Did you know that your iPhone or iPad has a built-in magnifying glass feature? With Magnifier, you can transform your device into a powerful tool for zooming in on and detecting objects in your surroundings. Whether you're looking to enhance your view, detect people nearby, locate doors, or receive live image descriptions, Magnifier has you covered. Let's explore some key features and tips to make the most out of this incredible tool.
Finding and Opening the Magnifier App
If you're unfamiliar with the Magnifier app, you can easily find and open it on your iPhone or iPad. Simply swipe down on the Home Screen and search for "Magnifier." Once located, tap to open and start exploring the possibilities.
Note: While Magnifier is a versatile tool, it should not be relied upon in high-risk or emergency situations, or for navigation.
Enhancing Your View
Magnifier goes beyond simple zooming. It allows you to customise your view with various features:
Adjusting Brightness or Contrast: Tap the Brightness or Contrast button and drag the slider to enhance your view.
Applying Colour Filters: Tap the Filters button and swipe across different colour filters to view their effects.
Freezing the Frame
The Freeze Frame feature in Magnifier lets you capture a still image, zoom in, and make adjustments. You can save the image to your Photos library or freeze another frame for further examination.
Detecting People and Doors
Detecting People
If you have an iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, or a later Pro model with iOS 14.2 or later, Magnifier can help you detect people around you. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining physical or social distance.
How to Use People Detection:
Turn on Magnifier.
Tap the Detection Mode button and select People Detection.
Adjust settings such as units, sound pitch distance, and feedback for a personalised experience.
People Detection Feedback Options:
Units: Choose between Metres or Feet based on your preference.
Sound Pitch Distance: Adjust the pitch of the sound feedback by tapping the Decrement or Increment buttons. The pitch increases when people are detected within the specified distance.
Feedback Options: Toggle on Sounds, Speech, and Haptics based on your preference.
Sounds: Provides audible cues when people or doors are detected.
Speech: If enabled, your iPhone will announce the distance between you and another person or a door.
Haptics: Offers tactile feedback for a more immersive experience.
Detecting Doors
For iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, or later Pro models with iOS 16 or later, Magnifier can help you locate doors, understand their attributes, and even read signs or labels.
How to Use Door Detection:
Turn on Magnifier.
Tap the Detection Mode button and select Door Detection.
Customise settings for units, sound pitch distance, feedback, colour, back tap, door attributes, and decorations.
Getting Image Descriptions
Magnifier's Point and Speak feature allow you to receive image descriptions of your surroundings. It identifies and reads text on physical objects, making it easier for you to interact with them.
Feedback Options
Magnifier offers versatile feedback options that enhance your detection experience, applicable to both People and Door Detection modes.
Feedback Options Include:
Units: Choose between Metres or Feet based on your preference.
Sound Pitch Distance: Adjust the pitch of the sound feedback by tapping the Decrement or Increment buttons. The pitch increases when people or doors are detected within the specified distance.
Feedback Options: Toggle on Sounds, Speech, and Haptics based on your preference.
Sounds: Provides audible cues when people or doors are detected.
Speech: If enabled, your iPhone will announce the distance between you and another person or a door.
Haptics: Offers tactile feedback for a more immersive experience.
Quick Access to Magnifier
If you frequently use Magnifier, consider creating an Accessibility Shortcut for quick access. You can also add Magnifier to Control Centre for convenient use.
How to Create an Accessibility Shortcut or Add Magnifier to Control Centre:
Use the Side or Top Button
If your device doesn't have a Home button, it has either a side or top button.
To set up Accessibility Shortcut: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut, then select the features that you use the most.
To use Accessibility Shortcut: Triple-click the side or top button.
To slow down the double-click or triple-click speed for the side or top button: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Side [or Top] Button, then change the setting.
Use the Home Button
To set up Accessibility Shortcut: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut, then select the features that you use the most.
To use Accessibility Shortcut: Triple-click the Home button.
To slow down the double-click or triple-click speed for the Home button: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Home Button, then change the setting.
Use Control Centre
To customise Control Centre: Go to Settings > Control Centre, then tap the Add button next to accessibility features such as Accessibility Shortcuts, Magnifier, Hearing Aids, and Guided Access.
To activate an accessibility feature from Control Centre: Open Control Centre, then tap the accessibility feature.
Conclusion
Magnifier on your iPhone or iPad is a hidden gem, offering a range of features to enhance your visual experience and assist in various scenarios. Explore its capabilities, customise settings, and unlock the full potential of this powerful tool. Remember, accessibility features are designed to make technology more inclusive, empowering users to navigate the digital world with ease.
Ready to explore how assistive technology can help?
Our team of experts is here to provide personalised advice and solutions. Contact us today for a friendly, no-obligation discussion about your needs.
