News and Blog
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Breaking barriers: how Apple's new voice accessibility improvements address critical needs
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Guest Blogger on Wed, 22/05/2024 - 12:03</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h2>Guest blog: Colin Hughes</h2><p><strong>Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people. Colin is a regular contributor to <a href=" August, I wrote an opinion piece for influential tech industry news site <a href=" Register</a>, highlighting a significant issue affecting 250 million people worldwide: the lack of support for non-standard speech in Apple’s voice recognition technology.</p><p><img alt="Professional microphone set up" src="; style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 500px; height: 335px;" />This challenge is faced by individuals with acquired or progressive conditions such as cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease, those recovering from strokes, and my own condition, muscular dystrophy.</p><p>Despite the advancements in AI and voice recognition technologies, these individuals are often excluded, unable to benefit fully from innovations meant to make life easier.</p><h2>Issues with voice recognition systems</h2><p>In my Register article, I identified several key problems with existing voice recognition systems:</p><h3>Lack of adaptability</h3><p>Most voice recognition systems were designed with a narrow focus, failing to account for the diverse speech patterns of users with non-standard speech. This made the technology inaccessible to many who could have benefited from it the most.</p><h3>Insufficient customisation</h3><p>Voice control systems lacked the ability to incorporate custom vocabularies or handle complex words, a crucial feature for those whose speech patterns differ significantly from typical users. This limitation often rendered voice commands ineffective and frustrating.</p><h3>Exclusion from innovation</h3><p>Despite the promise of AI, individuals with speech impairments were often excluded from the benefits of technological advancements. The failure to consider their needs perpetuated a digital divide, leaving a significant portion of the population without access to transformative tools.</p><p>In response to these issues, I have been a <a href=" advocate</a> for more inclusive voice technology, consistently calling for enhancements that would make voice recognition accessible to everyone, regardless of their speech patterns. This advocacy included direct appeals to tech giants like Apple, urging them to lead the way in creating more inclusive technology.</p><p>In March, here in a blog on the AbilityNet website, I expressed great hope for <a href=" intelligence</a> and how it can be leveraged to help with making voice technology more accessible on Apple devices.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong><img alt="Older couple looking at smartphone smiling Text reads: Free Webinar How to get help with your digital devices Thurs 6 June 1pm BST" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/Volunteer%20Webinar%20-%20people.png" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 400px; height: 225px;" />Free webinar: How to get help with your digital devices - with BT Group</strong><br /><br />In the webinar with AbilityNet speakers alongside BT Group, you'll discover:<br /><br />- Simple ways to learn how to use your devices<br />- Tips for assistive technology that can help with hearing, visual, motor and cognitive impairments - including accessing and using the tools that are already present on many common digital devices<br />- How to get help where you live from an AbilityNet or BT Group volunteer<br /><br />Come along on Thursday 6 June 2024 between 1pm - 2pm BST.<br /><br /><br /><a class="inline-styles-button" href="; style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Register for the webinar</a></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"> </div><h2>Apple's latest Accessibility announcements</h2><p>I can't read the future but last week, my persistence paid off. Apple announced significant voice accessibility improvements that directly address the concerns I raised. Here’s how:</p><h3><img alt="Man speaking into phone" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/man%20with%20tech.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 500px; height: 357px;" />Listen for Atypical Speech</h3><p>Apple's new "Listen for Atypical Speech" feature uses on-device AI to recognise the unique speech patterns of users with acquired or progressive conditions. This groundbreaking technology ensures that people who have non-standard speech can now have their voices accurately understood and responded to by their devices. By leveraging on-device AI, Apple ensures privacy and efficiency, making this feature both secure and effective.</p><h3>Enhanced Voice Control</h3><p><a href=" Control </a>has also received a major upgrade with the ability to support custom vocabularies and complex words. This is a development I have been advocating for since Voice Control first launched five years ago. The ability to customise vocabularies ensures that users can communicate effectively with their devices, regardless of the specific words or phrases they use. This enhancement should be a game-changer for those whose speech patterns include unique or complex terminology.</p><h3>A step forward for inclusion</h3><p>These improvements mark a significant step forward in making technology more inclusive. Apple’s commitment to addressing the needs of users with non-standard speech is commendable and demonstrates the power of advocacy and the impact of listening to user feedback. As someone who has been at the forefront of highlighting these issues, I couldn’t be happier to see these changes come to fruition. </p><h3>Other developments</h3><p>Apple also announced a slew of other accessibility improvements coming to Apple devices later this year, including:</p><ul><li>Eye Tracking: This new feature will allow iPhone and iPad users with physical disabilities to control their devices just by looking at them, using a new iOS gaze system similar to Vision Pro.</li><li>Vocal Shortcuts: Users can assign custom action phrases to launch shortcuts and perform complicated multi-step actions when those phrases are spoken aloud.</li></ul><p>Additionally, Apple announced a series of smaller accessibility enhancements, such as new voices for VoiceOver narration, a Hover Typing option that enlarges the current text field content during editing, access to the Magnifier app’s Detection Mode with the iPhone 15 action button, and improvements to Braille input.</p><h2>The importance of persistent lobbying</h2><p>The announcement of these new voice accessibility features is a testament to the importance of advocacy and the impact of persistent lobbying. Few have been more vocal about these issues than I have, and it is gratifying to see that my efforts have helped bring about meaningful change. Apple's new voice accessibility improvements are not just a win for those with non-standard speech; they are a win for inclusivity and innovation.</p><p>I’m one of millions of people who most need the benefits of voice control, but my atypical speech has sometimes made it hard to make myself understood by Siri and Voice Control. </p><p>The set of voice accessibility enhancements announced last week are the biggest breakthroughs I have seen to date, and I’m really grateful to Apple for listening. </p><p>These changes will literally change my life, and the lives of others who have faced the same challenges.</p><p>As we celebrate these advancements, it is crucial to continue pushing for further improvements and ensuring that technology serves everyone. For now, I’m celebrating, thrilled that Apple has listened and taken significant steps to make voice recognition technology accessible to all.</p><p>You won’t be able to try the new features just yet. They will first become available when iOS 18 public beta is released, likely at the beginning of July. They will be fully available to everyone in the autumn with the full release of Apple’s updated operating systems, including iOS 18, iPadOS, and macOS.</p><p>Apple hasn’t said whether some of the new features requiring AI will be restricted to newer Apple devices.</p><p>Read more about Apple's accessibility announcements here: <a href=" Newsroom</a>.</p><p><strong>This article was written by Colin Hughes. All views are his own freely expressed opinions. Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people.</strong></p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Need advice about how to make your device easier to use?</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Our simple guides on our <a href=" Computer My Way website</a> give you free, step-by-step instructions on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs. You can search for a specific need (e.g. making text larger) or filter the guides based on your symptoms (e.g. hand tremor) or condition (e.g. dyslexia).</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><a class="inline-styles-button" href="; style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:14px;line-height:18px;padding:12px 20px;">Visit My Computer My Way</a></div><h3>Additional related content</h3><ul><li>Find out about assistive technology in our <a href=" to use assistive technology at work, in education and at home' training</a></li><li><a href=" more about assistive technology</a></li><li><a href=" out about hearing assistive technology from our webinar</a></li><li><a href=" to our TechShare Procast - AbilityNet's podcast</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Wed, 22 May 2024 11:03:47 +0000
Guest Blogger
2965 at
Accessible digital technology for wellbeing
/news-blogs/accessible-digital-technology-wellbeing
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Guest Blogger on Mon, 15/04/2024 - 12:08</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>Guest blog: Written by PMAC</strong></p><p>We’re a world obsessed with technology. It’s everywhere, and it can’t really be escaped anymore. Whether it’s your toddler or grandma, they’re surrounded by different types of technology, and while this has its downfalls, access to such great tech has its many benefits. </p><p><img alt="Two women in workplace meeting room smiling, with laptops in front of them" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/wellbeingblog.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 400px; height: 267px;" />Since the creation of social media, forums, videos, and virtual meeting spaces, you can now connect and socialise with someone on the other side of the world in real-time.</p><p>Vital support such as mental health counselling and even speaking with a GP can now be accomplished from the comfort of a sofa, bed, or even while on holiday. </p><p>This easy connectivity is particularly beneficial when it comes to mental health support, as it provides access to online communities where empathy, understanding, and mutual support thrive. </p><h2>How digital technology can connect people to a community </h2><p>Virtual support groups, mental health apps, and online forums exemplify how digital technology can serve as a lifeline, connecting individuals to communities that resonate with their experiences and challenges. For many, these digital spaces offer the anonymity and safety needed to discuss their feelings and seek advice openly. </p><p>These digital platforms can cultivate a wonderful sense of belonging, community and safety. <a href="/news-blogs/creative-ways-connect-diverse-communities">Community groups</a> and forums, even some influencers, offer a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. </p><p>The shared experiences within these communities can validate feelings and encourage positive steps towards well-being. Hearing stories of positive change can help others see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel and possibly even save a life.</p><p>Despite being between strangers, these digital connections are vital for daily support and motivation, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their mental and emotional wellbeing journeys. </p><h2>Digital technology and access to modern healthcare </h2><p>It’s not just the community aspect that comes with technology; it’s the wealth of resources it holds. With just a quick search, those in need can find videos, podcasts, eBooks, one-pagers, and even have a free chat with a trained crisis counsellor. These resources can be a safety device for people on long waiting lists or not yet ready to seek face-to-face support. </p><p>Telehealth services have emerged as a vital component, offering remote consultations with healthcare professionals via video, phone, or messaging. You can have appointments with your GP via video call, have CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) over the phone, or request a prescription via text message. </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>AbilityNet's resources about mental health</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Download free factsheets from the AbilityNet website on topics including <a href="/factsheets/mental-health-and-computing">Mental Health and computing</a> and <a href="/factsheets/how-computers-can-help-manage-stress">How computers can help manage stress</a>. <a href="/news-blogs/easy-read-versions-free-disability-and-technology-factsheets-now-available">Easy Read versions</a> of many of our factsheets are also available.</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Recorded training: <a href="/training/disability-awareness-training-removing-mental-health-barriers">Disability Awareness Training - Removing mental health barriers</a></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Free webinar playback: <a href="/webinars/employee-support-and-adjustments-age-covid">Employee adjustments in the time of Covid</a></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Blog: Anxiety and Technology: <a href="/news-blogs/anxiety-and-technology-positive-and-negative-effects">The positive and negative effects</a></div><p>This innovation has proved invaluable, especially for those in remote areas, those with mobility challenges, or those with specific mental health conditions, as it ensures that high-quality healthcare is just a few clicks away. </p><p>The anonymity and privacy offered by <a href="/news-blogs/benefits-and-challenges-digital-health-technology-what-research-says">digital platforms</a> can encourage more people to seek help for mental health issues, breaking down traditional barriers to treatment. Men, for example, who are known to be less likely to seek mental health support, can use telehealth services to keep their anonymity until they’re ready to speak out. </p><p><img alt="Two hands opened up holding a buttercup" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/mentalhealth_0.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 400px; height: 267px;" />Over the past couple of years, especially since the pandemic, mobile health apps such as Headspace and wearable technology like smartwatches have also played a critical role in promoting well-being.</p><p>From reminders to take medication, <a href="/factsheets/how-computers-can-help-manage-stress">reduce stress</a> and drink water to monitoring physical activity, heart rates and oxygen levels, these simple tools empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. These devices are changing the healthcare space by providing tailored wellness advice and giving people a sense of control.</p><p>The data they store can also be handy for healthcare professionals, which provides more regular and personalised insights into a patient's health. For example, the Apple Watch can perform an ECG, although there are doubts about how reliable this is. </p><p>While Dr Google can’t always be trusted, and it’s vital to raise your concerns with a healthcare professional, access to vast medical information via the internet gives people more understanding and control over their healthcare options. </p><h2>Why accessible digital technology can improve purpose </h2><p>The relationship between technology and mental well-being is a highly discussed topic. Plenty of research suggests that our ease of access to so much information through technology is bad for our mental health. While this may be true in some respects, the benefits of technology cannot be ignored. </p><p>When tailored to individual needs and interests, technology can significantly enhance one's sense of purpose and well-being. </p><p>Firstly, digital platforms offer unprecedented access to communities and resources that were previously hard to reach or non-existent. For those with niche or specialist interests, this means the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals across the globe, cultivating a sense of belonging and community. </p><p>New mums can share their worries, questions and experiences through Facebook groups, and women going through fertility treatment can vent on apps like Peanut. Men who want to seek mental health treatment but don’t want to share that information with others can talk to a mental health professional through BetterHelp. </p><p><img alt="Woman dressed casually and warmly, standing in busy room, smiling" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/wellbeing2.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 400px; height: 267px;" />These apps that can be accessed through phones, laptops, iPads and even some Smart TVs are <a href="/news-blogs/11-ways-use-technology-reduce-social-isolation">bringing isolated people together</a>, which shouldn’t be forgotten. </p><p>These platforms also help upskill or engage people in their chosen hobbies. Technology now allows you to completely change your career through online skill academies, join virtual choirs, participate in virtual pub quizzes, and have a voice in healthy debates. It opens up everyone to another little world.</p><p>All of this can lead to a heightened sense of achievement, self-esteem and personal growth. </p><p>Technology is revolutionising healthcare delivery, infusing it with newfound accessibility, tailor-made care, and unmatched efficiency. With each stride in digital innovation, we're forging a path towards a future where every individual, no matter where they are or what challenges they face, can access the highest-quality healthcare and receive the support they need for optimal well-being. </p><p>It's a journey scented with hope, promise, and the profound belief that no one should ever be left behind in their pursuit of health and happiness.</p><h3>About PMAC</h3><p>PMAC is a UK-based organisation of <a href=" health training</a> professionals, providing psychologically-informed workplace training to businesses in the UK, helping to create a healthier and more productive working environment.</p><h2>Further resources </h2><ul><li><a href="/news-blogs/disability-awareness-training-your-workplace">Book Disability Awareness Training for your workplace</a></li><li><a href="http:///news-blogs/9-ways-promote-accessibility-global-accessibility-awareness-day-2024">9 ways to promote accessibility for Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024</a></li><li>Blog: <a href="/news-blogs/six-ways-tech-can-support-your-mental-health-and-aid-anxiety">Six ways tech can support your mental health and aid anxiety</a></li><li>Keep up to date with accessibility issues with the <a href=" newsletter</a> </li><li><a href="/free-resources/webinars">Find out more about AbilityNet's free live webinars</a></li></ul><p>AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. <strong>If you can afford it, <a href=" donate</a> to help us support older and disabled people through technology</strong></p></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Mon, 15 Apr 2024 11:08:17 +0000
Guest Blogger
2941 at
Apple’s next frontier: AI and the future of accessibility
/news-blogs/apple%E2%80%99s-next-frontier-ai-and-future-accessibility
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Guest Blogger on Thu, 28/03/2024 - 10:55</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h2>Guest blog: Colin Hughes</h2><p><strong>Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people. Colin is a regular contributor to <a href=" alt="Graphic of side profile of a head with the letters AI written above it and swirls inside the 'brain' area" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/AI%20blog.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 500px; height: 333px;" />There is little doubt that Apple will emphasise AI (artificial intelligence) in its 2024 releases. Apple's CEO Tim Cook <a href=" reiterated this point</a> twice this year. But what could AI mean for disabled people and their accessibility to technology?</p><p>Imagine being able to control your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without touching them. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, for millions of disabled people around the world, this is a reality thanks to Apple's Voice Control app.</p><p>It’s an app that lets users type with their voice and control their Apple devices hands-free. It’s a lifeline for millions of disabled people like me, but it has some flaws that need fixing.</p><p>Some of the problems are:</p><ul><li>Mishears or ignores commands, especially in noisy places</li><li>Inaccurate dictation, such as confusing “for” and “four” and the verb “will” with the name “Will”, and more like these</li><li>Doesn’t support some common tasks, such as editing text in any app</li><li>Challenges supporting proper nouns, such as capitalising names, places, and organisations</li></ul><p>These issues affect our user experience, independence, and dignity. We can’t just use the keyboard to correct them. </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong><img alt="Graphic showing images of Robin Christopherson and Michael Vermeersch of Microsoft and webinar title How can AI help disabled people?" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/How%20can%20AI%20help%20disabled%20people%20-%20Graphic%201.png" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 400px; height: 225px;" />FREE WEBINAR: How can AI help disabled people?</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Microsoft and AbilityNet share in our upcoming free webinar on Wednesday 17 April at 1pm BST how AI could (and probably already does!) improve your life.</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><a class="inline-styles-button" href="; style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:24px;line-height:29px;padding:20px 28px;">Come to the AI webinar</a></div><h2>AI enhancements for Voice Control</h2><p>The prospect of integrating AI to enhance Voice Control presents a beacon of hope for addressing these shortcomings. Through AI, Voice Control could undergo substantial improvements, including:</p><ul><li>Leveraging natural language processing to understand and transcribe speech more accurately </li><li>Harnessing machine learning to learn from user feedback and preferences</li><li>Advanced speech recognition to reduce errors</li><li>Interoperability to work with other apps or services</li><li>Personalised speech recognition for people with non-standard speech, which means they face challenges in making themselves clear.</li></ul><p>AI can learn to recognise and transcribe speech more accurately and naturally, regardless of the factors that affect speech, such as speech impediments, breathing difficulties, or muscle disorders.</p><p>For severely disabled people, dictating accurately can make or break a day. It’s not just a convenience - it’s a way to connect with the world, from messaging friends to posting on social media.</p><p>These issues transcend niche concerns. <a href=" World Health Organisation estimates</a> that 3.5 billion people will need assistive technology like Voice Control by 2050. </p><h2><img alt="Selection of voice technology and microphone" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/voice%20control.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 500px; height: 335px;" />Rumours and revelations</h2><p>Reports suggest that iOS 18, is poised to be the most significant update in Apple's history, with a pronounced focus on AI features. Anticipated enhancements include a more intelligent Siri, leveraging advanced AI systems incorporating large language models.</p><p>Given Apple's longstanding commitment to accessibility, there is palpable anticipation for the extension of AI advancements to bolster Voice Control and other accessibility features across Apple's product lineup.</p><h2>The Apple Watch challenge</h2><p>It's not just Voice Control where AI can help with accessibility. Turning to the Apple Watch, it’s clear that Siri’s accessibility remains a bottleneck for users with severe mobility issues.</p><p>Apple’s innovation has made Siri smarter in recent times. With the voice assistant on your wrist, you can do everything from replying to texts to setting alarms and reminders and more. Despite these advancements, the reliance on wrist movements to wake Siri erects unintended barriers for those facing mobility challenges.</p><h2>Double Tap a double whammy </h2><p>Last autumn, Apple brought <a href=" Tap</a> to the latest Apple Watches. The feature lets you tap your index finger and thumb together twice to perform common actions like answer a call or reply to a message.</p><p>There was hope that Double Tap could help with Siri activation by double tapping finger and thumb to wake the assistant.</p><p>However, Double Tap not only doesn’t support Siri activation, it also falls short for people with limited mobility who find it impossible to use because of the same prerequisite of raising the wrist to wake the screen before activating the feature.</p><p>Ideally, Siri activation on the Apple Watch should transcend physical limitations. A first step could be implementing Double Tap without requiring a raised wrist movement, providing a more accessible trigger for Siri activation. However, the goal, shared by many in the disability community, is an always-listening Siri on the Apple Watch, akin to the functionality on the iPhone and Mac.</p><p>Apple should consider introducing an accessibility setting that allows users with extremely limited mobility to train the built-in motion sensor that activates Siri when a wrist is raised, enabling it to recognise even very subtle movements, unlike those typically used by Apple Watch users.</p><p>While I don’t have inside information on Apple’s design decisions, one reason for Siri not always listening on the Apple Watch could be attributed to battery optimisation and resource management. Due to the limited battery of the Watch the Siri detector operates only when the built-in motion sensors detect a raised wrist. Constantly listening for a wake word requires ongoing processing power, potentially draining the battery faster. </p><h2>The role of AI</h2><p>The integration of AI advancements holds the potential to overcome these accessibility barriers with the Apple Watch. By leveraging AI algorithms, Apple can optimise the functionality of Siri on the Apple Watch while mitigating concerns related to power consumption.</p><p>Advanced AI algorithms can refine wake word detection mechanisms, minimising resource usage and preserving battery life. Additionally, personalised AI models can enhance Siri's contextual understanding of voice commands, fostering a more intuitive and responsive user experience.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><strong>Need advice about how to make your device easier to use?</strong></div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Our simple guides on our <a href=" Computer My Way website</a> give you free, step-by-step instructions on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs. You can search for a specific need (e.g. making text larger) or filter the guides based on your symptoms (e.g. hand tremor) or condition (e.g. dyslexia).</div><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;"><a class="inline-styles-button" href="; style="background:#ffcc00;color:#2c2a29;font-size:14px;line-height:18px;padding:12px 20px;">Visit My Computer My Way</a></div><h2>Life-Saving Potential</h2><p><img alt="Apple Watch on person's arm in outside setting" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/pexels-ingo-joseph-1682821.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px; float: right; width: 500px; height: 333px;" />Beyond the accessibility challenges, it’s important to recognise the transformative potential of the Apple Watch for disabled people in terms of personal safety and health monitoring. The constant presence on the wrist allows for seamless tracking of vital health metrics, enhancing overall well-being. With the release of watchOS 10.2 Siri can now help users access and log their Health app data. For example:</p><p>“Siri, what’s my heart rate?”</p><p>“Siri what’s my blood oxygen?”</p><p>Since the Apple Watch was launched <a href=" have been stories</a> of how it has saved lives, from car crashes, mountain rescues, fall detection, and alerting people to heart problems, For disabled people, the Apple Watch should serve as a lifeline, providing instant access to emergency services, care giver contacts, and real-time health data that can be invaluable in critical situations. Without access to Siri these important features are next to useless.</p><p>As someone who lives with a disability that sometimes requires blood oxygen monitoring it’s great the Watch has this feature built-in, (<a href=" of the USA at least</a>), but if I can’t trigger a check with Siri the feature may as well not be there.</p><p>The importance of Siri access to these features transcend convenience. They could quite literally save your life.</p><h2>Breaking new ground with tech</h2><p>As Apple charts a course toward AI-driven innovations, the potential to enhance accessibility features holds immense promise for disabled people of whom only1 in 10 have access to the tech they need. By leveraging AI advancements, Apple can pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering technological landscape, where every user can navigate and engage with technology seamlessly. </p><p>Tim Cook’s commitment to “breaking new ground” with AI this year hints at a future where technology adapts to serve all users, regardless of their physical abilities. As we look forward, the question isn’t just about how AI will change technology, but how it will transform lives, making everyday tasks more accessible and empowering disabled people to connect, create, and communicate on our own terms.</p><p>I certainly hope Voice Control and accessing Siri on the Apple Watch is on Apple’s AI road map!</p><p>This article was written by Colin Hughes. All views are his own freely expressed opinions. Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people.</p><h3>Additional related content</h3><ul><li>Find out about assistive technology in our <a href=" to use assistive technology at work, in education and at home' training</a></li><li><a href=" more about assistive technology</a></li><li><a href=" out about hearing assistive technology from our webinar</a></li><li><a href=" to our TechShare Procast - AbilityNet's podcast</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:55:20 +0000
Guest Blogger
2928 at
New microphone invented for speech recognition
/news-blogs/new-microphone-invented-speech-recognition
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Guest Blogger on Wed, 14/02/2024 - 09:13</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h2>Guest blog: Colin Hughes</h2><p>Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people. Colin is a regular contributor to <a href=" has provided an update to his blog due to significant positive developments to the technology discussed within the article.</strong></p><p><strong>Updated February 2024:</strong></p><p>Two years on from the launch of the KeyboardMike, SpeechWare is releasing a new second-generation KeyboardMike, called the KeyboardMike Plus.</p><p>It boasts an update to the company’s USB MultiAdapter with a new proprietary VoiceMatic chipset inside delivering improved performance under short range blue and long range green LED dictation settings. SpeechWare kindly sent me a demo unit, which I have been trying it out using <a href=" Voice Control</a> and <a href=" Professional 16</a> voice dictation software on my laptop.</p><p>Using the KeyboardMike Plus with Apple Voice Control, my dictation is now delivered with even better accuracy! It’s incredible to experience an application that previously disappointed perform almost perfectly with the KeyboardMike Plus. I feel more energised, make fewer corrections, and experience heightened productivity using the KeyboardMike Plus as my daily driver for voice dictation. </p><p>The KeyboardMike Plus will be available for <a href=" on the SpeechWare website</a> starting February 2024.</p><p><strong>Original article:</strong></p><p>As many who have tried and failed to get to grips with speech recognition will tell you, achieving high levels of accuracy in the words you dictate into a website text box or document on a computer screen is no easy feat.</p><h2>Microphones for accuracy</h2><p>Developers of speech recognition apps like <a href=" Voice Control</a>, <a href=" Voice Typing tool</a>, and <a href=" Dragon Professional</a> don't manufacture microphones for speech recognition and will have you believe all the magic happens in their apps. They have little to say about mics suggesting that the internal microphones on computers, or even wireless earbuds, are all you need for accurate voice dictation.</p><p>However, the situation is more complicated and hardware, especially the quality of the mic and sound card you use, play a significant role in producing accurate voice dictation.</p><p>The strength and clarity of your voice can also have an influence on accuracy as does the level of background noise in the room you are working in.</p><p>It is also the case that the better the audio signal coming through the microphone the faster and more accurate the transcription is.</p><h2>Speech recognition for daily tasks</h2><p>I have been using speech recognition as my only means of emailing, chatting online, posting to social media, and writing documents for the past five years. I have muscular dystrophy, a muscle wasting condition affecting my upper limbs, which means I do not have a plan B when it comes to typing on a computer.</p><p>When I use my voice to type, I need the highest accuracy possible because if there is a recognition error, I cannot take to the keyboard to put things right. </p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Find out more about voice recognition in our <strong><a href="/factsheets/voice-recognition-overview">useful factsheet</a></strong></div><p> </p><p>There is another reason I need accurate voice dictation. Whilst my speech is not significantly affected by my disability, other than a softer voice, my breathing is compromised so I need to ration my spoken words to preserve energy. I cannot be wasting what for me is a scarce resource clearing up dictation mistakes by inefficient voice dictation performance.</p><h2>TravelMike hardware</h2><p>Having burned through quite a few microphones over the years, trying to find a good one for speech recognition, in recent times I have turned to a Belgian company called <a href=";, who have a great reputation in the speech recognition industry for high quality microphones made especially for voice dictation. Most other mics on the market are made for vocals and singing.</p><p>My daily driver, for dictating emails, documents and chatting on WhatsApp in a browser on my laptop, has been the company's <a href=";. It is a mini-USB microphone that takes up little desk space and plugs into the USB port on the side of my laptop.</p><p><img alt="SpeechWare hardware attached to a laptop USB " src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/SpeechWare%20USB.jpeg" style="width: 450px; height: 338px; float: left; margin: 15px;" /></p><p>Whilst I have been happy with the TravelMike I have been finding that because my voice is softer due to compromised breathing, my mouth is just a little bit too far from the microphone capsule to pick up my dictated words clearly, and for phone and video calls. The TravelMike comes with a short 3-inch (7.5 cm) pivoting, detachable snub-nosed microphone.</p><p>With this specific issue in mind, I approached SpeechWare last year asking them if they would be willing to make a longer flexible microphone boom to use with their TravelMike, to help bring the microphone capsule closer to my mouth when dictating.</p><p>I must admit at the time I did not think the idea had much chance. How many manufacturers are willing to disrupt established product lines, marketing messages, and manufacturing processes to meet the needs of one consumer.</p><p>However, to my pleasant surprise my idea got a positive response from SpeechWare’s managing director Jesús María Boccio. He explained that he needed time for some research and development on how, among other things, to adapt their existing microphone capsules into an all flexible 7 mm and 20 cm long boom, able to withstand constant bending and manipulation.</p><h2>Microphone innovation</h2><p>I left my idea with him and several months went by. Last October the company sent me a pre-release test unit, which included my requested 20 cm long all flexible microphone boom, and said they would be bringing my idea to market and calling the new product the <a href=" were planning to sell the KeyboardMike working in two modes: attached to the back of a laptop or desktop monitor or attached to the back of a desktop computer keyboard.</p><p>Through using the demo unit in October and November, I quickly identified an ideal third mounting position for the KeyboardMike that SpeechWare had not thought of: plugged into the side of a laptop with their proprietary USB male to female 90 degrees fixed angle connector to keep the USB Adapter in an upright position.</p><p><img alt="SpeechWare Mic attached to USB drive on laptop" src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/SpeechWare%20USB%20Keyboard%20Mic.jpg" style="float: left; width: 337px; height: 450px; margin: 15px;" /></p><p>I like this position because it enables the microphone capsule to be as close to my mouth as possible without sticking directly into my face, which can be distracting. This optimum position also has the added benefit of not obscuring the laptop screen in any way, something which cannot be said for the other two methods of positioning the KeyboardMike.</p><p>It is great that SpeechWare has understood the benefits of this idea, not just for me, but for many of their customers, and they are offering this special USB connector bundled with the new KeyboardMike.</p><p>As a disabled consumer it has been great to experience a company listening so attentively to the needs of a user and going on to create a product that will be useful for anyone who does a lot of dictation on their Mac or PC.</p><h2>Inclusive design</h2><p>At the heart of this story is the idea of inclusive design, something that starts with meeting the needs of a disabled person and broadens out to be of benefit to everyone. As a consumer I am impressed, flattered even, that a manufacturer has taken on board my feedback and produced a new product as a result. I wish more companies engaged with disabled people in this way. It often leads to better products for everyone.</p><p>Flatteringly, SpeechWare call me the “father of the KeyboardMike” with my probing showing there are other ways to manufacture things.</p><p>Thanks to the company’s willingness to engage with my idea I have a fantastic new microphone transforming the accuracy of my speech recognition and making my life easier and more productive every day.</p><p>Using the right microphone can significantly improve the experience of dictating on a Mac or PC. The result of my collaboration with SpeechWare in developing the KeyboardMike is the best mic I have ever found for speech recognition.</p><p>More broadly, it is an interesting time for people who use their voices to type on their devices. Microsoft has bought the leading speech recognition company Nuance and its Dragon product for Windows computers and is putting its new acquisition to work immediately with its new <a href=" Access app</a> currently undergoing user testing in the <a href=" Insider Program</a>.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Read Colin's previous guest post: <strong><a href="/news-blogs/siri-can-now-answer-your-calls-cant-hang">'Siri can now answer your calls ... but can't hang up'</a></strong></div><p> </p><p>Google has improved speech recognition on the new <a href=" 6 phones with the Tensor chip</a> which uses machine learning to drastically improve the natural language processing for speech-to-text. Hopefully, the company will bring the same tech to its Pixelbooks.</p><p>Faced with such competition Apple really needs to improve speech recognition on Mac computers. No mic I have tried has ever played well with dictation in the company’s <a href=" ridden Voice Control application</a>, which means for speech recognition I have to use Dragon Professional in Windows on a virtual machine on my Mac. However, the KeyboardMike is transforming Voice Control dictation accuracy in ways I have not seen before. It is almost productive now! Nonetheless, it would still be good to see the Californian tech giant improve Voice Control on the Mac in 2022.</p><p>I have not reinvented the wheel with my contributions towards the development of the KeyboardMike, and there are other good and cheaper microphones on the market such as the <a href=" Blue</a>. However, with my lightbulb moment I am yet to come across a better speech recognition microphone that ticks so many boxes – accuracy, compact size taking up little desk real estate, and good for Zoom and phone calls.</p><p>The KeyboardMike is for anyone who has tried and given up on long form voice dictation on a Mac or PC because of too many recognition errors. It is not cheap At €229 EUR including VAT, but accurate speech recognition is about small margins and the advantage this microphone gives me makes it worth the investment.</p><p>The KeyboardMike can be ordered from the <a href=" website</a>.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Read Colin's previous guest post <strong><a href="/news-blogs/letter-tech-giants-lone-voice-wilderness">'A letter to the tech giants from a lone voice in the wilderness'</a></strong></div><p> </p><p>This article was written by Colin Hughes. Colin Hughes is not employed by SpeechWare and has received no payment from them. All views are his own freely expressed opinions. Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people. Colin is a regular contributor to <a href=" related content</h3><ul><li>Find out about assistive technology in our <a href=" to use assistive technology at work, in education and at home' training</a></li><li><a href=" more about assistive technology</a></li><li><a href=" out about hearing assistive technology from our recent webinar</a></li><li><a href=" to our TechShare Procast - AbilityNet's podcast</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="social-share clearfix"></div>
Wed, 14 Feb 2024 09:13:11 +0000
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AirPods can now authenticate Siri requests on iPhone in iOS 17
/news-blogs/airpods-can-now-authenticate-siri-requests-iphone-ios-17
<span class="submitted-by">Submitted by Guest Blogger on Thu, 10/08/2023 - 10:45</span><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Guest blogger Colin Hughes is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people. Colin is a regular contributor to <a href="; target="_blank">Aestumanda</a>.</p><p>In this article, Colin shares how iOS 17, currently undergoing beta testing, has solved one of the biggest accessibility hurdles for iPhone users with upper limb mobility impairments: the dreaded Siri ‘You need to unlock your iPhone first’ message. </p><h2>What is the new Siri authentication system for AirPods?</h2><p>Siri is, of course, a massive accessibility win for many disabled people who use an iPhone, allowing voice control of a wide range of tasks on Apple devices like the iPhone.</p><p>However, one frustrating user experience that <a href="; target="_blank">I’ve often highlighted</a> is the "You need to unlock your iPhone first" roadblock that is common for a few crucial requests that Siri can carry out, such as "read my messages", "what’s next on my calendar", etc.</p><p>Until now, if my iPhone is locked and stored in my wheelchair side pocket, I can't take it out and unlock it to access messages that come in. If I ask Siri to read my messages to me, the assistant unhelpfully always says "You need to unlock your iPhone first".</p><p>Now in iOS 17, there is a new Siri authentication system for AirPods where, if your iPhone is unlocked while wearing your AirPods, that wearing session will be considered authenticated even when your device locks and until an AirPod goes out of your ear or you change the output audio device on your iPhone.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="; title="iOS 17 Public Beta - YouTube Video" width="560"></iframe></p><p>In day-to-day use, what this change means is that when my carer puts my AirPods in my ears, if my iPhone is unlocked, even if it locks afterward, I can still access my messages, calendar events, and more via a Siri request.</p><p>This improvement is something I’ve long campaigned for, and I’m delighted that Apple has listened and addressed it, overcoming concerns around privacy and security.</p><p>There are a few high security cases kept behind a PIN code lock still, such as unlocking your front door, opening apps, etc.</p><div class="special-container" style="background:#f3f3f2;border-left:10px solid #ffcc00;padding:20px 30px;">Find out more about Voice Recognition in our <a href="/news-blogs/new-microphone-invented-speech-recognition">useful factsheet</a>.</div><h2>What are the other improvements to Siri in iOS 17?</h2><p><img alt="A phone showing 'Hey Siri' on the screen." src="/sites/abilitynet.org.uk/files/admin/Hey%20Siri.png" style="float: right; width: 400px; height: 300px;" />Elsewhere on the iPhone, the Siri on AirPods experience has also been improved with back-to-back requests, which allow you to chain requests without Siri activation each time. Siri knows when you are speaking to it and when you might be talking to someone else.</p><p>This makes life easier with less energy and breath needed for Hey Siri requests. This is a more significant benefit for disabled people who may have compromised breathing or whose speech is weakened because of their impairment.</p><p>This improvement in Siri functionality allows you to do some more advanced things, like being able to speak over the assistant at any time to issue a new request.</p><p>This benefit comes over to the Announce Notifications feature too, which I rely on a lot. Now you can chain requests like "repeat" and then "reply", or simply speak over Siri at any point. With Siri’s understanding of when you’re talking to Siri vs. someone else, you can now issue any request that Siri understands in Announce Notifications in iOS 17, not just the limited set of functionalities there were before. I find this really useful in day-to-day use.</p><p>Another useful aspect of these improvements to the way you interact with Siri is that when you reply to an announce message and Siri says "sending <your reply>," you can just say "stop, don’t send that" or other variants, or "change it to <your revised message>," etc.</p><p>In iOS 17, you can also ask Siri to read your Safari pages that support reader mode by saying "read this" when in the Safari app. This allows you to keep Siri reading even when you lock your phone and continue about your day.</p><h2>When will the new iOS 17 updates be available?</h2><p>While these Siri improvements may look quite small, they are massive for people like me. They are also very inclusive, and I think in that regard they will be a hit with all iPhone users.</p><p>After several years of campaigning, it is great to see Apple taking note and filling these accessibility gaps!</p><p>iOS 17 will not be released until September, but you do not have to wait that long to try out the new Siri features. You can try them out now for free by registering for the <a href="; target="_blank">Apple Beta Software Programme</a>.</p><p> </p><h2>Further resources on Apple and accessibility:</h2><ul><li><a href="; target="_blank">Simple 'how to' guides to make your device easier to use</a> </li><li>Training: <a href="/training/how-use-assistive-technology-work-education-and-home?utm_source=AN-Website-Aug&utm_medium=iOS17-Blog&utm_campaign=2023-Promo-Training">How to use assistive technology at work, in education and at home</a></li><li>Blog: <a href="/news-blogs/apple-are-helping-eradicate-curse-captcha" target="_blank">Apple are helping to eradicate the curse of CAPTCHA</a></li><li>Podcast: <a href="https: