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Tests

Phablets for low vision and long-sighted users - summary

We have compared the Asus Zenfone 6, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Apple iPhone 6 plus and Nokia Lumia 1320

Phablets for low vision and long-sighted users - the details

Results for text- and zoom magnification, virtual keyboard, speech recognition, mail app, browser, and more

Tablet tests with low vision users: Usability

The usability of tablets changes when using the zoom function - but other aspects also contribute, such as the legibility of virtual keyboards or low contrast.

Comparing zoom magnification on iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8

The three most common smartphone operating systems all offer zoom magnifiaction. We have checked which one works best.

Testing Android skins with TalkBack

Many Android smartphones come with specific "skins" (graphical user interfaces) to differentiate themselves from Google's stock Android. Can blind users handle these skins?

Tablet test with blind users: Overview

In November 2013 we tested three tablets with blind users: Google's Nexus 7, Apple's iPad mini, and Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix, a Windows 8 hybrid with detachable screen.

Tablet test with blind users: A comparison of common tasks

In November 2013 we tested tablets with blind users to check how accessible they are when using the built-in mobile screen readers in iOS, Android and Windows 8.

Tablet test with blind users: initial set-up comparison

Can blind users set up a tablet all on their own? We compared the Nexus 7 and the iPad mini.

iPad mini calendar technical test: Bugs and issues

To complement our tests with users, we conducted a technical test of the iPad mini calendar, recording issues and bugs.

Nexus 7 calendar technical test: Bugs and issues

To complement our tests with users, we conducted a technical test of the Nexus 7 calendar, recording issues and bugs.

Windows 8 calendar technical test: Bugs and issues

To complement our tests with users, we conducted a technical test of the Windows 8 calendar, recording issues and bugs.

Interface issues when using tablets with screen readers

Inaccessible controls, non-modal designs, bad names or labels, or missing instructions: These some of interface issues that impact on blind people using touch devices.

Blind people using touchscreens: The issues

Our tablet tests have revealed some general issues blind users encounter when using touch input on a tablet. We list the issues and illustrate them with examples from the tests.

A comparison of speech output of VoiceOver, TalkBack and Narrator

Our comparison table demonstrates differences in standard output of the built-in screenreaders VoiceOver (iPad mini, iOS7), TalkBack (Google Nexus 7, Android 4.4.2 ) and Narrator (ThinkPad Helix, Windows 8.1).