Google isn’t just breaking barriers; it’s shattering the boxes that so many disabled people have been locked in for years.
Google’s Gboard keyboard is the type of virtual keyboard that can be used on both Android and iOS devices. It was first released in May 2016. Many Android devices use the Gboard by default, but if you have a Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, you will have to upgrade free via a downloadable app.
Even if you think your keyboard is doing its job, you should check out Gboard, and you will be amazed at what this highly advanced keyboard can do. This Smartphone keyboard has all the bells and whistles, including:
- Built-in Google search
- Search for emojis and GIFs
- Hyper-swipe typing speed
- Permanent number row
- One hand mode
- Quickly enter symbols
- Type and translate
- Syncing learned words
- Draw emojis
- Flipbooks
However, the latest feature that was added to the Gboard keyboard is a keyboard that uses Morse code. Because Morse code is easy to operate, it is an excellent communication system for people with advanced or severe handicaps. However, before now, the automatic recognition of Morse code was extremely difficult.
Google makes it easier for people with disabilities to use Morse code to communicate effectively now that they have added Morse Code support to its Gboard keyboard. Google created a predictive word suggestion feature for people that use Morse code to communicate. Much like the native Apple keyboard that can predict text, the Google keyboard can predict words, allowing people with handicaps to forego typing out tedious long Morse code and select the appropriate predictive text.
Additionally, Google is working to improve closed captioning. Currently, people with hearing issues turn on the closed captioning and if people on the TV speak over one another, it becomes a jumbled mess of dialog on the screen. Google would show the text of what each person says instead of combining it all, which makes it very confusing. We can’t wait to see this in action soon!