Google To Launch Voice Guidance For The Visually Impaired In Maps

When traveling to a new place, Google Maps is always your company. People often do not care much about movements such as crossing a path or turning down a road. But for a visually-impaired person? They will likely run into trouble, even danger when taking the trip that normal people can do easily. Therefore, in the hope of helping them, Google has released “Voice Guidance” in Maps.

The main feature is to help the visually impaired reach their right destination. By using detailed voice navigation, this is continuously calling up users when they are walking on the correct path, telling them their next turn and warning in case there are many crosswalks ahead. 

Google said that Voice Guidance would also send an expressed caution if they have gone astray and redirect the walk automatically; besides, the latest tool’s advancements will be continuously updated.

A visually impaired business expert - Wakana Sugiyama, who works with Maps to assemble and check this availability feature, stated in her post:

That feature provides users with a screen-free experience, so it was really beneficial for all when they travel to unfamiliar places, Sugiyama noted. In light of this, the tool could alert mishaps when pedestrians cross the streets while using their phones.

The detailed voice direction for walking routes began to appear on iOS and Android gadgets a few days ago. To initiate it, simply head to settings on Google Maps then select Navigation. You'll see the choice to turn on Detailed voice direction, underneath the Walking alternatives heading. 

At present, the feature is accessible in Japanese (in Japan) and English (in the US), with help for extra language and nations "in transit."