Homer Audio Player for Seniors

Marcin Simonides

Two user roles

Unique features

Designed for independence

Other features

About this app

Two user roles

Caregiver (you) - access settings to customize the interface, manage content, and configure everything to your loved one's needs,
The listener - uses a simple interface to select and play audiobooks and podcasts. With lockdown mode enabled there's nothing to accidentally change or break.

Unique features

Lockdown mode: disable exiting the app and the settings button to transform any tablet into a dedicated audio device. Your loved one doesn't have to worry about accidentally changing something or being unable to launch the app.

Easy handling: add extra screen margins to prevent accidental taps when holding the tablet.

Customizable: add audiobooks and podcasts and adjust the interface. The listener gets a minimal UI that is only for playback. They can use it independently on their own.

Distraction-free experience: no ads, notifications or pop-ups to confuse the user.

Designed for independence

The listener only uses the simple interface to select what to play and start/stop playback. All configuration, settings and content management is done in the locked down settings section by the caregiver.

This allows independent for those who struggle with smartphones, regular MP3 players or other mainstream devices.

Perfect for:

- Elderly, visually impaired users.
- People with cognitive impairment (recovering from a stroke, affected by learning disorders etc).
- Dementia patients who benefit from listening to familiar audiobooks.
- Other non-tech-savvy users who need a simple, foolproof audio device.

How it works

1. Install Homer on any Android 7+ phone or tablet.
2. Configure as caregiver - add content, customize the interface for your loved one's needs.
3. Hide the settings button and lock down the interface.
4. Hand to the listener for simple, independent operation.

Use an older Android tablet that you already own or buy a budget model. Homer will transform it into a purpose-built audio player that's easier to use than expensive alternatives.

Other features

Simple interface

- Large buttons.
- Swipe left and right to change audiobooks and podcasts.
- No nested content structure - all audiobooks and podcast episodes are on a single list.
- Reads titles aloud for visually impaired users.
- Flip-to-stop - put the device screen down to pause playback.

Audiobooks

- Play audiobooks from your device.
- Position saved individually for each book.
- Only DRM-free audiobooks are supported.

Podcasts

- Automatically updated to show the latest 1-5 episodes for each podcast (you configure the number).
- Fully downloads episodes for uninterrupted playback.

Additional functionality

- High contrast dark and light themes.
- Customize controls: volume, chapter skip, forward, rewind.
- Adjust playback speed: slow down for those hard of hearing.
- Sleep timer: playback stops unless the device is shaken periodically.
- Kiosk capability: hide settings to create a dedicated device.

Give your loved ones the independence they deserve.

What’s new

Lockdown mode is now properly restored after being temporarily disabled (requires update of the kiosk setup companion app).
Small UI improvements.