Google Maps is getting a big accessibility update that could change how people connect with the world

By James On Oct 17, 2023

Google is rolling out new accessibility features on several of its platforms to help people with disabilities get around the city more easily.

A few of the six changes will be exclusive to smartphones. Live View Search on Google Maps gets “screen reader capabilities… (provides) auditory feedback of the place around you.” This tool aims to help “people who are blind or visually impaired” get useful information, such as the name or category of a location and how far it is from their current position. All users have to do to activate it is tap the camera icon in the Google Maps search bar and then point the rear camera at what’s around them.

Google Maps screen reader — (Image credit: Google)

The screen reader is making its way to iOS starting today, with the Android version rolling out in the coming months. The Chrome app address bar is also coming to mobile and can detect typos in text and show ‘suggested websites’ based on what the browser thinks you’re looking for. This second tool aims to help people with dyslexia find the content they are looking for.

Google points out that these two build on the recently released accessibility features on Pixel phones, such as the Magnifier app and the upgraded Guided Frame. The latter could help blind people take selfies by using a “combination of audio cues, high-contrast animations and haptic feedback.”

Guided Frame is available on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, with plans to expand it to the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 by the end of the year.

Magnifying glass on Google Pixel

(Image credit: Google)

The rest of the update consists of minor adjustments to select apps.

First, Google Maps on mobile is adding a “wheelchair accessible transit” option for people looking for locations without steps at the entrance and for buildings that are wheelchair friendly. Similarly, Maps for Android Auto indicates “wheelchair accessible places” on the screen with a small blue icon next to relevant results. Additionally, local businesses have the option to label themselves as “Disability Owned” on Google Search, in case you want to support them directly.

The latest change makes Assistant routines on Google Home more similar to the company’s Actions Block app as users can configure the icons on the main screen the way they want. For example, the icons on the screen can be enlarged and you can change the thumbnail image for any of the blocks.

A Google representative told us that this batch is currently being rolled out, so keep an eye out for the patch when it arrives.

We recommend checking out TechRadar’s list of the best text-to-speech software for 2023 if you’re looking for other ways to help you navigate the web.