LG G3, powerful, intuitive with interesting accessibility features

Friday, 24 October, 2014

By Amóvil

The LG G3 in gold color

The LG G3 is an intuitive and powerful high-end Smartphone that includes interesting accessibility features. This device is suitable for people with visual, hearing, and cognitive disabilities as well as for those with poor dexterity skills. Amóvil was able to review the LG G3 thanks to a loan by Orange.

The handset runs on Android 4.4.2 and features a quad-core 2.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon AC processor that renders it powerful and fast. It also has a 5.5-inch True HD IPS LCD display with 1440x2560 pixels resolution protected by a panel of Corning Gorilla Glass.

It has an elegant casing design that comes with the power and volume buttons in the back. It measures de 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm and weighs 149 grams. The devices includes Bluetooth, NFC, A-GPS, infrared and allows Internet connection via Wi-Fi.

In addition, it comes with a primary 13 MP camera with autofocus and dual LED flash, and a secondary 2.5 MP camera for videocalls.

Accessibility review

One of the most salient accessibility improvements included in this device is the possibility to launch the accessibility menu from the moment the user turns the handset on for the first time. This, for instance, enables blind users to run through the initial general set-up process and set the language, the Wi-Fi connection, among others, on their own.

In addition, the LG G3’s accessibility menu is divided into four types of disabilities and the name of each feature includes a brief description of their use, allowing users to readily know and decide which one suit them best.

Visual disability

The LG G3 is accessible to blind people. TalkBack, the screen reader for Android, reads these users through the entire visual content available. However, there are a few a minor issues that are worth mentioning. On one hand, if the text of an icon includes abbreviations, the screen reader will read it as it is. It will not convert them to full words. On the other, when the blind user makes a swiping gesture to the right, the screen reader reads the visual information in no particular order. It jumps back and forth at will among the icons available.

Another feature worth mentioning is that, unlike other popular devices, the LG G3 can be locked an unlocked with a simple gesture. To unlock it the user must double tap with one finger anywhere in the screen. However, to lock the device the double tap gesture must be made at the top border of the display. This may be difficult to do to blind users, since they may have a hard time finding the right spot. They must rely either on the automatic screen time out or must press the power button located at the back.

The LG G3 is also suitable for users with low vision. The phone includes a screen magnifier that is activated with a triple tap gesture but it must be previously turned on in the accessibility menu.

In addition, it includes a contrast color scheme and enables users to reverse background and foreground colors. There is an additional feature designed to allow color blind users adapt the display colors to their particular needs. In order to activate it, users must go to the accessibility menu and follow instructions.

Hearing disability

The LG G3 is adequate for people with hearing disabilities. On one hand it has a hearing aid compatibility rating of M4/T3 and includes an option to improve de quality of the incoming voice that can be found under the Call Settings menu. Users will also be able to set the audio to stereo or mono.

On the other hand, it includes a feature that activates the flash upon an incoming call. This device also come with customizable LED lights and is compatible with several made-for-Android instant messaging applications, such as Google Hangouts or WhatsApp.

In addition, Deaf people who prefer communicating in sign language will be able to make videocalls.

Dexterity disability

There are several features included in this device that renders it adequate for users with poor manual dexterity. The option to lock and unlock the device making a simple double-tapping gesture, previously mentioned, can simplify the use of this smartphone for these users.

However, something that may limit their experience is the fact that both the power and volume buttons are located at the back side, just below the camera lens. This location is not only confusing but also makes it difficult to users with dexterity issues to control the volume with comfort. In fact, some may not be able to access these buttons at all.

Another barrier observed that may hinder access, especially to users lacking manual dexterity abilities, is that the voice recognition feature pre-installed has been designed for web navigation only. It does not open native apps.

Notwithstanding, there is an interesting feature that may improve the experience of these users. The LG G3 comes with the app Universal Touch that provides a software alternative to functions performed by hardware buttons. Some of these functions are turning the device on or off, volume control, go to home page or making a screen shot. Users will be able to activate these functions using assistive devices such as mouth sticks, head wands or styluses, among others.

Poor comprehension skills

The LG G3 is suitable to users with limited comprehension skills or cognitive disabilities. Some of the apps include a brief tutorial that explains their purpose and how to use them. It also comes with customizable contact agenda, and the icons included comply with accessibility standards.

For more information about the accessibility features included in the LG G3, please consult the full accessibility report available in Amóvil.

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