In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Google has rolled out a variety of new AI-driven accessibility features across Android and Chrome. This initiative is part of Google’s ongoing commitment to improving digital inclusivity, ensuring that technology is accessible to a wider range of users, particularly those with visual and hearing impairments.
New AI Features for Android
One of the standout features for Android is Gemini, Google’s advanced AI model. Previously integrated into Android’s built-in screen reader, TalkBack, Gemini could generate alternative text for images without descriptions. Now, it’s getting even more advanced. With the latest update, users will be able to ask Gemini questions about the images they encounter and even inquire about what’s on their screens. This feature takes image descriptions to the next level, turning them from simple text into an interactive, conversational experience.
Another significant update on Android is Expressive Captions, which first debuted in the U.S. late last year. This feature goes beyond traditional subtitles by capturing not just the words being spoken, but also the tone and emotion behind them. Whether someone is yelling in anger, whispering in suspense, or cheering with excitement, Expressive Captions will provide contextual cues, making the experience richer and more engaging. This feature is now expanding to more English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, and the UK, for devices running Android 15 and above.
Enhancements for Chrome Users
For Chrome users with low vision, Google is introducing important updates to improve accessibility. One notable feature is Optical Character Recognition (OCR) support for scanned PDFs. This means that scanned documents can now be read aloud by screen readers or be highlighted, copied, and searched, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with these documents.
Additionally, Chrome on Android will introduce Page Zoom, which allows users to increase text size without disrupting the page layout. This feature eliminates the need for side-scrolling to read an article, offering a more comfortable and streamlined experience for those who prefer larger fonts.
A Step Toward Smarter and Kinder Tech
These updates highlight Google’s commitment not only to making technology smarter but also more compassionate. By integrating AI-powered features into both Android and Chrome, Google is enhancing accessibility for users with visual and hearing impairments, while also offering tools that make daily interactions with technology easier and more intuitive. With these updates, Google continues to push the boundaries of inclusive design, creating a more accessible digital world for everyone.
