FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do I use the hear.pictures app?

Please see the "App" link off the hear.pictures website menu.

2. Are conversations recorded to hear.pictures servers?

In share mode yes to allow your friends to get your comments. Otherwise data stays on your device.

3. What happens when I add a comment?

When you tap the checkmark, the voice and image are saved locally. When signed in, on returning to the list of conversations, the comment is uploaded to the cloud.

4. When is data sent to the cloud?

Local mode (when the user indicator uses the word "local" rather than the actual username) data is only on the device. A signed on user can transfer (share) memos from local to his normal conversation timeline by swiping right and selecting the up arrow for sharing. The memo will then be saved as a conversation to the hear.pictures cloud. Note that swiping right and selecting the save (disk) icon will cause an email to be created containing the raw memo data for personal backup.

5. What happens when I delete a comment?

This is an on device event and the information will never have left the device. Voice data will be overwritten. However, copies of the photos taken with the camera may be available in your device's photo albums.

6. What happens when I delete a conversation?

Links are removed and storage is freed for overwrite. Recipient devices are instructed to delete the conversation as well. Where permitted, a garbage can facility is implemented on the server such that data may be restored if so desired.

7. How long does hear.pictures retain voice data?

Typically data is retained for at least one month.

8. Can I review and delete recordings in the cloud?

Yes.

9. How are my voice recordings used?

Voice recording are transferred to the intended recipients when they request them through app or web access. Voice recordings may be monitored by automatic voice analysis for objectionable content violating our terms of service. Those flagged by the automatic aanalysis may be reviewed by people to determine their accuracy and refine the system. In the future, the user may have access to a transcript service to provide hard copy for conversations; this may require human access for ensuring accuracy.

10. Does hear.pictures use location information?

We do not access device GPS. However, in common with modern websites, we do use your IP address to determine if you are in a country where our service is normally provided.

11. Does hear.pictures guarantee quality of service?

No. While we do our best, it is possible for comments to be delayed or lost.

12. Can hear.pictures be used for emergencies?

No.

13. When does hear.pictures use my microphone?

When recording a prominent inicator such as a red background or flashing microphone is displayed. The microphone is not used otherwise.

14. Does granting access to photo albums or contacts mean hear.pictures gets all my photos and contacts?

No. Only photos and contacs that you select in conversation that is relayed through the cloud are accessible to hear.picture's servers.

15. Does hear.pictures sell my information to third parties?

No. The free version does present ads, currently provided by Google. Your contacts, comment photos and audio recordings as vested with this app are not provided to nor used by the advertising provider.

16. What will happen if policies change?

You will be given notice and time to save your data and delete it from our services.

17. How do I share save passwords across all my Apple devices?

Make sure that iCloud Keychain is 'turned on' on all of your iOS devices by going to Settings>your name>iCloud>Keychain.

18. How do I fix wrong password issues when I have multiple hear.pictures accounts in my Apple keychain?

If you have two accounts with hear.pictures make sure the password you use is the one belonging to the account you are signing on to and not one for another email.

19. What if I dont want to launch on a particular notification?

If phone is just waking up, swipe left on the notification and press clear. If phone is fully on, press and hold notification and hit x when it appears.

20. Why is my recording low volume with bluetooth headphones (e.g. Beats)?

They are probably on backwards! These devices are designed to suppress noise from behind. Make sure the "Left" headphone is on the left ear and the recording should have good volume.

21. Can I block messages from specific users?

Yes. Go to a comment by that user, tap ... lower left, confirm table checkmarks reflect your desired blocks and then hit share(send) top right to inform the server.

22. Can I signin using Safari suggested passwords (eg the iOS password manager)?

Yes. 1. Tap the email entry area. The keyboard will appear. Tap Passwords at top of keyboard. It will request your touchID. Under "SUGGESTED PASSWORDS" an entry for "hear.pictures--'your email'" should be present. Tap into fill in your email address. Tap check mark to proceed. You may be prompted to allow notifications (yes). 2. The password entry box appears. Tap it, get keyboard and tap "Passwords" at top of keyboard. Give touchID. As before select "hear.pictures--'your email'" from "SUGGESTED PASSWORDS". The password will be filled in. Tap checkmark to complete login.