Release Version: 25.4.0
Release Date: April 23rd, 2025
What's New:
Empower App Updates:
Introducing Audio Access+: Providing Flexible Audio Playback Options for Your Visitors
Now, your visitors can engage with audio content in the way that suits them best with Audio Access+. When they first encounter audio in a space or object description, they'll be prompted to choose their preferred listening method: traditional headphones, holding their phone to their ear like a call, or reading a transcript (when available). This flexibility ensures convenient access to audio commentary for everyone, even without headphones, while also offering accessible text options. Visitors can easily change their preference at any time.
Visitor Choice: Offer headphones, phone-to-ear, or transcript options for audio content.
Headphone-Free Convenience: The phone-to-ear option allows for private audio listening without needing headphones.
Easy Visitor Settings: Visitors can change their audio preferences anytime in the 'My Visit' settings.
Enhanced Accessibility: Provide audio content via transcripts (when available).
A simple prompt will appear when audio is first encountered, allowing visitors to select their preferred method.
Important Note Regarding Phone-to-Ear Compatibility:
The new phone-to-ear audio option is currently supported on iOS (version 16 and newer) and Android (version 14 and newer). We are actively expanding Android support to include versions 11, 12, and 13 soon. Visitors on other OS versions can continue to use headphones or transcripts.
Learn More: Guide your visitors to understand how to configure and use Audio Access+.
Streamlined Onboarding Experience for First-Time Visitors
We've refreshed the initial experience for individuals using the Empower PWA for the first time. If you have configured a custom onboarding message, it will now appear as a lightweight pop-up notification shortly after the app interface loads. This allows your visitors to get a quick glimpse of the app first before engaging with the welcome message. The notification can be easily dismissed by tapping 'Continue', dragging it down, or tapping anywhere outside the pop-up.
Less Intrusive Design: The onboarding message now appears as a subtle pop-up for new visitors.
Immediate App Preview: New visitors will see the app interface briefly before the onboarding prompt.
Easy Visitor Dismissal: Visitors can easily dismiss the notification by tapping 'Continue', dragging down, or tapping outside.
Consistent Timing Logic: The custom onboarding screen (if configured) will still only appear on a visitor's first visit within a 24-hour period.
Vimeo Videos Now Play with Sound On by Default for Visitors
Vimeo videos that you've embedded in object, space, or point-of-interest descriptions will now automatically play with sound enabled for your visitors. This update aligns with recent changes in the Vimeo player interface, ensuring a smoother and more complete viewing experience where visitors won't miss important audio.
Automatic Audio Playback: Sound for newly added Vimeo videos will be enabled by default for viewers.
Improved Visitor Experience: Ensures visitors don't miss audio due to Vimeo player UI updates.
Saved Items in 'My Visit' Will Persist for Returning Visitors
Items your visitors save in their 'My Visit', such as favorite objects or spaces, will now remain saved indefinitely. The previous 24-hour time limit has been removed, making it easier for them to pick up right where they left off during subsequent visits.
Persistent Visitor Saves: Items added to 'My Visit' will remain until the visitor chooses to remove them.
Seamless Return Visits: Your returning visitors can easily access their previously saved items.
If you have any questions about these new features or need assistance in leveraging them for your Pladia experience, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Pladia Customer Success team member. We’re always here to help you create the best possible experiences for your visitors.
Thank you for being a valued part of the Pladia community!