Google’s products got recently announced features are intended to make more accessible to persons with disabilities. On 18, May 2023, Google announced a fistful of new accessibility features for its products and services, while celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)…..!! One of that features is the ‘Live Caption feature’. The addition of Live Caption to more Android devices is one of the most significant new accessibility features. Let’s know more about it.
Live Caption on more devices, including Android tablets
Live Caption provides captioning for audio content such as videos, podcasts, and phone calls. This feature can be a great help to people who are suffering through hard. For example, who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who live in noisy situations. This is currently available on the latest Pixel devices, but will soon be expanding to the Pixel 4, Pixel 5, and additional Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy phones.
Google will be expanding the availability of Live Caption to more Android devices, including Android tablets by adding a new captions box. Additionally, you will be able to use Live Caption with phone calls. Which will in turn allow you to type your response and have it read back to the person on the other end.
Google Lookout for digital images
Google Lookout application uses your device’s camera to look at an object. Then AI analyzes and describes what it is pointing at. The search giant is also making improvements to it. Thereafter it’ll work to describe digital images, a job that has so far been entrusted to alt text added to an image upon uploading.
As an “Image Q&A mode” feature will be part of the Lookout app. In addition to identifying the image, Lookout will also be able to answer questions about it. This particular feature is currently in closed beta but Google says it will be available to more people soon.
Find accessible places with Google Maps
Maps now display accessible destinations by default, making it easier for consumers to identify businesses and other sites that are wheelchair accessible, offer accessible parking, and other features that are vital to people with disabilities. Google Maps is being updated to make it easier for persons with impairments to identify accessible locations.
Better text-to-speech on Wear OS
One of the new features coming to Wear OS later this year will be a new text-to-speech experience that Google claims will be faster and more reliable. As we already know that Wear OS 4 is on the way, announced by Google during I/O.
Avoid URL typos with Chrome
Chrome on the desktop can now detect when you type in an incorrect URL and will give you suggestions on what the correct URL could be. This capability will be rolling out to mobile in the next few months, benefitting those with dyslexia or any language disabilities, or even those who are just prone to making typos.
Additionally, TalkBack on Chrome on Android recently gained new functionality, allowing users to easily manage and organize their browser tabs via a tab grid, bulk actions, and reordering features.