In conjunction with Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2023, Google also did not miss out on introducing some new accessibility features developed by them. First and foremost is the Lookout feature launched in 2019 now enhanced to automatically offer alt text functionality.
Alt text is used on platforms such as Twitter to describe images attached to messages sent. But in the latest study, only 0.1% of the pictures taken using alt text make the individual blind or hard of sight to not know what is in the picture.
With the new Lookout, all images can be identified with alt text captions generated automatically with the help of DeepMind's AI. Users can then ask Lookout questions to further describe the image in more detail if necessary.
Next in Google Maps, information about businesses that have wheelchair access can be displayed. This may be in the form of ramps, toilets and wheelchair friendly parking areas. This feature is also useful for people who use pushchairs to carry small babies.
Live Caption has been updated to be used better on tablets. In addition Live Caption can now be used in phone calls. Deaf and mute people can use Live Caption to make voice calls. The audio transcript can be read and then responded to in text form before Live Caption reads it to the person on the other end of the line. This feature is currently available on Pixel 4 devices (and up) and some other Samsung Galaxy and Android device models.
Finally, Chrome can change mistyped URLs by suggesting the correct spelling of the URL. This feature is for those with dyslexia who have difficulty spelling or typing.