This browser is not actively supported anymore. For the best passle experience, we strongly recommend you upgrade your browser.
| less than a minute read

Major Accessibility Updates for Android Users

In the last week or so, we have seen Microsoft, Google and Be My Eyes announce new features. For a long time, Apple iPhones have been seen as the safe choice for people with disabilities. Apple had the best accessibility built in and companies like Microsoft only released Seeing AI on iPhone, however times are changing.

Google have updated their screen reader called Talk Back, enhancing Android's built in accessibility functionality. Read more about the update in Google Announces New Features In Talkback 14.1 – Double Tap (doubletaponair.com)

This had the blind community excited, but the announcements didn't stop there. Microsoft have launched their Seeing AI app on Android. Seeing AI is a crucial app for people with vision loss, allowing you to scan text and have images described to you. Read more about the release Microsoft Announce Seeing AI For Android – Double Tap (doubletaponair.com)

Finally, the amazing Be My Eyes app that connects blind users with volunteers globally, has started the public beta of their Android version of Be My AI functionality. Read all about the launch in  Be My AI Comes To Android As Open Beta Feature – Double Tap (doubletaponair.com)

Blind people around the world are diverse,” said Be My Eyes Vice-chair Bryan Bashin, who is blind. “We will want to choose our own hardware, select volunteer or AI description, and later form our own circles of friends to give us remote descriptions. Nothing could be better than creating another powerful tool for our toolbox.”

Tags

android, blind, accessibility apps, android accessibility, be my eyes, seeing ai, assistive technology, digital inclusion, english, highlight

Creating, sharing and inspiring change. For good.

The global issues we face are challenging and interconnected. They can seem insurmountable. But if you know where to look, co-operation, positive change and hope are all around us. Build Beyond Even Better is a project that recognises the progress being made, and the amazing people who are making a difference. Share your own hopes, pledges and projects with #BBEB, or become a contributor.

Please read our BBEB Charter PDF.