Google has announced several new accessibility features for its products, including Google Maps, that will help blind and visually impaired users better navigate their surroundings. The most notable new addition is an iPhone-exclusive augmented reality (AR) feature that allows users to orient themselves using their camera and AI-powered visual descriptions.
Using the camera and AI to guide the environment
The new Lens feature in Google Maps, previously known as “Search with Live View,” will now leverage the iPhone’s camera and the artificial intelligence of a visually impaired user to describe nearby places of interest. After capturing images of the user’s surroundings, Google Maps will use screen reader technology to speak the names and types of attractions it recognizes, such as restaurants, transit stations, and ATMs, along with their proximity to the user’s location.
This should pair well with Google Maps’ existing voice-guided navigation for blind users to provide greater awareness of the immediate surroundings, as well as navigation assistance.
Launching first for iPhone users
Lens’ visual search capability will begin rolling out to iPhone users this week, giving them early access before Android users, who will gain access later this year. Expanding accessibility has been a priority for Google Maps, with previous releases of turn-by-turn voice guides and wheelchair-accessible routes. Additionally, you can also read an article on 10 Best Augmented Reality Apps for Android to Explore the World in a New Way.
Other accessibility improvements will come to Google Maps
Along with the visual search tool, Google announced some additional accessibility-focused improvements in Maps. Businesses will now be able to identify themselves as part of a specific community, such as LGBTQ+ ownership, to help users find inclusive places. Selecting wheelchair accessible routes will now be an option for pedestrians to avoid stairs and steep hills. Google is also adding larger shortcut icons and wheelchair routes for Google Assistant and Android Auto.
Google’s ongoing effort to make maps usable for everyone
Since Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation applications in the world, increasing its accessibility for blind and visually impaired users is key. This latest update with iPhone-exclusive early access to visual overviews powered by Lens demonstrates Google’s commitment to perfecting Maps as a valuable tool for users of all levels. Improvements help remove barriers to make navigating the world easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
You may be interested: Google Search can now generate images and text from queries using AI
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn