Making Xperia accessible to all

Assisting the senses

Our goal is to deliver accessible products that enable everyone to communicate freely, whatever their individual needs. We focus on three areas of accessibility: Vision Assist – making content easier to see or converting it to sound; Hearing Assist – making content easier to hear or converting it to text; and Action Assist – making it easier to operate your Xperia device.

Drawing accessibility out of the dark

For employees across our design, marketing, service and executive without a lived experience of disability, delivering Kando to our diverse range of customers can be a challenge. Watch how the “Dialog in the Dark” training session, guided by a blind facilitator, helped Xperia team members develop new insight and awareness about accessibility across all aspects of their work.

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Our work to improve accessibility

Since 2021, we have started implementing improvements in some applications by Software and User Interface members through dialogue from Sony/Taiyo users. For instance, with TalkBack (operation guidance by voice) and Graphical User Interface visibility quality improvements, we found strong needs through this conversation. This kind of action will improve the usability not only for people with disabilities but also many other people. We are also accelerating the despatch of information on accessibility.

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Voice of customer cycle/inclusive design launch

We are proceeding with product improvement in such a process.

[1] Cooperation with related organisations (Sony/Taiyo and others)
[2] Review
[3] Implementation in products

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About Sony/Taiyo

In 1978, Sony/Taiyo was established by Masaru Ibuka, one of the founders of Sony, who endorsed the operation of the social welfare corporation Sony/Taiyo, which supports the social participation of people with disabilities.

Sony/Taiyo is a special subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, where employees with various disabilities play an active role in various departments by making the most of their individuality and abilities. 

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Taking place on the third Thursday in May each year, Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is a day to discuss, think and learn about accessibility and inclusion for those who need it.

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Accessibility functions for Xperia 
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Camera app helps everyone take better photos

With the latest camera app, you can opt to have a sound played when your Xperia camera tilts to one side or the other. So, a person who is blind or has low vision can take a straight picture. We've also updated the User Interface to make it easier to use. 

Applicable models: Xperia 1 VI, 1 V, 5 V, 1 IV, 5 IV 

Display in a way that suits you

If you find it difficult to see text or images on the screen, you can make it smaller or larger on the website when needed. Display size and text will let you adjust colours on your device and even bold text to improve readability. 

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Change the colours

If you’re colour-blind or have trouble reading text on a screen, you can apply a Colour correction mode that will change adjust how colours are displayed on your device and make it easier to see and read. 

Hear what’s on screen

Switch on TalkBack and your Xperia can give you spoken feedback, reading aloud text on screen and guiding your touches if you have difficulty seeing the screen.

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Talk by text

Live Transcribe lets you participate in conversations around you more easily. It shows speech as text on your screen, alerts you when your name is spoken, and lets you type responses on screen while viewing the transcription. 

Be aware of important sounds

Switch on Sound Notifications and your phone will alert you to important noises in your home, for example when a smoke alarm beeps, a doorbell rings or a baby cries.

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One-handed mode 

Today’s larger smartphones can be tricky to operate using one hand. One-handed mode solves this problem by moving the screen down so you can easily access the upper area that’s difficult for your thumb to reach.

Control with ease

The Accessibility Menu provides a large, icon-based, on-screen menu making it easier to lock your device, control volume and brightness, take screenshots, and more.

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Handle calls with simple movements 

When you receive a call, you can accept, reject or silence it without even touching or looking at the screen. You can answer incoming calls by bringing your device up to your ear, reject calls by shaking the device, or turn the ringer off by placing the device face down. Enable Smart Call Handling in your Gesture settings now, and make your device easier to operate than ever. 

Meet your new Google Assistant 

To make it easier to keep in touch with loved ones, manage daily tasks and access your phones features, you can use the Google Assistant. After setting, you can start contacting family and friends, managing errands, researching things, operating your smartphone, and more just by saying "OK Google".

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Support and related information
Logo for GARI, the Global Accessibility and Reporting Initiative
Check us on GARI

The Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI) database is a reference guide for mobile phone and tablet users living with impaired hearing, vision, dexterity, or other special needs. It provides a quick and easy comparison of accessibility features on phones, including all Xperia devices.

Android accessibility

Designed to be even more accessible with new visibility features, Android  helps you see and scroll through your favourite content effortlessly.

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Assistive Technology on Xperia

Our smartphones include visual, hearing and mobility accessible technology.

Sony’s Accessibility

Introducing initiatives at Sony, our latest products, services and projects.

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Available features may vary depending on the product.
Some features may require app installation from Google Play™ depending on the product.