Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9 unveiled new iPhones, including a folding model, enhanced AI features, and improved performance with its A20 Pro chip. The iPhone 18 Pro innovates with a variable aperture camera, while Siri AI becomes more intuitive.
Apple has unveiled new versions of the Mac mini and Mac Studio featuring enhanced chips and improved connectivity. The Mac mini now comes with the M6 Chip, while the Mac Studio offers the M5 Ultra. These models promise substantial boosts in AI performance and connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7.
Apple releases iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 focusing on security enhancements. No specific features for accessibility. Users should ensure backups before updating.
Orbit Research is offering special pricing to US customers tied to the 2026 ACB and NFB conventions, running July 3 through July 31, 2026, while supplies last. Orders can be placed by phone, email, or through the company's website.
Orbit Research is reminding US customers that a limited-time subsidy program with VOSAP is still bringing down the cost of the Orbit Reader and Orbit Player. The company has not said how long the discounted pricing will last, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for anyone considering either device.
Blazie Technologies has introduced a Legacy Trade-In Program offering $200 off a new Blazie Technologies product for customers who trade in an eligible Blazie Engineering device. The program targets longtime users of Blazie Engineering hardware, known for its durability and reliability in the blindness community.
Orbit Research has released a new firmware update, version B0.xx.00.69rxx, for the Orbit Reader 20 braille display. Users upgrading from version B0.xx.00.69r36 or earlier should review additional instructions before installing, with the update available through Orbit Research's Support menu.
Orbit Research has announced that BARD support is coming to both the Orbit Speak Plus and the Orbit Player starting July 15. The update lets users browse and download titles from the NLS BARD library directly over Wi-Fi, with braille titles read aloud through text-to-speech.
The American Printing House for the Blind has released BrailleBlaster 3.2.2, a free update to its braille transcription software featuring improvements to table handling and fixes for the backspace and delete keys. The update is available now as a free download from the BrailleBlaster website.
Vispero, the company behind JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion, and other major assistive technology brands, has named Sid Gaitonde as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company says the move marks the start of a new era of customer-driven innovation, though further details on Gaitonde's background and plans have not yet been released.
The National Library Service has launched Overseas Outlook, a newsletter specifically for international BARD users. The publication will keep overseas patrons updated on digital library features and resources.
Independent Living Aids has released a new collection of assistive technology products aimed at supporting daily independence. The company continues to focus on practical, affordable solutions for people with disabilities.