Tag: tech

Microsoft’s Focus on Inclusivity

On August 21, 2019

What started as a new controller intended for professional and intense gamers quickly became a sensation for a different group of video game lovers – those with mobile disabilities. When Microsoft launched their new Elite controller for Xbox one, it featured the ability for extreme gamers to customize some of the buttons and a textured grip for ease of grip. Microsoft had unintentionally created a customizable controller better equipped for video game enthusiasts with mobile disabilities. This was the start of a series of progressive improvements that Microsoft would make for inclusivity.

After the buzz associated with the accessibility of the new Elite remote with disabled gamers, Microsoft launched a new software update with this demographic in mind. They updated the existing narrator and magnifying feature to assist those with vision impairments. They also debuted the copilot feature that allowed users to handle the buttons better with just one hand.

Microsoft then developed its Xbox Adaptive Controller designed explicitly with disabled players in mind. This foot-long board features two large buttons that can be programmed to perform any function. It also has 19 3.5mm jacks that allow for a variety of input devices to plug into the controller. Some of these assistive inputs include foot pedals, microswitches, larger buttons, or joysticks. The standard-sized jack allows for gamers to utilize peripherals that users may already own for other functions as well. These features will enable each player to create a controller that can function with their unique disabilities. Creating a truly personalized gaming experience feeds into the inclusivity that Microsoft is yearning.

While the controller itself is more substantial and looks different than the standard controller, it is specifically designed to foster inclusivity. The color scheme is in keeping with a standard Xbox one council, and it still features all of the standard buttons like menu, pause, and start. Microsoft’s intent with this design is to avoid an outcast appearance for individuals who need assistive technology. Instead, the purpose is for users to play together with others and face no different challenges than anyone else.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is making it easier than ever for children with differences or disabilities to enjoy the inclusivity that the gaming world has to offer. Children and adults can immerse themselves in a world where you can customize your avatar and roam around a foreign land with made-up storylines – all while connecting with users from across the globe. In the gaming world, your physical limitations don’t exist, and Microsoft is taking steps to make this authentic in the real world as well.

Speech Technology For People With Nonverbal Autism Russ Ewell

VocaliD: Speech Technology for People with Nonverbal Autism

By Russ Ewell

On August 13, 2019

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Close to 25% of all people with Autism are considered nonverbal. These individuals rely on gestures and movements or minimal vocabulary to communicate with others. As one can imagine, this comes with a series of challenges as well as social barriers for people with Autism. Many parents report that their child with Autism has experienced bullying at school due to their lack of communication.

In this technological era, there are copious technologies that offer automated voice assistance from a touch-screen device. An iPad now offers applications that show pictures of objects and, when clicked on, will project the word in a robotic voice. However, the personalization is still lacking from this technology, which can cause emotional distress for an individual with nonverbal Autism. Luckily, VocaliD founder Rupal Patel has a solution.

VocaliD is a new technology that combines the individual’s real voice with that of a ‘voice donor’ in their database. This combination provides the individual with nonverbal Autism with a unique pseudo-voice personalized to match their own. Patel’s technology starts by capturing a recording of the individual saying a word or syllable. From there, Patel’s database full of tens of thousands of voice donors filters by factors like age, gender, and regional dialect. Pitch and volume of the recipient’s natural vocals are also considered when matching with a donor.

The goal of this technology is not to provide just a voice to individuals with nonverbal Autism – this is available through many different applications and technologies. The goal is instead to give the individual a unique and clear voice that is representative of their real personality. The psychological benefits of achieving this goal are immaculate.

Patel has found that most individuals who own this assistive technology can show hesitation in utilizing them. This could be because the voice cannot be completely personalized. Two individuals using the same technology will likely have the same “voice” regardless of their age, gender, or background. This naturally discourages people, especially children, from using their assistive technology for fear of being made fun of or misunderstood.

With VocaliD, Patel and the other developers hope that the utilization of the technology could also encourage children and adults with nonverbal Autism to become more verbal over time. There is evidence that suggests that children who use technology for speech assistance regularly will learn to form and say words in their own voices.

While this technology is still very new, the promise of personalized assistance to children and adults with any form of Autism is an inspiring step in the right direction.

Three Cutting Edge Technologies

By Russ Ewell

On September 21, 2018

In Blog

Technology continues making advancements faster than in previous years. Modern-day technology is now commonplace in a variety of fields that include business, health care and recreation. There are a number of new innovations that are bound to change the world.

Technological Trends

American manufacturing has taken a heavy hit as companies make their way overseas or into Mexico. However, numerous companies are experiencing a resurgence thanks to technological advances. According to an article printed in the New York Times, manufactures now report a 47 percent increase in production. The improvement is made possible using automation and robotics. Although many fear that introducing technology depletes possibilities in the job market. Employees must operate and maintain the machines, which produces more jobs.

2D to 3D Conversions

Smartphones are commonly used daily throughout the world. However, software developed by Julien Flack of Dynamic Digital Depth improves smartphone use by leaps and bounds. By turning a smartphone horizontally, users may soon be able to see three-dimensional images. The technology was first introduced in South Korea in the Samsung B710 smartphone. The device appears similar to any other current-day model. However, the phone enables owners to see 3D hologram-like images. The 3D conversion will especially be attractive to people who enjoy gaming on their phones. The 3D-equipped W960 smartphone was recently introduced. The technology is expected to become popular with consumers in the next few years.

3D Metal Printing

3D printers are now employed for a variety of home and industrial use. However, until now, all of the printed items consisted of polymer materials. Desktop Metal based in Massachusetts plans to change the market of 3D printing. Traditional metal manufacturing is largely wasteful in nature. The majority of materials used to produce metal parts are cut away and discarded. On the other hand, having the ability to print metal objects uses less energy and greatly reduces waste. Although the invention is not quite ready for the average consumer, the technology is available to medium and large businesses. However, the machinery, materials and furnace needed to create the products come with a price of approximately $120,000.

Snake Robots

The health hazards associated with people correcting nuclear plant accidents is of great concern to many world countries. However, the danger is greatly reduced when companies employ the use of snake robots. The robots are designed to mimic their real-life counterparts. They can crawl, climb and slither into tight-fitting spaces requiring inspection. When equipped with specialized cameras, the snakes can be used to make their way up and down pipes, tubes and into valves to check for possible problems. In this way, the robots feed information to technicians before major mishaps occur. Along with making nuclear plants safer for people, robot snakes might prove useful in many other industrial applications.