Author: Colin Hughes
Sainsbury’s Chop Chop: convenience or chaos?
When Sainsbury’s Chop Chop launched across the UK in 2020, it promised convenience: groceries delivered within an hour for smaller, urgent orders. But my recent experience with the service was anything but convenient. Missing items, an overdue refund, a broken customer service system, and unhelpful overseas call centres left me wondering how such a big-name retailer could get it so wrong. Sadly, t...
Accessible technology: my 10 wishes for change in 2025
Accessible technology has the power to transform lives, but for disabled people, significant barriers remain. As we approach 2025, the tech industry has a chance to embrace inclusion like never before. Here’s my wish list for the advancements I hope to see, ensuring disabled people can fully participate in the digital age. 1. Technologies that truly advance accessibility While advancements in spee...
Apple vs Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses: lessons Cupertino must learn for the future
As someone who reviews technology for Aestumanda, I get to try out some of the latest gadgets. Of all the tech I’ve tested in 2024, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses stand out as my personal gadget of the year. They’re sleek, accessible, and so practical they’ve quickly become a part of my daily routine. But as much as I admire what Meta has achieved, the Apple fan boy in me can’t help but wonder: wh...
Top voice dictation tools for disabled people in 2024
For disabled people unable to use a keyboard, voice dictation tools provide vital independence. Whether you’re composing emails, managing documents, or sending messages, accurate dictation apps are essential for seamless communication and interaction with technology. This review explores a diverse range of voice dictation tools, from built-in options like Apple Voice Control and Microsoft Voice Ac...
Why legalising assisted dying is a slippery slope we must avoid
MPs are about to vote on an issue that stirs deep emotion on both sides: the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales. As someone who lives with life-limiting muscular dystrophy, complicated by heart and respiratory failure, this debate is not an abstract one for me. It’s personal. When I was three, doctors told my parents I wouldn’t live past 16. When I reached 16, they said I wouldn’t...
How Meta’s Orion AR glasses and wristband revolutionise accessibility
At Meta’s annual developer conference on Wednesday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a prototype of new augmented reality glasses, showcasing the company’s latest venture into smart eyewear. In addition, Zuckerberg revealed that Meta AI will soon feature the ability to speak in the voice of Dame Judi Dench. Named Orion, the demo glasses—not yet available for consumer release—can overlay digital images...
Apple Watch Series 10: a missed opportunity for disability inclusion
Yesterday, Apple revealed the highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 10, continuing its tradition of blending cutting-edge technology with sleek design. At the launch event, CEO Tim Cook proudly spoke about how the Apple Watch has “deeply impacted the lives of millions of people” by helping them stay active, healthy, and connected. This latest iteration pushes the envelope even further with new fea...
A Motability-style scheme for technology can transform disabled lives
As the Paralympics in Paris captivate and inspire people around the world, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have launched the “Equipped for Equity” campaign, drawing attention to the urgent need for greater access to assistive technology. The WHO estimates that over 2.5 billion people globally need at least one assistive product, such as a wheelc...
Why Apple should launch smart glasses: accessibility and mass appeal
Apple has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, creating products that not only captivate the general public but also offer unique benefits for disabled people . With recent reports suggesting that Apple is working on its own smart glasses, there’s no better time to explore the potential impact these wearable devices could have. From enhancing accessibility to creating a new wa...
Apple’s Voice Control update is a new era of accessibility and precision
Apple is known for its attention to detail, but with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, the company is making a significant leap in accessibility. The latest updates to Voice Control introduce much-needed enhancements that make the feature not just usable, but indispensable for disabled users who rely on voice dictation instead of using the keyboard. Understanding Voice Control While Siri enables basic tex...
Apple Watch Series 10: new features and the accessibility gap
The Apple Watch Series 10 is generating excitement with its anticipated new features coming this autumn, but a significant accessibility issue remains unresolved. Let’s dive into what we can expect from the latest Apple Watch and why it’s crucial for Apple to address ongoing accessibility challenges. Larger screen and thinner design The latest Power On newsletter by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals...
Reforming social care: a top priority for Keir Starmer’s Labour government
As Keir Starmer entered 10 Downing Street with a strong mandate from the British public , there is a resounding call for substantial reforms across various sectors. Among the most pressing is the urgent need to overhaul the social care system. This system, as it stands, is broken and unjust, particularly towards disabled people and their carers. Starmer and his Labour Party must prioritise social ...