OK – big surprise time! An update to Pink Plaques.
It’s been almost five years since I’ve updated this app and I’m really happy to say that I’ve finally rectified that; it’s had a considerable makeover to keep it running nicely for a good few years to come.
The finer details of the changes are in the release notes, but some points stand out:
There is no longer a free version, just the one version containing all 73 plaques which means that this is not a free update. It also requires iOS 13.
Every screen in the app has been refreshed.
It now plays properly on all iPhones from the SE 1st generation onwards and will continue to do so with any future sizes as it now uses Apple’s Auto Layout (like my other two apps). It still works fine in landscape too though that’s only really of benefit for the map and landscape photos.
The map has had quite an update! It now offers Satellite view as well as the Standard view. Plaques can be filtered to any tour directly from the map screen. Each plaque now has a subheading when tapped that gives a clue or teaser about that location which adds a bit of fun and interest.
Each detailed plaque page now has a “map button” that will open Apple Maps and give you walking directions from your current location to the plaque.
Every plaque has been checked and the web site and/or location updated where possible. Some plaque texts have been updated to work better with VoiceOver.
It is now a native iPad app as well! It’s not as good as it could be (sorry) in that it basically behaves as a stretched iPhone app, but I felt it was worth it for the big improvement regarding the image and, especially, map views. It can be used in both split screen and slide over on iPad too.
I’m very fond of this app and even after reading them so many times, I still love Rose’s descriptions of so many colourful, moving or hilarious anecdotes from Brighton’s past and I still feel just as strongly about the idea and meaning of the app as when I first conceived it back in 2012.
In these times of lockdown, using the app for a virtual tour through Brighton’s LGBT past makes more sense than ever, preparing you for your own exploration on foot when the opportunity arises.