Google debuts Live Transcribe, Sound Amplifier apps for Android Pie

Google has revealed two new accessibility apps for Android 9.0 Pie meant to help those with hearing difficulties.

In a blog post, the company’s head of product for accessibility Brian Kemler revealed Live Transcribe and Sound Amplifier, and both are fairly self explanatory.

Live Transcribe

This is a tool that translates audio into text in real time.

When the app is enabled, it uses your microphone to transcribe the speech around you so that you may read it on your phone as it happens.

“Live Transcribe has the potential to give people who are deaf or hard of hearing greater independence in their everyday interactions,” Kemler noted.

The app can transcribe in over 70 languages as well.

“It also enables two-way conversation via a type-back keyboard for users who can’t or don’t want to speak, and connects with external microphones to improve transcription accuracy,” Kemler explained.

Live Transcribe will be available for beta users to download from the Play Store globally. Google’s Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones will come with it pre-installed.

Sound Amplifier

This app lets users use their phone as a makeshift hearing aid to enhance sounds in their environment.

“With Sound Amplifier, audio is more clear and easier to hear. You can use Sound Amplifier on your Android smartphone with wired headphones to filter, augment and amplify the sounds in your environment,” Kemler added.

Users can also reduce background noise, so conversations with loved ones can be heard in busy, loud places.

The customisable app can be downloaded for Android 9.0 Pie.

“With both Live Transcribe and Sound Amplifier, our goal is to help the hundreds of millions of people who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate more clearly,” Kemler concluded.

Feature image: Google