Google has introduced a new app called Reading Mode as part of its December Android update, TechCrunch reported. The new app is designed to help those with visual impairment or dyslexia to read what is on the screen. One will have to install the app via the Play Store. Post that, you will have to specifically turn on the toggle button under Accessibility settings. This will enable the app to have a floating button on the screen irrespective of the app that might be on at that moment. This way, Reading Mode can be invoked on any app or webpage, allowing users more options to read the content if they are unable to do so in its present form.
With Reading Mode activated, there are going to be none of the other distractions like any animations or ads and such usually present on webpages or applications. Rather, the entire focus is going to be on the text portion. Further, the app also provides several ways to enhance the reading experience all the more. That includes the option to adjust the contrast, font type and size, and line spacing.
Apart from these, the app also provides the option to read aloud what is on the display and adjust the reading speed as per user convenience. Plus, there is also the option to change the reading voice as well from several natural-sounding voices available. Languages supported right now include English, French, Italian, and Spanish. That is not all there also is the option to turn on a toggle that will highlight the portion of the text currently being read. This way, users can also follow on-screen what is being read if they so want.
Google said the Reading Mode app is compatible with any device running Android 9.0 and above, which should cover a huge user base easily considering that Android 9 Pie was launched back in 2018. Also, the app is intelligent enough to read only the text that matters, and not what might be written on buttons or their purpose and so on. Apart from Reading Mode, Google also offers a few other accessibility features such as ‘screen reader with TalkBack’ and a built-in ‘Braille keyboard’.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. The motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot, and I'll likely make a film sometime in the future.
