Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What is the Status of Android's Screenreader? (self.Blind)
submitted by Prefect316
Hi all,
I'm a pretty loyal iPhone user, but that's pretty much out of necessity, since when I was first searching for a phone Android was pretty much unusable.
This was many years ago, however. I'm wondering how far Talkback has come, or if any other screen reading apps have emerged in the Android market?
Is there a place where I can learn more about the Android platform from an accessibility POV?
Thanks for helping out a curious party.
I'm a pretty loyal iPhone user, but that's pretty much out of necessity, since when I was first searching for a phone Android was pretty much unusable.
This was many years ago, however. I'm wondering how far Talkback has come, or if any other screen reading apps have emerged in the Android market?
Is there a place where I can learn more about the Android platform from an accessibility POV?
Thanks for helping out a curious party.
Marconius 3 points 6y ago
The status of android talkback is that it still sucks and you should stick with voiceover. They are keeping it updated for the most part, but it's so far behind and speed and usability/productivity from voiceover that it will just set you backwards if you decide to switch.
GuideDogAndHisQueer 2 points 6y ago
I use voice over on my ipad and talkback on my phone. I use my phone more and find talkback easier. It's pre-installed on the phone. I have a bunch of other apps on my android phone that I use and it works well. I can't remember what they are, I know what they do but for the life of me can't remember the names. Google play store is quite good nowadays. If you want to know what they are let me know and I can find out for you. For me it's a case of what I am use to. After a couple of hours learning how to use them they both do much the same thing and it's just a personal preference.
fastfinge 2 points 6y ago
TalkBack is getting better all the time. However, it's still far behind IOS. The difference is that now it's something you could use, if you don't mind a few bugs, and things being a little slower. But all the features (apps, browsing, etc) seem to work in the last demo I tried. Gone are the days where the browser didn't even work.
Prefect316 [OP] 1 points 6y ago
I have a few questions that are probably very basic, but after some Googling I still can't get answers, probably because the questions are so simple. If you know of a good resource for questions like these, I'd love to have it.
Is Talkback a paid app? I know it's installed already on a number of devices, but I also know that's not true for all devices.
Is it possible to use Talkback on any device that runs Android? If it isn't pre-installed, would it be possible to install Talkback from the Google Play store and then use it as normal? I wonder because this would greatly increase the options for blind and VI users, especially since a lot of Android devices are really reasonably priced compared to the iPhone. If this is doable this could really excite me.
Is Talkback a paid app? I know it's installed already on a number of devices, but I also know that's not true for all devices.
Is it possible to use Talkback on any device that runs Android? If it isn't pre-installed, would it be possible to install Talkback from the Google Play store and then use it as normal? I wonder because this would greatly increase the options for blind and VI users, especially since a lot of Android devices are really reasonably priced compared to the iPhone. If this is doable this could really excite me.
fastfinge 1 points 6y ago
TalkBack is free and open source.
It is possible to install TalkBack on any device that comes with the Google Play Store. That's important to remember; the Kindle Fire, for example, is an Android device, but it only has the Amazon Store on it, and TalkBack is only in the Google Play Store. Also, remember that many manufacturers customize the android devices they sell. Because Android is open source, many companies replace everything from the sms app to the home screen with custom versions. So even though TalkBack might install on these devices, if the manufacturer didn't make there custom home screen work with TalkBack, you're out of luck. So you're best to stick with the Pixel phones, unless you know someone who owns the brand of phone you want to buy, so you can demo it for yourself.
It is possible to install TalkBack on any device that comes with the Google Play Store. That's important to remember; the Kindle Fire, for example, is an Android device, but it only has the Amazon Store on it, and TalkBack is only in the Google Play Store. Also, remember that many manufacturers customize the android devices they sell. Because Android is open source, many companies replace everything from the sms app to the home screen with custom versions. So even though TalkBack might install on these devices, if the manufacturer didn't make there custom home screen work with TalkBack, you're out of luck. So you're best to stick with the Pixel phones, unless you know someone who owns the brand of phone you want to buy, so you can demo it for yourself.
KillerLag 1 points 6y ago
Talkback is available for Android 4.0 and above, and I believe it is suppose to be built into into the system. However, because other companies can modify Android, I don't believe it is a guarantee they will always have it built-in.
If the Android phone can access the Google Play store, it can download it. You just need to check if it is compatible. Not sure if it is fully compatible with every Android phone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.marvin.talkback&hl=en
That is one of the big differences between Apple and Android. Apple can very tighly control their hardware and what goes into the phone, while Android doesn't. Some android phones use much cheaper components or low powered compoents.
If the Android phone can access the Google Play store, it can download it. You just need to check if it is compatible. Not sure if it is fully compatible with every Android phone.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.marvin.talkback&hl=en
That is one of the big differences between Apple and Android. Apple can very tighly control their hardware and what goes into the phone, while Android doesn't. Some android phones use much cheaper components or low powered compoents.
KeelHaul-Kovers 1 points 6y ago
It's pretty sad. I would stick with apple
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