17 June, 2009 @ 11:25 am by Lioncourt
In episode 163 of the MacWorld Podcast, host Christopher Breen focuses on Apple’s new iPhone 3.0 software and the new iPhone 3G S handset. Mac-cessibility’s Josh de Lioncourt is brought on to discuss VoiceOver on the new iPhone 3G S, as well as Apple’s upcoming accessibility enhancements and more.
Once again, we’d like to thank Mr. Breen and MacWorld for their mainstream coverage of Apple’s accessibility advancements.
Posted in Apple Inc., Commentary, Hardware, Mac OS X, VoiceOver, iPhone, iPods and iTunes | No Comments »
8 June, 2009 @ 3:20 pm by Lioncourt
Though many said it could never be done, Apple has yet again shown a tremendous commitment to accessibility today with the announcement of the iPhone 3GS, the latest version of its popular iPhone handset, which ships with a version of VoiceOver optimized for it. Using this incredible new technology, the blind and visually impaired will have access to the iPHone in much the same way they enjoy Mac support today.
Using a combination of touch screen technology and specialized gestures, the VoiceOver user can use all the apps that ship with the iPhone, and Apple is already working with third-party developers to make sure their applications are accessible as well.
You can read the full details of how the new VoiceOver screen reader for iPhone 3GS works on the iPhone accessibility page. The iPHone 3GS will be released in the US, Canada, UK, and some other European countries on 19/June, with other countries to follow through the summer.
Apple has also announced that similar technology will be available to control Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard with VoiceOver and your Mac’s trackpad. More information is available on this Apple Accessibility page.
All of us here at Mac-cessibility are overjoyed and astounded at this tremendous leap forward. No words can describe our excitement.
Posted in Apple Inc., Apple News, Hardware, Mac OS X, VoiceOver, iPhone | 3 Comments »
27 May, 2009 @ 8:25 am by Lioncourt
Today, Apple refreshed their $999 entry level white MacBook. Changes include a modest processor jump from 2.0 GHz to 2.13 GHz, a boost in RAM speed from 667 MHz to 800 MHz, and an increase to the hard drive capacity from 120 GB to 160 GB. Battery life is now advertized as 5 hours, up from 4.5 hours of the previous model, and now meets Energy Star V5.0 standards like its shiny, pricier siblings. The entry level MacBook is rated EPAT Gold, up from the silver rating it previously boasted.
There are some build-to-order options as well, which is where some stranger of items of note come into play. The $999 white MacBook’s build-to-order options include hard drive capacities up to 500 GB. Notably, the aluminum MacBooks still list 320 GB as their maximum drive capacity under BTO. This would sugest a possible refresh to the aluminum MacBooks soon as well.
Posted in Apple Inc., Apple News, Hardware, MacBooks | No Comments »
11 May, 2009 @ 2:25 pm by Lioncourt
It’s time for this month’s edition of the Mac-cessibility Round Table Podcast. This month’s episode is #2, entitled "Sedated". Josh de Lioncourt’s sound quality is not quite on par this time, for which we apologize. He was travelling and away from his usual equipment.
Topics covered:
- Introduce this month’s panelists, including Holly Anderson, Darcy Burnard, Cara Quinn, Eric Troup, and Josh de Lioncourt.
- Accessibility of third-party products, and the response from developers to Apple’s approach to access.
- Front Row and what it offers the visually impaired in comparison to other home entertainment products.
- DRM-free music and variable pricing has come to iTunes.
- The new "Get a Mac" ads.
Other resources and show notes:
Posted in Apple Inc., Commentary, Gaming, Hardware, Mac OS X, Misc, Podcast, Third-Party Products, VoiceOver, Windows, iPods and iTunes | No Comments »
