In an interview at TGS 2025, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi discussed the game's release on Game Key Card for Switch 2, the focus on accessibility features, the lack of current plans for mobile versions or DLC bridging to Part 3, and the possibility of a standalone Queen's Blood game, emphasizing the priority of releasing the third installment.
Apple's iOS 18 update for iPhone is set to be the biggest yet, with the incorporation of AI on a kernel level and the development of new Accessibility features, including Adaptive Voice Shortcut, New Live Speech Categories, and Custom Font for Additional Apps. These changes aim to make settings more accessible to users, and Apple is also working on additional features expected to be showcased at its WWDC 2024 event in June.
Apple is developing new accessibility features for iOS 18 and macOS 15, including Adaptive Voice Shortcuts, a new "Categories" section for Live Speech, and expanded support for custom font sizes in various apps. These features aim to make apps more accessible and easier to navigate for users. Additionally, Apple is internally testing an option to alter the font size of the menu bar within macOS and is working on additional accessibility features, including one that utilizes on-device eye tracking.
The iPhone 14 and 15 offer a variety of accessibility features to assist individuals with vision and hearing impairments, including text adjustments, voice feedback, real-time text calls, and more. These features can enhance the digital experience for users with visual and hearing difficulties, making the devices valuable tools for improving overall quality of life. The article provides detailed instructions on how to adjust text size, increase contrast, use the Zoom and Magnifier features, turn on VoiceOver, and enable Live Listen, visual alerts, RTT calls, video subtitles, and headphone accommodation.
CD Projekt Red has announced that Cyberpunk 2077 will receive one last major update, 2.1, which will include the long-requested metro system for Night City, replayable car races, boss fight improvements, accessibility features, and more. The update will also introduce new secrets to discover and will be released on December 5 alongside the Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.
PlayStation has revealed the extensive accessibility features that will be available in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 at launch on October 20. These features include gameplay modifiers, shortcuts, chase assist, and audio frequency controls. Additional accessibility features like audio descriptions, a screen reader, and captions will be added in a free update in December. Insomniac Games aims to make the game accessible to as many players as possible.
Insomniac Games has revealed the accessibility features for Marvel's Spider-Man 2, including Challenge Level Modifiers, Chase Assist, Quick Time Event Autocomplete, and more. The game will also offer shortcuts and game speed options, as well as audio frequency controls. Post-launch updates will introduce audio descriptions, screen reader support, and customizable captions. Additionally, the upcoming Access controller for PlayStation 5 will provide customizable options for gamers with disabilities. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is set to release on October 20.
Amazon announced that its digital assistant, Alexa, will soon utilize a purpose-built large language model (LLM) for new Echo devices, with a focus on making interactions more conversational. However, during a demo, Alexa displayed some shortcomings, such as misunderstanding requests and ignoring commands. In other news, Apple introduced the Double Tap interaction method for the Apple Watch Series 9, and MGM Resorts' hotels and casinos have resumed normal operations after a cyberattack. Additionally, Amazon unveiled Eye Gaze accessibility features for the Fire Max 11 tablet and Call Translation for Alexa calls on Echo Show devices.
The latest PlayStation 5 system update, version 23.01-07.61.00, is now available, offering improved system performance. The upcoming major firmware update, currently in beta testing, will introduce support for Dolby Atmos HDMI devices, new accessibility features, and enhancements such as the ability to assign a second controller as an 'assist controller' and enable haptic feedback while navigating the PS5 system menu. Previous updates have included features like Discord voice chat, Share Screen sessions, Variable Refresh Rate support, data transfer between PS5s, and more.
Ubisoft has unveiled Assassin's Creed Nexus, the first game in the series to offer a first-person perspective in virtual reality. Players can take on the roles of Ezio, Kassandra, and Connor to explore untold stories set in three different time periods. The game will allow players to physically act out classic AC moves and use their various weapons more naturally. It will also include accessibility features such as a teleportation movement system and options for players with a fear of heights. Assassin's Creed Nexus will be available on Meta Quest 2 and 3 during the holiday season of 2023.
Google has released Android 14 Beta 3 for Pixel phones, including the 7a, with new accessibility features, privacy upgrades, and animation support in gesture navigation. The update brings the first Platform Stability milestone with APIs and system behaviors finalized, encouraging developers to start final testing and development work. The release fixes several issues, including Wi-Fi calling, Direct My Call interactions, and system stability issues. However, there are still known issues with the Credential Manager platform APIs and system UI causing screen flickering and video playback problems.
Microsoft is set to release its third feature update for Windows 11 in the coming weeks, which will include quality-of-life improvements to the Taskbar, Widgets Board, Settings, and accessibility features. The update will feature an updated Widgets Board layout, new animated Taskbar weather icons, 2FA code recognition in notifications, multi-app kiosk mode, and support for more languages in the live captions feature, among other changes. The update is expected to roll out in May/June.
Wear OS 4, announced at Google I/O, will introduce a backup and restore feature that will allow users to easily switch between Wear OS devices without having to factory reset each time. The update will also bring battery life improvements, improved accessibility features, and a new Watch Face Format for easier watch face creation. New apps, including WhatsApp, Gmail, and Google Calendar, will also be available on Wear OS.
Guerrilla Games has released a new patch for Horizon Forbidden West on PS5, bringing the game to version 1.021.000 and adding various accessibility features, including an option to automatically pick up resources, thalassophobia relief, and the ability to enlarge subtitles. The patch also includes support for the upcoming Burning Shores expansion, which requires the update to play.
Sony is introducing Accessibility Tags in the PlayStation Store that will provide an overview of accessibility features for games, including visual, audio, control, and gameplay options. The tags will gradually roll out this week and will launch with several games. The addition of tags comes ahead of the launch of Project Leonardo, Sony's accessibility-focused controller.