Microsoft, Apple, and Android operating systems all include built-in accessibility features to make their devices more accessible to users. Learn more about these built-in features below.
VoiceOver: VoiceOver is a screen reader that enables users who are blind or have low vision to navigate and interact with their device. VoiceOver reads aloud the text on the screen and describes other elements like icons, buttons, and controls.
Zoom: Zoom allows users to magnify the content on their screen. This feature is particularly useful for users with low vision who need to enlarge text, images, or other visual elements on the screen.
Siri: Siri is Apple's voice assistant that can perform tasks for users using voice commands. This feature is particularly useful for users with mobility or dexterity issues.
Dictation: Dictation allows users to speak their text input instead of typing it. This feature is particularly useful for users with motor impairments.
AssistiveTouch: AssistiveTouch provides a virtual button that can be used to perform various actions like opening the Control Center, Siri, taking screenshots, and more. This feature is particularly useful for users with mobility or dexterity issues.
Closed Captions and Subtitles: Closed captions and subtitles are available for videos and other media content. This feature is particularly useful for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Invert Colors: Invert Colors can be used to invert the colors on the screen, making it easier to read for users with certain visual impairments.
Reduce Motion: Reduce Motion reduces the motion effects on the device, making it easier for users with motion sensitivities to use their device without experiencing motion sickness.
Magnifier: A tool that magnifies the screen, making it easier for people with visual impairments to read and see the content on the screen.
High Contrast Mode: A mode that changes the colors and contrast of the screen to make it easier for people with low vision to see the content.
Speech Recognition: A tool that allows users to control their computer using their voice, making it easier for people with mobility impairments to use a computer.
Closed Captions and Subtitles: Microsoft supports closed captions and subtitles in many of its products, making it easier for people with hearing impairments to access audio content.
Dictation: A tool that allows users to dictate text using their voice, making it easier for people with mobility impairments to type.
Keyboard and Mouse Customization: Microsoft allows users to customize their keyboard and mouse settings to make it easier for people with mobility impairments to use them.
Eye Control: A tool that allows users to control their computer using their eyes, making it easier for people with severe mobility impairments to use a computer.
TalkBack: TalkBack is a screen reader that provides spoken feedback for users with visual impairments. It reads aloud the text on the screen, including notifications, menus, and options, and provides audible feedback for all the user's interactions with the device.
Voice Assistant: Voice Assistant is an intelligent personal assistant that helps users navigate the device by voice command. Users can use Voice Assistant to make phone calls, send messages, open apps, and control various functions on the device.
Magnification: Magnification is a feature that helps users with low vision to zoom in on the screen. Users can magnify the entire screen or a specific portion of it, and they can adjust the magnification level according to their needs.
Color Correction: Color correction is a feature that helps users with color vision deficiencies to adjust the colors on the screen. There are three types of color correction filters available in Android: Deuteranomaly (red-green), Protanomaly (red-green), and Tritanomaly (blue-yellow).
Captioning: Android provides captioning options for videos and other multimedia content. Users can customize the font size, color, and style of captions to make them easier to read.
Switch Access: Switch Access is a feature that allows users to interact with the device using external switches or a keyboard. Users can assign specific functions to the switches or keyboard keys to control the device.
Gesture Navigation: Gesture navigation is a feature that allows users to navigate the device using swipes and gestures. This feature is particularly helpful for users with mobility impairments who may find it difficult to use the physical buttons on the device.