Snapchat created three AR Lenses and custom stickers to mark the International Week of the Deaf.
These new features were created by using feedback and guidance from employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. The company also uses AI and computer vision technology that was developed by SignAll in Hungary, which focuses exclusively on technology for the deaf. SignAll has created technology that tracks hand movements and can translate sign language into spoken languages. In April, the company released Ace ASL mobile app for iOS and Android.
Jennica Pounds (Snap Lab software engineer) was also responsible for the new Snap features. Pounds stated that her oldest son had difficulty learning American Sign Language. This was a major motivation to her work on the new tools. She stated in a news release that she is passionate about the technology as it will open up so many new applications. This technology will allow families to communicate and grow together, like mine.
AR Lenses will allow Snap users to learn how to spell their names and common words such as love, hug and smile. A new set of Bitmoji stickers shows some terms that are commonly signed.
