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Amazon’s bringing meaningful accessibility improvements to Fire TV
In a move aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for individuals with hearing impairments or blindness, Amazon is introducing several significant accessibility updates to its Fire TV platform. These advancements will enable customers to engage more fully with their devices, regardless of any visual or auditory limitations they may have.
One notable change is the rollout of Dual Audio on Fire TV, which allows viewers to simultaneously listen to audio through a hearing aid while others in the same room can still enjoy standard sound from the TV speakers. This innovative feature will first become available on Amazon’s latest Fire TV Omni Mini LED series and is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Furthermore, the company is extending its support for Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol, making it possible for a broader range of Widex Moment Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids to be compatible with various Fire TV devices. The expanded ASHA support will include the Fire TV Omni Mini LED Series, Fire TV Omni QLED Series, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV 4-Series, Fire TV 2-Series, and Fire TV Omni Series.
In addition to these audio-centric enhancements, Amazon is taking steps to improve the accessibility of its packaging and user guides. A new QR code design will be introduced that includes raised UV dots for tactile recognition, enabling users who are blind or have low vision to easily locate and scan the code using their preferred method.
Amazon’s commitment to improving accessibility demonstrates a genuine dedication to inclusivity and the well-being of its customers.
Source: www.theverge.com
