[nabs-l] Android and Mobile Accessibility

Thu May 26 05:44:33 UTC 2011

Technically, Talkback comes with several Android phones. It just doesn't work nearly as well as VoiceOver on the iPhone. In any case, I'm pretty sure accessibility will keep improving on the Android platform, and that's great for all of us. Android is younger than iOS, so let's give it some time. iOS versions 1.x and 2.x didn't have any accessibility features at all, which is a lot worse than Android. The difference here is that Apple controls everything about their OS, and they didn't provide accessibility until it was ready and the hardware they were shipping was able to run VoiceOver properly. Android is supposed to be an open source project, and things work in completely different ways.
On May 25, 2011, at 7:52 PM, Liz Bottner wrote:

> Yes, I do realize this. I believe that my point still stands: I pay the
> money and can access what MA will let me access, regardless of who's fault
> it was that increased accessibility isn't available. The bottom line is that
> I am still having to pay extra for accessibility, something that comes
> inherent on Apple devices. It really is a catch-22.
> 
> Liz Bottner
> Guiding Eyes Graduate Council
> GEB Voicemail:  800-942-0149 Ext. 2531
> e-mail: 
> liziswhatis at hotmail.com 
> Visit my LiveJournal: 
> http://unsilenceddream.livejournal.com 
> Follow me on Twitter: 
> http://twitter.com/lizbot 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Jorge Paez
> Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 6:09 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Android and Mobile Accessibility
> 
> Liz:
> Just a quick note:
> the apps are all developed by Mobile Accessibility--but the fact that the
> screenreader doesn't work that well outside those apps is rather Google's
> fault.
> 
> 
> On May 25, 2011, at 1:00 PM, Liz Bottner wrote:
> 
>> What are some things related to usability and convenience that you give up
>> in using an Android? I am thinking of possibly taking the plunge and
> getting
>> an Android, having used an iPhone prior. I have had very little experience
>> using Android, and will say that I was frustrated in doing so. If I have
> to
>> give up a lot and find that my use of the phone and its features really is
>> limited, I may not go for it. I really wish Google would make
> accessibility
>> a priority. I would love choice in which mobile platform I can use. I'm
>> possibly also spoiled in that I don't think I should have to pay extra for
>> accessibility, (following Apple's example), especially if the extra that I
>> would pay only allows me access to a specific suite of applications deemed
>> accessible by one developer/company and I still cannot have full access to
>> the phone. Lastly, I am wondering at this point if Android is not more
>> accessible to the low vision user than it is to one who is totally blind?
>> 
>> Just my thoughts...
>> 
>> Liz Bottner
>> Guiding Eyes Graduate Council
>> GEB Voicemail:  800-942-0149 Ext. 2531
>> e-mail: 
>> liziswhatis at hotmail.com 
>> Visit my LiveJournal: 
>> http://unsilenceddream.livejournal.com 
>> Follow me on Twitter: 
>> http://twitter.com/lizbot 
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf
>> Of Ignasi Cambra
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 5:17 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Android and Mobile Accessibility
>> 
>> In my experience, Android is truly interesting for experimenting at this
>> point, and with some work and trying and failing many things can be done.
> I
>> have tried both Talkback and Mobile Accessibility and, to be honest, none
> of
>> the two provide anything close to the experience you will get on an
> iPhone.
>> If you need a fully functional phone and you need to accomplish things
>> quickly and efficiently, I would say Android is not ready yet. If you want
>> to try something new and you are willing to give up on some usability and
>> convenience, try getting an Android phone and see how it goes. If you are
>> planning on using Mobile Accessibility I would recommend that you get a
>> touch screen phone.
>> 
>> IC
>> On May 24, 2011, at 5:40 PM, Jorge Paez wrote:
>> 
>>> Hi all:
>>> Just wondering,
>>> my time is coming for a chance to upgrade on AT&T and I am interested in
>> the Android platform.
>>> What experiences have you had with the platform/screenreader?
>>> Is TalkBack any good?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Thank you.
>>> 
>>> Jorge
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
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