Amazon's Fire TV platform is taking significant steps toward making streaming entertainment more inclusive and accessible for viewers with disabilities. The latest updates focus on improving the viewing experience for people with hearing impairments while also enhancing device setup accessibility for those with visual impairments.
Innovative Dual Audio Feature
The groundbreaking Dual Audio feature represents a major advancement in inclusive viewing experiences. This new capability allows users with ASHA-enabled hearing aids to listen to content through their devices while others simultaneously enjoy audio through the TV's speakers. Initially launching on the Fire TV Omni Mini LED, this feature eliminates the previous limitation of having to choose between hearing aid audio or speaker output, fostering a more inclusive shared viewing environment.
Expanded Hearing Aid Compatibility
Amazon has significantly broadened its ASHA support to encompass all Widex Moment Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids. This expansion covers multiple Fire TV devices, including the Omni Mini LED Series, QLED Series, Cube, and various other models. The integration builds upon existing support for Starkey hearing aids and Cochlear hearing devices, making Fire TV more accessible to a wider range of users with hearing impairments.
Compatible Fire TV Devices with ASHA Support:
- Fire TV Omni Mini LED Series
- Fire TV Omni QLED Series
- Fire TV Cube
- Fire TV 4-Series
- Fire TV 2-Series
- Fire TV Omni Series
Enhanced Package Accessibility
The company has reimagined its product packaging with accessibility in mind, introducing tactile QR codes featuring raised UV dots. This thoughtful design enables visually impaired users to locate the codes by touch, providing easy access to detailed setup instructions and product information through Amazon's website. The initiative demonstrates a commitment to making the entire user experience, from unboxing to setup, more accessible to all users.
New Packaging Improvements:
- 30% more recycled fiber content
- 60% reduction in ink usage
- Tactile QR codes with raised UV dots
Environmental Consciousness
Beyond accessibility improvements, Amazon has also addressed environmental concerns with its new packaging design. The updated packaging for Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV hardware incorporates 30 percent more recycled fiber and uses 60 percent less ink, reflecting a commitment to sustainability alongside accessibility improvements.
Simple Setup Process
The implementation of these new features maintains user-friendly accessibility, with straightforward setup processes for both the Dual Audio feature and hearing aid pairing. Users can easily enable these features through the device's accessibility settings, ensuring that these advanced capabilities remain accessible to those who need them most.