Google has launched ‘Look to Speak’, a new accessibility service that allows users to control their device with their eyes. The application allows users to select from a predetermined list of characters, words, phrases or actions by moving their eyes up, down, left or right. We live in a world where it is still very easy to forget that people with less physical abilities still have something to say. Most of the time, they just don’t have the means to say it. Look to Speak wants to change all that by offering a fully customizable means of self-expression that can be tailored to your own needs and, more importantly, your own vernacular and speaking style.
Although eye control is nothing new in and of itself, Google has managed to reduce the technology to a more portable format, meaning that users in wheelchairs, for example, can use it without having to carry a small server farm tied down. to your car. As noted in a blog post today, the real beauty of this is that it will allow users to configure their style, their way, something enormously empowering for those who are silenced through no fault of their own.
The project began as part of a subgroup of ‘Experiments with Google’ called ‘Start with One’, an initiative that designs a product for a specific person, before adapting and expanding it for use by other people in the community with similar needs. It’s the second announcement on a more accessible internet recently, with a new version of Google Voice Access rolled back from Android 11 last week.
At launch, Look to Speak will allow you to select phrases, say them out loud, snooze the screen, and edit your phrasebook. There are also tutorials and tips to help you get the most out of the service, covering everything from ideal phone placement to getting the best results from your movements.
‘Look to Speak’ is now available on all devices running Android 9.0 and higher, including Android One. To try it on the web or get more information, follow this link, or Android users can check the application: link below .
