Apple Introduces In-Device Real-Time Captions as Part of Enhanced Accessibility Features
Get ready for the buzz surrounding Apple's WWDC annual developer conference, as we gear up for a flood of leaks and reveals, eagerly anticipating what's in store from Cupertino. Apple shared some exciting news in a recent press release, revealing its new accessibility features coming soon to iOS.
Starting with an intriguing new offering, Door Detection will enable users with physical and motor disabilities to utilize the built-in Magnifier app for measuring door distance and determining if it's open or closed. People with vision impairments will also benefit, as the app will assist in scanning the door for the business name and opening hours. This innovative feature will be exclusively available on iPhone and iPad devices featuring a built-in LIDAR Scanner, such as the iPhone 13 and 12 Pro series, and the iPad Pro 11-inch.
Another significant accessibility feature set to arrive is Apple Watch Mirroring, which will enable individuals to view their Apple Watch screen on a paired iPhone. This feature aims to assist those with difficulty interacting with the small, under-two-inches display on the Apple Watch. It will be available for Series 6 and newer Apple Watch models.
One of the most compelling new accessibility features on the horizon is iOS's ability to provide offline live captions on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Users will enjoy real-time transcriptions during FaceTime calls, video chats, and social media, all conducted on-device for enhanced privacy. Apple also intends to attribute transcriptions within apps like FaceTime, allowing users to identify who said what.
IOS's live captions are reminiscent of Google's Live Caption feature, which is currently available on Android smartphones, tablets, and Chromebooks. However, much like the Apple Watch Mirroring feature, it will be limited to newer devices, including iPhone 11 and newer models, iPad models with the A12 Bionic chip or later, and M1-enabled Macs. The custom chips integrated in these models contribute to facilitating this offline transcription capability.
A Few Helpful Touches
Apple will introduce several unobtrusive and behind-the-scenes accessibility features that cater to individuals with various disabilities.
New themes for Apple Books will offer a variety of color and spacing options for users with visual impairments and those suffering from chronic headaches caused by overly-bright screens.
Apple's VoiceOver feature, similar to Android's TalkBack, will gain support for an additional 20 languages and locales, allowing users globally to benefit from this functionality.
For more details about the comprehensive list of new accessibility features coming to the next version of iOS, be sure to check out the full press release. While Apple does not explicitly mention iOS 16 as the next version, it seems a fitting guess that we'll learn more at WWDC.
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The integration of LIDAR technology in newer iPhone and iPad models opens up new possibilities for accessibility, such as Door Detection. This feature will help individuals with disabilities measure door distances and determine if they're open or closed. (tech, technology, accessibility, lidar, door)
Apple's future plans include offering offline live captions for FaceTime calls, video chats, and social media on newer iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. (future, accessibility, live captions, offline)
The excitement around Apple's WWDC conference isn't only limited to Cupertino; tech enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the reveal of new accessibility features. (WWDC, conference, anticipation, reveal)
The upcoming changes in Apple's accessibility features, including Apple Watch Mirroring, demonstrate the company's commitment to making its devices more inclusive and user-friendly. (Apple, accessibility, features, Apple Watch Mirroring)
