Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Can we talk about cell phones? (self.Blind)
submitted by fantasy53
I am completely blind and have been using Apple products like the iPhone and iPad since they first came out.
But apples proprietary software, along with the increasing price of their products has made me think about switching to another company for the first time.
The problem for me is that I really love apples voice over, I find it really intuitive and easy to use and I'm not sure what kind of assistance the other companies like Google Samsung and huawei provide for the Blind and visually impaired.
I understand Google uses a system called Talkback which is a bit different to voice-over, and Samsung has their own version of Talkback which utilises more of the Apple gestures, but I'm not sure what huawei does and I've not really been able to find any comparisons between the different companies.
If anyone uses something different to an iPhone I would be grateful if you could let me know about the experience, or if you switched from an Apple device to another how are you finding it and what if any were the biggest challenges to overcome?
But apples proprietary software, along with the increasing price of their products has made me think about switching to another company for the first time.
The problem for me is that I really love apples voice over, I find it really intuitive and easy to use and I'm not sure what kind of assistance the other companies like Google Samsung and huawei provide for the Blind and visually impaired.
I understand Google uses a system called Talkback which is a bit different to voice-over, and Samsung has their own version of Talkback which utilises more of the Apple gestures, but I'm not sure what huawei does and I've not really been able to find any comparisons between the different companies.
If anyone uses something different to an iPhone I would be grateful if you could let me know about the experience, or if you switched from an Apple device to another how are you finding it and what if any were the biggest challenges to overcome?
romanj35 4 points 3y ago
I am currently using a Samsung Galaxy S10, and I also have an iPad Mini 4 period between googles talk back, samsung's voice assistant, and voice over any mid range phone can do just about anything. The real question you have to ask yourself is are you willing to learn a new operating system. And no, I don't mean you have to learn how to code a, but there is a learning curve in switching devices. And they take some getting used to when ever you go from operating systems to another.
Unfortunately, you are spot on when you say that Apple's price curve is exorbitant. I have found that I prefer the android system for things like text messages and phone calling and social media but that is only my preference.
Unfortunately, you are spot on when you say that Apple's price curve is exorbitant. I have found that I prefer the android system for things like text messages and phone calling and social media but that is only my preference.
Laser_Lens_4 2 points 3y ago
I use a Galaxy s9+ daily. I compared Talkback and Voiceover several months ago.
Switching is going to be annoying. Talkback uses a very different set of gestures to Voiceover. One thing I personally like is that you have the option of using the volume buttons to control sliders and navigate an edit field.
I haven't had good experiences on Talkback with anything below a mid-range phone. Also Samsung Voice assistant is a bit crap. Install Talkback on Samsung phones.
Stick o the major brands. Motorola, Samsung, and Google work the best. Other OEMs may or may not label all the extra buttons they add and it's just not worth the hassle.
Talkback is nice but if you're swiching over then it's not a turnkey solution like Voiceover. An iphone is an iphone is an iphone but Androids are all a bit different. Oh and don't expect a good time if you intend to use Braille.
Switching is going to be annoying. Talkback uses a very different set of gestures to Voiceover. One thing I personally like is that you have the option of using the volume buttons to control sliders and navigate an edit field.
I haven't had good experiences on Talkback with anything below a mid-range phone. Also Samsung Voice assistant is a bit crap. Install Talkback on Samsung phones.
Stick o the major brands. Motorola, Samsung, and Google work the best. Other OEMs may or may not label all the extra buttons they add and it's just not worth the hassle.
Talkback is nice but if you're swiching over then it's not a turnkey solution like Voiceover. An iphone is an iphone is an iphone but Androids are all a bit different. Oh and don't expect a good time if you intend to use Braille.
ElfjeTinkerBell 2 points 3y ago
I cannot help you directly, but I do have an Android phone. The brand is Fairphone, the OS basic Android 7 point something. As I have one functioning eye, I can test specific things with TalkBack without much hassle. Feel free to ask me to test a specific thing (both OP and anyone else).
Laser_Lens_4 1 points 3y ago
Curious about this myself. Android 7 was the first version of Android where Talkback wasn't a bug puddle but I only ever used it on a Nexus 6. You should poke around and see how well the core apps work (e.g dialer, messages, settings, etc.) as well as how well the system UI elements are labeled like stuff on the lockscreen and in the status bar and notification shade/quick settings as well as volume sliders.
ElfjeTinkerBell 1 points 3y ago
To my inexperienced mind it seems to be working fine. It doesn't like that half my apps are in Dutch and half in English, but that was to be expected. Most elements seem to be labeled correctly. Feel free to come up with specific questions!
AndAdapt 1 points 3y ago
For me one of the biggest issues is third party apps. I find iOS has far better support. I can usually find an app I need that works with voice over. Sometimes struggle on android.
DrillInstructorJan 1 points 3y ago
I clung to an ancient blackberry until a few weeks ago.
So I am actually totally new to smartphones.
It is awesome beyond the power of language to describe.
So I am actually totally new to smartphones.
It is awesome beyond the power of language to describe.
AutomaticChair9 1 points 3y ago
Irie is another option, though I cannot speak from personal experience https://irie-at.com/smartphones/
CloudsOfMagellan 2 points 3y ago
What third party apps can be installed though
CloudyBeep 1 points 3y ago
Brian Gartgen, a long-time iOS user, has written some blog posts about his recent trial of Android, which you can read at www.hartgen-home.org.
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