Comparing TalkBack and Jieshuo: Strengths and Weaknesses of Two Screen Readers

Last updated on 30 April 2024

TalkBack and Jieshuo are the two most popular screen readers available for Android. Both have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. In this article, I will try to highlight the strong and weak points of each screen reader in an objective manner.

TalkBack:

What is TalkBack?

TalkBack is the built-in screen reader on most Android phones. It is developed by Google as part of the Android Accessibility Suite. Since Android 11, Samsung has released its own version of TalkBack, which is installed from the Galaxy Store and optimized for Galaxy devices. However, this version is still based on Google’s TalkBack, and both screen readers are very similar with slight differences. Samsung may take some time to update its screen reader to include the latest changes from Google’s version.

Strengths of TalkBack:

Free and readily available:

TalkBack is included as a built-in screen reader on most Android phones. It can be enabled during the setup screen, and updates for TalkBack are independent of Android updates. However, certain features may be limited to specific Android versions.

Simplicity and tutorial availability

TalkBack is a simple-to-use screen reader with no complicated settings. When you enable TalkBack for the first time, there is a tutorial that walks you through its features and provides necessary information on using the screen reader’s set of features and gestures. In addition to the tutorial, you can train yourself on using the onscreen gestures, and there is an option to contact the Google’s Disability Support team to ask questions or provide feedback.

Stability:

TalkBack is known for its stability, as it focuses on performing basic tasks effectively. It doesn’t introduce new features frequently, but it ensures that the core functionality works reliably. Crashes are not commonly encountered, and the cursor remains stable during operation. However, some users may experience occasional abnormal focus jumps, particularly in newer Android versions. To address this issue, users can navigate to TalkBack settings, access the advanced settings, go to developer settings, and uncheck the “Handle gestures in TalkBack” option. This can help in solving the focus jump problem.

Braille display and braille input support:

TalkBack provides support for Braille displays and braille input. It includes an onscreen Braille keyboard, with gestures for navigating text, selecting content, and performing text editing operations.

Furthermore, TalkBack allows users to connect to external Braille displays, which provide feedback in braille and enable users to operate their Android devices using the display. This feature enhances accessibility for individuals who rely on Braille for reading and input.

Text editing:

TalkBack offers a user-friendly text editing mode. Basic tasks like selecting, copying, and cutting texts are easy to perform with simple gestures. Editing tasks require minimal additional learning, and TalkBack includes a spell checker for easy correction of misspelled words.

Weaknesses of TalkBack:

Lack of customizations and features:

TalkBack focuses on core screen reading tasks, resulting in a limited features list and customization options. While gestures, TalkBack’s menu, and granularity items can be customized to a certain extent, the choices available are limited. Many aspects of the screen reader cannot be modified according to users’ preferences, and some changes introduced through updates are forced upon users with no option to revert back to previous configurations.

Slow updates:

While TalkBack receives updates independently from the Play Store, it does not receive frequent updates. Major updates usually coincide with new Android versions, and the focus is often on improving existing features rather than introducing new ones. Bugs may take a while to be addressed due to the slower update cycle.

Slow Response and Lag on Some Devices

Many users have reported experiencing lag and slow response times when using Talkback, particularly on less capable devices. This problem affects typing with onscreen keyboards, as the sluggishness of Talkback impedes the user’s typing experience even when using Gboard, Google’s own keyboard

Restriction on beta testing:

Google has restricted beta testing of TalkBack to the United States only, which limits international users’ participation in providing feedback during the development process. As TalkBack is the built-in screen reader for Android devices, expanding beta testing globally could lead to better feedback and an improved user experience.

Jieshuo screen reader

What is Jieshuo?

Jieshuo, also known as Commentary, is a Chinese-developed screen reader that gained recognition internationally after being translated into English several years ago. Since then, it has become well-regarded in the screen reader community, with a strong user base and translations available in multiple languages.

Jieshuo’s strengths:

A comprehensive set of features

Jieshuo is known for its extensive range of features that go beyond basic screen reading tasks. It includes a timer, translation feature, media playback controls, object and text recognition supporting multiple languages, current lighting detection, and much more.

Customization options:

“Jieshuo provides users with a high level of control over the screen reader through its numerous customization settings. In Jieshuo, users have the ability to customize various features and announcements, and assign gestures to a variety of functions, allowing for personalized adjustments.

Extensions system:

Jieshuo’s capabilities can be extended through addons, which range from basic auto clicks to more advanced extensions and tools. With extensions, Jieshuo can function as a screen rotation control tool, an audio recorder, a music player, an app manager, and more.

frequent updates:

Jieshuo receives regular updates, with beta versions released almost daily. These updates introduce additional features, options, and bug fixes, ensuring continuous improvement.

Versatile modes and approaches:

Jieshuo offers various modes to navigate on-screen content, including text reading and editing. Users can choose specific modes to focus on different on-screen elements or use gestures for text navigation. Additionally, Jieshuo provides alternative methods to make less accessible apps usable. For instance, it offers a virtual screen mode that utilizes OCR to identify app elements, as well as a virtual navigation mode that allows users to tap on inaccessible buttons and items using on-screen coordinates.

Speed and responsiveness:

According to user observations, many users have noticed that Jieshuo offers improved speed and responsiveness compared to TalkBack. Users have reported smoother navigation between items and faster typing experiences with reduced lag. this is particularly beneficial for users with less powerful devices.

Jieshuo weaknesses:

Lack of user guide and scattered resources:

Jieshuo lacks a user guide, which is crucial given the huge list of features and options available with this screen reader. Users are left to search for learning resources on their own. Although there was an initiative to create a comprehensive user guide in the past, it was discontinued. The app provides a link to the Jieshuo section on Accessible Android, and links to join Jieshuo Telegram groups where users can discuss the product and ask questions. However, the English group suffers from issues such as a shortage of moderators and a lack of organization. It is inconvenient for users to join a group solely to find answers to simple questions. Community-based tutorials and explanatory articles exist, but they are scattered, making it difficult for new users to find relevant information.

Absence from the Play Store:

Jieshuo is not available on the Play Store, which is the primary source for finding Android apps and is often recommended for safe installations. This absence raises concerns for some users, especially considering that Jieshuo is an accessibility service that could potentially collect sensitive user data. While this doesn’t imply wrongdoing on the developer’s part, it legitimizes the concerns of certain individuals.

On Android 13 and later, enabling an accessibility service obtained from outside of the Play Store needs the additional step of allowing restricted settings. And with Android 14, things are more problematic because this step is required after installing every update, unless users resort to using third-party installers to install the updates.

Furthermore, the unavailability of Jieshuo on the Play Store can have unintended consequences. Some users may resort to using cracked or modified versions of Jieshuo, often unaware of the potential risks associated with such versions. Additionally, searching for Jieshuo online may lead to encountering pirated sources in top search results, further complicating the issue.

It is worth noting that Jieshuo might be flagged as a malicious app on some systems or by banking applications. In fact, a trusted user reported that he was banned from using online banking services because the bank considered a Jieshuo version as malware.
Such issues are not widespread according to my knowledge, but they should be taken into consideration when deciding to use the program. Again, there is no certain evidence that Jieshuo contains serious risks to users’ security.

Payment handling:

Certain features of Jieshuo screen reader require a subscription. While it is acceptable for developers to offer paid apps or features, the manual process of activating subscriptions in Jieshuo is problematic. Users need to send money to the developer via PayPal, including their username and user ID used for logging into the app. Activation is usually quick, but if the user changes their phone, performs a reset, or updates the system, the user ID may change, requiring the user to email the developer to transfer the license. This process can take up to a week. Furthermore, each payment can only be used on a single device, without the option to use it on multiple phones simultaneously.

Some Android 14 users are facing random ID changes, which causes them to lose activation from time to time. Usually, a phone restart or switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data could fix the issue, but needing to deal with such a situation is far from ideal.

language barrier:

A notable weakness of Jieshuo is the language barrier between the developer, who is Chinese, and users who primarily speak languages like English. Since the developer may not be fluent in other languages, communication is often conducted using translation software. While translation services have improved, they still pose challenges in accurately conveying complex ideas, leading to potential misunderstandings in feature requests and bug reports. Moreover, the developer is more active on QQ, which is not widely accessible in many countries. Although two email addresses are provided for international users, important emails may occasionally go unanswered, making it difficult to establish effective communication with the developer.

Moreover, it should be noted that new options and features in Jieshuo are initially released in Chinese, and there can be a significant delay of weeks before they are provided to the translators. These translators, who are volunteers, often lack proficiency in Chinese. As a result, this situation can lead to conflicts or difficulties in accurately translating the functionality of these features, causing potential misunderstandings. Translators may also spend considerable time trying to decipher the meaning of certain elements, adding to the overall time required for translation. These factors underscore the challenges faced in ensuring effective translation and may impact user experience and understanding of the features.

Bugs and app compatibility issues:

Although Jieshuo is generally stable as a screen reader, it is not immune to bugs. These bugs can result in inconsistencies in its performance. For example, the focus may become unstable in certain versions, causing items to be skipped or losing focus while navigating or scrolling through lists. Furthermore, compatibility problems with widely used apps can arise due to the developer’s location in China, where certain apps like those from Google are unavailable. A known issue is the Google Assistant being unable to listen to commands when Jieshuo is using accessibility volume. Using media volume could be a potential fix, but even this doesn’t work sometimes until Jieshuo is force stopped and restarted.
On Android 14, users might find that Jieshuo is not well-optimized, with issues and lagginess appearing here and there. While the developer actively works on resolving bugs and improving the user experience, addressing these issues can be challenging, considering the aforementioned factors. These bugs and inconsistencies can impact the reliability and smooth functioning of Jieshuo as a daily driver for some users.

Complexity in performing some basic tasks:

Jieshuo, despite its powerful features, can sometimes make simple tasks more complex than necessary. For instance, when editing text, users are required to be familiar with “character by character browsing mode” gestures, which are different from default navigation gestures, to be able to select text and act on it.
However, it is crucial to maintain the customizability and advanced functionality that Jieshuo offers. Simplifying the process for basic tasks, while retaining the ability to customize, would greatly improve the overall user experience.

Unmonitored Extension Uploads

Jieshuo allows for convenient sharing of created gesture schemes and extensions with other users by uploading them to its servers. However, it’s important to note that this sharing process is unmonitored. As a result, there is a potential risk of multiple uploads of the same extension without proper respect for the rights of the original creator. Additionally, there is a concern regarding the possibility of harmful content being hidden under misleading titles within uploaded extensions or functions, as it is possible to upload encrypted code. Users who are unaware of the risks associated with using untrusted extensions and tools may become victims of disruptive or unwanted actions.

Lack of braille support:

One limitation of Jieshuo is the absence of native braille support. This can be a significant drawback for users who rely on a braille display or prefer on-screen braille input. To connect a braille display, users need to rely on third-party software such as “BrlTTY,” which some users may find challenging to work with. Similarly, for on-screen braille input, a third-party keyboard is required, often necessitating the use of the paid advanced braille keyboard. ocasional compatibility issues between Jieshuo and the braille keyboard can further exacerbate the problem.

Which screen reader to choose:

Both Jieshuo and TalkBack screen readers have their own advantages and shortcomings, so the choice ultimately rests with the users and their specific needs and preferences. Personal preference plays a crucial role in this decision. For example, if simplicity without excessive features or a strong emphasis on app source verification is important to you, TalkBack would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if you value powerful features and are willing to invest effort in exploring and resolving potential issues, while also enjoying frequent updates, Jieshuo would be the recommended screen reader.

However, it is not necessary to choose only one screen reader and disregard the other. If you are comfortable using Jieshuo, despite it not being available on the Play Store, you can have both screen readers coexist on your device. This way, you can leverage their respective strengths together. For example, Jieshuo may offer better performance with certain apps, while others may be more optimized for TalkBack.

Android’s open nature encourages healthy competition among screen readers, which benefits users. There is room for the development of a new screen reader that incorporates the best features of existing options and learns from their weaknesses. Such a screen reader could potentially be open source, fostering collaboration between the community and professionals, much like NVDA for Windows. However, whether such an initiative will emerge in the future remains uncertain.