{"id":80926,"date":"2025-09-09T10:00:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T14:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/?p=80926"},"modified":"2025-09-13T14:50:45","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T18:50:45","slug":"building-a-world-without-barriers-enhancing-hearing-accessibility-in-one-ui-8-with-samsung-supporters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/enhancing-hearing-accessibility-one-ui-8-samsung-supporters-building-world-without-barriers\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a World Without Barriers: Enhancing Hearing Accessibility in One UI 8 With Samsung Supporters"},"content":{"rendered":"

No matter how advanced a feature may be, its value is limited if it isn\u2019t accessible to everyone. That\u2019s why accessibility lies at the heart of true technological innovation. Guided by its vision of \u201cCreating Better Pathways for All,\u201d worked<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 (From left) Wansu Kim and Hajung Kim with Soohyun Lee<\/p><\/div>\n

Real Voices, Real Change: Samsung Supporters Inspire Inclusive Features<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The hearing accessibility features in One UI 8<\/a> draw on the real-life experiences and feedback of Samsung Supporters. Currently active in Korea and the United Kingdom, the Samsung Supporters program invites users with diverse accessibility needs \u2014 including vision, hearing and mobility \u2014 to propose accessibility-related ideas directly to Samsung. It played a key role in developing the new hearing accessibility features in One UI 8<\/a>, with Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim, both of whom are hard of hearing, contributing their experiences and ideas.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe listen closely to the valuable feedback from our Supporters about inconveniences and other challenges that traditional desk research might overlook,\u201d explained Lee, who manages the Samsung Supporters program. \u201cWe then incorporate those insights to improve our products and services.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe communicate with the Supporters in real time on a daily basis, while also conducting online surveys and in-depth offline interviews to carefully analyze issues and review solutions,\u201d she continued. \u201cSamsung Supporters are part of the entire process \u2014 from planning to testing and refinement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 Soohyun Lee from Experience Planning Group1 of the MX Business<\/p><\/div>\n

Features directly proposed by Samsung Supporters \u2014 such as Interpreter using keyboard and Real-Time Text calls \u2014 were brought to life in One UI 8<\/a>. \u201cAfter experiencing Galaxy products firsthand as a hard-of-hearing user, I suggested specific improvements regarding certain features,\u201d said Wansu Kim, an international sign language educator. \u201cKnowing that even a small change can make someone\u2019s daily life much more convenient, I focused on ideas that people would truly need and be able to use with ease.\u201d<\/p>\n

Content creator and writer Hajung Kim collaborated with Wansu Kim to produce a video introducing One UI 8<\/a>\u2019s hearing accessibility features. \u201cWe wanted the changes we suggested to seamlessly blend into the everyday lives of more people, so I planned the video from the perspective of a real user,\u201d said Hajung Kim with pride.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 (From left) Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim use the new accessibility features applied to One UI 8.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2018Breaking Language Barriers With a Keyboard\u2019 <\/strong>\u2014 Samsung Supporters\u2019 Pick <\/strong>\u2460<\/strong>: Interpreter Using Keyboard<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Starting with the Galaxy S24 series<\/a>, Galaxy AI\u2019s translation capabilities<\/a> have already proven to be a reliable companion for overcoming language barriers. However, its voice-based format had limitations in certain situations \u2014 for example, when the speaker\u2019s pronunciation was unclear or when the surrounding environment was noisy.<\/p>\n

With One UI 8<\/a>, Samsung enhanced Interpreter1<\/sup><\/a> in a way that helps users communicate more naturally across languages through text typed on the keyboard. When a user types a sentence in their own language, the device instantly generates a real-time translation2<\/sup><\/a> in both text and speech. The screen then displays two sections \u2014 one showing the user\u2019s original text and the other the translation for their conversation partner \u2014 enabling smooth two-way communication.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 Soohyun Lee introduces the Interpreter using keyboard feature.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cOur focus was on creating a seamless, uninterrupted conversation experience,\u201d said Lee. \u201cTo reflect real usage patterns and refine the feature, we made typed sentences remain visible even after translation for easy editing and added an option to quickly delete the entire sentence with just one tap when users want to start a new one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 Wansu Kim demonstrates the Interpreter using keyboard feature.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI love traveling with my family, but since both my parents and I are hard of hearing, communication has always been a big challenge \u2014 especially when traveling abroad,\u201d said Wansu Kim. \u201cOn a recent trip, Interpreter using keyboard allowed me to converse freely with people using different languages, making everything so much easier. Now, I can solely focus on the excitement of traveling without concerns about language barriers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cElevators were originally designed for wheelchair users, but today everyone benefits from them,\u201d he added. \u201cIn the same way, Interpreter using keyboard can be used by anyone in situations where it\u2019s difficult to talk. Accessibility isn\u2019t only for people with physical limitations \u2014 it\u2019s an opportunity for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\n\t\t\"Galaxy\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n
\u2018Don\u2019t Miss a Word During a Call\u2019 <\/strong>\u2014 Samsung Supporters\u2019 Pick <\/strong>\u2461<\/strong>: Real-Time Call Captions<\/strong><\/h5>\n

For users with hearing aids or cochlear implants, phone calls can still cause anxiety. It\u2019s easy to miss parts of the conversation and difficult to jot down important details while talking. To ease this burden, One UI 8<\/a> introduces Real-Time Call Captions3<\/sup><\/a>.<\/p>\n

By tapping the speech bubble icon on the right side of the call screen, the speech of both the caller and receiver are transcribed and displayed in real time. \u201cI used to feel nervous whenever I needed to make a hospital appointment or talk with a bank representative on the phone because it was so important to understand every detail,\u201d said Hajung Kim. \u201cNow, with captions, I can instantly catch any words or sentences I might have missed, which makes me feel much more at ease. It\u2019s not just a tool that converts voice into text \u2014 it\u2019s a safety net that helps me follow the conversation and communicate more freely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 Hajung Kim uses the Real-Time Call Captions feature during a phone call.<\/p><\/div>\n

The feature assists users during everyday phone calls with friends and family as well. \u201cBefore, I often had to ask my grandparents to repeat themselves because I couldn\u2019t clearly understand their pronunciation,\u201d Hajung Kim said. \u201cI often worried that going through this process again and again would tire them out, especially during longer calls. But with Real-Time Call Captions, I can now read my grandmother\u2019s words on the screen instantly, allowing the conversation to flow without interruption.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA short phone call can brighten an entire day, making this feature truly invaluable to my family,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

\u2018Instant Conversations, No Waiting Required\u2019 <\/strong>\u2014 Samsung Supporters\u2019 Pick <\/strong>\u2462<\/strong>: Real-Time Text Calls<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The accessibility feature Wansu Kim uses most frequently is Real-Time Text calls4<\/sup><\/a>, which allows users to communicate in text during a call, as though they\u2019re exchanging messages. In earlier versions, the text of the other person\u2019s speech appeared only after they finished speaking. This was particularly inconvenient during automated response system (ARS) calls with banks, telecommunications providers or credit card companies, when the input time often expired before users could read the instructions on their screens.<\/p>\n

Now with One UI 8<\/a>, however, Real-Time Text calls display text the moment the other person begins speaking, allowing users to follow along and prepare responses without delay. \u201cEven during personal calls, being able to see what the other person is saying in real time makes me feel much closer to them,\u201d said Wansu Kim.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 Wansu Kim uses the Real-Time Text calls feature during a phone call.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIn the past, there were always slight pauses during text calls with the Supporters \u2014 it sometimes felt like playing a game of guessing each other\u2019s timing,\u201d Lee said. \u201cThose experiences showed us that timing is the most crucial part of a phone call. By making text appear in real time \u2014 without waiting for the other person to finish speaking \u2014 we introduced a key improvement. Even a few seconds can make a big difference, and seamless timing helps bring people closer together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Making Accessibility a Given for Everyone<\/strong><\/h5>\n

What does the future of accessibility envisioned by Samsung Electronics and Samsung Supporters look like?<\/p>\n

\u201cAccessibility isn\u2019t a matter of special consideration \u2014 it\u2019s something that everyone deserves and should enjoy,\u201d Lee said. \u201cOur goal is to create experiences that more people, across various environments, can access and benefit from without inconvenience at any time.\u201d She added that the journey toward greater accessibility has been a joyful one, made possible thanks to those who understand the need for change and continue to offer their encouragement and support.<\/p>\n

For Wansu Kim, accessibility means freedom. \u201cTo me, hearing accessibility is freedom,\u201d he said. \u201cThrough my work with Samsung Supporters, I want to help ensure the voices of people like me are heard more clearly and contribute to a world where everyone can communicate freely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccessibility is a bridge that not only connects people physically but also links their hearts,\u201d Hajung Kim added. \u201cBeyond simply reducing inconvenience, I want to help build a world where technology becomes a source of confidence and empowerment for all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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1<\/a> Interpreter requires Samsung account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary. Visit Galaxy AI page at samsung.com for details.<\/h6>\n
2<\/a> Speed may vary depending on device and network connection.<\/h6>\n
3<\/a> Feature availability may vary by country, language and device model. Speed may vary depending on network connection. Feature and UI are subject to change without notice.<\/h6>\n
4<\/a> Feature availability may vary by country, language and device model. Speed may vary depending on network connection. Feature and UI are subject to change without notice.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

No matter how advanced a feature may be, its value is limited if it isn\u2019t accessible to everyone. That\u2019s why accessibility lies at the heart of true technological innovation. Guided by its vision of \u201cCreating Better Pathways for All,\u201d worked Real Voices, Real Change: Samsung Supporters Inspire Inclusive Features The hearing accessibility features in One […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17560,29720,29718],"tags":[29212,43,25940,40,30509],"blue-badge":[],"class_list":["post-80926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-product-mobile-apps-services","category-product-mobile","category-product","tag-accessibility","tag-apps-services","tag-galaxy","tag-mobile","tag-one-ui-8"],"acf":{"turn_off_retargeting":false},"fimg_mobile_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/09094114\/samsung-one-ui-8-accessibility-thumbnail-200x200.png","fimg_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/09094114\/samsung-one-ui-8-accessibility-thumbnail-432x286.png","primary_category":{"term_id":17560,"name":"Apps & Services","slug":"product-mobile-apps-services","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":17560,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":29720,"count":194,"filter":"raw","term_link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/category\/product\/product-mobile\/product-mobile-apps-services\/","term_path":"product\/product-mobile\/product-mobile-apps-services"},"badge":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80926"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":80939,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80926\/revisions\/80939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80926"},{"taxonomy":"blue-badge","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blue-badge?post=80926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}