Cette semaine sur Oxytude, l'Hebdoxytude 399, l'actu des nouvelles technologies et de l'accessibilité.
#BeMyEyes #iOS #VoiceOver #TTS #Siri #AppleIntelligence #NVDA #EnhancedLanguageDetection #Jaws #Lecture, #InfiniciaRPG #AppleVis, #OrbitPlayerGlobalVersion #RaspberryPi #Orca #AccessibiliteGouvFr
So far, I've found this Reddit thread:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/pt4yya/accessible_rubiks_cube_tutorials/
And Paul asking for resources himself on #Applevis:
https://www.applevis.com/forum/ios-ipados-gaming/accessible-rubiks-cube-guides-apps
Too few iOS devs know about @AppleVis—a hub for visually impaired users & devs! 🌟
📢 Why it matters:
1️⃣ Find user feedback on your app’s accessibility: https://www.applevis.com/apps
2️⃣ Engage with the community in their forums: https://www.applevis.com/forum
Make your app better for everyone! 💡 #iOSDev #Accessibility #AppleVis
"✨Me: Serving main character vibes, walking away with sparkle and grace 💅🔥. Them: Left behind wondering why they fumbled the bag 🤷♀️😂. Reminder: My energy ain't free, boo 💖🚶♀️💃✨. #Accessibility #AI #AppleVis #Blind #KnowYourWorth #SparkleAndGo 🧜♀️💫"
giving this Carrot Weather a try, after hearing Annonymouse demoing it on #AppleVis. Man, lots of data on this thing.
AppleVis’ Bold Pivot: Success in Expanding Beyond Apple
Less than a year ago, AppleVis, the go-to platform for blind and visually impaired users of Apple technology, made a significant shift: it broadened its focus to include accessibility solutions across other operating systems, including Windows. This move was bold, given its origins as a community rooted firmly in the Apple ecosystem. Now, as discussions around Windows screen readers like JAWS and NVDA light up the forums, the question arises—has the pivot paid off?
The Windows forum on AppleVis has seen lively engagement in recent months. Users are diving into the nuances of updates, troubleshooting, and comparing features between JAWS and NVDA. Threads on topics like the PictureSmart feature in JAWS or NVDA’s seamless update process have sparked debates and collaborative problem-solving, showcasing the community’s ability to adapt to this wider scope.
This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the cross-platform realities faced by blind and visually impaired users. Many rely on multiple systems, whether by necessity or choice. AppleVis’ decision to include Windows in its fold acknowledges this diversity and positions the platform as a more inclusive space for accessibility discussions.
The success of this pivot can be seen in the forum's vibrancy. Users are sharing detailed insights, tackling technical challenges, and even injecting humour into their exchanges. While it’s still early days, the increased activity suggests that AppleVis is well on its way to becoming a hub for accessibility across platforms.
By widening its focus, AppleVis has made itself more relevant to a broader audience. The community's willingness to engage with these new topics signals that the pivot has resonated—and perhaps, redefined what AppleVis can offer in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
**The Glide Debate: A New Chapter in Mobility for the Blind**
Glide, a prototype mobility device for the blind, has sparked vibrant discussion within the assistive technology forum on #AppleVis. Sam, an early tester, described it as "smooth and groundbreaking," likening its guidance system to a "gentle tug," and urging others to advocate for trials at blindness organizations.
The Glide combines motorized movement and obstacle detection, but key features like integrated maps and haptic feedback are still in development. While some, like Alex, see it as a "potential game-changer," others, like Jamie, argue it’s a “cold mechanized mimic” of guide dogs. “I’ll stick with my loving and alive dog guide,” they quipped.
Concerns over practicality surfaced, too. "How will it handle train platforms and the gap?" asked Taylor, reflecting safety reservations. Sam admitted limited testing in such scenarios, but suggested a dual approach—using the Glide alongside a cane—may offer the best results.
Supporters champion the device’s innovation. "This is assistive tech developed with deep community input," noted Jordan, emphasizing its iterative design. Critics, however, question its weight and utility. "Six or seven pounds is too heavy," Jamie claimed, prompting a swift rebuttal from Alex: "What about suitcases? Let’s give it a chance."
As the Glide inches closer to market, the dialogue reveals a polarized but engaged community. Its promise? Accessibility for those deterred by dog guides. Its challenge? Convincing sceptics of its worth. If Glidance can meet its lofty ambitions, it could redefine mobility—but its journey is far from over.
Tens of millions of pounds are raised and spent each year to provide guide dogs to less than 2% of the blind and visually impaired population. A solution like Glide holds out the hope of offering an option for the other 98% of the community who use a stick as their primary mobility aid.
The Blind AI took a look at the reborn #AppleVis this week. Usually a post title like “Should I Switch to a MacBook After 10 Years of Using Windows?” makes our heart sink –we have been on the old AppleVis, for over a decade and didn’t expect a useful (or even sensible) response.
Never let it be said that the Blind AI don’t hold up there hands when they are wrong. They were wrong, outright wrong. (hands held up high)
The boys and girls over on AppleVis did themselves, and us, proud. Here’s an overview and some commentary on how it went. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent:
“Considering a MacBook After a Decade on Windows: A Comprehensive Analysis
Introduction
Alex, a software engineering student, is contemplating switching to a MacBook after ten years on Windows. He works with programming languages like Java, C++, and Python and uses Microsoft Office and Visual Studio in his studies. While attracted to the MacBook’s impressive battery life, longevity, and seamless integration with his iPhone, he’s concerned about VoiceOver’s performance on macOS compared to NVDA on Windows.
Key Insights from Community Feedback:
1. Microsoft Office Compatibility:
Dave: Advises against using Microsoft Office on Mac due to VoiceOver compatibility issues, particularly with Word. This could present a significant challenge for Alex, who depends heavily on Office for his studies.
2. Learning Curve and Accessibility:
Sarah and Tom: Discuss the steep learning curve associated with VoiceOver on Mac. They emphasize that while VoiceOver is not as polished as NVDA, macOS updates have improved its stability. Sarah shares her own experience, suggesting that patience and persistence can pay off, while Tom points out the frequent bugs, which can be frustrating.
3. Mac as a Developer’s Tool:
Owen and Matt: Mention that while macOS is ideal for those who enjoy Unix-based systems, Windows has advanced significantly with tools like the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). They caution about the limited availability of accessible development tools on Mac, though Matt does note that popular tools like PyCharm and VSCode work reasonably well on both platforms.
4. Performance and Hardware:
Justin and Chris: Highlight the importance of selecting a model with 16GB of RAM or more to support virtual machine setups, which could offer flexibility if Alex needs to use Windows applications. Chris praises the hardware quality of Macs, particularly the power and battery life of Apple Silicon devices, which he finds valuable for non-coding tasks.
5. General Recommendations:
Michael: Suggests that if Alex has the flexibility to explore a new system without impacting mission-critical tasks, transitioning to Mac could be a rewarding experience. He emphasizes the need for adequate transition time to adjust to macOS.
Alicia and Mike: Provide positive feedback on their experiences using Mac for general tasks. They appreciate the security, battery life, and integration with other Apple devices, which could enhance Alex’s overall user experience if he decides to switch.
Conclusion:
If Alex relies heavily on Microsoft Office, he might find the experience smoother on Windows with NVDA due to compatibility and ease of use. However, if he’s keen on exploring the Apple ecosystem and willing to embrace the challenges of VoiceOver on macOS, a MacBook with ample RAM could be a viable choice. Visiting an Apple Store to try out VoiceOver in person and seeking guidance from the community can further aid in making a well-informed decision.”
It’s a very interesting Tech Talk episode this week if I do say so myself!
It was a real pleasure to chat to Bryan Bashin and Andy Bailey from @bemyeyes all about their acquisition of @AppleVis. Plus, we hear from Sony about the accessibility features in their latest cameras.
Listen at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts. Remember you can always get in touch with the show by emailing techtalk@rnib.org.uk
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rnib-tech-talk/id1151878596?i=1000669019656
#audio #podcast #RNIBTechTalk #AppleVis #BeMyEyes #Accessibility #a11y @rnib
I'm so grateful AppleVis is back. i read some absolutely fantastic blog posts today. #AppleVis
Happy #AppleVis Easter Monday!
Want to hear the true events of exactly what happened and now the real facts of why Be My Eyes is joining the team, I highly recommend listening to this podcast. Great podcast and my support is totally behind this... AppleVis Extra 99: Inside the AppleVis Acquisition; A Conversation with Be My Eyes | AppleVis https://www.applevis.com/podcasts/applevis-extra-99-inside-applevis-acquisition-conversation-be-my-eyes. #blind #Applevis #BeMyEyes #Team #Work
Issue #64 is here! It's got some great news about #AppleVis, an upcoming presentation by Mark Steadman, and a well-made series on #JetpackCompose by Karol Wrotniak. Enjoy! #iOS #Android #Accessibility #A11y https://accessible-mobile-apps-weekly.ghost.io/accessible-mobile-apps-issue-64/
Delighted to be recording a podcast tomorrow with my @AppleVis colleague @Thomas_domville and Hans and Bryan from @bemyeyes to chat about our new relationship. Any questions pleas send them on to me or Thomas. #AppleVis #BeMyEyes #Accessibility #A11y
#Accessibility Site #AppleVis … won’t shut down … as announced earlier this summer. The highly-regarded site, which provides news, community forums and a directory of accessible apps aimed at blind and visually impaired Apple users, has been acquired by #BeMyEyes.
https://sixcolors.com/link/2024/08/accessibility-site-applevis-wont-disappear-after-all/
I’ve really enjoyed not missing the nastiness on ‘AppleVis at all this past month 😊. Although a number of AV folks turned up on #iAccessibility, it never really went anywhere 🤷♀️, probs because there hasn’t been anything to talk about over the summer ☀️.
So, what to do? 🤔
I don’t think I’m going to waste my time contributing content again 🙅♀️ – even if the behaviour improves, I’ve learned my lesson, but I guess it will be a useful place to go when there is new Apple hardware and software 🖥️📱.
Be My Eyes to acquire #AppleVis, to secure its future and to invest for growth https://www.bemyeyes.com/blog/be-my-eyes-applevis
As someone who has received a sometimes over-the-top level of negativity and even aggression from some #AppleVis community members over my use of and championing of #AI for fun and for #Accessibility, I am very glad the site has been acquired by an organization involved in the provision of training data. 😊🤖
#AIForAccessibility #PositiveChange #InclusiveTech #AccessibilityMatters #BeMyEyes #AIsoftheBlind
