Google today announced in a blog post that it is bringing support for the HTML5 speech input API to the company’s Chrome browser.
The API allows web developers to incorporate speech-to-text transcription in their apps. Users with a microphone will be able to record their speech, have it sent to a transcription server, and show up as text within the web app.
Support for the speech input API will give developers the tools they need to introduce amazing new features in a variety of web apps, but it also has ramifications for accessibility.
While most users who are unable to type are already using desktop software to dictate computer commands, speech input-enabled web apps could help disabled users enjoy cloud computing the way the able-bodied do by imposing fewer restrictions on which machines they can or can’t use when they’re out and about.
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Speech input support is available in the Chrome beta from today.
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