March 6, 2025
Showcasing a variety of products and initiatives incorporating inclusive design.
Sony Corporation ("Sony") will participate in the 40th CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, taking place Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14 in Anaheim, California.
Sony aims to contribute to an inclusive society by developing technology and products geared towards creating a more accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone, under the theme of "Delivering innovation for an accessible future."
The exhibit will showcase accessible products and various inclusive design initiatives, including 4K Mini LED/OLED BRAVIA™ TVs with new features such as a menu timeout function that allows users to keep menus on the screen longer as well as color inversion and grayscale modes. The LinkBuds Open truly wireless earbuds, which have an open ring design that keeps users connected to their surroundings, will also be on display.
For more information, visit: CSUN 2025
BRAVIA TVs offer a variety of accessibility features, implemented based on feedback from people with disabilities who want to use the TV more independently, including the TalkBack screen reader for initial settings, a menu timeout function that allows users to keep menus on the screen longer, as well as color inversion and grayscale modes for people with low vision or visual sensitivities. Additionally, the tactile dots on the HDMI and S-CENTER terminals of BRAVIA TVs match those found on the BRAVIA Theater products to simplify the process of locating and connecting ports for a smooth setup experience.
To help people with visual disabilities set up BRAVIA Theater home audio products, a raised square frame on the package indicates a QR code*1 for the BRAVIA Connect app*2, which offers screen reader support. Tactile dots on the back panel of BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 and 8 indicate the eARC HDMI terminal for connecting to a TV.
LinkBuds Open have a unique open-ring design that keeps users connected to the outside world while enjoying their favorite tunes. The Fitting Supporters have a tail that is soft and hollow to reduce ear contact and therefore pressure, while the point of attachment is hooked and hard, to prevent accidental dislodging. As a part of efforts to enhance the accessibility of our products and services, the earbuds and the case are designed with non-slip materials and designs, incorporating feedback from people who are blind or partially sighted. In addition, LinkBuds Open work with Eye Navi, a walking support application for people with visual disabilities, developed by Computer Science Institute, for intuitive voice navigation (for customers in Japan only).
Furthermore, Sony's audio products have introduced "Guide for QR" to make it easier for users to recognize a QR code on the packaging, allowing them to access information on how to use the product. At CSUN, the packaging of LinkBuds Open with Guide for QR will be on display and handouts will be distributed with semicircular notches and tactile frames to make it easier to find a QR Code.
For more information, visit: Guide for QR | Sony USA
Self-fitting OTC hearing aids*3 have been available in the U.S. market were developed in collaboration with WS Audiology after listening to users' opinions through interviews prior to development. Both the Bluetooth ®-compatible CRE-E10*4, with streaming music playback capability, and the virtually invisible CRE-C20 are supported with the Hearing Control smartphone app*5. The Hearing Control app's self-fitting process customizes a hearing profile for each ear and users can also use the app to manually adjust a variety of sound settings as well. In addition, both the CRE-C20 and CRE-E10 are rechargeable and can be used comfortably for up to 26-28 hours with a single charge.
Sony will introduce a Screen Reader Function*6 and Enlarge Screen Function*7 incorporated in a selection of Sony's digital cameras. Users can navigate menus and operation screens audibly instead of visually and can change the magnification of the screen display with the simple press of a button. These features were developed in collaboration with a Sony employee who is blind and has a passion for photography.
Another unique and innovative development is the Retina Projection Camera Kit (DSC-HX99 RNV kit) with a laser retinal projection technology that is less affected by eye's focusing ability. By combining the Cyber-shot® "DSC-HX99" and QD Laser Co., Ltd.'s "RETISSA NEOVIEWER" viewfinder*8, a digital image from the camera is directly projected to the retina, allowing people with difficulty using a conventional viewfinder to view and photograph the world.
Sony will showcase a retail display with Braille and audio product description capabilities, created in cooperation with the Braille Institute, a nonprofit organization that supports the lives of people with visual disabilities. The retail displays with audio description capabilities have been installed in 925 Best Buy stores in the U.S.
In addition to the exhibits above, Sony will hold a session on March 12 to showcase a selection of accessibility initiatives.
Kazuo Kii, Executive Deputy President of Sony Corporation, and Neal Manowitz, President and COO of Sony Electronics in North America, will share video messages regarding accessibility at Sony. Additionally, Mike Nejat, Head of Accessibility of Sony Electronics North America, will introduce Sony's ongoing accessibility initiatives, such as collaboration with organizations for people with disabilities and the latest accessible products.
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