Category: accessibility

Lyft expands wheelchair accessible rides in LA and SF

[ad_1] Lyft says pricing for its WAV service will be the same as standard rides. In addition to the tests in LA and SF, Lyft has existing WAV partnerships in Boston and Toronto. “At Lyft we think of accessibility broadly and are thrilled to take this next step in expanding mobility options in San Francisco […]

Apple’s Voice Control is important for accessibility, and you

[ad_1] Rather than save Mackay a few mouse clicks, the new version of macOS spared him from having to use a switch controlled by his tongue to interact with a machine. That’s the beauty of the update’s Voice Control system: With the right combination of commands, you can control a Mac, iPhone or iPad with […]

IKEA launches gaming products focused on accessibility and esports

[ad_1] UNYQ designs and sells accessibility aids, using 3D printing to create personalized prosthetic limbs and support braces for people with conditions like scoliosis. It developed a method of scanning a person’s body to create 3D printed products which perfectly fit them. IKEA has taken inspiration from this technique for its series of gaming products, […]

Google’s how-to videos explain Assistant’s accessibility features

[ad_1] The videos don’t reveal any new features, but they’re a smart way to show off the accessibility capabilities that already exist within Google devices. And they align with Google’s emphasis on accessibility, which it highlight at its recent I/O developers conference. At that event, Google shared plans to transcribe YouTube videos, podcasts and phone […]

Android’s Live Transcribe gets sound alerts and transcript saving

[ad_1] The new features will hit Live Transcribe next month, and the app is available on 1.8 billion Android devices. Google is mainly leaning on its cloud-based machine learning and speech recognition tech for the app, so it can easily run on less powerful phones. This is an area where Google is also competing heavily […]

Microsoft designs an Xbox controller with Braille

[ad_1] The patent drawings look similar to the current Xbox One controller, with the addition of paddles along the bottom that would allow players to enter text or commands via Braille. The paddles would also vibrate to provide outputs in Braille. Those might, for instance, communicate what’s happening on the screen or relay text conversations. […]

Xbox Adaptive Controllers will be used for veteran therapy

[ad_1] VA staff will provide feedback to Microsoft both on the usefulness of the Adaptive Controller for therapy as well as the overall experience. Microsoft says the 22 centers represent “initial contributions,” and that you can expect more. The controllers will also be available at hosted events such as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. While […]

Robots will serve as guides for the 2020 Olympics

[ad_1] More robots will handle tasks at the games, the organizers said, with news coming later. The committee isn’t shy about its aims: this is about showing off Japan’s prowess with robots at a moment when the world will be watching. It’ll demonstrate the “practical, real-life deployment” of the technology, project leader Hirohisa Hirukawa said. […]

IKEA makes furniture more accessible with 3D printing

[ad_1] If you live with disabilities, shopping for furniture can be difficult. Many common furniture items aren’t designed with accessibility in mind, and those that are can be rare or non-existent. IKEA Israel has a technological solution: 3D print pieces that make them easier to use. The store has collaborated with Milbat on ThisAbles, a […]

Google’s Lookout app says what it sees for blind users in the US

[ad_1] Shopping can read barcodes and currency, giving users a way to, say, make sure they’re truly holding a $5 bill. Finally, Quick Read can read signs and labels, making it easy to find Exit doors or goods in a grocery store. In other words, the app can be especially useful for learning the layout […]