# Text-Translating Apps EasySMS Turns Messages into Speech and Symbols to Help the Illiterate By Katherinev123 | Published 2012-07-13 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easysms References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/telecom_mobile/app-replying-text-messages-easier-illiterate-people/) & [design.epfl.ch](http://www.design.epfl.ch/easysms/blog) According to the people behind EasySMS, there are 800 million illiterate people in the world who can speak a language but can't read or write. Thus, when these people receive a text message, all they see is a jumble of meaningless symbols. But EasySMS solves this problem: it [translates text messages into sounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elevenlabs) and images. The EasySMS is a Windows 7 app created by students from Switzerland's [Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reversible-robotic-hand). It translates messages by breaking them down and either reading the entire SMS aloud to the user in a synthesized voice or in parts so that the user can hear certain words and even use some of the words in their own response. The app also has a variety of images and symbols that can be used in a text. The EasySMS app is a must-have in today's phone-prevalent world. According to the app's creators, many poor countries -- where the number of illiterate people is high -- are getting mobile phones and better phone coverage, which means an app like this will be useful in foster better [mobile communication](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-communication). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: South America, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Text-translating Apps:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing text-translating apps to help illiterate individuals understand written messages through audio and symbols. ### Where This Applies - **Mobile Communication:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating mobile communication solutions for illiterate individuals by incorporating text-translating features. - **Education Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating text-translating apps in education technology tools to enhance learning opportunities for illiterate individuals. - **Accessibility Services:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding accessibility services by developing text-translating apps for individuals with reading difficulties or disabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Voice Transcription Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voice-transcription.md) - [Multilingual Translation Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/travel-translator1.md) - [Text-Deciphering Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picture-translate.md) - [Speech-to-Text Assistive Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/literacy-pen.md) - [Smart SMS Organizing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartsms-organizer.md) - [Text-Transcribing Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-wearables.md) - [Assisted Speech Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-relate.md) - [Localized App Translation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/translatespace.md) - [AI-Enabled Speech-to-Text Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wispr-flow-app.md)