Real-Time Text (RTT) calling on Android devices enables users to transmit text messages during a phone call. This functionality allows for communication through text simultaneously with voice, creating a combined text and audio experience. As an example, a user can type a message explaining an issue while concurrently discussing it verbally with a customer service representative.
The significance of this feature lies in its accessibility benefits, particularly for individuals with hearing or speech impairments. RTT provides a viable communication method for those who may have difficulty speaking or understanding speech over a traditional phone line. Its historical context is rooted in the broader effort to enhance communication options for people with disabilities, evolving from teletypewriter (TTY) technology to this more modern, integrated approach within the Android operating system.