Mobile applications never stop amusing us. Companies involved in research & development, make use state-of-the-art technologies to develop amazing apps. Google announced two new Android applications that have been designed to make life easy for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
An app called, Live Transcribe, will turn live speech into real-time captions using the phone’s microphone. And the other app, called Sound Amplifier, improves the phone’s sound output overall.
The Live Transcribe app is available in 70 languages and dialects. Google has provided a type-back keyboard for users who cannot or do not want to speak. This keyboard works with external microphones to improve transcription accuracy.
This app comes pre-installed on new Pixel 3 devices. A user can easily activate it from the Accessibility settings and launch the app from the Accessibility button on Android’s navigation bar.
Simplicity is the key
At first glance, it is safe to say that, Live Transcribe doesn’t have some of the features of competing products. But, that is where it wins big. A greater part of its appeal is its simplicity.
The core function of this app itself is its USP. It provides captions to what is spoken around you, and that is exactly what is needed for someone who is hearing-impaired. The app does not need to have glitters and bells to impress the users.
Google had partnered with Gallaudet University, a premier school for the deaf and hard of hearing, in order to make sure that Live Transcribe was helpful for everyday use.
Modern approach for the Deaf
Live Transcribe is a fitting example of technology providing spontaneous access to interpersonal situations where people with hearing problems otherwise might struggle..
You can think of one-to-one or small group conversations where these people might find it difficult to lip-read or understand a speaker, sometimes even when they have hearing devices on.
Thus, an app like Live Transcribe becomes a powerful tool in spontaneous, unplanned conversations.
The best part is that an individual who has problems hearing, can use this app to get a quick idea of what people in close proximity are talking about and jump in if you so desire.
The roadblock
What about the time when a person is in a noisy restaurant? Transcripting live is going to be more difficult than doing it in a quiet place in such instances.
This phenomenon is called ‘restaurant syndrome’
Also, using speech recognition for critical applications, such as delivering the news, must require a cautionary approach. Even small errors by the speech recognition software can lead to panic or chaos for the individual.
There are many things that can go wrong. One has to rely on the accuracy of a live captioner only. Google is constantly working to make things smoother and to cut down on errors. And, not just Google, any or every mobile app development company should focus on this issue first before they wish to develop a similar app.
In comes the accents
Live Transcribe app may not work well in environments where the background noise terribly loud and people have to raise their voices to be heard. Additionally, the software requires Internet access, hence it may not be able to perform well if the user is in a weak signal area.
Sometimes, it has been noted to have problems with accents, too. The app works just fine with foreign accents in English though.
Google was already aware of the issue, hence they added a visual indicator to Live Transcribe app which displays the signal-to-noise ratio of a phone’s surroundings. This can help an individual understand if the app is going to perform effectively or not.
Sound enhancement
Google had released another app called Sound Amplifier, which aims at making a phone’s audio clearer and easier to hear. One can use wired headphones to filter, augment, and amplify the sounds around them.
The app boosts up quiet sounds without increasing loud sounds unnecessarily.
The phone’s user can basically use this app as a sound booster., helping them amplify speech or other sounds in direct vicinity.
The World Health Organization estimates that, by 2055, close to 900 million people worldwide will be living with hearing loss.
Conclusion
A large part of mobile app development services should also be focused on the betterment of people’s lives. Understanding their issues and working around a solution targeted towards the core problems.
