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Google has released New Version of its Voice Access App for Persons with Disabilities

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Jennie Miller

Google revealed the Voice Access app in 2018 and launched an update on Thursday to enable people more efficiently navigate their phones with their voice. The recently updated version of Voice Access is now available in beta worldwide on devices running Android 6.0 and up, but it is initially available on devices running Android 11. Google claims a new interface and machine learning will make the use of Voice Access easier. The tech giant has confirmed it can be particularly helpful for people with motor disabilities, such as those with ALS, arthritis, or spinal cord injuries. Google pointed out that it can also help people with a temporary disability, such as a broken arm, or someone whose hands are otherwise occupied with a task like cooking.

The previous version of Voice Access could draw numbers on your phone’s screen so you could say commands like ‘tap 1’ or ‘scroll down on 5’. But, the updated version of Voice Access allows you to ask for labels instead of numbers. So, for example, you could say, ‘Open Chrome’ or reply’. The new addition can also help people with a temporary disability, such as a broken arm. The latest version of the app also includes new commands that enable you to complete tasks more efficiently and quickly. For instance, you can now just say “search for kittens” within YouTube, Photos and other apps, rather than saying ‘tap search’ and then ‘type kittens’. But, you can get such features after installing or upgrading to the new version of Voice Access.

Point to be noted that you’ll have the option to either have the app launch whenever you use your phone or to say ‘Hey Google, Voice Access’ when you need it. The United Nations says the recent updates came on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is designed to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. There are a number of tech companies launching accessibility features, like Apple, Twitter, and Facebook. It is noteworthy that the coronavirus pandemic has also highlighted the urgency of disability accommodations, as more people depend on online interactions for everyday tasks.

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