Tips/tricks for BlindShell Classic 3

Dear customers, we have created this section to share useful tips and tricks for the functions and applications in BlindShell with you. Please note that this section will be continuously updated with additional information beyond what is in the manual. You can find basic operation and instructions for using the phone in the manual here.

Quick Menu

A quick menu allows quick access to some functions, such as voice output and brightness settings. For example, you can completely darken the screen through this menu. To activate it, simply hold down the left action button while on the main screen.

SMS Template

SMS templates let you send pre-written messages to a contact or phone number. These pre-written messages can be created in the message settings.

How do I reject a call and reply by text message?

  1. Turn on the quick reply feature in the call settings.
  2. When a call comes in, select the option to reject the call.
  3. After rejecting the call, the option to send a quick reply will appear.
  4. Choose one of the pre-made replies or create your own.
  5. You can edit, delete, or reset the quick reply to its default settings.
  6. You can turn the quick reply feature on or off at any time in the settings.

Tandem

The Tandem app allows you to communicate with other users via messaging, calling, video calling, and remote control. You can connect with other BlindShell Classic 3 users, as well as Android or iOS smartphone users. Simply send them an invitation to install the Tandem app. Visit our official website for links to download the app on other smartphones.

Below is a list of available functions in Tandem:

  1. Chat: Send text and voice messages.
  2. Calling: Make calls and video calls with configurable options (headset, camera, microphone).
  3. Remote Control: Control another user's phone to assist with setup. If someone else is controlling your phone, you can press any button to exit the control mode.

Data Transfer from BlindShell Classic 2 to BlindShell Classic 3

Data migration is a one-time process designed to transfer user data from the BlindShell Classic 2 to the new BlindShell Classic 3. It involves creating backups on the BlindShell Classic 2, transferring the data (including the list of installed applications), and restoring it on the BlindShell Classic 3.
The process uses Wi-Fi Direct technology. A step-by-step procedure is provided in the manual. Since the instructions are extensive, please download the manual here for more information.

Did you know that you can turn off the BlindShell Classic 3 in two ways?

The first option is to select the last item in the 'Turn Off Phone' menu. There's also a new method: holding the back button from the main screen. In both cases, you will be prompted to confirm if you really want to turn the phone off.

Conference Calls

Allows you to easily call multiple people at once.

How to create a conference call step by step:

  1. Start the call with one participant.
  2. While the call is active, press the confirmation button to open the call menu.
  3. Select "Place another call" to add another participant. This call will be on standby.
  4. Select "Add Call to Conference" to include the call in the conference.
  5. The new participant will join your conference, and all calls will be connected.

Light Sensor

The Light Sensor application provides information about the light level in the room. It is now located on the right edge of the phone, allowing for more accurate aiming and improved light detection. For optimum accuracy, the phone must be held with the sensor pointing towards the light source.

A tone will sound, and its pitch will change based on the light intensity. Press the repeat button to announce the current lighting condition.

Luna - Voice Assistant

Luna is a voice assistant that allows you to control your phone using voice commands. For example, you can ask it to open apps, call a contact, or send a text message. If AI features are enabled, Luna can search the internet for information, answer questions, or interact with apps on your phone.

To activate Luna, simply long-press the side button and start dictating your command. AI functions, such as searching the web or interacting with apps, require an internet connection.

You can ask Luna for static information, such as, "What is the highest mountain in the USA?" Luna will provide an answer and allow you to request more details. You can then view the entire conversation to explore the information further. You can also share the information with someone or use it in other ways.

Color Scheme

We’ve added additional color combinations for visually impaired users. The first color represents the text, and the second represents the background.

The following options are available:

  • Black on white
  • White on blue
  • Black on yellow
  • Yellow on black
  • Blue on white
  • Yellow on blue
  • Blue on yellow
  • Red on black
  • Black on red
  • Grey on black
  • Black on grey

Copy/Paste Text

How to copy and paste text step by step:

  1. If you can copy text from the screen, open the quick menu and select "Copy Text."
  2. Select the text you want to copy.
  3. Confirm the selection to copy the text.
  4. To paste the text while typing, long-press the left action button.
  5. Select "Paste Text" from the menu that appears, and the text will be pasted.

Touchscreen

The touchscreen is enabled in third-party apps with the screen reader activated, as well as in other BlindShell applications that support this feature. In third-party apps, the touchscreen is, by default, an additional control next to the physical keyboard.
The touch exploration feature allows you to navigate between items on the screen. Simply place your finger on the screen and move it around. A voice output will announce the selected item. To select an item, double-tap the screen.

Gestures:

  • Swipe two fingers across the screen to scroll up or down. When you reach the top or bottom of the page, you’ll hear a high-pitched tone. As you move down the screen, you will hear deeper tones, and as you move up, the tones will become higher.
  • If the app scrolls horizontally, swipe sideways with two fingers.
  • Confirm your selection by double-tapping the screen.

Third-party Apps

The BlindShell Classic 3 provides access to a wider range of apps, including third-party apps developed by companies other than BlindShell.

Popular third-party apps are listed under the relevant menu item, where you will also find apps that were available on the BlindShell Classic 2. You can search for and install additional apps using the "Search the third-party app catalog" menu item.

We do not maintain a list of available apps in this catalog. Instead, we use an alternative source that offers a wide range of apps. While this source is not Google Play, it functions in a similar way and contains thousands of apps. Please note that we do not manage these apps, nor do we control which apps are included or how they are managed. It is the user's responsibility to select and install the app that best suits their needs and verify its functionality.

BlindShell Operating System

BlindShell is our proprietary operating system. Some of you may ask, "What Android version does your phone run?" However, BlindShell is not an Android phone, and its software does not correspond to any specific version of Android.

It’s important to understand the unique features of our phones, as they cannot be directly compared to other commonly available devices on the market. BlindShell is designed with a distinctive interface tailored for blind users, which means it has different technical requirements for compatibility with apps and devices. This phone features closed software and a secure environment that is carefully maintained, providing reliable and safe everyday assistance for blind users.

In this way, BlindShell is unique in the market—not only in its approach but also in its focus on meeting the specific needs of visually impaired users.