Subj : Google Maps is getting a big accessibility update that could chan To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Tue Oct 17 2023 17:15:06 Google Maps is getting a big accessibility update that could change how people connect with the world Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:02:16 +0000 Description: Google Maps on mobile will see a big upgrade as it receives a screen reader and a way to display wheelchair friendly routes. FULL STORY ====================================================================== Google is introducing new accessibility features to several of its platforms to help people with disabilities get around town more easily. A few of the six changes will be exclusive to smartphones. Search with Live View on Google Maps will receive screen reader capabilities [giving] auditory feedback of the place around you. This tool is meant to help people who are blind or low-vision get helpful info like the name or category of a location and how far away it is from their current position. All users have to do to activate it is tap the camera icon in the Google Maps search bar and then aim the rear camera at whatever is around them. (Image credit: Google) The screen reader is making its way to iOS starting today with the Android version rolling out in the coming months. Also coming to mobile, the Chrome apps address bar will be able to detect typos in text and display suggested websites according to what the browser thinks youre looking for. This second tool is meant to help people with dyslexia find the content theyre looking for. Google points out these two build on top of the recently released accessibility features on Pixel phones like the Magnifier app as well as the upgraded Guided Frame. The latter can help blind people take selfies by utilizing a combination of audio cues, high-contrast animations, and haptic feedback. Guided Frame is available on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro with plans to expand it to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 by the end of the year. (Image credit: Google) Easier navigation The rest of the update consists of minor tweaks to select apps. First, Google Maps on mobile is adding a wheelchair-accessible transit option for people looking for locations that dont have any stairs at the entrance as well as buildings that are wheelchair friendly. Similarly, Maps for Android Auto will indicate wheelchair-accessible places on the screen with a little blue icon next to relevant results. Additionally, local businesses have the opportunity to label themselves as Disabled-owned on Google Search in case you want to support them directly. The last change sees Assistant Routines on Google Home become more like the company's Actions Block app as users can configure the icons on the main screen however they want. For example, the on-screen icons can be increased in size and you can alter the thumbnail image for one of the blocks. A Google representative told us this batch is currently rolling out so keep an eye out for the patch when it arrives. We recommend checking out TechRadars list of the best text-to-speech software for 2023 if youre looking for other ways to help you navigate the internet. You might also like Google reveals a revamped read-aloud feature in major accessibility update The upcoming Pixel 8a may be bigger than the Pixel but it'll be less powerful The Google Graveyard revisited: 9 scrapped Google ideas we still miss ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/google-maps-is-getting-a-big-acce ssibility-update-that-could-change-how-people-connect-with-the-world --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .