A Conversation at Sight Tech Global: Celebrating a Decade of Innovation in Assistive Technology
Tomorrow, December 8th, marks the third anniversary of Sight Tech Global, a virtual event focused on AI and assistive technology for the blind and visually impaired. In celebration of this milestone, we will be hosting a conversation between TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Matthew Panzarino, Apple’s accessibility product manager Areeba Kamal, and accessibility evangelist Dean Hudson. They will delve into the evolution of VoiceOver, a screen reader that has become an industry standard for non-visual interaction with smartphones.
From Humble Beginnings: The Unveiling of iPhone 3GS and VoiceOver
Back in 2009, Apple’s Phil Schiller stood on stage to unveil the iPhone 3GS. In a surprising aside, he mentioned that the device would work even if you couldn’t see it. This announcement marked the beginning of Apple’s journey towards making assistive technology accessible to everyone.
VoiceOver, the screen reader, was first introduced in 2005 with macOS Tiger. However, prior to the iPhone, there was little hope amongst the blind and low-vision community that mainstream mobile phones would provide full-featured speech interactivity right out of the box. The introduction of VoiceOver on the iPhone 3GS set a high bar for accessibility, turning it into an integral part of every big technology company’s remit.
The Rise of Accessibility: From iPhone to Apple Watch and Beyond
Today, VoiceOver ships in every Apple operating system, including Apple TV and Apple Watch. It is one of several accommodations not just for vision but also hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities. In a 2021 survey of individuals with vision disabilities globally, 72% say they use iOS for its primacy in accessibility features.
Apple’s commitment to accessibility has not only improved the lives of millions of users but has also pushed other technology companies to follow suit. VoiceOver has become an industry standard for non-visual interaction with smartphones, and its impact extends far beyond just Apple devices.
The Role of Machine Learning and Lidar Scanner in Advancing Accessibility
As we celebrate a decade of innovation in assistive technology, it is clear that the future holds much promise. Apple’s accessibility product manager Areeba Kamal and accessibility evangelist Dean Hudson will share how machine learning and lidar scanner are taking accessible technology to the next level.
At Sight Tech Global, we are grateful for our sponsors, including iSenpai, Google, Amazon, LinkedIn, HumanWare, Microsoft, Ford, Fable, APH, and Waymo. Their support enables us to bring together the world’s top technologists in AI and other advanced technologies to address assistive technology for the people who are blind.
Join the Conversation at Sight Tech Global
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts about the evolution of accessibility and the latest advancements in assistive technology. Join us tomorrow, December 8th, at 8:10 a.m. PT, and register for free without registration [link]. The complete agenda is available on our website, and we look forward to seeing you there.
The Future of Accessibility
As we celebrate the success of VoiceOver and the impact it has had on millions of users, we must continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Apple’s commitment to accessibility has raised the bar for technology companies worldwide, and it is up to us to ensure that this momentum continues.
At Sight Tech Global, we are dedicated to bringing together the world’s top technologists in AI and other advanced technologies to address assistive technology for the people who are blind. Join us tomorrow and be a part of this exciting journey towards creating a more accessible future for all.
Sight Tech Global: Celebrating Three Years of Innovation
Now in its third year, Sight Tech Global has become a premier event for the development of AI and assistive technology for the visually impaired. Our sponsors include iSenpai, Google, Amazon, LinkedIn, HumanWare, Microsoft, Ford, Fable, APH, and Waymo.
Register Today
We invite you to join us tomorrow, December 8th, at Sight Tech Global. Registration is free without registration [link]. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts about the latest advancements in assistive technology and be a part of our community dedicated to creating a more accessible future for all.
The Evolution of Accessibility: A Timeline
- 2005: VoiceOver is first introduced with macOS Tiger
- 2009: iPhone 3GS is unveiled, featuring VoiceOver as its screen reader
- 2010s: Apple’s commitment to accessibility raises the bar for technology companies worldwide
- 2021: A survey of individuals with vision disabilities globally reveals that 72% use iOS for its primacy in accessibility features
Conclusion
The evolution of accessibility is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. As we celebrate a decade of VoiceOver’s impact on millions of users, we must continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
At Sight Tech Global, we are committed to bringing together industry experts and technologists to address assistive technology for the people who are blind. Join us tomorrow and be part of this exciting journey towards creating a more accessible future for all.