364: Is this the year Android rivals Apple for Smartphone Accessibility?

Here at Tech Talk Towers we are, on occasion, told we talk about Apple a little too much. In our defence, we do so because we own a lot of their products, and they are far and away leading the pack when it comes to accessibility in smartphone tech. But that doesn't mean we should brush Android under the carpet. This week, Steven, Robin and Andy welcome Dinos from RNIB's Technology for Life team cover Android with much more clarity than usual. Hot off the release of a new Samsung flagship smartphone, we start by talking about the Galaxy S21; just how impressive is it? If the selling points are the screen quality, and the amazing camera ability, is it really something blind and partially sighted smartphone users would buy? Maybe the higher-end priced Android phones aren't for you - what's out there in the low-cost range? Are these phones still worth looking into? Accessibility is also a hot topic - as said above, we know Apple leads the way in terms of making their phones accessible - how far behind are Android? Could 2021 be the year where they catch up, or even overtake? Also, we talk more about Launchers - we've covered this in the past with Andy talking about how he uses Nova Launcher Pro on his Huawei, and how this comes with finger gestures, customisable home screens and app drawers, Dinos tells us all about Launchers with low vision users in mind, such as Big Launcher. Also on this week, emails - Svetlana from Siberia emails in about Braille, we hear about Neatebox being increasingly available over one part of Scotland, and more on Bumpon alternatives! We'd love to know your thoughts on Android smartphones - if you own one, or are thinking of buying one - what's swaying you one way or the other? If you're thinking of leaving the Apple ecosystem - why? What's been the final straw? Email us at [email protected], and it'll feature on an upcoming show. Here's a little leaser - more Android talk coming next week too! See you then :)