Google offers a unique feature for visually impaired Android users:A braille keyboard.
Braille, traditionally, is a system of raised dots that make reading and writing accessible to the blind or visually impaired. While there are external devices that make it possible to type something in braille on a phone, it’s not exactly quick or a seamless experience. With that in mind, Google made the TalkBack braille keyboard. It’s a virtual braille keyboard integrated directly into Android.
Here’s howGoogle describesthe feature:
Our team collaborated with braille developers and users throughout the development of this feature, so it’ll be familiar to anyone who has typed using braille before. It uses a standard 6-key layout and each key represents one of 6 braille dots which, when tapped, make any letter or symbol. To type an ‘A’ you would press dot 1 and to type a ‘B,’ dots 1 and 2 together.
The keyboard has six keys, and each key represents one of six braille dots. They arrange specific letters and symbols together when tapped in combination. You can use TalkBack anywhere you want to type, and it allows you to delete letters and words, add lines, and submit text.
How to find and set up Google’s braille keyboard
You first need to accessTalkBackon your Android device:
Now you can set up the braille keyboard:
When you open the braille keyboard for the first time, you will be able to watch a tutorial for more information.
When did Google launch its braille keyboard?
TalkBack rolled out to all Android phones running Android 5.0 or later in 2020.
Which languages are supported?
The braille keyboard is available in Unified English braille, Spanish, and Arabic.
Want to know more?
For more information about how to use the keyboard, go to theAccessibility site.
