With its ease of use and broad-ranging set of tools, Google is making life easy for millions around the world. The search giant has not only made the Internet accessible for millions but has also introduced a slew of tools that enrich one’s Internet experience as well as add comfort to their everyday tasks. The company has been consistently making technology more accessible. Now, the search giant has introduced a set of accessibility features and updates that could help one with everyday tasks. These updates make it easier for one to get directions while walking, taking selfies, or simply for searching information on the internet. The new set of updates comes close at heels with the recent launch of accessibility updates to Android 14 and Wear OS 4. Google has said that now it has more accessible features across products that have been developed keeping in mind individuals with disabilities. Screen reader powered by Lens in Maps Earlier known as Search with Live View, the Lens in Maps feature uses AI and augmented reality to allow users to make use of their phone cameras to get themselves acquainted with unfamiliar areas or even discover new places in their vicinity. This feature will let users spot ATMs, train stations, restaurants, etc. In order to make this more useful for people with vision impairment or low visibility, Google has endowed Lens in Maps with screen reader capabilities. While the company has rolled out the feature on iOS devices, it plans to introduce the same to Android later this year. To use it, one needs to tap on the camera icon in the search bar and lift their phone. If the screen reader is enabled, then users will get audio feedback describing the places around them. This would be information such as the name of the place, category, and distance. Walking routes in Google Maps This feature builds on the existing wheelchair-accessible transit navigation option in Maps. The feature lets users find stair-free routes upon requesting walking directions in Maps. While this is a great feature for those using wheelchairs for mobility, it can also come in handy for those traveling with heavy luggage or strollers. Google said that users who have already selected the wheelchair-accessible option in their transit preferences, then it will be automatically applied to walking routes. If not, then tap the three dots on the top of the screen when requesting walking directions, and opt for ‘Wheelchair-accessible’ under route options to receive stair-free directions. Now search faster with the Chrome address bar Google has expanded its new feature in Chrome address bar that detects typos and shows suggested websites based on what it thinks the user meant. Now the feature is available on Chrome on Android and iOS. This feature, according to Google, will help those with dyslexia, language learners, or anyone who makes typos. Earlier this feature was only available to Chrome on desktops. More accessible camera Google has enhanced its camera capabilities to assist users with low vision. The Magnifier feature allows users to zoom in on anything just like a physical magnifying glass. The app has been designed in collaboration with the Royal National Institute of Blind People and the National Federation of the Blind and it helps users in seeing things in detail. Besides, the app can also improve the legibility of text be it reading from a menu or a document. Users can also adjust brightness and contrast. As of now, the Magnifier app is available on Google Play for Pixel 5 and recent models excluding the Pixel Fold. Guided Frame Google has also updated its Guided Frame feature that was rolled out earlier this month. The feature uses a combination of audio inputs and high-contrast animations with haptic feedback to help people who are blind or have low vision capture selfies. The latest update now lets the feature recognise more than just faces, enabling users to utilise both the front and rear cameras to take pictures of their pets, documents, or any occasion. While this feature is available on the Pixel 8 series, it will be rolled out on Pixel 6+ later this year. Wheelchair-accessible information in more places Google has also brought a feature that allows users to find wheelchair-accessible places to business and place pages on Maps for Android Auto and cars with in-built Google. With the new feature, when a user searches for a place using Google Maps, they may see a wheelchair icon if the place has a stair-free entrance, accessible restrooms, seating, or parking. More options for Assistant Routines The new set of updates allows users to customise the Assistant Routines feature which allows them to automate their everyday tasks. The new updates according to Google are inspired by Action Blocks. Google now allows users to select their Routine shortcut style, customise it with their own images, and adjust the size of the shortcut on the home screen.
