Rylo is a free call captioning and live transcription app that provides real-time text for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-disabled users. The app supports 50+ languages, allows users to keep their existing phone numbers, and offers customizable caption styles, quick replies, and spam filtering. Rylo also includes Sidekick, a desktop captioning app for meetings, and is FCC-certified for IP Relay services.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional phone calls exclude individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities, as they cannot access spoken conversation in real time. Existing relay services often provide only gist-level interpretations, missing the richness of communication and leaving users feeling disconnected from family, friends, and essential services.
Solution
Rylo provides a completely free call captioning and live transcription app that translates spoken conversation into real-time text, enabling users to read every word as it is spoken. The app supports both incoming and outgoing calls, allows users to keep their existing phone numbers, and offers text-to-speech for speech-disabled users to communicate in their own voice. Rylo also includes Sidekick, a desktop captioning app that integrates with Google Calendar to automatically caption meetings, and all transcripts are stored locally on the device for privacy. The platform is FCC-certified and adheres to strict accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1 Level AA, ensuring broad usability across assistive technologies.
Target Audience
Primary users are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-disabled individuals in the United States, as well as audiologists and advocacy groups who recommend accessible communication tools to their patients and communities.
Features
- Real-time call captioning with highly accurate speech-to-text technology that translates conversations instantly
- Support for 50+ languages with automatic language detection and real-time language switching
- Keep your existing phone number or choose a new one for calls and texts
- Type-to-talk functionality using text-to-speech for users with speech disabilities
- Rylo Sidekick desktop app that integrates with Google Calendar to auto-start captioning for meetings
- On-device AI processing for offline transcription and call summaries, ensuring data never leaves the device
- Customizable caption styles, AI-powered quick replies, and spam/profanity filtering
- Compatibility with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and Bluetooth headsets