Sorry for the cross posting for those of you who are on more than one list This
is officially from Apple, so I don't see how anybody, i.e. list moderator,
could object.
Mary
Apple Previews New Accessibility Features Set to Come Later this Year in iOS,
watchOS, tvOS, and macOS
AppleVis | Empowering blind and low-vision users of Apple products ... /
AppleVis
At its annual Worldwide Developer's Conference this week, Apple previewed some
of the new accessibility features coming to its iOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS
platforms later this year. At this point, it's worth noting that this software
is still in beta form, and not all features--particularly, the specifics of how
they will be implemented--are finalized. With that said, below is what Apple
has announced will be coming for users of accessibility features:
iOS 10
VoiceOver will include a pronunciation editor, allowing users to customize how
the speech synthesizer says particular words.
VoiceOver will gain the option to send audio to multiple sources. This will
allow users to have VoiceOver playing through one audio source while sending
music to another.
A new Magnifier feature will allow one to magnify objects using the camera on
your iPhone or iPad. One can use the device's flash to provide additional
light, and color filter to assist in differentiation.
A number of new color filters will be available to assist users with color
blindness and other vision challenges.
Speak Screen and Speak Selection will gain the ability to highlight sentences
along with words. Additionally, users will have the option of having letters on
the keyboard and predictive typing selections spoken aloud.
Users of Switch Control will be able to control other connected devices from an
iPhone or iPad. Among other possibilities, this could let a person using Switch
Control control an Apple TV from their iPhone.
Software TTY will allow users who are deaf or hard of hearing to place and
receive TTY calls without the need for traditional hardware teletypewriter
accessories.
watchOS 3
Taptic Time will allow VoiceOver users to tell the time entirely by haptic
feedback. Available options include Digits, Terse, and Morse Code.
The Xtra Large Watch Face will gain new complications, allowing users to
customize which feature they want to be prominent on the screen.
The Activity and Workout apps will be optimized for wheelchair users. "Time to
Stand" becomes "Time to Roll"; wheelchair pushes contribute to all-day calorie
goals; and there will be dedicated wheelchair-specific workouts available.
tvOS 10
For VoiceOver users, High Quality voices; a pronunciation editor; and support
for audio routing will be available.
A number of new color filters will be available to assist users with color
blindness and other vision challenges.
Apple TV will gain Switch Control support for users with physical motor
limitations. This includes the ability to control other connected Apple devices
from an Apple TV.
macOS Sierra
Apple's Accessibility Team has placed significant emphasis on improving the
user experience for VoiceOver users in macOS Sierra.
While not specifically an accessibility feature, Siri will be coming to the
Mac--and may be of particular interest and added value to some users with
disabilities. Siri capabilities include sending messages; creating reminders;
web searches; location look-up, and more. Siri is also able to assist a user in
finding files and getting information about your Mac.
New to Switch Control is Dwell support--a feature for users who are able to
move the mouse through solutions such as head- or eye-tracking hardware, but
who have difficulty clicking or dragging objects.
Switch Control users will also be able to control other connected Apple devices
through their Macs.
Looking Ahead
It is expected that iOS 10, watchOS 3, tvOS 10, and macOS Sierra will be
released to the public in the fall. During the WWDC keynote, Apple announced
that iOS 10 and macOS Sierra will enter public beta in July; if you are able
and have the inclination, it would be wonderful if as many VoiceOver users as
possible were able to test the betas and provide feedback to Apple. More
information about Apple's Public Beta Program, including a link to sign up, is
available at http://beta.apple.com.
Blog Tags:
Apple
Apple TV
Apple Watch
Assistive Technology
iOS
Mac OS X
News
Original Article:
http://www.applevis.com/blog/apple-apple-tv-apple-watch-assistive-technology-ios-mac-os-x-news/apple-previews-new
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