Photo: Google.
Google has announced the introduction of the Project Relate app in Singapore. The Android app is designed to promote inclusive communication by helping individuals with atypical speech connect with others and complete everyday tasks more smoothly.
First launched in 2021 in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and the United States, the app uses a set of 500 recorded commonly-used phrases across diverse topics to automatically learn how to better understand unique speech patterns and give a user access to the app's three main features: Listen, Repeat, and Voice typing:
Photo: Google.
- Listen: Through the “Listen” feature, the Project Relate app transcribes a person’s speech to text in real time, so they can copy-paste text into other apps, or let people read what they want to tell them.
- Repeat: Individuals can use the “Repeat” feature to restate what they’ve said using a clear, synthesised voice. This can be especially helpful in face-to-face conversations or when giving a command to their home assistant device.
- Voice Typing: People can use Project Relate Voice Typing to dictate in apps such as Google Docs, Gmail, Google Translate, or in any other location in which they will use a keyboard, all using their voice.
Besides the recorded phrases, users can also record and create Custom Cards unique to their personal situation like names of loved ones, local street names, or frequently visited places. Some sample Custom Cards can include, “I need to go to Henderson Road” or “How do I get to the MRT?”.
Photo: Google.
As part of the Singapore rollout, Google has partnered with MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore) to introduce the Project Relate app to its beneficiaries. Through a train-the-trainer guide, caregivers and staff are better enabled to assist persons with non-standard speech individually. In the coming weeks, Google will be working with more organisations across Singapore to conduct similar training sessions on Project Relate.
Interested individuals can also download Project Relate from the Google Play Store on their Android devices. For more details on setting it up, users can also access this tutorial video and guide.
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.