I was excited about this service until I downloaded the app and realized it was totally inaccessible for blind users like me who use VoiceOver on our iOS devices. Unfortunately, I had to give the app a 1 star rating until Square decides to join the 21st century and make their product accessible. I also sent a tweet to @Square and @jack regarding this issue. I will be glad to reevaluate the product and adjust my rating if this issue is corrected.
Until the glaring accessibility issues with this app are fixed, I do NOT recommend the app or the Square service for blind users.
- Posted by The Blind Geek using BlogPress from his iPhone4 with Apple Voice Over!
Thanks for your feedback regarding the (lack of) accessibility in the Square application. I work for the company - writing the Android version of the software - which suffers with the same issues as on iOS. While I cant promise anything for a timeframe, I can confirm two things - firstly, that this *is* on the development roadmap and secondly, it's something I have personally been talking to management and other devs about for a while now, and I will be the "squeaky wheel" talking about going forward.
ReplyDeleteUpdate! The Square app for iPad is accessible with Voice Over, and the iPhone will work with a work-around I came up with.
ReplyDeleteAt first, the Square iPhone app appears to do absolutely nothing. After some experimenting, I found what I believe is the issue. It appears that the app switches Voice Over's volume levels to the normally independently set headphone level and resets this level all the way to low.
To get around this,plug a pair of headphones after launching the app and crank up the volume. Now unplug the headphones and Voila! you're all set.
While this is a workable (albeit temporary ) option, it is quite irritating. I am looking forward to a complete fix, and will keep this space updated as things develop.
UPDATE #2: So I got my Square Reader in the mail today. It was with much anticipation that I ripped open the little package...
ReplyDeleteWhat I found, however, was so disappointing... I realized before ever plugging the little device in that it was doomed to failure.
You see, as a blind user, I rely on one of two things to interact with my iOS devices, either the built in speaker, or the headphones.
So imagine my disappointment when I realized the Square device utilizes the headphone jack as it's interface... Yes, that's right, the bloody headphone jack!! How in the nine hells are those of us that rely on VoiceOver to interact with our iOS devices supposed to use this?
I tried many options to get the device to work, including, but not limited to: setting up my transactions 1st, then plugging in the device and swiping the card, then unplugging the device and finishing the transaction. This and all variants I tried failed.
So, as of now, the Square Reader and service are off the accessible app list. I realize that I can successfully perform transactions by manually entering them, but I am unwilling to do this unless Square is willing to match the transaction pricing for swiped transactions.
Back into the Doghouse with this one… Woof!
Update #3 (minor): Square v1.6.1 was released a few days ago. I have updated and tested it. No fixes to the app's accessibility are apparent at this time. I will continue to post updates here as the app is updated. Keep an eye on Twitter (@rwnutjob) for update notices. Woof!
ReplyDeleteSquare v2.0 released! And guess what... It still doesn't work with Apple VoiceOver. I updated the app on my iPhone this morning, and after testing, could find no improvements in the apps accessibility. All of the issues I have outlined above as being the major roadblocks to the apps accessibility are still glaringly present in this revision.
ReplyDeleteI know that it should be possible for Square to get around the problem for VoiceOver users caused by choosing to have the card reader interface via the headphone jack, as the iPhone's own phone ringer and alarm tones can bypass the headphones when plugged in.
Come on Square, let's make this a priority. I understand that visually impaired consumers are a minority, but we are a noisy minority. :)
I will continue to track this issue and post updates here as they happen.
Woof!
Update: @Square versions 2.0.1, and 2.0.2 have come and gone with NO improvements in the apps accessibility. The latest version touted itself as having "improved compatibility", but it remains to be seen with what it is more compatible... It is surely not with VoiceOver as far as I can tell.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated a while back on twitter (http://www.twitter.com/TheBlindGeek, and http://www.twitter.com/rwnutjob), it appears that Square has dropped the idea of making this app/service accessible. This is evident due to their lack of even a short response to various inquiries as to the status of the apps journey towards accessibility.
Looks like this app is doomed to hang out in the doghouse/fail-locker.
Woof!