Google has lots of tools available for users of devices running their operating systems that can help with accessibility issues. Google does this as they are aware that a large majority of users will face some type of disability, almost 20 percent of the U.S. population. Those disabilities can make accessing technology difficult, which is why a technology company like Google takes steps to enable access even for users with significant challenges. Today Google announced some updates for both their Android and ChromeOS platforms.
Android app developers will find they have a new tool available called the Accessibility Scanner that can help them develop better apps. The tool gives developers the ability to test their apps and then get suggestions on how they might be able to improve the app from an accessibility standpoint. This could include issues like enlarging buttons or adjusting colors and fonts to improve contrast.
Developers who have started working on Android N will find that Google has made a slight change to the welcome screen for new device activations. The Vision Settings for a device that controls things like magnification, font size, display size and TalkBack are being moved to the Welcome Screen. This will make these settings part of the initial device configuration instead of forcing users to have to find them after they have activated their device.
Android users also have access to a new Voice Access Beta that can be used to issue commands for navigating around the device. Users can issue commands like “open Chrome,” “go home,” “click next,” or “scroll down.” The ability to use voice commands for general navigation is especially helpful for users who may have difficulty using a touch screen.
Chromebook owners may not know this, but they have access to a built-in screen reader called ChromeVox. Similar to the Voice Access Beta, ChromeVox is used to issue navigations commands using speech. Google is adding some features to a new version call ChromeVox Next Beta. These include a simplified keyboard shortcut model, a caption panel to display speech, Braille output, and some new navigation sounds.
Google also notes that Google Docs supports voice commands and typing. Support for that was added back in February. Google is also working with Freedom Scientific to continue making improvements to the JAWS screen reader.
source: Google
Come comment on this article: Google adding more accessibility options to Android, ChromeOS
Gadget Reviews: mamaktalk.com
Car Reviews: automoview.com
Entertainment News: 38now.com
Today's Promotions: freepromotoday.com
