This article has been indexed from MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors – Front Page
Apple today announced the upcoming launch of several new accessibility features that are being added to its various products and services. Apple says that these options are designed for people with mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive disabilities, and showcase Apple’s belief that accessibility is a human right.
“At Apple, we’ve long felt that the world’s best technology should respond to everyone’s needs, and our teams work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “With these new features, we’re pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of Apple technology to even more people — and we can’t wait to share them with our users.”
There are new features for communicating with support staff, operating the iPad, navigating the Apple Watch, and more, with a rundown below.
- Background Sounds – Apple is adding a Background Sounds feature that’s designed to minimize distractions to help users stay focus, stay calm, or rest. Bright noise, dark noise, ocean, rain, or stream sounds can be set to play in the background to mask unwanted environmental or external noise. Apple says the sounds mix into or duck under other audio and system sounds.
- AssistiveTouch – For users with limited mobility, AssistiveTouch will allow the Apple Watch to be used without the need to touch the display or the controls. Built-in motion sensors, the optical heart rate sensor, and on-device machine learning will let Apple Watch detect subtle differences in muscle movement and tendon activity that will control a cursor on the screen through hand gestures like a pinch or a clench. AssistiveTouch launches later this year.
- iPad Eye-Tracking – Later this year, iPadOS will support third-party eye-tracking devices to let people control iPad with their eyes.
- SignTime – SignTime will allow customers to communicate with AppleCare and retail customer ca
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