Development Update

We'll be releasing updates on 11/11/2022 from 9PM to 11PM PT.

1. Enable translation and text-to-speech for an account

We recently added the ability for users to enable accessibility options on their accounts. These options include the ability to translate lesson content to Spanish and have content read out loud in English with text-to-speech.

Here's how to enable and use these new features. First, go to your Account page and click the checkbox next to "Enable accessibility options". See the screenshot below.

On the Account page you can enable or disable accessibility features

Then open a lesson and you should see light gray widgets before any text you can translate or have read out loud. Click the language name to translate the text to that language. Click the speaker icon to have the text read out loud. See the screenshot below.

In lessons, you'll see widgets before any text that can be translated or read

2. Complete system translation

We now have the ability to present Blackbird in any requested language -- ask us about it if you need it. This is different from the Spanish translation feature, above, because that translation function is intended for students who are learning English; it gives translations only on request. The full translation system creates an environment entirely in the target language (except for the actual code, which remains in English).

3. Other fixes and improvements

We continue to fix bugs and make general improvements to the app.

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Thank you to our teachers! We appreciate you and the amazing, important work you're doing.

Problems or suggestions? Please let us know at support@blackbirdcode.com.