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Apple TV adds British Sign Language with Being Heumann Apple TV adds British Sign Language with Being Heumann
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Apple TV adds British Sign Language with Being Heumann

Colin Hughes No Comments

When the phone lines were cut during the 1977 disability rights sit-in in San Francisco, protesters inside the federal building used sign language through the windows to tell supporters what was happening. Deaf people were among those who occupied the building for 26 days. Judy Heumann, a leading US disability rights campaigner, helped organise the protest. The protesters wanted the US government to enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which barred disability discrimination in federally funded programmes. Nearly 50 years later, that protest is at the centre of Being Heumann, the film Apple has chosen to launch sign language interpretation on its streaming service. The drama, directed by Siân Heder and starring Ruth Madeley as Heumann, starts streaming today (13 November). The UK ...

Google and Samsung have confirmed that their Gemini-powered smart glasses will go on sale on 10 December 2026, with pre-orders opening on 12 November in the United States and South Korea. Called Intelligent Eyewear, the glasses bring Google back into a market dominated by Meta. Developed with Samsung and eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, they start at $395. There are nine frame styles in 30 variations: three from Warby Parker and six from Gentle Monster. Prescription and sunglass options are available. Unlike display-equipped augmented reality glasses, these models use a camera, microphones and open-ear speakers to make Gemini available through conversation. What can the glasses do? Wearers can say "Hey Gemini" to ask questions, make phone calls, respond to messages, take photos and record video. Gemini can describe objects, answer questions about what the camera sees and handle follow-up requests. Google Maps provides spoken directions, while live translation supports more than 70 languages. The assistant can also check calendars and summarise notifications. The hardware includes a 12-megapixel camera capable of 3K video, four microphones and two open-ear speakers. At around 41 grams, the glasses offer up to nine hours of battery life, extending to 72 hours with the charging case. Early hands-on reviews suggest Google has made a promising start. Writing for The Verge, Victoria Song found that Google's glasses coped with multilingual translation, linked visual information to Google Calendar and directions, and sometimes corrected their own mistakes. In a separate 9to5Google hands-on, Abner Li reported much faster voice responses than in an earlier demonstration, although he wanted more time to assess reliability. There are practical limitations. According to 9to5Google, photos transfer immediately to the paired phone, but videos wait until the glasses are charging, which could frustrate anyone hoping to share a clip quickly. Accessibility: promise and practical questions Google has given visual accessibility considerable attention. Guided Vision provides spoken descriptions of surroundings, text and objects for blind and partially sighted people. Integration with Aira allows wearers to connect to trained human visual interpreters through the camera. Google cautions that Guided Vision is not a replacement for mobility aids. Voice-controlled glasses could also make everyday life easier for people with limited movement in their arms and hands. I have used Meta smart glasses extensively and have been impressed by how accessible they can be. I can make calls, send messages, take photos and access information without picking up a phone. When you have very limited movement in your arms and hands, those abilities are far from trivial. WhatsApp is a particularly important consideration. I value being able to send messages and share photos and videos through Meta's glasses. Many people in Britain use WhatsApp every day; losing those functions would be a deal-breaker for me. Google has not confirmed equivalent WhatsApp support. Its existing Gemini integration on Android can initiate WhatsApp calls and text messages, but cannot send photos, audio or videos, and is unavailable in Gemini Live conversations. Can the new glasses take a photo and send it to a WhatsApp contact entirely by voice? We still do not know. Google does offer live video sharing through Google Meet, allowing someone on a call to see what the wearer sees through the glasses' camera. Meta already provides similar functionality through WhatsApp and Messenger. However, Google has not confirmed whether its glasses can share live video through WhatsApp, or whether a Google Meet call can be managed entirely by voice. Sharing a live camera view can be particularly useful for people with limited arm and hand movement. It allows someone remotely to see their surroundings, identify an object or help with a practical problem without the wearer needing to hold a phone. There is an encouraging possibility on the smart-home side. Android Authority reports that Gemini can control connected Google Home devices through the paired phone, including dimming lights. I would welcome being able to control my smart gadgets through the glasses without needing to operate my phone. Fit raises a further concern. Samsung confirms that the temples, or arms, are not adjustable on either eyewear collection. In my review of the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics, I explained how having the arms adjusted by an optician stopped the glasses sliding down my nose. I cannot simply reach up and reposition them, so a secure fit is essential. Google and Samsung offer different sizes, but non-adjustable temples could be another deal-breaker. Other questions remain. Can someone answer and end calls or adjust the volume entirely by voice? Has speech recognition been tested with people whose speech is affected by disability? How easy is it to operate the physical switch or charge the glasses without assistance? Which phones work? Despite using Android XR, the glasses support only specified Pixel 7 and later models, compatible Galaxy S and Z devices, and selected iPhones. Other Android brands, including Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi, are excluded at launch, as is Samsung's Galaxy A range. Guided Vision and Aira require a compatible Android phone initially, even though the glasses work with iPhones. For some buyers, needing a new phone would add substantially to the cost. Privacy, pricing and UK availability Google has also introduced measures intended to address privacy concerns. An external LED illuminates when photos or videos are saved, and safeguards disable camera capture if the indicator is obstructed or faulty. According to 9to5Google, the light remains off during Gemini visual queries, when images are processed rather than saved. Google says these queries are not stored in Gemini History or used for AI training or advertising. Bystanders' faces are obscured before processing, while the microphones are designed to focus on the wearer's speech and reduce background conversations. Warby Parker's glasses start at $395 and can be pre-ordered in the US. Gentle Monster's cost $449–$489 and are available for pre-order in the US and South Korea. Sales begin on 10 December. There is no confirmed UK release date or sterling price. Activation requires a Google account associated with a supported launch market, and users must be at least 18, making importing a pair less straightforward. Meta faces a serious challenge For Meta, the arrival of credible competition comes at an awkward time. My own experience of its smart glasses has been increasingly uneven over recent months, with microphone-quality problems, messages being cut short and UK English voice options repeatedly disappearing from the app. I have previously written about these reliability problems. They do not erase the substantial accessibility benefits I value, but the software experience has become frustratingly inconsistent. Meta deserves considerable credit for bringing smart glasses into the mainstream and demonstrating their potential for disabled people. Yet it now faces competition from Google and Samsung, backed by Gemini and a different approach to privacy and software integration. That competition is welcome. Meta needs to raise its game, particularly when it comes to reliability, accessibility and responding to problems experienced by existing customers. Google's glasses look promising, but their real test will come outside controlled demonstrations. For those who rely on voice control, consistent performance, reliable messaging and a secure fit will count for more than an impressive list of AI features. Google and Samsung have confirmed that their Gemini-powered smart glasses will go on sale on 10 December 2026, with pre-orders opening on 12 November in the United States and South Korea. Called Intelligent Eyewear, the glasses bring Google back into a market dominated by Meta. Developed with Samsung and eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, they start at $395. There are nine frame styles in 30 variations: three from Warby Parker and six from Gentle Monster. Prescription and sunglass options are available. Unlike display-equipped augmented reality glasses, these models use a camera, microphones and open-ear speakers to make Gemini available through conversation. What can the glasses do? Wearers can say "Hey Gemini" to ask questions, make phone calls, respond to messages, take photos and record video. Gemini can describe objects, answer questions about what the camera sees and handle follow-up requests. Google Maps provides spoken directions, while live translation supports more than 70 languages. The assistant can also check calendars and summarise notifications. The hardware includes a 12-megapixel camera capable of 3K video, four microphones and two open-ear speakers. At around 41 grams, the glasses offer up to nine hours of battery life, extending to 72 hours with the charging case. Early hands-on reviews suggest Google has made a promising start. Writing for The Verge, Victoria Song found that Google's glasses coped with multilingual translation, linked visual information to Google Calendar and directions, and sometimes corrected their own mistakes. In a separate 9to5Google hands-on, Abner Li reported much faster voice responses than in an earlier demonstration, although he wanted more time to assess reliability. There are practical limitations. According to 9to5Google, photos transfer immediately to the paired phone, but videos wait until the glasses are charging, which could frustrate anyone hoping to share a clip quickly. Accessibility: promise and practical questions Google has given visual accessibility considerable attention. Guided Vision provides spoken descriptions of surroundings, text and objects for blind and partially sighted people. Integration with Aira allows wearers to connect to trained human visual interpreters through the camera. Google cautions that Guided Vision is not a replacement for mobility aids. Voice-controlled glasses could also make everyday life easier for people with limited movement in their arms and hands. I have used Meta smart glasses extensively and have been impressed by how accessible they can be. I can make calls, send messages, take photos and access information without picking up a phone. When you have very limited movement in your arms and hands, those abilities are far from trivial. WhatsApp is a particularly important consideration. I value being able to send messages and share photos and videos through Meta's glasses. Many people in Britain use WhatsApp every day; losing those functions would be a deal-breaker for me. Google has not confirmed equivalent WhatsApp support. Its existing Gemini integration on Android can initiate WhatsApp calls and text messages, but cannot send photos, audio or videos, and is unavailable in Gemini Live conversations. Can the new glasses take a photo and send it to a WhatsApp contact entirely by voice? We still do not know. Google does offer live video sharing through Google Meet, allowing someone on a call to see what the wearer sees through the glasses' camera. Meta already provides similar functionality through WhatsApp and Messenger. However, Google has not confirmed whether its glasses can share live video through WhatsApp, or whether a Google Meet call can be managed entirely by voice. Sharing a live camera view can be particularly useful for people with limited arm and hand movement. It allows someone remotely to see their surroundings, identify an object or help with a practical problem without the wearer needing to hold a phone. There is an encouraging possibility on the smart-home side. Android Authority reports that Gemini can control connected Google Home devices through the paired phone, including dimming lights. I would welcome being able to control my smart gadgets through the glasses without needing to operate my phone. Fit raises a further concern. Samsung confirms that the temples, or arms, are not adjustable on either eyewear collection. In my review of the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics, I explained how having the arms adjusted by an optician stopped the glasses sliding down my nose. I cannot simply reach up and reposition them, so a secure fit is essential. Google and Samsung offer different sizes, but non-adjustable temples could be another deal-breaker. Other questions remain. Can someone answer and end calls or adjust the volume entirely by voice? Has speech recognition been tested with people whose speech is affected by disability? How easy is it to operate the physical switch or charge the glasses without assistance? Which phones work? Despite using Android XR, the glasses support only specified Pixel 7 and later models, compatible Galaxy S and Z devices, and selected iPhones. Other Android brands, including Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi, are excluded at launch, as is Samsung's Galaxy A range. Guided Vision and Aira require a compatible Android phone initially, even though the glasses work with iPhones. For some buyers, needing a new phone would add substantially to the cost. Privacy, pricing and UK availability Google has also introduced measures intended to address privacy concerns. An external LED illuminates when photos or videos are saved, and safeguards disable camera capture if the indicator is obstructed or faulty. According to 9to5Google, the light remains off during Gemini visual queries, when images are processed rather than saved. Google says these queries are not stored in Gemini History or used for AI training or advertising. Bystanders' faces are obscured before processing, while the microphones are designed to focus on the wearer's speech and reduce background conversations. Warby Parker's glasses start at $395 and can be pre-ordered in the US. Gentle Monster's cost $449–$489 and are available for pre-order in the US and South Korea. Sales begin on 10 December. There is no confirmed UK release date or sterling price. Activation requires a Google account associated with a supported launch market, and users must be at least 18, making importing a pair less straightforward. Meta faces a serious challenge For Meta, the arrival of credible competition comes at an awkward time. My own experience of its smart glasses has been increasingly uneven over recent months, with microphone-quality problems, messages being cut short and UK English voice options repeatedly disappearing from the app. I have previously written about these reliability problems. They do not erase the substantial accessibility benefits I value, but the software experience has become frustratingly inconsistent. Meta deserves considerable credit for bringing smart glasses into the mainstream and demonstrating their potential for disabled people. Yet it now faces competition from Google and Samsung, backed by Gemini and a different approach to privacy and software integration. That competition is welcome. Meta needs to raise its game, particularly when it comes to reliability, accessibility and responding to problems experienced by existing customers. Google's glasses look promising, but their real test will come outside controlled demonstrations. For those who rely on voice control, consistent performance, reliable messaging and a secure fit will count for more than an impressive list of AI features.
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Google and Samsung’s AI glasses set for 10 December launch

Colin Hughes No Comments

Google and Samsung have confirmed that their Gemini-powered smart glasses will go on sale on 10 December 2026, with pre-orders opening on 12 November in the United States and South Korea. Called Intelligent Eyewear, the glasses bring Google back into a market dominated by Meta. Developed with Samsung and eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, they start at $395. There are nine frame styles in 30 variations: three from Warby Parker and six from Gentle Monster. Prescription and sunglass options are available. Unlike display-equipped augmented reality glasses, these models use a camera, microphones and open-ear speakers to make Gemini available through conversation. What can the glasses do? Wearers can say “Hey Gemini” to ask questions, make phone calls, respond to messag...

Two Apple iPhones standing side by side, illustrating iPhone Handoff and the ability to share one mobile number between devices. Two Apple iPhones standing side by side, illustrating iPhone Handoff and the ability to share one mobile number between devices.
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iPhone Handoff launches in the UK, but Apple faces an accessibility challenge

Colin Hughes No Comments

Apple’s new iPhone Handoff feature is now available to EE customers, making EE the first UK mobile network to offer the technology that allows two iPhones to share a single mobile number. The service became available on Monday 26 October, coinciding with Apple’s release of iOS 27.2 at approximately 6pm UK time. EE had confirmed the planned launch date to me ahead of the release. I successfully activated iPhone Handoff on my iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro on Tuesday morning and tested switching between the two devices. The process works seamlessly, with my mobile number transferring automatically when I unlock the other handset. It’s an attractive proposition for people who want the flexibility of using different iPhones for different occasions. But Apple’s approach...

Featured image showing a MacBook with Voice Control on screen after Apple fixed the new line and new paragraph bugs in macOS 26.4.1 Featured image showing a MacBook with Voice Control on screen after Apple fixed the new line and new paragraph bugs in macOS 26.4.1
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Apple has fixed long-running Voice Control bugs in macOS 26.4.1

Colin Hughes No Comments

For most Mac users, the commands “new line” and “new paragraph” may sound too small to be worth mentioning. For people who rely on Voice Control because they cannot use a keyboard, they are fundamental. With macOS 26.4.1, Apple has finally fixed the long-running bugs that disrupted both commands. It is a welcome resolution to a problem that should never have lasted as long as it did. A bug that broke the flow of writing This issue began last September with the release of macOS 26 and affected one of the most basic parts of writing by voice. The “new line” command became painfully slow, introducing a delay of around seven seconds before moving the cursor down. The “new paragraph” command was worse, because it effectively stopped working. That meant a simple act such as breaking up sentences...

Exterior of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C., headquarters of the U.S. Department of Justice. Exterior of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C., headquarters of the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Two years on, Apple’s antitrust case hasn’t gone away — and neither have the accessibility questions

Colin Hughes No Comments

Last week, I received an unexpected email from the U.S. Department of Justice. It wasn’t a press update or a policy statement. It was procedural — a reminder that, as part of the Department’s ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Apple for monopolising smartphone markets, it must produce materials received from third parties during the discovery process. The significance lies in the timing. In early 2026, with the litigation deep in the discovery phase following Judge Julien Neals’ 2025 ruling that the case could proceed, the legal machinery is finally examining real-world impact. Nearly two years after the DOJ first announced its landmark antitrust case against Apple, the litigation remains active. Discovery is ongoing. Questions about how Apple’s platform practices affect disabled people hav...

Voice Control in macOS 26.1 graphic showing a MacBook and iMac on a blue gradient background, with microphone icons beside the commands “Delete that”, “Lower case that”, and “New line”, illustrating accessibility and Voice Control improvements. Voice Control in macOS 26.1 graphic showing a MacBook and iMac on a blue gradient background, with microphone icons beside the commands “Delete that”, “Lower case that”, and “New line”, illustrating accessibility and Voice Control improvements.
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Voice Control in macOS 26.1 fixes some bugs — but Apple should add “Background Accessibility Improvements”

Colin Hughes No Comments

Voice Control in macOS 26.1: progress, but key bugs remain After six weeks of waiting, Voice Control in macOS 26.1 has arrived — and it’s a story of progress mixed with frustration. The good news: Apple has finally fixed long-standing issues with “delete that”, “lower case that”, and the missing in-sentence cursor. These are small but meaningful improvements for those who rely entirely on voice to use their Mac. But two of the most basic commands still don’t work properly: • “New paragraph” remains broken, particularly in the Mail app. • “New line” still takes three to four seconds to respond. These are not minor oversights — they’re fundamental to writing professional emails and documents by voice. For disabled people who Voice Control in macOS 26.1, such bugs can severely limit productiv...

Graphic showing Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2 earbud with headline text: “Confirmed: Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2 also hit by voice control failure,” on a blue background. Graphic showing Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2 earbud with headline text: “Confirmed: Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2 also hit by voice control failure,” on a blue background.
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Confirmed: Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2 also hit by voice control failure

Colin Hughes No Comments

When I first reported a serious voice assistant bug affecting Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, I believed it was device-specific. After a phone or WhatsApp call, the “Hey Meta” assistant would go silent — and wouldn’t respond again until the glasses were physically reset. For me as a quadriplegic, that meant total loss of control. But I’ve now confirmed the same failure occurs with Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2 — even when the Meta glasses are not connected. What happened I was out on my own, just wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2 — Apple’s latest true wireless earbuds — connected to my iPhone. Everything was working well. I was messaging friends via Siri, completely hands-free. Then I made a call. As soon as the call ended, everything stopped. No “Hey Siri.” No voice readouts. No control. Just silence. ...

Concept image of Apple smart glasses showcasing Siri, Accessibility, and Smart Home features, highlighting seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, designed for both mass appeal and accessibility benefits Concept image of Apple smart glasses showcasing Siri, Accessibility, and Smart Home features, highlighting seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, designed for both mass appeal and accessibility benefits
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Why Apple should launch smart glasses: accessibility and mass appeal

Colin Hughes No Comments

Apple has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, creating products that not only captivate the general public but also offer unique benefits for disabled people . With recent reports suggesting that Apple is working on its own smart glasses, there’s no better time to explore the potential impact these wearable devices could have. From enhancing accessibility to creating a new wave of consumer excitement, Apple smart glasses could be the next big thing. Apple smart glasses In a recent Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple’s Vision group is working on smart glasses similar to the Amazon Echo Frames or the Meta Ray-Bans, which offer some smart audio and AI features. However, Gurman said that the: “idea of making true augmented reality glasses has ...

Enhancing Ray-Ban Stories: 5 ways Meta can improve its ailing smart glasses Enhancing Ray-Ban Stories: 5 ways Meta can improve its ailing smart glasses
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Enhancing Ray-Ban Stories: 5 ways Meta can improve its ailing smart glasses

Colin Hughes No Comments

Meta is struggling to retain users for its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, with over 90 percent of consumers having abandoned the platform, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Launched in September 2021, for some at least the integration of the smart glasses into our daily lives has brought a new dimension of connectivity and convenience. With the partnership between Meta and Ray-Ban, the Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses have already made a remarkable impact on my life allowing me to take photos and videos for the first time. However, there is always room for improvement and with a second generation of Ray-Ban Stories rumoured to still be in the pipeline, despite the current model’s low user retention, here are five innovative ways in which Meta can enhance the Ray-Ban Stories sm...

Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses
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Meta updates Ray-Ban Stories with three useful features

Colin Hughes No Comments

As Apple prepares to unveil its first foray into smart wearable headgear, the soon to be launched Reality Pro headset, Meta has been busy upgrading its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses, which have been around since 2021. Smart glasses have made significant progress in blending fashion with cutting-edge technology, and the iconic Ray-Ban Stories just got even smarter. With some exciting recent updates, these stylish eyewear companions are now equipped with three features that enhance your connectivity and convenience. Let’s dive into the details and discover how these upgrades make your life easier and more enjoyable. Make phone calls effortlessly In February, I revealed how Meta was working to introduce calls and messages from your phone to the Ray-Ban Stories. With the latest update to...

Apple adds Siri Shortcuts action for auto-answer calls in iOS 16.4 beta Apple adds Siri Shortcuts action for auto-answer calls in iOS 16.4 beta
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Apple adds Siri Shortcuts action for auto-answer calls in iOS 16.4 beta

Colin Hughes No Comments

Last week Apple released the latest beta version of its iPhone operating system iOS 16.4 to developers and public beta testers. iOS 16.4 beta is full of new features. These include new emoji, enhanced support for 5G, the ability to enable push notifications for web apps, and the return of the new architecture for the Home app. Apple has also added some new Shortcuts actions to iOS 16.4 beta one of which will be extremely helpful for accessibility and those of us with upper limb disabilities. Last October, in a interview with 9to5 Mac I called for Apple to introduce a Shortcuts action to control the auto-answer calls feature on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and I am thrilled to report with the release of iOS 16.4 beta the company has clearly listened. Background When it was first released one...

Ray-Ban Stories Smart glasses Ray-Ban Stories Smart glasses
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Meta Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses to offer hands-free calling and texting

Colin Hughes No Comments

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, announced in a blog post this week that it will soon be rolling out a new feature on its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses that will allow users to make hands-free phone calls using their phone number. Additionally, the glasses will be equipped with the ability to read incoming text messages out loud, providing an even more convenient way for users to stay connected while on the go. Launched in 2021, and combining fashion and technology, Ray-Ban Stories are the first wearable product from a partnership between Meta and EssilorLuxottica the company behind the Ray-Ban sunglasses brand. Ray-Ban Stories look similar to a standard pair of Ray-Ban glasses yet incorporate technologies like cameras, audio, touch controls, and microphones which let you capture video an...

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