Software Update Makes iTunes Accessible To Blind Users 148
rickthewizkid writes "Recent updates to the iTunes software allow blind users to access the program without assistance. From the article: 'The new software — which transforms the written information on an iTunes-linked computer screen into speech or Braille — stemmed from an agreement between Apple, the Cupertino, Calif.-based computer company, the National Federation of the Blind and Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.'" It's not just the actual iTunes app, though; the article notes that this update makes iTunes U useable as well.
Braille? (Score:3, Interesting)
Actually, now that I think about it, I'd be interested in the idea of a computer screen which could create slight relief, raising dots for the user to feel. I wonder if that, combined with a stylus for clicking and such, would allow for existing interfaces to be used by blind people... Does such a thing exist?
Re:Awesome! (Score:4, Interesting)
Actually, many deaf people enjoy music. They experience vibrations from loud music in a way that you cannot, and appreciate rhythm. They also enjoy the experience of a concert; venues are required by law to provide interpreters for the deaf upon request.
Beethoven, as we all know, continued to compose brilliant works even after he was completely unable to hear.
Welcome to the 80's Apple (Score:2, Interesting)
Windows has always had superior accessibility because it was designed to support full keyboard navigation from its inception. It's impossible to create an application using standard controls that doesn't support the keyboard. Why Apple didn't make their OS work right in this regard with the move to OSX escapes me to this day.
Attorney General (Score:3, Interesting)
I don't mean to sound like I'm against making software more accessible to disabled users, but what are the details of the Attorney General's involvement in this. Were there any threats made against Apple concerning iTunes accessibility? I thought private companies weren't required to make their software accessible, which is a policy that I fully agree with.
Too much bullying by Attorneys General these days (see NY AG's actions w.r.t. UseNet).
Re:Awesome! (Score:1, Interesting)
Yeah, but he didn't have to listen to it. The best parts of his Ninth Symphony were just an editing of the Choral Fantasy. Have you heard his Eighth? Ugh.
I'm completely in favor of deaf people composing music, as long as I don't have to listen to it. I like writing Chinese poetry, too, but I don't speak Chinese so I just make the little picture-letters look pretty together.
Weasel words. (Score:3, Interesting)
Full Keyboard Navigation
In Mac OS X, you can use the keyboard to navigate through a document. [emph mine]
Notice that while the page you link to gives the impression that the OS is keyboard navigable, the above statement refers to navigating through a document, not all Operating System features.
Apple have managed to suck a few disabled into buying their systems with this sales pitch. Have a read of this guy's experiences [accessifyforum.com] (he interacts with his PC via a mouthstick):
Short lesson here for you: Unless you've directly experienced something, do not believe Apple's marketing literature to the contrary.
Oh - and Kudos to the gnome team.