RogerVoice allows deaf people to take part in phone calls for the first time

The thing about phone calls is that it’s totally reliant on both recipients being able to hear what the other person is saying. While the rise of texting, instant messaging, and even voice calls has made it easier for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, RogerVoice is a way for them to take part in the more traditional phone call.

Essentially it’s a VoIP app that transcribes what’s being said. That means that while one person is talking into the phone, the other person is able to read what they are saying. They key feature is that both parties don’t need to have this app installed since Roger Voice can communicate through ordinary phone numbers.

It opens up a whole world of possibilities for people with hearing impairments across the world. You won’t have to struggle communicating with friends or relatives who don’t get the whole texting thing, they won’t need special circumstances and help if they have to get in touch with customer service helplines, and they will be able to make appointments at the doctor without having to go there in person.

RogerVoice is currently looking for funding on Kickstarter to aid further development on the app and finalise a version for Android phones. The plan for the future is to integrate text-to-voice services for deaf people who do not talk, and the ability for the app to receive calls since it can only make them in its current iteration.

It’s not going to be of use to everyone, but it will likely be an extraordinary help for thousands of deaf people across the world. It’s just a bit of a surprise that it’s taken this long to get to this stage.