Could Apple now be rivalled by Google. Google pixel eight improves updates with seven years of android updates, seven years security updates in seven years of features drops

This has been written using dictation I suppose. Hope you just proofread before posting.
Thanks for the news anyways.

Though to be honest, I do not think it is something to be worried over. Unless you mean to say you are worried that Apple's innovations will decline.
Could happen I suppose...

The Pixel 8's Face Unlock is much more usable than past iterations:

https://www.androidheadlines.com/2023/10/pixel-8-face-unlock-more-usable.html

As you may or may not remember, the Pixel 4 back in the day had something similar, though it didn't last long:

https://www.androidcentral.com/pixel-4-face-unlock-vs-apples-face-id

Not surprising that others would eventually catch up to Apple in terms of accessibility and other features. This is what it means for a product family to "mature".

At first, one vendor might have come up with a new paradigm that is successful. Eventually other developers catch on and the once new technoligies and ideas are not new. Eventually they all become legacy products unless they continue to innovate and create novel concepts.

So yes, perhaps not surprising that Google could be at parity with Apple in many areas of accessibility.

Despite that though, Apple and Google continue to innovate and bring new, interesting, and useful features to their users.

--Pete

Hi. I’ve been using android since 2010. I started with the original pixel. I currently have a pixel seven. I ended up going to the iPhone because I live in the real world in the on device image description provided by the iPhone, lets me live in the real world. Being forced to share things to lookout and hope it gets me an image description is not an acceptable solution. There was a time when Google did really well with android accessibility, but that was several years in the past. I don’t like moving to the Apple world, but I want to live independently, and Google doesn’t offer a good solution anymore. The fact a company like Apple, who is not known for their AI capabilities, was able to provide on device description for several years now while the company who brags about their AI capabilities, can’t is insulting.
What makes be even more angry is Google has had solutions that provided easy image descriptions twice during the time I use my pixels. Both times, they either kill it, or repurpose it into something that doesn’t provide accurate results. What forced me to finally say I’ve Had Enough, and move to the iPhone was the fact the iPhone is the only way now to easily get a description of my photos in Google photos. I could not successfully do that any longer on my pixel seven. photos I know contain a picture of my cat gave no useful results when sharing them to look out. That’s ridiculous. Also, to the person who uses dictation, you should really do editing before you submit your post. This entire post was created on an iPhone 13 using voice dictation and editing the results.

Nope Talkback is still far behind. Also you have the issue of third party apps being willing to adopt accessibility. so no I don't see this being an issue any time in the near future.

I completely agree with both you hands down

You get what you pay for. either get a pro or pro max. You will have all of Apple's latest accessibility features and Lidar.

Preface

Original text for thy post is below. Sadly, there is always going to be a bashing of Android Talk somewhere (which it looks like buying the Pixel 8 series isn't going well for at least one blind friend I know), and Google Accessibility told him he needed to contact the Google Store via EMail.
With that being said... Let's try and balance things here, shal we?

Since the topic of both images & Talkback were mention among the same thread, I share the following.

1. The latest stable version of Jieshuo (October 1 2023), can now be gotten from

http://accessibleandroid.com/jieshuo-screen-reader/

, where said site has been ampping up the Commentary coverage lately.
And if you really want OCR throughout the system for now, well... I don't need to say more...

2. Quit the bashing and share your feedback with Google directly!

https://g.co/help/accessibility/

, or via the 'Be My Eyes' application (where yes, I did sign up to the 'Be My AI' wait list).
Not to worry though, Bing AI does just as good!

https://accessibleandroid.com/detailed-image-descriptions-with-bing/

This thread is suppose to be a 'Pixel 8' topic after all (with Apple stuff sprinkled in of course), not another Android vs Apple brawl...

3. Mentioned among the Keynote, 'Guided Frame' now works with 'both' cameras, and recognizes more than just faces.

5. Not to be that 'Samsung Knight' praising my own phone all the time, but if you do have one and you're using the Samsung keyboard, remove the 'Spell Check' rotor from the 'Custom Reading Controls' menu and add the 'Grammarly' action to the toolbar.
Now that folks, is a 'Spell Checker!' Grammerly app and/or primium 'NOT' required!

PS. If ya haven't seen the latest thread I recently created among these walls, hopefully that one doesn't turn into a Macrodroid/Bixby Routines vs Siri Shortcuts war.

Also, about Google Docs on Android... Moving via Lines should do the trick.
Need i mention that I actually prefer the Talkback Braille Keyboard (not referring to Braille Display support) over Apple's Braille Screen Input (which I have used last via IOS 16)?

More details on that feature below:

https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/9728765?sjid=11127241182630563314-NA

See my post above yours.

I added a preface at the beginning. But in short, regardless of the good that Google does (or any Android company for that matter), people will only want to bash, and not properly take the time and report.

The same with why I am keeping my Galaxy.

If I ever did get a another iPhone in the future again, it'd be an unlocked next gen iPhone SE model to go along with said Samsung and 'NOT' as a replacement.

Or an IPod Touch if Apple ever brought that line back one day. I don't ever see that happening though...

Could I get a pixel? Sure! But well...

Once you have invested into using Bixby Routines vs Assistant Routines (which I hope said Pixel series improves on),

Hmmm...

Competition is a good thing. I'm sure that at least one of the reasons that Google is offering 7 years of updates is because Apple has been offering more years of updates compared to older Pixels, so they had to step up their game. Now let's see how Apple will respond in the future. As consumers we ultimately benefit regardless of the device we choose, especially those of us who like to keep our phones for longer than a couple of years.

Introducing the new iPixel 29 XL, brought to you by those zany folks at Goopple. The iPixel 29 XL sports an all new "comfort grip" design (see: Banana), and comes in a wide range of colors; including of course the long awaited theme of "Produce Yellow"!. This sleek SmartyPhone comes packed with features, and lots of potassium.

With the iPixel 29 XL, you will be able to upload everything to the cloud. More importantly, your data will be super secure; so secure in fact, that you may never see it again.
The iPixel 29 XL also introduces a revolutionary new technology called the "Soul Cloud". That's right folks! Now you can send your very soul into the cloud. And as stated before, your data is super secure!

The iPixel 29 XL will be starting at $19,999,999.95. Act now while supplies last!!

Life insurance sold separately....

so I guess they are wrong also? also not everyone wants to install a screen reader that you have to sideload.

Popcorn will be made available to select users in a future update.
On another note, the iPixel 29 XL will have a variety of ergonomic and stylish phone cases, exclusive to the all new design of the iPixel SmartyPhone. These cases, while giving a modest level of protection, also will support Goopple's patented new "peal-away" design. We at Goopple hope our users will find them most "appealing". 😇

the state of android accessibility doesn't look all that bleek as you seem to imply. I use both an android device and an Iphone 14 pro on a daily basis; of course, IOS does offer superior inbuilt accessibility in certain areas, but at the same time like it has been mentioned, something as basic as telegram has broken accessibility. on a sidenote therefore, the point about third-party apps sticking to accessibility standards in the apple ecosystem is kind of moot as well. The same telegram app, it may be noted, is quite accessible in the android ecosystem. Installing something like CSR quite brings an android device in par with apple devices; if I don't want to install a third-party app for increased accessibility that is my personal preference; not the lack of accessibility or lack of a choice. If we are to reflect on accessibility in general, well, like I've been mentioning a couple of days back, even within the 'superiorly' accessible apple environment, there has been no system implemented so far to solve one of the most basic of accessibility issues--captchas so....

I don't currently have an Android, but it's a possibility in the future. I appreciate the information you post in these topics.

I'm deeply proud that I can share my expertise here (even if I have to go 'full force' on it at times), combatting misinformation all on my lonesome.

As a quick disclaimer, I don't work for Google or Samsung. I'm just a champ of both their work.

With the latest iOS 17 update bricking Braille for me completely within the iMessage app. I'm tempted to switch platforms and see how it is on the other side. My thinking is I will always have an iPad to use for iOS thshs. For those whom have a good outlook on Braille, How is using a Braille hardware device on an android phone thesedays?

It's a good thing you're keeping an iPad around.

Honestly, it depends on the type of Braille manufacturer and when talking the type of Braille Display vs. Braille keyboard used.

E.G, Being able to use an Orbit Writer/Reader wirelessly with Bluetooth and/or USB vs only being able to use the NLS EReader via USB (which may or may not apply to you).

Now if we're talking about the Talkback Braille keyboard vs. Braille Screen with VoiceOver...

It's more fun to type with Talkback's version and you have better positioning and calibration in my view.
And even though the Braille Keyboard's tutorial uses 'Screen Away' mode, TB's BK now does have 'Table Top Mode', and I'm proud to happily have my Grade 2 USA Braile Contractions back in the palm of my hand!

Here's more details on Talkback Braille Display Support & the Braille Keyboard (which may or may not be out of date, since the Braille Keyboard seems to support more languages than Braille Displays? That'll need some clarification):

https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/3535226?hl=en

Now, does Jieshuo support Braile Displays? I'll have someone else confirm that...

I do know that it does work with the Advanced Braille Keyboard, and the Swift Braille Keyboard (sadly no longer maintained though is 'Open Source).'

Oh and yes, BRLTTY on Android is a thing too for Braille Displays. Some like it, some despise it.

I shall let others chime in with their own experiences.

PS. NLS BARD and Braille. It's, um, kinda been confusing with that one...

Thanks for the information. I have a Q Braille XL that will work with the Pixel device. I'm seeing on the Google store that if I pre-order a pixel 8 or 8 pro I can either get pixel buds or the second gen piel watch. Have you had any luck with the pixel watch or should I stay away?

Could Google and Samsung rival Apple? From the braille display user's perspective, there is still no competition. Samsugn introduced a security update in February 2023 which broke braille support altogether. To my knowledge, this was never resolved. Yes, you can still use braille if you uninstall the Samsung version of TalkBack and then install the Google one, but that won't help someone who can't see or hear their phone. Until there is equal access for DeafBlind, to me, it's not worth even considering. Yes, Android does have BRLTTY, which also requires quite a bit of set-up, in fact, the Android Accessibility review of Android 13 had the presenter even say they didn't want to mess with BRLTTY. So if a reviewer who is tech savvy doesn't want to mess with it, do you think that will appeal to a large majority of people who need it? As a general rule, it's been my experience that most people don't like having to mess with such settings. They want their support built-in or somehow easy to use, as in, tap an icon and off you go. Android, in any flavor, doesn't offer this. Also, the devices which require HID support for access don't appear to be supported even in Android 14 over Bluetooth. Again, if they can't be bothered to do the basics, why should they be considered? Yes, I know, you can connect the HID compliant stuff to USB, but how many people do you know that want to walk around with a wire constantly connecting their phone to their braille display? By the way, in the U.S. at least, many of the free devices now being distributed to patrons of NLS for free require the new HID standard to be followed. IN other words, once again, they don't even support the braille devices through Bluetooth that a majority of people will soon be using.

Unboxing & Setup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfdlA6p8ZWM

Pixel Watch vs. Galaxy Watch 5 Pro:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25k48KBzBb4

Thanks to Jon Dier, for both demonstrations.

See my prior post for some Pixel Watch demos thanks to BAU. I myself currently do not own a watch of any kind, (not even when I used Apple).

I just never had the need for one. Glad that the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is here, thus I may get that one.

One thing to note:

Unlike with the Pixel Watch, a subscription for all workouts & fitness functions is 'NOT' required with the Galaxy.

Speaking of Pixel watch, it's also fully incompatible with braille. Apple is the only one with a watch that even attempts to support braille display access.

I completely agree with Scott Davert

How many of us Samsung fans here among this community (besides myself), have actually shared feedback with said company when it comes to anything and everything accessibility wise?

If you haven't done so yourself and you are on the 1UI 6.0 beta, be vocal and let your voice be heard!

https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-members/

And as for Braille Display support being broken with 1UI 6? Someone else will have to test that notion (here or over among BAU).
i currently do not have a PC to change Talkback versions.

And the version of Talkback in the Play Store called Prudence (which is using the proper quality of Google TTS Speech by the way like with Jieshuo), I don't believe supports Braille at all (at time of writing).

BTW, unless someone has a better way of doing it, anyone thought of trying to make a Jieshuo VoiceOver Hotkey Scheme?
Or VoiceOver Gesture set for that matter?

I mean, why not!

Did anyone ever find out the reason why Code Factory never fully committed to releasing their Braille display support outside of Mobile Accessibility? They said it was gonna be 'Open Source.'
Anyone remember that news?

Also, there is 'one' braile watch that I heard of for Android, which may or may have not been mentioned here...

https://buy.dotincorp.com/

That's why more Apple users (regardless if you're an Android user alongside or not), should share your feedback with Google and/or Samsung.

Thanks for the video links. Speaking only for myself here, I am an Apple fanboy. I have no qualms about that. However, I am not so jaded that I keep myself ignorant of other resources out there. When I first lost my eyesight, I started out with an Android. In fact my first 3 smart phones were Androids, and LG and 2 HTC's.
Do they even make HTC anymore...?

Anyways, thanks again for your informative posts. 😃

For my part, yes indeed, I've shared my feedback with Google. I have better things to do than simply complain. I received nothing in response from ingeneers.
As for Mobile Accessibility, even if they shared the source code, is it relevant since 32-bit apps are no longer supported?
Also, I have a question. Is there any braille support available with the new Comentator screen reader? I'm asking because I depend on braille, and no braille support means I have nearly 0 access.

It does zero good. for proof see what Happened to Jonathan Mosen when he tried to send feedback. it is one of his livingblindfully episodes.

To @Scott,

Your Braille Display request will 'NOT' go unanswered. I'm on it!

In other happenings, @Joshua mentioned a few posts back, that Jieshuo (Commentary) does not have Braille support currently. Sadly, that remains to be so (at time of writing).

With that being said, if anyone would like to give Lee feedback (who is the main creator of said screen reader) and you wish to not use Telegram for whatever reason, do so 'politely' via:

946049229@QQ.COM

FYI: Above email is mentioned right when you open the Jieshuo Lite/Plus Settings screen.
It is best to translate your messages from English to Chinese.

NB. Even though said email is mentioned in the app itself, if there is any pushback for posting said email out into the open, I shall 'vanish' said address from thy posting and redirect everyone to use the Telegram group:

https://t.me/jieshuochat/

Oh, and if folks are absolutely wanting another way of Payment besides 'PayPal', do let Lee or the Jieshuo community what other options that they would be able to do.

In case folks did not know, Jieshuo was in the Play Store. I myself have no idea why it was removed. It went under the name of 'TalkMan'.

If you need braille testers, I may be able to support. I have a Pixel 7 and access to a lot of braille displays at the moment. I would like to be part of the solution. Thanks for your work!

I just came here to say, as I have in a few other topics here, that android Braille support is solid with the right displays. Text editing is superior to iPhones, I can write for as long as I want without the cursor moving around on me which matters more for my use case than tons of extra Braille features. Yes you need a display that does more than HID. Hims exists, VFO/freedom/whatever they are exist. Do a little research and you'll have a Braille experience that at least rivals iOS and is superior if you do a lot of writing on your display.

I would agree with the Focus 5th generation and Pixel 7, text input is good once you understand the concept of having to bring up and dismiss the keyboard. However, with 13, I wasn't able to find a way to select text using the braille keyboard. Did I miss something? I'll fully admit I've spent more time on iOS, but do my best to reexamine Android every year or so. There are a couple of other things I find crucial that I couldn't figure out too. For example, in a combo box/drop down menu/list of picker items/insert other names as appropriate, the way to adjust these items is to swipe up or down with 2 fingers according to the change you wish to make. Works awesome with speech ffor sure, however, is there a braille dislay keyboard equivalent? I'm certainly not trying to be confrontational here, I would like to know if I'm missing something. Also, is it yet possible to have pages turn automatically when reading a book in Google Books or Kindle?
All of that out of the way, obviously people will always have their preferences. For a speech user who has the privilege of understanding speech and can use braille to supplament that speech access, I'd say it could be acceptable nowadays with a Focus, Orbit product or the qBraille.

Sadly, I do not see any mention of commands to adjust items. The other issue I have with adjusting items in these combo boxes is that I have to do the command to go back one item and then re-focus the item for the changes in these combo boxes to be displayed in braille. I do consider interacting with combo boxes to be a basic and essential part of using the web. Which brings up one more challenge for a braille user.
When I want to quickly go to a specific place on a web page, I often use VO Find. Though there is a bug with it currently,, there is also a workaround. Press space with f, and you immediatley encounter a blinking text field. With Android, you have to move past all of the different options after pressing space with f, thus creating more keyboard commands to press and a les productive process. That actually seemed to be my overall impression. Work harder to accomplish the same thing. One area Android beats Apple without question is their equivalent of Live Captions known as LiveTranscribe. That thing is quite accurate, but again, doesn't work well with braille. So it's a bit frustrating, but I feel constructive criticism is a good thing.

Kindel books are still better on Ios, I'll leave the commentary about that sad state of affairs to other more qualified folks. You can indeed select text in an edit box with a Braille display in talkback, I forget the precise command because I'm on a qBraile and just use the hybrid keyboard when I need that, it gives more options. Talkback, by design, will only select text in edit boxes (mirroring the functionality of default android for sighted users), so I find qwerty commands work best for that specific need. I haven't had the issue you're talking about in combo boxes, I can just pan down to the next item generally

These things are tools topic after topic saying the same things is annoying. Use whatever is best for you, and who cares what your neighbor is using.

Hi all,
I've decided to geet an iPhone 15. I see the value in what Google is trying to do but TalkBack just isn't there for me yet. My job and career require me to be lightning fast and time is crucuial for me. Not to mention as a musician on the side of everything that I do. iOS just meets my needs for the time being. I've never seen a talking tuner on android. Until that is made on android iOS is for me.

If you are someone who wishes to do 'advanced' audio editing via mobile (and I'm talking Audacity/Reaper-like positioning), the Apple family of devices is for now 'unfortunately' the way to go.

Unless you like me have a Samsung device and use Samsung's Voice Recorder, which does have accessible pursision editing, but in no way it's a full audio editor.

You can use an Android app called 'Audio Lab':

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hitrolab.audioeditor

, though unless you want to 'merge' different audio files together and/or add sound effects to a particular file, you may or may not have use for the app itself.

For anyone who wishes to share feedback, you can do so via the following URL:

https://hitrolab.com/