Archive for April, 2010

After our recent editorial where M.J. Phoenix voiced her concerns about the Royal National Institute for the Blind‘s recent review of the Apple iPad and some apparent misconceptions, Shaun Leamon, the author of the original review, took the time to write up a response in the hopes of clarifying the RNIB’s stance on the latest [...]

In our latest editorial, Apple in the "Blind" World, Mac-cessibility contributor M.J. Phoenix voices her frustration with an article from the RNIB regarding the iPad, which includes some blatant mis-statements.

The Acapela Group has announced an update to their high-quality text-to-speech engine software development kit for iPhone OS, with support for iPhone OS v3.2 and the iPad. Acapela TTS for iPhone SDK has been used in a wide array of talking apps available on the Apple AppStore, adding spoken feedback to rich content and inspiring [...]

In part three of our iPad coverage, we take a look at web browsing on the iPad, and how it provides an experience very similar to, as well as very different from, browsing the web on the iPhone with VoiceOver. In our next installment, we’ll be exploring the iBooks application for reading ebooks.

In a post on Forbes.com’s "Booked" blog, Benjamin Clymer discusses iBooks‘ excellent accessibility for VoiceOver users, how Amazon’s Kindle device has fallen far short, and other details of electronic book reading for blind and visually impaired consumers. Having tested iBooks extensively, we agree that it is a superb way to enjoy books and information on [...]

In part 2 of our iPad review, we explore the Mail app which is included on Apple’s new iPad device. We focus primarily on its usage and accessibility with the VoiceOver screen reader. For additional coverage, be sure to read part 1 here.

Apple has posted the iPad manual in PDF format for download. The device’s accessibility features are covered in chapter sixteen, which also sheds some light on a optional feature which will allow VoiceOver users to switch text-to-speech languages on the fly via a rotor setting. Unfortunately, several VoiceOver users are reporting that these settings are [...]

In this Special Edition episode of the Mac-cessibility Round Table Podcast, our Knights of the Round Table discuss today’s announcements of features in the iPhone OS 4.0 update, including multi-tasking, iBooks, BlueTooth keyboards, Mail, and much more. (Bloopers included.)

Today, Apple took the wraps off of the much hyped iPhone OS 4.0 update. It will be released in beta form to developers today, and be available for users in the summer for iPhone and iPod touch, or in the fall for iPad users. Some highlighted features included: Multi-tasking: Listen to radio streaming applications, receive [...]

In "A First Look At the iPad – Pt. 1", we take an initial look through the iPad’s accessibility features, including the changes to VoiceOver, iBooks, text navigation and entry, and more. In future installments, we’ll be covering many of the included applications, third-party applications, and other features of the latest innovative technology out of [...]

Our latest episode of the Mac-cessibility Round Table Podcast is a special edition. Join some of our Knights of the Round Table Podcast as we informally discuss our initial thoughts and exploration from iPad launch day. This will be the first in a series of podcasts exploring the newest member of Apple’s family of accessible [...]

Today, Apple sent out invitations to media outlets for an event on Thursday, 08/April/2010 at the company’s Cupertino campus. At 10:00 AM PDT, Apple will be removing the veil of secrecy around the fourth iteration of its iPhone OS which powers its popular iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad products. Rumors have been circulating for months [...]