The Moosa Slobodian Network

VoiceOver accessibility issues on iOS

Discussion about persistent focus-related problems with VoiceOver on iOS devices

• Details
  • Steven: Highlighted focus-related issues where VoiceOver jumps or loses focus when navigating screens
  • Steven: Described using Split Tap as a workaround (holding one finger on an element while tapping with another)
  • Ali: Mentioned specific problems with Notification Center navigation
  • Steven: Noted that some apps like Meta AI have Android-like navigation that creates challenges
• Conclusion
  • These focus issues have persisted for years despite occasional improvements
  • Steven recommends waiting a month after iOS updates before upgrading to avoid bugs
  • The accessibility teams likely need more time to fix issues rather than annual iOS updates

Notification Center and lock screen problems

Discussion about specific issues with iOS notifications

• Details
  • Ali: Pointed out that Notification Center used to work better in iOS 10 but issues have returned
  • Steven: Explained that notifications on the lock screen cut off when reading due to screen locking
  • Macara: Confirmed these issues persist in current iOS versions
  • Steven: Suggested unlocking the phone first before reading notifications as a workaround
• Conclusion
  • The lock screen notification reading issue remains problematic
  • Unlocking the device before reading notifications provides a partial workaround

Phone app changes in iOS 26

Discussion about changes to the calling interface

• Details
  • Steven: Expressed frustration that tapping on a recent call now opens the contact card instead of calling
  • Ali: Explained there’s a setting to change this behavior in Phone settings
  • Ali: Mentioned he actually prefers the new behavior as it prevents accidental calls
• Conclusion
  • The setting can be changed in Phone app settings under “Automatically call the number back when viewing from recents”
  • Users have different preferences for this feature based on their usage patterns

macOS accessibility issues

Extensive discussion about VoiceOver problems on Mac computers

• Details
  • Steven: Described macOS 26 as “terrible” for accessibility
  • Steven: Explained issues with Safari not responding and getting stuck in toolbars
  • Steven: Mentioned the removal and inconsistent return of features like Window Sports
  • Steven: Compared text editing on Mac to “skating on ice” versus the “firm road” feeling of Windows
  • Ali: Noted he still gravitates toward Mac for certain tasks despite issues
• Conclusion
  • macOS accessibility has become more challenging with recent updates
  • Steven now prefers Windows PCs for productivity tasks despite being a long-time Mac user
  • VOCR (a third-party tool by Chai Kim) can help with inaccessible Mac applications

iPad and iPhone with keyboard usage

Discussion about using mobile devices with physical keyboards

• Details
  • Steven: Recently started using an iPad Pro but noted lack of resources about keyboard usage with VoiceOver
  • Ali: Mentioned he can’t use iPad without a keyboard
  • Steven: Discussed how younger users who grew up with touchscreens might prefer them over keyboards
  • Steven: Noted text editing issues when using keyboards with iOS devices
• Conclusion
  • Both hosts prefer using keyboards with mobile devices
  • iPad offers a middle ground between iPhone and Mac but has limitations
  • Text editing and focus issues remain problematic even with keyboards

Email apps and accessibility

Brief discussion about email applications across platforms

• Details
  • Steven: Uses Outlook on iPhone but mentioned switching to Gmail after moving to Google Workspace
  • Ali: Prefers the Gmail app over the native Mail app
  • Macara: Noted that Outlook web version on Mac is “horrendous” for accessibility
  • Steven: Mentioned the desktop Outlook app on Mac is better than the Windows version
• Conclusion
  • Email app preferences vary based on specific accessibility needs
  • Web-based email interfaces often present navigation challenges

Show updates and announcements

Information about upcoming shows and schedule changes

• Details
  • Ali: Mentioned the show is being renamed from “Ali and Macara’s Books” to “The Ali and Macara Show”
  • Macara: Announced a Techstravaganza workshop on Wednesday from 1-3pm Eastern
  • Ali: Noted Jim Tatti will be on Broadcast Map next week discussing NHL Leafs and Blue Jays
  • Macara: Mentioned a books panel on Friday, November 28th at 7:30pm Eastern
• Conclusion
  • Regular Monday shows will return in spring

Check out Double Dap, you can find the relevant links in the previous newsletters about today’s show!

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