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

Google Maps will receive a screen reader tool for nearby places

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Googleis introducing new accessibility features to several of its platforms to help people with disabilities get around town more easily.

A few of the six changeswill be exclusive to smartphones. Search with Live View onGoogle Mapswill receive “screen reader capabilities… [giving] auditory feedback of the place around you”. This tool is meant to help “people who are blind or low-vision” get helpful info like the name or category of a location and how far away it is from their current position. All users have to do to activate it is tap the camera icon in theGoogle Mapssearch bar and then aim the rear camera at whatever is around them.

The screen reader is making its way toiOSstarting today with theAndroidversion rolling out in the coming months. Also coming to mobile, the Chrome app’s address bar will be able to detect typos in text and display “suggested websites” according to what the browser thinks you’re looking for. This second tool is meant to help people with dyslexia find the content they’re looking for.

Google points out these two build on top of the recently released accessibility features on Pixel phones like theMagnifier appas well as the upgraded Guided Frame. The latter can help blind people take selfies by utilizing a “combination of audio cues, high-contrast animations, and haptic feedback”.

Guided Frame is available on thePixel 8and8 Prowith plans to expand it to thePixel 6andPixel 7by the end of the year.

Easier navigation

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

First, Google Maps on mobile is adding a “wheelchair-accessible transit” option for people looking for locations that don’t have any stairs at the entrance as well as buildings that are wheelchair friendly. Similarly, Maps forAndroid Autowill indicate “wheelchair-accessible places” on the screen with a little blue icon next to relevant results. Additionally, local businesses have the opportunity to label themselves as “Disabled-owned” on Google Search in case you want to support them directly.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

The last change sees Assistant Routines on Google Home become more like the company’sActions Block appas users can configure the icons on the main screen however they want. For example, the on-screen icons can be increased in size and you can alter the thumbnail image for one of the blocks.

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

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

You might also like

Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry for several years now specializing in consumer electronics, entertainment devices, Windows, and the gaming industry. But he’s also passionate about smartphones, GPUs, and cybersecurity.

How to delete a character from Character AI

How to turn off Meta AI

Sonos Arc Ultra review: the best one-box Dolby Atmos soundbar for the price, with one grating flaw