Android apps receive more accessibility features from Google

The tech giant Google is adding more and more features to make its apps accessible to users with disabilities. Reportedly, the company has introduced several new accessibility features to Android apps like Google Chrome, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other Google apps. These apps will soon receive new features that will eventually improve their lives.

Accessibility features for Google Maps app

The app now showcases a screen reader for the live view accessibility feature. The usability of Live View is improved with the newly introduced screen reader. It can read out the screen, thus making it more useful for users with disabilities. The feature is now rolling out to the iOS version of the app. It will debut on the Android version of the app by the end of this year.

Furthermore, the app now makes it more convenient to locate wheelchair-accessible routes. Once Google receives the data, iOS and Android users can get access to wheelchair-accessible routes. In this way, they can arrive at their destinations on time and safely. In addition to this, the company has added new iconography for Android Auto and Android Automotive. It is helpful for locating businesses and other locations. These icons help users find out whether a route is wheelchair-friendly or not.

Other accessible features

Several new customizable options are making their way into assistant routines. Now, users can modify the size of the shortcut, upload images, and add style attributes. Overall, it is now simple and easy to be managed by specially-abled users. The company is also adding an autocorrect URL feature to Chrome. It is available for both Android and iOS apps.

Users can zoom in on the content they are reading on Pixel phones starting with the Pixel 5 by downloading the Magnifier accessibility software. Aside from this, the Guided Frame function is improving since it receives haptic input, aural cues, and visual signals with high contrast when capturing a selfie. Visually impaired users can capture the best selfie with this feature. In the past, it was only supported by the front camera. Moreover, it had only support for people. But now it can capture images of pets, food, documents, and the back camera as well.