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Apple announces new features for people with cognitive disabilities; hearing, vision & speech issues

The features will be rolled out later in the year, the tech giant said.

Published on: May 17, 2023 08:55 AM IST
By HT News Desk, New Delhi
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Apple announced on Tuesday it has previewed new software features for cognitive vision, hearing , mobility accessibility, and those for people who cannot speak, or were at risk of losing their ability to speak.

An Apple logo adorns the facade of the downtown Brooklyn Apple store in New York. (AP)
An Apple logo adorns the facade of the downtown Brooklyn Apple store in New York. (AP)

The features, it said, will be rolled out later in the year.

“At Apple, we believe technology should be designed to help everyone do what they love. We're excited to preview new accessibility features to help even more people follow their dreams,” CEO Tim Cook said in a tweet.

Assistive Access (for cognitive disabilities): Under this, Phone and FaceTime have been combined into a single Calls app. For those who prefer to communicate visually, Messages include an emoji-only keyboard, and the option to record a video message for their loved ones. For home screen and apps, users get to choose between a more visual, gird-based layout, and a row-based layout (for the ones who prefer text).

Live Speech and Personal Voice Advance Speech Accessibility: For users unable to speak, this option allows them to type what they want to say, and they also get to save some commonly-used phrases.

You can also create a ‘Personal Voice,’ doing so by reading along with a randomised set of text prompts to record 15 minutes of audio on iPhone and iPad. By integrating seamlessly with Live Speech, it allows you to speak in your ‘Personal Voice’ during conversations with loved ones.

Point and Speak in Magnifier (for blind people and ones with low vision): This ability makes it easier for people with vision difficulties to 'interact' with physical objects that have several text labels. Built on the Magnifier app, it combines with Magnifier features such as People Detection, Door Detection, and Image Descriptions, and helps users navigate their physical environment.

Additional features

The Cupertino, California-based tech giant announced additional features as well. Details are available in the press release.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

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