Category: Cell Phone Talk
So, I know this will cause problems for some, but its being posted from my personal experience with both platforms. I will not say which is better for a certain person, however, i will give pros and cons to both sides. If anyone is in the process of making this decision, or just wants help with either platform, or is considering the other, you may contact me and I will see what i can do to help.
first is IOS
pros
Accessability support for multiple disabilities
many accessable apps
simple phone design
as far as I know worldwide support
easy to get a hold of
cons
as far as i know, accessability is not all that great when combining multiple services
low volume
not very customizable in terms of apps and sounds and layout or UI
few phones to choose from
shorter battery life
Not necessarily easy to use gestures.
Android
Pros
great accessability despite what is around on the internet
customizable accessability (speech engines)
easy to use gestures that are also changeable
some phones have a long bettery life
some phones have loud volume/brighter screens
Many phones to choose from fitting anyones taists
Many accessable apps.
cons
Many phones to choose from, causing some people to pick the wrong phone for them (causing a bad experience)
many versions of android with different app and accessability support
some phones have a short battery life
some phones are badly made
With all this said, there are many different options, and this post is more of a generalization of both platforms. I prefer android for my main phone, but like IOS as a backup tablet. I feel that both platforms have strengths and weaknesses, and both have been given bad reputations by "the other side". I know there is a lot of blind people that have had bad experiences with android, but i feel that in most cases its a lack of understanding of the system/an older version that didn't have explore by touch. Like I said, if anyone wants help with deciding on a platform/phone, contact me, and I will see what I can do to help.
I have years of android use, coupled with IOS if any one needs help. Do look at my board android apps. I keep it updated as much as I can, Frozen Teer drop is dead on with their acessment between OS. Also, keep in mind, if you get a knock off Samsung device that mimics a galaxy s7, note that the device will have lower camera specs and lower internal storage. This holds true across the android eako system. Also, eyes-free google groups is another place to get help. Last, http://inclusiveandroid.com/ is a great source to get started with android.
The support From Apple is better than I ever had, with any phone! I never tried Android, but, I'm finally figuring my IPhone out. Apple helps with a lot. If not for what they've done, I would be totally lost.
However, their solution to my problem, does have a few flaws. It is bulky, somewhat, and doesn't tell me it needs charged, or has low battery charge. If you have circulation problems, a case will just make it harder to let the touch-screen to register your finger.
Blessings,
Sarah
I don't use android. I've tried using my sister's phone. big mistake cuz neither of us couldn't turn the talkback thing off. :p but I've had more experience with apple devices and truly love apple devices. :) except for the mac. that I need to learn how to use. :)
Just interested.
On iOs, what do you mean by low volume
?
For most people, including myself it's a matter of preference. I'll give an example of what I mean.
Back in the early nineties, JAWS was pretty much killing it as the main screen reader. I've used JAWS since then, and never looked back. As time has gone on, I have tried many different screen readers, and not liked most of them, with the reason mainly being that they don't set things up in a way that I'm use to. So, I have remained a JAWS user for 20 or so years now, even paying for all of the upgrades etc.
Now, fast forward to these here modern times. Flip phone accessibility aside, most blind people, if you ask them about accessibility with the touch screen will say right away, "apple", because apple was pretty much the first company to offer touch screen accessibility, and this is probably why in my opinion, people continue to go back to apple. Aside from that reason though, you mentioned something about disliking the gestures and things on iDevices. For the same reason that you don't like a lot of the gestures that apple use, often times when I've heard of some of the ways that android gestures have to be done I've inwardly cringed. Yes I know that you can change those gestures, but again, when am I going to set aside the time to do all of that? Which goes on to another issue that I have with android devices. Like you yourself stated, there are many phones to choose from. I don't have time to go phone shopping. I like having fewer options, especially since one will almost always serve my purposes. I can have a phone ordered and shipped with iOS on it and a few button presses to turn on its speech feature when it arrives in 10 minutes tops without wasting my time figuring out if this phone is going to be better than that phone or if this android phone is still running jellybean or lollipop or whatever version they're up to now.
So, it all comes down to quite simply, a matter of preference, and partially, a matter of what people have gotten use to over the years. Sometimes you might change things up just because you want to try something new, but I personally am in the camp of "if it's not broken, don't fix it". JAWS, and apple have served me well, so at this time, I see no reason to switch from either. I'm not going to spend my time bashing someone who is going to use an android phone, NVDA, or whatever. If it works, then that's awesome for you. Just don't expect me to jump onto the band wagon anytime soon for the reasons I stated above.
And, to add to MD, I know my brother knows how to fix my apple stuff. So, why would I get some pile that he can't fix?????
Seriously, it's about what's best. MD, I use JAWS, too. I have a little bit of a learning problem, so why would I put myself through hell, to get lessons in NVDA? I'd rather reboot this thing, till I can get hooked up with programs that will he'p me. And, I need Braille, more than learning NVDA. Every time I hear JAWS, and any screen reader, I get seriously sick, cause it's hard on my ears. Tinitis can ruin any chance at speech for a computer. So's I gotta learn like Braille-Note-Apex, or whatever it is. And, if you, anyone, is wondering, got nothing to traide, 'cepting a Power Braille. You want it, PQN me. Cause, that's all I have.
Anyhow, just IMO. And, on that Braille-Note... Pun Intended, See ya, cause got stuff needing doing.
TTFN!
Blessings,
Sarah
Here is what I think.
WWith apple, you know what your going to get, every time. I can pick up any iphone and know how it works. There is only 1 variant of the operating system, all the interactions are the same, and lets be real, its mor simple to get started with it just because of the larg amount of resources out on the internet, youtube, hell even apple has people in some stores who know about it.
Droid
I like that you can change so many things on it, and I love that you can pretty much get any phone you want. Google has come a long way with the screen reader, and they all have headphone jacks and hold a charge longer.
now, what I don't like about both.
Apple
You really cant change anything about the operating system unless you jailbreak, witch gets harder and harder now that apple has added the worlds best hackers in the jailbreak community to the pay roll. All of the phones pretty much look the same, and while they are built better than 99 percent of droid phones, are very expensive to fix and buy. The app store mor likely than not, will make you pay for just about anything, vs droid witch has many mor free applications. Apple likes to phase out older devices too fast when some people just don't have the money to upgrade.
android
First of all, too many different phones. I know I said I liked that, but it has its pitfalls. Too many phones means companies have to make specific builds to run on that phone, meaning too many operating systems varients. Droids are way way way too easy to hack and infect. A study shows that its rare that even 20 percent of droid owners are running a current operating system, meaning many security issues.
I agree with some of this, but one statement made here is completely untrue.
IOS devices are usually supported longer than android ones. the iPad 2 and iPhone 5 are getting iOS 10.
You're lucky with most android vendors to even get 2 years of support. And most of them don't keep the security patches current, either.
I can honestly say android has come a long way since the first time I tried it, but after using a 6.1 device, I think its something I can avoid for a few more years. Though, that's just my personal pref.
I always say its a matter of preference. I said it in the title... My opinion. I personally prefer android as my main phone device thingy, and IOS for a tablet. I will say though, for some comments that i have seen saying that its hard to pick up and learn, it doesn't have to be that hard. Yes, its a few small gesture changes, but for the most part, its the same. When you turn on talkback or voice assistant it will walk you through a tutorial to learn how to use it. its probably around 10ish minutes for my longest and that was with voice assistant (which i hate) and you can go through it again wheneveer you want. I would also like to point out that like IOS, you can turn on at least talkback through the setup screen. It gives you verbal instructions of where to put your fingers to do so... like hold two fingers on the screen is the only one i've seen.
As for my volume comment, i've noticed that with the iphones that i have had, they didn't go as loud as the android phones that i've had. its a phone by phone thing though.
I agree, this topic is a matter of preffeance, its no surprise people know I choose android over IOS do to IOS’s OS restrictions. Adding ringtons, why in the God's names do I have to go through ITunes just to add a rington. Fraken crazy if you ask me. As for appearances, android has cought up in that department, Samsung now has phones that feel and been told look good. The G5 is a 5.5 inch screen and my wife who is sighted loves it's look. Here is a tidbit, LG brings accessibility to another level when setting up an android phone. LG's G5 will talk give it a few seconds right out of the box. It will instruct you to set-up accessibility using its TTS engine. As for bying android devices here is another tidbit. Do not screw around with 50 dollar phones, 100 dollar phones, your screwing yourself and asking for a bitch fest. My last note: your argument in regards to security does not hold water after 5.0 of android. A lot of current android phones are now receving security package updates regular regardless of their update cycle. Last, it’s a preference to what OS you want to use both to me are on the same playing field at this time.
Here's what will make me happy. When there comes a time when all android phones are created equal and no matter what company manufactures them and what carrier supports them Google brings them all under one roof and offers updates to all at the same time, I will then consider Android. My biggest complaint is that the next version of the OS could come out, There could be a ground breaking feature that would help me and because of the phone I picked I can't have it until my company says we've tested and approved it. This is the one place Apple is superior. If Google can implement an everyone gets it when it comes out stratigy I believe more people would give android a try. I'd love to play with one but I realize I'd need to by a google branded phone otherwise I'm toast. .
It’s called pixel and nexus if you want updates right away. Pixel is a guess we will see on October 4th at google IO. Sense you went there, your IPhone 4S is stuck on IOS 9 and will not get updates. So both platforms do have some form of fragmentation being android with the highest. After android 6.0 what feature of accessibility do you expect to get that a android 6.0 device will not get verses a android 7.0? Yes android 5.0 to 5.11 does not have google now on tap but that is a 6.0 and up feature. Lastly, talkback and brailleback are not system dependent, meaning their updates are not based on a OS update. 5.0 and above will see web view scripts designed to make using the web easier. You will be able to even share labels with your friends who have the same app that you do. The point of sharing labels is to be able to help a friend or friends with an app that you have that does not have labels. Lastly a very huge selling point for me in regards to android, flexibility, an open sharing environment and I as a user can report back to both the braille back dev and talkback dev in regards to any issues relating to accessibility and get a response from an actual dev. Please try that with apple and let me know if someone actually gets a response. Again it’s a personal choice as to what OS a user chooses and these days both android and IOS are on the same playing field.
I talk to apple accessibility devs about voice over in logic, iOS, and watch OS all the time.
I have for seveal years now bought the wife and daughter Samsung phones. In my opinion, these devices last a long time just like iPhone does. I'm still running iPhone 6 and while apps are a bit slower to open now, I'm not updating to the 7. If anything, I'll update to the 7S or later.
If you get an Android device that's a good device, things will work pretty well. Although things happen on my Wife's phone that never happen on mine, like the occasional spam pop-up on a website.
One thing about switching though: You've spent a good deal of money in one platform, and then you need to switch to the new platform.
I love iCloud for how it saves what apps I was using, etc. When the Apple store replaced my phone, all my apps redownloaded and in the same place.
My Wife really struggled to remember all the ones She had, go get them, remember where She put themn, etc. And trust me: many people who can see also want to have things where they can easily see them, where they remember them. Contacts and notes came over, but apps and settings did not.
She had to go back into Settings to figure out where to put everything back.
But in my opinion, Samsung is just killing it in the hardware department. They're also committed to quality and timely updates to their devices.
Odd,, if your wife when creating an contact created a gmail contact the contacts do sink. Also, , , if she saves her photo's to google photos, they sink as well across various android and IOS devices. As for the phone, how was the phone set-up when she got it? Did the rep or you lio skip android's set-up and then sign in to the play store? Android 5.0 or correct turm "Lollipop" and hier will restore your phone from a back-up during set-up if the user selects their back up. Food for thought
Contacts and photos were fine. Apps weren't.
Her old phone ran an earlier OS though. I wasn't at the phone store.
As I said, apps and settings were the issue. Things like the larger fonts that many middle-aged fully sighted people need. Not accessibility, just the larger fonts.
On the positive side, my daughter and Wife both now have the same phones so the daughter can help.
Samsung offers a full backup setup, but I'm not sure if it does as well as Apple's.
You do get the contacts, photos, and music, but specific settings, I don't believe so.
That is one thing I do like about Apple.
If I have a problem, and I haven't often, I can reset my phone, then just load it up with my previous stuff easy.
Even when I change models, I can do this, and the new stuff just sort of integrates with the old.
If I used Android, I'd use the Samsong line.
android 5.0 and above do have back up features found in an IPhone. Apps, photos, contacts. If someone is running Kitcat and below, here is where the issue lies. Kitcat or gmail backs up your apps but does not restore them to a device. If you must stay with kitcat do to budget restraints, I suggest installing your apps via the play store online. In regards to the play store, your device could be in the south poll, connected via a wireless connection and you still can install apps.
I started out looking at both platforms about the 4S and Android at that time.
I needed a cellphone, and I needed it to simply work.
I didn’t have time to fool around figuring it out.
I had things to do, and I needed my phone to go when I was out and about.
I was able to find information online about iPhones and how to use them for the blind.
I downloaded a manual in a PBF file.
I ordered my phone, and it arrived in the mail.
Took it out of the box, and with the manual and the phone in hand, in about 30 minutes I had it up and going, and understood the basics.
Even now, I enjoy the Samsung line, but when it comes to getting information, iPhone is just easier to get.
If I need help, not only can my cellphone providers clerks generally help me, I can step in to an Apple store after making an appointment and someone will sit with me and basically hold my hand.
I’ve not had to use that service but once, and that was only because I happened to be in the store shopping for cases, so asked a quick question.
I can’t do that with Android.
Call me going the easy way out, but sense the 4S I simply order my phone when pre orders open, and on release day, receive my device by UPS, or Fed Ex, and in about 10 minutes, I can at least make a call.
The finer tunings due to all the new bells and whistles are just my pleasure to fool with.
Most times I’ve even had a chance to play with a few, because the new operating system comes available a few days before the new devices.
To me that is why I stay with the fruit.
Support, and availability of information.
Even when we as blind persons have some technical issues, Apple has been responding to them in a timely manner as of late.
I now own a 7, and it simply came to me by carrier.
Just loaded what I wanted, and was ready to go easily.
Starflyt, you're either missing it or intentionally doing so to support your platform.
We already said contacts, photos and documents remain. It's apps and settings, in particular the apps' configuration that is where Apple is currently leading. And that really is important, as you'll find out probably rather soon when someone gets that all figured out for Android.
na you said, her apps did not load, then you point out it was an older system before lollipop and hire. Did you not? I said, your correct in regards to KitCat and below, your apps are not loaded on to your phone only your contacts and the rest your wrote here. I get where your going sense I do have the fruity 7+ IPhone before that the IPhone s6 below so on and so on.
See, even you for whatever reason keep an iPhone.
Smile.
That is the fruit, not fruity.
Laughing.
Soons as Android gets on board with same over the board, it will do well.
The new pixel phone is a good device it seems, but still, you just can't go someplace as a blind person anyway, and get solid support.
Support is half the battle for us, especially these that aren't tech savvy.
But, this board isn't a debate really, but one persons views on why she prefers Android.
Guess we all put our $0.02 in too, so.
Laughing.
I've said it for years, it always comes down to productivity! as a professional, I need a device that allows me to have solid access to productivity apps and the ability to create, and review documents, manage email including multiple accounts. These tasks originally were not easily accomplished in Android. I actually bought an android phone prior to my iPhone 4, and have grabbed various android devices over the past 4 years, but after a year of fighting to do things quickly I moved on. I tinker with it from time to time, and will be the first to applaud the strides made in access. I even have several friends and colleagues who now use Android with accessibility and they say it's fine, but the reality is now, many apple/IOS users have found a solution that has worked, continues to work, and even when upgrades happen, the foundational accessibility is still intact. In combination with a Bluetooth keyboard, I can almost do anything with my iPhone that two years ago made it mandatory that I travel with a notebook.
As a side note, I love the argument that folks always give. (apple is so closed off) I can't do things like change a theme, or put a ringtone on you name it. I wonder how many folks are really doing these kinds of tasks on a daily bases and how essential they are to their phone needs...
Just my thoughts.
I think the original poster did a pretty good job of summarising the pros and cons of the two platforms.
I do think both Android and ios can be considered accessible at this point in time and it really depends on what the user wants out of their phones to decide which platform is right for them. I believe that moving forward from now, we can expect both platforms to build on their accessibility and features in their own ways but we will not see Android's accessibility be equal to that of iOS and vice versa because ultimately, they are different platforms with different operating systems running on different hardware.
One thing to keep in mind, different is not the same as inaccessible. We can never approach one platform and expect it to work like another.
I've teach beginners who are interested in learning to use Android and iOS and I use both platforms daily. Admittedly, there are a list of things that iOS does much better and times that I prefer to use my iPad to do the things I want to do because it just works. But there are also things that Android is able to do better.
What I'm saying is that it is not easy to simply just say that "Xxx platform is better" because there are different individual's needs, situations and factors to take into account.
Hello I thought I would put my opinion on here. I personaly like both platforms
equally. Both have there strengths and weakness and some people are meant
to use apple and others are better fitted with android. All I can say is give both
platforms a try don't just use it for like 5 minutes and then shoot it down. Many
people sighted and blind a like tend to do that. For phones I personally
recommend LG or HTC. Samsung is very good in my opinion but they tend to
alter the os way to much. as for if anyone wants immediate updating like apple
on os updates you need a nexus, or upcoming pixel phones.
to add to others, the android updates are not just by manufacturer. they are
also by cellphone carrier.
I'm with Verizon. They are pretty good keeping the top models updated with the latest Android flavor.
Hi, Star Fly, where is your Android apps board? The B2G really sucks, but I may consider purchasing a backup Android phone. Of course, I would have to know how to alter some of the gestures, but know there is a way of doing this. Has anyone heard of Project Fi? What is a good Android phone? I'm not sure how much the Pixel is supposed to be. It would be great to have another phone because I am not paying installments to a major cell phone carrier anymore.
Paying installments or not paying them really makes no difference.
You are going to buy the phone one way or the other.
If you don't use cash, but use credit, the carriers installment plan actually works out better, because you pay no interest.
The Google phones are 649 and 749.
I've forgotten the price of the llarger model, but they are exactly the same as the iPhone pricing for the same storage amount.
The Star will have to tell you more about how accessible they are, and I'm sure he'll post soon on that for you.
Hm. Not looking to spend that much. Perhaps a Nexus, then.
Smile.
The Pixel is brand new and an iPhone rival along with the Samsung S7.
What did you expect it might cost?
Any of the high end phones are going to cost you.
Laughing.
I believe that Google has discontinued the Nexus line of products but maybe some of the third-party retailers still have some stocks. Maybe Google could have sold the Nexus products as a more budget-oriented range of products rather than just killing it off.
Well, the Pixel family and Nexus family are built on different ideas so maybe it makes sense to them.
To many phones, less of a market for your new products.
If you are a company trying to get a toe hold in this market, you want everyone that owns you to carry your best.
Okay, so I have a Nexus 6P. It's a pretty nice phone, and I am finding the transition easier than expected with Android. Most of those complex L gestures can be changed. A lot of people say you cannot flick on Android like you can on IOS, but I beg to differ. I am doing just fine so far. I wonder if that book StarFly recommended might help? Hm.
A question: not wanting to spend a bucket on an android phone due to my being entrenched in the iOS eedho system, is there a reasonably priced stock android phone that has android 7 and will get updates once there released? I know this is a lot to ask but I'd like to find a way to play with android if I can. Any thoughts?
This is an odd one, but it might work in your case.
If you have a friend, family member who's due for an upgrade, or who's going to upgrade, if they buy one of the premium phones, like the Samsung S7, usually they can get one free if the open up a second line of service.
That cost anywhere from $10 to $20 per month.
So, you'd get the second phone, and pay the access fee.
Now you've got a phone likely to be updated, and can have the best Android offers as in accessibility.
I know that the Nexus 6P should receive Android 7. However, a Pixel might be a better choice.
The reason a company will discontinue hardware has a lot to do with support. Even if a company claims not to support a particular product anymore, they still kind of have to, at least with security and other things like support calls. At least if they're selling it themselves, even just selling off current stock.
Users don't really heed caveat emptor warnings, about support or anything else, and the best way to cover one's butt as a company is just don't sell the technology anymore. Even people who claim they'd buy it not expecting support would be scratching at the dor asking for support and with some reason why the company should make an exception for them. Just how technology generally works. The ubiquitous: "I know you guys don't usually do this, but ..."
Well WillieTheWoof sometimes you ask and receive.
Smile.
Check this out. I have tried the service, and I didn’t like it much, but it could have been me or where I live.
However, in your case, service isn’t so important.
Plus it is free, so what's not to like?
https://www.cnet.com/news/get-a-samsung-galaxy-s7-and-free-mobile-service-for-439-99/
Well thankya sir, I'll give this a look.
Was only until recently that I revisited the Nova launcher and to my surprise, talkback announces when you drag an icon around the screen, what position it is in and if the icon is over another icon to create a folder. I had been using s launcher which did not allow you to do this. Why so long before talkback has this basic functionality? I guess reading app badges is like a premium feature for some reason. Accessibility with apps in general is very poor, many buttons unlabeled, and a lot of things are just repeats of other label so you really don't know what you're tapping unless really you can see the screen. Also, the text keyboard is very buggy, you cannot press and hold the delete key to fast delete, so you have to sit there and delete one character at a time. When you switch to the voice input keyboard, talkback only reads buttons once, sliding your finger around and back again to find a button you just heard doesn't work, so I find myself randomly tapping around the screen in an area where I think the keyboard input button is or the send button or the press to speak button, don't know why this doesn't work. Also opening notifications from the lock screen is extremely unreliable as some notifications I double tap on them, and visually I can see they highlight, but no voice feedback, and some of them you have to quadruple tap to open the notification, some just jiggle on the screen no matter how many times you double tap them yet no way of the end user to know how to interact with these notifications. Ads on android are extremely bad, I've got the 360 security app for antivirus etc, and this is just not really usable without sight. Ads take up half the screen, easily. Half the time with 360 security I don't know if I'm working in the app or if focus is in an ad. If you're new to android, get a Blu phone they are cheap and you can see if android is right for you before dropping big bux on flag ship phones when you could get a much more enjoyable experience with an iPhone for like $250. Any of these issues I raise with android accessibility no one gives answers, so to the OP who claims "great accessability despite what is around on the internet" one has to ask why no one addresses these real problems I and others have and just dismiss people like me who actually regretingly deal with these bugs because no one wants to give answers, when, as a result, I claim that if no one has answers, it's probably a bug. And then people get all up in arms. I don't really know of a very good comprehensive website for android accessibility that has more than like 20 apps on it that are accessible that aren't meant for old folks.
For cheap androids go to walmart and get one of the Blu phones with LTE and a $45 straight talk time card. Stop paying big companies hundreds of dollars for absolutely no reason. Honestly. Blue phones are cheap, around $100 or $80 depending on the model.
Hi all, so this is for IOS users who have a android device, KitCat "4.4" will not be receiving feature updates in regards to talkback. Bugs will be fixed but do to the API's not found in 4.4 and lower including Jelly Bean devices, talkback devs from google will no longer add features to google's android screen reader. If one is wanting to purchase a android device its wise to start with 5.0 and hire. Now, for those who want to spue old crud about android that is at least two years older, if you do have an android device get off your butts and get involved with talkback's beta cycle. Here is the link: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.google.android.marvin.talkback
If you don't get involved, personally your appinions are just that appinions and not fact. From what I've noticed from this sight most here have just that appinions and very little first hand knoledg of android.
Dan Mathis
If androids don't come with at least version 5 then why are you buying it in the first place. I am running version 5.0.2. No custom roms for my phone so can't update. So if one has to keep buying new phones to stay up to date, then yeah, just put out $749 for a flagship phone and be done with it I guess, but why do this with no guarantee of really anything working as it should when an iPhone just works far better and can be had for a third of the price. Just buy a cheap android phone with version 5 and try it out, no need to drop big bucks on an android to get your toes wet. Besides, if accessibility is different on every device, then really, your just as limited as those same people claim you are with the iPhone. Most people have samsung devices. Far as I can tell, Samsungs are just as widely used as iPhones, so you could say they're like the defacto iPhone of androids. The entire operating system runs like a beta, why should people join a beta program when it's already unstable? So many other issues I could point out but no point. Android OS is so loosely put together no wonder android devices have to have quad core and 8 core processors and 4 gb of ram. Androids are what blind people use at 3 AM when they're bored and sing Kumbaya together on skype. It's like a cult or something.
Dan, got a question. I just purchased the LG G5 in an effort to meet the challenge of learning Android. I must echo your thoughts, this is not the android of yesteryear. I have beel pleasantly surprised with how easy it's been to work with. Now, question, does the app drore still exist and how does one open it using talk back? I'm at Android 6. Thanks. And all, from a devoted iOS user things have really changed in talkback accessibility. I was completely shocked when I tried to make a folder and Talkback spoke all the important information. It's definitely worth another look which is why I spent the bucks so I can convers in both languages.
From my experience, folder creation deals with what kind of launcher you are running, which, at the moment, nova seems to be the clear winner here. What other launchers have I not heard of that does this? Also how does one change the default lock screen. I mean, android is supposed to be customizeable, so I'm assuming this can be done, so if someone can give me instructions on how to do this that would be great. Also how can one shut off all the proprietary garb in the o/s so that I can use plain old android? Can't flash, not an option. Seems I've only been told you can do this by rooting then flashing roms. Wait I thought iPhones were bad because you have to jailbreak and not open source? Huh? Did I miss something here? Why do I have to essentially hack my phone that's supposed to already be customizable in the first place?
I would love to try an Android phone. But, I gotta admit, I am used to my Iphone. I would love a cheaper phone. However, I am wary of buying an Android phone just to not have it work. As far as updates, I'm still on an Iphone 5C. It actually works pretty well, but the battery is crap. But then after 3 and a half years, it should be. I don't have a laptop, so use my phone constantly If I can't buy a decent Android phone for around $200, I may as well stick with an Iphone. Besides the Pixall, are there any other great Android phones. I know everyone's experience is different. I'm better at typing on my Iphone, but I still like the tactile screen protectors offered by Speed Dots. So far, I haven't been able to find tactile screen protectors for Android phones. Probably because there are so many models to choose from. Any other insights would be great.
Yes, get a LG 5x 32 GB and your good to go. One can be had for about 5 and some cash. If you want a cheep android other then a nexus or moto 4G, then your asking for trouble. What is the old saying, pay for crap you will get crap posted by a android generation one user.
Frozen Teardrop
hugs to you, finally someone on here who gets android!. God bless America!!, your dead on!. Posted by a generation one android user SF
Lets use an adam based netbook which will be your IPhone%c and an hi end laptop which will be my IPhone 7 plus. You can expect your IPhone %c to hang with my IPhone 7 plus in every catagor. Well android is just that, some phones have adam processor spects, low storage, no room to keep the OS updated. This is where we get into 50 to 100 and then some android phones. There not getting updates, your going to see lag do to porely built screen and UI that could cause issues. NOw, with that said, some sware by blue phone and ZT but again both are not promising updates. So don't expect to by a blue phone or ZTE phone have it update by your carier. Keep in mind, android has a two year cycle, its public posted for any one to find,./ I hope my information helps.
Dan Mathis SF posted by a generation one android user
Oh great fly of the starts named dan, may I have your e-mail address. I really need a good resource for android and you could be it. As an AT specialist desiring to provide unbiased information regarding android I bought an LG g5. Although it's a battery guzzler it's given me what I need for an almost excellent android experience. I do have two questions: 1, I noticed while trying a few different hones using the latest version of talkback that sometimes as I move around the screen it freezes but when I move back toward the bottem and talkback speeks again I can then move around the screen. Is this being addressed or do you have any thoughts on this? This has happened on the g5 and another Samsung phone. Also, is there anyway to select text, copy and paste? I ran in to a situation where I needed this. I do know the volume buttons move the curser and this is a cool implementation. So, Oh great guardian of all that is android Please help me unravel tese and other mysterys. For those hanging on the fence, give android a try. it's rock solid Um,oh no is Window-Eyes going to sue me for that? You won't be disappointed. This is why I've started using it so I can again offer good info to my clients. Woof,woof to all from My belived beast.
He's the man.
Smile.
Hi, first off here is my email: danny.mathis@gmail.com. Next, what OS is your G5 running? It should be running 7.0 as of today, LG pushed 7.0 to the LG G5. Next, sometimes as you've found, the earcons do lag behind but hopefully talkback's new beta soon to come will be fixing this issue. Currently I have my earconds turned off at this time. Now for copying text, at this time android only allows for manipulating text in a text field. Under the local context menu, cursor menu, you will find cut copy paste and text selection. When the text selection is activated under the cursor menu, you can use the volume keys to select text via the navigation settings. So if navigation is set to word you can select by word. Also, copying the last words spoking by talkback can be done under the global context menu, "copy last utterance to clipboard". Its the same feature that the IPhone has when a user taps four times to copy the last words spoken by voiceover. There are third party apps like universal copy that will let you copy text any where in android. Do be careful with universal copy, on some phone's it screws with the two finger hold after pressing the power button to turn back on talkback.
regards
Dan Mathis SF
Danny, thanks! I sent you mail with lots of Questions. Appreciate it.
I got an iPhone four S about two or so years ago. Then I upgraded to the iPhone six. I was able to upgrade again this year, and switched to android. I have the S 7 and love it. I didn't just jump in head first though, I actually sat down with a S 7 and tried it. I love all that you can do on android. I could never figure out the spellcheck on IOS, and with android you can install ones that actually work. Also android tells you when the battery is charged up. I do wish it alerted me when the battery runs low, but maybe I am doing something wrong? not sure.
there are apps that do let you know when the battery is low. Check my board
for one.
I listened to the S8 launch today, but they said nothing on accessibility.
So, come on starfly . Pre order yours, and lets hear it?
Laughing.
To poster 58:
In all fairness, a lot of times, when Apple is doing their grand unveilings, they never mention too much about accessibility either, if at all. That doesn't mean it's not there for the S8. I'm sure it is, in fact. After all, while I haven't checked out the full features list yet, The S8 is obviously going to be capable of running the latest version of Android, with the latest version of talkback. So, it might be as accessible as the operating system lets it.
In short, if someone wants a phone or device that just works, and doesn't have qwerky jesture issues, then IOS is the way to go. By qwerky jesture issues, I mean that if you don't swipe directly horizontal across the screen with android, it will register you touch as a vertical one. For the price of Samsung devices and the prices for say the iPhone SE, the decision should be a no brainer, go with the SE. I used a Blue studio phone from walmart, and there are, as stated originally, so many variations with android and versions of Android, it can make it near impossible for someone who is not a technology user to make heads or tails out of this market. Also, I do find it funny how a lot of blind people who use accessibility on Android stick mainly with Samsung devices with some LG thrown in there, how is that any different from Apple devices if you're just going to say Samsung is probably the best one out there? Because unless you stick with a company that just works, in the case of Android, this would be Samsung, how is that any different than using Apple? I couldn't wait to get my SE and get rid of my Blu studio 6.0 I had nothing but issues with it, I'm not even going to get into it.
Apple actually did talk a bit about accessibility, but yes, you're right.
I did think about that, but mostly my post was a tease.
Samsung has done much for accessibility, and I'm interested in how it has modified Android this time.
I can answer that, the new update 7.0 has done a lot in regards to accessibility. It does not matter if you swipe down and right accurately talkback registers your finger and opens the global context menu. Samsung's email client blows the IPhone out of the water bar none, true threading support is present. Each email has its own thread that opens up in a singal window. Before some point out how the IPhone has threading, your right but keep in mind the older days of apple mail where when you open a message, all messages are present in its on window or folder if you will. NOw its not so, thread yes but not in a folder style. Tripple click home still exist works well. NOw to answer android's Achilles hill, while there are many devices out there low budget, mid range and hi-in, as a blind user I do not suggest any low in phone. Its like bying an IPhone 5 and expecting the 5 to run as smooth as a 7 or 7+. If you want I can set a board up on phone suggestions for android. I do disagree in regards to bying an IPhone or an android running marshmallow 6.0 or 7.0. One do your research, to absolutely join the eyes free list and have a look at https://www.inclusiveandroid.com/. I hope that helps others how are wanting to have a chance to look at android with some help from the android community.
I have the s7 lol, I'm happy, HTC10 and galaxy tab E.
No, I want you to get the S8.
Laughing.
Come one already. Pre order yours.
not working, getting cards in order to go back to school and a guide dog lol.
SF
Damn. Money just gets in the way of learning and tech toys.
Laughing.
Starfly (or anyone who might know,)what are the magnification apps like on Android devices? I'd be curious to try a roid one of these days just for comparrisons sake, but a good magnification app would be an absolute must. The Iphone has quite a lot, and with a good camera, they're far, far better than any portable video magnifier I've personally experienced. if for no other reason than because you probably pay way less for the phone than an actual dedicated magnifier, and you get a ton of other features on a phone besides.
The better models are compareable to the iPhone. Camera and such.
From a visual feature prospective, you'll find Android phones good.
Coming from someone who is a fan of iOS more than Android, I have to say that new Galaxy S8 looks like it's going to have a pretty amazing display. I was looking at the features list since my brother was thinking of getting an S8 for himself, and it looks rather impressive. I imagine that the magnification apps are going to work especially good on it. If you're considering making the switch to Android, maybe grab one of those and see how you like it.
I'd agree with that. It is pretty slick in many ways.
I can not say, do to having no sight. If I were to chime in here I'm afraid I'll pass
miss information here. I can say with out a doubt see:
https://www.inclusiveandroid.com/
Please check the sight out in regards to your question. Its odd, I would rather take
android's openness, customization of IOS's closed nature. Again, well finally have
choice and that is good.
SF
That Android page looks like a good one. I just switched to a cheap LG Android phone from a Iphone 5c that took a swim and is now trashed. As I'm new at useing Talkback I'll say it isn't hard at all to use and works well. One big thing that both suck at is answering a call. The 2 fingur tap for the Iphone is great when it works but it doesn't always work. The Droid is just a pain to answer phone calls at least I haven't figured it out yet. Truth is I mis my old flip phone and how easy it was to use as a phone. These smart phones seem to forget they should be a phone first and a tablet second.
wrm2012, some tips when answer the phone while
its ringing, press your volume key to mute ringer and then swipe to answer, or decline buttons. Another feature if LG left it in tack can be found under, settings, jesters and raise to lift for answering calls. Remember, this is android, so if that does not work then there are apps that can ease your frustration in answering a call. Just search the play store on your phone or yes computer, you can push apps to your device no matter where the device is so long as its got internet connectivity. If you want PQ me, I'll find an app and drop its name and link on the android app board.
SF Dan Mathis
Thanks Dan I'll take a look. Why don't they have something as simple as push the power button like they do to hang up?Btw on mine it is 2 quick pushes on the power button to hang up
Not sure, on a Samsung device all I need to do to answer a call is press the home button and power button once to hang up.
SF Dan Mathis
Same on my phone. Home to answer, power to end. Nice and simple how I like it and how it should be.
That would be nice. Mine doesn't have a real home button on it. It's one of those screen buttons. But even with that the home button is in the same spot no matter what. Unlike the answer button that seems to be in a different spot from the locked screen and wile useing an ap. Didn't have the raise to answer setting on it iether. I'll have to see if I changed something as it is only speaking the caller ID about half the time calls come in now.
see my apps board, I find a answer call app for you.