Android and iPhone Users Can Control Phones by Voice With 2 Built-In Accessibility Setups
Updated
Updated · WIRED · May 16
Android and iPhone Users Can Control Phones by Voice With 2 Built-In Accessibility Setups
4 articles · Updated · WIRED · May 16
Android users can enable hands-free control by installing Google’s free Voice Access app, then turning it on from Accessibility settings and launching it with “Hey Google, start Voice Access” or a shortcut.
Voice Access lets users open apps, navigate menus, scroll, swipe and dictate text; “show labels” adds numbered targets, while “show grid” overlays a numbered screen map for precise taps.
iPhone users can set up Voice Control from Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control, download any needed language files, and then use spoken commands for navigation, text editing and device actions.
iOS also supports numbered or named overlays, custom commands and vocabulary training, while Attention Aware can automatically enable or pause listening as users look at or away from the screen.
Both systems are aimed at hands-free convenience and accessibility, helping users operate phones when cooking, repairing something, caring for children or unable to use touch controls easily.
Voice control promises total accessibility, but who does this new technology still leave behind?
AI voice is in our cars and hospitals. What is the hidden cost of this hands-free revolution?
Your phone's AI is always listening. Could this convenience expose you to a privacy lawsuit?