Accessibility Features Comparison for Users with Visual Impairments

FeatureiPadOSWindowsChromeOS
Screen ReaderVoiceOver: Gesture-based, supports Braille displaysNarrator: Built-in, customisable, supports Braille displaysChromeVox: Integrated, supports Braille displays
Zoom/MagnificationZoom: Full-screen or window magnifierMagnifier: Lens, full-screen, or dockedFull-screen and docked magnifier
High Contrast ModesSmart Invert: Reverses colours while preserving imagesHigh Contrast Themes: CustomisableHigh Contrast Mode: Simplifies visuals
Font Size AdjustmentDynamic Type: Adjustable system-wide font sizeAdjustable DPI ScalingAdjustable font size in settings
Color FiltersMultiple filters for colour blindnessColour Filters: Red-green, blue-yellow, grayscaleColour Filters: Red-green, blue-yellow, grayscale
Text-to-SpeechSpeak Screen: Reads text aloud, compatible with SiriText-to-Speech integration via Narrator and CopilotSelect-to-Speak: Reads selected text aloud
Braille Display SupportSupports over 80 Braille displaysSupports multiple Braille displaysIntegrated Braille support through ChromeVox
Keyboard ShortcutsExtensive VoiceOver keyboard commandsNarrator and system-wide accessibility shortcutsChromeVox-specific and system-wide shortcuts
DictationSiri Dictation: Voice input for text fieldsWindows Dictation and Copilot integrationVoice Dictation for text input
Dark ModeSystem-wide dark modeSystem-wide dark modeSystem-wide dark mode
Screen CurtainScreen Curtain: Black screen while VoiceOver is activeNarrator equivalent requires external appsScreen Curtain via ChromeVox settings
Edge DetectionRecognises edges in photos, useful for documents and imagesRequires third-party appsLimited to extensions or third-party apps

Observations

  • iPadOS: Focused on touch gestures and seamless integration with Siri and VoiceOver, making it intuitive for visually impaired users.
  • Windows: Offers robust customisation, including high contrast themes and extensive Narrator settings, appealing to users needing flexibility.
  • ChromeOS: Simplified yet effective accessibility tools, especially through ChromeVox, ideal for users working primarily in a cloud-based environment.

Report a Glow concern
Cookie policy  Privacy policy