Microsoft constantly invests in accessible AI to develop tools for everyone

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Published onMay 27, 2024

published onMay 27, 2024

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Copilot was planned from the start to be an accessible AI. The AI assistant allows you to use assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, contrast themes, and voice input.

Copilotmakes our work more efficient, automates various processes, and can be a lifesaver when dealing with deadlines or a lot of data. Besides, it significantly enhances human-computer interactions.

For example, users with disabilities can use their voice to create PPT presentations. On top of that, neurodiverse people can useCopilot to summarizelong articles to process information more easily.

In addition, the AI from Microsoft makes other software such as Word and Outlook more accessible by finding and fixing user-made errors. Also, it provides easy-to-use prompt suggestions.

Microsoft motivates developers to create accessible AI

Microsoft started five years ago a$25 million five-year programknown asAI for Accessibilityto accelerate the development ofAI tools for people with disabilities.

DuringMicrosoft Build, the company announced that the AI startupFrom Your Eyeswon theImagine Cup student competition. They created a mobile app that uses accessible AI to provide instant visual interpretations to users with impaired vision.

Zülal Tannur, the CEO of From Your Eyes, is an inspiration. The Microsoft Seeing AI initiative helped her to meet various developers with impaired vision who inspired her to learn code.

SeeingAI is a free app from Microsoft that provides enhanced video descriptions and alternative communication methods like the Cboard’s picture board app powered by Azure Neural Voices.

If you struggle with ADHD, try out the AI productivity coach developed byPlanRoadmap. It will assist you by compartmentalizing tasks, providing ways to increase your focus and simplify your decisions.

According to Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, accessibility should be a built-in feature for most tools and AI models to lead to an inclusive culture. In addition, developers should think about ways to make their software, including AI tools, more accessible.

Microsoft is not the only tech giant that focuses on accessibility. For example, Google added features for Maps, Lookout, and Android. Soon, Maps will be able to offer users walking instructions and screen reader capabilities.

Ultimately, when companies design accessible tools like Copilot AI, they do it to change the world and not necessarily for the return on investment (ROI). Hopefully, more developers will create new AI models with built-in accessibility features.

What are your thoughts? Did you ever use an accessibility tool?

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Microsoft constantly invests in accessible AI to develop tools for everyone#

Microsoft motivates developers to create accessible AI#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Microsoft constantly invests in accessible AI to develop tools for everyone

Microsoft motivates developers to create accessible AI