Apple has released previews of new software features to help users with disabilities navigate their products, according to a Tuesday (May 17) company press release.
Updates include customizable tools and build on advances in hardware, software and machine learning, helping people who are blind and visually impaired use their iPhones and iPads to navigate the last few meters to their destination with Door Detection. The feature will be available in a new detection mode in Magnifier, Apple’s built-in app.
Users with physical and motor disabilities who rely on assistive features such as Voice Control and Switch Control can now control Apple Watch from their iPhone with Apple Watch Mirroring and use inputs such as voice commands, sound actions , head tracking or Made for iPhone external switches as alternatives. to tap the Apple Watch screen.
The Big Tech company also said it is introducing live captions on iPhone, iPad, and Mac that make it easier for deaf or hard of hearing users to follow along with any audio content, like on a phone, during a FaceTime call. , browsing a social media app, streaming media, or having a chat with someone next to them.
Apple is also expanding its support for VoiceOver screen reader software, with more than 20 new languages as part of software updates, available later this year on Apple platforms.
Related: Apple may revamp its services to focus on streaming and ads
According to a PYMNTS report, Apple is also considering a grocery ordering service that will focus on nutrition and could include a nutrition tracking element not found on other services. It might also be able to integrate with the Health app, adding nutrition data directly.
PYMNTS wrote that Apple will likely add updates for Apple Fitness+ and Apple Pay as well.
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On: Shoppers who have store cards use them for 87% of all eligible purchases – but that doesn’t mean retailers should start buy now, pay later (BNPL) options at checkout. The Truth About BNPL and Store Cards, a collaboration between PYMNTS and PayPal, surveyed 2,161 consumers to find out why providing both BNPL and Store Cards is key to helping merchants maximize conversion.
