Devices

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Mobile device usage surges in Australia

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has released new research showing the growing use of tablet computers which, in turn, emphasises the need for improved mobile device accessibility.

Microsoft Surface tablet resting upright on a wooden surface

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Intel offers glimpse of emerging accessible technologies

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Computer chip manufacturer Intel has revealed new technologies it is working on which will make devices such as smart phones, tablets and PCs more accessible to people with disabilities.

Intel's CEO Brian Krzanich demonstrating Intel RealSense during his keynote speech at CES 2015. Image credit: Intel

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Accessible Christmas gift ideas for 2014

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Looking for that special something for that special someone—a Christmas present that is both accessible and awesome? Look no further than Media Access Australia’s guide on accessible Christmas gift ideas for 2014.

iTunes gift card

iTunes $30, $20 and $50 gift cards

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Digital technology highlights of 2014

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As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to reflect back on the significant accessibility improvements that we’ve seen in digital technology across the major operating systems in computers and mobile devices.

Woman reclining on a wooden park bench outdoors, with an iPhone 6 in left hand

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Captions supporting students with autism

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Captions are acknowledged as being beneficial for a range of students with diverse learning needs, including Deaf and hearing impaired, English as a Second Language and now a new initiative from Ai-Media in the UK shows how captions support students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Young girl pressing finger down on a tablet device

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Westpac banking app inaccessible: Former Disability Commissioner

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Former Australian Disability Commissioner Graeme Innes is lodging a complaint against major Australian bank Westpac due to the alleged inaccessibility of its mobile banking application.

iPhone 6 resting on a flat surface

In a blog post, Innes claimed that as the result of an upgrade to Westpac’s online banking platform several months ago, including changes to its banking app, he could no longer bank via his iPhone.

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Digital technology
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Policy
Review of access to electronic media
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Digital media and technology: 
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
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iOS
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iPhone

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Online retail web accessibility guide

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Now that a legal case has been brought against Coles for a lack of web accessibility of its online shopping site, and that a similar case in the US against online grocer Peapod has been settled, it’s time for online retailers to act on improving access for people with disabilities.

Man browsing website on a MacBook Air

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Amazon Kindle Fire and Kindle app

The Kindle Fire series of tablets are also based on Android and are growing in availability in Australia. Due to their use of a customised version of Android, the accessibility features available are very similar to those found in Android tablets including the TalkBack screen reader.

The Fire HDX is the current model and contains a number of accessibility features. These features include:

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Digital technology
Digital media and technology: 
Devices
eReaders

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Awards recognise accessible websites

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Australian web users stand to benefit from increased access to websites thanks to the Australian Web Industry Association (AWIA) 2014 Web Awards.

2014 Award: Australian Web Awards logo

The Australian Web Awards, to be held on 1 November in Sydney, showcases outstanding work by Australian web designers and developers and their adoption of web standards that help make sites accessible to people with disabilities. The awards are sponsored by Media Access Australia in the Government category.

Taxonomy: 
General
Web
News
Practical web accessibility
Disability
Digital media and technology: 
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Web browsers
Social media
Devices
Smartphones

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Google Glass to have captions

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Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an app which will provide real-time captions on Google Glass, and potentially be of great benefit to Deaf and hearing impaired users.

Google Glass, Explorer Edition (2014)

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Digital technology
News
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Captions
Digital media and technology: 
Android
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