Google Unveils New Accessibility Features on Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023
On May 18, Google marked Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023 by introducing a range of new accessibility features aimed at enhancing the accessibility of its products and services for individuals with disabilities. These accessibility features are now available for Android, Chrome, and various other Google services.
One of the standout accessibility features is the expansion of Google's Live Caption feature to Android tablets. Samsung's Galaxy tablet lineup will receive updates to incorporate this feature. Previously, Live Caption was available on Android, Chrome, and Google Meet. As part of the rollout, Google has optimized the Live Caption feature for Android tablets, introducing a new "captions box."
Furthermore, Android phone users, including Samsung Galaxy phone owners, will now be able to respond to Live Captions by typing out their responses, which will then be read aloud at the other end. Additionally, Live Caption support in French, Italian, and German languages will be extended to devices such as Google Pixel 4 and 5.
Another noteworthy addition is the upcoming Q&A feature within Lookout, which will leverage the Google DeepMind visual language model. This feature aims to describe images that lack alt text, allowing users to ask multiple questions about the image using either typed or voice commands.
In terms of Google Maps, the wheelchair-accessible place icon will now be more prominently displayed, making it easier for users to identify accessible locations. Chrome has also received an improvement that enables it to detect URL typos and suggest corrected website addresses. Moreover, Talkback in Chrome has been enhanced to support Tab Groups, bulk tab actions, and re-ordering within the Tab Grid.
Last but not least, Google has enhanced the text-to-speech experience on the upcoming Wear OS 4, making it faster and more reliable. Furthermore, two new sound and display modes will be introduced in Wear OS 3.
With these new accessibility features, Google aims to empower individuals with disabilities and promote inclusivity across its platforms and services.
