Google launches beta Voice Access app

Nicholas Fearn April 13, 2016

Google has launched a beta version of its hands-free Voice Access service.

The feature enables users to control their phone from anywhere on the device, unlike many other accessibility apps. The app can be used to navigate through the contents of a phone, using phrases such as “open Chrome” or “go home”.

Google recently posted in a blog how it felt this app will be relevant for its users.

“We recently launched Voice Access Beta, an app that allows people who have difficulty manipulating a touchscreen due to paralysis, tremor, temporary injury or other reasons to control their Android devices by voice,” said Eve Andersson, manager of accessibility engineering at Google. googleheadquarters

The app can also assign numbers to commands, which can be used to open an app such as YouTube or type specific letters of the alphabet. Although the app is aimed at creating a more usable interface for those with disabilities, its features could be used for those who simply seek convenience.

Users who would like to download the app must sign up for Google’s testing program, although Google is no longer accepting more users for the beta phase (as you can see if you click on the link).

Google also released Accessibility Scanner, an app that aims to aid developers in enhancing their apps’ accessibility. The tool recommends developers use larger text sizes and create apps with contrasting backgrounds and text colors.