PCMag UK accessibility-technology-serie

The Best Speech-to-Text Apps and Tools for 2026

Justin Pot — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:21:36 +0000

With speech-to-text software, you don't need to use your fingers to create digital text. The top dictation software is fast, accessible, and helpful for anyone who struggles with typing.

The Best Transcription Services for 2026

Meg St-Esprit, Ruben Circelli — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:16:29 +0000

Whether you need to transcribe audio files daily or occasionally, the process takes time and effort. The best transcription services we've tested can help speed up your work.

Automated vs. Human Transcription: What's the Difference?

Automated services use automatic speech recognition to transcribe an audio file into text. As mentioned, the two primary benefits of this type are that it's fast and cheap. These services tend to include extra features that might not be included in human-generated transcripts, such …

Apple's New Accessibility Features Include Wheelchair Control for Vision Pro

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:46:59 +0000

The Vision Pro will use its precision eye-tracking system to record directional inputs. It's part of a suite of accessibility updates Apple announced today.

Apple has announced a new set of accessibility features for its devices, including a Vision Pro update that lets users control compatible wheelchairs with eye movements.

The new features are set to roll out later this year, and some are powered by Apple Intelligence. “With Apple …

The Best Text-to-Speech Apps and Tools for 2026

Justin Pot, Chris Hoffman — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:44:44 +0000

Reading is great, but sometimes you want or need to listen. Let your computer or phone read aloud to you with the top text-to-speech software for accessibility, enjoyment, and productivity.

Put on Your Thinking Cap. This Startup's Hat Converts Thoughts Into Text

Jon Martindale — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:21:12 +0000

Forget dictation. EEG sensors in Sabi's beanie can reportedly type out what you're thinking. Can it become a non-invasive alternative to Elon Musk's Neuralink?

At 130+ words per minute, I can type faster than most, but one Silicon Valley startup called Sabi is looking to make that all moot. Its engineers are working on non-invasive sensors that can detect brain waves from outside your head, and convert them into typed …

Sign It ASL

Jill Duffy — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:48:31 +0000

When you read a great novel or watch a show that hooks you, the characters start to feel like people you know. Sign It ASL, an online language learning program for American Sign Language, has the same effect. The material is fantastic, the …

Neuralink's Brain Chip Can Now Translate Brain Activity Into Audible Words

Michael Kan — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:53:22 +0000

Elon Musk's brain implant company is demoing how the Neuralink N1 chip has helped an ALS patient revive his normal voice.

Neuralink’s brain chip has already shown it can help people with disabilities remotely control a mouse cursor or a robot arm. Now it’s reached a new milestone by translating brain signals into audible words.

On Tuesday, the company shared the …

Dephy's $4,500 Robotic Exoskeleton Gave Me Superhuman Walking Powers

Angela Moscaritolo — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:09:21 +0000

The Sidekick robotic mobility assistant is sort of like an e-bike, but for walking, lifting your heels with every step and acting like an extra calf muscle. I was the first journalist to try it at CES.

LAS VEGAS—CES 2026 gave me my first experience testing a robotic exoskeleton, and I'm pretty impressed.

Created by Dephy (pronounced "defy"), the Sidekick lifts your heels with every step, making it easier to walk. I'm the first journalist at CES 2026 to demo the device, …

This Speech-to-Braille Printer Lets You Talk Your Way Into Labeling Just About Anything

John Burek — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:39:32 +0000

If you have a visually impaired relative, Mangoslab's Nemonic Dot will be an easy way to outfit their household with custom Braille labels without needing to learn the language.

LAS VEGAS—I have to admit: I know a whole lot about conventional printers, but I didn't know much about the niche category of Braille printers until today. At CES 2026, I met with a company called Mangoslab, which has a history …

Rubio Demands State Dept. Swap 'Radical' Calibri Font for Times New Roman

Emily Forlini — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:55:23 +0000

The Biden administration switched to Calibri to improve accessibility on screen readers. The Secretary of State says it was a 'degradation of the department’s official correspondence.'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has very strong feelings about the typeface used in his department, and has demanded that diplomats dump Calibri and return to Times New Roman, according to a memo obtained by The New York Times.

Rubio calls Calibri "informal" …

Google Pixel Watch 4 Finally Gets Proper Gesture Controls, Including Double Pinch

PCMag UK — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:27:10 +0000

New features allow for one-handed gestures on Google's newest smartwatch, but it's also improving Smart Replies for the two most recent Pixels Watches.

Google is expanding the limited one-handed gesture controls available on Pixel Watches.

Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy smartwatches have included gesture controls for a few years, and Google is now catching up. It first introduced Raise to Talk functionality earlier this year for the Pixel …

Apple's Latest Limited-Edition iPhone Accessory Is a Quirky, $70 MagSafe Grip

Jibin Joseph — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:34:44 +0000

Designer Bailey Hikawa gathered feedback from individuals with muscle strength, dexterity, and hand control issues while developing the product.

Apple's experiment with special-edition accessories continues. After rolling out a sock-like iPhone pocket last week, it launched a quirky MagSafe stand/grip this week.

The triangular accessory features a finger hole in the middle and snaps onto the back of any iPhone model, functioning as …

Can't Read Your Phone? Try Google's New Page Zoom for Android

Emily Forlini — Fri, 16 May 2025 14:57:01 +0000

Page Zoom lets you zoom in on websites without distorting the page. Apple also extended its Magnifier feature to Macs this week in a push to make its devices more accessible.

The small size of cell phones can make them difficult to read and interact with, yet an ever-increasing number of tasks require us to do so. Existing tools like increasing the font size or changing the color contrast can help, but they don't fully solve …

How to Add Alt Text to Make Your Social Media Pictures, Videos More Accessible

Chandra Steele — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Accessibility might not be the first thing you think about when you post on IG or TikTok, but it can be a huge help for people with disabilities, and it only takes a few seconds to implement.

When sharing images on social media, you’re probably thinking about how many likes and comments will roll in. But before you hit post, consider that you could be excluding lots of people from enjoying your photos and videos because you haven’t made them accessible.

Accessibility takes just a few seconds …

The Best Sites for Learning American Sign Language

Jill Duffy — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:51:28 +0000

Learning ASL is different from learning orally spoken and written languages. We've vetted the best ASL sites to help you start signing today.

Look at Me: How to Control Your iPhone or iPad With Apple's Eye Tracking Feature

Lance Whitney — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

The Eye Tracking accessibility feature follows the movement of your eyes as you gaze at the screen, select items, and activate controls.

Most people navigate their iPhone or iPad with their fingers, but Apple recently added eye tracking to its suite of accessibility features, which also support head- and voice-based gestures.

Known as Eye Tracking, this new accessibility option is available in AirPods Pro 2 into over-the-counter hearing aids.

During Monday’s “Glowtime” event, the company talked about the hearing aid capability, which has been designed to help …

Microsoft Tips $30 Xbox Adaptive Joystick for Players With Limited Mobility

Tyler Hayes — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:17:04 +0000

The Xbox team also shows off two other controllers—the 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller and the more premium ByoWave Proteus Controller—both of which are on sale now.

Microsoft has expanded its Xbox accessibility lineup with an Xbox Adaptive Joystick, two new Designed for Xbox controllers, and free 3D printable joystick toppers.

"Players have expressed a need for an affordable, singular joystick to use alongside the Xbox Adaptive Controller and other Xbox controllers," the gaming accessibility team says in …

Back From the Dead (Again): Razer Resurfaces Leftie-Friendly Naga Mouse

Francisco Lahoz — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:00:29 +0000

Just in time for Left Handers Day, Razer is bringing back the left-handed version of the crowd-favorite Naga for $80. If the past is any indication, it may not stick around.

When it was first released in 2014, the Razer Naga gaming mouse had a left-handed variant, but it was soon discontinued due to low sales. Now, 10 years later, the left-handed version of this mouse—whose many customizable buttons make it ideal for MMO games—is available …

Microsoft, ByoWave Team Up on New Modular Xbox Controller

Josh Hendrickson — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:09:45 +0000

The accessibility-focused Proteus controller features a modular snap system that lets you customize it to various combinations and shapes.

Microsoft's new Proteus controller is a modular peripheral that can be customized to nearly any need. You can pre-order it now for $255 before it goes up to $299 later.

Microsoft worked with ByoWave through its Designed for Xbox program to create the device. It feels …

Having Trouble Seeing Your iPhone or iPad Screen? These 5 Features Can Help

Lance Whitney — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:45:47 +0000

Accessibility settings like Dark Mode and Zoom can make the screen easier to read, while the Magnifier tool can help you better see and hear the world around you.

Do you ever have trouble viewing the text, images, or other elements on your iPhone or iPad? Do you run into difficulty reading or seeing objects in the real world? If so, your Apple device can help with both issues. Built into your smartphone and tablet are certain features designed …

ChatGPT Can Now Read Its Responses to You Out Loud

Joe Hindy — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 20:20:21 +0000

Just long-press a message and tap the 'Read Aloud' button to hear the chatbot's answer.

ChatGPT has a new trick: OpenAI's AI chatbot can now read its responses aloud.

The feature works as you would expect. From either iOS or Android, long-press a message and tap the "Read Aloud" button. ChatGPT will then read it back to you. OpenAI says the feature is rolling out to …

Elon Musk's Brain Implant Is Now Inside a Human Patient

Michael Kan — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 01:14:08 +0000

The first human patient to receive Neuralink's brain chip is 'recovering well,' Musk says.

Elon Musk says his startup Neuralink has successfully inserted the company’s brain implant into a human patient for the first time.

On Monday, Musk announced the news on Twitter/X, saying the unnamed patient is “recovering well” after receiving the implant the day before.

“Initial results show promising …

CES 2024: Use Your Tongue to Control a Cursor: See the 'MouthPad' in Action

Michael Kan — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:47:02 +0000

The device promises to help people with quadriplegia more easily use today's PC and mobile hardware, hands-free and without relying on voice controls.

Using your tongue to control a computer mouse is certainly unconventional. But a San Francisco startup is developing the concept to help people with physical disabilities access today’s PCs and mobile devices.

On Friday, Augmental gave its first public demo of the unique mouse, which …

How to Create and Use a Synthesized 'Personal Voice' on Your iPhone

Lance Whitney — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Personal Voice creates an artificial version of your voice to use on voice or video calls. It's intended to help those with disabilities speak, but anyone with select Apple devices can set it up.

You’re on a voice or video call with other people but are having trouble speaking, maybe due to a cough, sore throat, or other obstacle. Instead of struggling to talk, you can use a synthesized voice of yourself via the right iPhone and iOS version.

With

Google to Let Some Pixel Owners Respond With Text During Phone Calls

Josh Hendrickson — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:48:22 +0000

The feature lets you take a phone call without the need to hear or speak, which is great for accessibility. But not every phone or language works.

Google regularly rolls out Android and Pixel updates that add new features to your phone. The latest is a new option to type responses during a phone call, but to start, it's coming to only a small selection of Pixel phones.

The …

Apple Watch Series 9's Big Reveal? An Innovative Double-Tap Gesture

Josh Hendrickson — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:18:44 +0000

The Apple Watch Series 9 includes bright displays, a new S9 SiP (System in Package), and a handy new method of control: double tap.

At Apple's Wonderlust event, the company unveiled a new Apple Watch lineup as expected. And while the wearables feature the usual mix of better internals and displays, the real standout might be a new software trick.

If you opt …

Lego Launches New Line of Braille Bricks

Emily Price — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:41:58 +0000

The bricks, which were previously only available through organizations that work with kids with visual impairments, roll out on Sept. 1 for $89.99.

Just in time for Blind Awareness Month, Lego is launching a new line of bricks that include something a little different—braille.

The Lego Braille Bricks - Play with Braille kit includes 287 bricks in …

Game Changers: Inside The Epic Quest to Make Gaming More Accessible

Zackery Cuevas — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:29:15 +0000

Video games aren't typically designed with disabled users in mind, but there's a growing movement to change that.

Like many young men, Jean Molla plays a wide range of video games. He enjoys popular shooters like Fortnite, he’s an avid Minecraft player, and he’s especially excited about Diablo IV—mostly because it can be played with one hand. …

How to Dictate Text in Microsoft Office

Lance Whitney — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000

There are a few different ways to dictate text in Microsoft Office depending on the version you use. Here’s how to do it in Word, PowerPoint, and other applications.

Why type documents the old-fashioned way in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote when you can dictate the text instead? Whether you have a disability, medical condition, or are looking to save time, Microsoft’s Dictate tool can help you get your work done.

Based on a

How to Quickly Change the Font Size on Your iPhone Apps

Chandra Steele — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 20:19:25 +0000

With the Text Size option in Control Center, you can stop squinting at your favorite apps.

Some apps are harder to read than others. If you have trouble making out, say, a location name in Google Maps, but you don't want to blow up the fonts across your entire phone, you can fix it app by app, or adjust the font …

Make the Switch: How to Control Your iPhone or iPad With Head Movements

Lance Whitney — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:09:46 +0000

An Apple accessibility feature called Switch Control allows you to use your head to trigger specific actions on your iPhone or iPad.

If you have trouble using your iPhone or iPad with your hands, you can use your voice, but a feature called Switch Control on iOS and iPadOS also allows you to assign specific actions to different head movements. Moving your head to the right, …

Stop Swiping: How to Add a Virtual Home Button to Your iPhone

Lance Whitney — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 17:42:45 +0000

Revive the home button with a virtual one and enjoy a few benefits over the real thing.

Do you ever miss the good, old-fashioned home button on an iPhone? Starting with the iPhone X, Apple jettisoned the physical button to pave the way for an edge-to-edge display. Without a home button, you now have to rely on gestures to navigate the screen.

But if …

The Best Apps and Tools to Help Kids Organize Schoolwork

Meg St-Esprit — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:54:40 +0000

Some kids struggle to stay on top of their tasks at school and home. A little bit of technology can help, and we show you where to start.

Neuralink Receives FDA Approval for In-Human Clinical Trials

Matthew Humphries — Fri, 26 May 2023 11:30:16 +0000

Chips implants coming to a human brain near you soon.

Elon Musk's neurotechnology company Neuralink received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to perform in-human clinical trials.

The announcement was made via the Neuralink Twitter account, stating "This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and …

Voice-Cloning Tech Coming to iPhone, iPad to Help Those With Disabilities Speak

Michael Kan — Tue, 16 May 2023 17:44:31 +0000

The upcoming 'Personal Voice' feature for iOS and iPadOS is designed to help people at risk of losing their ability to speak from conditions such as ALS.

Although voice-cloning software has already been raising alarm bells over its potential misuse, Apple is tapping the technology to help those with disabilities speak.

The company today previewed its “Personal Voice" feature, which will arrive through a collection of new accessibility improvements …

Prime Video 'Dialogue Boost' Helps You Hear What Actors Are Actually Saying

Stephanie Mlot — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:00:27 +0000

The feature is available to anyone with a Prime Video-supported device, and is rolling out first on select Amazon Originals, like Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and Being the Ricardos.

Prime Video wants streaming viewers to turn off subtitles and turn up dialogue.

A new accessibility feature lets users increase the volume of speech relative to background music and effects, making it easier to hear what characters in your favorite TV show or movie are actually …

Chrome Reading Mode Dims Bright Pics, Flashing Videos to Keep You Focused

Stephanie Mlot — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 22:55:28 +0000

Customize your typeface, font size, and spacing, plus text and background color, in Chrome.

In an effort to support children with learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD, Google this week introduced reading mode, a customizable view coming to the Chrome browser's side panel.

By reducing on-screen distractions like bright images or flashing videos, it aims to help users focus primarily on the text. Whether …

Sony Develops Affordable Camera for the Visually Impaired

Jim Fisher — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:58:15 +0000

Aspiring photographers with low vision have a new way to see the world with the $600 Retinal Projection Camera Kit, available in limited quantities this summer.

Let's face it, either as a hobby or vocation, photography has an ableist tilt. And while there are plenty of assists available for creators with physical disabilities that prevent them from holding heavy gear or manipulating tiny knobs and button, the concept of giving sight to those who …

A Quick Listen With Bluetooth Auracast: Like a Hotspot, But for Audio

Rob Pegoraro — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:33:55 +0000

At MWC, Bluetooth SIG shows off use cases for its upcoming audio-broadcast technology, including the option to pick one channel in a sports bar where multiple games are playing.

BARCELONA—You can think of Bluetooth Auracast as a wireless replacement for the volume-up button that brings the bonus feature of not annoying every uninterested party within earshot.

This upcoming feature, still months away from discoverability on consumer gadgets, lets a device broadcast synchronized audio to …