Android
Android devices
Android is the operating system created by Google to power many different devices on the market, from mobile phones to tablets and some netbooks. Some of the better known Android device manufacturers include: Acer, HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson and Motorola. The Android operating system also comes in many different types and is constantly being updated.
The Android operating system features accessibility features such as:
Screen reader - TalkBack
Display customisation - Magnification, contrast and colour control, display and font size control
Interaction controls - Lookout and Voice Access
Braille Display - compatible with a variety of braille displays via Bluetooth
More information on the accessibility features of Android devices can be found at: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6006564?hl=en
The Android operating system on mobile devices offers an opportunity for the user to make modifications to the OS and features a huge array of apps via the Google Play Store. The Android operating system features on some high end assistive technologies such as being the base operating system for the BrailleNote Touch and Touch Plus and for the Prodigi Connect 12.
Classroom Applications
Android devices can be used in a huge variety of ways in the classroom, due to its availability on mobile phones and tablets. The devices can be used for simple tasks such as taking a photo of text or a whiteboard to enlarge. They can be used as content creation devices, to access digital materials, to complete research or access emails and to communicate with others. The possibilities, like that of the iPad or a laptop are potentially endless.
It is worth noting that not all school networks support the use of Android devices to access school materials. It is worth checking with your school to determine if an Android device is best suited to your child or student's purposes.
Guides
TalkBack is a built-in screen reader designed for use with your mobile device.
TalkBack user guide: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6283677?hl=en
Magnification is a built-in feature designed to allow the user to enlarge the images and text onscreen.
Magnification user guide: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6006949?hl=en&ref_topic=9079043
The font size and display can be changed the sizes of various components of the screen to make them easier to visually see. This is a built-in feature.
Font size & display user guide: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6006972?hl=en&ref_topic=9079043
This built-in feature allows the user to change the colours of their device, mostly commonly to have a dark or black background with white text.
Dark theme & colour inversion user guide: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6151800?hl=en&ref_topic=9079043
Lookout is available via the Play Store. It is designed to allow the user to use their camera to identify objects and text around them.
Lookout user guide: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/9031274?hl=en
Video Guides
Coming Soon
Links
Android Accessibility information: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android/answer/6006564?hl=en
Additional Android Accessibility information: https://support.google.com/accessibility/android#topic=6007234
General information about the latest version of Android: https://www.android.com/intl/en_au/