Homer Player
Audiobook and podcast player for visually impaired seniors
3 followers
Audiobook and podcast player for visually impaired seniors
3 followers
Homer Player is an audiobook player for the elderly. Its simple interface is aimed at people with low vision who find regular MP3 players complex and unusable. It is an Android app but it allows you to convert the whole device into a dedicated, single purpose, easy to use audiobook player.
This is the 2nd launch from Homer Player. View more
Homer Audio Player
Launched this week
Caregivers configure the player and manage content, while loved ones enjoy audiobooks and podcasts independently - without confusion or mistakes.
Homer's lockdown mode converts an Android device into an audio player for non-tech-savvy users who struggle with using a smartphone.
Designed for elderly, visually impaired users; dementia patients and others who need a foolproof audio player.
Free
Launch Team
Homer Player
Years ago, my grandmother started slowly losing her eyesight. As an avid reader, she started listening to audiobooks.
Unfortunately we were not able to find an audio player that she could use comfortably, despite trying out a dozen devices. It was too easy to click the wrong button, enable shuffle by mistake or change some configuration option while trying to select a different book. This was due to small buttons, unnecessary features or menus that mixed basic functionality with configuration.
Finally, I decided to build an audio player myself.
It was different: designed with two user roles in mind. I would configure everything and install books, while my grandmother would only select what to play, adjust the volume and occasionally rewind. All configuration options were hidden behind a special gesture so she wouldn't open them by mistake.
The player, Homer, was built as an app with a special lockdown (kiosk) mode. This allowed anyone to get an off-the-shelf Android tablet, download the app and with a little effort make a simple, dedicated audio device.
That was 10 years ago. Now I'm presenting a rebuilt version of Homer Audio Player.
I have applied a lot of feedback that I received over the years from users and their caregivers:
- buttons are larger,
- controls can be customized to better fit the needs of the listener,
- screen margins can be expanded for a larger grip area.
And I have added support for podcasts! After all, this is a smart, connected device - even if the smarts are hidden from the user.
If you're reading this, then most likely you don't need Homer yourself; it is a niche product. But perhaps there is someone in your family or among your friends who has special needs - consider making a Homer device for them - the app is free.
My grandmother is in her 90-ties and still enjoying her newest Homer device. She appreciates the access to audiobooks and podcasts that it gives her as well as the independence she has in using it without asking for help.