Taking a cue from giants like Samsung and Apple, Google has unveiled a feature that could change the way we understand phone calls. This new Android feature allows users to write messages that will be read aloud during a call—a tool that seems simple but is a big step towards accessibility.
Imagine for a moment that you have to make a call, but for some reason, you cannot speak. This is where this feature shines. It is particularly useful for people with speech or hearing disabilities but can also be a solution in noisy environments. The idea is to write what you want to communicate and have the phone convert it into voice, even simulating your own voice.
Similar to offerings from Samsung and Apple, this Google feature not only reads texts out loud but also provides real-time captioning of what the other person on the call is saying. However, one limitation to keep in mind is that there is no translation available, so it only works in the language you are using.
We already know that Samsung is working on translating live calls across different languages in the upcoming year. This update is crucial to remain competitive in this evolving landscape.
Currently, this feature is exclusive to a select group of devices, specifically the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, and Pixel Fold. This suggests that Google could expand its availability to more devices in the future.
To utilize this feature, you'll need to have the Android Accessibility app installed on your device. Once installed, activate it from the settings by selecting 'live caption' and enabling the 'write responses during calls' option.
This feature is a step towards a more inclusive society, where communication barriers are significantly reduced. It's exciting to think about how technology can make life easier for those who face challenges in their daily lives, and in the not-too-distant future, we may see this feature become common on all devices.
