Volume of VoiceOver sound effects, and haptic feedback

By Kevan, 29 July, 2015

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

Hey guys,

On the Android OS, TalkBack (their screen reader) has the ability to turn the sounds down, and for the device to give small vibrations alongside or in place of sounds to indicate what's going on.

I think it would be nice for iOS to have the ability to adjust the volume of VoiceOver sounds, as many times I've found the sounds to be too loud for my liking.
Also, the haptic feedback option would be nice, I think, for those who wanted it. These aren't long vibrations I speak of, they're just very quick vibrations that last maybe a couple milliseconds. They just happen when you tap something, scroll, or move screens, to help you navigate, alongside or in place of speech. They don't make as much noise as sounds do when using the speaker, the vibrating motors in these devices are usually very quiet and well made.

I've just been thinking about this for a while. I switched from Android to iOS a couple years ago and sometimes have missed both these nice features. I realize that we have to talk to Apple to get this stuff put in, but I'd just like to see if I'm the only one who would like this stuff implemented.
I'm willing to ask Apple anyway, but I'm just checking what the community thinks, in other words.
Kevan

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Comments

By ericwhittencool on Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 08:19

That sounds like a good idea for IOS. I have never experienced the vibration feedback, because I have a nexus 7 tablit. I am sure that would not be hard to pull off. I would contact Apple if I were you. Let us know what they say. Have a good day.

Eric,

By Macky on Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 08:19

Off the top of my head, the only instance I can think of this happening other than booting up is the vibration when you add an item to your shopping basket in the amazon app. I agree this would be a neat feature to add, I'll send an email to Apple as well in support

By Ray on Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 08:19

Shh.... Don't mention Android on here.... It's like Beetlejuice, say his name too many times, and he'll appear... Hahaha.... Just kidding...

Great idea, I would like that too... I've never used Android before, but sometimes I think I should just buy a cheepy Android tablet just to play with Talk Back...

Oops, 3 mentions of the A word... Darn it... Hahaha..

By Mike Freeman on Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 08:19

Doesn't the volume control, accessible via the rotor if one enables it, turn down the sounds? It may turn VO down also but one can't have eveverything!
I wouldn't care about sound vibrations to replace sounds since I'm not always holding the phone when I manipulate it. And I can't quite understand why the sounds are objectionable if the VO voice isn't? Just put on earplugs!
Just my $0.02-worth!

By Kevan on Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 08:19

If I remember correctly, the VoiceOver rotor volume control just changes the speech volume, not sound effects. I'd just like separate controls.

By david s on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - 08:19

Hello,

Yes, the rotor controls the speech rate but not the volume. To change the VO volume, under setting< sounds make sure change with is set to on. Then while VO is speaking, raise or lower the volume using the buttons on the side of the phone.

The VO sound effects can be muted under the VO settings. If you want to lower the VO sound effects volume, you will need to raise or lower the ring volume. I really wished there was a separate volume control for the VO sound effects.

The vibe would be nice but if it’s added, it should have it’s own on and off switch and should not affect other settings.

HTH and good luck.

By Kevan on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - 08:19

Hello Kevan,
Thank you for your email. We appreciate the suggestions, and have passed them along to the appropriate group.
Sincerely,
Apple Accessibility

By ericwhittencool on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 - 08:19

That sounds awesome. Lets hope they will listen.