What’s New in TalkBack 15.1

Google has started rolling out TalkBackversion 15.1. The rollout is gradual, so it might take some time before the update reaches your device. Here’s what’s new in this version.

Table of Contents

- Extended Reading Controls
- Improvements to Opening Links
- Manual Text and Icon Detection Restored
- Enhanced…

https://accessibleandroid.com/whats-new-in-talkback-15-1/

foobar2000

The music player list is very large and there are as many music players out there. Some better than others, each of them falling into categories for listener taste and preference: Foobar2000 is one such player with the most advanced customization arsenal and the power user in mind.

Play Store…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/foobar2000/

MyTherapy Pill Reminder

This pill reminder app reliably reminds you to take your tablets, pills, and other medication, vitamins, or supplements at the scheduled time. With the medication tracker and pill counter, you always have a good overview of your treatment, your recorded intakes, and your stock.

Details

You can schedule reminders to…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/mytherapy-pill-reminder/

How to Boot into Download and Recovery Modes on Samsung Devices Running Android 11 and Higher Without Using a PC

As you may probably know, Samsung phones, just like all the other phones and devices, have special startup modes:
Recovery mode, where you can clear cache, factory wipe your phone, repair apps (defragmentation), and even install custom software; and Fastboot mode/Download mode (Samsung), where technicians, or even you, can flash…

https://accessibleandroid.com/how-to-boot-into-download-and-recovery-modes-on-samsung-devices-running-android-11-and-higher-without-using-a-pc/

Android Accessibility Progress Report: What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t) Since Spring 2024

Back in March 2024, I penned an ambitious “Blueprint for Google” to revolutionize Android accessibility in ten areas that, let’s be honest, were desperately in need of some TLC. It’s been quite a few months since then, and with great anticipation (and perhaps a smidge of wishful thinking), I’ve been…

https://accessibleandroid.com/android-accessibility-progress-report-whats-changed-and-what-hasnt-since-spring-2024/

Samsung Android Accessibility Framework 34.1.1 Highlights: Paid a Buck, I Sit in Front; Couldn’t Pay, I’m Stuck in Time

When I posted my article about Samsung’s accessibility framework after One UI 6.1 was released—a framework that continually improves—I ended the article with a note. I hoped that Samsung would update all devices with the new framework in One UI 6.1.1. Fast forward to November 2024: One UI 6.1.1 is…

https://accessibleandroid.com/samsung-android-accessibility-framework-34-1-1-highlights-paid-a-buck-i-sit-in-front-couldnt-pay-im-stuck-in-time/

Power Management Settings in Jieshuo Screen Reader

In order for a screen reader to function properly, it should be given the privilege to operate in the background freely without being restricted by system battery optimization mechanisms.
However, at the same time, the screen reader shouldn’t be a battery hog. Jieshuo screen reader dedicates a section of its…

https://accessibleandroid.com/power-management-settings-in-jieshuo-screen-reader/

Startpage

The Play Store is replete with browsers of all sorts from developers across the globe. Some are great and some are so-so!
Startpage on the other hand, is a great, simplistic and well-thought-out app.
Startpage is both a browser and a search engine.

Play Store Description:

Rocket into the future…

https://accessibleandroid.com/app/startpage/

Good news for Public Radio fans.
The latest update to the NPR app has made it accessible and usable. The app used to be almost impossible to navigate, and both TalkBack and Jieshuo would freeze while attempting to move around its news articles or program segments. However, the latest release has effectively resolved the glitch.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.npr.android.news&hl=en_US

Comparing Video Description Features: Seeing AI vs. PiccyBot

There is no doubt about how important describing images is for blind users. However, being able to hear descriptions of videos is equally important. Video descriptions can be more challenging, though, as the description service needs to establish a connection between scenes to provide meaningful context. With the rapid advancements…

https://accessibleandroid.com/comparing-video-description-features-seeing-ai-vs-piccybot/

VRadio, one of the most accessible and user-friendly radio apps on Android, is currently unavailable on the Google Play Store. The developer is working to bring it back as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can download the app from the official website using the link below https://vradio.app/files/com.ilv.vradio_90207002.apk

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/