Google is launching a new Android app today that will help people with mobility and motor impairments control their devices. The app called Voice Access allows users to navigate through different apps, write and edit text, and even talk to Google Assistant. Users can even get more specific with controls. They would be able to use their voice to tap buttons and adjust controls within apps. The new app from Google would also scroll or navigate app screens.
For example, if a user wants to write or edit text, they can start by saying “OK Google,” and then open their preferred app for writing with an “open” command. The interface relies mostly on numbers which are assigned to areas they can interact with. This way users will then select where they exactly want to type by speaking the number Voice Access has assigned. Then users can just say their message aloud and edit it as they go. They can say various commands like “delete the line” or “undo” . Once they finish writing, they can say “stop listening” .
Google has listed all the commands on its Support Page, including how to adjust specific phone settings apart from the general commands.
Even though Google has said that it focused on developing the app for people with Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, it also notes that people who have their hands full could use it as well.
Google says that for now, the app only supports English, but additional languages would definitely be coming in the future.
