–

Journalists recording video on a smartphone need to pay attention to even the smallest details. One common mistake occurs when they start recording. The reporter reaches towards the screen, presses the red button and then moves back into position in front of the camera. This movement may appear in the opening seconds of the footage, making the final video look less professional.

There is a simple solution: controlling the smartphone with your voice. Google offers Android users Voice Access, a free app that allows them to open applications, select buttons, navigate menus and issue commands without touching the screen.

For journalists, this is particularly useful when recording videos on their own, reporting live, preparing interviews or using a tripod. They can position their smartphone, check the framing and start recording with a simple voice command, such as ‘Record’, while remaining in front of the camera.

Tutorial: How to Install
and Use Voice Access on Android

The following instructions apply to Android smartphones. Menu names and available features may vary depending on the manufacturer and Android version.

1. Download

Open the Google Play Store, search for Voice Access by Google LLC and install the free app. Voice Access may already be available on some Android smartphones.

Download Voice Access from Google Play

2. Enable

Open your smartphone’s Settings, select Accessibility and find Voice Access. Enable the service or its accessibility shortcut.

If prompted, grant the necessary permissions, including access to the microphone. These allow the app to recognise voice commands and interact with your smartphone’s screen.

3. Set Up

You can activate Voice Access using an accessibility button or a shortcut, such as the volume keys.

On compatible smartphones, you may also be able to activate the service through Google’s voice assistant by saying:

“Hey Google, start Voice Access.”

Once activated, Voice Access listens for instructions and allows you to control your smartphone without touching the screen.

4. Your Voice

Position your smartphone on a tripod or another stable surface. Activate Voice Access and say:

“Open Camera.”

The smartphone should launch its camera app. You can also use voice commands to open other installed applications.

5. Video Mode

If the camera opens in photo mode, you need to switch to video recording.

Try saying:

“Tap Video.”

If Voice Access does not recognise the button, say:

“Show numbers.”

The app will display numbers next to recognised controls on the screen. Identify the number associated with Video mode and say it aloud.

For example, if the Video button is labelled 3, say:

“Tap 3.”

Voice Access will select the corresponding control.

(AI Generated)

6. Recording

Once Video mode is active, locate the red recording button on the screen.

If Voice Access recognises its label, you may be able to select it by name. Otherwise, say:

“Show numbers.”

Find the number assigned to the recording button and give the corresponding instruction.

For example, if the recording button is labelled 5, say:

“Tap 5.”

Voice Access will simulate a tap on the button and start recording.

Important: The number 5 is only an example. The actual number depends on the smartphone, the camera app and the controls displayed on the screen.

Check that recording has started before speaking to the camera.

7. Stop

When you have finished your report, use Voice Access to select the stop button.

You can identify the control by its label or display the numbered controls again.

After stopping the recording, check that the video has been saved in your smartphone’s Gallery or Photos app.

8. Turn Off

When you no longer need voice control, you can stop the service from listening by saying:

“Stop listening.”

You can reactivate it using your configured shortcut.

To disable the service completely, open Settings > Accessibility > Voice Access and turn off the relevant option.

9. Advice

• Voice Access can be particularly useful when recording a stand-up report, conducting an interview or filming alone with a tripod.
• Before starting, check that the camera is correctly positioned, the microphone is working and the voice commands are recognised.
• If you are using an external wireless microphone, test Voice Access before recording. Some microphone configurations may affect voice recognition.
• In noisy environments, such as busy streets, demonstrations or press conferences, voice commands may be harder to recognise.