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Google Brings Morse Code to Gboard for iOS

Google created this feature in partnership with assistive technology developer Tania Finlayson, who was born with cerebral palsy and has been using Morse code to communicate since she was a child.

By Angela Moscaritolo
July 12, 2018
Gboard Morse Code

Google's Gboard keyboard app is getting more accessible for people with disabilities.

After first introducing Morse code support on Gboard for Android this May, Google is bringing this feature to iOS as well. The web giant is also rolling out some improvements to the feature on Android.

Google created this feature in partnership with assistive technology developer Tania Finlayson, who was born with cerebral palsy and has been using Morse code to communicate since she was a child. Dating back to the 1800s, Morse code is a communication system which uses just dots and dashes.

"The Morse code keyboard on Gboard allows people to use Morse code (dots and dashes) to enter text, instead of the regular (QWERTY) keyboard," Finlayson explained in a Wednesday blog post.

Finlayson said she worked closely with the Gboard team to help design the keyboard layout, add Morse sequences to the auto-suggestion strip above the keyboard, and develop settings that let people customize the keyboard to fit their needs. The Android version of Gboard also now lets you connect external hardware switches to your phone so a person with limited mobility can operate the device.

Interested in trying it out but have no clue how to type in Morse code? No worries: Google has created a game, which it says can help you learn how in "less than an hour." The Morse Typing Trainer is available on iOS, Android, and the desktop.

"Developing communication tools like this is important, because for many people, it simply makes life livable," Finlayson wrote. "Now, if anyone wants to try Morse code, they can use the phone in their pocket. Just by downloading an app, anyone anywhere can give communicating with Morse code a try."

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About Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

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