bit clumsy, but I think they did that to preserve the web version of NFB Newsline, and that makes total sense. What would really be cool is if there was a listbox of all of the available channels, and you could then just arrow down to the one you want and then double tap the jump button and it'd show you the listings for that channel. i get so many on my tv that I can't always remember what the channel numbers are. I took a look at the publications too, and there's a lot here. The initial review is right, this is 100% usable with VoiceOver. If you've been looking for an app to read publications like magazines or newspapers, or if you want a really cool way to read tv listings, this app is for you! Plus the price is right, it's free. You can't go wrong there!
#2 Needs more content!
This is a great app but it needs more content!
#3 Good tech support
They also have great tech support. i e-mailed a question from my iPhone and received a prompt concise answer the next morning. Great stuff!
#4 What do you mean exactly?
What do you mean exactly? It's dependent upon state newspapers and those statates provide the funding for the content.
#5 Applying Needs to Be Reworked
I was excited to hear about this app, and went to the NFB's website to apply for a newline membership. I understand the need to check and make sure that the people applying are blind, but are you kidding me, when finished applying the site told me I would be notified by mail about my membership. Doesn't this defeat the entire purpose of NFB Newsline? If I can't read a newspaper how am I going to read a letter in the mail? Get with the times NFB and email a reply. Very disappointed with the NFB, if they can't make the effort to change how should we expect other government organizations and private corporations to accommodate the blind
#6 Content and my thoughts
Someone mentioned that they want more content for the app, but I think the content the app gives us is what's already on Newsline.
#7 Re: Applying needs to be worked
I don't think you read their response closely. I just applied and here's the response I got...
"If you qualify for NFB NEWSLINE you will be contacted by e-mail (if you provided a valid e-mail address) and regular mail with your Identification Number and Security Code."
I'm guessing that if you're posting on apple vis you can read emails right?
#8 Re: Application Process
I too noticed the refference to the access information being sent by mail ("a letter" was how it was worded) on NFB Newsline's "How to Sign Up" page. Nothing was said about e-mail, although I assume that is what they meant. If materials are actually mailed, it would make sense that they would be provided in both Braille and large print.
#9 App keeps crashing
Never saw the comments until now. I never received anything by email it was all snail mail, so maybe they changed their policy after I pointed out the obvious problem of sending things by mail.
Is anyone else having a problem with this app constantly crashing anytime they go to update their subscriptions? When this app works it is fantastic, but I seem to have a problem getting the most recent content. I have deleted the app and reinstalled it, and am still having the same problems. Would love to hear if others are also having issues.
#10 Terribly misleading
I was very excited for this app when it was announced, I applied and was approved. I recieved my code and downloaded the app; however, I was not able to get everything they stated I would from the app. I contacted them via phone and because my state, North Dakota, has not pledged enough money or donated enough money, I don't get full access to the app and all the content. This is a total crock!! It doesn't say this ANYWHERE with respect to the service or the app. Very disappointing and misleading. Very disappointed! guess they don't want to provide everything to anyone who is blind, only to the ones who give them enough money.
#11 iOS 6 compatibility.
I love this app. The only issue I have is it seems to be not friendly with iOS 6. When I go to down load my subscriptions it kicks me out of the app. I have to go back in and try to download them multiple times before it works. Overall though I'm satisfied with it.
#12 Crashing
When I said crashing I meant the app kicks me out every time I update subscriptions. Having to click update subscriptions and constantly having the app close on me, gets quite frustrating. Either you are going to make an app that works, or don't bother. Considering how litigious the NFB is, you might think they might want to make sure their own products work for the blind considering they seem to sue every company with accessibility issues.
#13 Version 2.0
Be sure to not miss out on this new release of the NFB Newsline! New features and has fixed a number of bugs!
Interesting update to now include the AccuWeather Alerts.
What's New in Version 2.0
1. Adds AccuWeather® weather alerts to the home screen of the app, based on a subscriber's registered zip code.
2. Includes a messaging function on the home screen of the app to alert subscribers of NFB-NEWSLINE to new publications and features.
3. Changes the keyboard used in TV Listings from alphanumeric to numeric only.
4. Fixed system bugs and improved IOS 6 compatibility.
#14 Version 2.0 released
Looks like version 2.0 of the NFB newsline mobile app is out today. It fixes some crashing issues, adds some new features like weather reports on the home screen, and adds iOS 6 compadibility. Hopefullly that'll fix some issues folks are having with it.
#15 Bugs Seem to Be Fixed with Update
Since I was commenting about all the issues I was having with the app, I thought it only appropriate to mention that the app seems to be working fine since the latest 2.0 update. Hopefully the issue over the last few weeks was due to the update. I have not updated my subscriptions yet as everything was up to date with the app update, but yesterday, the app was crashing as soon as you clicked on subscriptions and today since I updated the app everything is working fine. Looks like a nice update, and a hope that the app will be making some further improvements in the future. Nice job with the update NFB.
#16 A few glitches still but much better
Ok after using 2.0 for the past day, here are a few comments. Got my first weather alert today. I think someone commented that you now get weather in the app. You actually only get severe weather alerts for your area, which is fine. How many weather apps do we really need? I do like getting the severe weather alert notice, and as soon as weather radio alerted me to a severe weather alert, I went into NFB Newsline, and sure enough, there was the alert, so the timing seems pretty accurate.
I also was able to refresh my subscription list without the app crashing, which was the problem I had been having the past few months in version 1.0.
Two minor issues, and one might not be NFB. All of my subscriptions have not updated. I subscribed to CNN and The Huffington Post two of the new subscriptions offered, and have yet to receive any content from either source. This might not be an app issue, as there may not be any content provided yet. The only other issue I have noticed is that the table index on the subscriptions page does not work to jump you to different letters. Again, this is not major as you can scorll through your subscriptions with the three finger swipe.
#17 Not having the letter jump
Not having the letter jump thing as of yet. I t worked fine for me a few minutes ago. Does anyone have the call in number so I can set up my tv listings when I do get a tv again? Just planning for the future.
If you don't feel comfortable giving it out what is the website or place I can get it from so I can take care of it in the future?
Thanks all and loving the app.
#18 I'm a bit confused.
I just got an email back from NFB, and I'm elegable and all. That's great. I downloaded the app, and entered in my credentials, and the process went fine. The thing that's confusing me is the difference between subscriptions and favorites. I read the help documentation included in the app, and I'm still confused. Could someone please explain this?
Thanks,
Shersey
#19 I've updated my address with
I've updated my address with news line as well as changed my zip code by calling the news line number for my area. I know news line is supported in Chicago but I can't seem to get the app to update my tv listings from my previous state to my current one. Can someone please tell me how to fix this? I'd greatly appreciate it.
#20 To update your TV listings,
To update your TV listings, you need to call your local NFB Newsline number and select option 8.
#21 I did that.
I did that.
#22 difference between favorites and subscriptions
The difference between your favorites and subscriptions is that your favorites are loaded as you go. meaning, you need to keep a data connection to your iDevice to continue browsing new content. With subscriptions, the content is downloaded to your device and you are then able to read it with or without a data connection. You'll need data available to refresh your subscriptions of course, but not otherwise. Subscriptions are great for if you're in an area with no cell service or wifi, or if you're on an airplane and don't wish to pay for wifi access.
#23 Thanks, Scott.
Boy, that was confusing. I remember seeing something about data connections, but I read it, and just went, "Huh?" Thanks for the nice explanation.
Thanks,
Shersey