A hidden Android feature for the visually impaired

If you suffer a visual impairment, having your smartphone or tablet give you spoken cues about what you’re doing can make your device a lot more accessible. Such a feature is built into Android JellyBean – here’s how to turn it on.

From the Android settings menu, tap ‘Accessibility’. The first menu item will be called ‘Talkback’. By default, it’s switched off. Tap this item to switch it on.

Two notifications will then pop up – one about privacy and one asking if you want the device to read the words under your fingertips. Press ‘Okay’ for both of these options.

Your device will now give you audio prompts about notifications, give you spoken cues about launching apps and read any text you scroll your fingers over.