It looks like the team behind Google+ is hard at work making its services accessible to as many people as possible, the company just announced two brand new updates to its Hangout to help the disabled – a sign-language interpreter and some new keyboard shortcuts.
Google+ Hangout now allows the deaf or hard of hearing users who prefer sign language to invite interpreters to speak and sign for them during a Hangout. When invited, the interpreter will reside on the top right hand side of the window and will automatically become the focus whenever he or she speaks to the deaf user. The feature will not only help convert their friends’ speech into sign language, it will also make communication with their friends easier by translating their signs into spoken voice.
The new Google+ Hangout update also comes with a set of new keyboard shortcuts for users who are unable to use a mouse during a Hangout. Some of the shortcuts include Ctrl+D to mute the microphone, Ctrl+B to start a chat, Delete to close or remove a selected app, and more (full list of shortcut keys available here).
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The new additions will be rolled out gradually so if you’re not seeing it on your Hangout yet, be patient and check back later.
(Source: TheVerge, Anna Cavender Google+)
