Sony’s Commitment to Inclusive Technology: Highlights from the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2025
In a world where technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, inclusivity remains a key focus for companies striving to make their innovations accessible to everyone. Sony Corporation is a prime example of this commitment, as demonstrated by their participation in the 40th CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. Scheduled to take place from March 10 to March 14, 2025, in Anaheim, California, this event serves as a platform for Sony to showcase its efforts toward creating a more inclusive society through technology.
Sony’s overarching theme for the conference, "Delivering Innovation for an Accessible Future," underscores its dedication to developing products that are not only innovative but also accessible and enjoyable for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. This theme is reflected in the diverse range of products and initiatives that the company plans to exhibit, all designed with inclusive design principles in mind.
Main Exhibits
4K Mini LED/OLED BRAVIA TVs
Sony’s BRAVIA TVs are a testament to the company’s commitment to accessibility. These televisions come equipped with a variety of features designed to enhance usability for people with disabilities. For instance, the TalkBack screen reader assists users during initial setup, providing auditory guidance. Additionally, the menu timeout function allows users to keep menus visible for longer periods, while color inversion and grayscale modes cater to individuals with low vision or visual sensitivities. To further simplify the setup process, tactile dots on the HDMI and S-CENTER terminals make it easier for users to locate and connect ports, offering a seamless experience.
BRAVIA Theater Bar 9/8
For individuals with visual impairments, setting up home audio products can be a daunting task. To address this challenge, Sony has introduced the BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and 8, which feature tactile dots on the back panel to indicate the eARC HDMI terminal, facilitating easy connections to a TV. The packaging itself is designed to be inclusive, with a raised square frame indicating a QR code for the BRAVIA Connect app. This app provides screen reader support, making setup even more accessible.
LinkBuds Open Truly Wireless Earbuds
The LinkBuds Open are a unique addition to Sony’s lineup, featuring an open-ring design that allows users to remain connected to their surroundings while enjoying their favorite music. The earbuds are crafted with non-slip materials and designs, ensuring comfort and security, especially for individuals who are blind or have partial sight. The inclusion of the Eye Navi walking support application, developed by the Computer Science Institute, further enhances accessibility by providing intuitive voice navigation for users in Japan.
Moreover, Sony has implemented the "Guide for QR" feature, making it easier for users to recognize QR codes on packaging. At the conference, the packaging of LinkBuds Open will be displayed, along with handouts featuring semicircular notches and tactile frames to facilitate QR code identification.
Self-fitting Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
In collaboration with WS Audiology, Sony has developed self-fitting OTC hearing aids available in the U.S. market. These devices, including the Bluetooth-compatible CRE-E10 and the virtually invisible CRE-C20, are supported by the Hearing Control smartphone app. This app allows users to create a customized hearing profile for each ear and manually adjust sound settings as needed. Both models are rechargeable, offering up to 26-28 hours of use on a single charge.
Digital Cameras
Sony’s digital cameras are becoming more accessible with the introduction of the Screen Reader Function and Enlarge Screen Function. These features enable users to navigate menus and operation screens audibly, providing an alternative to visual navigation. The ability to change screen magnification with a simple button press enhances usability for individuals with visual impairments. These innovations were developed in collaboration with a Sony employee who is blind and passionate about photography, showcasing the company’s commitment to inclusive design.
Retina Projection Camera Kit
Sony’s Retina Projection Camera Kit (DSC-HX99 RNV kit) represents a groundbreaking advancement in camera technology. By integrating laser retinal projection technology, this kit allows digital images to be projected directly onto the retina, making it easier for individuals with difficulty using conventional viewfinders to capture and enjoy the world around them. The combination of the Cyber-shot® "DSC-HX99" and QD Laser Co., Ltd.’s "RETISSA NEOVIEWER" viewfinder exemplifies Sony’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of accessibility.
Accessible Retail Displays
In collaboration with the Braille Institute, Sony has developed retail displays with Braille and audio product description capabilities. These displays are designed to enhance the shopping experience for individuals with visual disabilities and have been installed in 925 Best Buy stores across the U.S. By incorporating feedback from users with disabilities, Sony is ensuring that its retail environments are as inclusive as its products.
Driving Innovation for an Inclusive Tomorrow
On March 12, Sony will host a session to highlight its accessibility initiatives. Video messages from Kazuo Kii, Executive Deputy President of Sony Corporation, and Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics in North America, will provide insights into the company’s commitment to accessibility. Additionally, Mike Nejat, Head of Accessibility for Sony Electronics North America, will discuss ongoing collaborations with organizations for people with disabilities and introduce the latest accessible products.
Sony’s participation in the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2025 underscores its dedication to creating a more inclusive world through technology. By prioritizing accessibility and incorporating feedback from users with disabilities, the company is setting a new standard for innovation in the tech industry. For more information on Sony’s accessibility initiatives, visit their official website.
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