Real-time text (RTT) is streaming text that is continuously transmitted as it is typed or otherwise composed. It allows conversational use of text, where people interactively converse with each other.
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Real-time text is found in some instant messaging software, including AOL Instant Messenger's "Real-Time IM"[1] feature. Real-time text is also possible over any Jabber or XMPP compatible chat networks, including those used by Apple iChat, Cisco WebEx, and Google Talk, by using appropriate software that has a real-time text feature. In most software, the feature can be turned on/off, just like other chat features such as audio or video.
Real-time text is frequently used by the deaf, including in IP-Relay services and TDD/TTY devices. Real-time text allows the other person to read immediately, without waiting for the sender to finish composing their sentence/message. This allows conversational use of text, much like a hearing person can listen to someone speaking in real-time.
Collaborative real-time editing, including Apache Wave and EtherPad, is the utilization of real-time text for shared editing, rather than for conversation. Split screen chat, where conversational text appears continuously, is also considered real-time text.
Real-time text is used in closed captioning when captions are being streamed live continuously during live events. Transcription services including Remote CART frequently use real-time text, where text is streamed live to a remote display. Also, real-time text provides an enhancement to text messaging on mobile phones, via real-time texting apps.
Real-time text protocols include Text over IP designed around ITU-T T.140,[2] IETF RFC4103,[3] RFC5194,[4] and XMPP/Jabber Extension Protocol XEP-0301.[5]
According to ITU-T Multimedia Recommendation F.700,[6] Total Conversation defines the simultaneous use of audio, video and real-time text. An instant messaging program that can enable all three features simultaneously, would be compliant. Real time text is an important part of it.
Real-time text is also historically found in the old UNIX talk (software), BBS software such as Celerity BBS, and older versions of ICQ messaging software.