Skip to main content

iPhone users can now access Morse code on Gboard for iOS

Tania’s Story: Morse code meets machine learning

Google has announced the arrival of a Morse code option on Gboard for iPhone, making it easier for people with limited mobility to communicate using their smartphones.

The option to use Morse code has been available on Android for the last few months, having been announced in May, and represents a huge leap forward for accessibility. As Morse code consists of a series of dots and dashes, and therefore only uses two keys, it can be hugely useful for users who find it difficult to use a regular keyboard.

to bring the mode to life, Google worked closely with Morse code expert Tania Finlayson, who helped Google to design the layout and add customizable options to fit as many disabilities as possible. Speaking of her own life experiences and how much learning Morse code has meant to her and changed her life in Google’s blog, Tania hopes that the development means that more disabled people will be able to feel included in modern technology, and is excited for the future that her work on Gboard may bring.

“I’m excited to see what people will build that integrates with Morse code—whether it’s a keyboard like Gboard, a game, or educational app, the possibilities are endless. Most technology today is designed for the mass market,” said Tania. “Unfortunately, this can mean that people with disabilities can be left behind. Developing communication tools like this is important, because for many people, it simply makes life livable.”

Morse code was developed in the 1800s, and despite never really falling out of use in various industries (the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard still use Morse code via signal lamps to communicate), the use of Morse code has mostly become a hobby amongst the general population. However, with Google’s recent addition to Gboard, there’s never been a better time to try out Morse code for yourself.

If you’re taking your first steps into Morse code, Google has created a game designed to teach the basics of Morse code in an hour. To access the mode, Google has put together an exhaustive guide to get you going. This isn’t Google’s first addition for accessibility either, as Android P’s Lookout app will help the visual impaired, while Google Maps is adding wheelchair accessible routes.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Jansen
Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient &…
Let’s be clear, Apple — it’s time to make a transparent iPhone
Deep Purple iPhone 14 Pro with Beats Studio Buds+ in Transparent

Apple has released a new product that's gotten a lot of attention because of an awesome new color option. No, it’s not an iPhone, iPad, or even an Apple Watch. Heck, it’s not even the AirPods Pro 2. So, what am I talking about?

Apple acquired Beats by Dre in 2014, and this week, Beats dropped the new Beats Studio Buds+, which are pretty similar to the AirPods Pro 2, but cost less dough. And they come in one of the coolest colors I’ve seen in a long time: transparent.

Read more
iOS 16.5 is bringing two exciting new features to your iPhone
apple launches ios 16 5 new pride wallpapers more wallpaper update

After about a month in the beta testing stage, Apple is finally rolling out iOS 16.5 to the public. This is a surprisingly nice update, as it includes a few new features and some bug fixes.

One of the headliner features of the iOS 16.5 update is the addition of new Pride Celebration wallpapers. This wallpaper can be used for the lock and home screens, and it is meant to honor the LGBTQ+ community and culture. This wallpaper is being released ahead of the Apple Watch Pride Edition Sport Band, which will be available starting on May 24.

Read more
I hate my iPhone’s keyboard, but this app made it better
Theming on SwiftKey

The iPhone does a lot of things right. From serving a secure environment, a smooth operating system, unmatched performance, and consistently good cameras, there are plenty of practically justifiable reasons to overlook any of the best Android phones in favor of a pricey iPhone.

Interestingly, Apple tends to take a conservatively slow approach when it comes to smartphone innovations and only serves them after nearly near-perfecting the formula. But the default iPhone keyboard is a tale of stagnation. Or, to put it more accurately, it’s absurdly feature-devoid and depressingly non-exciting.

Read more