When comparing Google Chrome to other browsers, the most noticeable differences may be in their interfaces. But what accessibility features are available in the latest version of Chrome?
Google Chrome accessibility features
Google TalkBack
Google TalkBack facilitates eyes-free usage with Android devices and the Chrome browser. TalkBack utilizes spoken words and phrases, vibrations, and other types of audible feedback to enable users to understand what is happening on the device screen.
This feature has been included in the Android Accessibility Suite since 2017.
Image descriptions
When users access Chrome with a screen reader, the browser will attempt to provide descriptions for images that are unlabeled. Chrome will instantly send those images to Google to find the descriptions if available.
Whenever Google cannot describe an image, the user is informed that no description is available.
Live captions
When users play media in Google Chrome, Live Caption can be activated to enhance the user experience. The appearance of live captions can be customized, and they even remain visible when clicking away from the tab playing the media.
At present, Chrome only offers Live Caption in English.
Full-page zoom
Chrome offers full-page zoom, allowing users to increase or reduce the content size on the page currently displayed in Chrome. This can be done using keyboard shortcuts on the desktop or through the menu on all compatible devices.
Font adjustments
Chrome provides several ways to adjust the appearance of text. The browser natively supports customizing both language and font settings, including font size and typeface.
Color and contrast support
Chrome can be configured to run in high-contrast mode, and custom colors can be set as desired. Beginning with Chrome version 73, the browser supports system-level custom color schemes.
Chrome’s Dark mode is now supported on Mac as well.
Assistive tech support
Chrome is compatible with various assistive technology extensions and solutions, such as magnifiers and screen readers. Screen readers are used by people who want screen content described to them through Braille or audio output. Magnifiers are helpful for persons with low vision, who may want to magnify the full screen or a part of the screen. Chrome’s Accessibility APIs are also useful for testing and automation.
In conclusion
Google Chrome is regularly updated to improve user experience and accessibility and deal with new security threats. It continues to make great strides in improving accessibility to web content, making it an appealing option for many users.
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