Google continues to be on the agenda with update news even as it is widely known for its recently launched Pixel 8 series smartphones. The company, which has been heating things up lately, does not stop after major updates such as successive Maps updates, artificial intelligence Bard support for the Google Assistant application.
Google updates are not limited to apps
Google has announced a series of accessibility updates for Maps, Search and Assistant, as well as some camera-based Pixel features. One of the main areas of focus this time around is wheelchair accessibility. A new option that is slowly rolling out on iOS and Android will allow Maps users to request walking routes without stairs.
The feature, which Google says will also benefit those traveling with luggage and strollers, will roll out globally as long as the company has enough data for the region. Google says that if you have a wheelchair-accessible option enabled in your public transportation preferences, it will automatically apply to walking routes.
If you don’t have such an option enabled, don’t worry. When you request a walking route, you can tap the three dots at the top of the screen and enable the “wheelchair accessible” option to get stair-free directions.
Also, if a business chooses to identify itself as “owned by a disabled person”, this will now appear in Maps and Search listings. In addition, the lens feature will also be available in Maps. This will be especially useful for blind and partially sighted people, who will receive auditory feedback about places around you, including useful information such as the name of a place, its category and how far away it is.
In addition, the company will offer more customizable Assistant Routines. You’ll be able to add a routine as a shortcut to your home screen and customize it with your own images and size. Not only that, Google is adding a feature that detects spelling errors in the Chrome address bar to help people with dyslexia, people learning new languages.
So what do you think about this issue? You can share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
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