4 December 2025
Google has announced a major update to its Android operating system, coinciding with this year’s International Day of People with Disability.
The updates include:
- Expanded Dark Theme: Android can now automatically darken apps, even those without built-in dark mode, reducing brightness transitions and helping people sensitive to light or with low vision.
- AutoClick Improvements: Custom pause timing allows users to hover over objects for a set time before the OS takes over, making it easier for those who rely on external mice.
- TalkBack Voice Dictation Upgrades: Gboard users can activate voice dictation with a two-finger tap, and Pixel devices will soon support Smart Dictation with Gemini for natural voice editing.
- Guided Frame with Gemini: This feature now provides more detailed descriptions of what’s seen through the camera viewfinder, helping blind and low-vision users take centered photos.
- Voice Access: Now supports Gemini-based activation with “Hey Google, start Voice Access” and includes Japanese language support, improved command recognition, and can toggle settings like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Expressive Captions: Google’s real-time captioning now includes emotional context, with AI tagging speech with indicators when someone is expressing joy or sadness.
- Fast Pair for Hearing Aids: Bluetooth LE Audio–enabled hearing aids can now pair with one tap via Fast Pair, available now with Demant-brand aids and coming to Starkey products early next year.
These updates are rolling out to Android devices, with some features exclusive to Pixel devices, aiming to make Android more accessible and user-friendly for people with disabilities.
For more information, please read 9to5Google’s article on Google’s latest accessibility updates.