Amazon has announced an update to its Fire TV platform that aims to improve accessibility for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The new Dual Audio feature allows viewers to listen to audio through a hearing aid while others in the room can hear standard sound from the TV’s speakers. The feature uses the Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol and will be available first on the Fire TV Omni Mini LED. Amazon is also expanding ASHA support to include all Widex Moment Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids.
In addition to the Dual Audio feature, Amazon is making its packaging and start guides more accessible. The company has introduced QR codes with tactile, raised UV dots to improve discoverability for users who are blind or have low vision.
To enable Dual Audio on the Fire TV Omni Mini LED, users can follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to Settings, then Accessibility.
3. Turn on the Dual Audio feature to pair a compatible hearing aid to the TV.
For more information, please read msn’s article on Fire TV’s new accessibility feature.
