According to foreign media reports, Google announced some updates to Android’s accessibility suite on Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The largest of these is the publicly released, final version of ActionBlocks. It is reported that they can allow users to create large customized buttons for relatively complex actions such as playing music or making a phone call - tasks that can be difficult for people with cognitive impairments.

In addition, Google has also added the LiveTranscribe function, added Bluetooth support to SoundAmplify, and brought better VoiceAccess navigation options.

For people with disabilities, every feature here is critical. ActionBlocks, in particular, can help these users set up small Google Assistant macros to automatically complete things that usually require the use of voice.

After installing the ActionBlocks app, users can select from a list of predefined actions or enter their own actions. Because it's implemented through Google Assistant, users can type whatever they want using their voice. After the test is available, it can be saved as a button on the home screen.

Importantly, users can choose to put their own custom images on the buttons. The important thing to emphasize here is that Google is not developing these features to let productivity junkies create workflows, but to help those with cognitive disabilities complete tasks on their phones.

LiveTranscribe is one of the most helpful Android features Google has ever made. It accurately reads sounds and automatically transcribes speech into text. Now the new feature the company is bringing to the table is that users can set specific words that Google’s transcription engine might not recognize. Users simply enter the word into LiveTranscribe's settings.

In addition, LiveTranscribe adds the ability to search for them by keyword, in addition to already offering locally saved transcripts. However, Google pointed out that the data for these searches are based on local mobile phones and not Google servers. Transcriptions are sent to the cloud for brief processing, but they are not saved.

Finally, LiveTranscribe also allows users to set their name as a keyword that will vibrate when the phone is heard. Such a feature could be very useful for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

As for Android's SoundAmplify function, it will allow users to use their mobile phones to amplify audio sounds and clarify audio meanings. While it's not a replacement for specialized hearing aids, it can still be very useful. Previously, it was only available with wired headphones, which is a pretty big deal in a world where nearly all phones are starting to do away with dedicated headphone jacks. Now, it finally supports Bluetooth headsets.

Last but not least, Google Maps on Android and iOS will allow users to instantly display wheelchair access when searching, instead of requiring users to click on the details of a location to view it. Additionally, the map will still show various types of entrances including the building itself, bathrooms, seating areas, and parking lots.