4K LCD / OLED / Mini LED TV BRAVIA™

BRAVIA™'s accessibility features continue to evolve to allow more people to use their TVs independently. Improvements are informed by research conducted with people with disabilities. In addition, new functions have been added to allow TVs to be shared with family and friends and continue to be a source of entertainment / emotion (Kando).

• POINTS
  • TalkBack screen reader can be used during initial setup.
  • Option to extend Menu timeout to view menus longer, and Color inversion and Grayscale mode are available.
  • Volume reset can turn TV on at preferred volume, and Multi-Audio out allows you to listen through TV speakers and a Bluetooth device at the same time.

BRAVIA 9

*Each function name is for the product for the United States.

• Tips Video | BRAVIA New Accessibility Features(Fall 2023)(with Audio Description) | Sony Official (youtube.com)

• TV accessibility functions

Soundbar BRAVIA Theatre

These soundbars and home theater systems enhance the immersiveness and clarity of TV sound. At Sony, alongside our efforts with BRAVIA TVs, we are committed to improving accessibility through our audio products, focusing on ease of installation and connection, daily usability, and voice clarity in our soundbars. In recent years, we have also launched the "BRAVIA Connect" smartphone app. This app allows users with visual disabilities to operate compatible TVs and soundbars using screen reader functionality, leveraging smartphones as vital accessibility infrastructure.

• POINTS
  • Unified control of compatible TVs and soundbars through the BRAVIA Connect app, which supports VoiceOver/TalkBack.
  • Improved distinguishability of ports and connection ease thanks to tactile dots on both TV and soundbar ports, coupled with audio guidance for ports and dots via the BRAVIA Connect app.
  • "Voice Zoom 3," a feature where compatible TVs and soundbars work together using AI processing to enhance the clarity of voices within content.

BRAVIA 9 and BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9

BRAVIA Theatre Bar 9

BRAVIA Connect app allows users to operate BRAVIA and BRAVIA Theatre Bar via VoiceOver/TalkBack

Distinguishability of HDMI ports on both the TV and soundbar improved by adding tactile dots

LinkBuds Open Truly Wireless Earbuds

Sony launched* two truly wireless earbud models and one portable wireless speaker model as part of the LinkBuds series.
The LinkBuds series seamlessly connects digital content and real life so that users can comfortably listen to content while doing something else at the same time with natural-sounding ambient noise.

Sony will exhibit the LinkBuds Open at CSUN.

LinkBuds Open truly wireless earbuds have a ring-shaped driver unit and a structure that does not cover the ears. Since the ears are not blocked even while wearing the earbuds, users can obtain all kinds of information through the earbuds and enjoy music and other entertainment at the same time as natural ambient sound. The design incorporates feedback from users with visual disabilities.

In Japan, Sony is conducting development including field evaluations by people with visual disabilities. With an open-ring design, LinkBuds Open allows you to listen to the Eye Navi* voice guidance while naturally hearing the sounds around you. (Computer Science Institute Co., Ltd.)*. This app is available only in Japan.

• *Announcement on October 2, 2024
• *Eye Navi is a walking support app for people who are blind or partially sighted that was developed by Computer Science Institute Co., Ltd.

• POINTS
  • Natural-sounding ambient noise even while wearing the earbuds.
  • Design/specifications incorporating feedback from people who are blind or partially sighted.
    • Exclusive one-size fitting supporters fit various ear shapes without the need to replace parts.
    • Slip-resistant materials/design implemented for both the earbuds and case.
    • Improved specifications for single-ear use allow users to enjoy the same sound quality and specifications in both the left and right ears.
    • Easier access to setup information (Guide for QR).

LinkBuds Open

LinkBuds Series

• Audio accessibility functions
• LinkBuds Open

Self-fitting Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids (only in the U.S. market) *1

Due to changes in regulations by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2022, the sales of over the counter (OTC) hearing aids are spreading in the new consumer sales channel as well as in the conventional sales channel via audiologists or hearing instrument specialists.
Sony has been paying attention to feedback from users through interviews since before the development process and conducting joint development in partnership with WS Audiology. We will exhibit the CRE-E10, which proposes a new style of wear with an appearance that diverges from conventional hearing aids, and the minimally sized, discreet CRE-C20, which was launched in August 2024.

• POINTS
  • These products offer self-fitting adjustment*2 performed by users themselves using their smartphone to match their hearing ability. Users can feel free to use the OTC hearing aids with confidence.
  • In addition to the CRE-C10 lineup, the rechargeable model CRE-C20 enables comfortable use even for users who have difficulty with fine motor tasks like changing batteries.
  • A dedicated smartphone application allows users to perform more detailed tuning and volume control at any time and provides a simple and continuous use environment.

• *1Self-fitting OTC hearing aids are FDA Class2 medical devices that can be purchased without prescriptions and for use by individuals 18 years of age or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment.
• *2Sony | Hearing control app – Use app on smartphone to personalize settings. Download app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, operating system, and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted, or discontinued at any time and may require registration.

CRE-C20

CRE-E10

• Self-fitting OTC hearing aids

Alpha™ Interchangeable Lens Camera

We want as many users as possible to take advantages of the functions that are standard with Alpha and express themselves through high-quality imagery. With this goal in mind, we had several discussions with employees who are blind and love cameras when developing Screen Reader function to help us decide on the best sequence for items to be read out when taking photos, such as F-number and shutter speeds. Other than Screen Reader, with its carefully selected accessibility features such as Enlarge Screen function, Alpha will continue to support creators by serving as a trustworthy companion regardless of age or disability.

• POINTS
  • Check menus and operation vocally instead of visually.
  • Enlarge menus and operation displays.
  • AI subject recognition capability enables quick detection of a wide range of subjects and adjust focus automatically.

• *Available features differ by model.

α7C II

ZV-E10 II

• Accessibility Features(with Audio Description)

• Camera accessibility functions

Retina Projection Camera Kit

Sony created this retina projection camera kit, DSC-HX99 RNV kit, out of a desire to deliver the joy of photography to the estimated 250 million people around the world with low vision* and to allow more people to feel the pleasure of sharing scenes that move them or that they wish to remember.

The kit uses the laser retinal projection method, which is less affected by the eye's ability to adjust focus, to project the image in focus onto the area around the retina, thereby changing what is "difficult to see" into "clearer sight" for people with low vision. With the cooperation of schools for the blind and other institutions, Sony applied actual feedback from people with low vision and opinions shared during the interviews to the kit to provide them with a photography experience powered by high optical zoom.

• *Low vision is a visual impairment that causes inconvenience in daily life, such as difficulty seeing, being dazzled, or having difficulty walking due to a narrow field of vision, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses. The population is estimated to be 250 million worldwide.

• POINTS
  • The kit, which combines a digital camera manufactured by Sony with a viewfinder from QD Laser, Inc., changes what is "difficult to see" into "clearer sight".
  • It projects a laser weak enough to have no effect on the eye onto the retina to display images in detail.
  • The kit enables not only people with low vision but also people who are farsighted or severely nearsighted to take photos without relying on the ability of their eyes to adjust focus.

DSC-HX99 RNV kit

• Exhibitors' interview video: With My Eyes Photo Exhibition "An eye-opening way to discover the world" (with Audio Description)

• DSC-HX99 RNV kit

Exhibition Report

At CSUN 2025, around 120 companies and organizations exhibited, approximately 370 sessions were held, and nearly 5,000 people attended the event. Last year's attendance was about 4,500, showing a growing interest in accessibility. Many people visited Sony`s booth and provided valuable feedback.

Additionally, we took accessibility into consideration for the booth's design. We installed cane holders on the display stands where white canes and other items could be placed. The brochures included the "Guide for QR." The "Guide for QR" is an initiative that features a tactile border around QR codes and a notch at the location of QR codes, making it easier for people with visual disabilities to recognize QR codes by touch. Scanning the QR code directs visitors to the special CSUN page, where they can use their smartphone's voice reading function to gather product information.

Sony is committed to improving the accessibility of its products, services, and experiences with the goal of "A future where everyone can share Kando (emotion)." CSUN is considered a valuable opportunity to directly showcase the evolving products aimed at this goal. Through continued participation, Sony aims to raise awareness of its accessibility efforts and deliver more user-friendly products to a wider audience.

CSUN 2025 coordination team