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- Published: May 20, 2021 15:06
New Delhi: For Apple fans, Year 2021 is going to be a memorable as the global giant is set to roll out many new accessibility features, which would enhance the usage of its products including Apple Watch & iPads but also make it all the more favourite than before.
The accessibility features have been designed keeping in mind with people who have mobility, cognitive, hearing or vision-related limitations.
These features will be available through software updates later this year. One of the most interesting features is the Apple Watch allowing people with limb differences to navigate its interface using AssistiveTouch.
Through simple gestures, users can answer calls or access the control center. Apple says the idea behind the Assistive Touch feature for Apple Watch is to make it easier for users.
According to Mashable, the new features, coming later this year, span across all of its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and WatchOS.
Control Apple Watch via hand gestures
Apple will also roll out ‘AssistiveTouch’ to ‘WatchOS’ which “allows users with upper body limb differences to enjoy the benefits of Apple Watch without ever having to touch the display or controls.”
By leveraging sensors such as the gyroscope, accelerometer, and the heart-rate monitor, users can control their Apple Watch through gestures — such as pinching or clenching — to answer calls, navigate menus, stop timers, and more.
‘SignTime’& ‘VoiceOver’ for people with low vision
For iOS, Apple is launching a new service called ‘SignTime’ – allowing customers to communicate with AppleCare and Apple Store associates through ‘Sign Language’ via a web browser. If a user plans to visit an Apple Store, they can also use SignTime to access a sign language interpreter remotely.
The service launches May 20 and will be available in the US, UK, and France. But Apple plans to expand the feature to additional countries over time.
Another feature coming to iOS is ‘VoiceOver’ for those who are blind or have low vision. The novel feature can describe a person’s position, objects, and other details in a photo. Using the Markup tool, users can also add their own image descriptions.
For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, Apple devices will now support bi-directional hearing aids.
Per Mashable, Apple also expanded its catalogue of Memoji customization to include cochlear implants, oxygen tubes, and a soft helmet.
Control Apple iPad with your eyes
Another feature also coming later this year is support for third-party eye-tracking devices to iPad, allowing users to control the tablet with their eyes.
With the introduction of third-party eye-tracking devices, users can control the iPad using only their eyes.
Compatible devices will be able to track where someone is looking on the screen and move the pointer to follow their gaze. The feature of extended eye contact can also trigger an action such as a tap on the screen.
(With ANI inputs)