Accessible Android Investigates: Do Google Apps for Android Have Accessibility Actions?

Google—arguably the heart and soul of Android—offers a plethora of apps that dominate our productivity, entertainment, and navigation needs. But how well do these apps cater to users who rely on screen readers? Specifically, how many of Google’s 17 major Android apps utilize Accessibility Actions—a feature designed to make app…

https://accessibleandroid.com/accessible-android-investigates-do-google-apps-for-android-have-accessibility-actions/

Update:
VRadio, one of Android's most accessible radio apps, is back on Google Play.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ilv.vradio

Gemini Live on Android: Real-Time Updates or Real-Time Letdowns?

When Google launched the Gemini app with its Gemini Live feature for all users, I couldn’t help but get excited about the promise of real-time, web-enabled assistance. Unlike ChatGPT’s Advanced Conversation mode (which is limited to providing answers based on training data or plugins), Gemini Live also boasts the ability…

https://accessibleandroid.com/gemini-live-on-android-real-time-updates-or-real-time-letdowns/

Update: You can now use Tech Freedom Android app without submitting a disability certificate. Check out Tech Freedom: https://accessibleandroid.com/app/tech-freedom/

Revolutionizing Accessibility: What the 12 Days of OpenAI Might Bring

OpenAI’s much-anticipated “12 Days of OpenAI” event, running from December 5, 2024, promises to unveil a groundbreaking product or model each weekday over two weeks.

While the full details remain under wraps, the tech community is abuzz with speculation about potential advancements, particularly in accessibility—a domain where AI continues to…

https://accessibleandroid.com/revolutionizing-accessibility-what-the-12-days-of-openai-might-bring/

We’ve just launched a brand-new AI Section on Accessible Android. Dive into how AI is transforming accessibility with tools like AI-powered screen readers, smart apps, and real-time assistance features. Discover the opportunities, challenges, and practical tips to make the most of these game-changing innovations. Join us in exploring the future of accessibility on Android.
Check it out now on Accessible Android: https://www.accessibleandroid.com/ai

How to Create and Customize Chat Lists in WhatsApp

In April 2024, we published a quick tip on how to filter chats on WhatsApp. Since then, this feature has been extended to include “Favorites” and user-created custom lists with settings to manage filters.

Table of Contents

- What are Custom Lists?
- Creating a New List
- Editing and…

https://accessibleandroid.com/how-to-create-and-customize-chat-lists-in-whatsapp/

Volume Adjustment and Volume Keys-Related Settings in Jieshuo Screen Reader

Android 8.0 Oreo introduced improvements and changes, one of which was the accessibility volume channel. Before its introduction, TalkBack’s volume was tied to the media volume, and it was impossible to adjust its volume independently of the media volume. With the accessibility channel, the screen reader volume became independent, allowing…

https://accessibleandroid.com/volume-adjustment-and-volume-related-settings-in-jieshuo-screen-reader/

Google vs Samsung: The Android Accessibility Showdown for 2025 and Beyond

In the accessibility arena of Android, Google’s Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy devices dominate the field. While brands like OnePlus and Xiaomi offer competitive options, Google and Samsung lead the charge, shaping the accessibility landscape. But when the rubber meets the road, which one stands out for accessibility users? Let’s explore.…

https://accessibleandroid.com/google-vs-samsung-the-android-accessibility-showdown-for-2025-and-beyond/

If you use ChatGPT on Android, you might have noticed that after starting a chat and sending the first message, or after bringing up one of the items from the Memory section, you can't see the text box to continue the conversation by typing. It's the case with TalkBack 15.1 as it can't detect the text box. But Jieshuo can detect the text box and activate it by swiping, and sometimes by touch exploration. It is located on the lower right corner of the screen, a bit upwards toward the center.

OCR Functions and Settings in Jieshuo Screen Reader

Jieshuo Screen Reader utilizes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to offer text recognition features. These include recognizing text in the currently focused item, the entire screen, or a virtual screen designed to improve accessibility for otherwise inaccessible app screens. Jieshuo supports several OCR engines, including custom ones, with a dedicated settings…

https://accessibleandroid.com/ocr-functions-and-settings-in-jieshuo-screen-reader/

Good news for WhatsApp users!
WhatsApp now supports actions such as Reply, Delete, Info, and Share. These actions are available only for messages, not chats.
Tested version: 2.24.26.8

Cyber Quest

Cyber Quest is a cyberpunk roguelike deck-builder. Assemble a ragtag crew of hackers, mercenaries,
and street-savvy rogues to take on the most feared crime gangs in the city. Each encounter is a
high-stakes battle of wits and tactics as you pit your crew against rival factions in intense card-based combat.…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/cyber-quest/

Another Year with Android is Almost Over: A Look Back at What 2024 Brought to the Table

It’s that time of the year again when I reflect on my journey with Android. Back in 2012, I decided to purchase my first Android phone and never looked back. Last year, I wrote an article about some of the changes I observed during my 11 years with Android. Now,…

https://accessibleandroid.com/another-year-with-android-is-almost-over-a-look-back-at-what-2024-brought-to-the-table/

Gemini 2.0 Flash: A Game-Changer for Accessibility

Google’s latest advancement, Gemini 2.0 Flash, is making waves in the tech community, and for good reason. This innovative feature is set to roll out to the Android app in January, bringing with it groundbreaking multi-modal capabilities. For visually impaired users, Gemini 2.0 Flash is not just another update—it’s a…

https://accessibleandroid.com/gemini-2-0-flash-a-game-changer-for-accessibility/

Accessibility report:
the long-awaited camera access feature is finally available to Pro and Plus users of ChatGPT's Advanced Voice mode. However, since the ChatGPT app for Android has accessibility glitches, TalkBack and Jieshuo users can't activate the Camera button or control. This is yet another frustrating development on the part of OpenAI as they've promised to fix access issues several times to no avail.

Aggregator News RSS Reader

Aggregator News is an RSS Feed Reader to read news for free, quickly, without ads. The application allows you to quickly aggregate information from various sources, enabling you to have all the news grouped and organized in one place. Unlike social networks, where article priority is determined by algorithms, in…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/aggregator-news-rss-reader/

Work-around:
Once Advanced Voice is active in the ChatGPT app and you hear the chime, suspend Browse by Touch in Jieshuo by pressing volume keys one before the other then releasing them, or turn off TalkBack. Then, touch the bottom-left corner of the screen, slightly upward to avoid triggering the Home screen, and confirm the Camera permission. If successful, an accessible Switch Camera button will appear in the Advanced Voice window. Repeat this for each session requiring camera interaction.

Breaking Barriers with AI: ChatGPT’s Visual Context and Camera Access in Advanced Voice Mode

On the sixth day of OpenAI’s Shipmas, a notable enhancement graced ChatGPT—the integration of camera access within its Advanced Voice Mode. This feature, available exclusively to Plus and Pro users, represents a significant leap in AI’s accessibility and multimodal capabilities. However, like most technological advances, it comes with caveats, workarounds,…

https://accessibleandroid.com/breaking-barriers-with-ai-chatgpts-visual-context-and-camera-access-in-advanced-voice-mode/

Jieshuo+ vs. Jieshuo Lite: Differences and Which One Should You Choose

Jieshuo screen reader comes in two versions: Jieshuo+ and Jieshuo Lite. The Lite version is sometimes referred to as the “International” version on the GitHub page and by some users. If you’re wondering about the differences between these versions and which one to choose, let’s explore the main differences between…

https://accessibleandroid.com/jieshuo-vs-jieshuo-lite-differences-and-which-one-should-you-choose/

A Secret Stocking-Stuffer Summit: Google TalkBack, Samsung TalkBack, and Jieshuo’s Christmas Confession

It’s another silent, snowy December night within a secret digital den lit by shimmering code-lights and pixel-wreaths. Three infamous Android screen readers—Google TalkBack, Samsung TalkBack, and Jieshuo—have assembled to share virtual eggnog and relish their year’s work of confounding users. The trio stands together: a rogues’ gallery of partial features,…

https://accessibleandroid.com/a-secret-stocking-stuffer-summit-google-talkback-samsung-talkback-and-jieshuos-christmas-confession/