If you are a braille reader who uses iOS, a new feature introduced in iOS 14 makes reading even easier. Read on to find out how to configure auto advance.

Many braille displays have had the ability to auto scroll for some time. Screen readers such as NVDA have also had this functionality via an addon called braille extender. As of iOS 14 this feature is now possible on iOS devices.

how it works

Typically, when using a braille display, a reader will read the active line, then press a button to advance the display to the next line, which varies in length based on the size of the display. With auto scroll, enabled, the user can define a pre-set interval, after which the display will automatically advance to the next line.

setting up Auto Advance

First, pair and connect a braille display. Auto Advance is not set up by default, so you will need to set up the commands for it. Swipe down on the active braille display so that VoiceOver says, "More info" and double tap on Braille commands. Then double tap on the "Braille" section. Find the enable Auto Advance option. This is something of a misnomer--in reality it should probably say toggle Auto Advance. Swipe until you hear "assign new braille keys." Enter the keys which you want to serve as the toggle Auto Advance command and confirm your choice if necessary. Do the same for the increase and decrease auto advance commands if desired. Note that you can also put Braille Auto Advance Speed in the rotor and swipe up or down to change the speed on the fly. This is most useful if you don't wish to assign a braille command.

using Auto Advance

after you have opened a text you wish to read, such as a book in iBook’s or Kindle, press the command which you have assigned as the Auto Advance key. VoiceOver will say "Auto Advance on." After that, VoiceOver will then begin to advance at the rate you specified earlier. Use the commands created earlier to change the Auto Advance rate while reading. When you have finished reading, press the Auto Advance toggle command again to disable Auto Advance.

Category: News

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Tangela Mahaffey is a barely reformed English Major currently residing in Colorado. She reads entirely too many fantasy books and takes almost nothing seriously, including herself. She loves technology, music, writing, puns, and cats. She can be reached on twitter @tmmahaff