Microsoft has announced the introduction of AI-powered live captions and subtitles in Skype calls, to help more people who are deaf or hard of hearing, use the service.
In celebration of the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Microsoft this week announced a new set of features meant to make its Skype services “a more inclusive experience” for everyone.
The new call captioning with live captions and subtitles feature works on the latest version Skype, and it’s available in one-on-one calls with friends, coworkers, etc. However, it is also available in calls to ordinary phone numbers as well as group calls.
Live captions and subtitles can be turned on easily for a single call or for all calls, and Microsoft says they “are optimized to be fast, continuous, and contextually updated as people speak.” Furthermore, “the captions and subtitles auto-scroll” within a call. Soon, Microsoft will roll out additional viewing options, like the ability “to scroll through them in their own side window.”
Also, the translations feature will soon support over 20 languages and dialects, so “whether you’re learning a new language, having a tough time understanding your friend from across the world, or attending a meeting that is not in your native tongue, our new translations will help keep you up to speed.”
Translations can be turned on with a simply by toggling them on, and you can read subtitles in your chosen language in every call.
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