A more accessible future: AirPods, hearing aids, and the audio technology to make it possible<div class="feat-image">
</div><p>Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly stated
his belief that technology should be accessible to everyone. For decades, Apple products have shipped with accessibility features, proof that these values are deeply rooted in the company. Apple even launched a dedicated
accessibility website in 2016, showcasing the stories of
several individuals and how their lives have benefited from accessible products.</p>
<p>One branch of accessibility that’s received an
increasing amount of attention is
hearing. While iOS has
supported hearing aids in some capacity
for years, deep integration with the iPhone first became possible when
Apple expanded its
Made for iPhone (MFi) licensing program to cover hearing devices. Advancements in
Bluetooth Low Energy technology in concert with a proprietary audio transmission protocol have been essential in enabling a steady stream of iPhone-compatible hearing aids and
cochlear implants to be released.</p>
<p>At the same time, Apple
developed an audio product of its own –
AirPods. The wireless headphones include advanced low energy technology themselves, powered by the
Apple-designed W1 chip. Between the company’s work in both accessibility and audio, Apple finds itself in a unique position to dramatically transform the market of hearing augmentation.</p>
<p> <a href="
https://9to5mac.com/2017/12/18/airpods-hearing-aid-accessibility/#more-512406" class="more-link">more…[/url]</p><img alt="" border="0" src="
https://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=9to5mac.com&blog=22754319&post=512406&subd=9to5mac&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /><div class="feedflare">
<img src="[url]http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/9To5Mac-MacAllDay?i=mg9jYF9GhAA:jveL8TLRJ_8:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img>[/url]
</div><img src="
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/9To5Mac-MacAllDay/~4/mg9jYF9GhAA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>
Source:
A more accessible future: AirPods, hearing aids, and the audio technology to make it possible
