APPLE BRINGS EYE CONTROL TO IPHONE AND IPAD FOR ACCESSIBILITY
Apple announced a range of innovative accessibility features coming later in 2024, promoting inclusive design for users with various disabilities.
Highlights:
- Eye Control: Control iPhones and iPads entirely with eye movements using the front-facing camera and on-device machine learning.
- Music Haptics: Feel the rhythm of music through taps, textures, and vibrations for deaf and hard-of-hearing users (utilizes iPhone’s Taptic Engine).
- Listen for Atypical Speech: Improved speech recognition for users with conditions like ALS or cerebral palsy.
- Reduced Motion Sickness: Vehicle Motion Cues use on-screen animations to minimize discomfort while using devices in moving vehicles.
- CarPlay Accessibility: Navigate CarPlay using voice commands, customize color filters for better visibility, and receive audio alerts for important sounds (like sirens) for improved accessibility for drivers and passengers.
Additional Features:
- Live Captions: System-wide captions for real-time audio and conversations across apps.
- Apple Vision Pro: Improved caption placement and support for new hearing devices.
- Vision-friendly options: Reduce Transparency, Smart Invert, and Dim Flashing Lights for users with low vision or light sensitivity.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day Initiatives:
- Free accessibility feature sessions at select Apple Stores.
- Inspiring content by creators with disabilities on the Apple TV app.
- Curated app collection promoting inclusion on the App Store.
- Ebooks and audiobooks focused on disability narratives available on Apple Books.
- Inclusive Apple Fitness+ workouts and meditations with sign language options and audio descriptions.
- Valuable accessibility resources from Apple Support.
Overall, Apple’s commitment to accessibility empowers users with diverse abilities to experience their products in a personalized and meaningful way.
