Paul Stenhouse: Tech - Apple's new accessibility features and Montana's TikTok ban

Create a digital copy of your voice in just 15 minutes  Apple's soon-to-be-released feature "Personal Voice" is designed for people who may be going to lose their voice, to be able to capture it digitally, and use it to communicate with others when they can't - Apple is calling it your "synthesized voice". It's open to everyone though, hinting at what may become more commonplace in the near future. Your digital avatar could actually sound like you, and read out the things you've typed. It takes just 15 minutes of training to achieve this and all happens on your device, no internet connection needed.  That's just one of Apple's new accessibility features  They've given an early look at some of the new accessibility features coming to iOS17. One is "Assistive Access" which allows an app to deliver an experience with just the essential features to lighten the cognitive load.  Think of the camera app - make it as easy as possible to take a picture with one big "take picture" button and hide all the settings and options. Apple has created these experiences for their core photos, messages, phone, facetime and music apps adn I'd expect other app makers to be allowed to do the same thing.  Montana's governor has signed their TikTok bill into law  The law bans the app from the App Stores, but also prevents the operation of TikTok in Montana. Users though will not be liable for penalties. The counter legal action has already started with a group of content creators suing the state claiming it violates the First Amendment. The law will come into effect in 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.