I personally believe that JAWS for Windows Version 2024 has seen a significant upgrade with the introduction of the Face in View feature, finally putting it on par with the image related capabilities of the VoiceOver screen reader built into Apple’s iPhones and other products. This innovative feature is designed to enhance the video conferencing experience for visually impaired users, ensuring they are perfectly positioned within the camera’s view during calls.
But… If you’re like me and want to create videos on your blog or perhaps YouTube and other social media platforms like Facebook, “I’m pretty sure one could find a use for it there, too!”
How does Face in View work? As is already the case with Apple’s VoiceOver screen reader when using their camera app for taking pictures, Vispero’s feature in JAWS guides users to center their face in the camera’s frame, check for adequate lighting, and even notifies them if they have inadvertently moved out of view or if the lighting changes. From where I sit, this feature expands one’s level of autonomy, making it a game-changer for blind users like myself, who already rely on JAWS for their daily computer interactions.
I never really liked needing to rely on others to ensure I am presenting well on screen. I don’t know of anyone who would. Having needed to be told when the picture sucks has always felt kind of awkward to me during video chats. But now? Well… Whether it’s a professional meeting or a casual chat with friends, I can finally trust that I am seen just as I intend to be.
Moreover, the feature is a testament to the continuous efforts of at least a few developers to create a more inclusive digital environment. It acknowledges the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and provides a solution that is both practical and empowering.
For those who may not be aware, the Face in View feature is just one of the many enhancements included in the JAWS for Windows 2024 release, which also boasts improvements like Split Braille and MathCAT Integration.
As is the case with the image capabilities built into Apple’s VoiceOver screen reading software for the blind users of its products and services, the recent addition of the Face in View feature in JAWS for Windows is more than just an expansion upon the implementation of a technical advancement that’s been around for a little while; it’s a step towards greater inclusivity and independence for visually impaired Windows users. It’s a feature that I definitely appreciate and will certainly utilize to its fullest potential, “In a myriad of ways!”