Upcoming iOS 6 To Have Upgraded Accessibility Features

By AnonyMouse, 12 June, 2012

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

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iOS and iPadOS
An interesting article that I read over on AppAdvice. Didn't contain anything more that I didn't know but for some this may be new to you. If I hear or see any more information in regarding to the IOS 6 accessability Features I will be sure to pass it along to it here. Upcoming iOS 6 To Have Upgraded Accessibility Features BY Stella Violano over at AppAdvice Apple has been working on making the upcoming iOS 6 more accessible to those with hearing, vision, learning, and mobility disorders. At WWDC Apple introduced Guided Access, which helps those with learning disabilities remain focused on tasks by restricting touch input on selected screen areas. A parent or instructor can also disable the home button, preventing the user from leaving an app. For people with autism or learning disorders this feature will be very welcome, making the iPad a perfect tool for focused learning. VoiceOver, which aids users with low-vision or blindness, will be improved as well. It will now integrate with AssistiveTouch, Zoom and most impressively, Maps. When coupled with the upcoming turn-by-turn navigation, this new accessibility may remove the need for many current apps that specialize in navigation for people with vision loss. Also those with the new iPad will have the improved Siri digital assistant, who will be partnering with apps that will keep users up to date on sports, movies, and more. For those with hearing loss, Apple announced on their Web site that they are “working with top manufacturers to introduce hearing aids that will deliver a power-efficient, high-quality digital audio experience.” These hearing aids are being designed for use exclusively with the iPhone 4S. However, we hope to see them also work on the iPad by release date as it would be great for the elderly who often suffer from vision loss. Overall, Apple has a great record of creating ways that allow everyone to use their iDevices. In iOS 6 they have raised the bar even further. We cannot wait to test out the newest features first hand and report to you. Do you think Apple could do more or have any other suggestions to help those with disabilities? Original Article Link: http://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/06/accessibility_ios6

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Comments

By Amir on Friday, June 22, 2012 - 09:59

It would be quite interesting if we could get her to expedite the preparation of her VoiceOver-related article. Let's see what comes out of it.

This is my main question out there. I'm trying to decide whether or not to upgrade to the IPhone 5 when it is released or stay with my 4s. Which features in IOS 6 will be exclusive to the IPhone 5 and be left off the 4s? Do they break these items out line by line; or will the 4s have everything the 5 has with respect to IOS 6? I know that the 5 will be longer and feature 4G LTE but software wise, what will I miss out on if I stay with my 4s?

At this point that is the million dollar question! What will the 3GS, 4, and the 4S will not have that the 5 does? We don't really know that yet. If you look what the 4s came out with the IOS 5. The 4 did have the Siri but had everything else. The 3GS had even less than that. So with great confidence there will be different flavors in the IOS 6 as it did in the IOS 5 did. It just be a matter of time as the developers get their hands on the IOS 6 beta and find out for us! ;) So the answer to your question. That will depend on your needs and wants! I had the chance to upgrade my iPhone 4 to the 4s but I've decided to save it for the iPhone 5 but that was just me. My son is also due for an upgrade from his 3GS and he is also waiting for the iPhone 5. Good luck on that dilemma! :)

By Clare Page on Sunday, July 22, 2012 - 09:59

I can understand the decision some people have made to wait for the iPhone 5 before upgrading, but I have personally decided to keep my iPhone 4S after IOS 6 is released. I admit I don't know what the iPhone 5 will have feature-wise which the iPhone 4S doesn't, but I've had my iPhone 4S less than a year, so I don't feel any need to upgrade yet, especially as many of the new features in IOS 6 will still work on the iPhone 4S. That's just my personal choice, though, it's up to each person to decide whether they feel they should upgrade their iPhone or not.