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#iACast 25 – Fruit or Flop?

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Apple invite for its Hello Again event.

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We apologize for the delay in uploading the podcast, but we hope you will enjoy hearing our coverage of the recent Microsoft and Apple Events. The Microsoft Event took place on Wednesday, October 26, and the Apple Event took place on Thursday, October 27.

For information about what was released at Microsoft’s Windows 10 Event, check out this link from BGR.

Microsoft Event October 2016: Announcement recap – everything unveiled

For detailed coverage of the Apple event, check out this great page from MacRumors.

Apple Shares Full Video of Today’s MacBook Pro Event [Update: iTunes Version Available]

At iAccessibility, we have some useful posts about using the Touch Bar on the new MacBook Pro as low vision or blind users.

VoiceOver at the Bar

Zooming in on the Touch Bar

As always, thank you for listening! If you enjoy our podcast, please share it with others and rate us in your podcast app. For feedback and suggestions, please email feedback@iaccessibility.net

Zooming in on the Touch Bar

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image of MacBook Pro 2016 from iMore.com

We’ve already talked about how VoiceOver works with the Touch Bar on the new MacBooks, but what about low vision users? How could Apple possibly make items on such a tiny screen usable by the visually impaired? It’s called Touch Bar Zoom, and we’re going to tell you all about it.

What’s Touch Bar Zoom?

Much like Zoom on the Mac, Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch, Touch Bar Zoom magnifies elements, making them easily accessible to everyone. Since the Touch Bar is small, Apple opted to show a zoomed version on screen whenever it’s needed. Once the user has selected an option, the icons disappear from screen.

How to Enable or Disable Touch Bar Zoom

  1. Click the Apple logo in the menu bar.
  2. Click “System Preferences.”
  3. Click “Accessibility.”
  4. Click “Zoom.”
  5. Click the checkbox next to “Enable Touch Bar Zoom.”

To disable Touch Bar Zoom, follow the steps listed above, and deselect the checkbox.

Note: Touch Bar Zoom is not available while VoiceOver is running, due to conflicting gestures.

How to Use Touch Bar Zoom

To show the Touch Bar on screen, hold one finger on the Touch Bar. Note: Simply tapping it will not work.

If the version of the Touch Bar shown on screen is either too small or too large, you can adjust the zoom level. This is done by holding down the command key, and performing the pinch to zoom gesture on the Touch Bar. Just as it does on iOS, bringing the two fingers closer together (pinching) will zoom out, and spreading the fingers apart will zoom in.

How to Select Items

Holding one finger on the Touch Bar will show it on screen. Then, slide your finger to the item you wish to select. The circle surrounding it on screen will change color, and then you can lift your finger. Alternatively, you may split-tap items to select them. To do this, touch and hold an icon you wish to select, then tap the Touch Bar once with another finger.

Conclusion

When the new Macs were just rumors, we were concerned that low vision users would be left out in the cold. However, we really should have known better. Regardless of what accessibility features a user needs, the Touch Bar is completely accessible. We wish Touch Bar Zoom would work with VoiceOver, but we believe this is a great start. We cannot wait to get our hands on the new MacBooks!

Featured image from iMore

VoiceOver at the Bar

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image of MacBook Pro 2016 from iMore.com

This week Apple introduced all new MacBook Pro laptops with an AMOLED Touch Bar, which replaces the function keys. Although this changes how users work with the Mac, the Touch Bar allows quick access to tools and controls that may be difficult to find. Not only does the Touch Bar do all of this while keeping standard functionality, but it is completely accessible for all users! Here is how it works with VoiceOver.

How does the Touch Bar work?

The Touch Bar stretches across the top of your keyboard, where the function row would have been located. Items appear based on which app is open. At the right side of the Touch Bar, you will find an all new Touch ID sensor that doubles as a power button for the computer.

Enable and Disable VoiceOver

Without function keys to rely on, Apple had to change some VoiceOver commands. For example, to enable and disable VoiceOver on the new MacBooks, hold the command key and tap the Touch ID sensor three times. This may seem familiar, because it’s similar to how iOS users toggle accessibility features.

Using the Touch Bar with VoiceOver

If you’ve ever used VoiceOver on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, you will feel right at home using the Touch Bar on the new MacBooks. VoiceOver will read out any item under your finger, or you can flick left or right to move through elements. Then, simply double tap to activate an option.

Using Traditional VoiceOver Function Key Commands

If you miss your traditional function keys, do not worry. You can still get to them. When the function key is held down, the Touch Bar reverts to a row of function keys for you to select. However, VoiceOver commands that rely on function keys are easily performed by holding down the function key with the keystroke you usually use. The only difference is you will use the number row as function keys. For example, VO+F2 would be Function+Control+Option+2.

Slider Controls

At this point, you may wonder how you’ll adjust controls, such as brightness or volume. Never fear, Apple has you covered once again. To use a slider control, setVoiceOver focus to the slider, and double tap and hold until you hear three rising tones. At this point, you can move your finger left or right to adjust the value. Once you are done, simply remove your finger to set the value. Alternatively, VoiceOver users can adjust system volume using the keyboard. Press Control+Option+- to lower system volume, or Control+Option+= to raise it.

The VoiceOver Cursor

VoiceOver provides a visual cursor to show what is selected. When working on a Mac that has the new Touch Bar, you will have two VoiceOver cursors. One is located on the Touch Bar, while the other is on screen. This means when you switch from using the keyboard to using the Touch Bar, you will not lose your place.

Conclusion

Yes, Apple’s new Touch Bar allows for quick access to controls and other items, but it is not just for sighted users. Apple’s commitment to accessibility has been clearly demonstrated in the usability of the Touch Bar for everyone, including those who rely on VoiceOver. So, if you were concerned about the usefulness of the Touch Bar, we hope this information puts you at ease!

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