Google, Apple and Microsoft team up to create new Braille standard
The USB HID standard make it much easier to use Braille displays across different devices
Technology giants including rival firms Google, Apple and Microsoft have got together to create a new standard for Braille computer accessories.
The group of tech firms, operating as the non-profit USB Implementers Forum, hope the Braille standard will help to make computing more accessible to blind users and those with low vision, Engadget reports.
At the moment, some Braille displays only work with certain PCs, or require additional software and drivers to use, says CNet. The new USB Human Interface Device (HID) standard will make it easier to use Braille readers across operating systems and hardware.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Blind or low vision users will be able to plug their Braille display into a PC, Mac and Android devices and use it instantly, just like a conventional USB mouse or keyboard.
The new software standard will also help streamline the development process for tech manufacturers making accessories with Braille displays.
Jeff Petty, Microsoft’s accessibility programme manager, said: “Developing a HID standard for Braille displays is one example of how we can work together, across the industry, to advance technology in a way that benefits society, and ultimately improve the unemployment rate for people with disabilities.”
Tech giant will start integrating the new software standard into their products as soon as next year, says Alphr.
The announcement marks another significant step by tech companies towards improving accessibility.
Last month, Microsoft unveiled a new Xbox controller that aims to assist gamers with disabilities. The controller, which takes the form of a board with different buttons and touchpads, has 19 inputs that allow gamers to plug in specialised accessories to improve usability.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why au pairs might become a thing of the past
Under The Radar Brexit and wage ruling are threatening the 'mutually beneficial arrangement'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 17, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - political anxiety, jury sorting hat, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Why is Microsoft breaking up Teams and Office?
Today's Big Question The company had previously divided the software in Europe, but will now make this change globally
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Justice Department bites Apple with iPhone suit
Speed Read The lawsuit alleges that the tech company monopolized the smartphone industry
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Artificial history
Opinion Google's AI tailored the past to fit modern mores, but only succeeded in erasing real historical crimes
By Theunis Bates Published
-
Apple kills its secret electric car project
Speed Read Many of the people from Project Titan are being reassigned to work on generative AI
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Google's new AI bot 'woke'?
Talking Points Gemini produced images of female popes and Black Vikings. Now the company has stepped back.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
The pros and cons of virtual reality
Pros and cons The digital world is expanding, for better and for worse
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
The Apple Vision Pro's dystopian debut
Why everyone's talking about Is "spatial computing" the next big thing?
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Why Google search results have 'gotten worse'
Under The Radar Search engines are 'flooded' with 'garbage' content, say experts
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published