We’re thrilled to share exciting news with our community!
Devin Prater, whose insightful articles have enriched Accessible Android, is now officially part of our team.
As an accessibility enthusiast and advocate, Devin brings a deep understanding of screen reader challenges faced by blind users, a passion for Android, valuable knowledge, and a strong voice to our mission.
Welcome aboard, Devin!

What’s New in TalkBack Version 16.1

Google has started rolling out version 16.1 of the TalkBack screen reader. Here’s what’s new in this release. The rollout reaches devices in batches and may take about a week to complete. It is possible to update manually by installing an APK, but this is done at your own risk.…

https://accessibleandroid.com/whats-new-in-talkback-version-16-1/

Opinion: Exclusive TalkBack Features for Google TTS Are Doing More Harm Than Good

TalkBack, a part of the Android accessibility suite, is the screen reader developed by Google and comes pre-installed on most Android phones and tablets. Google Text-to-Speech is also developed by Google as part of Speech Recognition and Synthesis, and it serves as the text-to-speech engine built into most Android devices,…

https://accessibleandroid.com/opinion-exclusive-talkback-features-for-google-tts-are-doing-more-harm-than-good/

The Uncertain Future of Nova Launcher: A Look at Its Impact and Current State

An uncertain future looms over Nova Launcher, a name synonymous with Android customization and a vital tool for many users, including those with visual impairments. Recent events, from its acquisition to the departure of its founder, have raised serious concerns about its future and the potential impact on accessibility.

Table…

https://accessibleandroid.com/the-uncertain-future-of-nova-launcher-a-look-at-its-impact-and-current-state/

Google AI Edge Gallery: In Your Hands but Out of Reach

Google has released its AI Edge Gallery app. This app is for using AI models that you can download onto your device, for privacy and quick usage. This allows for cool uses like converting audio to text, or just exploring AI. For blind users, though, this app is completely inaccessible,…

https://accessibleandroid.com/google-ai-edge-gallery-in-your-hands-but-out-of-reach/

Samsung’s One UI 8.0 Update all but Bricks Phones for TalkBack Users

Samsung’s One UI 8 update has started rolling out to the S25 Series. This Update includes Samsung’s version of TalkBack 16.0. This version of TalkBack contains a serious bug for those who use the “Hide Screen” feature. Note that Google TalkBack is not affected

The Hide Screen Bug in Samsung…

https://accessibleandroid.com/samsungs-one-ui-8-0-update-all-but-bricks-phones-for-talkback-users/

The Need for Accessibility Excellence

The world of technology is in a constant state of flux, with new and exciting innovations emerging every day. However, for people with disabilities, the excitement of a new product or feature is often tempered by a crucial question: “Will it be accessible?” This question is at the heart of…

https://accessibleandroid.com/the-need-for-accessibility-excellence/

Google’s New Rules Could Threaten Sideloading And Accessibility Along With It

For many users, Android’s openness has long been a key advantage: the ability to install (or “side-load”) apps from outside the Google Play Store, or to use alternative app stores such as F-Droid. Yet recent moves by Google could restrict or even eliminate that freedom, and that in turn has…

https://accessibleandroid.com/googles-new-rules-could-threaten-sideloading-and-accessibility-along-with-it/

AM Part 1: Using AppManager to Install Apps and Overcome Future Restrictions

DISCLAIMER: The following post is a user-submitted post. Accessible Android editorial staff members have not tested the service, and using it is at your own risk.
I’ve been an Android developer for 2 years and a power user for more than 5. It’s rare that apps amaze me and actually…

https://accessibleandroid.com/am-part-1-using-appmanager-to-install-apps-and-overcome-future-restrictions/

PeakParkour

PeakParkour is an audio-based endless runner where your character runs forward automatically across three lanes. Your task is to survive for as long as possible by using sound cues to control their movement—switching lanes, jumping, or ducking to avoid a variety of obstacles.

Details

The game keeps you on your…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/peakparkour/

One UI 8.0 Bluetooth Call Bug Silencing Screen Readers: What It Is and Current Workarounds

Samsung has rolled out the One UI 8.0 update based on Android 16 to many of the eligible devices. We previously covered the bug that prevents Explore by Touch from working properly when using Samsung TalkBack with the screen dimming feature. Another accessibility-related bug has emerged when using Bluetooth audio…

https://accessibleandroid.com/one-ui-8-0-bluetooth-call-bug-silencing-screen-readers-what-it-is-and-current-workarounds/

Glory Frontline

Glory Frontline is the first Audible FPS, featuring multiple modes such as Lone Hero (single-player tower defense campaign), Squad Assault (co-op PVE missions), Survival Elimination (solo PVPVE), and Special King Forces Showdown (battle royale-style). Players can upgrade their weapons and uniforms, craft consumable items, and more. Glory Frontline is a…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/glory-frontline/

Quick tip: how to use the search feature to find settings in Jieshuo screen reader

with the huge set of customization options in Jieshuo screen reader comes the side effect of overwhelming settings screens, where even advanced long-time users could have a hard time remembering where a certain option is located. finally, starting with Jieshuo’s October 1 2025 version, search is added to Jieshuo settings…

https://accessibleandroid.com/quick-tip-how-to-use-the-search-feature-to-find-settings-in-jieshuo-screen-reader/

Pixel 10 Review

There have been many debates online about Google’s new tensor g5 chip, which is included in the Pixel 10. It seems that people either love or hate this phone. Most of the complaints about this chip center around its slightly lower GPU performance, which is about 5 percent worse than…

https://accessibleandroid.com/pixel-10-review/

What’s New in Google TalkBack 16.2

Google has started rolling out version 16.2 of the TalkBack screen reader
. The rollout typically takes one to two weeks to complete. Let’s take a look at what’s new in this release.

Table of Contents

- Text Formatting Reporting
- Using the Double Tap With Two Fingers Gesture to…

https://accessibleandroid.com/whats-new-in-google-talkback-16-2/

Eloquence Text To Speech

Eloquence Text-To-Speech (TTS) is an adapted version for Android of the popular ETI-Eloquence voice synthesizer.

Details

Eloquence is a TTS engine that can be used in a wide range of applications, such as:

- Screen readers and applications for blind or visually impaired people (like Talkback)

GPS or navigation software…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/eloquence-text-to-speech/

PCAPdroid – network monitor

PCAPdroid is a privacy-friendly open source app which lets you track, analyze, and block the connections made by other apps on your device. It also allows exporting a PCAP dump of the traffic, extracting metadata, and much more.

PCAPdroid simulates a VPN in order to capture network traffic without root.…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/pcapdroid-network-monitor/

The Ghost D-Pad and Why “Good Enough” is Failing Android Braille Users

The TL;DR: Between a specific TalkBack 16.2 update that breaks essential Braille navigation and the system-wide clutter introduced by Android 16, Google is failing its blind users. Mapping commands to buttons that don’t exist and hiding app names in notifications shows that Google and hardware manufacturers like OnePlus are settling…

https://accessibleandroid.com/the-ghost-d-pad-and-why-good-enough-is-failing-android-braille-users/

Magical Artist

Magical Artist: A Fresh Take on Art & Management Simulation!

Details

Revive Your City Through the Power of Art!
Picture yourself standing on the streets of a forgotten city—faded walls, peeling colors, and silence where there was once laughter. This is no ruin, yet it’s more heartbreaking: a place that…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/magical-artist/

TCL 65V6C Google TV Review

Smart TVs have become a central part of home entertainment, but accessibility is still often treated as an afterthought. For visually impaired users, choosing a TV is not just about picture quality or smart features, it’s about whether the device can be used independently and reliably.

In this review, I’m…

https://accessibleandroid.com/tcl-65v6c-google-tv-review/

Customizing the Recent Apps Screen on Samsung Phones for a Better TalkBack Experience

Samsung screen reader users may have noticed that the TalkBack experience on One UI 7 and 8 can be frustrating when navigating recent apps. On the Recent Apps screen, the screen reader does not scroll automatically while swiping through the list. Instead, manual scrolling is required by swiping with two…

https://accessibleandroid.com/customizing-the-recent-apps-screen-on-samsung-phones-for-a-better-talkback-experience/