Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How good is android accessibility compared to Apple? (self.Blind)
submitted by CountryBoysMakeDo
My dad has an iPhone and he can do everything a sighted person can with it. I want to buy an android 2 in 1 laptop (the type that detaches to be like a tablet) it will be for both of us to use.
I strongly prefer android over apple but I want to be sure he can use it too. He is completely blind so he will be using gestures and need something to read what's on the screen for him...is it built into android operating system just like Apple?
I strongly prefer android over apple but I want to be sure he can use it too. He is completely blind so he will be using gestures and need something to read what's on the screen for him...is it built into android operating system just like Apple?
Marconius 7 points 3y ago
While Talkback has gotten a bit better, it is still miles away from how robust VoiceOver is. Apple put a lot of work into the overall user experience and design of their screen reader, it's easier for developers to build accessibility into their apps, and in general it's just easier to use and much more efficient. Android is slower, buggier, and is definitely more engineered than designed. The general functionality is about the same for basic navigation and interaction, but it's harder and slower for developers to update their apps to fix accessibility issues since there are so many versions of Anddroid out there, and each one has differences so it's not nearly as consistent as VoiceOver.
It would be usable, but a very frustrating experience jumping between VoiceOver and Talkback. I personally would not recommend this and avoid Android devices at all costs.
It would be usable, but a very frustrating experience jumping between VoiceOver and Talkback. I personally would not recommend this and avoid Android devices at all costs.
Laser_Lens_4 2 points 3y ago
Yeah this is pretty accurate. I switched between the two. It's doable but it's best to pick one and stick to it. When I compared the two I thought they were both pretty good but that was before iOS 13. Voiceover has gotten a lot of cool new stuff. Talk back has not and I doubt it will get anything new anytime soon, given Google's track record.
Honestly even as a nerd and an Android thumper I find it hard to recommend Android to blind users unless they don't have the cash for an iPhone. Also WearOS and Braille support on Android are both shit so if you want a smartwatch or a braille display then iOS is pretty much your only choice.
Honestly even as a nerd and an Android thumper I find it hard to recommend Android to blind users unless they don't have the cash for an iPhone. Also WearOS and Braille support on Android are both shit so if you want a smartwatch or a braille display then iOS is pretty much your only choice.
Sommiel 2 points 3y ago
When I was doing my tech training... they gave me both to try.
Apply is by far and away superior in every way for any ADA application to Android.
The apps are built in to the system, so you don't have to pay for each of them which is awesome.
If it is ANY indicator, every blind person that I have met at both The Braille Center and my local support center uses an iPhone.
The Mac has a built in screen reader. Hover text allows you to magnify things that you need larger. VoiceOver does more than tell you what’s happening on the screen, it helps you make things happen. It gives you auditory descriptions of each onscreen element and provides hints along the way. So if you prefer using gestures, a keyboard, or a braille display you are golden.
The best thing about it, is that Apple integrates the development and makes sure there are no conflicts within the software.
Apply is by far and away superior in every way for any ADA application to Android.
The apps are built in to the system, so you don't have to pay for each of them which is awesome.
If it is ANY indicator, every blind person that I have met at both The Braille Center and my local support center uses an iPhone.
The Mac has a built in screen reader. Hover text allows you to magnify things that you need larger. VoiceOver does more than tell you what’s happening on the screen, it helps you make things happen. It gives you auditory descriptions of each onscreen element and provides hints along the way. So if you prefer using gestures, a keyboard, or a braille display you are golden.
The best thing about it, is that Apple integrates the development and makes sure there are no conflicts within the software.
spider_lord 1 points 3y ago
Switched from iPhone to Android a little over a year ago. Most people are Apple fanatics, so take what they say with a grain of salt. Android is equal to iOS in accessibility.
15WGhost 1 points 3y ago
I’m not going to say you’re wrong but this is without some pretty important caveats. Buying android devices takes more research as android is just a software and the hardware is developed by whoever. Furthermore companies can add skins to the android OS which often affects accessibility so not all android devices are created equal. If the circumstances are just right I do believe that this is the case but given the extra work and research involved I think the statement is a little haphazard.
aaronespinozaca 1 points 3y ago
I finally got a Iphone today and I could not be more happier. Bye bye Android.
Laser_Lens_4 1 points 3y ago
I use Android and talkback on the daily. Unless you're already familiar with it I don't recommend it. It sounds like your dad is already comfortable on the iPhone so it's best to keep him there. Yes, it works. Most of the major apps are accessible and it's more than usable. Voiceover is a bit better though.
Android is also really terrible as a tablet OS. Unless you want a cheap Netflix screen I strongly recommend you stay away from Android tablets. Doesn't matter if you're sighted or not. If you want a tablet you should get an iPad. Hell I'd buy a Chromebook before I'd buy an Android tablet and I don't even know how to use Chromevox on those things.
Android is also really terrible as a tablet OS. Unless you want a cheap Netflix screen I strongly recommend you stay away from Android tablets. Doesn't matter if you're sighted or not. If you want a tablet you should get an iPad. Hell I'd buy a Chromebook before I'd buy an Android tablet and I don't even know how to use Chromevox on those things.
SPN-hunter 1 points 3y ago
I have a android, and I don’t like it. I’m switching back to
iOS.
iOS.
BlueRock956 1 points 3y ago
Hi, for blind people IOS is more intuative. The Android offers a more customizable experience.
On that note, I hate Android devices. They give me a headache, and I still need to learn how to use them.
On that note, I hate Android devices. They give me a headache, and I still need to learn how to use them.
bradley22 -1 points 3y ago
I know the screen reader is called talkback but can’t tell you much else.
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