Google Android Reading mode image

As part of a raft of new Android features, Google has released Reading mode on Android devices to assist people who have vision impairments or are dyslexic.

The new mode enables people who are blind, dyslexic, or have vision impairments personalise their display options. Android users can now customise options like contrast, font type, and size, as well as activate a text-to-speech function to help with speed control.

Reading mode automatically integrates across users’ apps and websites for an easier and more accessible reading experience.

For example, if a user was struggling to read an online menu, they could simply tap the Reading mode icon on their Android device, and then the menu will be displayed according to their screen display settings. For instance, this could include making the menu text much larger, changing the background and text colours for easier visibility, and reading the text aloud.

This accessibility feature has the potential to make a big difference for people with vision impairments or blindness when out and about. It means text that may otherwise be difficult to read can be accessed simply and quickly, without relying on another person to read the text aloud for the user.

Learn more about Reading mode in the short video below:

Google has embarked on a lot of accessibility initiatives this year.

Google’s new smartphones, Pixel 7 and Pixel Pro, now have an inclusive Guided Frame feature, which allows people with vision difficulties to capture selfies more easily with a combination of precise audio guidance, high-contrast visual animations, and haptic feedback.

The multinational technology giant has also developed out-of-the-box support for users of braille displays so that they can navigate Android devices more easily, thanks to helpful user feedback.

Google is also working with Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, along with non-profit organisations, to make voice recognition technology more useful for people with a range of diverse speech patterns and disabilities. People with disabilities and diverse speech patterns are set to benefit from this technology-focused accessibility initiative.

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