The WatchMeTalk App

Hackathons have become increasingly popular ways of exploring new possibilities in the programming and development fields. The phrase itself is a portmanteau of the words hack and marathon, with hack relating to experimenting with computer hardware and software in a fun and enjoyable way, not the more sinister definition relating to cybercrime. Hackathons typically last 2-7 days, with participants working almost non-stop to create something new.

It was at the 36-hour Hacktech Hackathon in January 2014 that Alejandro Rioja, Ritvik Upadhyaya, Christian Guerin and Jordan Vega developed the WatchMeTalk app.

The WatchMeTalk app uses Google’s Speech-to-text API, in conjunction with Google Glass, to convert audio (spoken text) into text, in real time. Although the app has many possible benefits throughout society, the team saw it as having the greatest benefit to the deaf and hard of hearing – when paired with Google Glass, the app allows you to look directly at someone as they speak to you, and immediately have their speech converted to text that you can read without looking away. Other ways the app could be used include:

  • When watching a film or TV show that does not have subtitles or closed-captioning.
  • At gatherings, meetings and parties, allowing you to more easily participate in discussions, or understand what is being discussed without the need for interpreting.

Although the WatchMeTalk app was initially designed to work with Google Glass, the team are currently developing standalone versions for Android smartphones and iPhones, with a launch projected for September 2014. The app is currently undergoing beta testing, but it already received extensive coverage at the 52nd Biennial National Association of the Deaf Conference earlier this year.

More details can be found on the app’s website.

Google Glass is a form of wearable technology that is at once quite controversial, and of great benefit within certain situations. It is currently only available to developers and US consumers, at $1,500 per pair. Google has given no indication of when Google Glass will be available to international consumers.

DTV – Episode 718


First Broadcast
Saturday, 02 August 2014 at 12h00 (CAT)
Repeats
Sunday, 03 August 2014 at 02h30 (CAT)

On Sign Language this week
Thabo discusses holiday’s and holiday traditions.
On Connect this week
Chef Nicolas D. van der Walt and his team attempted a world record to make the largest and smallest chocolate paintings. We take a look at the work involved.
On Candice @ this week
10% of the world’s population suffer from a rare disease. Let’s find out more.

DTV Sign Language | Conversational Skills Part 9

In today’s Sign Language lesson Thabo talks about movies.

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DTV Sign Language | Conversational Skills Part 8

Learn about living spaces in this week’s Sign Language lesson.

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DTV Sign Language | Conversational Skills Part 7

Learn about food conversations in this week’s Sign Language lesson.

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DTV- Episode 717


First Broadcast
Saturday, 26 July 2014 at 12h00 (CAT)
Repeats
Sunday, 27 July 2014 at 02h30 (CAT)

On Sign Language this week
Thabo discusses pregnancy.
On Connect this week
I meet a young man to find out how a cochlear implant has impacted on his life.
On Candice @ this week
Headway assists Brain Injury patients and their families by helping them lead a normal life.

DTV – Episode 716 (New Broadcast Times)

Please note our new broadcast times!

First Broadcast
Saturday, 19 July 2014 at 12h00 (CAT)
Repeats
Sunday, 20 July 2014 at 02h30 (CAT)

On Sign Language this week
We’re going to the movies.
On Connect this week
Today we will be going to a game reserve with one of our deaf leaders and disability activists.
On Candice @ this week
Candice visits one of Joburg’s leading visual arts organizations.

 

 

DTV Sign Language | Conversational Skills Part 6

In this week’s Sign Language lesson, Thabo teaches us signs relating to career discussions.

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DTV – Episode 715


First Broadcast
Monday, 14 July 2014 at 09h30 (CAT)
Repeats
Saturday, 19 July 2014 at 10h00 (CAT)
Sunday, 20 July 2014 at 00h30 (CAT)

On Sign Language this week
Find out what Thabo and Katlego talk about in our sign language lessons.
On Connect this week
Thabo meets two deaf woman who work at a cash-in-transit company.
On Candice @ this week
Candice visits an exotic animal expo.

DTV Sign Language | Conversational Skills Part 5

In this week’s Sign Language lesson, Thabo and Leonie introduce us to discussions about relationships.

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