SÃO PAULO, June 11th, 2021
Last May, Hand Talk, a Brazilian app that translates English to ASL, reached the spotlight in Google Play as a social impact star. The highlight came due to its use of technology to create a more accessible world for the deaf and hard of hearing, aiming to break communication barriers between hearers and members of the deaf community.
The Hand Talk app is a pocket translator that automatically translates oral languages, both in text or audio, to sign languages, such as English to ASL or Portuguese to Libras (Brazilian Sign Language). Users can also review different signs or even learn their first ones via the app. All of this is done with the help of Hugo and Maya, the two AI-powered and charismatic 3D digital translators.
Recently launched in the United States, the ASL version of the app became available in July 2020. Users can also switch versions and enjoy the app in another language for free, such as Brazilian Sign Language. Ronaldo Tenório, Hand Talk’s CEO, explains “Hand Talk’s purpose, from the very beginning, was to break communication barriers that exist between people, improving the lives of thousands around the globe. Providing the app in one more language is another step we take towards a more inclusive world, with Sign Language being even more widespread.” Since its launch the app has already accumulated over 4 million downloads worldwide.
Even before having the app available in ASL, Hand Talk already had some other international achievements. In 2013, when the original version of the app in Libras had yet to be launched, the company received the award for world’s best social app, nominated by the United Nations, during the World Summit Mobile in Abu-Dhabi. Ever since then, Hand Talk keeps collecting prizes, such as most innovative startup in Latin America, by Qprize in 2014, and most innovative solution in the world, by Gifted Citizen in 2016. More recently, in 2019, Hand Talk was selected as one of 20 organizations in the world to receive a shared investment of US$25 million from Google.org, part of the Google AI Impact Challenge.
The app can be found for download for free in Play Store or also in App Store, available for smartphones and tablets. Users can customize their experience with different functionalities. They can repeat translations, adjust their digital translator’s speed, rate and save their favorite translations, generate GIF messages to share with their friends, and access Hugo and Maya’s store, where it’s possible to change their clothes and design.
About Hand Talk
Launched in 2012, the Brazilian startup Hand Talk focuses on putting technology to good use by bringing more accessibility to the world. The company operates a mobile translator for tablets and smartphones, which performs digital and automatic real-time translations to Libras and ASL. The app relies on the help of its virtual translators, Hugo and Maya. Those two go beyond simply translating, but are also bringing people together through the use of technology and communication, being applied in different environments, such as classrooms and families. With their help, Hand Talk aims to break all communication barriers, contributing to a fairer and more inclusive world.
Download Material:
Founders mini bio:
Ronaldo Tenório (CEO)
Born: 12/11/1985 – Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldotenorio
Strategic communication specialist, soccer lover, co-founder and Executive Director of Hand Talk, one of the most awarded Brazilian startups, which has its app elected as the Best Social App of The World by the UN. In 2016, he was elected by MIT as one of 35 most innovative under 35.
Carlos Wanderlan (CTO)
Born: 05/08/1982 – Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carloshandtalk
Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Hand Talk, he is a software and app developer, with over ten years of experience. Aside from the entrepreneur experience, he has also worked with technology for big companies in Brazil. In 2014, he was elected the most promising Brazilian Social Entrepreneur by the newspaper Folha de São Paulo.
Thadeu Luz (COO)
Born: 13/04/1983 – Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thadeuluz
Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Hand Talk, he specialized in graphic animation and architecture by the Federal University of Alagoas, and in 3D animation by Seneca College, in Toronto, Canada. During his time abroad, he worked with special effects for television series and movies from several international productions. In 2014, he was elected the most promising Brazilian Social Entrepreneur by the newspaper Folha de São Paulo.
More information:
- Contact: Ana Sofia Gala
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Phone: +55 11 98241-0031
- Website: www.handtalk.me/en
- Blog: handtalk.me/en/Blog
- Facebook: fb.com/handtalkBR
- Youtube: youtube.com/HandTalkTV
- Instagram: instagram.com/handtalk_EN
- Twitter: twitter.com/handtalk_EN
