New Delhi: Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced the launch of a brand new AI-powered sign-to-text function to extend accessibility for folks with listening to and speech impairments.
Powered by Google DeepMind’s sign-language-to-text (SL2T) mannequin, the expertise interprets American Signal Language (ASL), captured by means of the digital camera, into written English textual content in actual time.
Integrated into Gboard and Stay Transcribe on the brand new Pixel 11 sequence, the expertise will enable folks to signal no matter they might usually kind. It additionally helps them reply throughout in-person conversations in Stay Transcribe by signing as an alternative of typing. Google has described the function because the sign-language equal of voice dictation.
“Inbuilt partnership with the Deaf neighborhood, this can assist individuals who signal ASL talk extra seamlessly with their cellphone or with those that don’t signal,” Pichai wrote in a post on X.
The sign-to-text function is obtainable at no additional price on the brand new Pixel 11 telephones.
Different options introduced
Pichai additionally announced the launch of the brand new Pixel 11 lineup, which he described as designed for Gemini Intelligence. Alongside the accessibility instrument, he additionally pointed to different Gemini-powered capabilities.
“Just a few I’m enthusiastic about: Rambler, a brand new voice enter constructed for a way you really discuss,” he wrote. “Magic Seize for easy images. And HiLight, a delicate glow when your cellphone is face down that allows you to know when vital folks in your life are attempting to name you.”
The options have been unveiled throughout the Made by Google 2026 occasion on 12 August, which was livestreamed on the Made by Google YouTube channel. The occasion centred on the Pixel 11 lineup, together with the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Professional, Pixel 11 Professional XL, and Pixel 11 Professional Fold, together with the Pixel Watch 5.
These units are designed round “Gemini Intelligence,” Google’s deeper integration of its AI throughout {hardware} and software program. The options have been acquired nicely by critics on-line.
“AI isn’t nearly making current duties quicker. It’s turning into a bridge between folks and expertise in methods that may genuinely make on a regular basis communication extra accessible,” wrote a person on X, calling the sign-to-text function the nice sort of AI.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
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