Morse code works whether flashing a spotlight or blinking your eyes – or even tapping on a smartphone touchscreen.

Not content with the amusing thought of Google Maps for Nintendo Entertainment System, Google also offers the idea of a two-key keyboard that turns GMail into Morse code.

"The idea of tapping out messages in Morse code came pretty naturally when thinking about ways to communicate subtly using the touch interface," said Laurent.

Alan Jones demonstrates the switch he made to allow his mother to communicate using Morse code. A 79-year-old woman who was almost completely paralysed after a fall has learned to talk to her son by ...