Google rolls out Morse Code for Gboard on iOS

Earlier this year at Google I/O, the company announced Morse Code as an input method on Gboard for Android. The Morse Code keyboard on Gboard allows people with limited mobility to use Morse Code (dots and dashes) to enter text, instead of the regular (QWERTY) keyboard. Now, the tech giant has introduced the input method in Gboard for iOS and says that it has introduced improvements to Morse code on Gboard for Android. Google also announced that it has developed a game on Android, iOS and desktop to help people learn how to type in Morse code in less than an hour.

Google partnered with Morse Code and assistive tech developer Tania Finlayson, who was born with cerebral palsy, to make Morse code more accessible. “I’m excited to see what people will build that integrates with Morse code—whether it’s a keyboard like Gboard, a game, or educational app, the possibilities are endless. Most technology today is designed for the mass market. Unfortunately, this can mean that people with disabilities can be left behind. Developing communication tools like this is important, because for many people, it simply makes life livable. Now, if anyone wants to try Morse code, they can use the phone in their pocket,” she said in a blog.

During the keynote at this year’s Google I/O conference, company CEO Sundar Pichai talked a lot about making technology accessible to everyone. The company showed a video in which a story on how Finlayson became an important part in Google’s mission was shown. She said that she worked closely with the team and helped the company design the keyboard layout, add Morse sequences to the auto-suggestion strip above the keyboard and develop settings that allow people to customise the keyboard to their unique needs.

Follow Us

Digit NewsDesk

Digit News Desk writes news stories across a range of topics. Getting you news updates on the latest in the world of tech. View Full Profile