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How to Use VoiceOver Recognition on iOS and iPadOS

By AppleVis, 16 September, 2020

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

In this podcast, Thomas Domville introduces us to the expanded VoiceOver Recognition features of iOS 14 and iPadOS 14.

These use on-device intelligence to recognize key elements displayed on your screen to add VoiceOver support for app and web experiences that don’t have accessibility support built in.

VoiceOver Recognition offers the following features:

VoiceOver Recognition: Image descriptions
VoiceOver reads complete-sentence descriptions of images and photos within apps and on the web.

VoiceOver Recognition: Text recognition
VoiceOver speaks the text it identifies within images and photos.

VoiceOver Recognition: Screen recognition
VoiceOver automatically detects interface controls to aid in navigating your apps, making them more accessible.

Podcast File

AppleVisPodcast1338.mp3 (8.4 MB)

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iOS
iPadOS
New Users
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Slight Correction

By Trenton Matthews on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

Quoting from
https://www.applevis.com/blog/what-s-new-ios-14-and-ipados-14-blind-and-deaf-blind-users
:

"Please note that this feature is only supported on iPhone XS/XR models and later."

I mean, technically they are similar, so mentioning XR is not necessary.

I would suggest clarity

By Remy on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

I actually think keeping XS/XR is in fact important. While it is true the devices are similar enough, I know spacial audio appears not to be available on the Ipad Pro 9.7 inch for some reason. (It's the one I have and I'm very disappointed by this). It's just good to include such information to ensure everyone knows their devices are compatible.

Good Point

By Trenton Matthews on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

In reply to I would suggest clarity by Remy

A lot of tech outlets seem to have not read
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/09/apple-unveils-all-new-ipad-air-with-a14-bionic-apples-most-advanced-chip/
the first go around.
, quoting:

"The new design of iPad Air features stereo speakers in landscape mode, elevating the audio experience so users can enjoy wider stereo sound while watching video."

Since the IPad 8th Gen is similar to the IPad 7th gen, it too does not do the spacial audio thing either.

sweet

By Sabrina on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

This is really helpful when I am browsing photos. I find this very useful.
What app were you using for that the film about the man and a plaque? Just curios. The screed ID is also really great.

Speaking Of Clarity...

By Trenton Matthews on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

In reply to I would suggest clarity by Remy

I should have also said by extension, you need a device running the A12 chip or later, as anything with the A10 chip (such as the iPad 7), is not supported.

I can't say anything about you folks on iPhone 8s/iPhone 10, as I have never owned something with an A11 chip in it.

songpop?

By Sabrina on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

Am I right in asuming that you can play Songpop? Cannot make i0 tt work.

Most of the time, people…

By Trenton Matthews on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

Most of the time, people play song pop using the Amazon Alexa app, instead of the app itself. At least, that's what I've seen.

Greyhound

By AnonyMouse on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

In reply to sweet by Sabrina

Hi Sasha Stride,

The movie in question that I had seen the text recognition working for me was on Apple TV+ called Greyhound. Like you it has been exciting to see the various ways that the text and image recognition is working.

Does anyone know of any apps that have come accessible?

By Daniella on Friday, October 9, 2020 - 19:44

Hi everyone, does anyone know of any apps that have become accessible with voiceover because of the screen recognition feature?

Text in Images

By Mister Kayne on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 - 19:44

Thank you for sharing this podcast, it's amaing to have such technology. I would like to know, how do I only get VoiceOver to speak text in images. Especially the ones forwarded to you via What app. I do not want my apps. made accessible; however; if there are images with text in those apps. that is welcome. To put it simply, text in images should be read. Any help in setting VoiceOver to do this is appreciated!

A game that has been made accessible

By Sabrina on Saturday, January 9, 2021 - 19:44

Yatzy world works for me,, now' Earlier I was not able to enter a game without turning of voiceover and then tapping randomly' What I do is to switch to screen recognition. There will be a row of images but go a little bit to the right; then you can see your turn, and game state.

yay now playing Songpop

By Sabrina on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 - 19:44

So I gave it a try and it works great. I have always wanted to play that game.

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