AppleVis Extra 115: Blind Developer Showcase: A Chat with Quinton Williams of VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes

In this episode of the AppleVis Extra podcast, David Nason is joined by Quinton Williams, the developer of VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes. Quintin shares the story behind creating the app, how a personal interest in accessible talking clocks inspired the project, and how an idea that began as a simple experiment quickly evolved into a feature-rich app for iPhone and Mac.The conversation explores Quintin's unconventional path into software development. Rather than following a traditional programming background, Quinton discusses how he is using modern AI tools alongside Swift development to learn by building real-world projects. He talks candidly about the benefits and challenges of AI-assisted development, emphasizing the importance of understanding the code rather than relying on AI-generated solutions without learning from them.Listeners will also hear about the design philosophy behind VAL, including its extensive customization options, support for Apple's new AlarmKit framework, compatibility with Steve's Talking Clock, and plans for an online library where users will be able to share custom clocks and sound packs. Quintin also discusses the realities of independent app development, including beta testing, accessibility, App Store approval, automation tools like Fastlane, and balancing development across multiple Apple platforms.Whether you're interested in accessibility, app development, or simply enjoy hearing how members of the AppleVis community are creating innovative software, this episode offers an engaging look behind the scenes of an ambitious accessibility-focused project. Be sure to listen to the full conversation to hear Quintin's experiences, future plans for VAL, and his insights into building apps with today's development tools.Resources & LinksAppleVis – Announcing AnonyMouse's App Pick of the Month for May 2026: VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimeshttps://applevis.com/blog/announcing-anonymouses-app-pick-month-may-2026-val-voice-alarm-chimesDownload VAL: Voice, Alarm & Chimes on the App Storehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/val-voice-alarm-chimes/id6760596283Join the Conversation: Preorders for my clock app are live!For the latest updates, beta testing opportunities, and community discussion about VAL, be sure to visit the AppleVis pages linked above.Thanks for listening to the AppleVis Extra podcast.TranscriptDisclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.David: Hi there, and welcome to the AppleViz Extra podcast. My name is Dave Nason. I'm delighted to be with you again with another episode in our mini-series talking to blind and low vision developers. We thought it would be really cool to put a bit of focus on people from within our community who are coding and creating great apps for us and…