Android 13: The top 7 essential accessibility features to try
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Android is used on a variety of devices all over the world. To make Android usable for everyone, Google has focused on adding features that improve the OS’s accessibility. Adding these features toour favorite Android phonesallows many more people to enjoy what Android offers. Therelease of Android 13on the Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and many Samsung devices has added even more accessibility features to the extensive list from the 12 Android versions before it. In no particular order, here are the best accessibility features in Android 13.
Head into your settings app to make these vital changes
1. Audio description is available for all apps
Android 13 introduced a system-wide feature that allows an audio description of items in all apps. This feature gives a verbal description of what is happening on your device’s screen during natural pauses in the audio from the app. This feature gives context for what is happening in supported movies and shows and improves the content consumption experience for those with a visual impairment. To enable this option:
Once you toggle this option, you’ll be able to take advantage of this feature in any of your applications.
2. Android 13 finally supports out-of-the-box braille displays
In Android 13, Google will be implementing out-of-the-box support for braille displays,according to a recent press release. Braille displays use electromagnetic signals to create a braille output from screen content. Previously, users had to install an additional app calledBrailleBackto connect their braille display.
Android 13 now supports braille displays through Android’s screen reader, TalkBack. Google also added navigation, settings, and editing shortcuts with braille displays. This system-level support makes Android devices more user-friendly for those with a visual impairment.
3. Get audible feedback as you use your phone with TalkBack
TalkBack is one of the best accessibility features for those who have difficulty seeing their phone screen. TalkBack provides spoken feedback and context for what is on your screen. To enable TalkBack:
With TalkBack activated, your device reads what is on your screen. To interact with your device when using TalkBack:
4. Text Modification makes it easy to increase text size system-wide
For those who have trouble reading the default text size, Android 13 allows you to change it to a more suitable size. To access these settings:
In this section, it’s possible to modify the font and display sizes and toggle bold and high-contrast text. With all these options, you can customize the text experience to give your phone the best visibility for you.
5. Magnification lets you increase the size of everything on your screen
Magnification is a feature that zooms in on items on the screen to make them easier to see. This feature can zoom in on the entire screen or part of the screen and can magnify text as you type. To enable magnification:
There will now be a shortcut on your screen to activate the feature. When active, drag two fingers to move the magnification around the screen and pinch two fingers to adjust the zoom magnification.
6. Color and motion settings help people with visual impairments and neurologic and vestibular conditions
For those who have a visual impairment or a form of color blindness, Google has included some settings to help improve your Android experience. To access these features:
In theDisplaysection, you’ll find the available features to improve the color experience on your phone.
These settings make Android much easier to use for those with color or light sensitivity.
7. Real-time text (RTT)
Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may find it hard to make a regular phone call. RTT allows users to text in real time with the other person on a call, so they can easily participate in the call. To enable this feature:
With RTT enabled, you may use it in a call. When using RTT in a call, be aware that the other user can see what you type in real time. This means the other user will see any edits or deletions you make to the text you’re sending.
Make Android the experience you need
Making accessibility a priority means that anyone can experience Android. There are more features than the ones listed here that make it easy for anyone to use an Android phone. Now that you have Android 13 on your phone, check out the mostunderrated Android 13 featuresthat you need to try today.
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