Digi has launched a new app – called Eddy – to teach people Malaysian Sign Language or Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM). The goal is to be able to teach BIM to a wider audience, and not only deaf people and their families.
The core of Eddy is centered on the animated character that teaches people how to use BIM. One half of the app contains a BIM dictionary; complete with 3D animations on how they are signed. The other half is a sort of game that teaches players how to actually use sign language in day-to-day life.
Digi also hopes to expand the functions of Eddy by introducing an AI feature that translates spoken words into sign language. Something that doesn’t quite feel necessary considering that there are already plenty of voice-to-text apps available.
Eddy was developed by BAXS Technology, the group that won Digi’s Challenge for Change (CFC) competition that develops ideas for social improvement. Digi largely supported the development of the app through the CFC cash prize and helping it get to the market. It is also supported by the Malaysia Federation of the Deaf, which provided its expertise on BIM to ensure the accuracy of the app.
Eddy is currently available on the Google Play Store, and will be appearing on the Apple App Store within a month.
