VoiceOver

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

VoiceOver is a screen reader built into Apple's macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS operating systems. It allows users with visual impairments to use their devices through spoken descriptions and auditory feedback. VoiceOver provides a comprehensive set of features to help users navigate and interact with their devices.

Features[edit | edit source]

VoiceOver offers a variety of features designed to enhance accessibility:

  • Speech Output: VoiceOver reads aloud the text on the screen, including buttons, icons, and other interface elements.
  • Braille Display Support: It supports over 100 different models of refreshable braille displays, allowing users to read the screen content in braille.
  • Gesture-Based Navigation: On touch devices like the iPhone and iPad, users can navigate using a set of multi-touch gestures.
  • Rotor: A virtual control that allows users to change VoiceOver settings and navigate content more efficiently.
  • Screen Curtain: This feature turns off the display while keeping the device active, providing privacy and saving battery life.
  • VoiceOver Utility: A tool on macOS that allows users to customize VoiceOver settings to suit their preferences.

History[edit | edit source]

VoiceOver was first introduced in Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger in 2005. Since then, it has been integrated into all of Apple's major operating systems, with continuous updates and improvements to enhance its functionality and user experience.

Usage[edit | edit source]

VoiceOver can be activated in the Settings app under the Accessibility section. On macOS, it can be enabled through the System Preferences under Accessibility. Users can also activate VoiceOver using keyboard shortcuts or gestures, depending on the device.

Compatibility[edit | edit source]

VoiceOver is compatible with a wide range of applications and services, including Safari, Mail, Messages, and many third-party apps. Developers can use the Accessibility API provided by Apple to ensure their apps are fully compatible with VoiceOver.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Related Pages[edit | edit source]



WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD