For a closer look from an accessibility perspective check out the Carrie on Accessibility video about this post at https://youtu.be/IoKxQVJ8psw
Hello, tech enthusiasts! Here is a comprehensive recap of Apple’s recent Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2023, brought to you by Carrie on Accessibility. Apple announced various updates and new releases. Let’s dive into these latest advancements and how they might impact accessibility, especially for those who are visually impaired.
The Vision Pro — Apple’s AR/VR Headset
Starting with the star of the show, Apple unveiled its augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) headset – the Apple Vision Pro. Resembling oversized ski goggles, the device utilizes multiple cameras and sensors to project a digital rendition of the real world. Then, users can overlay apps that appear to float in mid-air. It also incorporates Eyesight, a feature that digitally displays the user’s eyes and the part of their face hidden by the headset on the front glass.
Eye-tracking and optic ID, scanning irises for security similar to Face ID, are two features of the Vision Pro. While innovative, these bring up accessibility concerns, especially for those with different eye conditions. For example, people with nystagmus do not have control of their eye movements and others have conditions that include underdeveloped irises. How will they make this accessible to users dealing with these kinds of challenges?
Retailing at $3,499, and available next year, the Vision Pro raises intriguing questions about accessibility. Stay tuned to Carrie on Accessibility for a future video with an in-depth look into this device and its impact on accessibility.
New Macs on the Block
The new 15-inch MacBook Air is a notable announcement. Boasting a weight of about three pounds and 11.5 mm thickness, Apple claims it’s the thinnest 15-inch laptop to date. Along with 18 hours of battery life, six speakers, and the M2 Chip, the MacBook Air starts at $1,299. The old 13-inch model is now priced at $1,099.
The Mac Studio received updates, with a significantly improved neural engine and video bandwidth. You can choose between the M2 Max model or the M2 Ultra model.
The Mac Pro also saw upgrades, incorporating the M2 Ultra processor. The high starting price of $6,999 indicates it’s aimed at professionals.
A Peek into Updates
iOS 17
· A simplified Siri activation – where you can just say “Siri” instead of “Hey Siri”
· A new standby mode displaying glanceable tiles
· Improved autocorrect with AI
· Customizable contact posters
· New Live Voicemail feature
· Improved iMessage
· Check-in option for safety
· More and improved stickers
· AirDRop improvements including NameDrop for sharing contacts
Voice Message, often used by blind and visually impaired people, will now include a transcription. This can make messaging more accessible when they are communicating with someone who is hearing impaired.
iPad OS 17
· Customization to the home and lock screens
· Interactive widgets
· A new health app
· Stage Manager and Freeform updates
· Support multiple timers
A stand-out feature is the ability to autofill PDFs, an enhancement potentially beneficial for VoiceOver users, depending on how accessible it is.
Mac OS 14 or Sonoma
· Interactive widgets
· A new game mode
· Safari enhancements like being able to add profiles
· Fun teleconferencing features to enhance user experience
AirPods
AirPods now offer improved noise cancellation and automatic switching of audio.
Watch OS 10
Watch OS 10 introduces improved widgets, new cycling and hiking modes, and a mindfulness app for mental health.
Apple TV
Apple TV now supports FaceTime, with the iPhone serving as the camera.
Accessibility Summary of WWDC
Despite the multitude of announcements at WWDC 2023, accessibility seemed somewhat sidelined beyond the introduction of Vision Pro. Surprisingly, AI did not receive much attention, except for improvements to Siri and the addition of an AI model for autocorrect.
Get a more detailed recap on the Carrie on Accessibility YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoKxQVJ8psw and stay tuned for upcoming video discussing the Vision Pro and its potential accessibility impact.