TalkBack Image Descriptions (Gemini)
by Google · US
On-demand and automatic AI image descriptions built into Android's screen reader
What it is
TalkBack, Android's built-in screen reader, includes a generative-AI image description capability powered by Google's Gemini models. A TalkBack user can move focus to any image and choose 'Describe image' from the TalkBack menu to get a detailed, AI-generated spoken description of what the image shows, even when the app developer supplied no alt text. On Pixel 9 and later phones, TalkBack can additionally generate these descriptions automatically the moment focus lands on an image in supported apps, without a manual request. Descriptions are generated in the cloud; Google states that images sent for description are processed and then deleted.
Who this helps, and how
Get a real description of any image a developer forgot to label
Purpose-built — Designed as assistive technology Blindness / no functional vision Low vision / partial sightHave images described automatically as you scroll, without asking every time
Works well — Mainstream product that genuinely serves this need Blindness / no functional visionWhat people say
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