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Comment by lynx23 | Hacker News Reader

"They are not your friend, they do not care about you"

I beg to differ. As a blind user relying on accessibility, Apple was actually the first company that decided that accessibility should be an inherent part of the OS, not just an expensive add-on. Since the iPhone, blind users can just buy the product and turn speech output on, without having to install expensive extra software as was the case with Windows, for instance.

So keep your generic accusations for yourself, they are far from correct.

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"...in 1988, the company added the first accessibility support program for Windows by incorporating work developed at the TRACE Center, a research and development center on accessible technology at the University of Wisconsin.

Known then as Access Utility for Windows 2.0, the program improved the accessibility of Windows for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have limited dexterity"

https://www.afb.org/aw/1/4/16165

I wasn't implying Windows never had an Accessibility API. However, it took Microsoft until around 2010 until they actually added their own built-in screen reader, Narrator. Before that, the API was there, but if you wanted a capable screen reader, chances were high that you would pay a relatively high price for it. These days, Narrator is even almost useable, although I dont know any blind users who actually use it on a daily basis.

This is a great result. That being said, I wouldn't bet they did that just because they cared about you in a friendly way.

If it's not driven by ROI, it can only be empathy and «do the right thing»

Who said there is no ROI? Apple is no charity, they probably found another way to generate profit out of it (brand reputation, more sales, you name it). It might be better than previous situation, profit was generated in a terrible way. Still doesn't mean you owe them something nor they are being particularly "nice" with you.

If cutting it was a way to generate high profit, finance and shareholders would probably ask for this to be removed quickly. For instance, in the last vote they refused assessments on social and environmental issues.

You are so full of activism and the resulting hatered, it hurts to read. I hope you have something in your life that makes you feel cozy.

I'm really sorry if I hurt your feelings, that was not my intent. I don't think activism means what you think, I'm not involved in any of this and I'm not hating anyone.

I'm not hating Apple for this, they play the game the way it's supposed to be. Let's not be delusional about their intents, that could hurt you.

> Who said there is no ROI?

I did not because I don't know.

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