Android Accessibility Suite, formerly known as Google Talkback, is a powerful tools app for Android devices. The latest version with the ID com.google.android.marvin.talkback has tons of features that make it easier for visually impaired people to use their device. It lets you control your smartphone using gesture, voice commands, or a physical keyboard without the need for vision. In this review, we will be highlighting the features, pros and cons, comparison with similar apps, tips for using the app, and a final verdict.
Features
Voice Navigation
The main feature of Accessibility Suite is the Voice Navigation. This feature provides a voice that guides you on where to touch and what you are selecting while using your device. It can also give you the name of the button that is currently selected.
Gesture Navigation
With Gesture Navigation, you can control your device using different gestures instead of using the interface. This feature comes in handy when you don’t want to use the touchscreen.
Braille Support
There is also Braille support for those who prefer to use that method of input. BrailleBack works with the different types of refreshable braille displays that work with Android and gives you access to on-screen content.
Quick Settings Panel
Accessibility Suite has its Quick Settings panel that allows the user to toggle Accessibility options like TalkBack or magnification quickly.
Pros
Customizable Voice Pitch and Speed
You can customize the pitch and speed of the voice prompt that helps you navigate through the device.
Extremely User Friendly
The App is designed keeping the visually-impaired user in mind, thus making it super easy to use, yet powerful enough to help them perform all the necessary tasks.
TalkBack and magnification options
TalkBack and magnification are two primary options in Accessibility Suite. With TalkBack, the app speaks aloud about the icon that is tapped, while magnification lets users zoom in on the elements of the screen they need to see better.
Cons
Somewhat Limited for Daily Use
If you are using Android Accessibility Suite in its most basic form, it could seem rather limited, especially if you are someone who does not rely on the app on a daily basis.
Voice Overlapping
Another issue with Accessibility Suite is that the voice can overlap when more than one thing is happening at the same time. For example, it can be challenging to understand the voice prompt when there is an incoming call or message.
Not Completely Bug-Free
While Android Accessibility Suite has come a long way, some specific bugs and glitches might trouble the users, causing the device to behave irregularly.
Comparison
Compared to other accessibility apps on Android, Accessibility Suite shines in terms of functionality and reliability. While the platform offers a considerable number of accessible options, coming from the house of Google, and the developer's support guarantees that this app will continue to get better with time.
Tips for using Accessibility Suite
Start Slowly
If you are new to Accessibility Suite, then start slowly. Use and understand each feature in detail; it might take time but will be worth it in the end. Utilize the guidance options and explore what works for you.
Use Headphones
Using headphones means that you can better hear the Voice Navigation audio cues, allowing the phone to vibrate less as well.
Verdict
Accessibility Suite is a great app that succeeds in making Android more accessible to those who require additional assistance. It's a powerful tool that improves the experience and interface of most Android smartphones for people with vision needs. It is packed full of features, aides, and assistance, which are easy to use and do not limit the functionality of the device. Its main drawbacks are the bugs and the overlapping voice prompts. Nonetheless, we highly recommend Accessibility Suite to visually impaired users who want to make their Android experience smoother and find it easier to interact with their device without the need for sight.
Updated 04-20-2023
Overview
Android Accessibility Suite, formerly known as Google Talkback, is a powerful tools app for Android devices. The latest version with the ID com.google.android.marvin.talkback has tons of features that make it easier for visually impaired people to use their device. It lets you control your smartphone using gesture, voice commands, or a physical keyboard without the need for vision. In this review, we will be highlighting the features, pros and cons, comparison with similar apps, tips for using the app, and a final verdict.Features
Voice Navigation
The main feature of Accessibility Suite is the Voice Navigation. This feature provides a voice that guides you on where to touch and what you are selecting while using your device. It can also give you the name of the button that is currently selected.Gesture Navigation
With Gesture Navigation, you can control your device using different gestures instead of using the interface. This feature comes in handy when you don’t want to use the touchscreen.Braille Support
There is also Braille support for those who prefer to use that method of input. BrailleBack works with the different types of refreshable braille displays that work with Android and gives you access to on-screen content.Quick Settings Panel
Accessibility Suite has its Quick Settings panel that allows the user to toggle Accessibility options like TalkBack or magnification quickly.Pros
Customizable Voice Pitch and Speed
You can customize the pitch and speed of the voice prompt that helps you navigate through the device.Extremely User Friendly
The App is designed keeping the visually-impaired user in mind, thus making it super easy to use, yet powerful enough to help them perform all the necessary tasks.TalkBack and magnification options
TalkBack and magnification are two primary options in Accessibility Suite. With TalkBack, the app speaks aloud about the icon that is tapped, while magnification lets users zoom in on the elements of the screen they need to see better.Cons
Somewhat Limited for Daily Use
If you are using Android Accessibility Suite in its most basic form, it could seem rather limited, especially if you are someone who does not rely on the app on a daily basis.Voice Overlapping
Another issue with Accessibility Suite is that the voice can overlap when more than one thing is happening at the same time. For example, it can be challenging to understand the voice prompt when there is an incoming call or message.Not Completely Bug-Free
While Android Accessibility Suite has come a long way, some specific bugs and glitches might trouble the users, causing the device to behave irregularly.Comparison
Compared to other accessibility apps on Android, Accessibility Suite shines in terms of functionality and reliability. While the platform offers a considerable number of accessible options, coming from the house of Google, and the developer's support guarantees that this app will continue to get better with time.Tips for using Accessibility Suite
Start Slowly
If you are new to Accessibility Suite, then start slowly. Use and understand each feature in detail; it might take time but will be worth it in the end. Utilize the guidance options and explore what works for you.Use Headphones
Using headphones means that you can better hear the Voice Navigation audio cues, allowing the phone to vibrate less as well.Verdict
Accessibility Suite is a great app that succeeds in making Android more accessible to those who require additional assistance. It's a powerful tool that improves the experience and interface of most Android smartphones for people with vision needs. It is packed full of features, aides, and assistance, which are easy to use and do not limit the functionality of the device. Its main drawbacks are the bugs and the overlapping voice prompts. Nonetheless, we highly recommend Accessibility Suite to visually impaired users who want to make their Android experience smoother and find it easier to interact with their device without the need for sight.