Google Pixel Users Can Now Use Specialized Text-to-Audio Mode

Typhone users who have difficulty hearing or speaking can use a specific accessibility setting in their Google Pixel's Phone app called TTY mode, which allows them to communicate via text-to-audio. This mode is used with a special device that connects directly to the phone and displays typed text on its screen.

The TTY device needs to be connected to the phone either through Bluetooth or an adapter, such as a USB-C headphone jack dongle, which can cost around $10-$15. Once set up, users can enable TTY mode in the Phone app by going to Settings > Accessibility and selecting one of four options: TTY Full, HCO (hearing carry over), VCO (voice carry over), or TTY Off.

TTY Full is for those who have difficulty with both hearing and speaking, while HCO suits users who can hear but struggle with speech. VCO is the opposite of HCO, where the user plans to use audio, and the recipient responds in text. TTY Off disables the mode and treats a call as an audio-only conversation.

Alternatives to TTY mode include RTT (real-time text), which operates on the phone's screen and uses cellular data, and IP relay services that connect to operators through the internet or apps like Ntouch by Sorenson. Video relay services are also available through apps, but require downloading a specialized app.