[NJTechDiv] Meeting Notes for June 9

[Andy]

Sorry these notes are sent out later than usual.


NFBNJ June 2025 Technology Committee Meeting Summary



This presentation covered exciting new accessibility features from Apple and Google, a major legislative proposal on digital access, and several updates to popular tools and services, such as InoSearch.


Apple Previews New Accessibility Features

Apple has announced several major accessibility improvements coming later this year. Highlights include Accessibility "Nutrition Labels" for third-party apps, Braille Access Mode for more streamlined Braille device use, and the arrival of Magnifier for Mac, previously only available on iOS. Learn more at AppleVis <https://applevis.com/blog/apple-previews-new-accessibility-features-coming-later-year-accessibility-nutrition-labels>.



AppleVis Launches Bug Tracking Initiative

In addition to reporting new features, AppleVis will soon roll out a community bug tracking system <https://www.applevis.com/blog/applevis-launch-community-bug-tracking-initiative>, allowing users to report VoiceOver and other accessibility bugs in Apple software more efficiently. This will help developers and users prioritize accessibility issues more clearly, and hopefully get bugs fixed in a more timely manner.


Third Edition of Personal Power Now Available

Michael Feir has released the third edition of his comprehensive tech guide Personal Power: The iOS Edition. This free ebook is full of tips, app reviews, and accessibility strategies for iPhone and iPad users using VoiceOver. The book is available in many formats, including EPUB and Word. There's even a high-quality AI audio-narrated version. Get the latest edition here <https://michaelfeir.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-third-edition-of-personal-power.html>.


In-App Accessible Shopping with Be My Eyes and InnoSearch AI

Be My Eyes has partnered <https://www.bemyeyes.com/news/be-my-eyes-to-provide-in-app-accessible-shopping/> with InnoSearch.AI to bring accessible shopping features directly into the Be My Eyes app. Users will be able to browse and buy products using a more accessible, AI-powered experience tailored for blind shoppers.


Highlights from Google I/O 2025

Google unveiled a wave of announcements at I/O 2025, including major updates to Android, Search, and Gemini AI. 9to5Google has the full roundup here <https://9to5google.com/2025/05/20/google-i-o-2025-news/>.


Gemini and TalkBack Image Recognition

Among Google's biggest accessibility announcements: Gemini AI can now answer questions about images directly within TalkBack <https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/gemini-can-now-answer-questions-about-images-in-googles-talkback-screen-reader/>. This means blind users will be able to ask what’s in a photo or image on an Android device and get a meaningful AI-generated response.


New in TalkBack 16.0

TalkBack 16.0 includes a range of improvements including custom actions, easier image descriptions, and enhanced Braille display support. Check out the details at Accessible Android <https://accessibleandroid.com/whats-new-in-talkback-16-0/>.


Meta Smart Glasses Get Smarter

Meta’s smart glasses will soon include <https://www.engadget.com/ai/metas-smart-glasses-will-soon-provide-detailed-information-regarding-visual-stimuli-153046605.html> the ability to provide detailed contextual descriptions of visual stimuli—a feature that promises real-time feedback for people who are blind. These improvements build on the foundation laid by Meta’s partnership with Ray-Ban.


DA2 Player Video Tutorials

If you’re using or planning to use the new DA2 player from NLS, there’s now a growing set of YouTube tutorials covering its features and functions. Watch the full playlist on YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLExWgQUB-QT4cfi8qg9iRXRy2-kMDPnsk>.


New Digital Accessibility Bill Introduced

Disability advocates, including the National Federation of the Blind, are celebrating the introduction of the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act—a bill aimed at legally defining and enforcing digital accessibility standards. Read the NFB’s press release <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/disability-advocates-commend-introduction-websites-and-software-applications>, and get a deep technical analysis <https://karlgroves.com/a-deep-dive-into-the-websites-and-software-applications-accessibility-act-of-2025/> from Karl Groves.


BARD 2.0 Web Demo Coming June 12

NLS will host a Many Faces of BARD event <https://www.loc.gov/nls/news-and-updates/many-faces-of-bard/> on Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 PM Eastern, featuring a demonstration of the new BARD 2.0 website. Patrons will see updates such as improved search and  navigation.




Apple WWDC Keynote

At this year's WWDC keynote on June 9, Apple announced the next major release of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, macOS, and visionOS. There is now a unified numbering system, similar to cars. Because this new release will be relevant for the majority of next year, Apple is using "26" as the number. For example, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, etc. AppleVis has put together a very concise, thorough article <https://www.applevis.com/blog/wwdc-2025-keynote-applevis-recap> on what Apple is offering. Episode 29 <https://pinecast.com/listen/c9c880b6-40f1-4c76-b540-b980889978da.mp3> of Access On discusses the details of the keynote. Finally, this article <https://iaccessibility.net/what-i-thought-about-everything-announced-at-wwdc-2025/> from iAccessibility has more details.
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