tema Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack en Accessibility

A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

Ciprian14 — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:48:17 GMT

Hi Samsung Team,
I'm writing about how TalkBack works on Samsung phones. Right now, Samsung uses its own version of TalkBack instead of Google's, and this causes some problems for visually impaired users.
First, Samsung TalkBack updates only come with big One UI updates. This means I have to wait longer for new features and fixes compared to people on other Android phones, who get them straight from the Play Store. Also, older Samsung phones might never get new TalkBack versions. The Samsung TalkBack also doesn't have all the features Google's has, like the better image descriptions.
Another issue is that I can't choose to use Google's TalkBack, even if I install it. I'm stuck with Samsung’s version. The only way to use Google’s is a complicated method that most people don't know how to do. Samsung's own Galaxy Watches use Google's TalkBack, which shows it works well, so why not on phones?
These issues make it harder for me to use my phone. It’s important that I have the newest features and a consistent experience. While I appreciate the work on Samsung’s TalkBack, linking it to One UI updates slows things down for users who need the most up-to-date accessibility tools.
To make things better, I suggest using Google’s TalkBack from the Play Store. This would give me quick updates and all the features. If this isn't possible, please let me choose between Samsung's and Google's TalkBack in the settings, like how we choose web browsers.
This is a common issue discussed by people who use accessibility features. You can read more about it here:
•
https://accessibleandroid.com/opinion-why-samsung-google-talkback-separation-is-nothing-but-a-headache/
•
https://accessibleandroid.com/google-vs-samsung-the-android-accessibility-showdown-for-2025-and-beyond/
I hope Samsung will think about these problems to make sure visually impaired users have the best possible experience. Thanks for your time.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

JohnDyer — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:06:49 GMT

I 100 percent agree. I could not have said it better myself.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

SalihKunduz — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:41:54 GMT

Great post explaining the issues. I 100% agree.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

AntS — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:50:46 GMT

Hi @Ciprian14 (and others), Thanks for the feedback!

As well as the better image descriptions (and quicker updates) are there any other specific things you and others would like to be implemented in the TalkBack feature to improve the experience? I'll pass those suggestions on to the developers.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

Ciprian14 — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:53:43 GMT

Simply let Samsung devices use Google TalkBack, just like any other manufacturer. Allow us to receive updates via the Google Play Store and Google will take care of the features.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

AndrewL — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 11:57:08 GMT

@Ciprian14: I have gone ahead and passed your suggestion to our Research and Development Team, and will keep you updated with any feedback I receive regarding the implementation of Google TalkBack in future products and updates.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

amirhs — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:26:11 GMT

As a Samsung and TalkBack user, I fully support these suggestions. In fact, it's a huge pain that my S24 Ultra's Samsung TalkBack is always behind the official Google TalkBack release in terms of features. This is a flagship device, after all. And Samsung's refusal to support Gemini-based descriptions for TalkBack, or any image description per se, is extremely irksome. The issues are so bothersome that I'm considering ditching Samsung as my next smartphone, and this trend of "Samsung being inattentive to accessibility" is finding supporters among the visually impaired on Mastodon. It's time Samsung got their act together.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

Ciprian14 — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:37:56 GMT

I totally agree! This is a real issue with Samsung updates and accessibility. Also, the fact that TalkBack doesn't behave the same on all the Galaxy device lineups. is an issue. as well. I talked about this in my article here:https://accessibleandroid.com/samsung-android-accessibility-framework-34-1-1-highlights-paid-a-buck-i-sit-in-front-couldnt-pay-im-stuck-in-time/
As a suggestion for Samsung, inovating and bringing change in TalkBack is possible. It would be best, and honestly I'd see TalkBack going so far, if you worked with Google to improve TalkBack for all the users, by working with Google on Accessibility Suite itself, just like you worked with them on Messages and other products.
Samsung always showed that there's place for better. With legendary devices like the S10+ and later S23Ultra, You, Samsung, had shown that you are a company hard to beat and almost impossible to reach in many areas.
Accessibility is a bit of an issue, though, with none of the Samsung apps supporting accessibility actions, which would also be needed. BUt working together with Google to improve TalKBack for everyone and show everyone that not just Samsung devices can benefit from the accessibility team that builds the best accessibility framework on a firmware.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

KareenKiwan — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:32:22 GMT

Well said and explained; I 100% agree. The current separation between Samsung and Google TalkBack, along with the way updates are handled on Samsung devices, has a direct negative impact on the accessibility experience for blind users. Additionally, not including essential features from Google TalkBack, such as the Gemini detailed image description, is a serious omission that leaves many users unable to benefit from this advancement. A capable, up-to-date screen reader is not a supplemental service for blind users; it is an essential necessity.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

Thaqib Mir — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:24:37 GMT

I agree 1000000000 percent. This is just a way to make users not use the Samsung talkback , instead to make them switch to another reader. Samsung should really consider either giving us options to choose between the two versions of tb, or else, dich this fiasko all together. I don't even see the point here. I'd understand if samsung would've been doing better, but it's worse than the google's talkback. Thus, it's nothing but a way to drop the userbase in my opinion.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

Anonymous User — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:32:53 GMT

Hi there, First of all, thank you for publishing this extremely important topic of discussion. Yes, Samsung Talkback seems slightly as an out-dated accessibility solution. Why I would like to continue my journey with Samsung is the Separate Sound option. Please Samsung, whatever you decide based on our valuable opinions take a very good care you do not drop out Separate Sound as a function. Furthermore, only a very small number of customers have heard that Samsung might provide a Dedicated Accessibility Support Desk. If I contact General Customer Care their accessibility advice never providing a solution. I hope Samsung's decisions are favourable. Thank you for Your consideration. Sincerely, Joel, Finland

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

Devinprater — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 18:59:35 GMT

I switched from a Samsung phone (S20 FE) to a Google Pixel 8 because of this issue. Now I barely use my Pixel because it feels even more sluggish than my S20 FE. If I am to ever go back to Samsung, it needs a dedicated accessibility team working on OneUI, keeping in lockstep with Google's TalkBack updates or using Google's TalkBack itself, or at least doing something markedly different to make Samsung's TalkBack worth using besides changing how high a priority it gets in the OS. Otherwise, I love Samsung phones, especially sound assistant. Being able to hold down volume buttons to go to the next track in music is amazing, and more amazing that it's fully supported by OneUI.

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

anand2011 — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 11:45:50 GMT

because google talk back latest version is working android version 9 also but samsung talkback is not providing latest version for android 13 users• please provide talk back up tet

Re: A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

AndrewL — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:03:11 GMT

@Ciprian14: Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I have received a response from the developers regarding your query, which is as followed:

"Google TalkBack and TalkBack installed on our terminals are provided in the same code, but there is a difference in the timing of provision due to work such as platform optimization. Both Google and our company are aware of this difference and are working together to improve it. The image description function will be provided in the same way as Google from One UI 8.0."

One UI 8 is on the horizon, so there's not too long to wait before we see the requested features being implemented. I hope this helps.