Popular Instant Messaging iPhone App to Get VoiceOver Accessibility

Shape Services committed Wednesday to make its flagship IM+ instant messaging application for the iPhone accessible to blind people by way of Apple's built-in VoiceOver screen reader.

"We are sending IM+ Pro v.4.3 with VoiceOver support for App Store review today and expect its publishing in a week or so," said Natalia Kasyanova, a representative from the company's business development team in a Wednesday morning e-mail.

Kasyanova said VoiceOver accessibility will move to IM+ Lite in the coming weeks and to the rest of the company's products over an unspecified time frame.

"Apple's VoiceOver accessibility programming guide is really helpful, however, its implementation process requires some time and developers' resources, considering the number of Shape's apps in iTunes," she said. "We realize the importance of disabled peoples' support and would try to do our best in making our apps available and useful for them."

Kasyanova said Shape Services invites feedback through the built-in forms found in its apps, the company's Support Center website, the IM+ Forum and Twitter.

Kasyanova said the company announces beta testing opportunities from time to time and blind VoiceOver users are welcome to apply.