Google’s accessibility app Lookout uses your phone’s camera to find and identify objects
Google has updated some accessibility apps and added features to make them easier to use for people who need them. It has launched a new version of its Lookout app that can read text and even lengthy documents aloud for people with low vision or blindness. The app can also read food labels, identify currency, and tell users what they see through the camera and images. Its latest version comes with a new “Find” mode that allows users to choose from seven item categories, including seats, tables, vehicles, tableware and bathrooms.
When the user selects a category, the app will be able to identify the objects associated with it as the user moves the camera around the room. It then tells them the direction or distance to the object, making it easier for users to interact with their surroundings. Google is also launching an in-app photo button so they can take a photo and quickly get an AI-generated description.
The company has also updated its Look to Speak app. Look to Speak enables users to communicate with others by selecting from a list of phrases they want the app to speak aloud using eye gestures. Now, Google has added a text-less mode that lets them trigger speech by selecting from an album containing a variety of emojis, symbols, and photos. Even better, they can personalize what each symbol or image means to them.
Google has also expanded the screen reader functionality of Lens in Maps so that it can tell users the names and categories of places they see, such as ATMs and restaurants. It can also tell them how far away a particular location is. Additionally, it is rolling out improvements to detailed voice guidance, which provides audio prompts telling users where they should go.
Finally, four years after the launch of Maps for Android and iOS, Google is finally making wheelchair information available on the desktop. The Accessibility feature allows users to see if the place they are visiting can meet their needs – for example, businesses and public spaces with accessible entrances will display a wheelchair icon. They can also use the feature to see if a location has accessible restrooms, seating, and parking. Maps currently has accessible information for more than 50 million places, the company said. Those who like to find wheelchair information on Android and iOS can now also easily filter reviews that focus on wheelchair access.
Google made all of these announcements at this year’s I/O developer conference, where it also revealed that it’s open sourcing more code for its Gameface hands-free “mouse” project, allowing Android developers to use it in their apps . The tool allows users to control cursors through head movements and facial expressions so they can use computers and mobile phones more easily.
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