Do you know nearly 2.2 billion people have vision impairment globally? Suppose you are planning to launch your app in several markets. In that case, integrating accessibility features and services as early as feasible into the Android internationalization process might help you expand the reach of your app.
This guide will demonstrate how to build accessibility into your Android app so that it can support all users regardless of vision impairment.
What is Android Accessibility?
This is the ability of Android devices to make the user interface accessible to people with visual disabilities. The goal of Android is to provide an experience similar to that of a typical touchscreen smartphone for users who cannot use their hands.
The modern, accessible approach to mobile development is to integrate accessibility requirements into the earliest phases of design and development and all stages of testing. In addition, an Android app development company in India- Qode Maker, may assist you in creating a multilingual app or integrating the features to maximize the potential of untapped markets.
Android accessibility features
Android accessibility features allow users to customize their devices by modifying accessibility settings or apps to improve their experience. This will enable individuals with various disabilities, such as visual, hearing, physical, or speech impairments, to enhance their ability to access and interact with web pages and apps.
The features also give persons without disabilities improved capabilities when they might be functionally disabled, such as when driving, carrying items in one or both hands, or using their device in low light or noisy environments.
Some accessibility functions- like increasing volume, enlarging the text or redesigning the keyboard-can be executed through the standard features of the device itself or the primarily available web browsers. However, the Android accessibility features include various specialized tools that significantly improve accessibility.
The Android Accessibility feature set
- Spoken feedback– The TalkBack function allows users to interact with their devices using touch and input. The TalkBack tool describes each user action and provides spoken alerts and notifications.
- Select to speak– Select to speak limits the feedback function t only user-selected items on the screen, reading or describing them aloud.
- Switch access– For users with limited flexibility, Switch Access provides a different touchscreen. This enables the user to use a switch, keyboard, or mouse instead.
Voice commands– If using a touchscreen is complex, and the Voice Access app allows users to control their devices using spoken commands. This feature can open apps, navigate, and edit texts hands-free. Voice access is presently only available as a beta release in English only.
What is Talkback?
Talkback is a voice-controlled screen reader application for Android devices. TalkBack gives you eyes-free control of your device. It also has a built-in dictionary that allows users to look up words by simply saying them aloud, so they don’t have to remember what each term means from context.
Navigate your device with TalkBack
When you turn on TalkBack on your device, you can touch or swipe your screen to explore.
Explore by touch
As you drag your finger around the screen, TalkBack announces icons, buttons, and more. After a pause, TalkBack suggests actions for you, like how to activate or view content; when you find an item, double-tap anywhere on the screen to select it.
Explore by swiping
To explore your screen one item at a time, swipe up or down with one finger. When you focus on an item, TalkBack reads that item aloud and might suggest actions for you.
When speaking, press Stop, Return or Esc to end talking and return to normal navigation mode.
By incorporating accessibility features early on in the Android process, you can increase the visibility of your app and potentially increase usage.
If you want to make an app with these features, you can talk with Qode Maker, a custom Android app development company. Our team will be happy to assist you.
