Hasta La Gadget!

Video chat can be an empowering tool for hard-of-hearing internet citizens for whom sign language is easier than voice. Most chat software doesn’t easily bring an interpreter into the equation, however, which spurred Google into adding a Sign Language Interpreter app for Google+ Hangouts. The web component lets chatters invite an interpreter that stays in the background while they verbalize hand gestures. Google is also helping reduce dependencies on the mouse for those who can’t (or just won’t) use one during chat: there’s now keyboard shortcuts to start or stop chats, disable the camera and other basics that would normally demand a click. Both the interpreter app and shortcuts are available today.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Comments

Via: The Verge

Source: Anna Cavender (Google+)

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station and right here on terra firma are clearing their schedules for a Google+ Hangout on February 22nd, which will be the first NASA-coordinated Hangout with the ISS. Between 11 AM and noon ET, astronauts will answer questions previously submitted via video clips and those streaming in from the space agency’s Facebook page, Google+ and through Tweets tagged with #askAstro. NASA isn’t saying who’ll snag live face-time with the spacefarers during the Hangout, but it is asking folks to upload unique and original questions in clips of 30 seconds or less to YouTube by February 12th. Yearning to have a query answered? Hit the jump for the full submission details.

Filed under: Science, Google

Comments

Source: NASA

As eager as Google has been to help veterans find work in the civilian world, most of its work has been parallel to what’s already going on. It’s hoping to use its social networking skills from Google+ as the linchpin for a larger effort. Enter VetNet: the portal aggregates job-finding resources from Hire Heroes USA, Hiring Our Heroes and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, using Google+ pages for program tracks that cover job hunting basics, career networking and entrepreneurial courses. Former soldiers will logically need to sign in, but they’ll get access to video discussions through Hangouts, a Google Calendar for events and, naturally, a place to connect with fellow vets. The VetNet hub is already live; if transitioning to work outside the armed forces feels like too much of a solitary pursuit so far, the service could be a prime opportunity.

Continue reading Google launches VetNet, uses Google+ to link veterans with civilian jobs (video)

Filed under: Internet

Comments

Via: Google Official Blog

Source: VetNet

Since May, Google+ users have been able to show the world just how exciting their lives are via the Hangouts On Air feature. That works perfectly well for broadcasting your e-cooking lessons and all, but Mountain View has higher standards when it comes to live-streaming music. The just-announced Studio Mode for Hangouts On Air optimizes audio for music rather than speech, resulting in richer, clearer sound than what you’ll get with the standard Voice Mode. Musicians simply select Studio Mode under settings — other members of the hangout don’t have to do anything. Check out a demo of the new feature below the break.

Continue reading Google+ appeases audiophiles with new Studio Mode for Hangouts on Air

Filed under: Internet

Google+ appeases audiophiles with new Studio Mode for Hangouts on Air originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Google Plus  | Email this | Comments

Summer camp doesn’t have to mean poorly ventilated cabins, boring activities and terrible food. In fact, put the concept in the hands of Google and Make, and there’s not even a need to leave the comfort of your own home. The two have teamed up to deliver Maker Camp on Google+, a six week summer program designed to encourage kids to embrace their inner maker. The sessions will run every weekday starting July 16th. On Mondays through Thursdays a new set of instructions for the teen participants to tackle will be posted on Google+, then, in the afternoon, a counselor (often one of Make’s own editors) will hold a Hangout to discuss the project and let the campers share their photos, videos and thoughts. Every Friday Make will host “field trips” via Hangouts. There’s no need to register and no fee, the only requirements are that you be between the ages of 13 and 18, and have a Google+ account. Check out the videos after the break and the source links for more info.

Continue reading Maker Camp brings DIY fun to teens via Google+ Hangouts

Maker Camp brings DIY fun to teens via Google+ Hangouts originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 01:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink All Things D  |  Google, Make, Make (Google+)  | Email this | Comments