Android phones and tablets - RNIB - See differently



Android phones and tabletsWhat is it: Android is a family of products encompassing many makes of smart phones and tablets. Android can be seen as a competitor to the Apple iPhone or iPad. Unlike Apple, many manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Lenovo, Motorola and LG produce devices running the Android operating system. They all use touch screen technology to control the device.Most Android devices available today of built in accessibility through speech feedback and screen magnification.Products range in size from screen sizes of around 5 inches to 12 inches. Phones and tablets can run many similar applications to add functionality.Setup:Any Android phone or tablet needs to be set up with your personal details like Google email address, wifi network keys, pass code or finger print and any data transferred from an older device. In addition, more and more devices can be set using accessibility options at start up. In this way you can use Talkback or magnifier to set up the device. A touch screen can seem a little daunting at first but with practice it is very usable even if you have no useful vision. By touching the screen and using finger gestures such as flicking, tapping, sliding etc. you can control your device.Use:Accessibility options on an Android device gives the user access to the same apps that other users may be using. For example, you can make calls, send texts, email, access web sites etc. In addition you can download from a range of thousands of apps to enhance your smart device's capabilities. Play radio/TV, access music, find out about transport, read documents using the built in camera, identify products and locations, identify currency, identify colours, keep in touch with friends and family, read books, manage your bank accounts and so much more.Verdict:More and more products are accessible out of the box and don't require the purchase or installation of extra software. You can buy the latest device and have it set up within minutes all without any assistance.Once you master the concept of the touch screen such a device will fit seamlessly into our lifestyle.Not all Android versions are the same. Manufacturers tend to put their own version of Android onto their devices. Where possible it's an idea to stick with stock android. Samsung have their own screen reader as an alternative to Talk back. They call it Voice assistant. Kindle o their Fire HD tablets have voiceview.you can buy up to date Android devices from as little as ?100 upto ?700 depending on specification, screen size and memory.Further Resources: Android accessibility features: Android: ................
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