Microsoft’s browser now has auto-generated image labels, which means Edge will ensure that screen readers can describe the contents of images even when those images don’t have text included. For blind or otherwise visually impaired users who want to know the contents of an image but can’t see it, this tool should be of great help.
Quickly activate image descriptions in Edge’s settings
The company reiterates that these auto-generated labels still aren’t as good as page authors providing alt text themselves. Obviously, since the author is likely to know more about the specific contents of an image than anything an educated guess by Edge can provide. Apparently, more than half of the images processed by screen readers are missing alt text according to Microsoft. That being said, this solution will hopefully help bridge some of the gaps between web-based imagery and total accessibility. This new and useful feature is powered by Azure Cognitive Services and is available for Edge users on Windows, Linux, and Mac. It’s important to know that Microsoft decided not to include Android and iOS users, at least for the time being. In order to get it, simply install all incoming Windows and Edge updates, there’s no secret to obtaining the latest software improvements. For enabling this functionality you need to access the accessibility section of Edge’s settings and find the option called get image descriptions from Microsoft for screen readers. Have you already tried Edge’s new feature? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
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