Google’s Best New Accessibility Features
Google has been working hard to bring more accessibility features to your Android phone. The company recently revealed some of these as part of a feature update announced on World Accessibility Awareness Day. New features include AI-powered image captions to help those with low vision, an easier way to find places, and detailed accessibility data for places listed on Google Maps (on Android, iOS and desktop). Here are the best new accessibility features coming to Google products.
An easier way to find objects
For people with low vision, Google Lookout for Android is a true gift of independence. It allows you to use your phone’s camera to learn more about your surroundings. Google is currently launching a beta version of the Lookout search mode, which allows you to find things in your immediate space. Google says you’ll be able to choose from seven categories of items (including bathrooms, seats, and tables) and use the camera to detect them. This feature will tell you in which direction an object or place is and how far it is from you. Lookout can also now instantly provide AI-generated captions for photos taken directly within the app.
Type text just by looking at your phone
Look to Speak is getting a new feature that takes text out of the equation. This Android tool has been around since 2020 and allows users to simply view pre-written custom phrases and have the phone speak them out loud. Google says this makes it easier for people with cognitive and literacy challenges to communicate and may even help overcome language barriers. Now, instead of looking at phrases, users can set emojis and photos to have pre-selected phrases read out instead. For example, by looking at the waving emoji, your phone might say, “Hello.”
Easier access to accessibility information on Google Maps.
Google has made it easier to find accessibility-related information on Google Maps, regardless of platform. The company says this information is now available in more than 50 million locations. To make it easy to find, the app has an accessibility icon that gives you details about how accessible the location is. Previously available on Google Maps for Android and iPhone, this icon is now available on desktop.
Improved walking training for people with low vision.
In the Google Maps app for iOS and Android, the Lens feature has gotten better at providing you with navigational directions. Designed for people with low vision or blindness, the app’s instructions now read out the names and categories of places near you, as well as tell you how far away each place is. Google says its voice control feature will tell you if you’re heading in the right direction, redirect you if you’re not, and even tell you if you’re at a busy intersection.
Improved support for hearing aid information
Places that support Auracast, a technology that transmits sound to hearing devices, can now display this information in their business profile on Google Maps. If you have a Bluetooth hearing aid with Auracast, this information will be useful when visiting popular places such as auditoriums, gyms and theaters.
Enhanced Sound Notification Alerts
The audio notification feature alerts you when a smoke alarm goes off, the doorbell rings, or other sounds are heard around you. It works by sending push notifications, turning on the phone’s flash, or vibrating the phone. Google says Sound Notifications now have an improved setup process, allowing you to view audio events to see what sounds were heard around you, as well as allowing you to save custom sounds for appliances in your home.