Apple has announced new accessibility software features in iOS, coming later this year. They are called Live Speech, Personal Voice and Point and Speak. The iPhone or iPad can use it, for example, to imitate your own voice during calls in order to read out written sentences.
Today is World Accessibility Day and Apple has announced new accessibility features for iOS. They are aimed at people who cannot speak and are intended to make it easier for them to use the iPhone or iPad. Also for blind people was called an innovation Point and Speak announced. The latter is integrated into the “Lupe” app and combines inputs from the camera app, the LiDAR scanner and machine learning.
For objects with multiple labels, such as a microwave, Point and Speak can analyze the control buttons and announces the labeling of the key over the speakers, which is pointed at with the finger. The function can be combined with other magnifier functions such as person, image or door recognition.
With live speech allows users to say what they want type in on the phone and the device will speak it out loud. Frequently used phrases can be saved. For people at risk of losing their language skills, Apple personal voice developed. By reading text prompts for 15 minutes, the iPhone or iPad uses machine learning to create one personalized reading voice for Live Speech. It imitates your own voice when making calls.
Furthermore Assistive Access announced to help users with cognitive disabilities through a simpler representation to support. The function reduces the interface and options of the Cameras, Photos, Music, Phone and Messages apps to the essentials. A line-based layout is also available for the start screen. You can read about other new accessibility features in the Apple press release read.
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For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of male, female and various language forms (m/f/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.