The following is a post written by Alex Hall, a contributor to the Peel
the Apple discussion group and a member of the Applevis editorial team.
Hi list,
In case you missed it, not only does today's 1.0.1 update to the Apple
Watch improve several aspects of the device, it addresses three annoying
VoiceOver bugs. It also, according to some reports, makes some core
parts of the UI better, fixing accessibility in several apps. Add to
that the fact that the Watch was already fully accessible; that the
Micky Mouse face speaks the time in a higher-pitched voice, a throwback
to the old talking watches; that iOS8.3 fixed nearly every VoiceOver bug
in iOS8; that Tim Cook mentioned accessibility in a mainstream address;
that VoiceOver consistently gets new features with each new major OS
update to any Apple product; and that not a single item in Apple's
current lineup lacks visual, learning, hearing, and motor accessibility
features in some form or another. All I'm saying is that, next time an
accessibility bug really annoys you, and you're tempted to conclude that
Apple doesn't value accessibility and is leaving VI or other disabled
users behind… Just think back to this email, then think of all the
ridiculously amazing things your phone/Mac/Apple TV/Watch/iPod/iPad can
do in a fully accessible way. Sure, there are bugs, but there are
longstanding networking and wifi problems too. Is Apple therefore
abandoning wifi users? Do they want to push Macbook Air users away with
a bug that caused startup problems? Do they want to stop the Mac Pro
line, because a bug in that system caused dual monitors to not work
correctly? Apple is far from perfect, but I can safely say that their
long-term commitment to accessibility isn't going anywhere.
--
Have a great day,
Alex Hall
mehgcap@xxxxxxxxxx
--
Please read about the petition to allow Sister Diana Momenka, a persecuted
Iraqi Christian, to visit the United States
http://bit.ly/1IYJjMu
Feel free to visit my Web site
http://www.davidgoldfield.info
David Goldfield,
Assistive Technology Specialist
