iPhone users are getting both a fun and useful customization upgrade with its Voice Recognition tool, which allows users to be alerted when they detect specific sounds in their phone’s environment iOS 16.
The new Accessibility feature lets iPhone owners create and record their own alert sounds, instead of relying on pre-programmed options for house, people, and environment sounds, to alert deaf users to actions happening around them.
Disabled users can set up sound alerts for their medical devices, for example, or the unique bells of their homes, or electronic jingles specific to their devices.
Voice recognition can also be incorporated into Accessibility Shortcuts (which can be found under the Accessibility menu in your phone settings), and is easily toggled on and off in the iPhone Control Center (just from the top right of your phone screen).
Setting up your own voice recognition alerts
Apple already has plenty of sounds that your phone is capable of detecting and alerting you, including police sirens, fire alarms, and breaking glass, but also for specific sounds in your home, a personal device, or something specific. Also be careful for something else. Or unusual noises, use the new optimization tool.
1. Head to your phone “Settings” menu and choose “Accessibility”
The Accessibility Settings menu offers a variety of features to make your device easier to use. credit: apple / mashable
Find all the new and existing accessibility features in your iPhone or iPad Accessibility Settings.
2. Scroll down to the “Hearing” section and select “Voice Recognition”
Voice recognition can be adjusted later in the Control Center. credit: apple / mashable
Voice recognition, and other features specifically designed with the deaf and hard of hearing community in mind, can be found in the “Hearing” section of your iPhone’s Accessibility settings.
3. Choose any of the “Custom” options below each sound category
Custom options are at the bottom of each category. credit: apple / mashable
Voice recognition divides alert noise into different categories, from emergency alarms to people. Scroll down to the bottom of each category to find a customization option that most closely matches the item you want to record, whether it’s an alarm or a device. Custom options should appear as a blue, clickable link.
4. Name and record your custom sound
credit: apple / mashable
Alert yourself to a particular device by using the “Custom Appliance or Doorbell” option.
After selecting the Custom option, your device will prompt you with three simple steps – Name, Record and Set up an alert.
credit: apple / mashable
Be prepared to make some noise once you get a signal, or ask for help from another person if needed.
credit: apple / mashable
First, name the sound you want to record. You will then be asked to prepare the device or object to make its sound. Once ready, select the blue “Start Listening” button – your phone will need to listen to the object or device at least five times and will let you know when it has successfully created an alert.
At voila. Your sound will now be saved under the personalised name you chose. Just make sure the new alert is on – you can even adjust the alert tone that plays when voice recognition is turned off – and go about your day.
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Photo by Lukenn Sabellano on Unsplash
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