Google should have won a “Best use of technology” Oscar for this moving ad
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But Google had its moment too. During the show, it advertised an app called “Look to Speak.” The app, which was released in 2020, helps those with debilitating conditions, such as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, communicate. The app uses a phone’s front-facing selfie camera to track a user’s eyes as they move from left to right selecting words and phrases that the phone reads aloud.
Google’s 60-second ad, titled “A Look Can Say A Lot,” starts by focusing on the eyes of various people including an infant. “A look can be honest and true,” Google says, adding that “A look can speak for you.”
The ad then shows the app and how it works. There are two sentences on the display, one on the left and the other on the right. Looking to the left, the phone will say “It’s great to see you.” Looking to the right, the phone will say, “How are you?” Again, the user determines which of the two sentences are read by the phone by moving his eyes to the left or the right.
The app is shown to a woman named Antoinette Fernandes who has speech and motor impairments due to ALS. The look on her face when she realizes that she can use the app and her eyes to communicate what she wants to say is priceless.
“You can download the app from the Google Play Store on any Android handset running Android 9 or later.”
You can download the app from the Google Play Store on any Android handset running Android 9 or later. For those who feel the need to put down technology or think that smartphones are a waste of time and money, just take another glimpse at the look on Antoinette’s face as she realizes that despite her physical condition, she can communicate with other people.
Another video that had been released last November titled “Look To Speak” takes us through Antoinette’s story. In 2019 she was diagnosed with ALS. Unable to communicate, she was feeling suicidal according to her daughter who is her caregiver. The daughter used to say letters and when she hit upon the right one, Antoinette would confirm by making noise and this method allowed her to get her thoughts across albeit in a slow, time-consuming way.
Apple might have won Best Picture, but Google takes the Oscar for best use of technology. If you know someone with ALS or has trouble communicating, tell them about the free “Look to Speak” app.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary function of the 'Look to Speak' app?
What is the primary function of the 'Look to Speak' app?
The app helps individuals with debilitating conditions communicate by tracking their eye movements. Users look left or right to select pre-set words or phrases, which the phone then reads aloud to others.
Q.How does the 'Look to Speak' app technically operate?
How does the 'Look to Speak' app technically operate?
It uses a phone's front-facing selfie camera to monitor eye movements. By looking to the left or right, a user can choose between two displayed sentences, which the phone then vocalises.
Q.When was the 'Look to Speak' app first made available?
When was the 'Look to Speak' app first made available?
The 'Look to Speak' app was released in 2020. It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and is compatible with Android handsets running Android 9 or a later version.
Q.Who was featured in Google's advertisement for the 'Look to Speak' app?
Who was featured in Google's advertisement for the 'Look to Speak' app?
The advertisement featured a woman named Antoinette Fernandes. She has speech and motor impairments due to ALS, and her story highlights the app's ability to aid communication.
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