In an official blog post updated this Thursday, Google said that the next beta version of Android 13 will support (out-of-the-box support) braille displays. Braille displays are used to create pin patterns for touch-reading text on the screen and entering braille. The display enables deaf-blind people to use smartphones, while blind people can use their phones quietly without a screen reader or voice commands.
Android has added support for Braille browsers through Talkback, Google’s screen reader. And the upcoming beta version means users don’t need to install another app to access the feature. Braille display users will continue to have access to the same functions, such as using the display’s buttons to navigate the screen, make calls, write emails or send text messages.
Additionally, Google has created new shortcuts to make it easier to use braille displays on Android with Talkback. New shortcuts include easier scrolling by moving to the next character, word or line, editing a document by skipping directly to the end or trying to select/copy/paste text.