Google, like Apple, seeks to make its operating system and products more accessible. With the development of artificial intelligence, technology companies are able to offer more interesting functions. The American search giant is celebrating World Accessibility Awareness Day (May 16) to unveil 8 new features. It mainly targets people with disabilities and some use this day to highlight it.
With Lookout, Google makes it easier for visually impaired people to find things using their phones
The first new feature is an improvement to Lookout, which is designed to help people who are blind or have low vision see what's going on around them. It uses their phone's camera to provide information about their environment and has a “search” mode. Published in beta, it allows you to choose between seven categories of objects (benches, tables, bathrooms, etc.) and relies on artificial intelligence to help the user find the right object. “When you move the camera around the room, Lookout tells you the direction and distance to the object,” says Eve Anderson, head of inclusion, equity and accessibility products at Google.
The second new feature is Look to Speak, which is designed to let you respond to messages with your eyes. Welcomes a new textless mode that allows you to exchange with emojis, emoticons and images.
The third new feature is called Project Gameface for Android. It's directly inspired by the Gameface project we mentioned last year that allows you to turn your face into a gaming mouse. This year, Google is bringing its idea to Android and opening Porte Gameface to developers via github. They can now create hands-free apps using facial expressions.
New on maps for people with disabilities
The Mountain View company is also considering a mapping app and is announcing a slew of developments in its service. People who are blind or have low vision can now receive turn-by-turn audio instructions and gain information about the world around them using Lens. The change concerns the Android and iOS versions of the Maps app. In addition, a ♿ icon appears for wheelchair accessible locations. It's visible to everyone on Maps, appears in over 50 million locations, and will be available on PC. In fact, it's already visible on Android and iOS.
Finally, Google is asking companies to clarify whether they are streaming audio that is compatible with hearing aids. This possibility includes Bluetooth Auracast technology which greatly improves multi-point device connection options and in public places.
The last two new features relate to the Project Relate app and audio notification alerts. The app, designed to help people with speech difficulties, provides a new way to select text and import text from other apps. As for audio notifications, Google indicates that it has redesigned the alert system.
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