13 September, 2007 @ 4:36 pm by Lioncourt
Greg Joswiak, one of the heads in marketing for Apple, commented in a recent interview with GearLog that Apple is taking a neutral stance where regards third-party software development for the new iPod Touch. Apple won’t deliberately break third-party software developed for the device, but it won’t guarantee compatibility with all third-party apps that may be created for it in all software updates either. He confirmed that the iPod Touch, like the AppleTV and iPhone, is running Mac OS X. This could potentially mean that third-party access sollutions could be developed to make the iPod Touch’s touch-screen interface accessible to the blind.
The article goes on to refer to the iPhone and iPod Touch as essentially, "Mac Micros", and that in due course Apple will be treating them as such. If this is the case, it seems reasonable to assume that more access features will be forthcoming in these devices. As has been pointed out in a variety of publications, the iPhone has gaping holes that everyone fully expects Apple to fill through software updates and in future generations of the device.
Posted in Apple Inc., Mac OS X, iPhone, iPods and iTunes | No Comments »
6 September, 2007 @ 9:40 am by Lioncourt
Apple refreshed their entire iPod lineup at a press event in San Francisco yesterday. Here’s a look at what was announced.
The iPod Shuffles have remained largely unchanged. The major difference in this lineup is the wider array of colours now being offered, and the "Red" model, proceeds from which will go to help fight AIDS in Africa. Accessibility on this model remains the same…which is, of course, quite good.
The iPod Nanos now offer video capability at the same resolution as the 5th generation standard iPods. Access to these devices is probably unchanged, though we cannot be certain at this point. They sport larger displays and a more squat shape.
The original iPod has been renamed the iPod Classic, and now comes in 80GB and 160GB varieties. It is available in both black and silver. Presumably, accessibility on these models will be as it was on the previous 5G models, which is not perfect but still extremely usable by blind music lovers. The Classics are $249 and $349 respectively.
The newest addition to the iPod family is the iPod Touch. The Touch looks remarkably like the iPhone and sports many of the same features except the mobile phone related ones. It has Wi-Fi capability, and the mobile version of Apple’s Safari web browser is included. The device is touch-screen operated and comes in 8 and 16GB varieties for $299 and $399 respectively. While no official word has come from Apple has yet, we can safely assume that the iPod Touch’s accessibility features will extend to about the same level as the iPhone, which is significantly limited.
Apple slashed the price on its 8GB iPhone to $399 and has discontinued the 4GB model, noting that everyone wants the additional storage. The remaining stock of 4GB models are being sold out from the Apple Store at $299.
Apple released version 7.4 of iTunes yesterday to support the new iPod models. Closed captioning is another new feature of the iTunes software. Whether other accessibility enhancements are available in this version, we’re unsure at this time, but will report back with findings should there be any.
Posted in Apple Inc., Apple News, iPhone, iPods and iTunes | No Comments »
22 August, 2007 @ 7:21 pm by Lioncourt
Another new episode of Screenless Switchers was released today. Darcy and Holly interview Josh de Lioncourt about Apple accessibility, the ACB Apple resolution, the iPhone, the accessibility issues with iWork ‘08 and iLife ‘08, and more. You can download the episode from the web site or subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or other podcast catchers.
Posted in Apple Inc., Apple News, Mac OS X, VoiceOver, iPhone | No Comments »
