Apple’s newly released iOS 7 includes many new features and
improvements. iOS 7 runs on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Users will notice
changes as soon as they boot up their iOS 7 device for the first time. But this
release allows a group of users to use iOS for the first time. Just as
VoiceOver allowed the blind and visually impaired to access the iPhone, Switch
Control now allows switch users to navigate and use their iOS device. Switch
users are users who are only able to activate a few large buttons and who don’t
have the ability to interact with the complexities of a touch screen. For
example, a quadriplegic may be able to activate switches mounted on their
wheelchair with their head. Switches come in all different sizes and
configurations but they give users who are unable to interact with the touch screen the ability to control their devices.
Switch Control for iOS is similar to other switch
interfaces, a cursor scans around the screen and when a switch is activated the
user is given options to interact with that object or button. For example, a cursor will scroll through all the app icons on your home screen and when the switch is activated it will open the selected app.
Click read more to learn below to learn more about Switch Control on iOS 7.
Click read more to learn below to learn more about Switch Control on iOS 7.
Switch Control can be used with external switches connected
to the device via Bluetooth. Switch control can also use the front facing
FaceTime camera to recognize a user’s head movements. A third option allows the
entire touch display of your iOS device to be used as a switch. Once you have a
switch you can choose its action. A switch can control scanning by controlling
the cursor or can be used to control system functions such as activating Siri,
notification center, or the app switcher.
Settings
Switch Control is extremely customizable to fit the needs of
many different users. The settings can be accessed by going to Settings >
General > Accessibility > Switch Control. The speed at which the cursor
moves can be change for faster navigation or easier use. The cursor can also be
set to pause on the first item. There are also switch stabilization settings to
increase or decrease hold duration and also to ignore repeat. Switch Control
can also speech items to the user as the cursor highlights items. The cursor
size and color is also customizable. Similar to Assistive Touch Switch Control
allows saved gestures to be saved and activated later.
Using Switch Control
A cursor highlights the elements or groups of elements on
the screen. Activating the switch selects the group and then pressing the
switch again activates an element. This process allows users to select apps
from the home screen, keys on the keyboard, and other buttons. A secondary menu
can also be activated with options specific to that element. The menu includes
options to tap the element, scroll, activate saved and pre-set gestures,
activate device functions such as volume, and shortcuts to change Switch
Control settings. On elements such as volume sliders you are also given the
option to decrement and increment. The gesture menu gives you the option to
flick, pan, pinch, tap and hold, drag, drag and hold, double tap, freehand, and
access saved gestures. Amazingly, these gestures can be precisely controlled
through one switch by following on screen options. For scrollable list you can
activate the “scroll” submenu.
Switch Control
Compatibility with Third Party Apps
As with most accessibility features, support for Switch
Control with third party apps unpredictable. Luckily, VoiceOver has laid the
ground work for Switch Control. As I understand, Switch Control and VoiceOver
use the same accessibility elements. This an app that works with VoiceOver will
work with Switch Control and vice versa. This makes app developer’s jobs much
easier.
Wrap-Up
Switch Control is one of many great new accessibility
features in iOS 7. Switch Control will allow a whole new group of people
(switch users) access to the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. Like all of Apple’s
accessibility features Switch Control is available on all iOS 7 devices and
works out-of-the-box.
Why wont the add new switch activate?
ReplyDeleteWhy can't I use camera mode!? It's faded and it won't let me activate it in add new switch. I have an iphone phone.
ReplyDeleteWow, I have 90% no idea what switch control is after reading this. And my ipad is bugging out for no apparent reason trying to switch control.
ReplyDelete