Google Adds Sign Language Interpreter, Keyboard Shortcuts To Google+ Hangouts

Google has started rolling out two new accessibility improvements in Google+ Hangouts: a sign language interpreter app, and more keyboard shortcuts. Google’s Anna Cavender announced the features...
Google Adds Sign Language Interpreter, Keyboard Shortcuts To Google+ Hangouts
Written by Chris Crum
  • Google has started rolling out two new accessibility improvements in Google+ Hangouts: a sign language interpreter app, and more keyboard shortcuts.

    Google’s Anna Cavender announced the features in a Google+ post Thursday evening, saying that both are rolling out gradually.

    “Using the Sign Language Interpreter app, deaf or hard of hearing users who prefer sign language can invite interpreters to speak and sign for them during a Hangout,” she says. “They’ll always see their interpreter at the top right of the window, and they’ll become the focus of the Hangout whenever their interpreter speaks for them.”

    Google+ Hangout

    Google Hangout

    The app can be installed from here.

    Keyboard shortcuts, she says, are great for those who can’t or don’t want to use a mouse during video chat. “For example: muting your microphone is now as simple as Ctrl+D (PC) or Command+D (Mac), and you can start chatting with Ctrl+B (PC) or Command+B (Mac),” she explains.

    The full list of shortcuts can be found here.

    Earlier this week, Google also announced some new keyboard navigation for Gmail.

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