Summary: Here, Aaron Di Blasi, Publisher for the Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information Newsletters, expresses his appreciation and support for Be My Eyes’ acquisition of AppleVis. Aaron emphasizes that this development is a highly positive outcome for the access community, noting that the fate of AppleVis could not have been entrusted to better hands. He clarifies that Top Tech Tidbits only offered to archive AppleVis as a last resort, and is beyond pleased that Be My Eyes will now be able to continue the site as a service. Aaron thanks Be My Eyes for their commitment to the community and offers his support as they transition and grow under new leadership. A day of celebration for everyone in the access community.
Today, Be My Eyes announced the acquisition of AppleVis, and I have received more tha a few emails asking me for my feedback, so I thought I would share those thoughts with everyone here.
I will not wait to say this. The fate of AppleVis could not have landed in better hands.
This is absolutely amazing news. We are all incredibly happy and excited, especially for those that will get to continue their previous roles under the new leadership.
To answer your primary question directly, no, we are not the least bit sad that it was not us. We could not provide what Be My Eyes will be providing. We offered only to host the AppleVis site as an archive in the event no one else was able to step forward with a plan to reinstate the site as a service. This is a much, much better outcome for the community than us hosting the site as an archive.
Frankly, this solution is everything that we, and a lot of other folks in the access community, were hoping for.
Big thank you to Be My Eyes for stepping up like this. Speaking of stepping up, Be My Eyes was also a founding Sponsor of Top Tech Tidbits as well.
On behalf of all of us here at Top Tech Tidbits and Access Information News, thank you so much for doing this for us. For all of us. I’m certain it will not be forgotten. If we can help you in any way as you transition and grow, just let us know.
Today was a big win for the access community at large!
Be My Eyes Acquires AppleVis: Comprehensive Summary
Acquisition Announcement
- Be My Eyes, a company providing visual assistance for blind and low-vision people, is acquiring AppleVis, a popular online resource for accessibility advice on Apple and other technologies.
- Announced on August 28, 2024, with the acquisition closing on the same day.
Context and Motivation
- AppleVis founder David Goodwin had announced in July that the site would need to close permanently at the end of August 2024.
- Be My Eyes decided to acquire AppleVis to ensure the long-term stability and growth of this valuable community resource.
Terms of Acquisition
- Be My Eyes will acquire the AppleVis website, brand, and a license to all content.
- AppleVis will maintain editorial independence.
- Two paid staff positions will be added, and key volunteers will be retained.
- The new AppleVis organization will report to Bryan Bashin, Vice Chairman of Be My Eyes.
Future Plans
- AppleVis will remain free for all users.
- The site will be available as read-only initially, with full functionality restored by September 9th, 2024.
- Content for upcoming Apple software releases (iOS 18, macOS Sequoia) will be available as usual.
Statements from Key Figures
- Mike Buckley (CEO of Be My Eyes) emphasized shared values and mission with AppleVis.
- Bryan Bashin (Vice-Chair of Be My Eyes) highlighted the combined strength of both communities.
- David Goodwin (founder of AppleVis) expressed satisfaction with the partnership.
Background on Be My Eyes
- Launched in 2015
- Nearly 700,000 users and 7.5 million volunteers.
- Available in more than 150 countries.
- Volunteers speak more than 180 languages.
Background on AppleVis
- Launched on July 16, 2010
- Provides support for blind and low vision users of Apple products.
- Offers app reviews, guides, forums, and podcasts focused on Apple’s accessibility features.
- Has played a crucial role in enhancing the accessibility of Apple products.
