While doing exploration on a larger article I’m currently writing, I realized that my FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) Android ways prevented me from using most Google services. I thought this also meant Talkback, the only AT (Assistive Technology) for Android.

However, on further exploration, Talkback is bundled into the “Android Accessibility Suite” which requires no Google Play services, no ads, and is installable from the Aurora Store!

The only other snag I hit was that no Text-to-Speech engine comes installed. A quick look online led me to a FOSS option that’s a bit outdated called Flite TTS on F-Droid.

Worked like a charm, and a mostly FOSS Talkback for Android is up and running. Hope this helps you out!