What’s New in Google Accessibility | Episode 12

TL;DR: Google has released the latest accessibility feature updates covering Android, Pixel, Chrome, and YouTube, including independent hearing aid settings, TalkBack shortcuts, customizable navigation button order, improvements to Voice Access's listening mode, offline support and expanded multilingual capabilities for Pixel Guided Frame, Chrome's caret browsing, YouTube Voice Boost, and tips for optimizing AI interaction experiences using Gemini instructions. ## Android System Updates ### Independent Control for Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants For users with hearing aids or cochlear implants paired with Android devices, Google has introduced independent hearing device presets and environmental volume control. Users can now adjust these settings for each ear individually. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users with asymmetrical hearing loss, significant hearing fluctuations, or those wearing different devices in each ear. Independent control provides a more comfortable listening experience in environments with uneven volume levels. ### TalkBack Screen Reader Shortcut For blind or low-vision users utilizing external keyboards, Android now offers a convenient shortcut to toggle the TalkBack screen reader on or off. Users simply need to press **"Action + Alt + T"** to switch the feature. Note that the "Action" key varies depending on the keyboard type: * **Windows keyboards**: Use the "Windows" key. * **Mac keyboards**: Use the "Command" key. ### Customizable Three-Button Navigation Order Android’s three-button navigation mode allows users to customize the button order. The "Back" and "Recent Apps" buttons among the "Back," "Home," and "Recent Apps" can now be swapped between left and right positions. This feature is highly beneficial for users with mobility impairments or those switching from other phones who are unaccustomed to the default button order. Additionally, this preference is automatically retained when setting up a new device. ### Customization for Mouse Keys Users relying on Android's Mouse Keys feature (which allows cursor control via a physical keyboard instead of a mouse) can now customize cursor acceleration and speed, enabling more precise cursor movement control. ### Major Improvements to Voice Access Voice Access has undergone significant optimization in how listening mode is activated: 1. **Unified Control Shortcut**: Previously, users had to activate the feature via mute notifications or manage two separate floating shortcuts. Now, Android settings provide a unified accessibility shortcut for controlling listening mode, which appears automatically. Users can simply tap the floating Voice Access shortcut to toggle listening on or off. 2. **Multiple Trigger Options**: If the default floating shortcut isn't preferred, users can choose to use volume keys, accessibility gestures, or the navigation bar accessibility button to toggle listening. 3. **Optimization for Large-Screen Devices**: When multiple windows are open on large-screen devices, Voice Access now interacts only with the topmost app window. This prevents accidental interactions with hidden content and reduces the number of visual labels on the screen. Users can switch to different windows using the "Show recent apps" command. ## Pixel Device Updates: Guided Frame Guided Frame is a camera feature leveraging Gemini capabilities, designed to help blind or low-vision users capture stunning photos. It provides users with a detailed, natural understanding of scenes through real-time descriptive audio and haptic feedback (such as vibrations), guiding them to take great shots. This update brings the following improvements: * **Offline Scene Descriptions**: Guided Frame’s scene description feature now supports offline use. Whether capturing a sunset or a group portrait, Guided Frame on Pixel devices can still help compose shots more accurately without an internet connection. * **Supported Devices**: This update applies to users of Pixel 10 series devices (including foldable models), but does not include the Pixel 10a. * **Expanded Multilingual Support**: Enhanced by Gemini, Guided Frame now supports over 40 additional languages, including Danish, Thai, and Turkish. Please note that using these additional languages requires an internet connection. ## Chrome Browser Updates ### Caret Browsing for Android Chrome on Android now supports Caret Browsing. This means users can navigate web pages using a keyboard without relying on a mouse. This is particularly useful for users who are blind or have low vision, have mobility impairments, have broken mice, or simply prefer not to use a mouse. Once enabled, a text cursor appears on web pages: * Users can move the cursor using the arrow keys on the keyboard, similar to navigating a text document. * Users can activate buttons and links within the text by moving the cursor into them. * Users can select text by holding the "Shift" key and moving the cursor over the desired text. ## YouTube Updates ### Voice Boost Voice Boost on YouTube makes dialogue clearer by filtering background noise and emphasizing speech. This feature is currently available for selected videos. This feature is particularly suitable for the following scenarios: * Users with hearing impairments. * Users watching YouTube in noisy rooms. * Users learning a new language. Users can immediately use this feature for selected videos on computers or TVs. ## Gemini Tips: Reducing Cognitive Load Google has collaborated closely with the neurodiversity community to explore how AI can serve as a meaningful everyday ally. Based on insights from this collaborative research, here are some strategies to help reduce cognitive load and enhance focus: ### Setting Permanent Preferences (Gemini Instructions) To save time and reduce frustration caused by over-engineering prompts, users can set permanent preferences in Gemini’s "Settings": 1. Go to "Settings." 2. Select "Gemini Instructions." 3. Enter the preferences you want AI to apply in every conversation. **Example**: If you find long blocks of text difficult to read, you can instruct Gemini to always prioritize readability. You can ask the AI to organize responses using bulleted lists, clear headings, and ample white space. ### Leveraging Personal Contacts Features Users can utilize the new personal contacts feature to have Gemini provide more relevant and personalized responses. Gemini can base responses on what it knows about the user, optionally referencing past chats and Google apps the user has chosen to connect. **Use Cases**: * Getting tailored advice when dealing with socially challenging workplace situations. * Having Gemini act as a "second pair of eyes" to provide guidance when handling complex emails. *** Source: What’s New in Google Accessibility | Episode 12 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0M79zWRKps)