Apple will launch new accessibility features for people with visual or hearing impairments

This year, Apple plans to launch a number of new features that will make using devices more convenient for people with visual and hearing impairments. These include automatic real-time subtitles, improved braille tools, and new labels about app features.

• Live Captioning – automatic speech transcription during calls, video or audio content.
• Braille enhancements – create notes using on-screen or compatible braille devices, and perform math calculations using Nemeth’s standard braille code.
• Marks about accessibility features in apps – developers will be able to indicate whether their apps have features such as voice control, large text, or voice-over. This will make it easier for users to find the right apps.

New features for Apple devices:

• AirPods Pro 2 – they can now be used as hearing aids. However, experts warn that they are not suitable for everyone.
• Updated “Live Listen” – allows the iPhone or iPad to act as a microphone and send sound to the hearing aids or AirPods Pro 2, which is especially useful in noisy places.
• Expansion of the Loupe app – it can now be used on a Mac via the camera or a connected iPhone to magnify text and images. Users will be able to adjust brightness, contrast, and colors for easy reading.

• Create notes with input via braille device or screen.
• Doing math calculations using Nemeth’s standard braille code.

Apple has introduced a new personal voice feature that can recreate a user’s voice based on as few as 10 phrases – much faster and easier than previous models that required 150 phrases. And all processing happens on the device or encrypted in the cloud for security and privacy.

The company is actively integrating artificial intelligence technology into its accessibility features. This is enabling more advanced tools and making devices even more inclusive.

Herrlinger (Apple’s director of global policy and accessibility initiatives) emphasized that all of these features are built in for free and are available immediately after a system update. She noted the importance of democratizing access to technology: “All of these features are already built into the device at no additional cost. We’re committed to making technology accessible to everyone.”

She said having multiple features on one device makes using technology more cost-effective and user-friendly.

The story Apple to launch new accessibility features for people with visual or hearing impairments was first published on ITZine.ru.