Updates to Android TalkBack, iPhone Shortcut Automations and Patreon Accessibility

Last updated on March 13, 2021

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In 2009, Google implented Talkback into their Android smart phones. Talkback for Android is a screen reader designed for use by the blind or visually impaired. Similar to Voiceover on the iPhone, Talkback uses a variety of swipes and special gestures to aid in navigating the phone.

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Talkback Updates:

First up I’m joined by Ed Green from the Blind Android Users Podcast and BlindAndroidUsers.com. Ed begins by explaining what Talkback for Android is and how it helps people who are blind or visually impaired.

 

In summer of 2020, Android Accessibility Suite 8.2 and Talkback 9.0 were released as part of Android 11. The update brought support for multi finger gestures similar to voiceover on iOS. Some of the new gestures include the 2 finger double tap which is used to play and pause audio as well as answer and hang up phone calls. Also included are gestures for switching apps, going home or back, viewing notifications, accessing quick settings, scrolling and much more.

 

In addition to discussing these new features, Ed also tells me about Talkback 9.1 which is the latest update for Talkback. Ed says that the multi-finger gestures have been “broken” with this update. There is a way to “roll back” your version of Talkback depending on your method of upgrade. Ed tells us how to downgrade in order to enable the multi-finger gestures again.

Today’s Tech Tip – Shortcut Automations:

In this weeks tech tip, I show you how to use the Shortcuts app on the iPhone to setup automations to help you with various tasks or apps. In this example, I show you how to automatically have ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode turn on and then off when openning or closing an app.

Patreon Accessibility:

Next, I speak with Journalist, author and activist, Robert Kingett. Robert has been working on structured negotiations with the membership platform, Patreon.

Patreon is a way to get paid for creating the things you’re already creating like WebComics, videos, songs, podcasts, etc.. Fans pay a few dollars per month and then you get paid every month or every time you release something new. Until recently, Patreon was not very accessible to blind or visually impaired people using a screen reader.

 

Working with disability rights lawyer Lainey Feingold, Robert brought Patreon to the table to negotiate how to fix the inaccessibility of their app and website. In my interview with him, Robert tells us about these negotiations and what is happening with Patreon now and into the future.

 

If you have any questions or comments, please send your emails to: tim@lifeafterblindness.com. You can also leave me a voicemail by calling (201)588-5221

Please come back and join me again as we journey together to find that there can truly be a life after blindness.