Google’s recent updates to Maps include enhanced walking directions and improved accessibility features aimed at helping people with disabilities navigate more easily. These updates were announced at the annual Google I/O developer conference, with the company highlighting features such as more detailed walking instructions, turn-by-turn voice guidance, and accessibility information for over 50 million places.
One of the major updates includes support for Auracast, a feature that allows places like gyms, places of worship, and theaters to stream enhanced audio to visitors with compatible Bluetooth devices. This feature is particularly helpful for people with hearing impairments. Google’s accessibility and disability inclusion feature lead for Maps, Sasha Blair-Goldensohn, explained that these updates aim to make Google Maps as useful to disabled individuals as it is to anyone else, enabling them to explore, navigate, and contribute to their communities.
Goldensohn emphasized the importance of making accessibility features available worldwide in all supported languages, as disabilities can affect individuals everywhere. She also noted that these features can be beneficial not only to people with permanent disabilities but also to individuals facing temporary limitations due to injuries or other circumstances.
The updates to Google Maps were developed with input from Google employees with disabilities, ensuring that the features truly meet the needs of the community. Local guides have also contributed over one billion global accessibility updates to the app since 2017, enhancing the overall usability and inclusivity of Google Maps.
Overall, Google’s commitment to improving accessibility in Maps reflects a broader effort to make technology more inclusive and user-friendly for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. These updates not only benefit people with disabilities but also offer practical solutions for various situations, such as parents pushing strollers or travelers carrying heavy luggage. By prioritizing accessibility and incorporating feedback from diverse perspectives, Google continues to enhance the functionality and usability of its products to serve a wider audience.
Article Source
https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenaquino/2024/05/22/inside-googles-process-to-creating-newly-announced-maps-accessibility-features/
