New Delhi: Google CEO Sundar Pichai has announced the launch of a new AI-powered sign-to-text feature to increase accessibility for people with hearing and speech impairments.
Powered by Google DeepMind’s sign-language-to-text (SL2T) model, the technology translates American Sign Language (ASL), captured through the camera, into written English text in real time.
Integrated into Gboard and Live Transcribe on the new Pixel 11 series, the technology will enable people to sign whatever they would normally type. It also helps them respond during in-person conversations in Live Transcribe by signing instead of typing. Google has described the feature as the sign-language equivalent of voice dictation.
“Built in partnership with the Deaf community, this can help people who sign ASL communicate more seamlessly with their phone or with those who don’t sign,” Pichai wrote in a post on X.
The sign-to-text feature is offered at no extra cost on the new Pixel 11 phones.
Other features announced
Pichai also announced the launch of the new Pixel 11 lineup, which he described as designed for Gemini Intelligence. Alongside the accessibility tool, he also pointed to other Gemini-powered capabilities.
“A few I’m excited about: Rambler, a new voice input built for how you actually talk,” he wrote. “Magic Capture for effortless photos. And HiLight, a subtle glow when your phone is face down that lets you know when important people in your life are trying to call you.”
The features were unveiled during the Made by Google 2026 event on 12 August, which was livestreamed on the Made by Google YouTube channel. The event centred on the Pixel 11 lineup, including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, along with the Pixel Watch 5.
These devices are designed around “Gemini Intelligence,” Google’s deeper integration of its AI across hardware and software. The features have been received well by critics online.
“AI isn’t just about making existing tasks faster. It’s becoming a bridge between people and technology in ways that can genuinely make everyday communication more accessible,” wrote a user on X, calling the sign-to-text feature the good kind of AI.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
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