Sero (formerly iBlink Radio)

Submitted by kevinchao89, 31 July, 2010

Last updated on 4 October, 2017

Description of App

The Sero application, formerly known as iBlink Radio, is the world's first application for the visually impaired for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad! Radio stations, podcasts and reading services of special interest to blind and visually impaired persons; as well as their friends, family, caregivers and those wanting to know what life is like without eyesight. All stations under Community Radio are owned and/or operated by persons with limited or no eye sight. Genres include oldies, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, alternative, classic Rock, Old Time Radio and more. Reading services provide narration of newspapers, magazines, periodicals and other print publications including: USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and hundreds more. Podcasts are produced by blind and partially sighted individuals, and cover topics including: broadcasting, computers, radio, technology, Independant Living, Travel, and much more. With an active Sero account, you can gain access to many more radio stations and podcasts, as well as an award-winning online community featuring real-time voice chat rooms, voice-enabled forums, blogs, personal websites, and more.

Version

3.1.2

Free or Paid

Free

Apple Watch Support

Device(s) App Was Tested On

iPhone

iOS Version

10.3.1

Accessibility Comments

Is made by Serotek Corporation with full accessibility in mind, which is certainly demonstrated when using the app as every part of the app is very accessible.

VoiceOver Performance

VoiceOver reads all page elements.

Button Labeling

All buttons are clearly labeled.

Usability

The app is fully accessible with VoiceOver and is easy to navigate and use.

App Store Link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iblink-radio/id332027117?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Developer's Website

http://www.serotek.com/

Recommendations

15 people have recommended this app

Most recently recommended by Laura Ann 2 years 8 months ago

Options

Comments

New IBlink Radio Even Better

So far I'm really liking this new version of the app. Especially being able to instantly stream so many podcasts like the ones from all with my IPhone, Cooking in the Dark, Serotek, GWMicro, Freedom Scientific, and Blind Cool Tech just to name a few, directly on the phone. I wish there was a speed control, but it's nice to be able to adjust the track position. The app is definitely worth the money you aren't having to pay for since it's free. Serotek should particularly be commended for continuing to develop this app, and going out of their way to be inclusive.

Podcasts quit working.

Although the app is a great idea, I have had issues with the app freezing up while playing a podcast. Every version of this app freezes up duringn podcast play and cannot be restarted. In fact the latest version freezes up my iphone 4 to the point that I ahve had to reset it. Not sure what the problem is, but had to get rid of the app.

Buggy?

Have to admit I don't use this on a regular basis to have this issue. However, when I have used it I never recalled having any issues with the podcast in particular. This is a great app in pointing you in the right direction in what podcast you should have in your DownCast is which I use primarily for my podcast listening. May I suggest you contacting them to see if this is a bug and let them know of your problems? info@serotek.com

Reply

I sent an email to Serotek over a month ago but have yet to hear back from them. So like you said, I just use it now to find which podcasts I like and use icatcher to listen to them. Cheers

Version 2.1.0

Nice new features to this already very nice app. What's New in Version 2.1.0 iBlink Radio 2.1.0 introduces the addition of a much-improved media player. Listen to a radio station or podcast in the background while you browse other areas of the app. Pause the podcast you're playing and continue where you left off at a later time. Fast-forward and rewind now work the same as in iOS itself.

Version 2.2.0

Time to get your update on this fantastic app!

What's New in Version 2.2.0

* iPhone 5 compatibility
* more reliable audio player
* other bug fixes.

Version 2.30

What's New in Version 2.3.0

This update includes the ability to download content to your device for offline listening as well as bug fixes and improved performance throughout the
app.

iBlink Radio for the Mac

Hello everyone. I just recently downloaded Serotek's newly-released Mac version of iBlink Radio. I've found it to work great. I'm not at all surprised at this fact though, because I used some of their Windows-based products and they truly get things right. So I just wanted to pop in and highly recommend the Mac version of this app for anyone who wants it. It is also free, but if you wish to sign up for SAMNet after the 14-day trial expires you can certainly do that.

iBlink radio

I also use the app.

Version 2.3.3

What's New in Version 2.3.3

This release fixes several bugs related to iOS 8.

Some buttons have been rearranged for greater consistency with other audio players on iOS.

Version 3.0.0

What's New in Version 3.0.0

Sero is the latest evolution of the app formerly known as iBlink Radio, incorporating features from the service formerly known as SAMNet.

Search is now much improved throughout the app. When searching Sero content, search results will now be displayed as you enter your query.

You can now download content in the background. Sero will notify you when the download is finished.

When playing a piece of content that you have previously listened to, whether on this device or another one, Sero will now ask you if you want to continue
where you left off or start over.

New features for users with an active Sero account:

You can now participate in our voice chat rooms on your iOS device.

When posting to a Sero community forum, you can now choose to post a voice message. When using an iPhone, simply lift the phone to your ear to record your
message.

For some Sero content, you can now play through multiple episodes continuously, and download them all at once.

For logged-in users, the Sero app now has just one home screen, as opposed to an iBlink Radio home screen and a separate SAMNet home screen a level down.

There are also many more minor improvements and bug fixes in this overhaul of the app.

Version 3.1.2

What's New in Version 3.1.2

This update introduces the ability to subscribe to Sero from within the app for just $5.99 per month.

This update also contains bug fixes, minor improvements, and internal changes.

Sero Update

Yes, it claims to let us subscribe from within the app, yet, I see no place to do this. If any of the rest of you see it, clue me in, please and thank you.

yes, right at the top of the

yes, right at the top of the main menu, when it opens, the subscribe option is there.

Subscribing

Hello,
In order to see the subscribe option, you need to log in with a Sero account. If you don't have one you can create one in the app by choosing the log in option. Once you have an account and are logged in, you will see the subscription option.

Regards,
Greg WOcher

Nice App, But...

I just downloaded this app a few days ago and really like it. The interface is clean and I was able to hear some Christmas music, as well as Lisa Salinger's excellent tutorial for the SAC. But I've had a slight issue, and am wondering if anyone else has experienced this. When launching the podcasts section, there seem to be a bunch of random programming notes and few if any actual podcasts from which to choose. Over all though this is another great app.

Updating this Entry

Hi again everyone. I'm revisiting this because it seems that it needs to be updated. Specifically, the company's website has changed and the site states that in order to use Sero on the Mac, Google Chrome is recommended if not required. I haven't tried the new stuff yet, but I was given some Apple gift cards for Christmas and then my birthday. I'm planning to purchase this app outright. I downloaded the free version to my iPhone 7 just this week, and there are in-app purchases. Having said all that, the app itself is still fully accessible with VoiceOver. At least some of the audio content doesn't play, and I suspect that's because I double-tapped on "Premium Content Sampler." Their website is now http://www.pneumasolutions.com .