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Microsoft may launch an accessibility-focused Xbox One controller
Microsoft has a long-running history of courting gamers with accessibility needs, and it now looks like that might include a gamepad built with those players in mind. Well-known leaker WalkingCat has obtained an image of what looks to be an Xbox One controller designed with accessibility in mind. The peripheral appears to revolve around two giant buttons that would be easy to use without the precise finger dexterity you usually need. There's also a row of grooved icons (potentially touch-sensitive buttons) that reflect common Xbox functions, suggesting that gamers won't have to wade through menus that might be difficult to navigate.
Lyft lets people with disabilities pay with special ABLE accounts
Lyft has teamed up with the National Down Syndrome Society to let riders pay for their trips with ABLE accounts, which are savings accounts for those with disabilities and their families. They can use earnings to pay for certain expenses, like medical treatment and now Lyft rides, without forking over taxes.
Google brings Morse code to Gboard
During Google I/O today, the company announced that Gboard would soon support Morse code, a move inspired by developer Tania Finlayson who communicates through head movements that are translated into Morse code and then into speech. She and her husband partnered with Google to bring Morse code to Gboard, and Finlayson said in a statement, "I'm very excited that Gboard now has a Morse keyboard that allows for switch-access, with various settings to accommodate more people's unique needs."
AI can help a billion people, but Microsoft can't do it alone
"It cracks me up when I meet someone who says, 'Hey, I don't think I have people with disabilities in my company.' And that's when I know they've got people there that are not speaking up."
Ford’s smart windows can help blind passengers take in the view
Ford has created a device that could help visually impaired travelers get a sense of what the scenery around them looks like. It's called "Feel the View" and it turns a window into a vibrating depiction of what's outside. First, with the push of a button, the device snaps a picture of the window's view. It then turns that picture into a grayscale image and each shade of gray corresponds to a vibration of different intensity. Feel the View can generate up to 255 different levels of vibrations. The blind or visually impaired rider can then touch the window and feel what the outside looks like.
Airbnb makes it easier to find accessible rentals
Airbnb is making quick use of the travel accessibility startup it bought a few months ago. The rental service has introduced 21 filters that help you find disability-friendly listings that meet your exact needs. You can look for ramps, wide hallways, roll-in showers and other features that can help if you use a wheelchair or otherwise have special mobility requirements. Previously, Airbnb had a simple "wheelchair accessible" filter that frequently left glaring omissions.
Google Maps can find wheelchair-accessible routes
Google announced today that Maps is getting a new feature aimed at helping those in wheelchairs or people with other mobility restrictions. While lots of people rely on apps like Google Maps to help them get where they're going, they're not always so useful when it comes to finding wheelchair-accessible routes. But now, Google is launching a feature that will let users select a route that can accomodate wheelchairs and it's rolling out now in London, New York City, Tokyo, Mexico City, Boston and Sydney.
