Android TalkBack and more features enhance workplace accessibility by providing screen reader support, helping visually impaired employees navigate digital tasks with ease.
The global assistive technology business, anticipated to reach $36.6 billion by 2033, relies on workplace applications. In current dynamic workplaces, top-notch assistive technology is essential.
Assistive technology is still not widely available, though. The accessibility features of their office software are actually just fair or bad, according to 45% of employees with disabilities, showing a considerable gap in satisfying their demands.
Android bridges this gap by offering a top-notch array of integrated accessibility capabilities that enable businesses satisfy accessibility regulations and meet the demands of workers with hearing, visual, and mobility impairments. Employees with accessibility issues can benefit from these nine Android features.
Supporting a range of visual needs with Android’s adaptable vision features
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to visual accessibility. To enable those who are blind or have limited or partial vision use work devices more easily, Android provides a variety of customisable visual aid options.
Android’s Braille Display Support
It allows workers to connect to suitable braille displays, giving them a flexible and tactile method to read and use their work phone or tablet.
Lookout
Lookout turns Android smartphones into effective visual assistants that offer real-time information by utilising Artificial Intelligence and Google’s Gemini models. It can respond to enquiries regarding visual material in the workplace and provide a brief description of photos.
Android TalkBack
Android TalkBack is the screen reader for Android, which allows workers who are blind or have limited vision to easily engage with their Android work devices. Android TalkBack offers audio/gesture navigation for emails, reports, and applications, as well as spoken feedback.
Helping teams amplify what matters at work with Android’s hearing tools
Android has audio capabilities that adjust to a variety of hearing demands to help workers concentrate on what really important. For those with hearing problems, Android has a range of sophisticated audio capabilities that are intended to improve clarity and customise the experience.
- RTT can be used by teams (Real-time text) to have text-based discussions in real-time without having to hit send, allowing you to make and receive phone calls with confidence.
- An amplifier for sound improves crucial workplace noises by reducing background noise and boosting crucial discussions or work-related material for crystal-clear audio, whether online and in person.
- Android is bringing improved screenreader and hearing aid functionality To make Android’s screenreader and hearing aid experiences even more accessible.
Android is introducing a better hearing aid and screenreader experience
Google is utilising new LE Audio technology to deliver the advantages of the next generation of Bluetooth to GN Hearing and Oticon Intent hearing aids, beginning with the Samsung Galaxy S25. People can now control their hearing aids easily with LE Audio compatibility, which includes hands-free calling, native preset changes, and lower latency Bluetooth connections. In the upcoming weeks, this new integration will also be accessible on the Pixel 9 running Android 16 beta and the Galaxy S24 running Android 15.
Additionally, Google is starting to release updates for Android TalkBack screenreader to further increase the accessibility of devices for those with limited vision or blindness. Anyone who uses braille will be able to utilise their displays using HID, a method of connecting to Bluetooth devices, starting with Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphones. This feature will start to function on any Android 15 phone or tablet in the upcoming months. In the upcoming weeks, Android TalkBack will also offer more thorough image descriptions for Galaxy S25 smartphones, utilising Gemini models.
Android’s compatibility with hearing aids allows workers to operate remotely by directly streaming meetings, video, and job presentations via their compatible hearing aids.
Unlocking personalized control for employees with motor limitations
By accommodating the unique requirements and preferences of workers with mobility limitations, Android gives teams control over their mobile experience with customisable shortcuts, voice commands, and assistive switch controls.
Gesture Navigation
It Enables workers to take charge of their workdays by using basic phone motions, such as taps and swipes.
Camera Switches
It Transforms the front-facing camera into a switch so that team members may operate their Android work phone using face motions and eye movements.
Action Blocks
It Make processes easier by designing sizable on-screen buttons that may be used to create emails, launch commonly used work apps, or automate activities with a single push.