accessibility tools Archives

Winsage

May 23, 2025

Signal Will Black Out Windows Recall Screenshots to Preserve Privacy

Signal has introduced a "screen security" feature for its Windows 11 application to counter Microsoft's Windows Recall, an AI feature that captures screenshots of user activities. This new feature ensures that any attempts by Recall to take screenshots will result in a black screen. Signal's blog post notes that while the feature enhances privacy, it may cause compatibility issues with some accessibility tools, and users can disable it if necessary. The feature only protects the local machine and does not prevent other conversation participants from taking screenshots. Signal criticized Recall for lacking built-in privacy controls for app developers and emphasized the need for operating system developers to prioritize user privacy. The screen security feature is being rolled out and is enabled by default for Windows 11 users.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal will block Microsoft Recall from snooping on your texts

Encrypted messaging platform Signal is enhancing its Windows application with a feature called Screen Security, which prevents screenshots of messages while the app is in use. The application is flagged as protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), ensuring that DRM content cannot be recorded in screenshots on Windows devices. Screen Security is activated by default but can be disabled by users if needed. Signal hopes that AI developers will consider the implications of their innovations more thoughtfully. The Recall feature in Windows 11, which allows users to record everything displayed on their screens, has faced privacy and security concerns, and skepticism remains about its readiness for widespread adoption.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal signals discontent with Microsoft Recall

Signal has activated Digital Rights Management (DRM) features within Windows to prevent Microsoft Recall from capturing screenshots of its chat windows. Recall has been criticized for its imprecise screenshot capturing, which affects sensitive communications. Signal's DRM solution ensures that Recall and other screenshot tools do not capture its content. The "Screen security" setting in Signal Desktop for Windows 11 is enabled by default, requiring users to confirm if they wish to disable it. Recall was initially criticized during its launch at Microsoft's 2024 Build event and has since been revised, remaining an opt-in feature with a "Preview" label. Microsoft claims users control what apps and websites are saved in snapshots.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Google brings Gemini and other accessibility tools across Android devices

Google is introducing AI-powered accessibility features for Android, targeting users with low vision or hearing impairments. An upgraded version of TalkBack allows users to ask questions about images and receive descriptive answers. The "Expressive Captions" feature provides real-time captions that include tone and emotions, currently rolling out in English in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia for Android 15 and above. Google is also opening its Project Euphonia repository to developers to create customized speech recognition tools for diverse speech patterns. These initiatives are part of Google's commitment to accessibility and user-friendliness.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Report claims Google may move to ‘privately’ develop Android’s future

Google plans to transition to a more private development approach for its Android OS, resulting in a slowdown of releases for the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This shift aims to streamline development and reduce merging conflicts. While Google will continue to release open-source code, the frequency of these releases will be adjusted. Android 16 has achieved Platform Stability and is expected to launch in Q2 2025. The transition is designed to minimize disruptions for end-users and improve the efficiency of the development cycle. An announcement regarding this new direction is anticipated soon.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Android 16 Beta 3 achieves ‘Platform Stability,’ brings extended Auracast support

Google has released Android 16 Beta 3, featuring new accessibility tools including Text Outline for low-vision users and Local Network Protection for enhanced app access control. The beta also expands Auracast compatibility, allowing audio broadcasting from a single source to multiple receivers, particularly benefiting hearing aid users in noisy environments. Only LE audio-compatible hearing aids from manufacturers like GN Hearing and Starkey will be supported. Samsung Galaxy devices with One UI 7 and Pixel 9 devices can connect to public audio streams. A QR code standard has been developed for easier access to broadcasts, with Pixel 9 users receiving priority access. Android 16 is expected to be publicly released in late June.