# Sign Language Phone Apps Researchers are Testing MobileASL Application for Smartphones By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-12-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobileasl-application References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/08/deaf-students-sign-language/) & [blog.seattlepi](http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/218308.asp) University of Washington researchers are testing a MobileASL application that allows sign-language transmission on smartphones. The application uses a new video-compression technology that lets high-quality images be transmitted on current cellular bandwidths. The specialized MobileASL application detects when a person is not signing and adjusts the data output to prolong battery life. It lets those who use American Sign Language to communicate continue to do so without having to resort to texting. **Implications** - This is the kind of real-time video communication that will change the lives of millions of deaf people. Videos are sent over 3G and Wi-Fi networks at an incredibly low bit rate. The MobileASL App is a perfect example of the power of technology. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 4% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Real-time Video Communication:** Real-time video communication technology is revolutionizing communication for deaf individuals and has the potential to impact various industries. - **Video Compression Technology:** Video compression technology advancements enable high-quality sign language transmission on smartphones, presenting opportunities in video streaming and communication sectors. - **Enhanced Mobile Accessibility:** Specialized mobile applications like MobileASL enhance mobile accessibility for individuals who use American Sign Language, opening up opportunities in accessibility technology and communication sectors. ### Who This Affects Most - **Communication Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in developing communication technologies that facilitate real-time sign language transmission for improved accessibility and inclusivity. - **Video Streaming:** Video streaming platforms have the potential to integrate video compression technology to provide high-quality sign language communication, catering to the deaf community. - **Accessibility Technology:** The development of specialized mobile applications that enhance accessibility, like MobileASL, presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the accessibility technology sector. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sign Language Railway Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signlive-app.md) - [Supportive Accessible Communication Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-communication.md) - [Accessible Vatican Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vatican-app.md) - [AI-Powered ASL Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signs-x-nvidia.md) - [Educational ASL Social Filters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asl-alphabet-lens.md) - [Digital Sign Language Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-3.md) - [Sign Language Translation Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sign-language-translation.md) - [Sign Language-Enhanced Transportation Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/british-sign-language1.md) - [Sign Language Conference Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-teams-2.md)