EnjoyTech

Today Apple announced the iPhone 5s with a fingerprint sensor dubbed Touch ID. Touch ID allows users to unlock their iPhone and purchase iTunes content using just their fingerprint. The Touch ID sensor is located under the home button. This feature allows all users to secure their iPhone without typing in a passcode each and every time. This will encourage more users to secure their phone and decrease frustration when they enter the passcode incorrectly. While the new Touch ID sensor is not exclusively an accessibility feature it will have large implications for some disabled users. Blind and visually impaired users will be one group to benefit greatly. These users use the built in VoiceOver screen reader to navigate the iPhone. Without being able to see the screen typing in even a simple four digit passcode with VoiceOver  may be time consuming compared to a sighted user typing in the same passcode. (Don't take this the wrong way,  VoiceOver is a fantastic feature that giv...

Apple has confirmed previous rumors that the next iPhone will be announced on September 10 th at 10 am pacific time. Apple is widely expected to unveil two new iPhone models at the event; a cheaper plastic model and a new top of the line model. The higher end model is rumored to include a fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone more quickly than a  pass-code   Apple is also expected to provide further details and a launch date for their redesigned iOS 7. iOS 7 will be available on most current devices and will include new accessibility features . Unlikely to make an appearance at the event are new iPad models which are expected to be announced later in the year. Be sure to check back here on Tuesday, September 10 th for analysis of all of the day’s announcements and how they impact the world of accessibility.